Galway Bay FM News Archives
Druid brings it all back home as Inishmaan hosts Cripple
Date Published: 29-Jun-2011
Druid’s cast of travelling players had already put 20,000 miles on the clock to stage the Cripple of Inishmaan on both sides of the Atlantic and other corners of the globe – but nothing compared to the thrill they and their audience enjoyed on Sunday when they brought it all back home.
This time it was the Cripple on Inishmaan, as Martin McDonagh’s critically acclaimed work finally made it to the island of its birth – so to speak – and to top it all for the locals, they were joined by President Mary McAleese and her husband Martin for the matinee production in the local hall.
It was Druid’s eighth visit to the island since they first performed there way back in 1982 – but as this was the first visit by the Cripple cast, it was a special day indeed.
The playwright Martin McDonagh was also on hand himself to take personal pride in the final performances of a production that has been seen and enjoyed by 100,000 since it was first premiered in Galway in 2008.
It also marked the end of a journey that has seen the Druid cast and crew clock up 20,000 miles, 1,800 bed nights and cracked 1,000 eggs – the latter is one of the many outstanding moments in a truly memorable piece of theatre.
It’s all set in 1934 as news arrives to the island of Inishmaan that they’re making a Hollywood film on neighbouring Inishmore and Cripple Billy – a well-read by crippled orphan living with two ‘aunts’ – sees it as his chance of a life away from the mundanity of the island.
But that’s only the beginning because what makes the Cripple a comic masterpiece is the rich tapestry of eccentric island characters and the perfect timing in writing and acting that would grace any stage.
The problem of course might have been that the home stage is the hardest one of all, but that should never have been in doubt because a superb cast held the audience – an equal mix of islanders and visitors – in the palm of their hand from the off.
See full review in this week’s Connacht 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.
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
