Galway In Days Gone By

The malicious intermeddler

Sir, on behalf of the West Galway District Board G.A.A., I find it very essential to offer an explanation about the failure to carry out the fixtures at South Park, Galway, on St. Patrick’s Day, as arranged by the above Board at its last meeting on the 3rd inst. As Hon. Secretary, I made every effort, in conjunction with a local Committee appointed by the Board, to make those matches a success, because the gate receipts were going to a Committee whose object it is to improve the playing pitch and grounds in general of the South Park, and make it suitable for contesting Irish games.

All the time, the G.A.A. of Galway have been trying to improve this Park, and no opportunity could be found till now, and it appears as if a malicious attempt is being made to frustrate our efforts. Some people with malicious intent, apparently, gave vent to a report that a certain section, other than the G.A.A., were to control the fixture on St. Patrick’s Day, collect the money at the gate, etc. The result was that the hurling match fell through. I most emphatically deny the above statement, and this denial can be verified by any members of the Board when so desired. The meeting at which the fixtures were made was thoroughly represented by all the clubs in the district, and delegates unanimously agreed, after having three days’ notice, to that effect.

Hence I can safety assert, that the parties responsible for that erring report are not members of the G.A.A. I know that the fixtures, especially the hurling, were instrumental in bringing spectators to Galway who would not have come otherwise, and who went away thoroughly disgusted at being disappointed.

To those I appeal most earnestly not to blame the G.A.A. for disappointing them, because, as I have already stated, the West Board was most anxious for the fixture, and bitterly resents the uncalled-for action of those individuals who were the means of invoking criticism in a quarter where it was not deserved.

Patrick Conneely, Hon. Sec. West Galway District Board, G.A.A.

1942

Bee disease’s toll

Despite any reassuring reports to the contrary, Isle of Wight disease is continuing to take toll of apiaries in Connemara. Within the past fortnight two more stocks of bees have died of the disease in the Spiddal district. This makes a total loss for the year of twenty-one stocks out of twenty-nine owned by six bee-keepers in the district. Two stocks also died nearer Galway last week. In the Carraroe area of the Costello district, four beekeepers have lost ten stocks out of fourteen.

Fisherman rescued

After clinging to an upturned Curragh for over half-an-hour in the sea near his house last week, Thomas Thornton, Ballinteleva, Spiddal, was rescued by William Greaney, Derryloughane, and Martin O’Brien, Killough, who launched another Curragh and went to his assistance. Thornton and two others were returning from fishing in Galway Bay when their Curragh was hit by a squall and upset near the shore. His companions scrambled onto the rocks and waded ashore, but Thornton caught hold of the Curragh and was carried out to sea.

Eyre Square turf dump

The turf dump in Eyre Square may remain there for the duration of the war, to judge by the discussion on the subject at Saturday’s meeting of the Galway County Council’s Finance Committee.

Ald. Miss Ashe started the discussion by enquiring if the County Surveyor would have the turf removed before April 23rd – the date on which, he recently assured the Corporation, he would return the Square to them in good condition.

County Surveyor, Mr. C.I. O’Flynn said: “This is the serious time and I do not like to take it away. I think it is up to the Corporation to keep it going. Why should I be doing the Corporation’s work and pressing them to keep it? It is for the people of Galway I want it. My idea was to have a supply available in case transport should break down.”

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.