7th edition

in GALWAY

The

2013 SEPT13-SEPT26 EDITION 7

No.1 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY FORTNIGHTLY AROUND THE CITY & COUNTY

I’m FREE

AY.com W L A .G w w w t a NLINE TheCRAIC is O

lway Welcome to the 7th edition of thTheepaCceraicis stinill hGoatting

DIRECTORY FO RTNIGHTLY ARO UND

THE CITY & CO UNTY

in GALWAY

No.1 ADVERTIS ING

The

2013 SEPT13-S EPT26 EDITION 7

C I A R C e ome to Th

I’m FREE

Welc ut colder but not one, b It’s getting e. n zi a g . We have, a ty m n u n co e d d lif n n–C the city a r the horizo ve o up here in g ls in a p iv r fest stivals gallo t two, oyste two arts fe not one, bu d n a ht for us. ig a ra n eading st h and Portum – ty ci e free music dge and th rthur, as a A - Clarenbri to ss la g and can raising a tin Quarter, La We will be e th r ve o g Galway za takes e rib ticklin th extravagan to ts e ck g our ti start bookin ival. st ts in Comedy Fe d ligamen TheCRAIC is ONLINE at www.GALWAY.com I have pulle t, e and m lly st te la e e w th h ce it in S bics w rk. doing aero ute to wo my back own en ro d n s. ke o ro tw b s in pening my car ha m, is hap e n se ca it th , 3 g 1 the Everythin sure Friday m lutions a I so t, e a th th f ve ot, we ha After all o n r a thing Fe . ck with every good lu m packed only bring ja re elers a e e h w w rs to ents, as anics, heale to any ailm ch e m to g hy livin from healt s, . rs news, view and deale what’s on, to m e o id fr u g g n ri hea ur daily forward to We have o s. We look to ay.com and o h lw p a d .g n w a e at ww features lin n o s u 00 likes h n catc ith over 6,0 W y. a lw you - you ca a u. It icing ! Thank yo k at thecra to be liked on faceboo e lik o d e really to date, w craic craicers. ery happy v a bit of s ll a ’s makes u it re

Su

..

Happy Reading. ve!

Lo Darius Avril &

Cover | Darius IVAN Croughwel Model: Lucia | Location:

cts i d d a C I A R C e Th Editor | Avril HORAN Photo & Design | Darius IVAN Photo & Design | Miguel MAZA O MACHAIN n | Gearóid Distributio

e in one of the If you want to secure your plac colourful and tive 5,000 copies of this crea ss the city and acro ed ibut distr e, azin Mag c Crai se contact: county every second Friday, plea m .co ay lw E-mail | craic@ga Mobile | (087) 635 29 33

Friday 13th Sept 2013 • A charity white collar boxing match kicks off the weekend festivities at the Clarenbridge Oyster Festival at 7:30pm. Held in the festival marquee, the MC for the evening is Galway Bay FM’s Ollie Turner.

• Single and Fabulous? A Single’s Night takes place at the House Hotel at 8:30pm with cocktails, a DJ, live entertainment and lots more! Tickets are €15 for the chance to meet the love of your life, or at least have a bit of craic trying.

• In the county, Wards of Ballyfa, New Inn, are hosting a benefit dance in aid of the Galway Hospice.

Music on the night will be by Da Derga and there will also be finger food and fantastic spot prizes from 9pm. Tickets cost €10.

• I’m Just a Teenage Dirtbag Baby. Well I’m not, but the band that made those lines famous – Wheatus – are taking to the stage at Monroe’s Live at 10:30pm.

• She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah – in keeping with our romantic theme, The Mersey Beatles will bring you through the best of the Beatles hits at the Roisin Dubh, Dominick Street at 8pm, Mark Geary will play live at 9:30pm with The Hive taking to the stage at 11:30pm.

Cappagh or Knocknacarra?

–That is the Question!

Is It

By Avril HORAN The new community centre has opened to much fanfare after an 18 year wait. However, confusion now reigns over the naming of the facility. For years, the people of Knocknacarra campaigned tirelessly for the centre and, now that it has finally opened its doors to much celebration, it has been called the Cappagh Community Centre.

This is simply not acceptable, according to local City Councillor Donal Lyons, who has been “taken aback” by the situation.

“For years, it has been designated as a community centre for the people of Knocknacarra,” he says.

“Suddenly, the name went up as the Cappagh Community Centre. We have campaigned for years and, after a long struggle and many false dawns as to where it would be located, it has been constructed in Cappagh Park. But to everyone concerned, it is the Knocknacarra Community Centre.

Cllr Lyons wants this baffling turn of events to be clarified immediately.

“Who gave it the go-ahead to be called the Cappagh Community Centre? In my mind, it’s the wrong name. Even the city council’s promotional material and reports referred to the Knocknacarra Community Centre.

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

Included:

• 3 Course Meal & Show • Glass of Wine • Coffee & Tea

€39

September 28th @ The Harbour Hotel

For Tickets Online: www.murderonthemenu.ie For Details Call 085 7821753

I have put down a motion for the next city council meeting to ensure it will be officially named as the Knocknacarra Community Centre and the signage will be put up to reflect this name both in Irish and English”.

Saturday 14th Sept 2013 • The man with the fastest legs on the planet, David Rudisha, will take part in the Galway Kenya Run in Dangan at 4pm. The Olympic champion and world record holder will participate in the celebrity 800m followed by an elite mile at 4:20pm.

• The Mountbellew Agricultural Show takes place today, after the local community rallied to raise vital funds for this year’s event.

• The Body and Soul Holistic Fair takes place at the Ardilaun Hotel today and tomorrow (15th).

With free classes, workshops, lectures and over 50 exhibitors and practitioners, it promises to be an enlightening day out.

• If you fancy a bit of Sunday browsing, a free arts and crafts fair takes place at the Roisin Dubh, Dominick Street, from 1pm.

• Tonight’s the night for the 2013 Oyster Gala Celebrations in Clarinbridge. Starting at 4;30pm, the event will go ‘til the wee hours at the festival marquee.

Music by the Hothouse Flowers, The Gold Diggers, Lewd Tunes and Rakish Padi.

• 6.30-8.00pm: A special Q&A will take place in the Bailey Allen Hall, NUIG, with David Rudisha and his coach, Brother Colm O’Connell. MC - Paul Donovan.

• Get Rhythm: A Tribute To Johnny Cash plays at The Town Hall Theatre at 8pm. €19/17 • Enjoy three free gigs in one day by The Cabin Collective, starting at the Crane Bar at 6pm, moving on to the Roisin Dubh at 9pm and finishing up in Monroe’s Live at 11.30pm.

TheCRAIC in Galway

CRAICING NEWS!!!

By Avril HORAN

The Award goes to...

Hurray! Our very own Charlie Byrne’s has scooped the title of Best Bookshop in Ireland by the Irish Times. The shop has retained its olde world charm, while delivering a state of the art service, and it is for this reason that it retains a warm place in the heart of Galway.

You “Youcan can browse browse for for hours hours without without obligation”, obligation”, says says Eamon Eamon Haverty, Haverty, one one of of the the many manyreaders readerswho who nominated nominated Charlie CharlieByrne’s Byrne’sfor forthe theaward. award.

Celebrating 25 years next year, Manager Vinny Browne told The Craic the award “is a testimony to our customers and a nice acknowledgement of our work and the work of all of our staff.” He believes their key to success is that they provide “a unique mix” of new and quality second hand books. “Our ethos is to focus on the future,” he says “our customers may come in for one book and come away with a different book entirely.

We are very grateful to them and are absolutely delighted with the award”.

Hot off the Presses

Live MIKE

Former Galway West TD, Pádraic McCormack, will soon launch his memoir – The Rocky Road to the Dail – Politics from the Inside. It is anticipated that he will launch it this month and Minister Dinny McGinley is lined up to do the honours.

Pádraic will have plenty of insights, as he served as a Fine Gael TD for Galway West from 1989 to 2011, and as a Senator from 1987 to 1989.

Legendary broadcaster, Mike Murphy, will interview renowned musician, arranger Riverdance composer and neighbour, Bill Whelan, as part of the 2013 Clifden Arts Festival.

The hotly awaited public interview will take place on 21 September at 2:30pm at the Station House. It will be recorded for Connemara Community Radio and broadcast at 6pm.

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC in Galway

MON: KIZOMBA CLASS

THUR: CHILL OUT NIGHT

TUE: SALSA CLASS WED: JAZZIE EVENING

FRI & SAT: STAFF DJ Dominick Street, Galway www.rougegalway.com

SUN: OPEN TALK ON WINE ROCK BAR

S G N O L Y SALL

€1.00 off any drink with this voucher Monday to Thursday Not valid on special occasions or with any other promotional offer

Sunday 15th Sept 2013 • The Clarinbridge Oyster Festival is taking a bow with a Family Fun Day from 1-6pm.

There will be great food, music

by Oddity and The Gamblers, games and activities with the annual tug of war, a duck race, pearl hunt, penalty shoot out and colouring competition.

• Walkies! The Cope Dogathon takes place at 1pm from Claddagh Hall with registrations from 11am. All proceeds raised go towards Cope Galway’s services for homeless men and women, women and children who experience domestic violence and older people living in isolation.

Registration is free. Raise a minimum of €50 for the charity to receive a doggy bag and t-shirt.

• The Tullykyne Vintage Show and Run takes place today with all proceeds going to the Galway Parkinsons Association.

• The Clifden Lifeboat 10km takes place today in memory of 18-year-old Mikey Mullen, who died when the MVF St Oliver sank off the coast of Carna, in 2004.

Run, jog or walk and all money raised will go to the Clifden RNLI. Registration will take place from 12.30 in O’Malley’s Bar in Clifden and the race begins at 3pm.

• The Galway Film Society presents Populaire at the Town Hall Theatre at 8:15pm. Think vintage Hollywood, romance and a speed typing contest.

Funny and thoughtful.

• The Sumbrellas are set to entertain at Monroe’s Live, Dominick Street at midnight.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Electric Picnic

Scam Turns Sweet for Tara Stacey

By Avril HORAN

Scammed out of a ticket for Electric Picnic, Tara Stacey (22) from Headford penned a song of revenge to raise awareness about the lousy lout who stole her money and she became an urban legend. As the hits rolled on youtube, she made it to the beloved concert – despite her ordeal. Except this time, she was performing. Not only that, but she returned to discover the now infamous Johnathan McLoughlin from Kerry - who told her the phantom ticket was in the post - had been arrested.

We had to find out more.

So that’s why you wrote the song: I spent a day or two

just moping around the house, feeling utterly helpless - so writing the song was the most

TheCRAIC in Galway

proactive thing I could do. That same day, the wonderful Jay Burke from Hob Junker Studios recorded and filmed the song for me, and it was online the following day.

What happened then?

From there, it’s just been a mind-blowing blur. A surprising amount of people said that they were sure the same guy had pulled the same trick on them. I urged anyone with a similar story to go and make a statement to the gardaí. A few days before the festival, Mark Graham, who runs a blog about Irish festivals (A Year of Festivals in Ireland), said I should pack my bags as he had a ticket for me. I was ecstatic. »

TheCRAIC in Galway

Monday 16th Sept 2013 • It’s back to school for the Galway Community Circus as their clowning and acrobatic term begins today. This charitable organisation runs circus skills classes for young people along with outreach programmes for the wider community.

• Learn more about stargazing with a free workshop by Ronan Newman taking place at the Physics Department, NUIG, at 7:30pm. The Galway Astronomy Club invite amateur and professional astronomers to attend ‘observing the ISS and other man made satellites’, in room 220.

• Eden starts its run at the Town Hall Theatre at 8pm until September 21st. From the writer of hit RTE drama ‘Pure Mule’, it won Best New Play at the Irish Times Theatre Awards.

• This evening is the launch of Music for Galway’s 33rd International Concert Season. The launch takes place at The Shed, Galway Docks at 6pm with Sarah Searson, Head of the Centre for Creative Arts and Media, GMIT with music by violinist, Elizabeth Cooney.

• The fantastic Black Magic Big Band will belt out the best of swing and jazz at Busker Brownes, Cross Street from10pm.

bar restaurant music venue

How did you end up on stage? The next day, the KC show on Today FM got in touch to give me a gig at Electric Picnic with the Caca Milis Cabaret. I went to the festival, where I learnt that I was a bit of an urban legend (that was odd) and had a fantastic weekend. When I came home, I found out that Johnathan McLoughlin had been arrested! How amazing is that?

Do your friends ever worry about upsetting you in case it ends up on youtube? Hahaa, yeah I’ve been hearing a lot of that lately. I guess it’s a good deterrent!

Have you recorded an album? You could call it ‘Revenge’: I have recorded an album. It

doesn’t really have a revenge theme though. I might save that title for the next one. My CD, “Old Flames”, is available in the Renzo Cafe, and at all my gigs. Soon to be online too.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items (or people) would you bring with you? Argh I hate questions like this!

SALTHILL’S HOME OF GREAT FOOD & FUN sport live daily on big screens pool table, fussball,table tennis

dj or live music every Fri & Sat

163 Upper Salthill tel: 091 582233 www.krcma.biz

I haven’t a clue. Three things...I’d bring my best friend Steven Sharpe, a guitar for the two of us, and a duvet. I love duvets.

What’s your ambition? To be happy! Well, to continue to be happy. I want to continue writing and gigging original music, with a humble following, and live comfortably.

Will you write a song about The Craic in Galway magazine? Would you really want a

song written about you? Have you HEARD what I say about Johnathan McLoughlin?!

10

AN C A IFE A G U S BIA L A NN C E ADÚNAI T HE

2 Roast Dinners for €15

So much more than great food in Salthill since 1965

2 Roast Dinners for €15 Please produce on arrival. Not valid on sundays

Tuesday 17th Sept 2013 • The Yeti Suite will bring their unique sound and original stylings to The Townhouse Bar and Music Venue, Quay Lane, at 9pm.

• The ever popular Silent Disco takes place at the Roisin Dubh, Dominick Street from 11pm.

Headphones at the ready and have a dance-off with your friends!

• Dance the night away at Le Petit Rouge, Dominick Street, where you can learn to shake your booty at a salsa class. Learn new moves and meet new people while having fun at the same time. The latin rhythms continue late into the night.

• Get away from the mainstream with a trip to Sally Longs Rock bar on Abbeygate Street. Celebrating 25 years this year it is the most established rock bar on the Galway pub map.

Driving us crazy!

By Avril HORAN

A campaign for free parking in Galway City is gathering pace. Labour Cllr, Neil McNeilis, is proposing free parking between 10am and 12pm to drive shoppers into the city and is looking for the backing of the City Council and private clamping operators. A furore over the cost of parking has erupted, after Jimmy Griffin from Griffin’s Bakery on Shop Street, highlighted the issue through social media. Fed up of customer complaints about the high cost, he took matters to the world wide web and his facebook page, Galway City Car Parking Information, has become a platform for angry motorists, many of whom are

tourists who have fallen fowl of the clampers. Cllr Neil McNeilis says the call for fair parking is being heard: “It is a major problem,” said Cllr McNeilis, “and I am calling for free parking in the city between 10am and 12pm.

This will allow people to drive into town in the morning and get their shopping done without worrying about the high cost of parking. We need to get the private operators on board in order to get this done. This measure will support local businesses and have a knock-on effect for the economy,” he says.

SURPRISEYOURFRIENDS

GET AKEGOFBEERFORYOURPRIVATE PARTY

CAFE

GET YOUR KEG ONLINE AT SLAVIC TRADE ltd., www.slavictrade.com Unit 4, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Old Monivea Rd. Galway

MPS GARAGE UNIT 3, LIOSBAN IND. EST., KILKERRIN PARK

FULL CAR SERVICING FROM €79

WITH 35 POINT CHECK

LOW COST TYRES SUSPENSIONS WHEEL BALANCING

LIGHTS BRAKES PRE NCT

CALL US ON 085 771 2511

GET €20 OFF WITH THIS COUPON

GALWAY

29 Forster Street, Galway, IE, (091) 530 729, Today 09:00 - 18:30

BEERS, WINES & SPIRITS DISTRIBUTOR

Wednesday 18th Sept 2013 • It’s the Clash of the Ash as the Aer Lingus International Hurling Festival begins today. After getting the thumbs up from Tom Hanks, hurling has gained international recognition and now 16 teams from around the world will compete - with qualifying games taking place in Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Gort. The final will take place at Pearse Stadium on Saturday September 21st. And we love their slogan – Camán for The Craic! It’s all part of The Gathering and all ticket proceeds go to Galway Hospice. A welcoming ceremony takes place this evening at 9pm at the Galway Bay Hotel.

• Shake, rattle and roll to the best rockabilly band Galway has to offer as The Screamin Bluecats play live at Garveys, Eyre Square, from 10pm.

• The Converse All Stars bring you the best of dirty blues, old school funk and soul at the Roisin Dubh, Dominick Street at 23:45pm.

CastleforSale?

By Avril HORAN

Speculation is rife that Denis O’Brien is looking to buy the stunning Ballynahinch Castle Hotel in Recess, Connemara. As a regular visitor to the hotel, he is in final talks to purchase the property. Florida based couple, Minerva and Raymond Mason, have owned the luxurious hotel for over 30 years, having purchased it from their Jacksonville friend and entrepreneur, Edward Ball.

The couple spent three months here every year, but recently told the 56-strong staff that they were moving on from the venture.

If the sale goes ahead, O’Brien will be following in the footsteps of swashbuckling pirates, humanitarians and maharajahs. The legendary Grace O’Malley, or Grainne Mhaol, married into the Ballynahinch estate through her union with Donal O’Flaherty. The O’Flaherty’s reigned over Connemara and Donal took the young 16-yearold as his bride in 1546. The spirited Grainne has since been named the Pirate Queen and was renowned for her courage and bravery, not only on the seas, but also in battle.

The castle itself was built in the 18th century for the Martin family, where Richard Martin earned the name ‘Humanitarian Dick’ for founding the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

It was valued at the time at £35 and sold to the Berridge family in 1872. Over 50 years later, His Highness the Maharaja Jam Sahib of Nawanagar, India – or Ranji, the Prince of Cricketers – bought the property. A test cricketer for England, he came to Connemara every summer to fish, bringing with him five new cars, which he would give away locally when returning to India.

Ballynahinch Castle was transformed into a hotel in 1946. The Mason’s have spent millions on the property since they took ownership as the majority shareholders in a syndicate. They have their own private residence on the estate. It is not yet known if Mr O’Brien will purchase the Mason’s share or buy out all of the stakeholders.

14

TheCRAIC at Sally Longs

Thursday 19th Sept 2013 • Féile Na gCloch or Stonefest starts today on the island of Inis Oírr and runs until Sunday September 22nd. The event includes workshops on stone walls, stone carving and lettering.

• Vavavoom –the first couture and ready to wear fashion roadshow in Ireland is taking place today at the Hotel Meyrick.

See our style guru Rebecca’s article on the show for more information.

• It’s Arts Festival Time in the County as both the Clifden and Portumna Arts Festival’s kick off today. With a feast of music, poetry, theatre, workshops and exhibitions, you will be caught in a web of culture. Highlights include Kevin McAleer, Sharon Shannon and Mary Coughlan in Clifden while Macnas returns in Portumna.

• At 1pm: The ConTempo Quartet play at Clifden Library.

• 8pm: The official opening of the festival by Druid’s Garry Hynes takes place at the West Connemara Leisure Centre along with music and performances.

• 7pm: The official launch of the Shorelines Arts Festival, Portumna takes place at The Gallery, The Workhouse, with broadcaster Ciana Campbell and music by Galway’s very own My Fellow Sponges.

• 10pm: The much-loved Mary Coughlan takes to the stage at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 11pm: Martin Fahy and his new band Crossfire will belt out the tunes at Mullarkeys Bar, Foyle’s Road, Clifden.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Finding Sanctuary in aTEAPOT

By Sonje BRODIE

Behind closed doors on Munster Avenue, actors are hard at work, rehearsing their acclaimed production of Sanctuary by Christian O’Reilly.

Sanctuary is a production with challenges beyond conventional theatre practice.

It is produced by Blue Teapot Theatre Company,

TheCRAIC in Galway

a professional ensemble of actors with intellectual disabilities, who are preparing for their Dublin premiere at Axis: Ballymun Arts Centre on September 14th and 15th. The show comes fresh off the back of a sold out run in Galway Arts Festival, another first for the company, as part of this year’s theatre programme. »

TheCRAIC in Galway

Your Partner in Excellence

National Head Office The Delta Security Group Unit 1, Oranmore BP Oranmore, Co. Galway Call Fax 24hr Email

: 1850 840 999 : 1850 840 998 : 1850 840 997 : info@deltasecurity.ie

Contact Us

Regional Support Offices Athlone : Carlow Cork : Dublin : Limerick : Meath : Sligo : Waterford

0906 40601 059 9108051 021 2343793 01 4880033 061 639253 046 9017076 071 9314150 051 810556

PRODUCTS RvA C 571

Friday 20th Sept 2013 • 11am: Find out more about Love and Healing as Psychotherapist Benig Mauger discusses the Secret Path of the Heart at Foyle’s Hotel, Main Street, Clifden.

• 2pm: Reading from Galway’s Skylight Poets takes place at the Clifden Library, Market Street.

Facilitated by Kevin Higgins.

• 2pm: All Aboard - It’s Culture Night and a record 26 towns and villages in County Galway are taking part this year. In the city, a free culture bus will take you on a Culture Night trail celebrating culture, creativity and the arts.

Begins from about 2.00pm and will continue to late into the night!

• 5:30pm: An evening with Dermot Bolger and Bernard Farrell at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 8pm: Dance Project at the Clifden Town Hall - Project (Loco) Motion and Finders Keepers Double Bill. Based around a dismantled railway track between Clifden and Galway.

• 8pm: Concert with Mairtin O’Connor, Zoe Conway and Donal Lunny at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• The Tuam Trad Fest will have your toes tapping to the very best of traditional music – with world. Taking place from today until September 22nd.

• 10pm: If you haven’t witnessed the musical antics of Aindrias de Staic then catch him live at Mullarkeys Bar, Clifden as he plays with The “Gyp-Hop” kings and The Latchiko’s.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Finding Sanctuary in aTEAPOT Commissioned by Company Director Petal Pilley, Sanctuary tackles the subjects of sexuality and disability and examines relationships between adults with ID. “I have often been struck by the thought/fact that most adults with ID have extremely limited access to time alone or privacy in an intimate relationship. The nature of being dependent means that many live at home with family or in a group home where they receive care and support.

However, these living arrangements mean that it is almost impossible to have romantic or sexual fulfillment.

Couple that with a law which makes it illegal to have sex unless you are married if you are intellectually disabled. The odds are stacked against you. “ “This subject is not easy. Many parties are aware and supportive but don’t know how to navigate this territory. My hope in commissioning this play was to present a living tragedy that demands discussion, awareness and a more enlightened response from our society to adults with ID. My brief to Christian wasn’t simply to go away and write a play. It was important that he get to know the actors as people and get involved in the workshop process”, said Petal.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Of this Christian recalls “Writing ‘Sanctuary’ felt like a collaborative process.

Petal invited me to meet the company of actors, all of whom have an intellectual disability, and we had a series of conversations over a number of weeks, in which they talked openly, touchingly and often hilariously about sex, relationships and the challenge of meeting someone you might fall in love with in a world that makes this extremely difficult.

“I would go off, generate fresh ideas, questions and characters and come back in and run all my ideas by the group and Petal. Their feedback helped me discover and shape the play into something that felt authentic to their experiences. The play comes from them, is a reflection of them and is performed by them. The play only exists because of them and, if it’s any good, this is also due to this remarkable group of people.”

Sanctuary (not suitable for children) is part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. Three Performances at Axis: Ballymun from Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September. For bookings see www.fringefest.com/ festival. Blue Teapot Theatre Company 091 520 977

TheCRAIC in Galway

VOX POP What’s the CRAIC?

Shekinah Baba-Lola

Conor Murray

Johanes Bohn

Pat Nee

Andy Lohner

Jerry Daly

Graham Fontaine

Erwan Lemene

Laura Gannarama

Stephen Turner and Barbara Curley

I’ve just got to do my hair!

The craic is ninety! Stella is Drinking Guinness and the craic. good food.

Journeying around Ireland, The craic is mighty. I’m easy Guinness and traditional going. I enjoy walking and Irish music. swimming at Blackrock.

The craic is all around the town. The pubs, cafes, anywhere you go.

The craic is good, very good The Craic is very good yeh, yeh, there’s a good especially tonight with atmosphere.

Guinness.

The craic is that I’ve just We are just on the way from Poland from a wedding. That was passed my driving test! One some craic. There was lots of food, too much food. And lots of for the road and one for the drink, way too much drink. road worthy.

Marciana Negra

The craic is going home to Rathoon. And there is great craic to be had in Arus na nGael.

Saturday 21st Sept 2013 • 9am: A writer’s workshop with dramatist Bernard Farrell takes place at Foyle’s Hotel, Clifden.

• 10am: The Marconi Half Marathon takes off from the stunning shores of Gurteen Beach in Roundstone and finishes in Clifden. There is a complimentary bus from Clifden to Roundstone.

• 11am: Enjoy a guided field trip and learn about the O’Flaherty Lordship of Connemara with local archaeologist and author, Michael Gibbons, leaving from the Market Square, Clifden.

• 11am: For something that bit different, check out the first Galway Tattoo Show, the largest event of its kind, taking place at the Radisson Hotel in the city this Saturday and Sunday.

• 1pm: For a lunchtime musical treat, a piano and clarinet recital takes place at the Church of Ireland, Clifden with Joze Kotar and Luca Ferrini.

• 2:30pm: Mike Murphy will be dusting off his microphone for a live interview with Riverdance conductor Bill Whelan at the Station House Theatre.

• 2:30pm: Our beloved street theatre group, Macnas, will take to the streets of Portumna for the Shorelines Arts Festival with Cockroach and the Inventor at 2:30pm and 4:30pm.

• 3pm: Afternoon trad takes place at Tom King’s, Market Square, Clifden with Marie Walsh and West Coast Grupa Ceol while at 4:30pm, Sean Halpenny and the Hernon family will play at EJ Kings.

• 5pm: Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy and musician John Sampson are set to entertain at the Station House Theatre. Carol Ann Duffy is the first woman, the first Scot and the first openly LGBT person to hold the position of Britain’s Poet Laureate.

• 8:15pm: The Guinness Choir will perform the much-loved Handel’s Messiah at St Joseph’s Church, Clifden • 10:30pm: Sharon Shannon will be returning to the Clifden Arts Festival with special guests Alan Connor and Monica Brennan. Her last appearance at the festival was in 1993 and she will bring her unique style and sound to the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

TheCRAIC in Galway

CRAICING NEWS!!!

By Avril HORAN

Reclaiming Woodquay After the success of the Woodquay Country Market during the Galway Food Festival, where the car park was reclaimed for stalls and pedestrians, Galway City Council will be exploring new ways to look at the area with the help of the School of Architecture, University of Limerick and the Woodquay Business and Residents Association.

A workshop entitled ‘Design with Communities’ is taking place from September 17-20 and will look at two key questions: Have we lost the use of our streets as a community resource? and Can we imagine them differently? This will give “residents and businesses a chance to articulate their plans for this area of the city in a ‘what if’ wish list” according to Cllr Neil McNeilis, “and it’s a brilliant idea”. The workshop is being organised by the Galway Healthy Cities project and will take place in Woodbrook House, Woodquay.

Even the Donkey’s Look Depressed The tale of a Rosmuc man emigrating from his home in Connemara has received over 12,000 views on youtube. Sean Mannion took part in the short documentary by the European Journal, as he leaves the country for the chance of better job opportunities in Boston. As a qualified plumber and welder, he hopes to earn over $2k per week in America, and is filmed as he says his goodbyes to friends and family. While getting a haircut, Sean clearly has his priorities in the right order as he jokes he is “trying to look nice for all the Yankee girls when I get there!” Fortunately, he has a good sense of humour. One comment on the video site states that “even the donkeys look depressed”.

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC at KRCMA

Sunday 22nd Sept 2013 • 11:30am: Have a coffee and support a charity at the same time. A coffee morning, complete with live American folk music by Betty and the Baby Boomers, in aid of the Mental Health Association will take place at the Elm Tree Centre, Galway Road Clifden.

• 1:15pm: A lunchtime recital with Tanya Sewell, Christopher Bowen and John Milne takes place at the Church of Ireland, Clifden in aid of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Christ Church.

• 3pm: Enjoy an afternoon of poetry and puppetry with Andy Jackson, Rachel Winona Guy, John Foulcher and Dr. Robyn Rowland at the Station House Theatre.

• 5pm: Michael Longley and Bernard O’Donoghue, two of Ireland’s most distinguished poets, will read at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 8pm: Declan Sinnott will take to the stage at the Station House Theatre with Vicky Keating. With a career spanning over 40 years, Declan Sinnott has played guitar and produced music for Irish folk luminaries such as Christy Moore, Mary Black, Sinead Lohan and John Spillane to name but a few.

• 8:15pm: The Galway Film Society presents ‘Come As You Are’ at the Town Hall Theatre.

Three disabled men plan a road trip –from wine tasting to a Spanish brothel. A funny and moving film.

• 10pm: Vaughan’s Bar, Clifden, presents Rock and Blues with Paul Mulligan and Kenneth Coyne.

• 10:30pm: If you missed him, catch Aindrias de Staic in the world premiere of his new show ‘The Man from Moogaga’ at the Alcock and Brown hotel.

Seamus Heaney pictured with Dolores Lyne and Sabrina Brady – Clifden Arts Festival. With thanks to Arts Officer, James Harrold, for the image.

For Every Year...Heaneyremembered

By Avril HORAN

A bronze plaque in Salthill with Seamus Heaney’s words ‘Girls Bathing, Galway 1965’ is testament to Galway’s close connection with the Nobel prize winning poet, playwright, teacher and translator. And the city mourned his passing after a short illness at the age of 74.

After many years attending the Cuirt Festival of Literature, his appearance in April was to be his last. Organisers of the Galway festival said that “Irish literature suffered a massive blow” with the passing of an “amazing man and legendary poet”.

Vinny Browne from Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop recalls: “It was always a great event when Seamus Heaney came to the Cuirt Festival.

“After a reading, he would always stay behind to sign copies and chat to people for over two hours.

That was the kind of man he was, he was very generous and kind”.

Our own President Michael D Higgins, said “the presence of Seamus was a warm one, full of humour, care and courtesy, those of us who have had the privilege of his friendship and presence will miss the extraordinary depth and warmth of his personality.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid tribute to the “keeper of language, our codes, our essence as a people”, stating that “only the poet himself could describe the depth of his loss to the nation”.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 22

Monday 23rd Sept 2013 • 1pm: Take a journey through Yeat’s life with dialogue, poetry and song with soprano Alannah Robins and writer, Niall Balfe in ‘A View from the Tower’, at the Church of Ireland, Clifden.

• 3pm: The Stream Café, Clifden, presents Betty and the Baby Boomers – taking you back to the days of American folk as they return to the Arts Festival for their 10th visit.

• 4:30pm: Poet’s John O’Donnell and Maurice Harmon will share their work at the Clifden Library.

• 5pm: Dance Project: Hylak/ Schirmir will perform their Project Loco Motion and Finders Keepers Double Bill at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 7-9pm: With a feast of music on offer, you can listen to Michael and Peter Carey at EJ Kings; John Durning and Lol Hardiman at Guy’s Bar. • 8pm: Enjoy a concert with the Callino Quartet and UK viola player Tom Dunn at the Church of Ireland, Clifden.

• 8:30pm: Griffin’s bar hosts music by the Hernons and Conall Flaherty.

• 10pm: A toe tapping, heart pulsating trad session takes place at The Central Bar, Clifden, with John Gerard Walsh, Tom Wallace, Kevin Barry, Jarlath Hession and Michael Roche or you can check out the Slyne Heads at EJ Kings. A concert with the great John Beag O’Flaharta takes place at the Alcock and Brown Hotel while Kate O’Callaghan and Seamus Devenny play at Mullarkey’s Bar, Clifden.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Galway

Ink

Back in the day, your mammy would tell you not to get one.

Now, your mammy more than likely has one, as tattoos have hit the mainstream. There has been a dramatic change in popular culture towards tattoos.

As a once fresh faced, floppy haired, David Beckham transformed his body into a living canvas, many followed suit and interest in ink around the world has reached an alltime high. Television shows dedicated to the art form, such as Miami Ink and New York Ink, have cropped up across the airwaves and even our own Fade Street followed the lives of tattoo artists in Dublin.

Such is the demand and curiosity surrounding tattoos, that Galway is hosting its first ever tattoo show, on September 21 and 22 at the Radisson Blu. Excitement is building, as 90 world-class tattoo artists will be on hand to demonstrate their work, making it the biggest event of its kind in Ireland.

TheCRAIC in Galway

Not only is it a celebration of tattoo art, but there will also be live music, entertainment, an art gallery, workshops, tattoo cinema, photo booth and market stalls. Temporary tattoos will also be available, for those who want to get into the spirit of the event without any lifelong commitment, along with a dedicated children’s area for face painting and giant games.

Organiser Martin McIver, chose Galway as it is “Ireland’s home of the arts” and says it “will be a brilliant and fun weekend for all the family to enjoy.

“Tattoo shows are some of the most creative, friendliest and entertaining days out you can have, so it doesn’t matter whether you are old, young, tattooed or non-tattooed, we guarantee a brilliant weekend and an experience you will never forget.”

Tickets: €15 per day / €25 for a weekend pass

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC at Monroe’s Live

Tuesday 24th Sept 2013 • 1pm: For some lunchtime theatre, check out Ferry at the Station House Theatre Clifden. A new play for two voices, the play is written by poet Eamon Grennan with Tegolin Knowland and Sean Coyne.

CRAICING NEWS!!!

• 1pm: Afternoon music with Kate O’Callaghan and Seamus Devenny takes place at the Alcock and Brown Hotel.

• 3pm: The Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Sky Road, Clifden presents Jazz with Colm ‘Stride’ O’Brien. One of Ireland’s leading ragtime/jazz piano players, Colm will take you through the works of legends such as Scott Joplin, George Gershwin, and Fats Waller.

• 4:30pm: Poet Ailbhe Ni Ghearbhuigh will perform a selection of readings at the Clifden Library.

• 5-7pm: A choice of music for you with Yvonne Bolton and Alan Jordan playing at EJ Kings, while Kathleen Loughnane will pull at the harp strings at Mannions Bar, Clifden.

• 7-9pm: Music with Michael and Peter Carey at EJ Kings, with sessions by John Durning and Lol Hardiman at Guy’s Bar. • 7pm: Betting with a difference! Pete Mullineux and Des Kavanagh return to present their show Reading and Singing in the Bookies at Paddy Power’s, Main Street, Clifden.

• 7:15pm: Catch The Michael English Show at the Town Hall Theatre in the city with special guests.

Bulmers Galway Comedy Festival 2013 Our funny bones are already rattling as the line-up for the Bulmers Galway Comedy Festival, taking place in October, has been announced. For 7 fun-filled nights, Galway will be home to the likes of : Sean Lock, Lee Mack, Kevin Bridges, Russell Howard, David O’Doherty, Stewart Lee, Jason Byrne, Phill Jupitus and Andrew Maxwell. The lineup also includes Terry Alderton, Neil Delamere, Eddie Pepitone, Stephen Frost Improv, Glenn Wool, Barry Murphy, Eddie Brill, Tony Law, Colin Murphy, Abandoman, Lady Carol, Maeve Higgins, Phil Nichol, Pappys, Karl Spain, Jarlath Regan, Chris Kent, Paul Currie, Eric Lalor and Eleanor Tiernan.

To add to the mayhem, Primal Scream will play Leisureland on Saturday, October 26th.

For further information visit www.galwaycomedyfestival.com

• 7:30pm: Fishamble: the new play company, presents Silent at the Clifden Town Hall.

To Arthur...

• 8pm: Take in some toe tapping traditional music in Lowry’s Bar, Clifden, in aid of Cancer Care West.

Galway’s Latin Quarter will come alive with a free four-day music festival from September 26th-29th. Snow Patrol, Kila and Oscar Harrison from Ocean Colour Scene are among over 40 local and national acts that will perform live, for free, at intimate pubs and venues across the Latin Quarter. The Guinness Live festival line up also includes The Complete Stone Roses, BiPolar Empire, Simon Fowler, Hermitage Green, Wallis Bird, This Club, Baile an Salsa, DJ Terri Hooley – and more! You must be over-18 to attend and admission is on a first-come first-served basis.

• 9pm: Cherish the Ladies celebrate 28 years of music with a concert at the West Connemara Leisure Centre, Clifden With Joanie Madden, Mary Coogan, Mirella Murray, Grainne Murphy and Kathleen Boyle.

• 10:30pm: Get set for a night of Motown and Blues as Greg Yule and his 8-piece band take centre stage at Mullarkeys Bar, Clifden.

Like us on Facebook!

The Craic in Galway TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC in Galway

Wednesday 25th Sept 2013 • 1pm: Comedian, poet and playwright, Mike Harding will launch his fifth book of poetry, The Connemara Cantos, at the Station House Theatre Clifden.

• 2pm: Yee – haw! The great cowboy traditions of the US and Canadian West will be evoked through the music of True North, at Críost Linn, Station House Complex, Galway Road Clifden.

• 4pm: Celebrating 60 years in business, Walsh’s Bakery will host a special concert with Betty and the Baby Boomers in Clifden.

• 4:30pm: Acclaimed poet, Peter Fallon, will read Family Ties at the Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden, accompanied by Liz Kane.

• 5-7pm: Music with Yvonne Bolton and Alan Jordan at EJ Kings, Clifden; • 6pm: The official opening takes place of the Two Faces of Neptune - a celebration of the ocean - at the Church of Ireland, Clifden. Reception and official opening by Dr. Eimear O’Connor • 6pm: For film lovers, a special showing of Robert Flaherty’s film: Man of Aran takes place at the Station House Theatre, Clifden • 8pm: Theatre lovers will enjoy Forgotten, by Fishamble, at the Clifden Town Hall.

• 9pm: Enjoy music with Carmel Dempsey and friends at Lowry’s Bar, Clifden. As a solo artist in the late 80’s, Carmel played support to the likes of Meat Loaf and Leo Sayer, De Danann and The Dolores Keane Band.

• 10pm: Or you can enjoy Session Americana with support by Kate O’ Callaghan at the Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden while jazz musicians, Les Follies take you back in time at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel.

• 10:30pm: Invoke your passions with a night of percussion, rap, DJing and visual art as Jym Darling, from Loop Guru and Fidget Feet, will join forces with musicians Cormac Corr and Bubba Shakespeare at Mullarkey’s Bar, Clifden or you can enjoy some Motown magic as Greg Yule takes his 8-piece band to Guy’s Bar, Main Street, Clifden.

TheCRAIC in Galway

VA VA VOOM! Galway Fashion Roadshow

By Rebecca CASSERLY Here is a date for your fashion diary: On September 19th, VaVaVoom TV brings the first Irish couture and ready to wear fashion roadshow to Galway, as part of their tour of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford. The work of Galway’s own hat designer, Fiona Mangan, will be showcased on the night along with Ireland’s hidden gems in fashion design and millinery.

“I felt it was a fantastic opportunity for me to share my latest collection with the nation, at a local level,” says Fiona.

“Being showcased in 6 fashion shows, in the space of a month, hosted in the biggest urban centres in Ireland is a chance not to be missed. I am really looking forward to the Galway show, as it is on my own turf and, hopefully, I will be able to catch up with some of the other designers also.”

At €25 per ticket you will be promised a night of fashion and fun, including a drinks reception, couture fashion show, goodie bags and spot prizes. This sure sounds like a lot of fashion craic and a great chance to support Irish designers and milliners. www.becboopfashionistaworld.blogspot.ie

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC in Galway

TheCRAIC at The Stock Exchange

Thursday 26th Sept 2013 • 12pm: A lecture by Dr. Eimear O’Connor: Friendship, Reality and Myth – Sean Keating, Robert Flaherty and The Man of Aran will take place at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

CRAICING FOOD!!!

By Dara KELLY

• The Seafood Trail begins today as part of the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.

Galway restaurants will be serving fresh local oysters before the shenanigans begin tomorrow .

• To Arthur! The Arthur’s Day Celebrations kick off across the city and county at 4pm. And Galway’s Latin Quarter will come alive with the Guinness Live fourday music festival. More than 50 local and national performers will take part in a series of intimate gigs in venues and pubs throughout the city’s Latin Quarter.

Free admission on a first-come, first-served, basis.

Must be over 18.

• 8pm: Kaleidoscope Camino—enjoy a night of music by violinist Cliodhna Ryan and cellist Kate Ellis at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

• 9pm: The incredible Amazing Apples take to the stage at Clifden Town Hall.

• 10pm: Time to tickle your funny bone with comedian Kevin McAleer at the Station House Theatre, Clifden.

5 ideas for School Lunch

Be sure to include some items from each food group each day: protein for growth and development of the body, carbohydrates for energy and fruit or vegetables for vitamins. Give water, milk or unsweetened fruit juice as drinks.

Monday Brown bread sandwich: chicken, beef, cheese & lettuce. Cucumber sticks, ricecake, fruit juice.

Tuesday Pitta strips with hummus/chicken/ cheese & scallions. Mandarin, yoghurt, water.

Wednesday Oatcakes with smoked salmon/ peanut butter. Salad box: lettuce, carrot & celery sticks, smoothie.

Thursday Wholegrain pasta with tuna/pesto/ cheese & cherry tomatoes. Apple, small box of nuts & seeds, water.

Friday Turkey wrap with tomatoes, lettuce & cranberry relish.

Grapes, apple slices & pumpkin seeds, milk.

An Lón Scoile – 5 Rogha Dé Luain Ceapaire le cáca donn: sicín/mairteoil/ cáis & leitís. Cipíní cúcamair, císte ríse, sú torthaí.

Dé Máirt Píosaí pitta le humas/sicín/cáis & scailliúin. Oráiste beag, iógart, uisce.

Dé Céadaoin Brioscaí coircre le bradán deataithe/im piseanna talún. Bosca sailéid: leitís, cipíní cairéid & soilire, smúdaí.

Déardaoin Pasta donn le túna/peisteo/cáis & trátaí beaga. Úll, bosca beag cnónna & síolta, uisce.

Dé hAoine Fillteog le turcaí, trátaí, leitís & anlann mónóg. Caora fíniúna, píosaí úill & síolta puimcín, bainne.

30