Galway Bay FM News Archives
Connacht back to winning ways in Magners League
Date Published: 04-Apr-2011
by Rob Murphy
It certainly wasn’t clinical but this bonus point home win is more evidence of the progress Connacht are making this season, a sixth straight home victory on Friday helped regain momentum lost in Italy last week and pushes Connacht a little closer to their goal of at least a top eight finish.
It is no exaggeration to suggest that Connacht could have had seven tries in this contest. They had to settle for four, and the first of those came after just one minute with Fionn Carr demonstrating that he’s back to his best by finishing after a thrilling break from Gavin Duffy on the counter and good link play from Carr himself, then Ray Ofisa before the flying winger took the return pop pass out of the tackle and crashed over to score the quickest try of the Magners League season so far.
That start wasn’t built on, although Connacht certainly created more opportunities in the opening quarter, Edinburgh responded through Craig Laidlaw before edging in front when Scott Newlands showed tremendous power and agility to finish off in the corner after a superb pass from British Lion Mike Blair.
While Ian Keatley’s penalty on 28th minutes brought Connacht a little closer, it got worse when James King crashed through the over eager home defence and drove on towards the line for a second try. The centre showed great power but it was a major lapse and the lead was 17-8.
Connacht’s fightback began with just a couple minutes remaining in the half, a frantic series of attacks saw them keep the ball in motion with Mike McCarthy and Bernie Upton linking to get the ball out to Keatley his pass to Brian Tuohy on the wing created the chance, the winger charged towards the line off loaded brilliantly to Carr who was tackled without the ball.
A penalty try and a yellow card to Nick De Luca left Edinburgh reeling and Connacht were back in it, it got better almost from the restart as they attacked again, this time through Duffy who made a scything break before finding Carr on his inside shoulder, the winger was once again on hand to finish the chance for a 22-17 lead.
The contest remained frenetic in the second half Laidlaw kicked Edinburgh back within two just after half time but a try on 60 minutes wrapped up the bonus for Connacht and extended the lead. Keatley’s deft kick behind the advancing defensive line was perfectly judged for Duffy to crown a fine performance with a try.
Laidlaw kicked a penalty in the closing stages to raise Edinburgh hopes but Connacht stood firm thanks to a hard working defensive line, led well by Keith Matthews celebrating his 100th cap in fine style, up front Adrian Flavin came off the bench to make his century also.
See full coverage in this week’s Connacht Sentinel.
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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