Galway Bay FM News Archives
Clifden man plans a risky road trip – driving 10,000 miles to Mongolia
Date Published: 05-May-2011
By Eamonn McLoughlin
Clifden man Fearghus Foyle is planning a road trip with a difference this summer – driving 10,000 miles to Mongolia.
Described as one of world’s last great adventure races, the ‘Mongol Rally’ involves competitors driving across a third of the world through some of the roughest terrain in cars better designed for city use.
Competing under the name ‘Team Terremoto’, the London-based Galwayman will be joined on the trip by John Martin from Carrickmacross and Tralee man Paudie Sugrue.
The team aim to raise €10,000 for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and the Christina Noble Foundation, hoping to raise €1 for each of the 10,000 miles they will cross.
Though no stranger to remote places and extended travelling, Fearghus jokingly said “We had signed up (to the rally) before we realised what we were getting ourselves into”. Leaving in July, the rally will take Team Terremoto from Ireland through Europe, across deserts, over mountains and onto to the vast Mongolian plains, ending in the capital Ulaanbaatar.
Planning the route along the old Silk Road, the team will pass through countries which the Department of Foreign Affairs recommend are best avoided. Among the many possible dangers they will face are treacherous roads, car jacking, theft and terrorism.
“Our biggest challenge will be Iran and Afghanistan and crossing the high mountain ranges,” said Fearghus, “though I’d be more concerned with breaking down in a remote area than the treat of terrorism.”
Among the precautions the team are taking will be a supply of radios and a GPS system but Fearghus sombrely points out: “There will be no backup, it will be just us three”.
The team hope supporters will be able to track their progress in real time on their website (www.mongolianmadness.com)
The rally team will drive an ’02 Nissan Almera 1.3, which Fearghus modestly described as “not ideally suited for the trip, though that’s part of the challenge”.
While none of the team are mechanics, Fearghus feels “Pretty confident we can do it in that car”, adding: “John is a plumber!”
As part of their fundraising efforts the team are organising a golf competition at the Connemara Golf Club in Ballyconneely this Saturday from 11am to 3pm, and entry for each team of four is €200.
Fearghus described the response as “Pretty good, we have 15-20 teams so far. Hopefully we will reach 30 teams, which will raise €6,000 for the charities”.
Kate White, Fundraising Director of Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research said: “Every cent raised for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will help make a difference to the lives of patients with blood cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”
Among the other fundraising efforts will be a ‘Battle of the Bands’, table quizzes, and raffles held around the country and in London.
To book a place in the golf competition, call the golf club on 095 23502
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.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
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
