Galway Bay FM News Archives
Nolan says little to choose between sides
Date Published: 16-Mar-2011
STEPHEN GLENNON
It takes O’Loughlin Gaels manager, Michael Nolan time to warm up to the phone call from the West. Throughout, he is careful in his choice of words and offers only fleeting glimpses of the inside story. He keeps his fervour for the battle ahead caged like a wild animal, although, briefly, you can hear the beast roar vociferously underneath the tarp.
So, in the opening exchanges of this ‘game’, we fence like Olympians around the topic of today’s All-Ireland club senior hurling clash against Clarinbridge.
“Any injury worries Michael?”
“No injuries,” responds Nolan.
I write that down. “I suppose, Michael, a face-off between the Galway and Kilkenny champions, no doubt, a very attractive final?” True, it’s not the most probing question in the world, but it might help to break the ice.
“Sure, it is. I suppose, everyone is looking forward to it, but Clarinbridge will be hot favourites, won’t they?” ponders the O’Loughlin Gaels manager.
Again, I picture a wry smile at the other end of the line and we both laugh nervously. We dance around the ring once more, but by now, the punches are flighty and the shadows are simply lying lazily against the ropes.
“Michael, both counties have a great tradition in this competition, particularly in recent years. Does this add a bit more pressure on both clubs to follow suit?”
The Kilkenny man pauses, and considers. “Sure, it does, but both teams will be expecting a good tough match all the same. We are as ready for it as Clarinbridge are.”
I decide it’s time to land the first punch, hinting that having come through a testing provincial campaign, where they had to overcome Ballyboden St Enda’s and Oulart-the-Ballagh in the Leinster semi-final and final respectively, O’Loughlin Gaels may well be better positioned to challenge for honours in the St Patrick’s Day encounter.
All of a sudden, the shadows spring to life and the verbal bout begins in earnest.
“I suppose, we are battle-hardened,” concedes Nolan, “but so are Clarinbridge coming out of Galway. The way I would see it is that Loughrea beat Portumna, after a replay, and Clarinbridge beat Loughrea after a replay, and that is nothing simple either.”
Again, Nolan tries to switch the emphasis onto Clarinbridge, but we are here to talk about the Kilkenny champions and so the manager is asked for an honest assessment of his charges. To his credit, he gives it.
“We are a fine balanced team. We wouldn’t have any weak links or anything, but, then again, it is on the day, isn’t it?”
There is another long pause, before Nolan is pressed on. “There are a few of them around the 20 (years of age) mark and four or five more are around the 23 or 24 mark. Then we have Brian Hogan and Martin Comerford, both of whom, I suppose, would be the senior citizens of the team. They have all come up through the underage structure. A few of them would have won minors five or six years ago. So, a few of them have come off that team.”
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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.