Galway Bay FM News Archives
Theme of failure a recipe for success for television
Date Published: 28-Mar-2011
Watching television programmes with the intention of critiquing them is totally different to watching them as a viewer, so I am two people watching Families in the Wild on RTE on Tuesdays.
As a viewer I am sucked into the drama of three families who have been chosen to spend a week with David Coleman, clinical psychologist and his team in a holiday home in a beautiful part of Kerry; but as a TV critic I can’t help but feel that taking part in this experiment in front of cameras so the nation can watch might be more harmful than helpful.
As a viewer, I fantasise that Coleman will swan into our house sometime and sort us all out.
Any family that has gone through any domestic crisis, whether it be a difficult child or teenager, a tragedy, illness or violence would identify with the wish that someone would come and fix it.
With only two weeks into the series, I am already identifying with aspects from all three families taking part and wishing the best for them. I nearly cried when it was revealed that one young boy hasn’t felt loved for 10 years, not since his two younger sisters were born, and as there is no sign of Dad, I assume that is affecting him too.
David Coleman speaks so calmly, so quietly, that he could tame a tornado. His skills are really coming into play with the families, more so than in the previous two series which dealt first with male teenagers and then with female teenagers.
The TV critic in me wonders how many hours of filming did they really have to do to capture the emotional moments. I imagine the crew were working almost around the clock.
Not only do the families have to take part in activities, and tough challenges like rock climbing, hill walking and canoeing, but have to sit around in therapy sessions either individually, in couples or in groups.
A week of that for both the families and the TV crew must be harrowing.
Yet, this particular series is quite polished and you do forget you are watching TV. You really do feel like a fly on the wall sometimes which is what programmes like these are aiming for.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.
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.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
