Galway Bay FM News Archives
Hero of Tom Crean returns
Date Published: 05-May-2011
The creator and performer of the hit show Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer, Aidan Dooley is back. The Galway man is returning to his native city with the Irish touring premiere of his one-man show O’Sullivan Beara – the last Gaelic Chieftain.
The play, which will be at the Town Hall Theatre from Tuesday, next, May 10 to Saturday, May 14, tells the epic story of Cork’s O’Sullivan Beara, a Gaelic chieftain who refused to surrender to the English army at the turn of the 17th century, becoming the the last rebel to stand against the Crown after the Battle of Kinsale in 1602.
By using Irish myths, an original score and brilliant storytelling, Aidan dramatises how this heroic leader of the people of Beara tried valiantly to save his clan against the onslaught of the angry Tudor queen, Elizabeth, who was intent on ensuring Ireland would never aid the Spanish army in its campaign against England again. In doing so she destroyed the last embers of Gaelic rule in Ireland.
The Sunday Independent theatre critic Emer Kelly described the show as “pretty much irresistible”, saying that “as an author, Dooley’s heart is on his sleeve; as an actor it is used with craft and skill”. The Irish Examiner described the play as “unmissable”.
Aidan who is based in London, trained at Guilford School of Acting and appeared on West End stages with shows such as Philadelphia; Here I Come! Elegies for Angels, and Da. He also toured widely in the UK with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company. He first performed Tom Crean – Antarctic Explorer ten years ago at Siamsa Tire, Tralee for Tom Crean’s family. That was followed by a run at the The New York International Fringe Festival, where it won Best Solo Show.
Aidan has also been nominated for awards at The Dublin Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival and The Elliot Norton Critics Award Boston and in 2006 won a prestigious Fringe First at Edinburgh. He has worked for many years developing various performance pieces and historical characters for the National Museums in the UK.
Booking for O’Sullivan Beara – the last Gaelic Chieftain is now open at the Town Hall Theatre on 091-569777 or on the web at www.tht.ie
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway has country’s largest population of young people
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Call for direct donations to city charity shops
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent
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.