Galway Bay FM News Archives
Provincial pride at stake as Connacht aim to end on high
Date Published: 05-May-2011
By Dara Bradley
On the face of it, this should be a dead-rubber. A cursory glance at the standings in the Magners League shows Munster on top, 14 points clear of the next best, and already qualified for a home semi-final berth.
Connacht, in ninth place, would seem to have little to play for given that they cannot – on their own merits – qualify for the Heineken Cup based on their positioning in the league.
But interprovincial derbies are rarely insignificant and there is much still up for grabs when Connacht takes on the might of Munster at Thomond Park tonight (7.05pm).
Obviously pride and the wish to end a season on a high are important. However, the stakes are higher than that: Connacht, four points behind Edinburgh, have their best Magners League finish within their grasp and can still leapfrog the Scots with a bonus point win but equally can be overtaken by tenth place Benetton Treviso if results don’t go their way.
Munster, too, will be anxious to bring back the ‘fortress factor’ to Thomond Park after their disappointing Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final exit, in front of their home support, against Harlequins last weekend.
That 20-12 defeat – described as “extremely embarrassing” by coach Tony McGahan – will hurt and Munster will be hoping to get back to winning ways in Limerick, where they have won all ten home matches in the Magners League this season.
McGahan took a lot of ‘stick’ this week for the manner of Munster’s Amlin exit but out-half Ronan O’Gara redirected the criticism back at the players – you can be sure there was a lot of soul-searching and introspection down South this week and Connacht should expect an almighty backlash.
Another motivation for Munster is many of the team, like Tomás O’Leary, will be looking to impress, as places in the starting XV for the league semi-final – and final should they make it – are still up for grabs. Who wouldn’t want to be part of a Magners League final against possibly their fiercest rivals Leinster?
Others, like Paul Warwick, who is leaving Munster for pastures new, and Ian Dowling and Alan Quinlan who are retiring, will want to give the Red Army stellar last performances to remember them by.
The same is true for Connacht’s Ian Keatley – who will no doubt be anxious to impress his new employers ahead of his transfer to Munster next season – Fionn Carr, Seán Cronin, Jamie Hagan (all Leinster bound), Troy Nathan (who this week signed for Glasgow), and Mike McComish (who is heading to Ulster next season), who this week bid farewell to the province. Four of the departing men start tonight, with McComish and Nathan named on the bench.
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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