Galway Bay FM News Archives
Forde called up to Irish senior squad
Date Published: 17-Mar-2011
CIARAN TIERNEY
A series of superb performances between the posts for London club Millwall FC in the English Championship this season has seen Galway native David Forde receive his first ever call-up to the Republic of Ireland soccer squad this week.
It has hardly been an overnight success story for the former Galway United and Derry City goalkeeper who, at 31 years of age, has been included in the squad for the games against Macedonia and Uruguay at the end of this month.
There were celebrations in his native Westside when Forde’s inclusion in Giovanni Trapattoni’s 29-man selection was confirmed on Monday afternoon, but the Galway man had been informed of his inclusion after the Lions’ 3-0 win at Burnley on Saturday.
Forde – who came up through the underage ranks locally under John Joyce at Newcastle United and Joe Reilly at Galway Hibernians – has missed just one senior game for Millwall over the past three seasons and the clean sheet at Burnley was his 17th of the current campaign with the South London side.
With the long-serving Shay Given absent due to an injury, the Galway man was one of three goalkeepers to get the call-up yesterday, along with Keiren Westwood of Coventry City and Darren Randolph of Motherwell.
“I actually found out on the way back from Burnley and it did bring a tear to the eye,” said Forde this week.
“Playing for my country is something I’ve always dreamed of, and I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the squad next week and working with the other Irish lads. I spoke to my family back home as soon as I got the news and they’re as proud as I am.”
He will now join Trapattoni’s men for the European Championship qualifier against Macedonia on Saturday, March 26, and the international friendly against Uruguay three days later.
After making his debut against Oldham at the start of 2008-9, Forde helped Millwall to reach the First Division play-off final on two consecutive seasons, losing the first to Scunthorpe United in May 2009 but beating Swindon Town 1-0 at Wembley Stadium last May. He played every minute of every match last season, recording 19 clean sheets and saving five penalties.
Millwall are currently lying in 12th place in the Championship, but have not ruled out the possibility of a late run towards the play-offs as they are just seven points behind sixth placed Nottingham Forest. He kept 21 clean sheets last season, including three in the play-off games as Millwall returned to the second tier of English soccer.
For more, read this week’s Galway City 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.
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