‘Special offers’ welcome for football fans

They may be Galway football’s ‘auld enemy’ but Salthill is planning a huge welcome for Mayo next weekend.

The Mayo senior footballers roll into town Sunday week, June 14, along with their green and red army of supporters, as they begin their ‘drive for five’ Connacht titles in a row.

And while the on-field welcome from Galway manager Kevin Walsh’s charges will be less than hospitable, Salthill businesses are hoping to capitalise on the ‘feel-good factor’ of Connacht semi-final day, which could attract more than 20,000 supporters.

Salthill businesses are planning to put together a ‘welcome package’ for visiting supporters on Sunday week.

Labour Party Galway City Councillor Niall McNelis, who is chairing a strategic committee of Galway Chamber tasked with reviving the seaside resort, hosted a meeting yesterday evening about the initiative.

He said that businesses such as restaurants, cafes, shops and bars in Salthill have agreed to ‘special offers’ from 12 noon in the hours in the build-up to throw-in.

O’Connor’s famous bar in Salthill, he said, is hoping to host a sports show on the Friday or Saturday night before the game, to preview the big match.

Cllr McNelis said Galway flags already decorate the Promenade in Salthill, which show that businesses are ‘getting behind’ the Galway footballers.

It was all about creating a positive match day atmosphere in Salthill, and promoting businesses.

The Galway v Mayo football ‘welcome package’ is just one of a number of initiatives being undertaken by Galway Chamber’s subcommittee charged with rejuvenating Salthill.

Other ideas being considered include a mackerel festival on the Prom, a mini-Bloom festival, and a show-jumping contest at Salthill Park.