The CRAIC in Galway, Edition 37

in GALWAY

Cover

CARBON NIGHTCLUB RAISED €2,753

for The Saving Grace Trust

From Friday November 28th To Thursday December 11th 2014

Welcome to TheCRAIC

The CRAIC addicts

Welcome to the 37th edition of the Craic in Galway magazine. We have

Director and Photography

Darius IVAN

an exclusive interview with this year’s Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, as she

info@divmedia.ie, (087) 635 29 33

rolled up her sleeves along with over 200 volunteers for Mellon Educate in South Africa. The jetsetting Rose has packed a lot into the last three

Editor

months and tells all here in our latest edition. We don’t know how she

Avril HORAN

does it, but we will help you to keep up with what’s happening across

avrilhoran@divmedia.ie

the city and county over the next two weeks with your daily diary. It’s

Advertising Manager

non stop now that the festive season is upon us, with markets and

Pete DUFFY

mayhem galore. As a team, the Craic in Galway were fortunate to take

peteduffy@divmedia.ie, (087) 355 46 33 Styling & Photography

part in the JCI Young Entrepreneur Awards and, while we didn’t win, we met so many great people along the way. The overall prize went

Sunny JUDDY

to fitness enthusiast, Pat Divilly, who will help us all to work off those

sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ie Contributors

excess Christmas pounds. Or another way to do that is to hop on one of

Cara LYONS Dara KELLY Spud MURPHY The VIBE Psychic POPPY

the new Coke Zero bicycles, as the scheme has just launched in the city the first outside of Dublin. We have some crafty Christmas ideas for you and are packed full of good news, reviews, mischief and a bit of mystery with our fantastic Angelscopes column. Dara Kelly also went unplugged from the internet matrix for one weekend and you can find out how she

published by

got on right here. It’s all part of our little but large magazine. We hope

divmedia.ie Guaranteed publication of your events photos with our media packages!

If you want to secure your place in one of the 5,000 copies of this creative and colourful CRAIC magazine, distributed across the city and county every second Friday, please contact: Email: info@divmedia.ie or Call us (087) 635 29 33

you enjoy it and hi to all of our readers on Citylink, at home and abroad on the world wide web.

Happy Reading, Sure it’s all a bit of craic!

Love, The CRAIC Squad

Featured in TheCRAIC 37

Trad Challenge p.4 Play the Movies p.16 Christmas DIY p.26

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Rose in Africa p.14-15 JCI Awards p.22 Angelscopes p.21

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The CRAIC on

Friday 28th Nov 2014

The TRAD Challenge

By Avril HORAN

• 6pm: A Taste of Christmas takes place this evening at Born, Newtownsmith, with discounts, complementary mulled wine and mince pies, demos, and lots more.

Don’t miss it!

• 7:30pm: The Performing Arts School of Galway presents Fame The Musical at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 8pm: ‘Laochra Chonamara’: a special evening celebrating the life and work of activist and film maker, Bob Quinn, in the company of colleagues and friends, with guest speaker Desmond Fennell takes place at An Taibhearc, Middle Street - for an evening of film, craic agus ceol le caint agus cómhra. Presented

by Seosamh ó Cuaig. bi-lingual. www.antaibhdhearc.com.

• 8pm: The Classic Hits 4fm Party takes place at Monroe’s Live, tune in to the station to win tickets!

• 8:15pm: The Clifden Comhaltas November music session with accordion champion Micky Curran takes place at Lowrys Bar, Market Street Clifden.

• 9pm: Ultan Conlon is joined by female vocal group The BlueBirds for an intimate show in Kelly’s on Bridge Street.

• 9pm: A texas hold’em fundraiser for Moyne Villa and Corrib RFC takes place at the Angler’s Rest, Headford tonight.

• 9:30pm: A night of music and craic with some of Ireland’s finest young talent takes place at the Ard Ri House Hotel, Tuam – a fundraiser for trust/talk app in

Tommy McCarthy pictured recently in Monroe’s Live with musicians Mark Penny (left), Nicole McGuire and Gary Monroe.

S

haron Shannon has done it. So too has Joannie Madden and country heart throb Nathan Carter. They have participated in the Trad Tune Challenge, the latest social media fundraising drive to raise money for the Walk In My Shoes campaign – a mental health services initiative. Within 24 hours, the challenge had reached 200,000 views and since then, it has exploded internationally, with young and seasoned musicians all over the world taking part.

It was organised by traditional Irish musician, Tommy McCarthy, who has strong Galway connections. Tommy’s mother was originally from Co Galway, and while he was born in London, his parents relocated to Co Clare when he was a teenager.

Following the success of the ALS Ice Bucket challenge, Tommy was inspired to create The Trad Tune Challenge, hoping to bring equal attention to the great service provided by the St. Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation’s Walk In My Shoes initiative.

It provides information, support and services to vulnerable young adults in Ireland with mental health difficulties.

It began when Tommy kicked the idea off with his own video challenge to good

4

friend Sharon Shannon, who in turn challenged Joannie Madden and Nathan Carter.

“I was sitting on the train last summer in Boston,” he told the Craic in Galway, “and almost everybody was on their phone looking at facebook. I thought of the idea to have people play music and donate to a charity. I chose Walk In My Shoes to create awareness and money that is needed in Ireland for mental health,” he explained.

Tommy is helped in his work for the St Patrick’s Mental Health Foundation by Louise Costello. Louise is from Co Galway and moved to the city in 1980, where she became heavily involved in the traditional Irish music scene here. Together, Tommy and Louise now divide their time between Boston, where they own the Burren pub, and Galway.

In January 2015, Tommy and Louise will be joined by many of their musical friends for a concert at The National Concert Hall in Dublin, for an evening of music to celebrate the release of The Burren Backroom Series CD - featuring Dervish, Sharon Shannon, Lunasa, Andy Irvine and many more.

All proceeds from this concert will go to the Walk In My Shoes Campaign. in GALWAY

• 7pm: A launch party for the new locally filmed and produced web series, House of Hard Knocks takes place at the Quays bar on Quay Street. Screening episodes one and two and a behind the scenes documentary.

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The CRAIC on

Saturday 29th Nov 2014 • 11am: The Galway Music Residency presents ‘Music Everywhere’ with ConTempo String Quartet and special guests at the Galway City Museum.

• 2pm: A talk on The Ferocious O’Flahertys takes place at the Galway City Museum - the most powerful dynasty in South Connacht. Join author Adrian Martyn to hear about this family of kings and king-slayers, admirals and pirates, landlords and rebels. Age 12+ • 2:30pm: The Performing Arts School of Galway presents Fame The Musical at the Town Hall Theatre. Showtime again at 7:30pm for the final performance.

• 3pm: Join Cinderella and Friends - a delightful programme of music and dance presented

by Ballet Áthas, Galway’s new youth ballet company at An TAIBHDHEARC Theatre, Middle Street. Matinée at 3pm.

Evening show at 7pm. www. antaibhdhearc.com.

• 9pm: Take Me Out ‘Cappy Style’ takes place in Gullane’s Hotel & Conference Centre, Ballinasloe at 9pm organised by the Cappataggle Camogie Club.

• 9pm: A Salsa, Kizomba and Bachata party, organised by Salsa Galway, takes place at the Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay where you can dance the night away.

• 10pm: Puzzle Galway presents a night of Drum and Bass with Zenji, Mooney, Phunty and Zigguratt at the Cellar bar on Eglinton Street.

• Midnight: Join Panic Animal at Monroe’s Live on the mainstage as they bring a fresh set list to music venues across Ireland.

CRAICing News!!!

By Avril HORAN

A Royal Affair

The Kings Head are celebrating.

It’s 25 years since the Grealish family took over the helm of the historic pub on High Street and you can raise a glass with them as they bring The Riptide Movement to their landmark premises on Saturday, November 29th at 8:30pm. And you can relive their legendary Sunday morning sessions the following day. The pub dates back over 800 years, since the 13th century. Craicing congratulations to the Grealish family for reaching the quarter of a century milestone!

Two Generations of Kings Head Minders

Galway’s Children Of Courage Claregalway’s Tiny Dancer, Lily Mae Morrison (6) and Portumna’s Davina Flaherty (9) will be honoured at the Share a Dream’s Children of Courage awards this weekend on Saturday, November 29th. Lily Mae has celebrated over one year in remission from stage 4 neuroblastoma, a dangerous form of childhood cancer, following pioneering treatment in the US.

She is now part of the lifesaving clinical trial in Michigan and continues to have regular treatment and check-ups. She will also perform at the Dream Ball event, held at the Radisson Blu in Limerick, and has chosen to sing ‘Let It Go’ from the Disney movie Frozen.

Fellow award winner, 9-year-old Davina Flaherty from Portumna,

will also be recognised for her bravery. Davina was diagnosed at 8-years-old with a brain tumour at the centre of her brain. At first, they could not operate but the tumour was growing so she had to spend three weeks in hospital to get 95% removed.

She has been left with double vision and is extremely fatigued all the time. In spite of this, she goes to school for four hours a day. Davina has spent the last two summers in hospital but has remained strong throughout. According to her mum who nominated her, “Davina is a brave, beautiful, delightful girl and she is so courageous.” Both girls are among eight children who will be honoured at the event and will be surprised with their ‘dream come true’.

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The CRAIC on

Sunday 30th Nov 2014

CRAICing News!!!

By Avril HORAN

• 11:15am: The Western Veteran and Vintage Motor Club will have a pre-Christmas run from Bushypark to the Connemara Coast Hotel.

A Wheel of a Time for

• 12pm: The second Galway Craft and Gift Fair takes place today in The Clayton Hotel, Galway with a huge variety of crafts will be on sale to suit every budget.

Deputy, Sean Kyne.

Christmas!

• 12pm: A Galway Christmas Craft Fair in aid of the Galway Simon Community takes place at the Menlo Park Hotel.

• 12pm: It’s time for the Santa Dash, 2014, with a 5k and 10k option starting from Claddagh Hall in aid of the Children in Hospital Charity. Everyone gets a Santa Suit!

• 3pm: Join Cinderella and Friends - a delightful programme of music and dance presented

by Ballet Áthas, Galway’s new youth ballet company at An TAIBHDHEARC Theatre, Middle Street. Matinée at 3pm.

Evening show at 7pm. www. antaibhdhearc.com.

T

he Coca-Cola Zero bike share scheme has been wheeled out following the official launch on Monday, November 24th.

Pictured at the event are guest speaker, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe TD, and Galway West

It is the first bike rental scheme to operate outside of Dublin and, when fully operational, will have 195 bikes for hire at 19 stations in and around the city centre. It costs €10 to subscribe to the scheme and charges apply to rent a bicycle for more than 30 minutes at a time. A discounted registration fee of €5 per annum is on offer until the end of the year. Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed the launch of the city Bike Share scheme but has criticised City Hall for failing to maximise on the potential benefits of the milestone event. They have expressed disappointment with the decision to remove current bike parking facilities to make way for the new docking stations.

• 4pm: The Console Christmas Celebration of Life takes place at the Augustinian Church to commemorate the lives of those lost to suicide.

Park and Ride

• 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents Two Days, One Night, straight from Cannes,at the Town Hall Theatre.

It’s that time of year again when the Park and Ride Service from Ballybrit Racecourse gets into gear and will kick off this Saturday, November 29th from 7am. The service will operate up to Wednesday 24th December 2014, shuttling passengers from the racecourse to the coach station in the city centre every 15 minutes. The fee per car is €3 return regardless of the number of passengers and includes all day parking at Ballybrit. Bus

• 8pm: Catch OrOrquesta Kalamares, a Latin Salsa Band with a great selection of Salsa, ngue, Rumba, Bachata, Kizomba and Latin Jazz songs at Tigh Neachtains on Cross Street.

• 10pm: My Darling Clementine will play at the backstage bar at Monroe’s Live tonight along with three band male harmony group The Rascals.

frequency will be every 15 minutes from 7am – 9:15pm from Ballybrit - with departures from the city centre coach station from 7:15am– 9:30pm. The service also runs on Sunday from 11am – 6:45pm.

For more see www.galwaycity.ie

The CRAIC in Monroe’s Live

By Darius IVAN

The CRAIC on

Monday 1st Dec 2014

TheGalwayGamer-PintsAgusPokémon

By SPUD MURPHY

• 1pm: The ‘Regional Innovation through Graduate Education’ workshop will take place at NUIG today starting with a networking reception.

Attendees will be particularly encouraged to explore the possibility of establishing enterprise-led graduate research projects.

• 8pm: GUMS and Dramsoc presents ‘Company’, co-directed

by Richard Brown and Robbie Walsh. The amazing and mysterious show takes place at The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn, NUIG. • 8pm: The NUIG Orchestra Society present their Christmas concert, featuring the ConTempo String Quartet and Galway Adult Strings at St Nicholas Collegiate Church. Tickets are €6, or €4 with concessions. There will also be a raffle on the night. All proceeds go towards GamBLE, a small UK charity that aims to improve the quality of education of Gambian children through establishing links with the Gambia.

• 9pm: Catch iRocks winners, Rofi James, every Monday at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay.

• 9pm: The Cellar bar is host to Play, where musicians can jam with support from a backing band in this open night with a difference. All welcome.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy the best of swingin’ tunes by the Black Magic Big Band at Busker Brownes on Cross Street.

I

n recent years, Galway City’s gaming scene has really come to life. There are currently multiple communities dotted throughout the city, from the big names like League of Legends and Street Fighter to the smaller gatherings of fans - like those who enjoy Gang Beasts or Worms. One of the latest local gaming groups to spring up is the Galway Pokémon Trainers.

These ‘Trainers’ are adults who enjoy playing the Pokémon video games.

They get together each Monday evening upstairs in Kelly’s Bar to compete against each other in a friendly environment. The event is known as Pints Agus Pokémon, and it is part of the Galway Gaming Tribes. The game itself features a variety of battle hardened cartoon animals. These range from gigantic and ferocious beasts to tiny adorable creatures, all of which are unique and have their own appeal. The aim of the game is to catch a team of six wild animals and train them for battle against other trainers’ teams. You can

10

also trade these cuddly characters with your friends.

Pokémon is a game for all ages. While young kids may enjoy catching their favourite Pokémon characters from the TV show of the same name, the adults who get together for the Pints Agus Pokémon events play a strong and patient style of this turn-based game.

They’re constantly considering their next move and matches can sometimes last up to an hour. Although battles can be gruelling; they’re always fun to play and can also be incredibly entertaining to watch. Whether you want to play as a twenty-eight foot tall snake made of rock, a horse with a mane of fire or a small electric mouse; Pokémon has a little something for everyone.

There has never been a better time to get involved in the Pokémon scene; with weekly events, tournaments being organised in local colleges, and the latest versions of the game- Pokémon: Omega Ruby and Alpha- getting released in Ireland today, it seems that the community is constantly evolving and it destined for great things. in GALWAY

• 7:30pm: The Galway Astronomy Club presents a special pre Christmas lecture

by Tony O’Hanlon who will give an exciting talk on the scientific theories behind the famous Christmas Star - ‘The Star of Bethlehem: An Astronomical Detective Story’ at the Westwood Hotel.

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The CRAIC on

Tuesday 2nd Dec 2014

• 1:10pm: Join the Con Tempo Quartet for a free Lunchtime at the Library concert at the Galway City Library on Augustine Street.

• 7pm: All members of Charlie Byrnes Book Clubs, plus friends and guests are invited to their Christmas Party this evening after their weekly meet. With food and fun.

• 8pm: A talent show takes place at the Harbour Hotel this evening to showcase up and coming talent. Judge Lucia Evans will be joined by others to see who’s hot and who’s not! To help to fundraise for GMITs final year film students.

• 8pm: GUMS and Dramsoc presents ‘Company’, co-directed

by Richard Brown and Robbie Walsh. The amazing and mysterious show takes place at The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn, NUIG. • 8pm: The Abbey Theatre presents John B Keane’s Sive at the Town Hall Theatre. This gripping new production by director Conall Morrison was enjoyed by over 30,000 people during a sell-out run at the Abbey Theatre.

• 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill.

• 8pm: Enjoy live jazz at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street with Mike Corbett on piano and Keith McDonald on trumpet.

• 8pm: JCI Galway will host its AGM tonight with Local Officer Elections for the 2015 year at the Harbour Hotel. Members of public more than welcome to attend.

Straight talking from the trailor trash mouth of Southern Belle, Candy, and the more refined Cara from Connemara.

By Cara LYONS

Dear Candy:

I’m having trouble quitting smoking. I have tried chewing the gum but got desperate and ended up shoving the whole packet into my mouth and could barely move my jaw to chew it and swallowed the whole thing like a duck eating bread. Then

I tried patches and I had to get up in the middle of the night to apply another and another until I had more patches than a rag doll. I smoke 20 a day and I really want to stop I just can’t seem to do it. Can you please help me?

Candy: Well your problem sure sounds like a real drag! I think the problem is you have been led ashtray and now you’re possessed by an evil smoking spirit. Please allow me to butt in with some advice. I remember a load of my cousins had that smokin’ spirit take hold a’ them. What you need to do is write a list of all the reasons you want to stop smoking, then dip it in flour and raw eggs, and eat it. Then you need to burn all of the winter coats you have in your

house and roll around in the ash under a full moon - naked. Then you need to throw a bucket of mud and water over your head and finally climb a tree and fall out of it. That should definitely stop it and if all that fails then it looks like you have to get someone to chain you up in a basement far away from cigarettes or you can chew off your hands and staple your mouth shut like a crazy person, your choice.

Cara: Oh my please don’t listen to Candy. It ’s ok that you are struggling to quit, it ’s hard for a lot of people. Making a list would be good but please don’t eat it. You are smoking a lot so cut down gradually - you don’t have to do it in

one day. You need to reduce your reliance on nicotine. Talk to your doctor and read some books about quitting

www.lovefromcara.com

Find Cara’s Good Karma TV on YouTube.com

12

in GALWAY

• 11am: The Big Fat Charity Cake Sale takes place at Aras na MacLeinn, NUIG, organised by the Students Union in aid of Console and Belong To.

Welcome to Newest Regular CRAICing venue

The CRAIC at CARBON Nightclub ,

By Darius IVAN

Wednesday 3rd Dec 2014 • 7pm: A new free mini summit for the technology sector takes place at Monroes today organised by JCI Galway.

Techgate is a new event for the west of Ireland, designed to be an informal gathering across the technology sector and a cool send off for the year end. With talks, expo and awards, Galway’s leading start-ups will showcase at the event. There will be Ted Talks style speakers, with thought provoking topics and interactive technology awards covering the west of Ireland. Meet and hear representatives from google, boards.ie, OnePageCRM, ExOrdo, JCI Ireland and many more.

JCI Galway is also supporting this event for local charity group COPE. It’s a free event and registration is required at techgate.jcigalway.org or find them on facebook and twitter.

• 7:30pm: The GMIT HotSoc Christmas Charity Ball takes place at the Clayton Hotel Ballybrit to raise funds for the Galway Hospice.

• 8pm: The Abbey Theatre presents John B Keane’s Sive at the Town Hall Theatre. This gripping new production by director Conall Morrison was enjoyed by over 30,000 people during a sell-out run at the Abbey Theatre.

• 8pm: GUMS and Dramsoc presents ‘Company’, co-directed

by Richard Brown and Robbie Walsh. The amazing and mysterious show takes place at The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn, NUIG. • 8:30pm: Enjoy Comedy Cocktails upstairs at Busker Brownes on Cross Street.

• 10:30pm: Don’t miss the ‘Screamin’ Bluecats’ at Garvey’s in Eyre Square for a night of rockabilly magic. You ‘aint nothin’ but a hound dog!

CRAICing Q&A

By Avril HORAN

Everything’s Coming Up Rosey The CRAIC in Galway has tracked down the 2014 Rose of Tralee, Maria Walsh, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa as she rolled up her sleeves to help build schools for the Mellon Educate charity organisation with over 200 volunteers. We caught up with the lovely Maria in Mthatha, South Africa, to find out what she has been up to since she scooped the crown. While she is from Shrule, Co Mayo, Maria has strong Galway connections as her mum is from Leitir Mor, Connemara.

Here, she talks about her experiences and how Galway is her second home.

How are you getting on since winning the Rose of Tralee?

I am getting on great! It’s been an aggressive couple of months!

I have been in this role for three

14

months and have already been to Calcutta, India for a week with the Hope Foundation and to the Eastern Cape of South Africa with Mellon Educate. I have made numerous trips home for all different kinds of things including the Tatler awards and the Ploughing Championships which I think is so important. It’s been fantastic.

Are you enjoying your experience with Mellon Educate?

The craic I am having on these job sites is unreal! I have the luxury of working on both schools and you wouldn’t want to have a complex here. There is no such thing as an emotional feeling when the boys are making fun of you and the girls are having the craic. There is lots of work to be done and its in GALWAY

The CRAIC on

very much ‘roll up your sleeves’ regardless of your sex. Whether you are male, female or what not, you are either picking stones, plastering or doing what needs to be done. It’s been fantastic and, if I ever build a house, I will be very well able after all of this experience!

have ventured manys a’ time down the streets of Galway at all hours, doing all sorts of things I shouldn’t mention! I am really looking forward to the next couple of months. You might see me out and about a bit more in Galway come January as I might move home for a little bit longer.

Tell us about your Galway connections:

What do you think about the Craic in Galway magazine?

My mum moved to Leitir Mor in Galway when she was 7-years-old. I grew up in Shrule in Co Mayo and we are considered ‘blow-ins’ - even after 20 years. It’s a small village and so Galway city was my nightclub! I

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This is my first time reading the magazine and I think it’s great, fantastic! And hopefully this interview will come out alright!

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The CRAIC on

Thursday 4th Dec 2014

Play The Movies...

By Avril HORAN

• 11am: The Abbey Theatre presents John B Keane’s Sive at the Town Hall Theatre. This gripping new production by director Conall Morrison was enjoyed by over 30,000 people during a sell-out run at the Abbey Theatre. Shows again at 8pm.

• 6pm: A public talk ‘The Future of the Smartphone’ will take place from 6-8pm in room ENG-G018 in the Engineering Building at NUI Galway.

• 7pm: The three winners of the Walter Macken award for new writing in Irish will be announced at An Taibhdhearc.

• 8pm: GUMS and Dramsoc presents ‘Company’, takes place at The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn, NUIG. • 9pm: The Byrne Brothers will play live at An Pucan tonight.

• 9pm: The Henry Girls, three sisters from Donegal bring their unique rootsy sound of Irish folk music with hints of americana, bluegrass and blues to Monroe’s Live followed by LeFonque.

• 9:30pm: Catch the swingin’ style of the Juke Joint Stomp at McSwiggans bar in Woodquay.

• 9:30pm: An open traditional Irish music jam takes place every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill.

• 10pm: Glór Tire, the popular country and western talent show broadcast on TG4 takes place at The Quays on Quay Street.

• 11pm: The Bruce Willis Club presents Krystal Klear from Cold Tonic Records tonight at Carbon nightclub on Eglinton Street.

D

ress-up as your favourite movie icon,’ they said.

‘Alrighty’, we replied as we gathered together our pink ladies jackets and ventured out as the lovable mighty women from Grease. One bright pink wig, red sunglasses, a couple of pairs of pedal pushers and one yellow netting underskirt later and we were ready to rock n’roll to a fundraiser in aid of the Picture Palace.

It is an odd feeling heading into a venue when your fellow pink ladies have yet to arrive. It is an even odder feeling when you realise that you are one of only a few who have actually dressed up out of a packed room.

Embarrassment aside, we embraced the occasion and enjoyed every minute of our notoriety as St Patrick’s Brass Band roared into action.

Having played for President Kennedy, President Reagan and Pope-John Paul II among others, we knew we were in for a treat as the historic Galway band, 1951_Dela74x established in 1896, brought us on a musical journey to the movies. Hours of work went on behind the scenes as each number coincided with a clip from the designated film or TV show, which was broadcast on a large screen. They timed it to perfection, as the snippets from old gems such as The Quiet Man, Black Beauty and Born Free began and ended when the piece came to a close.>>>

CRAIC with St. Patricks Brass Band

16

in GALWAY

• 7:30pm: The Galway Chess Club meet every Thursday evening at the Bridge Centre, St Mary’s Road.

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Eureka, you've found it!

... For The Picture Palace!

The CRAIC on

Friday 5th Dec 2014 • 9am: Reforming Learning: Driving Success; a conference focusing on Senior Cycle and Third Level Education in Ireland takes place at the Fottrell Theatre, Arts Millenium Building, NUIG. • 10am: An indoor Christmas market takes place this weekend at the Galway Aquarium, Salthill.

• *Enjoy family late shopping, Christmas tree and mulled wine in Clifden as children will perform singing in the Square.

night lights today carol

• 8pm: The Abbey Theatre presents John B Keane’s Sive at the Town Hall Theatre. This gripping new production by director Conall Morrison was enjoyed by over 30,000 people during a sell-out run at the Abbey Theatre.

• 8pm: Join Little John Nee and the Caledonia Highly Strung Orchestra with Songs from the Lough Swilly Delta at Nun’s Island Theatre.

• 9pm: Monroes Live are celebrating their fifth birthday with €5 drinks deals, €5 tickets and 5 bands, featuring;The Hot Sprockets, Youth Mass and The Wood Burning Savages.

• 9pm: The Gingerbeard Family are playing the Roisin Dubh this evening. Six of Galway’s finest musicians, comedians and artists come together to play your favourite Christmas covers and some originals.

• 10pm: Catch the exciting and dynamic band, Tequila Rose, live at The Quays on Quay Street.

>>>> They played to the crowd, with songs from James Bond, The Mission, Star Wards and the A-Team among many others. The band finished to a standing ovation and we were reluctant to let them leave.

With a few hours left til the night ended, we took our glad rags to the dance floor for a disco and danced the night away. As Chair of the Picture Palace committee Lelia Doolan took her exit, she was given a warm round of applause. We too, were lucky

enough to be applauded when we left, hopefully for our courage to stay the course when we stood out like John Travolta’s slicked back hair.

It was a fantastic night and they may hold another similar event in Athenry for the same cause. The Picture Palace will contain three screens dedicated to the world of cinema, from independent cinema across the world to home-grown Irish films, classic cinema, documentaries and much more.

A Taste of Christmas at Born Tis the season alright and on Friday, November 28th, Born Clothing and Taste Café are holding a customer Christmas night from 6-8pm - with complimentary mulled wine and mince pies on arrival, with gingerbread and babycunios for the kids. There will be cookery demonstrations, including gluten free and vegan Christmas baking, and members of the Western Sugarcraft Guild will be showing some great tips to finish the perfect Christmas cake. There

18

will also be a mini Christmas market, showcasing some Galway crafters. And you can grab yourself a discount with 10% off all Christmas products and 20% off in Born Clothing on the night. Enjoy! in GALWAY

• 4pm: It’s the start of An Enchanted Christmas experience at the Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack, Loughrea where you can visit the enchanted forest.

Book Your Christmas Party in 4Aces

The CRAIC at 4 ACES CASINO, Dominick St.

By Darius IVAN

The CRAIC on

Saturday 6th Dec

2014

CRAICing Music!!!

By The VIBE

• 10am: St Nicholas Collegiate Church are having their Christmas Fayre today with lots of goodies and carols.

• 12pm: The first ever outdoor Christmas Continental Market to be held in Tuam begins today at the Shambles carpark.

• 12pm: Learn how to play Quidditch, the magical game from Harry Potter as the Galway Quidditch Club will hold an open day at NUIG today.

• 12pm: The Athenry Community Christmas Craft Fair takes place today at the Community Hall, Athenry, in aid of the Athenry Christmas Lights.

• 2pm: A workshop, Tribal Arms, takes place at the Galway City Museum. Learn about the history and development of coats of arms and have a go at making your own!

Age 8-12. Booking essential.

• 3pm: The Galway Rape Crisis Centre will have their 30th anniversary walk from the Spanish Arch to Blackrock.

• 8pm: Cavan foursome, The Strypes, will play at the Seapoint Ballroom, Salthill.

• 8pm: Storyman will gig at Kelly’s bar on Bridge Street with their new album, This Time Around.

• 8pm: The Abbey Theatre presents John B Keane’s Sive at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm: The Amazing Baile An Salsa, a mix of ten world musicians, will bring their unique sounds of salsa/trad to Monroe’s Live followed by the Who Knows.

Fire in Cairo Every great band of the past has a renaissance of their music. Robert Smiths the Cure has become very popular once again and their music has been influential with contemporary bands. In the early eighties, Smith mixed post punk with gothic mystic and added a fat analogue flanger guitar pedal and the unique sound of the Cure was born.

When Limerick based love cats, Fire in Cairo, take to the stage at Monroe’s backstage venue, immediately the guitarist nails that Cure sound. The lead singer takes to Smiths sheer being like a professional actor and nails that haunting crawly voice to a sonic blueprint. The band went through all the hits, and the classics,

like 10.15 Saturday night, and Charlotte sometimes.

Unlike some other Tribute bands, Fire in Cairo, have worked hard to get that atmospheric Cure sound with the ever present flanger pedal. The band finished with the epic song A Forest, and all in all it was a great gig, bringing us back to a time when the X factor show would not be tolerated by the masses and musical concept was adhered to strongly. I have seen the Cure live several times and Fire in Cairo capture the dynamics of a live Cure show very well indeed. I would say Robert Smith would put his name to this one. Well done lads hope your back soon.

CRAIC at Monroe’s Live...Fire In Cairo

20

in GALWAY

• 10pm: Catch one of Galway’s favourite covers band, Pyramid, live at The Quays, on Quay Street.

CRAICing Angelscopes!!!

By Psychic POPPY

Aries: ‘Set Your Sights Higher’

Leo: ‘Positive Energy’

from the new year ahead. Make some

For a while now, you might have

This month indicates that you need a

time to be by yourself in nature or

been trying to convince yourself that

good dose of happiness. In another

somewhere else where you won’t be

something was okay when it isn’t.

way, maybe you’re in great form and it

disturbed for at least an hour. Write

While we all have to be realistic, it’s

is showing in your life. Avoid negativity

down your desires and prioritize them.

also important to be aware that you

as much as you can. Surround yourself

do not have to settle for less than you

with positive people, steer clear of

Sagittarius: ‘Simplify Your Life’

want or less than you deserve. Be brave

gossip filled magazines and television

This month, it seems that your energy

and take a step towards your own

or news. Declutter your home and

has become fragmented. It’s time to

happiness today.

donate unwanted items to a good

take measures to simplify your life.

cause.

Take it day by day and step by step.

Taurus: ‘A New Dawn’

This can involve decluttering the

You’ve been through a trying time for

Virgo: ‘Watch Your Thoughts’

a while now, but just like when sailors

This months’ card says to be aware

no more often and being efficient with

view land after a stormy time at sea, you

of what you’re thinking. No thought

your schedule.

are starting to see the light at the end

is neutral and each one creates an

of the tunnel. This light is the opening

effect in your life. Most of us slip into

Capricorn: ‘Father Healing’

of a new door for you. Wash away any

negativity now and again. Don’t feel

This month take some time to think

negativity and past memories now as

guilty about this. It is part of being

about whether you have any issues

you’ve turned a corner and everything

human. The important thing is to be

related to your father that need to

is going to get better after this.

able to pull yourself out of it and find

be healed. Healing doesn’t need to

a positive perspective on the situation.

take loads of time. It simply requires

Gemini: ‘Self Employment’

house, cancelling subscriptions, saying

your willingness to be free of any old anger, grief or fear related to your male

Are you happy in your work? Are you

parent.

looking for work? This month’s card indicates that you just might be a born

Aquarius:‘ExploreYourOptions’

entrepreneur. You have the drive, discipline

Much like the card pulled for the Aries

and interest in being your own boss. If this

folk, you too need to set your sights

seems like an interesting idea, then start

higher. It is easy to get stuck in a rut

looking into the area that you might find

and think “this is the way it is” when we

yourself drawn to.

Libra: ‘Empowerment’

Cancer: ‘Accept Heaven’s Help’

You are more powerful than you

It’s time for you to look at other

realise and this card confirms that

possibilities and make changes. Break

This month’s card indicates that you’ve

your inner power wants to surface.

them into small goals that you can

been trying to figure out a solution to

Being empowered is liberating as you

accomplish and this will make it easier.

something or help with someone. It shows

take full responsibility for yourself and

that you’ve been trying to do everything

don’t allow yourself to be a victim.

Pisces: ‘Have Faith’

by yourself. If you pray, then say a prayer

Don’t worry about what anyone else

or ask the universe for help in some way.

thinks. The right people will love your

Then trust that it is heard and help is sent.

true self and will be happy if you are.

This can come in many ways – a person will offer help, a gut feeling, a phone call,

Scorpio:‘ContemplationTime’

an idea. Trust these signs and let Heaven

This month you need to find some

help you!

alone time to think about what it is that you really want from life and

don’t see any other options available.

This is a good time for you. You’ve been asking the universe for help and taking steps. It’s working but you need to keep the faith. It is easy to lose faith when you don’t see any outward signs of something working quickly. But sometimes you need to have patience and keep up the steps that you’re taking.

The CRAIC on

Sunday 7th Dec 2014

CRAICing Awards!!!

Avril HORAN

• 12pm: Head to Busker Brownes on Cross Street for the best jazz brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band.

• 12pm: Grab some bubbly baby bargains at the Bubbly Baby Market at the Clybaun Hotel, where you can buy or sell your baby and toddler items.

• 6:30pm: Music For Galway presents Handel’s Messiah with the Irish Baroque Orchestra and Resurgam at St Nicholas Collegiate Church this evening. A must in many a Galwegian’s Christmas diary, it features soloists Sinead O’Kelly, Anne-Marie Gibbons, Eamonn Mulhall and Owen Gilhooly.

• 7pm: Enjoy live jazz with your tapas at the Black Cat restaurant and wine bar in Salthill.

• 8pm: For some Sunday salsa with a live band, head to Deli La Tasca on Dominick Street. Food, fun and craic!

• 9pm: Join Mikey and the Scallywags at Tig Neachtains on Quay Street.

• 10pm: The Weightless Astronauts are set to entertain at The Quays on Quay Street.

• 10pm: Enjoy a night of roots reggae, ska, latin and rock steady from two of Galway’s newest live acts, The Clandestinos and Big Jelly at Monroe’s Live. Wind down afterwards as their Sunday Sessions presents the ever popular Four Men and a Bass.

W

ell despite a few last m i n u t e prayers, as we waited with bated breath to see if we had placed at the JCI Galway Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, we didn’t win a spot on the podium.

Still, it was great to be among such talented and creative finalists, as we commiserated with one another down the back of the Galway Bay Hotel at the gala dinner held on Friday, November 21st.

Our own Darius Ivan was cool as a cucumber as he was grilled on stage by MC Pádraic Ó Máille. Full of confidence, he explained his reasons for setting up the Craic in Galway magazine in front of the judges and the 150 strong crowd.

“It’s like the Rose of Tralee!” explained Pádraic, who, we were told, had only recently come out of hospital especially for the event. The audience laughed as Darius explained how, looking out at the view of Galway from his old home at The Bailey, he said to himself “I am going to photograph you all – and I did!” As his interview came to a close, he stayed true to his word and took a

22

quick snap of the seated crowd.

We listened intently as creator of her. ie and joe.ie Niall McGarry described his experiences in the publishing and PR industries here in Galway,and how that led him to create his new ventures. Expansion is in the pipeline for the Mayo man with sportjoe.ie and herfamily.ie.

For fitness guru Pat Divilly, it was a case of third time lucky, as he was announced as the overall winner of the €50k prize fund. Pat had entered the competition twice before and his experience was evident throughout.

Such was his enthusiasm at receiving the accolade, he had organisers hot under the collar as he admitted that he was too young the first time he entered the competition, having lied about his age, and didn’t get past the first round.

The 1st runner up was Dara Scott of Advance Science Hive Alive and the 2nd runner up was Gill Carroll of 37 West. Having tasted her ‘no bake’ chocolate and raspberry cake at the recent business expo, this was no surprise. It was fabulous.

CRAICing congratulations to all. in GALWAY

• 3:30pm: The Galway Film Society will screen White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera Ellen at the Town Hall Theatre to get you into the Christmas spirit.

CRAIC at JCI GYE awards 2014

By Darius IVAN

Citylink team enjoying the day at the launch of our new ticket office in Dublin City.

DUBLIN CITY CENTER NEW PASSENGER FACILITIES CityLink are delighted to now offer passengers in Dublin City Center the convenience of waiting facilities with comfortable seating, Free Wifi and vending machines. tel: 091 564164

ON-BOARD

bombon

vinies

Thank you to all our customers over the last 11 years!

Have a Merry Christmas!

Toilets on-board

www.citylink.ie

Monday 8th Dec 2014 • 10am: The Annual Healing Mission takes place in Esker Church until December 12th with daily sessions at 10am, 5pm, 7pm and 9pm.

• 11am: Siobhan’s House, Home & More in Clifden are hosting a Christmas Party Sale today with 20% off everything for one day only.

• 8pm: Join John Feeley live at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 8pm: The Galway Archaeological and Historical Society will host a free lecture this evening at the Harbour Hotel; The O’Kellys of Hy Many, 1541-1601 English Expansion in a Gaelic Lordship with Dr Joseph Mannion.

• 9pm: Catch iRocks winners, Rofi James, every Monday at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay.

• 9pm: The Cellar bar is host to Play, where musicians can jam with support from a backing band in this open night with a difference. All welcome.

CRAICing News!!!

By Dara KELLY

Gradaim Walter Macken Déardaoin seo chugainn an 4ú Nollaig ag 7pm sa Taibhdhearc, bronnfar seiceanna ar thriúr scríbhneoirí; Manchán Magan, Biddy Jenkinson agus Éidin Nic Éinrí, a bhfuil gradam Walter Macken do scríbhneoireacht nua i nGaeilge buaite acu. Tá fáilte romhat teacht chuig an ócáid ag a léifear na scripteanna nua ón stáitse.

Tá tábhacht ag baint le tuairimí an phobail, os rud é go mbeidh ceann amháin de na drámaí seo á roghnú le cur ar stáitse mar léiriú iomlán an

www.antaibhdhearc.com

Walter Macken awards Next Thursday, 4th December at 7pm in An Taibhdhearc, the three winners of the Walter Macken award for new writing in Irish, Manchán Magan, Biddy Jenkinson agus Éidin Nic Éinrí, will be announced.

The prize-giving will be followed by rehearsed readings of the three new one-act contemporary plays and you are invited to attend.

Public opinion matters as one of

these plays will be chosen for full production next year as part of An Taibhdhearc’s artistic programme!

Tickets €6. Further information at www.antaibhdhearc.com

You’re A Star for GMIT

• 9:30pm: Enjoy the best of swingin’ tunes by the Black Magic Big Band at Busker Brownes on Cross Street.

• 9:30pm: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road with Freda Hatton and Kevin Whelan.

bhliain seo chugainn, mar pháirt de chlár ealaíne na Taibhdheirce!

Bí linn sa Taibhdhearc mar sin Déardaoin ag a 7pm, cead isteach €6. Tuilleadh eolais ag

You’re A Star winner, Lucia Evans, is among the judges at a new talent show taking place

24

on Tuesday, December 2nd at the Harbour Hotel. The event is being organised by the final year students of film and documentary at GMIT to fundraise for their end of year projects. The night will showcase young and upcoming students who have aspirations to make it in the music or entertainment industry.

in GALWAY

The CRAIC on

WINNER BEST HOSTEL IN IRELAND 2014!

Stay 2 nights Get 3rd FREE! With this voucher!

For €11.50 Lunch & Glass Of Wine!

Free Breakfast Free use of iMacs Free WiFi Free Printing Discounted tour tickets

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Galways only hobby and games store!!

We stock everything you need for your gaming and hobby needs.....board games card games, minis, paints, coffee and of course our own amazing donuts which are freshly prepared every morning.

Home of the €3 coffee and donut deal Even if you are not a gamer you are still welcome to come on in and enjoy some great coffee and donuts with us.

UNIT 2, THE BRIDGE MILLS, LOWER DOMINICK STREET, GALWAY. TEL: 091-567930 EMAIL :DUNGEONSANDDONUTSGALWAY@GMAIL.COM FIND US ON FACEBOOK: DUNGEONS AND DONUTS GALWAY

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232-234 Upper Salthill, (091) 522 696

CRAICing Christmas DIY

The CRAIC on

By Sunny JUDDY & Jules

Tuesday 9th Dec 2014 • 4pm: Projects Abroad specialise in sending volunteers to Eastern Europe to teach English and will be holding an informal information session at Costa Coffee on Quay Street until 7pm this evening.

• 4:30pm: GMIT’s Innovation in Business Centres will host, for the first time in Galway, a livestream of The Lean Startup Conference taking place in California in Room 1041. Organised by Eric Ries, author of the bestseller ‘Lean Startup’, the conference features a range of speakers addressing innovation in startup and established businesses.

• 8pm: The Opera Theatre Company presents The Elixir of Love at the Town Hall Theatre.

Famous for its spellbinding music and sublime arias, Donizetti’s ever-popular romantic comedy The Elixir of Love has it all - from unrequited love, to devious deception and thwarted passion.

With a 12 piece orchestra and chorus.

• 8pm: Enjoy live jazz at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street with Mike Corbett on piano and Keith McDonald on trumpet.

• 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill.

• 9:30pm: A trad session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road with John O’Halloran and Mick Crehan.

L

et’s create spiritual, aromatic lavender ‘hottie’ healers. It’s the perfect handmade, unique gift from the heart for your loved ones. The lavender flowers calm your senses, improve sleep and reduce anxiety. The Owl symbolises a strong spirit guide for discernment and making decision based solid foundations. Call on the owl totem when you have to assess a situation or are going through confusing times.

on the bottom first.

Pic 1: festive tea towel (Penneys), lavender flowers, ribbon, cotton wool, scissors, thread, needle, pins, sewing machine (essential)

Pic 3: mix lavender flowers with cotton wool and stuff your owl friend with it.

How to make: Pic 2: cut out the pattern, align the fabric facing the front sides together and pin it

* cut a length of ribbon and pin it inside facing down to create a loop (on the picture it is at the top) * sew with simple straight stitch by sewing machine or hand from side to side following the shape * leave an opening at the bottom with about 1cm of extra fabric * cut off from side to side all excess fabric, turn inside out and push out the corners

* close the opening at the bottom with invisible stitch.

Owl quote : “we are all visionaries and what we see is our soul in things” Enjoy!

How to make Lavender Hotties 1

2

3

Inside every Good Girl.. ..is a Bad Girl

Le Paradis Club GALWAY’S EXOTIC DANCING VENUE 7 Dominick Street Upper, Galway Tel: 091-860556 www.LeParadisClub.com

LUNARES

at Typical Spanish Tapas Restaurant, WoodQuay, Galway

w i th t h is

Cra ic p a g e

The CRAIC on

Wednesday 10th Dec 2014

CRAICing NEWS!!!

By Avril HORAN

• 6pm: Style in the City 2 will be held at the Stock Exchange from 6pm. This fashion extravaganza, in association with Cotton Face and BecBoop.com will raise money for Jigsaw Galway and Brothers of Charity. The night will have fashion and beauty stalls, fashion show, raffle prizes and entertainment. Entrance is €5 on the door.

• 8pm: Sean Costello brings back his sell out A Viennese Christmas at the Town Hall Theatre. Enjoy an evening of beautiful classical melodies, Christmas songs and carols you will know and love.

• 8pm: Christy Moore with Maírtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden, Seamie O’Dowd and Jimmy Higgins will gig at the Ardilaun Hotel, Galway this evening.

• 8:30pm: Enjoy Comedy Cocktails upstairs at Busker Brownes on Cross Street with Con McFlynn.

• 9:30pm: Kevin Rohan, Monica Naughton and dancers are set to entertain at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay with their trad and folk stylings.

• 9:30pm: Catch the trad session with Ailbhe O Monachain and John O’Halloran at the Crane bar on Sea Road.

• 10:30pm: Don’t miss the ‘Screamin’ Bluecats’ at Garvey’s in Eyre Square for a night of rockabilly magic. You ‘aint nothin’ but a hound dog!

Photo by Fionnuala Hernon

Lets Go for Rofi James Winners of one of the hottest battle of the band’s competition around,iRocks, Rofi James are continuing their rise with the release of their latest single and video, ‘Lets Go’. The single is available for free download from their website www.rofijames.com. The Galway group have been busy since they were crowned iRocks champions, having recently attended the Meteor Choice Music Awards, and gigged

at the Wright Venue in Dublin.

The group consists of the talented Rónán Ó Flaithearta on guitar and vocals, Jamie Murray, cajon/drums/ percussion and Eoin Ó Conghaile on bass guitar. Rofi James bring their unique spin to the pop, rock and acoustic genre - with infectious beats and big choruses. They are no strangers to performing to a crowd, sharing the stage with acts such as The Original Rudeboys, Mundy, The

A New Kettle Belle!

A new Galway Kettle Belle has been crowned world champion after Celine King, of the Galway Kettlebell Club, took gold at the World Kettlebell Championships in Hamburg recently. Celine, who is originially from Tuam, powered to the top in the Snatch discipline 16kg, achieving 137 reps in ten minutes. She is coached by Sarah Smith, owner of the Galway Kettlebell Club and it was her first international competition.

The CRAIC on

Thursday 11th Dec 2014

Internet-Free for 48 Hours

By Dara KELLY

I decided to go old school on the

Shocraigh mé gan an t-idirlíon a úsáid ar

communications front for a whole

feadh deireadh seachtaine iomlán - cosc

weekend - no emails, no YouTube, no

ar ríomhphost, na meáin shóisialta, chuile

Facebook. Depending on your age and

rud. Ag brath ar d’aois agus an méid a

internet usage (definitely related), you

úsáideann tú féin an t-idirlíon (agus tá

are now either thinking: ‘Ooh, that’s

gaol eatarthu), mothaíonn tú faoiseamh

sounds great, so restful’, or ‘Noooooooo,

nó uafás á léamh sin. Ní raibh mé cinnte

evening at the Galway Hospice’s

I’ll never survive!!’ I wasn’t sure which

cé acu a bhuail mé féin! Bhí saoirse iontach

Day Care Centre in Renmore.

camp I fell into. At first it felt like having no

ann ar dtús - ar nós gan obair bhaile a

Award winning Floral Designer,

homework. There was more time. I bought

bheith agam. Bhí níos mó ama agam.

a book. I didn’t eat into sleeping time by

Cheannaigh mé leabhar. Chodail mé níos

• 5pm: A Christmas Food Fair takes place at Super Valu in Clifden with culinary delights.

• 7:30pm: A Christmas floral demonstration will be held this

Maureen Dooley, of ‘Forget Me

pointless

luaithe

browsing.

seachas

demonstration on the evening

I

uaireanta

and admission is €15.

distracted

a

chloig

when doing

a

chur

• 7:30pm: Comedian Tommy

stuff around

amú

Tiernan brings his Out Of The

the

house.

féachaint

I talked on

ar sheafóid.

the

Ghlaoigh

Not Flowers & Gifts’ will host the

Whirlwind tour to the Loughrea Hotel and Spa, Loughrea.

• 8pm: Following last year’s sell out shows, Sean Keane

was

less

phone

ag

more. But I

mé

missed using

dhaoine ar

YouTube as

an fón. Ach

a radio. And

ar

d’airigh

I definitely felt like I was missing out. I

mé uaim éisteacht le ceol ar YouTube. Ní

another festive treat of song,

didn’t know what was going on in Galway

raibh tuairim agam faoi cad a bhí ar siúl

dance and music by the hearth

without Facebook. I missed reading

ag mo chaide, i nGaillimh, sa domhan,

newspapers online. It became harder

gan Facebook agus nuachtáin ar líne.

to stay away and by Sunday I cracked

D’éirigh sé níos deacra agus ghéill mé

and checked my emails to access study

Dé Domhnaigh chun mo ríomhphost

material for my samba drumming class

a sheiceáil (chun obair bhaile do mo

(seriously). Yes, it could have waited, but

rang drumadóireachta samba a fháil).

the longer I left it the more accumulated

D’fhéadfadh sé fanacht cinnte, ach bíonn

messages I would have to scan and delete.

am agam Dé Domhnaigh agus bheadh

No point in logging off to relax if you

strus ag baint le fanacht go mbeadh carn

style of the Juke Joint Stomp at

dread the thought of a huge backlog to

mór teachtaireachtaí le breathnú níos faide

McSwiggans bar in Woodquay.

sift through when you re-engage. But I

anonn. Ach d’fhan mé amach ó Facebook

stayed off Facebook. And guess what? I

agus ba chuma. Níor mhisseáil mé aon rud

• 9:30pm: An open traditional

didn’t miss much - and nobody missed

tábhachtach agus níor mhisseáil éinne

Irish music jam takes place

me. In conclusion, I don’t think there’s any

mé! Ní cheapaim gur fiú fanacht amach ón

point in quitting the internet completely

idirlíon ar fad, fiú le haghaidh sos intinne a

for more than a couple of days - it’s too

fháil, mar bíonn sé in úsáid chomh minic

firmly embedded in almost everyone’s

ag chuile dhuine againn. Ach nílim chomh

daily life now. But I’m slightly less attached

tógtha leis is a cheap mé. Úsáid a bhaint as,

to it now. As with everything else in life,

ach gan dearmad a dhéanamh ar an saol

balance is key.

mór; sin an cleas.

at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm:

The Byrne Brothers

will play live at An Pucan tonight.

• 9:30pm: Catch the swingin’

every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy a traditional session at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay.

30

in GALWAY

invites you to join him for