The CRAIC in June 2015 edition 46 by Div Media

Amazing Apples ;A Little Sense’

For JUNE 2015 www.thecraic.ie

p.22

Welcome to TheCRAIC

Director and Photography

Darius IVAN

Welcome to our new and improved Craic in Galway magazine! These are

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

historic times in the city. Prince Charles shook the hand of Gerry Adams right here at NUIG, an event that was broadcast around the world. As

Editor

we go to print, the civil marriage referendum is looming and the people

Avril HORAN

of Ireland will make one of the biggest constitutional decisions of this

avrilhoran@divmedia.ie Photography

generation. The carousel is always turning and we too have made some changes to our little but large magazine. We are increasing the number of

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copies printed so there will be lots more Craic to go around; we are going

sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ie Contributors

monthly, so our advertisers will hold their prestigious slots for an even

Cara LYONS, Dara KELLY, Spud MURPHY, Katelin BERNARD, Fiona Ní FHOGHLUA, Psychic POPPY

longer period; and we have a shiny new redesign and dedicated wedding

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We’ve learnt how to use videos, *hurray* and will incorporate even more

section for all of you brides and grooms to be out there. We hope our new look is even more modern, edgy and easy to read, as we bring you the latest events happening for June 2015. And we are still available online for all of our international readers, with our regular social media updates.

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of them onto our sites to ensure you really do have a feel for this vibrant

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and crazy city of the Tribes. We will keep you even more up to date on our

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website, thecraic.ie, and, as events unfold, we will keep you in the know by

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constantly updating and reviewing Galway ’s social scene. So sit back, relax

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and enjoy the very best of the Craic in Galway.

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

Love, The CRAIC Squad

Featured in TheCRAIC 46

The Freedom of the City p. 6-7 Miss Galway and Miss CRAIC p.14,29

Muintir Na Gaillimhe p.18

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Mayoral Ball 2015 p.9 The Hunt for Festival Fashion p. 32-33

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CRAICin June 2015

The

01st Monday Happy Bank Holiday Monday! 3pm: Acro Yoga and Slack line jams in aid of the Nomshtock 2015 festival takes place at the Eyre Square Shopping Centre today. 7pm: Galway Gaming Tribes a video game/board game event takes place every Monday in ‘Seven Bar’ on Bridge St. Hang out and play a few games – all welcome. 8pm: Conor Mc Cague and Friends will gig at St Nicholas Collegiate Church this evening as part of the Tunes at the Church series.

02nd Tuesday 8pm: Join one of Ireland’s leading male vocalists Keith McDonald at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street.

* The 10th conference of the European network for research in organisational and accounting change (ENROAC) will be held in NUI, Galway.

8:30pm: Tap dancing for adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070.

6:30pm: Pulse College Galway provide a 2-Year Full/Part-Time Program in Game Development, as well as a 6-Week ‘Intro to Games Design’ course. Discover more at their Open Eve Wed 3rd June 6.30pm in their City Centre campus on Fairgreen Rd (3min walk from Eyre Square).

9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street. 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill. 9:30pm: A weekly jazz session takes place every Tuesday at Dock No 1, Dock

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.

8pm: Eileen O’Brien (fiddle) and Geraldine Cotter (piano and tin whistle) will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 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.

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.

03rd Wednesday

Ballybane Industrial Estate Galway, Ireland 086 194 0846 www.marysfish.com

9pm: Trad at the Head takes place this evening at the King’s Head on High Street with live traditional music and Irish dancers. No cover charge. 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!

The CRAIC was in Oranmore at the Orsmond Clinic Open Day to meet some of Dr. Eva happy star pupils and we had oportunity to try lovely healthy food they had prepared at Orsmond!

CRAICing Interview

by Avril HORAN

The Freedom of the City Galway’s Billy Lawless thought “someone was having me on” when he was asked to introduce US President Barack Obama at a major rally in Chicago, following the President’s announcement of major immigration reforms. A prominent businessman and immigration activist, Lawless has once again hit the headlines as he became the 29th recipient of the Freedom of the City of Galway, following a ceremony held at the g hotel. “I got a call from this lady the day before asking if I would introduce the President,” he explains as we discuss what was an “incredible experience” in his life. “She said she was from the White House and her name was Howli Ledbetter. When I heard that, I thought someone was having me

6 CRAIC

on and I hung up! She had to call back and tried again to explain that she really was from the White House. So that’s how I was asked to introduce the President!” Originally from Circular Road, Billy’s father was a farmer, milking cows and delivering milk to all of the restaurants in Galway City. Billy took over the farm before entering into the pub business in 1977. Building on this experience in the hospitality sector, he became President of the Vintners Federation of Ireland in 1982 before emigrating to Chicago in 1998. There he is considered ‘restaurant royalty’ and his familyrun restaurants employ over 260 people. “We started with an Irish pub in Chicago in 1998 before moving

downtown. I am a downtown kind of guy! We can serve up to 1,000 meals a day and this is thanks to my children who have brought it to that level. My father was a progressive man, I was progressive myself and now my children have taken that on,” he explains. He has now “semi-retired” from the restaurant business to focus on his tireless immigrant advocacy work, which is his “life’s passion”. He has been shaping the conversation around immigration reform for many years, becoming a well known face in political circles in Chicago and Washington DC. In 2013, he was named as one of the top ten Irish American community leaders. Hope for the undocumented Irish through a series of immigration reforms introduced by President Obama were blocked by a US Federal Judge in Texas in February.

CRAICing Interview

“It was overwhelming and very emotional. The ceremony was very moving “I want to legalise all of the undocumented Irish in the US,” he says firmly. “That is my life’s passion and we are going to win, we have no doubt about it. I want to achieve that. The country needs it, it is the system that is broken. When I became an advocate, I realised just how influential the Irish are. It’s a tough, tough battle and we are not giving up.” He now has the Freedom of the City, an honour which he says “really stomped me” as he follows in the footsteps of the likes of JFK, Hillary Clinton, Mary Bennett, John Killeen, Christy O Connor Snr and Junior and Gary Hynes. He was joined by family and friends at a ceremony held in the g hotel on Friday, May 15th. “It was overwhelming and very emotional. The ceremony was very moving and I can’t thank the staff at City Hall enough for the way they handled it. I nearly cracked in my

speech towards the end, it’s such an facebook.com/thecraicingalway incredible honour and the highest the city can bestow to anyone, especially to a native Galwegian. When you see the world and Irish leaders they have given it to in the past, and they are Offering Irish-inspired dining giving it to with a Mediterranean touch me, it is pretty special. It was a great night.” You can check out our video clip of the event at

Galway’s West End 091 502 911

Oranmore 091 483 900

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CRAIC 7

CRAICin June 2015

The

04th Thursday

05 Friday

4:45pm: Creative Ballet for children aged 46 years takes place at the Galway Dance Centre,followed by children’s ballet for 8yrs and up at 5:15pm. . For more contact

5:30pm: Breakdance for children aged 7yrs up takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christinagalwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070.

6pm: ‘Simply the Best’ the Clayton Hotel award celebratory wedding evening takes place thisevening at the Clayton Hotel.

8pm: Claire Keville and John Weir will gig at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series.

6:30pm: Learn to waltz and jive (adults) at the Galway Dance Centre followed by beginners 8pm: Soilsiú Films will screen The Stranger at the Town Hall Theatre, followed by a Q and A with Director Neasa Ní Chianáín. 9:30pm: Catch Loose Tongues live at the King’s Head on High Street. 9:30pm: An open traditional Irish music jam takes place every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill. 10pm: The Good Hustle, with an allstar lineup including singer Lucia Evans, have a late night Thursday residency at the bar at Seven, Bridge St.

8pm: Celebrating his 80th year in 2015, Des Keogh one of Ireland’s most renowned actors and performers gets to fulfill a lifelong ambition to play legendary Irish man of letters GeorgeBernard Shaw in My Fair Ladies at the Town Hall Theatre. 7pm: Niall Teague and The Fast Company will be at The Village Theatre, The Gate Lodge,Carrabane, Athenry. 7:30pm: A Charity Take Me Out in aid of Crumlin hospital, 1Life and Console takes place at theClayton Hotel, Ballybrit. 10pm: Between The Lines will play at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street.

06th Saturday 6.30pm: Up to 270 cyclists on the Console East to West charity event will arrive into Galwaythis evening to much fanfare and music 8am: A sunrise photography workshop on the Aran Islands has been organised by photowalkexhibition.com. 11am: An archaeology workshop ‘Get to know..Anglo- Normans’ takes place at the Galway City Museum. Age 712. 8pm: Celebrating his 80th year in 2015, Des Keogh one of Ireland’s most renowned actors and performers gets to fulfill a lifelong ambition to play legendary Irish man of letters George Bernard Shaw in My Fair Ladies at the Town Hall Theatre. 8:30pm: Jimmy Crowley will be in in concert at the Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oirr. 9pm: The Eskies will bring their Sea Soaked Gypsy Folk, part of their nationwide ‘After the Sherry Went Round’ album tour to Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street.

The CRAIC at the Mayor’s Charity Ball! Crowds gathered at the foyer of the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill to the sounds of the Ignite Gospel choir at the opening of the City Mayoral Charity Ball 2015. It was a welcome return to the fundraising event, which was missing from last year’s social calendar, with all proceeds donated to six deserving charities - ACT For Meningitis, Cancer Care West, Console, Galway Special Babies, Gorta Self-Help Africa and Saving Grace.

MC for the night was Galway Bay FM’s Keith Finnegan, as the suited and booted took to their seats to be entertained by the Galway Baytones, Trad On The Prom and danced the night away to Champagne Shuffle. Attendees included visitors from across Ireland, St Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Boston and Dubai. We put a lot of thought and effort into it,” said Mayor Donal Lyons, who said the event was “a great success for myself and the organisers”.

Spearheading the committee was Mary Bennett, who was on hand all night to assist with the proceedings. Mayor Lyons told the Craic in Galway that he wanted to “thank all of the people who came along to support the night, as without their support, the ball would not have been such a success. “I wanted to make a genuine effort to raise money for the local charities that are doing so much work in the city,” he explained. (AH)

CRAICing Gaming

by Spud MURPHY

The Galway Gamer- Feeling Board? In light of the recent International Tabletop Day, an event which saw gamers all over the world getting together at selected venues to play some of their favourite non-video games, it seems like a great time to get involved in Galwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy tabletop and board game scene. You see, not all gaming happens through consoles; there is a much older way of playing against or alongside your friends without the use of electronic devices which is equally as popular around the city. There is a huge amount of different games styles involved in these games, from fun little pickup-and-play card games like Cards Against Humanity, in which you must create the funniest and indeed most rude sentences imaginable,

10 CRAIC

to huge in-depth battle games like WarHammer which features a very steep learning curve. It also features fantastic figurines of warriors and mechanical vehicles which are used as pieces on its battle map. Warhammer is not just about competing against others, it also has a huge, rich lore attached to it with a long history and its own universes. It can seem intimidating from the outside looking in, but there is a great community involved in this game, many of which painstakingly

hand paint each of their figurines and boast impressive miniature armies. Tabletop battles, board games and card games have a strong presence in the gaming world, to a point where theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had entire video game genres built around them. WarHammer, Magic: The Gathering and many others are just as much a part of Galwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gaming scene as Street Fighter or any of the other popular console based heavy hitters.

www.paddyburkesgalway.com

CRAICin June 2015

The

07th Sunday *The 20th Tour de Lough Corrib charity cycle in aid of Croí, with Sean Kelly, takes place today. This fun cycling sportive is the biggest charity cycle in the West of Ireland. 8:30am: The Salthill Sprint Triathlon takes place today at Lackagh Woods. 12pm: Head to Busker Brownes on Cross Street for the best jazz brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band. 12pm: The Sylane, Tuam fun run/walk and road race takes place today. 1:30pm: Ballroom, Fox Trot & Chachacha for Adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. To book contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 2pm: Jonathan Gunning brings his Hats Off show to the Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oirr. A new show from Galway’s foremost funny man features a mix of standup, storytelling and clowning for children of all ages. 4pm: Tango for Adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070

08th Monday *NUIG celebrates 21 years of Health Psychology at the Aula Maxima today with a mix of speakers, panel discussions and a barbeque. 7pm: Galway Gaming Tribes a video game/board game event takes place every Monday in ‘Seven Bar’ on Bridge St. Hang out and play a few games – all welcome. 7:30pm: Belly dance, perfect for tummy muscles, takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 7:30pm: The Galway Astronomy Club will hold their AGM followed by a video about the Markree Castle Observatory at the Westwood House Hotel. 8pm: Jack Talty and Áine Bird will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 8:30pm: Adults Flamenco takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 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.

6pm: Wind down the weekend with the Lazy Jazz Trio at Seven on Bridge Street.

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

7pm; The Athenry Football club host their annual awards evening tonight at the Raheen Woods

9:30pm: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road for some toe tapping tunes.

09th Tuesday 6:30pm: Lose weight and enjoy dancing to the latest charts with hiphop fitness for adults. For more information contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com. tel 087 99 33 070. 7:15pm: Learn ballet for adults at the Galway Dance Centre. For more email christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 8pm: Join one of Ireland’s leading male vocalists Keith McDonald at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street. 8pm: Join Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street as part of their album launch tour for Bricks and Feathers. 8:30pm: Tap dancing for adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street, two guys who like to play their acoustic guitars, sing songs, tell jokes, stories, and have an odd pint of Guinness in front of an audience. 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill. 9:30pm: A weekly jazz session takes place every Tuesday at Dock No 1, Dock Road. 11pm: It’s time for the silent disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

The CRAIC in The TRAPPERS INN The CRAIC in Il Vicolo Bridge Mill

MISSCRAIC 2015

Natty Wailer crowns Miss CRAIC!!! Natty Wailer, former Natty Wailer, former member of Bob Marley and the Wailers crowned Rebecca O’Reilly as the first ever Miss CRAIC 2015 - voted by our readers online.

Rebecca has won a front cover photoshoot for one of the future editions of the CRAIC! Natty is back and will be jammin’ at Monroe’s Live in May.

Eglinton street | Galway | 091533849 www.harper.ie | facebook.com/HarperGalway

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He has invited “all of the reggae fans and music lovers” to his gig on May 28th, 2015. Natty exudes passion for his style of music and wants it to be passed down through the generations. “It is the spirit of this music that lives on,” he says, “this generation will pass it down through the next generation.

KEOGH’S BAR OUGHTERARD WHEN WILDLIFE IN CONNEMARA ISN’T ENOUGH!

Call: 091 552222 or find us on Facebook

CRAICin June 2015

The

10th Wednesday pm: Dance fitness for adults 1 takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 6:30pm: Burlesque fitness & Contemporary for Adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 7:30pm: Bachata for adults, a popular latin dance, takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 8pm: John Blake and Ruairí McGorman will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 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. 9pm: Trad at the Head takes place this evening at the King’s Head on High Street with live traditional music and Irish dancers. No cover charge. 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!

11th Thursday 8pm: Yes Productions presents Arthur’s Dig at the Town Hall Theatre One man’s epic struggle to bulldoze through the crash and build his own future. 9pm: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band will play live at the Quays downstairs. 9:30pm: Catch Loose Tongues live at the King’s Head on High Street. 9:30pm: An open traditional Irish music jam takes place every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill. 10pm: The Good Hustle, with an allstar lineup including singer Lucia Evans, have a late night Thursday residency at the bar at Seven, Bridge Street.

12th Friday 1pm: Network Galway will host their June lunch at Capones restaurant, Kingston. 5:30pm: Breakdance for children aged 7yrs up takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 8pm: Charolais comes to the Town Hall Theatre – a comedy about love, jealousy and a cow. 8pm: A mock wedding in aid of Pieta House takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit. The ceremony will take place in the ballroom at 8pm and will include a 3 course meal, a band and a DJ until late. 8pm: Dympna O’Sullivan and Deirdre Mc Sharry will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series.

11 Forster Street, Eyre Square, Galway, Ireland (091) 376 561

www.anpucan.ie

The CRAIC was at a unique networking event #GalwayHour on the Corrib Princess organised by An Pucan, with the Galway Player!

CRAICing Feature

by Dara KELLY

Muintir na Gaillimhe…. a chat with some of Galway’s interesting inhabitants - Marina Zenkevich An as Gaillimh tú? Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí anois? Is as an Laitvia mé ach táim ag cónaí i nGaillimh le sé bliana anuas.

Cén obair a dhéanann tú?

Is múinteoir Teiripe Iomlánaíoch mé in Institiúid Theicniúil na Gaillimhe (GTI). Reáchtálaim ceardlanna agus cuirim oiliúint ar dhaoine le bheith ina suathairí freisin: suathaireacht cinn Indiach le pointí Shiatsu, suathaireacht na Sualainne do thosaitheoirí, Teiripe Cupála , Reifléacseolaíocht do leanaí agus go leor eile – tabhair cuairt ar mo láithreán gréasáin www.coholistic. com agus tiocfaidh tú ar rud spéisiúil ann.

gnóthach.

Bím ag rith go minic, mar sin ba mhaith liom rás a rith le grúpa a bheadh gléasta mar ainmhithe, mar thacaíocht do Zú Bhaile Átha Cliath. Mise an tíogar!

my workshops and do personal massage trainings as well; Indian Head massage with Shiatsu points, Swedish massage for beginners, Cupping Therapy, Reflexology for kids and much more – just visit my website www.coholistic.com and you will find something you will be definitely interested in. It will be fun.

Cá bhfuil an chraic faoi cheilt i nGaillimh?

Who or what inspired you in your chosen career?

Mothaím fuinneamh iontach san aer sa chathair álainn seo. Mothaíonn gach duine é ach ní labhraíonn aon duine faoi.

I have a passion for helping others improve their lives. Holistic wellness and non-stop professional development make me happy.

Are you originally from

What’s your goal in 2015?

Céard a dhéanann tú don Chraic i nGaillimh?

Cé nó céard a spreag tú tabhairt faoin obair seo? Tá an-spéis go deo agam cabhrú le daoine feabhas a chur ar a saol. Cuireann folláine iomlánaíoch agus forbairt ghairmiúil leanúnach gliondar ar mo chroí.

What do you do for the Craic in Galway?

Cén sprioc atá agat do 2015?

I run a lot so I would like to run in a group dressed as animals to support Dublin Zoo. I will be a tiger.

Táim ag súil go mór le ceardlanna a thabhairt ar fud na hEorpa i mbliana.

Is breá liom fánaíocht agus sciáil. Fuair mé ceadúnas chun carr sleamhnáin madraí a thiomáint in Andóra i mí Feabhra seo caite; ba bhreá liom an deis a fháil úsáid a bhaint as sin! Táim ag foghlaim na Spáinnise le m’intinn a choinneáil gnóthach, is breá liom a bheith

I am excited about doing workshops around the Europe this year. I love hiking and skiing, I even got my dog sled license in Andorra last February, so I’d love to get a chance to use it. I am learning Spanish in order keep my brain active. I love to keep busy.

Galway? Where do you live now? I am from Latvia originally but live in Galway for six years now.

What do you do workwise?

I am a Holistic Therapy teacher in Galway Technical Institute. I run

What is Galway’s best kept secret? I feel fantastic energy in the air in this beautiful city! Everybody feels it but nobody talks about it.

Rty online at BOOK YOUR PA e www.monroes.i

CRAICin June 2015

The

13th Saturday 7am: The Portumna Forest Marathon takes place today with a 10k, a full marathon, a half marathon and two ultrarunning events a 50k and 100k run. 10am: It’s the start of Galway Bike Week with lots on offer across the city and county. Check out bikeweek.ie. 11am: An Áit Eile: That’s How it Starts takes place at Nuns Island Theatre – a oneday arts, crafts and music festival to showcase the best in local independent culture. Featuring acts such as Rivers and Crows, Steven Sharpe, Majestic Bears and Tracy Bruen Music. 2pm: To celebrate Yeats 2015, Galway City Museum presents an afternoon celebrating the writer including a talk by award winning poet and author, Martin Dyar and a workshop by Cúirt Literary Festival Director, Dani Gill. 12+ 3pm: The Milltown 10k ‘Run for Ollie’ 2015 takes place today in Milltown, Tuam, Co. Galway. 7:30pm: Monina Paz and Diego Cordoba will hold a Tango Workshop in the Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay. 8pm: Mary Coughlan returns to the Town Hall Theatre one of Ireland’s finest jazz and blues vocalists. 8:30pm: Catch Noni Stapleton’s ‘Charolais’ at the Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oirr. 9pm: Mala and FyrMoon will bring their heartfelt all original acoustic Americana from

14th Sunday * The Galway Regatta takes place today at the NUIG grounds at Dangan. Galway’s oldest rowing regatta, this year it celebrates its 131st anniversary, with many of the top rowing clubs in Ireland competing. *The Galway Sessions kicks off today until June 21st, a festival celebrating the best of Irish folk and traditional music, with events taking place at The Crane Bar, The King’s Head, Tigh Choili’s, Taaffe’s Bar ,The Quays, Tigh Neachtains, and Monroe’s Tavern. 12pm: Head to Busker Brownes on Cross Street for the best jazz brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band. 6pm: Wind down the weekend with the Lazy Blues Trio at Seven on Bridge Street. 9pm: Harry Harris and Anna McIvor will be in concert at Monroe’s Live on Dominick Street, inspired by the likes of Paul Simon and James Taylor, expect great harmonies, captivating songs and a warm, intimate stage presence. 9pm: You, Me & Clementine, a trio of Jenny, Brian and Charlene will play jazz, folk and blues at Tigh Neachtains on Cross Street. . 10pm: The Corrib Social Dancing Club organises weekly Sunday night dancing at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill with varied live bands.

15th Monday 6:30pm: Break dance for Adults, a challenging but fun class, takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 7pm: Galway Gaming Tribes a video game/board game event takes place every Monday in’Seven Bar’ on Bridge St. Hang out and play a few games – all welcome. 7:30pm: Belly dance, perfect for tummy muscles, takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 8pm: Saileog and Eoghan Ní Cheannabháin will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 8:30pm: Adults Flamenco takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 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. 9:30pm: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road for some toe tapping tunes.

The CRAIC was The Front Door Bar and Restaurant Galways premier venue for both locals and tourists alike. The Front Door is a large but intimate establishment with the warm friendly atmosphere of a local pub. www.frontdoorpub.com

CRAICing Feature

Photo Aisling EGAN

Apples Set for Amazing Album Launch! - A Little Sense The excitement is building for Galway’s Amazing Apples, as the popular band are set to release their new album, ‘A Little Sense’ at the end of May. The high energy Galway group has a loyal following and strong fan base. It’s not surprising given the wealth of talent in this indie/folk group, who have moved away from their ‘covers’ beginnings to create new and unique songs as they continue to develop their own sound. All of the members, Darragh Crehan, Cian Crehan, Anthony Ryan, Brian Grace and Eanna Fahy are multi-instrumentalists, incorporating bouzouki, mandolin, keyboard and fiddle in their high octane live shows.

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“It’s all guns blazing!” says Eanna in advance of the launch of ‘A Little Sense’. “We began working on it this time last year and hired a producer, Joe Chester, who whittled our 16 songs down to ten. The album has a heavier sound than what people are used to. It might shock a few! There’s still folk elements, but we are more indie rock now and we are happy with the direction this has taken us. There’s a mixture of songs, they are not all up tempo, and they are all very personal - we wrote them ourselves. They come from each individual.” The title name ‘A Little Sense’, which was recorded at Grouse Lodge studios is a lyric from

one of the closing tracks on the album. “It summarises what this experience has been!” says Eanna. “It has been a huge process, we have funded it ourselves, do all the PR and marketing as we are an independent band. Maybe we should have had a little more sense!” For the home fans, ‘A Little Sense’ will officially launch at 8pm on Sunday, May 31st in the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street and it’s set to be a sell out gig. Before that, the lads have lined up the prestigious Whelans live music venue in Dublin on Saturday, May 30th - their biggest gig yet in the capital. The album itself comes out on May 29th.

Ireland Rugby Squad enjoying KNOCKNACARRA

CRAICin June 2015

The

16th Tuesday 6pm: The Road Safety Shuttle will be at Spanish Parade, The Claddagh for bike week. 8pm: Join one of Ireland’s leading male vocalists Keith McDonald at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street. 9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street, two guys who like to play their acoustic guitars, sing songs, tell jokes, stories, and have an odd pint of Guinness in front of an audience. 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill. 9:30pm: A weekly jazz session takes place every Tuesday at Dock No 1, Dock Road. 11pm: It’s time for the silent disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

17th Wednesday *The Galway Blue Challenge begins today, a charity cycle from Maam Cross to Croagh Patrick, a climb of Croagh Patrick followed by an overnight stay in Westport, then a cycle back to Galway. In aid of the Galway Autism Partnership. 1pm: A city cycle, organised by Galway city and county councils, departs from Eyre Square as part of bike week. 8pm: A Pulse teenage disco takes place at Leisureland, Salthill. 8pm: The Devane Brothers will bring Sean Nos dancing to St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 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.

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18th Thursday 6:30pm: Learn to waltz and jive (adults) at the G a l w a y D a n c e C e n t re followed by beginners 8 p m : To m a r k t h e 150th birthday of WB Ye a t s , S o n g s f ro m t h e Sw a n s a t C o o l e t a ke s p l a c e a t t h e To w n H a l l T h e a t re . A n e w m u s i c a l setting for a series of songs/poems by WB Ye a t s . 8pm: An evening of s t o r y t e l l i n g t a ke s p l a c e a t t h e C ra n e B a r o n S e a Ro a d w i t h C e l t i c Ta l e s b y R a b Fu l t o n f ro m Scotland. 9 p m : Pe t e r B y r n e a n d the Glass Onion Band will play live at the Quays downstairs. 9:30pm: Catch Loose To n g u e s l i v e a t t h e K i n g ’s H e a d o n H i g h S t re e t . 9:30pm: An open t ra d i t i o n a l I r i s h m u s i c j a m t a ke s p l a c e ever y Thursday at t h e We s t e r n H o t e l o n P ro s p e c t H i l l . 10pm: The Good Hustle, with an allstar lineup including singer L u c i a E v a n s , h av e a late night Thursday re s i d e n c y a t t h e b a r a t S e v e n , B r i d g e S t re e t .

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

Dear Candy: I have finally found the most perfect women for me. She is just wonderful. She is warm and a great listener and barely says a word. In fact, she says nothing at all, but I don’t mind. I like to wonder what she is thinking. I really hope this isn’t inappropriate but she has the best buns I have ever seen. I

Candy: Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit…. Are you….Are you in love with a burger??? Oh my Gawd! Your crazy! What are you gonna do when your girlfriend starts to attract flies and produce

love to give them a little squeeze every now and then. She is perfect all the way from her most beautiful crisp green hair, her tomato eyes and her cute tomato sauce cheeks and her mustard smile is just amazing. We have been together a week now and I feel people are starting to judge me. I work at a fast food

restaurant and the guys there are saying it’s just wrong what I am doing but I am in love with her. I don’t know why they can’t see her the way I can. They said she is rotten and smelly and that I should just dump her and this hurts my feelings. Is there anything I can do?

www.lovefromcara.com maggots? She’s probably only “warm” because she’s full of bacteria! That’s nasty! You need to get yourself some real buns and put that piece of rotten meat in the bin. I think you’re

just lonely…..and disturbed. You gotta get rid of that thing before it sprouts legs and starts to walk around on its own and throw E.coli at people.

please don’t eat this burger now as you could die or get very very sick! It is probably full of bacteria and must be disposed of properly. If you find this difficult to understand you

need to get help immediately and you need psychological help.

Cara: oh my! You need to realise this is a burger, something that cannot show you affection and something that is supposed to be consumed. It is food not a companion. That being said…..

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CRAICing Interview

by Avril HORAN

Meeting Alf Stewart My nerves were shattered! Technology has changed everything. As a seasoned journalist, I am well used to meeting the odd celebrity and interviewing new and different people at a moments’ notice. Yet standing in the queue at the Clayton to meet Ray Meagher, or Alf Stewart from Home and Away as we know him, a list of ingenious and fascinating questions was the furthest

thought from my mind. Holding two phones in my hand, I wondered how on earth I would take a short video, and get a decent snap for social media, in the few minutes I had with the soap star. I prayed I wouldn’t mess up, forgetting to hit ‘play’ ‘done’ or ‘save’. I was more concerned about capturing the moment that I really missed the moment itself. Ray was ever the professional, giving everyone as much time as he could, and gave us a ‘craicing’ video clip, which you can see on our facebook page, thecraicingalway. But I miss the days of the pen and paper and a one-on-one chat. Times really have moved on. At the Q and A, we discovered some behind the scenes insights and

28 CRAIC

a bit more about the man himself. Prior to the series, he was successful as a jobbing actor and shot the pilot for Home and Away believing that “nothing will ever happen with that”. Three weeks later, he was encouraged to sign a six month contract, reluctant to commit for any longer. Now, 28 years later, he “still enjoys it” and spoke with pride about the successful series. “Technically we can compete with any show,” he said, “it is lit and shot like a feature film”. Once on a par with their ‘Neighbours’ counterparts, Home and Away has swooped ahead in the ratings and “they get a quarter of the ratings we get! I don’t see it as a rivalry, rather as another successful Australian show giving actors and crew members’ new opportunities.”

CRAICing Interview Ray admitted to a surprised audience that he is not acutally a fan of fishing in real life and spoke fondly about actress Judy Nunn, who played his on screen wife Ailsa “At the beginning, we had three cameras and terrible lighting. They would turn them on and say ‘go’. On a Friday afternoon we would often have a lot of scenes to do. Sometimes you couldn’t look another actor in the eye in case you would lose your train of thought, but Judy and I would eyeball each other. “She was so committed to the role and we would go hammer and tong! We could pick up when the other had lost it and help each other along.” He wouldn’t be drawn into the actors he has liked and disliked over the years, but alongside Judy Nunn, he also gave special mention to some of the all-time favourite characters, Marilyn, Sally, Morag and Celia. He said Irish fans are “incredibly polite” while in Australia he joked how “some yobbo will say ‘hey Alf, give us a bloody photo!’”. Known for his catchphrases, one of his most famous ‘stone the flamin’ crowes’ was inspired by a real life character from his youth. The only word written for Alf was ‘flaming’ and he took it from there. “This guy used to drink rum and coke and he would put ‘stone the flamin’ crows’ into a sentence at least 19 or 20 times! The more he drank, the more he said it. He sounded like an auctioneer. I thought it was so funny I put it into the show.

Tirna Slevin from Renmore was crowned Miss Galway 2015 at a glamorous event held in Coyotes Late Bar on Shop Street. The competition was part of the Miss Ireland franchise, and Trina will be entered into the national beauty pageant to be in with the chance to represent Ireland on the Miss World stage. Trina is originally from Dublin, but has been living in Galway for the last few years and works at the g hotel.

“I am really happy and excited,” Trina told the Craic in Galway. “It is such a privilege to win and to represent the suicide charity, Console. I am really lucky to have this opportunity and I want to thank everyone who has worked with me to get me this far,” she said. Tirna is pictured with first runner up Nicole Fahey and second runner up Ailbhe Murray

CRAIC 29

CRAICin June 2015

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19th Friday *The Bia Lover Food Festival begins in Athenry today, with cookery demonstrations, food talks, a producers market in the park and partnership food and drink trails with local pubs, restaurants and farms. 5:30pm: Breakdance for children aged 7yrs up takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 7:30pm: The Clayton Hotel will host a mid-summer party night with live music from Oddity followed by a DJ. 8:30pm: For some comedy, Jason Byrne presents his show, ‘There’s A Grand Stretch In The Evenings’ at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. 8pm: Mick Conneely & Mick Jnr will be at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 8pm: Galway Film Society presents Stop Making Sense at the Town Hall Theatre, a documentary debut about

Hens, stags dancing parties Wedding preparation

info: christina@galwaydancecentre.com

tel 087 99 33 070

20th Saturday 2pm: An illustrated talk and performance on Ireland’s travelling pipers takes place at the Galway City Museum. All ages. 3pm: The Mad Hatters Tea Party in aid of Croí takes place at the G hotel this afternoon. 5pm: Dr Sketchy’s returns to Monroe’s Live, a themed cabaret life drawing experience. 6pm: A singers club takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road as part of the Galway Sessions 2015. 7pm: The Bullaun National School 8k fun run takes place today. Children’s Fun Run 1km starts at 6pm and the adult 8km starts at 7pm. Registration in the community hall from 5-6.30pm. 8pm: The Galway Sessions presents the Eddie Moloney Memorial Concert at the Town Hall Theatre, featuring many of those who recorded and gigged with Eddie in the past, including his family. The proceeds of the concert and CD launch will be directed to a cancer care charity. 8:30pm: Martin Sharry’s ‘Impossible Address’ takes at the Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oirr. Written by local man Martin Sharry, this bilingual and atmospheric theatre piece is inspired by the ambience and the soundscape of Inishere. 10pm: The Mic-A-Blaze Live Hip Hop Sessions takes place in the bar at Seven on Bridge Street.

21st Sunday *Galway’s Dip in the Nip in aid of the Hand in Hand children’s cancer charity takes place today in Salthill. 11am: Colour Dash Galway, a 5k fun run in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, takes place at NUIG. 12pm: Head to Busker Brownes on Cross Street for the best jazz brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band. An afternoon Milonga takes place at 4pm. 4pm: Tango for Adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 6pm: Wind down the weekend with the Lazy Jazz Trio at Seven on Bridge Street. 8pm: Brendan Shine will be at the Town Hall Theatre, celebrating his 50th anniversary this year with a new best of CD and a theatre tour of Ireland. 10pm: The Corrib Social Dancing Club organises weekly Sunday night dancing at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill with varied live bands.

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CRAICing Feature

Her work has been admired by former US President, George W Bush and Elton John, but for Celtic Couture’s Tracy Maloney, all of her clients are champions. Tracy specialises in stunning hand crafted Irish dance costumes, designed for maximum impact on stage. One of the top ‘go-to’ design houses for any dancer that wants to be noticed, her costumes are carefully created from her workrooms in Woodford, Co Galway. Trained by the University of East London, Tracy has a BA Hons in Fashion and has worked with many large fashion houses, specialising in costume design. Her international appeal is testament to her strong work ethic and design flair, and she has brought her talent and experience to Galway, setting up Celtic Couture three years ago. “I’ve looked after lots of celebrity clients and world champions, but to me all our dancers are champions, whatever stage they’re at,” she says. “Irish dancing itself has come under scrutiny over the last few years. It has been compared to ‘Tots and Tiaras’ (a TV show about the competitive child pageant world in the US). But Irish dance is a discipline that involves athletics and dance at Olympic levels of training. The dancers are extremely dedicated. “It also has strong elements of

showmanship, hence the need to be dressed accordingly. Costumes need to be designed totally for stage, not what’s pretty on paper or dazzling in the studio. However stunning a costume, the dancer needs to feel magical in it, and often this is down to individual fit and shape, to make the most of the dancer when they are on stage. When I’m designing for a dancer one of my key objectives is to make sure the costume is designed to emphasise the dancer’s strengths. “As for wigs, well try pinning up hair in the space of 15 minutes before a show in the back seat of a car! Wigs

are a lifeline!” Tracy is on hand to see her Galway clients every week and has a lot of supportive dance schools in and around Galway. The key to her success is her high standard of customer care and the level of detail she crafts into every garment. Celtic Couture is looking to expand over the coming year in both orders and employment in Galway. You can contact Celtic Couture at 091 882 100; Mobile 086 467 1300; email: nfo@ celticcouture.ie

CRAIC 31

CRAICing Fashion

by Sunny JUDDY

Hunting for Fashion with Sunny Judita and Galway Simon Our craicing fashion stylist and personal shopper Sunny Judita had the pleasure to visit and shop at the Galway Simon charity shop, located at the Briarhill business park. “I created a casual styling look inspired by the Galway Races in a natural colour palette with a little sparkle of navy and black colour for contrast. The styling includes an original vintage blazer by Michael Gall from Dublin, high waisted shorts, comfortable boots, navy shirt, an ipad sized handbag and a black hat.

32 CRAIC

would recommend to anyone to go shopping at the biggest charity shop in Connacht . You can dress up from top to bottom and get some great second hand furniture for very friendly prices. If you would like to some help with

shopping for any occasion, I would be a great choice for you. Don’t hesitate to contact me.” Regards : Sunny Judita. Photo by Darius Ivan.

CRAICing Fashion

By Fiona NI FHOGHLUA It’s festival season and it’s time to look through some Galway Shops to check out what they have to offer in regard to festival wear! Of course I would always recommend bringing the essential baby wipes, tents and survival items but you also need to think of the fashion you’re going to bring because festivals have become style events in recent years. So beginning everyone needs a pair of good shoes. We have muddy fields to be prancing around in so you need a pair of wellies in your life. I love these black ones from Dunnes stores and the fact that they’re matt only makes them look better. I would pair these with knee high colourful socks to make them look even better!

Next essential is a hat. It looks so

good with beachy waves and lends to the boho-chic look but it’s also practical. As we know showers at a festival are few and far between so were going to need to cover-up the less than desirable messy tent-hair. This one from Penneys is perfectly summery made from straw and to change up the look all you have to is wrap a colourful bandana around it! Easy! My next recommendation is the good ‘oul plaid shirt. These may not be too exciting for some but can be easily bought from any of the great charity shops around town. During the day you can tie this around your waist ‘90s style and then for night time it becomes another layer to keep you warm while you’re rocking out. There are so many selections of these and you can even be bold and try new patterns...you are at a festival

after all! Last essential is a bag for everything you may need walking from stage to stage. This one from River Island is perfect! It wraps around your waist so you don’t need to worry about anyone pinching your phone without seeing. The fringe on it is the star of the season this year and really just looking at it makes you want to plan that festival getaway!

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CRAICin June 2015

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22nd Monday 9:30am: Craiceann 2015, the bodhran summer school, begins today on the island of Inis Oirr – a week of workshops and concerts. 7pm: Galway Gaming Tribes - a video game/ board game event takes place every Monday in ‘Seven Bar’ on Bridge St. Hang out and play a few games – all welcome. 7:30pm: Belly dance, perfect for tummy muscles, takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 8pm: Join Kathleen Loughnane and Alec Finn at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 8:30pm: Adults Flamenco takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. For more contact christina@ galwaydancecentre.com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 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.

23rd Tuesday 6:30pm: Lose weight and enjoy dancing to the latest charts with hip hop fitness for adults. For more information contact christina@ galwaydancecentre.com. tel 087 99 33 070. 8pm: Fishamble presents Pat Kinevane’s third solo play, Underneath, directed by Jim Culleton at the Town Hall Theatre. 8pm: Join one of Ireland’s leading male vocalists Keith McDonald at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street. 8:30pm: Ronán Ó Snodaigh and friends are in concert at the Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oirr. 9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street, two guys who like to play their acoustic guitars, sing songs, tell jokes, stories, and have an odd pint of Guinness in front of an audience. 9pm: An open mic night takes place at The Western hotel on Prospect Hill.

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

9:30pm: A weekly jazz session takes place every Tuesday at Dock No 1, Dock Road.

9:30pm: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road for some toe tapping tunes.

11pm: It’s time for the silent disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

24th Wednesday 6:30pm: Burlesque fitness & Contemporary for Adults takes place at the Galway Dance Centre. 8pm: Club Tropicana returns to the Black Box Theatre with Jez Colborne and That’s Life performers, following their Trickster sell out shows last autumn. 8pm: Roots, Boots And Banjos musical event takes place at the Town Hall Theatre with The Willis Clan from Nashville and We Banjo 3 for one night only. 8pm: Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha and Séamus Ó Flatharta will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 8pm: Caitlin Nic Gabhann, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh & Colm Murphy are in concert on Inis Oirr as part of the Craiceann festival 2015. 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: Trad at the Head takes place this evening at the King’s Head on High Street with live traditional music and Irish dancers. No cover charge. 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!

Valair on Market Street celebrated their 2nd birthday in style with wine, canapĂŠs and a fashion show focused on the latest hair, beauty and summer trends with Sinead

Carroll of Yummy Mummy, Harper. ie, Mexx / French Connection Galway, Geraghtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Menswear and Regis. Photo by Darius IVAN See the craic video report from the show at facebook.com/theCraicInGalway

CRAICing Feature

New venue and new voyage for Mayo’s Gráinne Mhaol The superb Mayo traditional music and dance show ‘The Legend of Gráinne Mhaol’ lifted anchor this week and set sail at full mast for its seventh summer season in Westport. The show that has enthralled thousands of visitors to the west of Ireland is docking at a new port this summer with the cast and crew disembarking every Sunday and Wednesday night from June 17th at the new state-ofthe-art Westport Town Hall.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring TD was at the helm for the official launch this week

describing the show as a ‘must see for anyone visiting Mayo or the west of Ireland this summer’. “I am thrilled and delighted that the Gráinne Mhaol show is one of the first productions that will have access to the newly refurbished Westport Town Hall Theatre. This show is produced in Westport, it features a host of top class Mayo performers and it is based on a local legend, the Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley,” he said.

Over the past six years the Gráinne Mhaol show has received glowing reviews with Tripadvisor

stating the show is ‘one of the best in Ireland’ with the Irish Times calling the show ‘a magical production that everyone will enjoy’. The show every Sunday and Wednesday evening from June 17th is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish legend Gráinne Mhaol or Grace O’Malley throughout history. The show features some of Ireland’s best known and most gifted musicians, dancers and singers including James Kilbane, Pollyanna Guedes, Darragh Healy, Liam Scanlon, Roisin Timoney and Monica Brennan. The show is full of energy and enthusiasm and guarantees to keep audiences of all ages gripped from start to finish as it blends the old and the new; the contemporary and the ancient in a performance of strength and passion. This incredible, unique, entertainment show will see a host of new features added this summer with new music, songs and storyline all being introduced.

EVERY SUN & WED NIGHT • JUNE TO SEPT WESTPORT TOWN HALL • DOORS 8.30PM • SHOW 9.00PM

Superb Live Music, Song & Dance Show A Brilliant Show TRIPADVISOR

A Magical Production RTÉ

A Must See Show THE IRISH TIMES

Tickets €25 (Family €70) from www.westporttownhall.ie or (098) 28459 www.grainnemhaol.com

CRAICin June 2015

The

25th Thursday

26th Friday

4:45pm: Creative Ballet for children aged 4-6 years takes place at the Galway Dance Centre, followed by children’s ballet for 8yrs and up at 5:15pm. . For more contact christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070.

10:30am: BICS Networking Day and AGM will take place on June 26th & 27th in Aras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway. The event is open to all BICS Members. Attendance is free to members and €20 for nonmembers.

8pm: An evening with novelist Colm Tóibín takes place at the Town Hall Theatre, including a talk on his most recent novel Nora Webster.

8pm: Damien O Reilly and Caoilfinn Ní Fhrigil will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series.

9pm: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band will play live at the Quays downstairs.

8pm: The Galway Film Society present Bjork:Biophilia Live, showing the Icelandic artist live in concert alongside animation and science and nature footage at the Town Hall Theatre.

9:30pm: Catch Loose Tongues live at the King’s Head on High Street. 9:30pm: An open traditional Irish music jam takes place every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill. 10pm: The Good Hustle, with an all-star lineup including singer Lucia Evans, have a late night Thursday residency at the bar at Seven, Bridge Street.

27th Saturday * The 5th annual Roundstone Bay 8K takes place today in the heart of Connemara. The course itself consists of a figure of eight loop, beginning and ending in Roundstone village. 11am: A bee keeper taster class has been organised by the Tribes Beekeepers Galway takes place at their premises at the Brothers of Charity, Kilcornan Hse, Clarenbridge. 12pm: A workshop on Sea Science and Art takes place at the Galway City Museum with environmental educator Sarah Knight. Age 7-12. 1pm: The Speks present a lively mix of nursery rhymes and sing-along songs set to acoustic Irish music which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats at the Town Hall Theatre. 8pm: Musician Sean Keane is going back to his roots with ‘Granny’s Suitcase’ at the Town

May/June 2015 edition

Wedding Plans C o n n aC h t & G a lway

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Welcome to our May wedding edition,there is great excitement around this month as we put together our first edition for The Craic In Galway. We all love planning a wedding and will be working hard to keep you updated with all the latest wedding news and special offers from all over Connacht and Galway every month. We will also keep you informed on the latest fashion,hair & make-up and honeymoon destinations to make planning that special day a little easier. We look forward to hearing your own wedding stories and tips for other brides and grooms,we will also have prizes for the best stories,so please send in all your wedding stories to weddingdealoftheday@gmail.com Until next time!

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WWW.elixirofyouthgel.com or phone 087 6843070 We will help you with all the planning and arrangements to help you plan a wedding to remember forever.

Destination Weddings

Gozo & Malta Gozo is a romantic hideaway and is a truly magical destination for weddings. It has a myriad of churches for religous ceremony or excellent venues for civil ceremonies,what ever type of wedding Gozo will have the perfect setting. Ta'Cenc Wedding Venues At the Ta'Cenc we can help you plan a wedding to remember on any budget.

Hotel Ta'Cenc is a 5* Hotel and Spa The hotel will help you with every little detail for your wedding from airport pick-up to hair and make-up. The staff are amazing and are like family. We have many reviews from very happy couples. The weather is also amazing, with packages starting from €2500 for 50 guests (Gozo) and €2300 for 30 guests (Malta) For you perfect destination wedding, contact Kathleen: 087 1854071

Deal Page

Get these fantastic deals when you mention Weddingdealoftheday.com

€15 for a MAC Professional Full-Face Make-Up Application by SVR International Make-Up Artist Shannen Van Ravestijn, Galway (usually €30) Offer not available to bridal parties. Bridal packages available on request.

To Book Contact Black Shadow Entertainment

one man Band & disco for €400.

(089)4155580

Available for Weddings, Engagement Parties, 21st etc..

blackshadow@ writeme.com

50% off wedding coaching session €25. We give you all the help you need to plan the perfect day: budget plan, theme, venue choices, stress-free planning, timelines etc... To Book Contact Kathleen: (087) 1854071

Book early to guarantee we have your sizes Why rent when you can buy?

3 piece suit - €140*

*when you buy 3 or more

Golden Island Shopping Centre Athlone

Free Wedding Album worth €300 on all Full Day Weddings booked for 2015

Contact Barry on 086 1741046 or visit WWW.reflectionSphotography.ie

Slimming World Claregalway & Renmore

Horizon Beauty Centre tuam,co Galway 093 28685

Offering you the best in beauty. www.horizonbeautycentre.com

Group times; hughes supervalu Claregalway,Tuesadays at 5.30pm & 7.30pm The Connacht Hotel Renmore,Mondays at 3.30pm.5.30pm & 7.30pm Contact Mary: 087 225 5951 slimmingworldclaregalway@ gmail.com

BlacK ShadoW (089)4155580 StreetWiSe Wedding Band - Ken on 087-9573989 toW the line - Dominic, Bridal Wear WeddingS at neW 2 you - 0868415438 StereomoB - Paddy, Unit 61, Briarhill Business 087 9202993 Park, Galway, goodfellaS Wedding 087 130 0255 Band ireland - Mick, fairytale BrideS - Josie, 087 7827844 087 6340064 midland Bridal dJs and disco Kilcormac, Co.Offaly, BlacK ShadoW (057) 913 5906 (089)4155580 midland dJS GrooMs/MensWear 086 8763997 fallon for men - Tuam, (0)93 24145 6th Sence gloBal deSign recePTion & - Golden Island, Athlone, cHurcH Music 090 6477073 galWay Wedding BelleS eddie murphy - Liz, 0851754007 menSWear & BoW tie BlacK ShadoW formalWear hire (089)4155580 Main St, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, (094) 963 0651 WeddinG cakes deBorah'S caKeS MoTHer of THe Mullingar, 087 743 8275 Simply divine caKeS Bride/GrooM KlaSSy dreSS hire & SaleS niall@simplydivinecakes.ie, Phone: 091 447624, - Tulla, County Clare, Mobile: 085 7812382, 087 251 7272 Gaillimh, Ireland martinaS faShionS Ballygar, Co.Galway, (090)6624561 WeddinG cars Blue riBBon 087 8315300 WeddinG Bands pat mcKenna eden Band - Rob, 086 8440206 0866030380

THe WeddinG direcTory

Corporate Wedding Cars Galway 8 Ard Fraoigh, Clybaun Rd Galway, Ireland (091) 452 059 | 091 441738 087 6899 555 www.corporatecarsgalway.com

enTerTainMenT

trophy road ShoW Adrian, 087 9581836

eVenT dressinG

led World Wedding decorationS and lighting - 087 638 6533 SWan SparKle dance floorS - 085 702 0567 tereSaS treatS 089 4008708 WiShing Well 086 855852

Hair & BeauTy

maKe-up By colette, the laSh-and-BroW-Studio Colette, 085 7029802 elegance hair Salon Danielle Tuohy, Mountbellew, Co. Galway, 089 233 0787 eiliSh moran maKe up artiSt - 086 190 4451 moBile upStyleS galWay - 085 734 7565 International maKe up artiSt - 085 1432693

florisTs

clareS floWerS Ballinasloe, 085 818 5352 BrideS and BloomS Gort, Co.Galway, 087 966 1970 mary'S Wedding floWerS - 087 9608786

WeddinG Businesses & suPPliers

HoneyMoons

BeSt4travel - Golden Island, Athlone, 0906400360

PHoToGraPHers

Ken Byrne photography - 085 1083227 reflection photography - Barry, 086 1741046 liam Kidney photography 087 2227331 cathal devlin photography 10 Woodfield, Barna Road, Galway, 087 240 0122

WeddinG VideoGraPHer & PHoToGraPHy

lifetime pictureS 087 147 6848 maurice Sirr productionS The Hermitage, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon, (094) 965 5308

WeddinG sTaTionary heart to heart 086 259 5686 Save the date Wedding Stationery SpecialiSt 086 3524879

To feature your wedding service or business in the Monthly Wedding Plans Guide, Contact Kathleen: 087 1854071 Deal Page and Wedding Directory, Contact Michael: 087 3842988

Ken B yr ne Ph otogr aphy | www.k enbyr neph otog raphy .ie | 0851083227

CRAICin June 2015

The

28th Sunday 10am: The Galway Simon Kick Assphat 1 0 k m o r 1 0 m i l e t a ke s place today along the p ro m i n S a l t h i l l . 1 2 p m : H e a d t o B u s ke r B ro w n e s o n C ro s s S t re e t f o r t h e b e s t j a z z brunch in town with the Galway Bay Jazz Band.

29th Monday 7pm: Galway Gaming Tribes - a video game/ board game event takes place every Monday in ‘Seven Bar’ on Bridge St. Hang out and play a few games – all welcome. 8pm: Claire Egan and Eoin O’Neill will play at St Nicholas Collegiate Church as part of the Tunes at the Church series. 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.

Ballybane Industrial Estate Galway, Ireland 086 194 0846 www.marysfish.com 6 p m : Wi n d d o w n t h e w e e ke n d w i t h t h e L a z y J a z z Tr i o a t S e v e n o n B r i d g e S t re e t . 10pm: The Corrib Social Dancing Club o rg a n i s e s w e e k l y Sunday night dancing at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill with varied live bands.

30th Tuesday 6:30pm: Lose weight and enjoy dancing to the latest charts with hiphop fitness for adults. For more information contact christina@ galwaydancecentre.com. tel 087 99 33 070. 7:15pm: Learn ballet for adults at the Galway Dance Centre. For more email christina@galwaydancecentre. com/ tel 087 99 33 070. 8pm: Join one of Ireland’s leading male vocalists Keith McDonald at Rouge restaurant on Dominick Street.

9:30pm: A traditional Irish music session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road for some toe tapping tunes.

9pm: Catch Fred and James live at the Quays downstairs, on Quay Street, two guys who like to play their acoustic guitars, sing songs, tell jokes, stories, and have an odd pint of Guinness in front of an audience.

Hens, stags dancing parties Wedding preparation

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

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

9:30pm: A weekly jazz session takes place every Tuesday at Dock No 1, Dock Road.

info: christina@galwaydancecentre.com

tel 087 99 33 070

11pm: It’s time for the silent disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.