Welcome to the 23rd edition of the Craic in Galway magazine. Have you seen the posters yet for canine election candidate Edvard Hund? He is quite distinctive looking, with his shirt and tie and scruffy features. The underdog is standing for the ‘Release the Hounds’ party and has been making his mark on the campaign trail. We would show you a photo, but we don’t have one, as Galway City Council took some of them down, from all parties, as a potential health hazard. We have the evidence inside! With the local elections looming on May 23rd, we could go on about teaching old dogs new tricks, letting sleeping dogs lie and all that, but you’ve heard it all before. What we do have is the low down on what’s happening across the city and county over the next two weeks with our daily diary, lots of news, views, features and photos to keep you entertained, especially if you are reading us on a Citylink coach – we hope you are having a nice journey - and that we are keeping you occupied, and away from facebook, if just for a little while. Put down the phone! Of course we are online too, and have our own facebook page,

thecraicingalway, where we like to be liked.

Happy Reading, Sure it’s all a bit of craic!

Love, The CRAIC Squad

Featured in TheCRAIC 23

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From Friday May16th To Thursday May 29th 2014

The CRAIC addictsDirector and Photography

Darius IVANinfo@divmedia.ie, (087) 635 29 33

EditorAvril HORAN

avrilhoran@divmedia.ie

Advertising ManagerPete DUFFY

peteduffy@divmedia.ie, (087) 355 46 33

Styling & PhotographySunny JUDDY

sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ieContributorsDara KELLYCara LYONS

Rebecca CASSERLY

DistributionGearóid O MACHAIN

Guaranteed publication of your events photos with our media packages!

If you want to secure your place in one of the 5,000 copies of this creative and colourful CRAIC magazine, distributed

across the city and county every second Friday, please contact:

Email: info@divmedia.ie orCall us (087) 635 29 33

Welcome to TheCRAIC

Cover

Happy 20th Birthday

to Kashmir Fine Indian

Restaurant on Lower

Fairhill Road.

Irish TV Launch p.4

Vox Pop Returns p.15

Once Upon a Dreamer p.14Agony Aunty Bites Back p.12

Win a Harley p.8

Prehistoric Man p.20

at LUNARESTypical Spanish Tapas Restaurant,

WoodQuay, Galwaywith this Craic page

Local Stories, Global AudienceBy Avril HORAN

CRAICING NEWS!!!

It’s great to be able to celebrate a success story. And that was the overall atmosphere at the launch of the next chapter for

Irish TV, the brainchild of Mayo entrepreneurs, Pierce O’Reilly and Mairead Ní Mhaoilchiaráin. The launch took place in the glamorous surrounds of the Knockranny House Hotel, perched high over the beautiful town of Westport. The views were stunning, acting as the perfect backdrop to the sumptuous decor of the hotel’s interior.

A red carpet was rolled out for the attending guests and we were treated to a champagne reception and canapés on arrival. While the traditional launch involves a number of speeches, congratulations and networking, this was an event with a twist. At 8pm, we became the audience as Irish TV began their first live broadcast from the hotel following

a €15 million investment.

As Ireland’s first international TV channel, it was beamed across the UK, Ireland and Europe on Sky Channel 191, on Freesat and to the United States on PBS. It was a case of ‘lights, camera, action’ as presenter Malachi Cush took us on a journey from intimate interviews to rousing musical treats.

Highlights included an opening interview with poet and writer Billy Keane, the son of famous writer, John B Keane. He spoke about how his mum and dad met at a dance at the Listowel Races and “had their first court in the sand hills of Ballybunion beach”.

He spoke of how he has followed in his father’s footsteps. “I don’t walk in his footsteps,” he said, “I walk beside him and I had the best training in the world!” When asking for advice on a novel, he gave us a unique insight into the man behind the pen when

Irish TV Launches in Style!

The CRAIC on

Friday 16th May 2014• The O’Shaughnessy Gathering takes place this weekend in Gort with storytelling, music, tours and genealogy.

• 12pm: EU Commissioner, Máire Geoghegan Quinn, will be the guest speaker at the annual BPW summer lunch at the Ardilaun Hotel.

• 7pm: The legendary Christy Moore is set to entertain at Leisureland, Salthill.

• 7:30pm: A special fundraising pop-up restaurant will take place at The Blue Teapot Theatre Company with Jessica Murphy, owner and head chef at Kai Café and Restaurant, together with Michelin star-winning, Enda McEvoy, of LOAM.

• 7:45pm: Galway FC continue their SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign against Finn Harps at Eamonn Deacy Park.

• 8pm: Enjoy an evening of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits at the Town Hall Theatre with Anthony Walker’s Anthology Tour, supporting the charity To Russia With Love.

• 9pm: Bluegrass band, Gone to Grass, will play a special gig at the Crane Bar on Sea Road.

• 9pm: Enjoy ‘The Galway Rambler Irish Night’ at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay.

• 10:30pm: For classic rock that, well, rocks, catch Roadhouse as they roll into the King’s Head on High Street.

• 11pm: The Original Rudeboys and Gavin James are set to gig at Monroe’s Live, but only for those who have won tickets on joe.ie! Or you can catch the best of chart topping hits as Project 37 take to the main stage at midnight.

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PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC at Launch of IRISH TVhis father declared “just write the feckin’ thing!” “That was the ould fella!” he said. Presenter Ian McDonnell in London described the unique access he was given to President Michael D Higgins historic state visit to the UK, while Tommy Fleming sang a haunting

arrangement of ‘Danny Boy’. The version, which he performed with his late father and De Dannan 20 years ago, gained the recognition of legendary singer, Eric Clapton – who described it as “the definitive version”. Plucked from obscurity at the age of 21 by Phil Coulter

in 1992, Tommy went from the pub scene with his band, Jarog, to performing at Carnegie Hall in New York. The working title for his new album is “The West’s Awake” and this was plain for all to see at the fantastic launch of Irish TV, as the entertainment and craic continued.

CRAICing 10th Year of Trad on the Prom

The CRAIC on

Saturday 17th May 2014

I Did It

From Darkness Into LightBy Avril HORAN

I am not a morning person. I certainly would never contemplate getting out of my warm cosy bed at 3am to go for a 5k walk along the prom - in the

rain. And yet that’s exactly what I did, along with thousands of others, as we walked from darkness into light in aid of suicide prevention charity, Pieta House.

There was something bigger driving me to pull off those covers, put on my tracksuit, and head from Moycullen to Salthill for the 4:15am start time. I really was in two minds about it, but I found myself behind the wheel, and on my way to meet a sea of like minded souls. I was shocked as I approached Leisureland and it was packed to capacity. There wasn’t a bit of parking to be found and the dark night was lit up with the glow of cold creatures in a plethora of bright yellow t-shirts. I couldn’t even get inside the doors with the number of people who had come out to support this worthy

cause. Lots of selfies were being taken amongst the crowd as we started on our journey towards the Claddagh and back. There was an air of excitement and disbelief, as we faced the elements and were comforted by the warmth of the crowd. Dog walkers, runners and joggers joined the troupe, but the majority walked at a steady pace, just to take the time to catch a glimpse of the morning light. One of the most touching aspects were the tealight ‘candles’ which were laid out along South Park to help guide the way. It reminded us of everyone who has been affected by suicide and of why we were there. Any tiredness was banished by the sheer momentum of the experience. As we made our way back, we were soaked to the skin, and there was no shimmering sunrise to greet us. But that just made the cup of tea at the end all the more welcome. As the band played, we revelled in our achievement, before realising it was time to go back to bed.

PhotoBy Avril HORAN while on the walk

• 7:30am: The Galway Blue Challenge takes place today, where attendees will cycle to Croagh Patrick, then climb the mountain, and cycle back to Galway. In aid of Enable Ireland and the Galway Autism Partnership.

• 9am: The Irish Workhouse Past and Present National Conference takes place at the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna, this weekend.

• 10am: Friends of Merlin Woods will run a week of free events from today, celebrating the Biodiversity of the woods.

• 11am: The Inishbofin half marathon – 13.5k - takes place today with stunning views from every side of the island. In aid of Croí.

• 1pm: The Roundstone Bay 8k kicks off this afternoon with a figure of eight loop beginning and ending in Roundstone. All proceeds go to the local RNLI service.

• 1pm: Seacht Scéal/ Seven Sagas begins this afternoon at An Taibhdhearc, recreating the mythological epic of the Tuath Dé Danann’s reign in Ireland.

• 6pm: Enjoy an Over the Edge writer’s gathering at Charlie Byrnes bookshop, in the Cornstore Mall on Middle Street.

• 6:30pm: Eight short extracts of works-in-progress from brilliant theatre makers will take place at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 7:30pm: Kasabian are set to entertain by taking to the stage at Seapoint, Salthill for a rockin’ concert.

• 8pm: The Deans, who are originally from Galway, will launch their album at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

• 10pm: Six piece band of brothers, Tae Lane, will perform at the backstage bar at Monroe’s Live with Lunar playground on the main stage at midnight.

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The CRAIC on

Sunday 18th May 2014• 9:30am: A marathon 100k and a 30k charity cycle takes place today in aid of St Teresa’s Special School in Ballinasloe.

• 1pm: The Madra Dogathon takes place today starting at the Claddagh to help raise much needed funds for the dogs at the rescue.

• 1pm: The Once Loved Showroom, an indoor market, takes place at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

• 1:30pm: The Western Intercountry Adoption Organisation is holding a family bar-be-que at Cloonacanueen Castle, Tuam Road.

• 5pm: Today is the last day for Funderland at the Galway Docks, just follow the big wheel.

• 4pm: The University of Southern Indiana Chamber Choir will perform at St Augustine’s Parish Church in aid of the multiple sclerosis Galway branch and the Galway Blue Challenge.

• 8pm: The Galway Film Society presents the classic High Society, with Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 6pm: No Girls Allowed bring the best of trad and folk music to Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay followed by Shay Flaherty from 9pm till close.

• 9pm: The Underscore Orkestra, with their mix of jazz, blues, rock and folk, will play at Tigh Neachtain, Cross Street.

• 11pm: Covers band Fortune Cookie will play the Sunday Sessions at Monroe’s Live backstage bar.

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By Avril HORANCRAICING NEWS!!!

Following his successful State visit to the UK, President Michael D Higgins turned the international media spotlight onto his home town of Galway. As the daily Telegraph charted the top ‘places to see’ in our lovely city, Chi Asian Bistro on Middle Street was one of those selected for mention by journalist, Lorna Siggins. She described how “their imaginative menu is a veritable whistle-top culinary tour of south-east Asia” as owner Catherine O’Brien and chef Andy Bandara embrace the Eastern philosophy of ‘Chi’ or life

force. “There are umpteen splendid ways to slurp your wheaten, rice or udon noodles here, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options,” says Siggins, as they recreate the positive aspects of chi philosophy into their cooking, food and preparation. When Chi is positive, you are energetic and alert, while depletion of Chi leaves you weak, sluggish and without energy. As such, they strive to use the freshest ingredients for healthy and delicious meals with a wholesome flair. For more see chigalway.com or phone 091 561 443.

M ay th e Fo rce b e w ith Yo u!

Harley Davidson to be won at 4ACESWIN

A HARLEY!!!

PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC at CHI Asian Bistro

We are now into Week 5 of the training and although the idea of stepping into a ring to fight is still daunting, progress is being made. General fitness is improving. I’m happy to find I’m better at sprinting and burpees - neither are my favourite way to spend time, but I have more stamina now so they no longer fill me with dread. I can do more pushups as well, real ones now, on toes instead of knees (beginners level). Handwraps and gumshield have been purchased. It’s getting more interesting.Last week, we started sparring, which sharply accelerates the learning curve. So many new skills to acquire: fast footwork, landing punches, parrying, hand position, elbow position, breathing technique, avoiding punches and most importantly, keeping your guard up! Now I realise the importance of so many situps: the abdominal muscles

must become strong and hard to act as a shield to protect the internal organs. Quick reactions are essential. You have to read your opponent and take advantage of any weakness or bad habits they may show. Initially it was really difficult to throw a hard punch – I didn’t want to hurt my opponent. But as soon as she came at me with deadly right and left hooks I copped on and realised it was punch or be punched. My priority for sparring this week is to keep one hand up to guard my face ALL the time. It’s harder than it looks. I’m sure I will develop my own style in the coming weeks, but for now it’s all about the punchbag and throwing hard punches to hone technique. Jab, cross, hook - two minute rounds to increase stamina. Four weeks til Fight Night…four weeks to build abs of steel and fists of fury. Lovin’ it.

A Boxer ’s BlogBy Dara KELLY

The CRAIC on

Monday 19th May 2014• 1pm: A free lunchtime film screening begins today at the in lecture hall IT125, of the IT Building, NUIG as part of the Reel Lives Film Festival Celebrating Ageing. Each film will be followed by a short panel and audience discussion.

• 6pm: An Introduction to Shore Angling takes place at Silverstrand with Kevin Crowley IFI. For more email kevin.crowley@fisheriesireland.ie.

• 7pm: A six week course about Understanding Food starts this evening at Aniar restaurant with owner and chef JP McMahon.

• 7:30pm: Get ready for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals with a football-themed quiz in The King’s Head.

• 8pm: The Mick Lally Theatre is home to the Gallarus production ‘After Sarah Mile’ starring Don Wycherley (Batchelor’s walk, Showbands, F ather Ted).

• 8pm: Rock pioneers, Steeleye Span, are celebrating 45 years with a new show at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 8:30pm: Galway Soundpainting Orchestra presents its show XP1 Nuclear Power at the Town Hall Studio.

• 9pm: Catch Sult and Kevin Duffy at The Quays downstairs for a night of live music.

• 9:30pm: A toe tapping trad session takes place at Barr an Chaladh, Woodquay, for the best of live Monday music.

• 10pm: The 18 piece Black Magic Big Band will have the joint a jumpin’ with the best swingin’ tunes at Busker Brownes on Cross Street. And it’s free.

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Dara Kelly’s training diary at the Black Dragon Kickboxing Club for the White Collar Boxing event to raise funds for Galway Hospice.

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H ow d o I k n ow i f I ’m a g o o d p e r s o n ? I f e e l l i ke I a m d o i n g t h e r i g h t t h i n g s b u t my f r i e n d s h a ve to l d m e I ’m n o t. I a l wa y s te l l t h e m h ow I f e e l, w h i c h I t h i n k i s g o o d. Fo r e xa m p l e, I te l l t h e m i f t h e y l o o k te r r i b l e, a n d i f t h e y s a y s o m e t h i n g s t u p i d, I a m a l wa y s q u i c k to te l l t h e m t h e y a re i d i o t s. O n e t i m e, my f r i e n d s p i l t h e r c u p o f te a o n t h e f l o o r. S o I d i d w h a t a ny f r i e n d wo u l d h a ve d o n e. I t i e d h e r to t h e d o g s h e d o u t s i d e, s o s h e co u l d t h i n k a b o u t i t f o r t h re e d a y s. Wh e n my o t h e r f r i e n d f o u n d o u t, h e s a i d I to o k i t to o f a r, s o I h i t h i m i n t h e f a ce w i t h a ro l l e d u p n e w s p a p e r. I j u s t d o n’t k n ow w h a t I ’m d o i n g w ro n g o r w hy I ca n’t ke e p f r i e n d s f o r ve r y l o n g. P l e a s e h e l p.

The CRAIC on

Tuesday 20th May 2014• A Millenium Cycle in aid of the Galway Hospice starts today, as five friends set out on a 500 kilometre cycle from the Spanish Arch, Galway to the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff.

• 12pm: Traveller Pride Week begins today celebrating their enterprising, sporting, creative and musical abilities as well as their unique culture and history.

• 12pm: A Beginners Guide to Social Media workshop takes place at the Galway Enterprise Board, Woodquay.

• 12:30pm: The Galway Age Friendly City and County Alliance will launch their new strategy sports commentator and raconteur Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh in IT125 at NUI, Galway.

• 2pm: A short film‘4 Bhanrion’ will preceed the main film: ‘Song for Marion’ in IT125G, IT Building, at NUIG as part of the Reel Lives Film Festival for Bealtaine.

• 6pm: A seminar takes place this evening at the Galway Arts Centre for Catch The He(art)

• 6pm: Galway Chamber are hosting a business event ‘Getting your brand to work’ at the Ardilaun hotel, with keynote speaker Noel Toolan with Fiona Monaghan and Gill Carroll.

• 8pm: The Mick Lally Theatre is home to the Gallarus production ‘After Sarah Mile’ starring Don Wycherley (Batchelor’s walk, Showbands, Father Ted).

• 11pm: It’s time for the ever popular Silent Disco at the Roisin Dubh Dominick Street.

Now I’m all about tellin’ people what you think of them, but girl, I think you took it too far. Don’t go tying up your friends outside - psycho people could see and call the cops! You should tie them up inside, do it right if you’re gonna do it at all! But seriously I think you’re a little crazy and you need to go and find a bee keepers house, sneak in to where he keeps the bees and just stick your uncovered head right in there.

If the bees don’t start stinging you right away, then make them angry by stealing their honey and calling them fat. Then you need to go find a big nettle bush and jump in there naked and drag yourself through all the nettles for a while. Then you should roll in some cow pats and I can guarantee you that will distract you from upsetting your friends for a while.

Oh my, you need to realise your behaviour is not normal and what you perceive as the behaviour

of a good person is completely backwards. You need to seek help immediately.

Straight talking from the trailor trash mouth of Southern Belle, Candy, and the more refined Cara from Connemara.

Dear Candy: www.lovefromcara.com

Candy:

By Cara LYONS

Cara:

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Legs Eleven: Photoshoot for theGalway Arts Festival.Legs by Ruairí Cluskey and Sunny Juddy

By Darius IVAN

(AHO)

The CRAIC at MONROE’S LIVE

The CRAIC on

Wednesday 21st May 2014

in GA

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Once Upon A Dreamer

His fine art photos of Galway have been recognised internationally by the editor

of Photo Vogue, and his work captures the unique landscape of the city and county with a new artistic eye. Piotr Bieniasz is currently running his first exhibition at the Town Hall Theatre ‘Once Upon A Dreamer’ and the title itself exposes the dreamlike quality to his work.

Born in the small town of Trzebiatow in north western Poland, he relocated to Ireland in 2010 and has settled in Galway - where he has cultivated his interest in the arts, particularly photography. He is inspired by “different people, old

clothing, objects, locations, the smell of old furniture, the mysticism of places, the great artists Brooke Shaden, Alex Stoddard, Miss Aniela and Lara Jade” and he likes to “twist realities” and to pose questions.

“This is the first exhibition of my photography and it represents a myriad of ideas and concepts which I am continually exploring and developing. Each image portrays a personal narrative that is extracted through a process of point and shoot imagery and meticulous post production editing. I strive for an idealised perfection in all my artwork and at times this can cause a conflict, which has to be worked through in the image, and resolved or simply accepted for it perceived flaws,” he says.

By Avril HORAN

CRAICing Piotr Bartłomiej Bieniasz

• An open charity golfing day takes place today at Oughterard Golf Club in aid of the Galway Hospice

• 11am: A free workshop on low impact aerobic fitness for the actively retired takes place at Lackagh Parish Centre by the Galway Sports Partnership.

• 1pm: A short film ‘Blue Rinse’ by Matt Leigh will be screened at IT125, NUIG followed by ‘The Trip to Bountiful’ as part of the Reel Lives Film Festival to celebrate ageing.

• 8pm: The Stock Exchange on Shop Street will hold a fundraising table quiz in aid of Jigsaw followed by the best of music from the ‘80s and ‘90s.

• 8pm: ‘After Sarah Mile’ starring Don Wycherley takes place at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

• 8pm: Moth and Butterfly, a night of storytelling and improvisation, takes place at Ard Bia, Nimmos, at the Spanish Arch.

• 9pm: Trad at the Head is back at The King’s Head, with live traditional music, Irish dancers, and no cover charge to boot!

• 9:30pm: Citóg presents local bands Otto & The Dix, Cian Finn and Keith McNamara at the Cellar bar on Eglington Street.

John DealyThe craic is great in Galway when the sun is shining and we are sober! It is still good craic, but most of the time, we are not.

Abel Garcia, Lisanne Jacobs, Dean Murray and Pete Duffy* Taking a walk around trying to write and taking photos.

* It’s sunny and it’s awesome and my week is full of cool stuff so I’m really excited.

* I had a good week, I got a great job in Brown Thomas, and Galway is best city ever.

* The craic is the Irish word for merriment and joviality.

Patrick LennonThe craic is enjoying the sunshine in Eyre Square

Daniela and Beltrand, ArgentinaIt’s to have fun in pubs around the city. We have been here for two weeks and we are enjoying the craic here.

Ryan HayesGalway is a buzzing place. Come to Galway to find out what’s the real craic.

Jody MullarkeyThe craic is that my album launch takes place on May 28th upstairs in The Crane and its going to be epic. I love you all and I hope you can make it.

Adrian BanaszkiewiczI really don’t know man. I’m tired after work. There is no craic today!

Olivia Corbett-JoyceIt is a nice sunny day in Galway. I’m just going to chill out for the night. When I’m going out with my friends, we like to go to the Quays. And we all love The CRAIC in Galway.

Dave MichaelThe craic is that I’m performing the novel ‘Feather of Hawk’ here in Galway.

Sylvia and RebeccaWe are going to Trad on the Prom and then to the Aran Islands.

VOX What’s the CRAIC?POP

When he opened his t r a d i t i o n a l music shop in Galway city,

Michael Nichols was following in the footsteps left by his grandfather, Cedric May – a showband musician– and his mother, Patricia May . Opus II is a third generation family business located in the Latin Quarter on High Street.

This quaint shop is brimming with traditional Irish instruments and Yamaha digital pianos. They also specialise in hand crafted bodhrans, made locally by Michael Vignoles, fiddles, harmonicas, guitars, drums, tin whistles, Irish traditional CDs and all of the accessories and sheet music required for budding and experienced musicians alike.

The connection began when Cedric May first opened a piano shop on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin.

“In my grandfather’s day, it began as a piano shop. My mother then opened

a shop on South Great Georges Street and we have come full circle! From pianos to a record shop, from records to sheet music, from sheet music to sheet and instruments and now I am back selling pianos.”

Michael has a Bsc(MGNT) from Trinity and initially intended to help his mother with her business for six months only. “In the ‘90s, my mother’s shop became very busy and I went in to help. That was 23-years-ago and I haven’t looked back since.”

The Dublin shop grabbed international headlines in 2011 when they banned anyone from playing Adele songs on their digital pianos. Their sign ‘strictly no Adele’ caught the attention of the media and they were thrown into the spotlight.

Galway has become Michael’s home and he lives in Inverin with his wife and son. Michael has shops in Cork and Galway and loves his city centre location. Along with the music shop, Michael has also set up an online music bookshop at opus2.ie.

• 12pm: An intermediate course, ‘Facebook for Business’, takes place at the Galway Enterprise Board, Woodquay.

• 1pm: A short film ‘Forty Foot’ by Paul McGrath and Leticia Agudo will be screened at IT125, NUIG followed by ‘Harry and Tonto’ as part of the Reel Lives Film Festival to celebrate ageing.

• 7pm: The East United FC AGM takes place at the Ballybane Social Co-Op where old and new members are welcome.

• 8pm: It’s the final night to catch the play ‘After Sarah Mile’ at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

• 8pm: ‘It’s the Real McCoy’ - described as one of the funniest plays in years - takes place at the Town Hall Theatre. Written by Tommy Marren of Midwest Radio.

• 8:30pm: A Gathering for Billy Mull, organised by the friends of Billy Mulholland, takes place at Monroe’s Live. With Vinnie Mongan and Restless, The Golddiggers, The Rascals, Charade Band, Jivebuddies, Martina Flaherty, Carmel Dempsey, Pete Gilroy and many many more.

• 9pm: Enjoy Thursday night comedy at the Dew Drop Inn with the Filibusters Comedy Club – Ireland’s smallest!

• 9:30pm: Catch the swingin’ style of Benny and the Goodmen at McSwiggans bar in Woodquay.

• 10pm: Aloric Productions are hosting a weekly open mic night in Padraig’s Place, The Docks.

• 10:30pm: Catch Divine Invention upstairs at The Quays music hall.

The CRAIC on

Thursday 22nd May 2014 By Avril HORANFAMILY TRADITION!!!

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PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC in Kashmir RestaurantCelebrating 20 years in Galway

The CRAIC on

Friday 23rd May 2014• 9am: The Burren Slow Food Festival begins today with a three day event showcasing the best elements of food culture – see www.slowfoodclare.com.

• 9am: The Inishbofin Walking Festival takes place this weekend, where you can learn about the culture and landscape of the island.

• 9am: The Drop Everything Festival – a free contemporary cultural event – takes place on Inis Oirr this weekend.

• 11am: It’s the start of Connemara Bog Week in Letterfrack, now in its 30th year, with trad music, exhibitions, dance workshops, Kylemore concerts and guided walks.

• 11am: The Galway African Film Festival kicks off today at the Huston School of Film with free screenings.

• 1pm: A short film ‘Foxes and Donkeys’ by Eileen Gibbons will be screened at IT125, NUIG followed by ‘My Afternoons with Margueritte’ starring Gerard Dépardieu as part of the Reel Lives Film Festival to celebrate ageing.

• 8pm: ‘It’s the Real McCoy’ takes place at the Town Hall Theatre for the final night.

• 9pm: It’s time once again for the Dirty Circus cabaret, this time it’s taking place at the Roisin Dubh.

• 9pm: A Night for Kathleen takes place at Monroe’s Live with music from Stomping Ground, No Stairway and The Puzzles.

• 11pm: Get your groove on with Shuffle at the Roisin Dubh for the best of funk, soul, disco, r&b, reggae and much more.

Club coach and director of the Galway Kettlebells, Sarah Smith, represented Ireland in St Petersburg and took home both gold and silver medals at the international festival. “I was so proud to be part of the first female long cycle team representing Ireland, it was a great experience to travel and compete abroad and I really enjoyed it “ said Sarah. In Russia, Kettlebell / Girevoy sport has been a serious competitive sport for years. The timed sport involves endurance, cardiovascular, strength and mental stamina.

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By Avril HORANCRAICING NEWS!!!To Russia with Love!

It’s that time of year again for the Tonabrucky Challenge on Sat June 7th. The 6km road race, which is AAI certificated will take place in the Rahoon area and will incorporate the famous Tonabrucky hill! This year race goers will be running, jogging and walking for OTRA- On The Road

Again. The non profit organisation promotes the self-sufficiency of people by engaging them in walking and running as a means to build confidence, strength and self esteem. The race will start at 6pm For more information check out www.rahoonnewcastle.com.

The Tonabrucky Challenge

By Darius IVAN

The CRAIC at The KING’S HEAD

Who knew that a Galway based scientist n a m e d Neanderthal

man 150 years ago? William King, Professor of Geology at the then Queen’s College Galway, remains the first scientist ever to name a new species of human. To mark the 150th anniversary of his extraordinary finding, President Michael D Higgins will attend a special symposium to honour the man who coined the term ‘Homo neanderthalensis’ in the 19th Century. This was one of the first steps towards our understanding of human evolution, as King’s proposal in 1864 was to formally designate Neanderthal people as a separate species from ourselves.

The event is dedicated to the life and times of William King and the distant prehistoric people to whom he gave a name. It will welcome the world’s leading authorities in the field of human evolution, a gathering never before seen in Ireland, to celebrate this remarkable

achievement.

“The term ‘Neanderthal’ is globally recognised and understood,” says organiser Dr John Murray, “but had King not coined this phrase during his time in Queen’s College Galway, they would most likely be known by a completely different name today.”

President Higgins, along with members of the King family, will attend a free public talk, at 5.30pm, on Saturday, May 24th, in the O’Flaherty Theatre, NUIG.

• *The cycling Tour de Conamara takes place this weekend in Clifden, with a choice of 140km or 80km routes.

• *Starting in Ballyvaughan, the Clare Burren Marathon Challenge takes place today with options for a mini, half and full marathon.

• 8pm: A dramatic show with Jon Kenny, Mag Mell, takes place at the Town Hall Theatre for one night only.

• 8pm: Mick Flannery, a singing and song writing force, will take to the stage at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

• 8pm: Catch ‘Postscript’ a poignant and humours story about an adopted person’s search for identity at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane.

• 8:30pm: Dive into the Irish tradition, via jazz, funk, pop and electronica at Monroe’s Live with The Olllam, Padraig Rynne, Jeremy Kittel and Michelle Chamuel while covers band Oddity will rock the house at midnight.

• 9pm: The Astralnaut ‘Thieves, Beggars and Swine’ EP launch takes place at The Cellar bar on Eglington Street.

• 9pm: Beggars Velvet are set to entertain downstairs at The Quays while upstairs in the Music Hall you can catch Blue Moose.

• 11pm: Carbon nightclub presents DJ Tom Starr, a founding member of Moda Collective, for his second instalment behind the decks.

The CRAIC on

Saturday 24th May 2014

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By Avril HORAN

Neanderthal Man Returns

The CRAIC at 4 ACES CASINO, Dominick St.By Darius IVAN

The CRAIC on

Sunday 25th May 2014

• The Lough Cutra Castle triathlon takes place today in Gort, with lots of distance options for those who like to bike, run and swim.

• 11am: A run against cancer 5 mile fun race takes place today in Ballinasloe.

• 11am: Buy My Dress takes place at the Clayton hotel today in aid of the Down Syndrome Centre.

• 12pm: The Galway Bay Jazz Band play live at Busker Brownes for some swingin’ Sunday tunes.

• 1pm: Enjoy an afternoon trad session at The Crane Bar with Sean Ryan, Mick Crehan and guests.

• 5pm: It’s the final day for the African Film Festival at the Huston School of film. This evening they are showing two shorts, Twaaga and Kwaku Ananse, with a feature film Mother of George (6:15pm) and the Irish premiere of the Forgotten Kingdom at 8:15pm.

• 7pm: CU Factor takes place this evening at the Town Hall Theatre, where the credit unions across county Galway come together to showcase their many talents.

• 8pm: Take in some Sunday swing music with Galway trio I Saw Stars at Kellys on Bridge Street.

• 9pm: It’s Open Mic Night at the Roisin Dubh where you can discover the best of local talent on your doorstep.

• 11pm: Bring your weekend to a close with the fantastic Rackhouse Pilfer at the backstage bar at Monroe’s Live.

• 11pm: The Weighless Astronauts will play live upstairs at The Quays music hall.

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STREET STYLER:Tamsin NolanWEB:simpleextravagance.blogspot.ieI wear mostly vintage clothes, bought in places like Berlin and Dublin, from local charity shops, and particularly my parent’s wardrobes! My wardrobe consists of mainly flannel and denim shirts from my Dad, and oversize jack-ets from my Mom. I can generally be seen in black jeans, a jumper or large shirt, loads of jewellery and some cool shoes, like my sparkly jellies, leopard print Air Max, or my black and white platforms. I love experimenting with different patterns and textures, and usually have my signature explosion of a lopsided curly pony tail!

CRAICING STREET STYLE !!!By Rebecca CASSERLY

See your style featured here! Tweet us @CRAICinGalway or use #CRAICStyle on Twitter or Instagram and you could be the next

Street Styler!

Livia’s favourite colour is black and she loves to wear very simple, plain comfortable garments to college. So I have decided to layer up different accessories & colours

together. We went to my favourite second hand shop “As Good As New” on Upper Dominick street in Galway and this what we created.Who is next?

Casual College Chic

For Styling by Sunny go to facebook.com/sunnyjuddygalway

By Sunny JUDDY

Fashion lovers in Galway often find it difficult to resist the appeal of vintage stores. I’m a firm

believer that vintage fashion never goes out of style. Since they started popping up in Galway, vintage stores have completely changed the fashion scene here, for the best.

This was notable when the Ladies Day Best Dressed competition at the Galway Races last Summer was won by a lady wearing vintage rather than designer. Vintage shopping is something which cannot be replaced by modern-day online shopping. Nothing beats the thrill of snooping around a vintage fashion store and finding a one off piece….and it’s in your size! Galway is lucky enough to have some of the best vintage havens in Ireland Cotton Face Vintage in Spiddal is a vintage store with a world of vibes., located on the beachside bringing you affordable hand-picked vintage clothing. Sinead Lally, owner, Cotton Face Vintage shares her thoughts on how vintage shopping has impacted on the fashion scene here. She tells us that vintage shopping has become the number one destination for all the hipsters who love to combine original vintage pieces with high street and designer. Sinead has also introduced Galway’s monthly flea-style market where you can thrift to your hearts content! Another interesting concept introduced by vintage stores includes ‘kilo sales’ whereby fashionistas shop and pay for their items by

weight rather than individual product. The kilo sales held by Sinead Coughlan, owner of Public Romance have proved extremely popular. Public Romance combines contemporary fashion with vintage on two floors in their Abbeygate street store. In Galway a lot of charity shops have also embraced vintage fashion meaning you can combine pre-loved and vintage shopping in the one experience. Take a wander into the Community Aid Thrift Shop in Gort or Eureka Pre-Loved Clothing in Salthill to try this unique shopping experience for yourself.

Tweet your vintage fashion finds to us @CRAICinGalway using #CRAICstyle and show us what you have found on the vintage trail in Galway.

• Fibín presents Trigger Martin at various outdoor locations across County Galway, telling the tale of the amazing true life adventures of Richard Martin, from Ballynahinch Castle, for a younger audience. Their story will be told from their performance tent which will be on the road from today until June 6th.

• 6pm: An exhibition of solo work by Teresa Ward kicks off this evening at the Galway Arts Centre, Dominick Street, with a series of paintings looking at the changes in Galway society.

• 8pm: The Galway Patrician Musical Society presents ‘A Night of Song’ at the Town Hall Theatre featuring songs from the Phantom of the Opera, Westside Story, Miss Saigon and many more with special guests, Bel Canto.

• 8pm: The Galway Language Exchange takes place at Kelly’s on Bridge Street for an evening of chat and banter in a range of different languages.

• 9pm: Enjoy a lively trad session at Barr an Chaladh in Woodquay, where they have the best of toe tapping music 7 nights a week.

• 10pm: The 18 piece Black Magic Big Band will have the joint a jumpin’ with the best swingin’ tunes at Busker Brownes on Cross Street. And it’s free.

The CRAIC on

Monday 26th May 2014

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CRAICING STYLE !!!By Rebecca CASSERLY

On the Vintage Trail in Galway

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Why does it always rain on me?

The CRAIC on

Tuesday 27th May 2014

• 2pm: A workshop ‘Making Good Governance Easier’ takes place at the Harbour Hotel organised by The Wheel for the Irish community and voluntary sector.

• 7pm: Online Marketing in Galway presents a free seminar at the Harbour Hotel with Hugh Linehan, Digital Editor, Irish Times and Niall McElwee, Book Hub Publishing.

• 7pm: In a new initiative, NUIG’s School of Nursing and Midwifery will host a knowledge exchange event on suicide prevention in Lecture Theatre 1, Áras Moyola.

• 7pm: The Irish Institute of Pharmacy will hold a free peer support event for pharmacists at NUIG this evening.

• 8pm: The Galway Patrician Musical Society presents ‘A Night of Song’ at the Town Hall Theatre featuring songs from the Phantom of the Opera, Westside Story, Miss Saigon and many more with special guests, Bel Canto.

• 8pm: Drop in Blues dance classes take place tonight at De Burgos, Augustine Street, with social dancing afterwards from 9pm. No partner or experience needed.

• 11pm: Headphones at the ready! It’s time for the Silent Disco at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street.

CRAICING NEWS!!!By Darius IVAN

CRAICing Nights with comedy in The Dew Drop Inn

Pete D u ff y

AvrilHoran

Galway City Council began removing election campaign posters two weeks ahead of voting, which takes place on

May 23rd. “They are hurting people’s eyes!” they said, and “anything lower than 8 ft. is dangerous.”

Beware of Flying Posters:

Why does it always rain on me?

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The CRAIC on

Wednesday 28th May 2014• 8am: A small food business start up seminar takes place at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill by the Food Safety Authority.

• 11am: A free workshop in Chi Gong, gentle fitness and relaxation exercises, takes place at the Ballybane Community Centre by the Galway Sports Partnership.

• 8pm: The Importance of Being Wilde takes place at the Town Hall Theatre, a compelling documentary play about the life of Oscar Wilde.

• 8pm: A movie table quiz takes place at the Roisin Dubh in aid of the Galway Picture Palace.

• 9pm: Jody Mullarkey will launch his album ‘Heart Strings’ upstairs in The Crane bar. Jody has worked closely with Pete Duffy from The Dreams Loft over the past year and will be pledging 10% of album proceeds to Aspergers Action Galway - a charity close to Jody’s heart.

• 9pm: Trad at the Head is back at The King’s Head, with live traditional music, Irish dancers, and no cover charge to boot!

• 9:30pm: Citóg presents Ian O’Doherty, Tara Stacey and Conor Fahy at the Cellar bar.

• 10:30pm: Don’t miss the ‘Screamin’ Bluecats’ at Garvey’s in Eyre Square for a night of rockabilly magic. You ‘aint nothin’ but a hound dog!

CRAICING NEWS!!!By Avril HORAN

The Last Friday Club

Marathon Musical ChallengeMark Duley, who is the choral director of St Nicholas Collegiate Church and the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir, is set to embark on a musical marathon to raise funds for the Pipeworks Festival, 2014. Mark will be pulling out all the stops for the ‘20 Cathedrals, 20 Concerts, 13 Counties, 7 Days, 1 Organist’ challenge. The sponsored recital marathon starts on Monday, May 19th and he will be travelling the length and breadth of Ireland

to fundraise for the Pipeworks Festival, taking place on June 18th. He wants “to inspire enthusiasm for organs and organ music all over the country and to draw attention to a rich aspect of our cultural heritage.” Admission to all recitals is free and, and a collection will be taken at each recital, where a donation of €5 is suggested. Organisations and individuals interested in sponsoring Mark should go to the Pipeworks 20CC page.

Held on the last Friday of every month in Monroe’s Live, The Last Friday Club is an all-dancing celebration of pop music, and an antidote to modern day clubbing fatigue for all those over 30 who want to to get out for a good night of music and fun. The music played

takes in the full breadth of the pop spectrum, from 70s to now, with much loved classics, forgotten gems and straight up dance floor crackers. The next one takes place at Monroe’s Live, Backstage Bar on Friday, May 30th.

CRAICing Night out at The Blue Note

ARÍS!Affirmative Rituals, Irresistible Success

Anois an t-am a chuireann go leor daoine tús ceart le dea-rúin maidir le sláinte, aclaíocht agus aiste bia, agus na siopaí lán le héadaí an tsamhraidh, síneadh sa tráthnóna agus an ghrian ár mealladh as an teach. Más ag iarraidh breathnú go maith ar an trá atáimid, nó páirt a ghlacadh i gceann den iliomad rásaí/trí-atlan/ócáid spóirt charthanachta a reáchtáiltear i nGaillimh, tá deireadh leis an gcodladh geimhridh anois agus táimid uile níos gníomhaí. Is féidir mothú ciontach nó drogallach tabhairt faoin athrú áfach, agus mar sin is fiú iarraidh orainn féin an gcabhródh athrú fócais linn cloígh leis an aiste bia nó an aclaíocht. Bíodh meon dearfach againn.

Seachas meáchan a chailleadh tá sláinte á chothú againn trí bhia folláin a roghnú. Seachas tónáil suas táimid ag éirí níos láidre trí bheith níos aclaí. Féadfaimid spraoi a bheith againn lenár bpáirtí, cairde nó teaghlach fad a bhainimid triail as rud éigin nua, curiarracht phearsanta nua a bhaint amach inár spórt féin, nó airgead a bhailiú do charthanacht agus muid ag traenáil le haghaidh ócáid speisialta. Bainimís sult as fuinneamh a chothú agus leas a bhaint as chuile lá. Seol ríomhphost chugam chun oidis nó seisiúin aclaíochta allamuigh a fháil: dara.n.kelly@gmail.com.

• 8pm: Produced in association with Croí, The Rural Vernacular Company presents the Year of The Moving Statues following its sell out run at the Mick Lally theatre with this hilarious comedy satire.

• 9pm: Enjoy Thursday night comedy at the Dew Drop Inn with the Filibusters Comedy Club – Ireland’s smallest!

• 9pm: Peter Byrne and the Glass Onion Band will raise the roof at The Quays downstairs.

• 9:30pm: Catch the swingin’ style of Benny and the Goodmen at McSwiggans bar in Woodquay.

• 9:30pm: An open traditional Irish music jam takes place every Thursday at the Western Hotel on Prospect Hill.

• 10pm: Aloric Productions are hosting a weekly open mic night in Padraig’s Place, The Docks.

• 10pm: Bréag are celebrating 20 years together - after originally forming to raise money for local Irish language schools - and will be performing at Monroe’s Live with their Eastern European and Latin traditional styles.

• 11:30pm: Catch the Busquitos, an Amsterdam based swingin’ buskin’ band at Monroe’s Live.

The CRAIC on

Thursday 29th May 2014

For many people now is the time to make resolutions around health, fitness and diet as the shops are full of summer clothes, the evenings are longer and the sun is starting to tempt us outdoors. Whether we are hoping to look good on the beach this year, or planning to take part in one of Galway’s many road races/triathlons/charity sporting events, hibernation is officially over and we are all getting more active. We can still feel guilt and resistance to embracing change though, so it’s worth asking ourselves if a change of focus would help us to stick to the diet and/or exercise plan. Let’s

think positive. Instead of losing weight we are gaining health by eating well. Instead of toning up we are feeling stronger by being more active. We can have fun with partners, friends and family while trying something new, achieve a new personal best in our beloved sport, or raise funds for charity while training to take part in a special event. Let’s enjoy gaining more energy and living life to the full every day. Email me for healthy recipes or outdoor workouts: dara.n.kelly@gmail.com.

Meon an tSamhraidh

Summer Mindset

CRAICING GAEILGE!!!By Dara KELLY

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CRAICing night out at Low Level Panic By Sunny JUDDY

Translation

Lorraine Higgins

Send theGalway Girlto Europe

lorraine.higgins@oir.ie091 842 200 LorHiggins @LorHiggins www.lorrainehiggins.com