Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway success on the double at famous Cheltenham festival
Date Published: 17-Mar-2011
From John McIntyre
in Cheltenham
Mervue jockey Graham Lee notched up his fifth-ever Cheltenham festival winner when steering home 10/1 chance Divers in the concluding Centenary Novices Handicap Chase on Tuesday on the first day of the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.
Lee hugged the inside rail on the French import and gradually brought the seven-year-old grey into contention before delivering a well-timed challenge on the approach to the last.
Divers still had Quantitativeeasing and Vino Griego to pass, but Lee’s mount was travelling best of all and stayed on resolutely up the hill for a two and three quarters lengths success.
Top jockey at the festival in 2005 after big race wins on Arcalis, No Refuge and Inglis Drever, Lee was delighted to get off the mark for the 2011 meeting for his retaining yard of Ferdy Murphy.
“The satisfaction of winning at the festival at whatever stage of your career is the tops. Massive credit is due to the horse – he had to want it. He fenced beautifully and was very clever,” Lee said.
Lee and Murphy had actually combined to land the corresponding race with L’Antartique at the 2007 Cheltenham festival as the North of England based trainer continued his impressive strike rate at Prestbury Park in March.
There was further Galway success on Wednesday when Chicago Grey – owned by John Earls from Killimordaly and brilliantly ridden by Derek O’Connor from Beagh – timed his run to perfection to take the National Hunt Chase.
Earls’ eight year old – trained by the in-form Gordon Elliot at his yard outside Trim in Co Meath – started as 5-1 favourite for this 141st running of the longer race of the festival.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
