Galway In Days Gone By

1917

Trans-Atlantic Port

Recently there has been much discussion that is public property, and more important conferences that have been conducted in private, upon the question of building a pier to Mutton Island. Mr. Binns, the Harbour Engineer, has submitted three schemes of improvement to his Board, his instructions being to provide for ample harbour accommodation in Galway Bay for the Admiralty and for the purposes of a trans-Atlantic port. In the latter connection, he has laid down a scheme which will provide a port at Blackrock, and utilise the Marguerita Shoal for the building of the breakwater. It is claimed that as great a depth of water will be found here as at Barna, and that the facilities provided will be in every way equal to anything that can be obtained further out in the Bay.

The essence of the Mutton Island scheme is that it can be carried into effect almost immediately. With Government assistance, about four months would suffice to provide ample berthing accommodation for boats of deep draught alongside the proposed pier.

Road regulations

“I think,” said Mr. Kilbride, at the City Petty Sessions on Monday, “it is very hard for police to regulate the traffic on a market day, for everybody is a law unto himself. There is no rule of the road.” The leaving of his horse untended on the street cost Patrick Glynn, Kiltullagh, 5s. and costs. But these fines are not enough. The police ought to receive special instructions in road traffic, and enforce upon all occasions the regulations, that are understood by ordinary, intelligent people, and that are carried out in every well-ordered community.

Danger of runaways

On Saturday evening at 4 o’clock, the horse of Mr. Patrick Faherty, Ower, became startled whilst standing outside the shop of Mr. Bartly Lydon, Eglinton-st., and with the cart attached, dashed towards the Courthouse, where the cart was upset and a shaft smashed. Dragging the car after him, the animal ran on to the Wood Quay market, and collided with a horse and vehicle, the property of Mr. John Conneely, Moycullen. Both animals were injured, Conneely’s seriously.

1942

Lights out

At Thursday’s meeting of the Galway Corporation, the Mayor said that it had been suggested by the E.S.B. that the Corporation should cut off the public lighting of the city for a month. It was agreed to cut off the public lighting from Friday, June 26th, until Saturday, July 15th, inclusive, and have the lights restored for the Sunday beginning Race Week.

In view of the decision, it was agreed to draw attention to the need for painting all street obstacles, including isolated footpath kerbs, white.

Early holidays

Mr. Peter Kelly, manager of the newly-opened Irish Tourist Association office in Eglinton-street, Galway, stated that judging from the number of inquiries received people are definitely holidaying earlier this year. As compared with last year, the number of inquiries for accommodation in Salthill and Galway showed a definite increase. Already there were heavy advance bookings for Race Week, and Mr. Kelly would welcome immediate registration of those who can offer accommodation during that week.

Race Week supplies

About forty persons engaged in the hotel and restaurant business met in the Royal hotel, Galway, and prepared a case to be put to the I.T.A. for submission to the Minister for Supplies for extra stocks of tea, sugar, flour and bacon for Race Week and the week before the Races.

After it had been decided to form an association called ‘The Galway Hotel and Caterers’ Association’ to deal with all matters of concern to the trade, it was agreed to ask Messrs. Guinness to increase by fifty per cent for Race Week and the following week the quota of stout issued to licensed members of the new association.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.