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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Dublin footballers fail to live up to the hype – again

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Date Published: 27-Apr-2011

THE general perception that Dublin’s hunger – never mind their current rude health – would be more than enough to carry the county to a tenth National Football League title proved well wide of the mark in Sunday’s showdown at Croke Park. Victory instead went to the more composed team, the men who knew how to win big matches better.

Dublin had entered the league final as favourites and that public standing was understandable. Pat Gilroy’s squad had cut a dash in coming through their Division One campaign undefeated with their zonal defence and high octane attack coming in for widespread praise. Regular 6am training session had set the tempo for the season and Dublin bore all the hallmarks of a team going places.

Though they didn’t capture last year’s Leinster title – who will ever forget the blatant miscarriage of justice inflicted on the Louth footballers in the 2010 provincial decider against Meath – for the first time in six years, Dublin regrouped excellently in the qualifiers and fought their way to the All-Ireland semi-final only to lose their nerve (and the match) by a point to eventual champions Cork.

They had looked in control only to blow it down the home stretch.

The Dubs indiscipline, especially in giving away needless frees, ultimately cost them victory, but it was a learning curve for Gilroy and his lieutenants who had hit the ground running in 2011.

Despite running the rule over 30 players during the league, Dublin established a high consistency of performance and only a draw against Galway – they lost Alan Brogan early on due to a red card – in their final group match prevented them from pulling off a seventh consecutive victory.

They had even beaten Cork along the way and were being openly talked about as potential All-Ireland champions this year.

And when they led by 2-12 to 0-10 five minutes into the sec

ond-half at Croke Park last Sunday, you would have been tempted to put your house on Dublin landing a first National League title since 1993. They had got off to a great start with a fifth minute goal from Mossy Quinn after Bernard Brogan had done the spadework and with centre forward Kevin McManamon kicking points for sport, they retired 1-10 to 0-10 ahead at the break.

Mind you, it was unrealistic to expect that Dublin were going to have it all their own way against the reigning league champions and with the likes of Paddy Kelly finding the range, the Rebels were still bang in the contest only to wobble badly in early minutes of the second-half. Brogan broke through for Dublin’s second goal and with McManamon tacking on his fifth point of the contest, they had put themselves in the driving seat.

Injury-hit Cork had already lost Paul Kerrigan, John Miskella and Fintan Gould in the opening-half and, frankly, it was difficult to envisage a way back for Conor Counihan’s squad. Sure, Brogan had to retire with an injured hamstring soon afterwards but the Dubs were still in pole position. Gradually, however, Cork eroded the deficit with a rousing point from wing back Noel O’Leary typifying their resilience on the day. Still, with the game in its final quarter, Dublin were five points ahead.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

Galway Bay FM News Archives

Galway has country’s largest population of young people

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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.

 

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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Call for direct donations to city charity shops

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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.

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Galway Bay FM News Archives

Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent

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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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