Galway Bay FM News Archives
Relegation threat adds extra spice to first round ties
Date Published: 11-May-2011
Dara Bradley
THE new format this year – which sees relegation added for the first time – should bring an edge to the 10 matches this weekend in the preliminary round of the Galway senior club football championship.
Defending champions Killererin get their campaign underway against rank outsiders for the Frank Fox Cup, St Michael’s, and could possibly be in the unusual position of not having a Joyce in the starting 15 – star forward Nicky Joyce hasn’t been involved so far this year, Tommie Joyce is now focusing entirely on managing the Galway minors, and Pádraic Joyce remains an injury doubt but is almost certain to feature at some stage in Tuam on Sunday.
Corofin have had a long winter to recuperate after last year’s final defeat, which came on the back of several years ‘on the go’ in county, Connacht and All-Ireland campaigns – they should be fresh, have the hunger back and have been installed as bookies’ favourites to win back the trophy.
The ‘relegation’ element means that safety is at stake this weekend – the ten winners will avoid relegation and progress to round one ‘proper’ while the ten losers get embroiled in a dogfight and are paired off in five relegation battles. The five winners progress with NUIG to the last 16; the five losers go into an open draw for play-offs.
The winners of these are safe, the two losing teams enter the final relegation play-off which is ‘last chance saloon’. It means that whoever is relegated to intermediate this year will certainly deserve it – they’ll almost be pleased to go down! – because they’ll have lost at least four, and possibly five, championship matches on the trot.
Saturday, May 14
Salthill/Knocknacarra V Cortoon Shamrocks
(Corofin, 5.30pm)
Cortoon seem to have put the ‘unrest’ in the camp behind them since exiting last year’s championship on the back of successive defeats to Corofin and Claregalway. With Tommy Joe Gilmore at the helm along with Mike Concannon and Ignatius Tierney, they won the Sweeney Oil league final in December and are on a bit of a run with three league wins under their belts so far over St James, Annaghdown and Caltra. Brion Gilmore (cruciate), who can play in either central defensive position, is ruled out.
The new Salthill/Knocknacarra management team of Gerry Hughes, Carl Donnellan and Tadhg Begley plan without long-term absentee Conor Healy. John Boylan (shoulder), Peter Fahy and Conor O’Halloran (both hamstring) reportedly undergo fitness tests this week. Seán Armstrong is back in full training with the Galway senior squad and should start. After beating Barna and Leitir Mór in the league, the city club were brought back down to earth with a five point loss at the hands of Corofin last weekend. The noises from the city club are positive though and they should prevail.
For more, read this week’s Connacht 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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