in GALWAY
NOVA COCKTAIL BAR AND GRILL open at The WestEnd William St.
From Friday March 6th To Thursday March 19th 2015
Welcome to TheCRAIC
www.thecraic.ie Director and Photography
Welcome to the 43rd edition of the Craic in Galway magazine. Over
Darius IVAN
the past two weeks , we have experienced strange phenomena here
info@divmedia.ie, (087) 635 29 33
in the city, from waking up to a blanket of snow, to the presence of
Editor
Keith Duffy and Daithi O’Se.
Avril HORAN
We caught up with the crafters who
created the Jameson inspired whiskey blanket, which we would love
avrilhoran@divmedia.ie Photography
to wrap ourselves up in, and we have a new creative crafty cocktail bar coming to town. I have been in caught up rehearsing for the upcoming
Sunny JUDITA
production of Anything Goes at the Town Hall Theatre, and so my social
sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ie Contributors
life consists of attempting to sing and dance at the same time, many
Cara LYONS, Dara KELLY, Spud MURPHY, Katelin BERNARD, Fiona Ní FHOGHLUA, Laura BROWNE, Catherine KILGARRIFF
many evenings per week. I will be hoofing away on stage from March
published by
loved performer, Little John Nee, will be the guest of honour and lead
24th to 28th, so make sure to buy your tickets! One successful Galway entertainer who has been treading the boards and plying his trade for many years will be celebrated at this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. Much
DIV MEDIA
the colourful and eye-catching spectacle through the city streets on
Printed by
March 17th. As always, our little but large magazine is full of the latest
iSUPPLY
nightlife photos, news, views, fashion and fun! As the wedding event
Distributed by
of the year comes to the Menlo Park Hotel on March 22nd, we have a
Door Drop Galway
rundown of everything you need to know to help you plan your special
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
day. And we have your two week diary to keep you posted on what’s happening out and about in Galway.
Happy Reading, Sure it’s all a bit of craic!
Love, The CRAIC Squad
Featured in TheCRAIC 43
Anyone for Cocktails? p.4/5
CRAICing Keith Duffy p.8 Dear Bride to Be! p.18
now available on all buses
Tribal Radio p.6 CRAICing Q&A p. 14 Finding My Voice p.28 (gaeilge)
CRAICing News!!!
The CRAIC on
Friday 6th March 2015
NOVA - Cocktail Bar and Grill open at The WestEnd
• 10am: Over 110 companies will be exhibiting at the flagship fisheries show - Skipper Expo - at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill today and tomorrow (Saturday). • 7pm: A raw chocolate workshop takes place at Amethyst Health, Tuam. • 7:30pm: Richard O’Connell, Eanna Ryder, Stephen Dooley and Connor Laffey will perform a two hour showcase at Monroe’s Live this evening to raise money for the Suas Volunteer programme in India.
• 8pm: Team Manuela will launch their Dingle marathon adventure at Massimo bar, William Street West to raise funds and awareness of the Manuela Riedo foundation. • 8pm: The Patrician Musical Society presents West Side Story at the Town Hall Theatre – a modern day re-telling of Romeo and Juliet. • 8pm: Poetry lovers will enjoy Eigse An Spideal with a night of poets upstairs at Tigh Ghiblin. Open mike poets welcome. A music session follows with Jack Talty. • 9:30pm: A teen foam disco for 13-17 year olds takes place at Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua with Dj Dave Scott. • 10pm: The Rolling Tav Revue, a collective of musicians based around Campbells Tavern, Cloughanover, will gig at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street. • 10pm: Join Dj Will Softly every Friday night at Club Arus na nGael on Dominick Street for worldwide, future, funk and blazing dancefloor beats.
G
alway is set to have a new innovate craft cocktail lounge as Nova opens its doors at 1 William Street West. Serving a collection of classic cocktails, fine wines, premium beers and vintage spirits, Nova has a modern and chic feel in an intimate surrounding. Blue down lighting illuminates the sumptuous gold and reds, whilst funky stools and a full length beech table bring that urban edge.
a premium barista coffee in the heart of Galway’s trendy quarter. Nova is unique in that all of the staff are trained mixologists, with over 15 years of cocktail making experience between them. Both floor and bar staff know how to put together a fine cocktail and will swap roles between them. This ensures that you will have the most knowledgeable staff on
By Avril HORAN Nova will also serve food from 12pm, from tasty snacks to light bites and delicious salads. It has two floors; upstairs you can find the Snack Shack, which has a more rustic, earthy and homely vibe. Here you can enjoy artisan food for lunch and dinner, from a specialty cheese board and tapas to a hearty steak, or simply have
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• 8pm: The chatty man, comedian Alan Carr takes his ‘yap, yap, yap’ tour to the Black Box Theatre.
hand at all times, to advise on the vast array of drinks available, whether an aged whiskey or a traditional cocktail from the early 20th century.
“ The cocktail menu will be constantly evolving,” explains Nova manager Peter Callan. “We have a mix of classic cocktails from a vintage era and will also bring our mixology experience to create new signature craft cocktails. We will have the more old fashioned, traditional cocktails, but if you really want a ‘Sex on the Beach’ we will make it for you! We will make sure to accommodate everyone. “All of the staff are experienced in creating, teaching and explaining the cocktail making process and we will hold classes too. We will also have unique food and drink pairings. Some foods go really well with certain craft ciders or beers and we can make suggestions in this way,” he says. Nova will have a large range of premium beverages available
from around the world and it is their experienced staff which makes them stand out. “ They bring an indepth knowledge of mixology,” says owner Anthony Hourigan. “Every cocktail will be made
with quality ingredients and proper measures to the best standards. And once the tables are full, it’s full! We want to take care of our customers and ensure they have a comfortable time here at Nova.”
CRAICing News!!!
The CRAIC on
Saturday 7th March 2015
Community Radio for City of the Tribes
• 12pm: A screening of the Irish-language sports programme Laochra Gael (Gaelic Heroes) dedicated to Enda Colleran takes place at the Galway City Museum. • 12pm: Senator Lorraine Higgins is delighted to be joined by leading Galway women to celebrate International Women’s Day 2015 today to speak on the theme of ‘Inspiring Women’ at the Harbour Hotel on New Dock Road. • 2pm: A brief talk on the history of the Irish language takes place at the Galway City Museum. • 2:30pm: A matinee performance of West Side Story takes place at the Town Hall Theatre followed by an evening show at 8pm. • 8pm: The chatty man, comedian Alan Carr takes his ‘yap, yap, yap’ tour to the Black Box Theatre.
G
alway is set to have a new community radio station broadcasting in the coming months as Galway Tribal Radio is underway. A radio license has been secured for the free and independent, multi-cultural, not for profit community radio station for the
• 8pm: Three short plays by Enda Walsh; How These Desperate Men Talk; My Friend Duplicity and The Small Things will be performed at the Bank of Ireland theatre, NUIG.
• 9:30pm: Puzzle presents Joe Ford with support from Zenji x Valaria, Phunty X Zigguratt and Dj Teknonotice at Kellys Bar on Bridge Street. • 9:30pm: Máirtín Ó Gríofa and Brian Terry Mac Donnchadha will gig at Club Áras na nGael for Seachtain na Gaeilge.
city, which will be owned and run by the community for the community. It will provide Galway with a live forum for public participation in delivering diverse local news and views, debate of public issues on and off-air, documentaries and a whole lot more. A core group of 30+ experienced radio broadcasting enthusiasts, community activists, documentary producers, musicians, artists and more are involved in the project
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• 8:30pm: GaelGÁIRÍ, the country’s only Irish language stand-up comedy club, will come to Galway for the first time to the Róisín Dubh with Kevin McAleer and Michael Mee.
and they are all working towards delivering a radio station for the love of all things Galway. City wide public consultation meetings are taking place over the next two months to hear what people want out of their radio station and to sign up more volunteers along the way. Full training and support is available to gain confidence in communicating and using IT while developing broadcasting skills. These are real skills than can lead to work in commercial radio stations. Experience is not essential. For more info on the project and public meetings like Galway Tribal Radio on facebook or email communit yradioforgalwaycit y@ gmail.com.
CRAIC with Jameson Black Barrel and Molloy’s Whiskey inspired blanket at Old Printings Work
By Darius IVAN
CRAICing News!!!
The CRAIC on
Sunday 8th March 2015
Funding Boost for SugarBeat
• 10am: A community garden network event takes place at Doorus Orchard Community Garden, Kinvara. • 12pm: A bubbly baby and kids market takes place at the Clybaun hotel, Knocknacarra. Buy and sell baby, toddler and children’s items. • 12pm: Wild-screen, a weekend of national and international contemporary art film, continues today at the Inagh Valley Hatchery in the Connemara countryside. Enjoy a Connemara brunch by Katie Sanderson of the Dillisk Food Project followed by Anxious mountains; Michael Craig-Martin Film 1963; Werner Herzog La Soufrière 1977; Peter Liechti Ausflug ins Gebirg 1986;Vivienne Dick The Irreducible Difference of the Other 2013. • 12pm: A poetry walk will take place in Spiddal as part of Eigse An Spideal 2015. • 1pm: Join guitar maestro Tom Portman at the heart of Lazy Sunday Afternoons at The Twelve, Barna.
T
uam’s newest music festival, SugarBeat, has received a funding boost alongside 12 other festivals across Galway. And they are ready to celebrate with a launch party for the big gig, which will take place at the Corralea Court Hotel, Tuam, on March 7th at 7pm with live entertainment from the Amazing Apples from 9pm.
• 2pm: Galway take on Kilkenny in the national hurling league, division 1A, at Pearse Stadium, Rockbarton Road, Salthill. • 2pm: An afternoon of music and song takes place at Droighneán Donn, Spiddal, where a traditional music award will be handed out in honour of Tom Pháidín Tom.
• 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents Leviathan at the Town Hall Theatre. Winner of the best screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival.
Following the success of last year, SugarBeat have made their mark and have been included in the Fáilte Ireland Regional Funding Programme, securing €1,000 for the
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• 8pm: The chatty man, comedian Alan Carr takes his ‘yap, yap, yap’ tour to the Black Box Theatre.
event. It is a small step on the ladder, but shows the wealth of support for the outdoor festival
a t Tuam Stadium. The Stunning will be brewing up a storm as they are one of the festival’s headline acts, which will take place at the stadium grounds on August 22nd, 2015. The event sold out last year and tickets are once again priced at just €35 for a full day of fun and entertainment at this strictly over 16s event. All are welcome to the launch party on March 7th. In total, €37k has been allocated across 12 festivals in County Galway, with the highest allocation of €7k going to the Clifden Arts Festival.
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OPEN MIKE NIGHT EVERY MONDAY FROM 9:30 Make sure to call in and see it, whether your a musician or just love great music!
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We're delighted to be the first bar in Connacht to pour Devil's Backbone by Kinnegar Brewing. It's a gorgeous amberale, full of malty goodness, and its even better on draft than in bottles!
BEER MENU NO.1
The CRAIC on
Monday 9th March 2015
A Celebrity Affair
CRAICing News!!!
• 4:30pm: All applicants for the Miss/Mr Galway competition will meet at the Stock Exchange on Shop Street. • 5:30pm: Students at GMIT have organised an open mic night at the iQ bar, GMIT, in aid of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Tickets include free entry into Carbon nightclub before 11.30pm. • 8pm: Cellist Raphaël Merlin joins the ConTempo Quartet for a concert featuring the most beautiful music for cello quintet, at the Aula Maxima, NUIG. • 8pm: Galway Archaeological and Historical Society presents a talk on Galway and the Gaeltacht Commission 1925/26 by Prof. Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh at the Harbour Hotel, Dock Road. • 9pm: A screening of Blade Runner takes place at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. • 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: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road for some toe tapping tunes. • 10pm: The black magic band will be having a special night ‘as gaeilge’ for seachtain na gaeilge as lead singer Garrett Philips, will be hosting the show bilingually.
Celebrities were out in force for the annual Insurance Institute of Galway dinner, which took place on Friday, February 20th in the beautiful setting of the family run Ardilaun Hotel. MC for the evening was presenter and broadcaster, Daithi O’Se, who shared the stage with former Boyzone star turned actor, Keith Duffy. This year marked the 45th year of the local institute’s existence in Galway, and current president Hazel Morrisson, presented a special award to the very first president, Gerry Nevin. Daithi O’Se really was the host with the most, where he happily posed for photographs with guests. The Kerry man would be well accustomed to striking a pose as he is the well established presenter at the Rose of Tralee festival. Keith Duffy was also very charming and enjoyed posing for selfies with the eager guests. After dinner, a lively
interview ensued with Daithi and Keith, where Mr Duffy regaled plenty of stories from his Boyzone days, most notably being starstruck having to share a microphone with the late great Joe Cocker during one of their high profile charity functions! Keith spoke fondly about fatherhood and about the many challenges he has faced. The father-of-two first started fundraising and working with Irish Autism Action (IAA) after his daughter Mia was diagnosed with the condition when she was just 18 months old Local Galway school, Abalta, which was established to educate those with autism and complex needs, was the beneficiary for the evening - and it is a cause close to the heart for attendees Eamon Hannon, John and Michelle McGuire, who all have children attending Abalta school.
By Laura BROWNE
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CRAICing Insurance Institute of Galway Dinner at The Ardilaun Hotel
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The CRAIC on
Tuesday 10th March 2015 • 8am: The Companies Act Roadshow takes place at the Bishop Suite, Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit as The Companies Act 2014 is expected to come into effect on 1st June 2015. Presentations will be delivered by Paul Heffernan, Partner, McCann FitzGerald and Peter Osborne, Consultant, McCann FitzGerald. • 5:30pm: Students of GMIT have organised a Show and Shine event in aid of Aware in the GMIT carpark with Dj Bosco. • 7pm: A free farm safety event, with three key speakers, takes place in the Claregalway Hotel focusing on safety on farms and vehicle driving • 8pm: JCI Galway will host a meeting and talk on ‘Create Your Goal-Drive It-and Achieve It!’ at the Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road. • 8pm: Spiritual medium, Colin Fry, brings his Voices from Heaven show to the Town Hall Theatre. • 9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street. • 10pm: A Tuesday night session takes place every Tuesday at Lowrys bar in Clifden. Traditional Irish music and song from the local Tuesday night session group. All musicians welcome.
Straight talking from the trailor trash mouth of Southern Belle, Candy, and the more refined Cara from Connemara. By Cara LYONS
Dear Candy:
My roommate is really annoying me. It’s not just the horrible mess, his smell or the fact he never washes the dishes it’s well..... well its very embarrassing really - he is doing things with the furniture. I don’t mean moving it around. I mean he’s dating it. He talks to the picture frames and I came downstairs one night to find him making out with the fridge door.
I won’t even begin telling you what I saw him do with the vacuum cleaner and the sofa. I know it sounds crazy, and I thought I was imagining it at first, but now I know he’s just a freak. He denies everything but I’m afraid to leave. Is there anything you think I can do?
www.lovefromcara.com
Candy: Well, I must be some sorta squirrel cus I keep finding nuts.... or they keep finding me. What you need to do is put him in a sack that you very carefully have filled with a hive of bees then gently roll him down the stairs
three times. Then you need to pour red wine all over him and dance around him backwards for three hours while throwing picture frames and door knobs at him and then he should be fine after about a week.
Cara: How on earth is that advice going to help this poor person Candy? Your roommate clearly has some psychological issues and the best thing
you can do is leave and you may need to alert the authorities about why you need to leave this situation as soon as possible.
Find Cara’s Good Karma TV on YouTube.com CRAICing 80’s Night in KUDOS Oranmore
Valentine’s CRAIC at CARBON By Darius IVAN
CRAICing Q&A!!!
The CRAIC on
Wednesday 11th March 2015
One of a Kind - Basia Magierska
• 6:30pm: Pulse College holds an Open Day into computer games development at Geata na Cathracha, Fairgreen Road.
bohemian, mainly in a basic natural colour palette like black, white, beige and grey, suitable to match with any casual wear or festival outfits.
• 8pm: A Lymphoedema Information talk takes place at the Maldron Hotel, Oranmore at 8pm (€5.00). All welcome.
What techniques and material do you use ? I design with macrame and crochet techniques. I use natural materials like a cotton cord, leather combined with healing hand picked gemstones, minerals and crystal, which I usually bring from my journeys around Europe . All of them go through a special cleaning and energising process .
• 8pm: The film Apples Of The Golan will be screened at the Town Hall Theatre this evening followed by a Q and A with directors Keith Walsh and Jill Beardsworth.
• 8pm: Galway’s Little Cinema will screen film shorts in Irish, with English subtitles, at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. • 8:15pm: Speaker Declan Kelly will be in Lackagh Parish Centre to talk about children’s burial grounds in two south-east Galway parishes organised by the Western Family History Association. • 8:30pm: Enjoy Comedy Cocktails upstairs at Busker Brownes on Cross Street. • 8:30pm: A free event takes place at Club Arus na Gael on Dominick Street to help Irish language learners - Oíche na bhfoghlaimeoirí. All levels of fluency catered for. • 9pm: FYC will play live at The Quays downstairs, a 5 piece rock, pop, funk, ska, reggae covers band from Galway. • 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!
B
asia Magierska is a jewellery and accessories designer under the name: Basianti. She is originally from Poland and has been based in Galway for the last nine years . She designs unique, handmade and one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings, headbands, purses and bags. I own a few of those amazing pieces and every time I wear them, I get plenty of compliments wherever I go.
Where can we find you or try your jewellery and accessories ? You can follow my FB page : www. facebook.com/Basianti.com and find me in local pop-up markets around Galway or simply visit my online etsy shop : www. basianti.etsy.com What is your future plans and dreams ?
By Sunny JUDITA When did you start designing and why ? I am a self-taught designer. I started to creating my own pieces three years ago for myself and friends as I could not find anything exciting in the shops. In time, I improved and learnt enough to show off my very first collection last year, with huge success. Where is your inspiration coming from ? I am inspired by boho rock fashion. I like a combination of hippie and glamorous style. My pieces are very edgy and
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• 8pm: A style night takes place at Keoghs Kinvara, with fashion consultant Mary Moynihan showing you how to co-ordinate different styles, colours and accessories and Rita Mylett from ATIR Shapewear.
I would like to collaborate more with fashion bloggers and designers that could help me to grow as a brand. I wish to have my very own cosy boutique in a sunny place one day. “To the ones who still believe in dreams : chase them untilyouareoutofbreath.Thenstartrunning”
LUNARES
at Typical Spanish Tapas Restaurant, WoodQuay, Galway
w i th t h is
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
Cra ic p a g e
CRAICing GAMING!!!
The CRAIC on
Thursday 12th March 2015
The Galway Gamer - Pokémon Masters
• *The Galway Enterprise Centre will hold a one day beginners guide to social media course at their Woodquay premises in Woodquay Court.
• 12pm: ‘The Cube’ - an event similar to the popular TV game show – will take place in the Red Square, GMIT, with all proceeds of this event going to Ataxia Ireland. • 1pm: Aengus Hackett and Sanem Kalfa return to perform at Arts in Action in Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway as they explore the link between Irish and Turkish folk music. • 8pm: Irish chart toppers, Walking on Cars, will play at Seapoint Ballroom, Salthill this evening • 8pm: A spring summer fashion show will be held in the Clayton Hotel organised by The Parent’s Association of Scoil Padraig Naofa, Cregmore in aid of IT equipment, the hand in hand charity and Turloughmore community first responders. • 8:30pm: A fundraising table quiz in aid of Serve takes place at Crowes bar, Bohermore. • 9pm: The NUI Galway Choral Scholars will sing ta beautiful and ancient night-time office, Compline, in a candlelit St Nicholas Collegiate Church. • 9:30pm: Join the lazy blues trio in McSwiggans bar, Woodquay
D
o you “want to be the very best like no one ever was” or want to live up to any of the other motivational lyrics from the late 90s’ Pokémon cartoon’s theme song? Well here’s your chance to do just that as the Galway Pokémon Trainers gather for the upcoming spring edition of their seasonal tournaments.
By Spud MURPHY Galway City’s vibrant gaming scene welcomed The Galway Pokémon Trainers into its warm embrace when they formed early last year. Since then, there has been a steady increase in participants joining, all wanting to play with and against other people who love the Pokémon video games. It’s not only a futn way to test one’s skills at the game itself, but also a great way to meet other people with the same interests. People meet up week after week with new tricks to try out as they show off their new in-game teams of cute furry animals. It’s not all battles though, people also love to trade these characters to their friends and receive different pocket monsters
in GALWAY
• 10:30am: Visual Artists Ireland have organised a free two day workshop of practical, curatorial and commercial perspectives on positioning the work of fine artists and makers of fine craft at the Pillo Hotel. By application only.
back in exchange. However, just like any community with a competitive edge, it was only a matter of time before tournaments started being organised around the Pokémon games, and so the Galway Pokémon Masters series was born. The next big tournament will be held in a friendly environment, downstairs at The Cellar on Eglington Street, on the evening of March 9th where trainers will do battle in the hopes of winning a pair of tickets to Dublin’s gaming/anime convention- PokéCon! The prize is being provided by PokéCon Ireland along with popular Galway based gaming website HitStart-Now.com. The grand finals will be played on a projector screen and the competition will be both fierce and entertaining, as local men and women control their adorable teams of elementally charged creatures to see who’ll claim the prestigious title of the new Galway Pokémon Master. Whether you have fond memories of the TV show or you love playing Pokémon games, the Galway Pokémon Masters tournament promises to be a huge amount of fun.
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CRAICing Wedding Feature!!!
The CRAIC on
Friday 13th March 2015 • *NUIG’s Lit and Deb society are hosting the National Maidens - an individual-style debating competition for speakers in their first year of competitive debating, from any Irish institution.
Dear Bride-To Be
• 5pm: Potterfest is back at NUIG this weekend to take you to Hogwarts with special guests Youtube sensation BriBry and the Wizard Wrock act Romilda Vane and the Chocolate Cauldrons. • 7pm: A Big Heart Fight Night takes place at the Radisson Blu hotel to raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation.
• 8pm: The Nualas bring their show Lock UpYour Husbands to the Town Hall Theatre with ne songs, higher harmonies and shorter dresses. • 8pm: Over The Edge March Writers’ Gathering takes place at the Kitchen in the Galway City Museum. • 8pm: A fun filled charity auction night in aid of Galway Autism Partnership takes place at the Clayton Hotel with DJ Slopey. • 8:30pm: Writer, performer and musician, Little John Nee, presents the Glasgow Years at the Town Hall Studio. • 9pm: The Sandy Rats will launch their new self-titled EP at the Cellar Bar on Eglinton Street with support from We Are Ruffians and New Pope. • 9pm: The Darkness will gig at Monroe’s Live tonight - but they have sold out! • 10pm: Join Acoustic Rooster, a 2 piece acoustic gig with Aido and Flossie at Tom Sheridans bar, Knocknacarra.
C
ongratulations! You’ve found ‘the one’ after kissing many frogs and hopefully have a giant sparkler on your left hand. Either that or you have done a Carrie Bradshaw and opted for a walk in wardrobe instead. You thought that was the hard part, didn’t you? Now you have to become a wedding planner and gain your life degree in event management - the hard way. Here is a simple breakdown from a former bride, before you (and you will) break down.
By Avril HORAN-KYNE The Budget: This will help you to decide how many guests you can invite and the type of venue you can afford. Remember, many hotels do cheaper rates midweek, so if you have your heart set on a certain place, this is always an option. The Date:
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• 7:30pm: Galway Community Circus and Fidget Feet present Grimm’s Circus at the Black Box Theatre.
Set a date. This will be dictated by the availability of your dream venue. Whether it’s a country castle, a chic city hotel or a barn, it has to be available. So find out first before you do up any invites. The date will also be dictated by the availability of the celebrant. Be it a civil or religious affair, you will need someone to marry you. And you will need to sign the relevant paperwork and pay the fees/deposit to tie everything and everyone down. P h oto graph er / B an d / DJ / C ar / Videographer Now that you have a date, get on the phone and book your band, photographer, videographer, DJ and car if you are hiring something fancy. For a photographer, look no further than our own Darius Ivan, as he will capture every aspect of your big day through his camera lens. Check out Super 8 weddings for vintage videography on 8mm film and Galway band Oddity will have your guests dancing all night long. Don’t forget you may need >>>>>>
CRAIC >>>>>> music for the ceremony and the drinks reception. This will have to be booked too.
be rows about the guest list. It may double. Just be prepared
Bridal Hair and Make Up We don’t get out of bed looking like something out of a bridal magazine. Book your hairstylist and makeup artist to ensure you look your best. This sounds easier than it is. The reality is that you may opt for many bridal trials before deciding on who you want to be part of your glam squad. Some of the top make-up artists can be booked up to a year in advance! Make sure that they have a back-up, just in case. Florist/Cake B o o k
your
in postage stamps! Many couples are opting for the technology route with video invites, sent via email, facebook invites and even setting up a web page dedicated to the event. DIY invites are fabulous, thoughtful, but time consuming. Think before you get out the glitter and glue gun. Ten might be fun, 110 less so. The Dress
to stand your ground and get through this period with as much strength as you can muster. The venue will have a limit as to how many can be seated for dinner. The smaller the venue, the smaller the guest list. Don’t be swayed by the inlaws. But as my good friend said to me, a wedding is about the people. They won’t remember what kind of flowers were in the bouquet.or the sweets on the candy cart. You will remember the craic you had with your nearest and dearest.
Many dresses have to be ordered months in advance and cost more than your 10 year old car. We don’t all have model figures shown in bridal magazines, and how it looks in pictures is not how it will look on you. Don’t be
Invitations florist. If you are a traditional bride, you will be looking at a bouquet for yourself, bridesmaids, buttonholes for the lads, mums, dads, flower girls and page boys. They can also advise on centrepieces and décor for your ceremony and afters. You don’t need to decide everything on your first meeting, just book the date and take it from there. The same applies for the wedding cake. You might be lucky enough to have a talented family baker, but if not, you will have to shop around for a wedding cake and book it in advance too! 6: Guest List Argh! That is all I can say. There will
The guest list is confirmed at last. Don’t panic too much about the invitations. Pick ones you like, put in as much information as you can about the place, time, how to get there, and post. The time consuming part is getting the
addresses together, as we have all moved away from snail mail. And don’t forget the cost involved
disappointed if the sleek vintage style you had your heart set on just isn’t flattering. Go with what suits you, and don’t listen to anyone else. It’s not their day, it’s yours. There are always sample sales, if you are happy to buy straight from the rack at reduced prices, and pre-loved dresses, which have only been worn once and can be purchased for half the cost! More than likely the dress will have to be tailored to your shape and height, whether it’s new, a sample, or pre loved. You will also need accessories, whether it’s a veil, headpiece, handbag, jewellery and shoes to complement your outfit. Vintage dresses are, by their nature, tiny in the waist – so be prepared for that. Once you have found your dress, stop looking! Move away from the internet.
CRAICing News!!!
The CRAIC on
Saturday 14th March 2015 • 12pm: Inis Iron Meáin 2015 takes place on Inis Meáin today in the 10th anniversary of the race.
Bridesmaids D o n ’ t a
assume that dress
• 2pm: Join Tommy Keane on uilleann pipes and Jacqueline McCarthy on concertina to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge at the Galway City Museum.
• 7:30pm: Grimm’s Circus takes place at the Black Box Theatre - a collection of classic fairy tales mixed up into a deliciously dark story of wolves, witches and the long way home. • 8pm: Singer Dominic Kirwan will be joined by Mary Duff for one night only at the Town Hall Theatre. • 8pm: Galway’s first Brazilian Carnival takes place tonight in O’Connell’s, Eyre Square. • 8pm: Strictly Come Dancing takes place at Sullivan’s Royal Hotel, Gort, in aid of Tierneevin NS, Gort Boys NS, Convent NS, Gaelscoil na bhfili and Boston childcare group. • 8:30pm: Little John Nee presents the Glasgow Years at the Town Hall Studio. • 8:30pm: A salsa party takes place at the Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay – Mambomania. • 9pm: Rob Wade and band bring their live show to The Cellar with support on the night from Kevin Spelman. • 9pm: The hottest new act on the Celtgrass music scene, Jig Jam, will play at the backstage bar in Monroe’s Live with the fantastic Lewd Tunes on the Main Stage at midnight.
The Extras
style that suits you will suit your bridesmaids. There is nothing worse than a grumpy bridesmaid on your big day. If you value your friendship, take the time to find a style that is flattering to their shape, and that they are happy and comfortable in. The colour you choose will dictate the colour scheme for the wedding and can be incorporated into your floral arrangements and centrepieces - if you want to look like you have made a bit of an effort.
There are lots of optional extras to choose from if your budget allows. There are photo booths, candy carts, chocolate fountains, lanterns, entertainment, additional decor – the list is endless and it comes down to budget. If there are children at the wedding, .consider a colouring book or treasure hunt. Entertain your guests with a personalised
The Men Not too much to panic about here. Men can hire suits, from the casual to the top hat and tails. And many places will provide the shoes too! A few pairs of black socks wouldn’t go amiss. If
Craic in Galway magazine! And finally, perhaps some small gifts for your lovely bridal party.
Wedding Event of the Year A Galway Bridal Fashion Show and Wedding Event Of The Year takes place on Sunday, March 22nd at the Menlo Park Hotel and Conference Centre from 12-6pm. With fantastic ‘save the date’ offers from top wedding suppliers and a chance to win a 5 star break to Paris for two, it will be a one-stop-shop for all of your wedding needs. With a wide selection of wedding cars on show on the day, the latest advice and trends from top hair and makeup specialists to help you achieve that
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• 3pm: Once Upon A Circus takes place at the Black Box Theatre – a sister show to Grimm’s Circus performed by the younger members of Galway Community Circus.
they are wearing a waistcoat and tie or cravat, you just don’t want this to clash with your bridesmaid dresses for fear of looking like a rainbow bright brigade. If you have opted for muted tones for your bridesmaids, this is a chance to inject some colour into the bridal party.
perfect bridal look, it’s not to be missed. And you can find out the latest bridal fashion for all of your bridal party; bride/ groom, bridesmaids, mother of the bride/groom, flower girls etc. Don’t miss the Menlo Park Hotel on Sunday, March 22nd, with all you need to plan your wedding and some new ideas for your hen or stag party under the one roof. With live entertainment and refreshments and free admission. For more information contact 0871854071
‘Show me the Funny!’ 2015 Final at The Kings Head By Darius IVAN
CRAICing Review!!!
The CRAIC on
Sunday 15th March 2015 • Happy Mother’s Day!
Whiplash Review
• 10am: A mindfulness meditation one day workshop takes place at the Salthill Hotel. • 12pm: Head to Busker Brownes on Cross Street for the best jazz brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band. • 1pm: Industry Hollywood will hold an information workshop on actor’s visas (the 0-1 visa) to the USA at the Ballybane Enterprise Centre. €90. • 1pm: Join guitar maestro Tom Portman at the heart of Lazy Sunday Afternoons at The Twelve, Barna.
• 7pm: Al Murray, the pub landlord, brings his One Man One Guvnor comedy tour to the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. • 8pm: The Galway Film Society will screen Whiplash at the Town Hall Theatre about a gifted young jazz musician pushed to breaking point. • 10pm: Join laid back rock covers band Dangerine at the backstage bar at Monroe’s Live with indie rock n’ roll band Echotape also performing.
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The Galway Film Society will screen Whiplash at the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, March 15th about a gifted young jazz musician pushed to breaking point. Katelin Bernard reviewed the film which scooped the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance film festival 2014.
By Katelin BERNARD Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is a talented and dedicated first year student at the cutthroat, Schaffer conservatory of music in New York City. He has dreams of greatness and practices until his hands bleed at the prestigious conservatory. There, he meets the brutal and tough teacher Fletcher, played by J.K Simmons, who is looking for a new drummer to join his band. This psychological drama focuses
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• 2pm: The Green Prom 5k fun walk departs from the Salthill hotel in aid of Gorta Self Help Africa.
on the relationship between the two, one of respect, grit, domination and determination, as Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection spirals into obsession. Fletcher will stop at nothing to realize his student’s potential and the relationship between instructor and student is emotionally draining and riveting. Fletcher continues to push Andrew to the brink of both his ability - and his sanity - as he moves himself away from his family, friends and girlfriend. He will stop at nothing to show Fletcher that he is something. The film is a sharp and electric story, intense, inspiring and well acted. Director Damien Chazzelle says the film shows the audience that fear is a motivator and we shouldn’t deny that.
The CRAIC at 4ACES Casino
By Darius IVAN
The CRAIC on
Monday 16th March 2015
The Mythic Fairy
is quite common in our society these days, with both the young and the old, and that particular theme is something I wanted to address in the books - the fact that we all belong and we can change the course of our thinking and feelings by making better choices.”
• 8pm: Sean Costello and Frank Naughton, Duo Vocis present A Tribute To The Great Irish Tenors at the Town Hall Theatre. • 8:30pm: A fundraising progressive card game takes place every Monday at Ballyconneely Town Hall in aid of Ballyconneely Community Preschool.
• 9pm: Ceiliúradh na Féile Pádraig, Ceol agus Spraoi, takes place at Club Áras na nGael, Dominick Street. • 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 for some toe tapping tunes.
O
ne Galway woman is helping children to tackle bullying and other social and emotional issues by using her skills in health and wellness. Dolores Andrew Gavin worked in the legal profession for almost 20 years before completely reinventing herself, and has been helping adults through aromatherapy, aroma dance, EFT, Reiki and Quantum Touch. She is now using her healing skills to help young children cope with emotional awareness.
Her book characters can be found on the child friendly interactive site ‘The Mythic Fairy’. One of the nature projects running on the website is called ‘If You Go down To the Woods Today’ - a nature trail through Barna Woods, looking at the various plants and trees, and includes stories about their mythological aspects from Celtic, Greek and other mythologies. She also created The Emotion Tree as a visual aid for children. Dolores has worked with children of all ages using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) or ‘tapping’ in classrooms
By Catherine KILGARRIFF Not only has Dolores created two websites, she is also a self-published author of two bilingual books for children - Lorcan and the Magic Whistle - which deals with isolation/bullying in the schoolyard and The Journey of Niamh to Baba Yaga - which deals with finding courage. Children follow the story as the hero and heroine have challenges that need to be overcome. “Both Lorcan and Niamh get help with their problems and it creates awareness that we are never alone and can always get help from someone,” explains Dolores. “The feeling of not belonging
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• 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 Feature!!!
and also has had success with children on a one to one basis using tapping for nightmares, dyslexia, fears, stammering, anxiety, bullying and low self-esteem. “It gives them a tool for life” she says. “It works extremely well for any mental health issues as it empowers a person to be aware that they have a tool to help get them out of a negative situation”.
The CRAIC at Monroe’s Live By Darius IVAN & Sunny JUDDY
CRAICing St. Patrick!!!
The CRAIC on
Tuesday 17th March 2015
Little John Nee is Parade Guest of Honour
• Happy St Patricks’ Day! • 10:30am: The St Patricks Day Parade celebrations begin at Eyre Square with local band Rivers and Crow. • 11:30am: The St Patricks Day Parade in Galway City begins winding its way through the streets, following the same parade route as last year, beginning at Dominick Street and ending at Prospect Hill. Highlights include Macnas, Galway Community Circus, dancing troupe Bugale An Oriant and boats from Bádóirí an Cladaig Teo. Keep an eye out for the UNESCO City Of Film crew as they record events. • 2pm: The St Patricks Day Parade gets underway in Moycullen. • 2pm: Seisiún Ceoil Thraidisiúnta na Féile Pádraig takes place at Club Árus na nGael, Dominick Street with another at 10pm.
L
ittle John Nee will be the guest of honour at this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade for “his wonderful cultural and creative contributions in Galway and abroad,” according to parade director, Jen Hesnan. One of Galway’s leading characters, he will lead this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade, which is set to be a “colourful street festival” with “lots of exciting participants”.
By Avril HORAN
• 2pm: A youth party takes place at Temperance Hall, Loughrea.
• 8pm: A concert with Marcus Ó hIarnáin and Don Stiffe takes place at the Forge, Moycullen. • 10pm: Celebrate Paddy’s Day in style at Monroe’s Live with Sligo folk rock band The Quakers.
A UNESCO City of Film crew are set to record the proceedings from early in the day before the parade kicks off from Dominick Street at 11:30am on March 17th. The spectacle will include theatrics from Galway’s much loved Macnas, as this year’s theme celebrates Galway’s culture and creative community, in the run up to Galway’s European Capital for Culture Bid 2020. Local band Rivers and Crow will
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• 4:30pm: Cula Bula, Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band and White Diamond will kick off celebrations at the Quays music hall, Quay Street, with Pyramid playing live in the bar from 10:30pm.
kick start events in Eyre Square around 10:30am before groups and organisations from all corners of Galway take to the city streets. Dancing troupe Bugale An Oriant will be travelling from Lorient to showcase their talents, while Bádóirí an Cladaig Teo will display a special 21ft handmade Galway Hooker in Eyre Square. Their boats will be on show throughout the parade. The theatre community of Galway, An Pobal Amharclann Gaillimh, will be strongly represented. An Taibhearc will be taking part in the parade supporting local Foroige club Castlegar Menlo, depicting a giant version of their iconic symbol. The Galway Theatre Festival will be joining the festivities this year, publicising the festival’s new dates in early May, while local up and coming costume designer, Sinead Rowe, will be displaying unique artistic pieces. Local bands will be an intricate part of the celebrations and Cula Bula will join Rivers and Crow, and will be joined by artists from the long running music night Citóg. Galway music group Gamelan na Gaillimhe will bring their hand-crafted bronze gongs, metallophones and drums which were specially commissioned from ‘Siswo Telu’ in Central Java.
The CRAIC on
Wednesday 18thMarch 2015 • 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents The Case Against 8 at the Town Hall Theatre. A fly on the wall documentary featuring two gay couples in the epic five-year legal battle that overturned Proposition 8 in California. • 8pm: As part of the ‘I Will Arise and Go Now’ Festival, which is taking place in Gort to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of W.B. Yeats, Gort Library is facilitating a special Yeats Commemorative Over The Edge: Open Reading with Susan Lindsay, Christopher Meehan and Marion Cox - who will begin by reading their favourite WB Yeats poem. MC for the event, Kevin Higgins, will also read his favourite Yeats poem.
CRAICing Fashion!!!
Spring/Summer Inspiration
A
lthough it may not be time to put away your cosy jumpers just yet, it is most certainly time to start looking to our lovely high street for your spring summer inspiration. Maybe a few tips will cheer us up despite the bad weather!
By Fiona NÍ FHOGHLUA
• 8:30pm: Enjoy Comedy Cocktails upstairs at Busker Brownes on Cross Street. • 8:30pm: A free event takes place at Club Arus na Gael on Dominick Street to help Irish language learners - Oíche na bhfoghlaimeoirí. All levels of fluency catered for. • 9pm: FYC will play live at The Quays downstairs, a 5 piece rock, pop, funk, ska, reggae covers band from Galway. • 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!
Now, even though the temperature may be getting better this doesn’t mean that you have to stop layering. Simply swap the long t-shirt and knits for lighter materials to create a boho-chic look, which seems to be the look of the season! Just team this draw string dress from River Island with a pair of Chelsea boots, a fedora and a denim jacket and you’re ready to hit some events around the town with friends! This camel cape from Newlook is perfect for the chillier days that
we are sure to see in Galway. Capes were massive in the past seasons and still are with a change of lighter colours and materials. This would be perfect over a dress or with skinny jeans and gladiators. This soft material backpack from Accessorize is perfect for festival season to hold everything you may need to be on the go! It is in perfect pastels and is speckled with little mirrors to add a hint of shine to this piece. I would wear with a loose shift dress and kimono to be no restriction and freemoving. Spring does not call for you to give up the denims but you can swap them for white ones! Yes, it is brave to wear white jeans when you’re on the go but they look great! Paired with some colourful trainers and a slogan tee, you’re ready to run whatever errand need to be done or just hang in the sun with friends. I love these ones from Topshop because the quality of jean they make is great for everyone! I would never leave you without mentioning shoes! And the shoe of the season is the lace up heel. These ones from Penneys are what every girl needs in her life right now. Just take a look through the magazines or instagram and your will see celebs and bloggers alike sporting these babies!
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Thursday 19th March 2015 • *The Galway Enterprise Centre will host a one day ‘how to start your own online business’ looking at key 2015 trends at their premises in Woodquay Court, Woodquay. • 10am: Loughrea Farmers Market takes place today at their stalls on Barrack Street. • 2pm: An Introduction to Digital Campaigning: Galway organised by The Wheel takes place at the Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road. • 7pm: Take a journey through the chakras with essential oils at Amber, 18 Mary Street, Galway. You can take any or all of the seven week course. €15 per class. • 8pm: Due to demand, an extra date has been added tonight to see singer Mike Denver at the Town Hall Theatre. Special Guests include legendary country singers Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, John Hogan and former Eurovision Star, Marc Roberts, with some John Denver hits. • 9pm: Cúla Búla will be playing an album fundraiser at Arus na nGael on Dominick Street to help them to release their first album. • 9pm: The NUI Galway Choral Scholars will sing ta beautiful and ancient night-time office, Compline, in a candlelit St Nicholas Collegiate Church. • 9:30pm: Join the lazy blues trio in McSwiggans bar, Woodquay, • 10pm: A music night takes place at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street, an open mic opportunity with special guests the Delta Walkers.
Finding my Voice Rith sé liom rang amhránaíochta a dhéanamh agus rinne mé coinne le Cathal Jack, fear as Árann, le Galway Voice Studio, atá lonnaithe i gCnoc na Cathrach (gvsvoicelessons@ gmail.com). Mar spreagadh breise, ghlac mé le dúshlán cara liom canadh ag an gclub amhránaíochta sa Crane, ceithre seachtaine ina dhiaidh sin. Ní raibh nóisean agam céard a bhí romham agus bhí iontas orm an méid craic a bhain mé as an rang. Tá guth láidir ag Cathal, rud a saoirse dom féin a bheith ag canadh amach os ard, rud nach raibh aon chleachtadh agam air. Mhínigh sé dom cé mar a oibríonn téad an ghutha agus an laraing nuair a bhítear ag canadh agus thug sé cleasanna dom chun iad a láidriú agus a choimeád faoi smacht. Bhí an-spraoi agam ag cleachtadh scálaí le fuaimeanna aisteanna mar má, gá, suí agus né, agus mo bhéal a oscailt go mór chun na nótaí arda a bhaint amach. An chuid ab fhearr ná canadh isteach i micreafón le fuaimrian taca. Mhúin Cathal dom le canadh go láidir agus mo leagan féin a dhéanamh den amhrán. Fuair mé taifeadadh den rang ar CD agus chleacht mé na scálaí in éineacht leis an CD trí nó ceithre huaire i rith na seachtaine. Bhí 4 rang agam, iad 30 nóiméad ar fhad, agus chuir sé iontas orm an méid dul chun cinn a rinne mé san achar sin. Chuir Cathal beagán níos mó brú orm chuile sheachtain agus thug CD dom le cleachtadh. Faoin rang deiridh, an oíche roimh lá na cinniúna, bhí mo ghuth i bhfad níos láidre agus bhí mé sách muiníneach ag canadh gan tionlacan. Ar shiúl isteach sa Crane dom an oíche dar gcionn
CRAICing Gaelge!!! By Dara KELLY
d’éirigh mé neirbhíseach agus bhí fonn orm rith amach an doras, ach shuigh mé síos in aice na gceoltóirí. Bhí fear an tí ann a chuir gach amhránaí i láthair. Bhí an lucht éisteachta breá ciúin agus béasach nuair a bhí duine ag canadh. Théis píosa iarraidh orm an raibh mé féin ag iarraidh canadh agus d’aontaigh mé go raibh. Thosaigh mé ag gabháil fhoinn agus d’éirigh maith go leor liom – measaim! Bhí na focail agam, bhain mé na nótaí arda amach, ach bhí mo ghuth ag croitheadh – rud nach raibh súil ar bith agam leis. Choinnigh mé orm go dtí deireadh an amhráin agus fuair mé bualadh bos. Faoiseamh! Bhí iontas orm nach raibh mé níos cúthailí ach is mar gheall ar an timpeallacht tacúil sin is dóigh. Bealach álainn é leis an oíche a chaitheamh – má bhíonn tú ann le héisteacht nó le canadh – ní le bheith ag caint. Fiú murar amhránaí iontach tú, bíonn go leor amhrán aitheanta ann go mbeidh tú in ann curfá a rá leis an gcomhluadar. Rud deas é a bheidh ag canadh le daoine eile – mholfainn é. Más cuairteoir ar an gcathair tú nó má tá cuairteoirí leat, buail isteach. Oíche bhreá Ghaelach í.
Communion
Photos By
Darius Ivan
Book at 087 635 29 33
www.divmedia.ie
I took a notion to have some singing lessons, so made an appointment with Knocknacarra–based Cathal Jack of Galway Voice Studio (gvsvoicelessons@gmail.com). As an added incentive, I accepted a friend’s challenge to sing (out loud, in public, sober!) at The Crane singing club, 4 weeks hence. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly surprised to find my first lesson a totally liberating experience. Cathal has an amazingly strong voice which gave me license to sing out LOUD, something I’m not used to doing. He explained how the vocal chords and larynx work while singing and gave me simple exercises to strengthen and control them. It was really fun to practice a variety of scales using different sounds, like maw, gaw, see
and nay, opening the mouth wider to accommodate higher notes. The best part was singing into a microphone to a backing track. Cathal coached me on how to sing strongly and how to make a song my own. I got a recording of the lesson and practiced in the car 3 or 4 times during the week, singing along to the scales. I had 4 thirty minute lessons and was frankly amazed at my progress. Each week Cathal pushed me a little harder and gave me my CD to practice. My voice definitely became stronger and by our final lesson, the day before Singing Club, I felt confident singing unaccompanied. Walking into the Crane the next evening I became nervous and wanted to turn around and walk out but I forced myself to sit down near the musicians. There
was a compere who introduced each singer, and the audience were respectful and encouraging. One of the regular singers caught my eye and mimed “do you want to sing?” Heart thumping, I nodded and was duly called upon to sing. I opened my mouth and started singing… I remembered the words, I think I hit all the right notes, but my voice was shaking like a leaf. That was completely unexpected but I made it to the end of the song and was applauded by the other singers, which felt really good. I was surprised not to feel more self-conscious – I guess because the atmosphere is so supportive. It’s actually a lovely way to spend an evening – if you’re there to listen and/or sing, not to talk. Even if you’re not a great singer, there are enough standards sung to allow everyone to join in the chorus. It feels good to sing in a group – I’d recommend it. And if you’re a visitor or if you’re hosting visitors, it’s a traditional Irish night of entertainment that’s worth checking out.
A Focal a Day! Welcome to the Craic’s new Learn Irish Corner In keeping with the theme of this issue, our Focal an Lae/Word of the Day is PARADE Noun; public procession. Saint Patrick’s Day parade - Paráid na Féile Pádraig Verb; march in a formal procession. They paraded through the streets Mháirseáil siad trí na sráideanna Verb: masquerade as. He was parading as a fisherman - Bhí sé ag ligean air féin gur iascaire é