Galway Bay FM News Archives
Big reality check for below par St. James’ in first round of title chase
Date Published: 16-May-2011
Claregalway 1-17
St. James’ 1-9
Cian O’Connell
HAVING spent so many years trying to attain senior status, St James’ challenge is now remaining at the highest level in the county as Saturday evening’s encounter with Claregalway demonstrated how significant the jump from the intermediate ranks actually is.
Eoin O’Donnellan has put his own stamp on a Claregalway side that has increased in strength and depth since they became a senior club themselves nearly a decade ago back in 2002. O’Donnellan has brought organisation and a sense of determination to Claregalway’s approach and from the first whistle, it was apparent that James’ were going to be troubled.
In one way it is tougher than usual on James’ to preserve their place at the top table simply because of the new relegation system now in place. No longer will a couple of home League wins against understrength and disinterested opponents suffice, serious championship performances are required.
Early on Claregalway were cute and exploited St James’ uncertainty expertly as they sought to involve Danny Cummins at every opportunity. Cummins, the All Ireland under 21 winner, has been a key performer in this competition for a couple of summers and his ability helped Claregalway settle impressively.
Paul McGuinness and Martin Kelly pointed inside four minutes and though the hard working Sean Donnellan responded, Claregalway were firmly in control. Barry Cullinane’s solid aerial presence at centrefield meant that Cummins was profiting from the steady stream of possession that was being fed towards the Claregalway attack.
Either side of two smashing Cummins points, Brian Moran also found the range as Claregalway’s dominance was reflected by the 0-5 to 0-1 lead they held after 11 minutes. James’ were only showing traces of the grit that brought them the County Intermediate title in 2010, but Eoin Concannon and Donnellan raised white flags to trim the deficit.
Claregalway, though, were continuing to find joy when delivering quick ball and Cummins’ 17th minute flick created a goalscoring chance for Galway goalkeeper Adrian Faherty, a resorceful corner forward for his club, and the James’ net bulged.
From there until half-time James’ perspired, but they could only manage a long distance point from Dave O’Connell and a free from Eoin Concannon while Claregalway were efficient as Kelly kicked a free and Fahetry slotted a 45 into the teeth of a decent breeze.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway has country’s largest population of young people
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Call for direct donations to city charity shops
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent
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.