Welcome to the 19th edition of The Craic in Galway magazine. We’ve seen parades, people and a plethora of green as we said goodbye to St Patrick’s Day for another year. Dedication has a new hero - anyone who is willing to drive a tractor, backwards, through the streets of Moycullen to showcase the giant red eyed dragon they made especially for the village parade. And they didn’t even win the title! That went to the near life size pirate ship complete with sails and swashbuckling adventurers by the team at Connemara Marble. Only in it’s third year, it was a fantastic spectacle, with a theatrical float depicting a play, as gaeilge, about the famine and a working water mill. Brilliant. In the city, Kamil Krolak was at it again, as he made a new version of Galway Is Also Happy at the parade. Inside these pages, we have the low down on the man himself, along with your photographic guide to the festival celebrations. Dara Kelly helps us to detox after the bank holiday indulgences and we have the latest fashion trends. As always, we bring you your daily diary for the next two weeks, with news, views, health and style. As the Little Cinema discovered the importance of our Irish roots, there was an international flavour to the launch of the Connemara Mussel

Festival. Read on to find out more!

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

Love, The CRAIC Squad

Featured in TheCRAIC 19

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From Friday March 21th To Thursday April 3rd 2014

divmedia.iePHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN PR PROMOTIONS

The CRAIC addictsDirector and Photography

Darius IVANinfo@divmedia.ie

EditorAvril HORAN

avrilhoran@divmedia.ie

Styling & PhotographySunny JUDDY

sunnyjuddy@divmedia.ie

ContributorsDara KELLYCara LYONS

Rebecca CASSERLY

DistributionGearóid O MACHAIN

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

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Welcome to TheCRAIC

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Kamil is Happy again p.8

Fashion Forward p.16

NCT Anxiety p.10Mussel Power p.14

A Concert for Mike p.4

Spring Detox p.30

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IDREQUIRED

As his second a n n i v e r s a r y approaches on March 31, a concert has been organised to

honour the memory of Mike Diskin - a man who championed the arts community in Galway as manager of the Town Hall and Black Box theatres - before his untimely death at the age of 49. All money raised will go towards a new Michael Diskin Arts Bursary, which will be awarded to a west of Ireland artist or musician.

A stellar line-up has been organised, with performances from Macnas, Mephisto Theatre Company, former Footsbarn star Rod Goodall, along with seven bands - including The Cabin Collective, Amazing Apples, My Fellow Sponges, We Banjo 3, Mikey and the Scallywags and Little John Nee and the Caledonian Highly Strung Orchestra. An All Stars traditional band will also take to the stage and it’s set to be a night to remember.

“Mike Diskin helped an awful lot of musicians, young theatre companies and artistes in his time as manager of The Town Hall,” says event organiser, Ollie Jennings.

“He often gave the studio space free of charge and advised re grant applications to the Arts Council and the local Galway councils. Mike had a real genuine love and interest in the arts. He had a generous big heart that spurred him to help people working in the arts in Galway.

“All the bands and theatre companies are giving their services for free. When I announced the Concert for Mike, I had about a half a dozen other bands on to me to see if they could play for free at the March 30 show. They all wanted to be involved as they had huge respect for Mike Diskin.

“I’ve partnered with Breandán O’Heaghra, and he is setting up a Board to administer the Michael Diskin Arts Bursary. Mike’s family is happy with the holding of the concert and the establishment of the bursary. I’m hoping to raise €5,000 from the concert receipts and this will be converted into the Michael Diskin Arts Bursary,” he explains.

The event takes place at the Town Hall Theatre on Sunday, March 30th at 7:30pm. Tickets cost €18 and are available from the theatre or online at www.tht.ie.

The CRAIC on

Friday 21st March 2014• 1:10pm: A historical lunchtime lecture takes place at the Galway City Museum ‘Why Build a Wedge Tomb Here?’ organised by NUIG.

• 7:30pm: The Galway Community Circus presents Circopolis at The Black Box Theatre. A collection of ancient tales are remixed for the modern day through breath-taking aerial displays, dance and circus acts.

• 7:30pm: A month of singdays takes place at Club Aras na nGael if you would like to try singing harmonies with a friendly group.

• 8pm: Martin McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara will be played out at The Town Hall Theatre – one of his funniest plays.

• 8pm: The Glenamaddy Theatre festival is in full swing and tonight’s performance is The Gingerbread Lady with Ballyshannon Drama at the Town Hall Theatre, Glenamaddy.

• 8:45pm: Galway FC take on Shamrock Rovers at Eamonn Deacy Park on the Dyke Road.

• 9pm: Catch John Spillane, twice winner of the meteor award in the best folk/trad category, live at the Roisin Dubh, while singer/songwriter Nicola Maguire, who counts Damien Dempsey as a fan, will play upstairs.

• Late night: Be rocked by the band, Unstable, as they play live at The King’s Head.

• Midnight: Live Forever are one of the best Oasis tribute acts around and are set to take to the stage at Monroe’s Live having toured Ireland extensively.

A Concert for Mike!!!By Avril HORAN

New Arts Bursary to be Created in Memory of Mike Diskin

PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC in The KING’S HEAD

The Little Cinema crew went out and about on the city streets to find out the importance of the Irish language as

they did their bit for Seachtain na Gaeilge. By holding up a giant sign ‘Can You Speak Irish?’ they invited people to share their experience of our native tongue. It was an eye opener for organisers, Kenny Gaughen and Julia Puchovska, who realised just how much the language is “part of what Ireland is”. In just under one hour, they had gathered enough people to create the eight minute short documentary.

“It was so refreshing listening to them speak,” explains Kenny. “It is such a beautiful language and it helped me to remember a lot of the Irish I used to have! One of the most enlightening interviewees was a man from Connemara, who told us how they were once looked down upon when they came to Galway city, and now they are appreciated for being gaelgoirs. It is more respected, and that’s the way it should be. We should have pride in the language. We are already so

disconnected from our Druid and Celtic mystical roots. If we lose the language, that, too, will be lost,” he says.

Julie is originally from Slovakia and came to Galway nine years ago. She was delighted to be involved in the project as it was “nice to do something serious” away from the comedy sketches they regularly show at Galway’s Little Cinema. They were assisted by Matt Burke, who is an Irish speaker and Liam Doherty on sound.

“I feel Irish myself,” she says, “and I believe the native language gives you a sense of self and of where you come from. It gives you a sense of where you live and you feel more connected. Personally, I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

The pair are among those who run the Little Cinema, giving local film-makers a chance to submit their shorts to a wider audience. The labour of love is “almost like a full time job!” given the level of commitment they have to providing a place for up and coming talent. You can catch the clip on You Tube ‘Is the Irish Language Important’ and the next Little Cinema takes place at Kellys on Bridge Street on Tuesday, March 25th,

The CRAIC on

Saturday 22nd March 2014• 11am: An archaeology workshop, ‘getting to know Neolithic farmers’ takes place at the Galway City Museum with local archaeologist, Anne Carey. Age 7-12.

• 1:30pm: A unique workshop, Sing with Anet, takes place at the education room in the Galway City Museum. A joyous celebration brought about by the connection that is made when singing in harmony.

• 3pm: Circopolin Children, a sister show of Circopolis, takes place at The Black Box Theatre performed by younger members of the Galway Community Circus.

• 7:30pm: The Galway Community Circus presents Circopolis at The Black Box Theatre.

• 8pm: The Bridge Drama Group presents Big Maggie at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm: These Charming Men play the music of The Smyths at the Roisin Dubh.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy a free trad session at The Crane Bar on Sea Road with Michael Chang and Bill Wright.

• 10:30pm: Following their return from Nashville, Sligo based bluegrass band Rackhouse Pilfer will celebrate their EP launch at Monroe’s Live, followed by the Who Knows at midnight.

• 11pm: Blue Loves Milo will have celebrate their second EP launch, Spiritual Hostage’ at Kellys bar on Bridge Street.

• 11pm: Carbon nightclub presents DJ Vanilla Ace from London, for music to get you dancing all night long.

A Little Love for the Irish LanguageBy Avril HORAN

CRAICING NEWS!!!

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PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC in MONROE’S Live

‘Cause Kamil’s Happy!!!

We spend f i v e m i n u t e s w i t h G a l w a y

based filmmaker, Kamil Krolak (27), who has made the headlines with his version of ‘Galway Is Also Happy’ and ‘50 People, 1 Question’. Originally from Poland, he moved to Galway in 2007 to study film and television and has already made a name for himself in the industry. His version of the ‘Happy’ song was commended by the team behind the original Pharrell Williams video, while ‘50 People, 1 Question’ went viral around the world, quickly reaching one million views, and scooping numerous awards.

Where do you live?

Salthill, Galway.

Why did you choose Galway?

It seemed like a good place

where I could start following my dreams and passions.

Favourite place?

Wherever my family, friends and close ones are.

Favourite food?

My own home-made cooking. Turkey breast with roasted ham and melted cheese!

Where do you like to socialise?

Any place with good live music and positive people.

When did you decide to do a Galway version of ‘Happy’?

At the beginning of 2014. A friend of mine sent me an original version and I thought ‘If there is a place that can do a super happy and positive remake, with a lot of joy, magic and positive vibes - it has to be Galway. Game on’.

What was your proudest moment?

Every time I see my mother supporting me - and being

By Avril HORAN

The CRAIC on

Sunday 23rd March 2014• 12pm: Have some swing with your brunch, as the Galway Bay Jazz Band will have you up and dancing at Busker Brownes on Cross Street.

• 12pm: Head to Kellys Bar on Bridge Street for a unique charity indoor market in aid of Pieta House.

• 1pm: For fitness fanatics, the Craughwell 10 mile takes place today starting at the Craughwell National School.

• 1pm: For some toe tapping lunchtime trad, head to The Crane Bar on Sea Road for a Sunday session with Sean Ryan and Mick Crehan.

• 1pm: The Galway kiddies market takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, where a donation is made to the school fundraising on the day.

• 8pm: The Galway film society presents Just a Sigh starring Gabriel Byrne, which opened this year’s IFI French film festival.

• 8pm: The Glenamaddy Players presents Agnes of God as part of the drama festival taking place at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm: It’s open mic night at the Roisin Dubh, where raw local talent comes to life in front of an eager audience.

• 10pm: County Galway’s Garreth McConnell will launch his new EP, Born Again, at Monroe’s Live, which was recorded at Grouse Lodge studios.

• Midnight: An artist with a deep love of Irish folk and trad, Jim McKee and band, will entertain at Monroe’s Live.

Answering controversial question: “YES”

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proud of me and what I do.

Were you surprised by the success of ‘50 people, 1 question’?

Yes, of course. I would have never thought that it was going to be watched by so many people around the globe, win so many

awards, and that it would have so much impact on its viewers. It is simply amazing.

Are you single?

One of them controversial questions for press - Yes.

If you were stranded on a desert island,

what three people, or things would you bring with you?

A typing machine, a big tub of chocolate ice cream, and a sunblock .

You can find Kamil at

www.kamilfilms.com

Da Roberta’s Ristorante

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Oh lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes benz. Preferably a 141 reg so I don’t

have to undergo the dreaded NCT every year. I had no idea just how stressful the national car test actually is. As I took my 14-year-old car down to the Galway centre , I felt like an anxious parent in the build up to the Leaving Cert. It has been many years since I had been through the process of watching your car go through its paces and I didn’t know what to expect. The last time it was my vintage beetle bug. It failed (one light was dimmer than the other). I cried.

This time, I watched as my beloved vehicle entered a queueing system, where you can see as your registration moves up the line on a small screen towards the chopping board. The waiting room has windows dotted along the perimeter, so you can watch as your classic banger screams through the process of wheel

spins, light checks, brake and emissions tests and the final ‘you raise me up’ podium test. My heart was in my mouth during the entire process. As my old gent was brought in, I was drawn to the window, willing it to do well and hoping to make pleading eye contact with the mechanic. I wanted him to know there was a human behind the hump of metal he was inspecting.

Like clockwork, row after row of cars are lined up and wheeled out as the mystified owners are called, one-by-one, to the advisory desk on completion. Many walk away with an enormous ‘thank you!’ and you know they’re child has graduated successfully. Others are kept for a short time to explain how and why their car just hasn’t made the grade. I was expecting an end of life certificate - an ‘I’m sorry mam, but there is nothing more than we can do’ for your beloved BMW. Yes it’s a petrol guzzling, noisy, guffawing kind of a vehicle, but I have a genuine attachment to the old gent, who

The CRAIC on

Monday 24th March 2014• 7pm: A new 8-week creative writing course for beginners starts this evening with Over The Edge’s Kevin Higgins at the Galway Technical Institute.

• 7:30pm: A public workshop on Software and Apps for Astronomy will take place at room 220, of the physics department at NUI Galway, organised by the Galway Astronomy Club.

• 7:30pm: A Casino Royale fundraiser for East Galway Animal Rescue takes place at The Radisson hotel, organised by GMIT business students. With a canapé and drinks reception and prizes galore.

• 8pm: Founded in Northern Ireland in 2000, The Answer - who were chief support to AC/DC for two years, will rock on at The Roisin Dubh.

• 8pm: Corofin Dramatic Society presents The New Electric Ballroom at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre as part of their drama festival.

• 9:30pm: A toe tapping trad session takes place at the Crane bar on Sea Road with Kevin Whelan and Freda Hatton.

• 10pm: Busker Brownes oozes with class and culture as the fantastic 18 piece Black Magic Big Band take you back to an era when jazz and swing roamed.

N C T A n x i e t y ! ! !

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By Avril HORAN

By Sean CONNOLLY

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TKH_CRAIC_190314_HiRes.pdf 1 19/03/2014 17:28

I bought for €1,200 last year. I know little about mechanics, but I give him an ould wash by hand every now and then, and a gentle hoover to make sure its bits are clean.

I am a timid and anxious driver behind the wheel, and even more timid and anxious when I have to hand my car over to those who will decide its fate. I don’t particularly like driving. I am much happier to walk and cycle. However, I have moved out of the city lights to the country wilderness and am a car dependent rural dweller. But my car is a gentle giant, sturdy and reliable, and has seen its fair share of life since it’s year 2000 beginnings as a company car for a meticulous German businessman. He too, loved it,

and was concerned that it went to a good home, as he traded up to a Mercedes. But no amount of car washing can keep wear and tear at bay, and I knew going in, that we were lined up for failure.

I decided I was going to yell ‘THANK YOU’ at the destiny desk as I was leaving, in a bid to fool everyone that we had passed with flying colours. Instead, I opted for a final bit of eye fluttering charm to see if I could impress with one last bid not to have to return again. “That engines very noisy,” he said. “Ah it’s only the air breeder valve,” I replied, with a sudden burst of car know how. “I think it’s more than that,” he mustered. “Not at all, tis easy fixed” I emplored. Anyhow, I had an irrevocably damaged tyre,

a giant lump in the rubber that was fit to burst at the next turn. Darn. And something about a bearing. Other than that, the old gent is still fighting fit and fancy free. Sadly I have to go back, but I am looking forward to finding the right mechanic who actually cares enough about my ould beemer. It’s like finding the right nursing home, I need people who actually give a crap.

Speaking to my friends, they too experience NCT anxiety. One argues that it is discriminating against those of us who can’t afford a new car, as we have to return annually. I’d like to get another year or two out of my old faithful, and next year, will check the tyres, just in case.

I can’t stop crying. Sad movies make me cry, certain ads on TV make me cry, I cry when I look at my dogs face, I cry when I’m on the toilet. When I’m driving and I get stuck in traffic I cry, when my shoelace comes undone I cry. Sometimes I burst into tears when I’m in bed with my boyfriend, because I get afraid I’ll lose him somehow. What can I do?

The CRAIC on

Tuesday 25th March 2014• 6pm: Online Marketing in Galway will host a free seminar this evening at The Harbour Hotel, New Dock Street, with three special guest speakers.

• 6:30pm: A seminar takes place at An Taibhearc with Bassam El Baroni, a curator and writer based in Egypt.

• 7pm: A new course for Intermediate creative writing with Susan Millar DuMars starts this evening at the Galway Technical Institute.

• 7:30pm: Rising will honour the legacy of Ronnie James Dio at the Roisin Dubh.

• 8pm: The Galway Musical Society celebrate their 30th production with the classic tale of Evita at the Town Hall Theatre, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and the Oscar award winning You Must Love Me.

• 8pm: Compantas Lir Claregalway present Eclipsed at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre as the Glenamaddy Drama Festival continues.

• 8:30pm: It’s Snow White with a twist; Blancanieves will be screened at the AV Theatre at the Connemara National Park, Letterfrack, set in 1920s Seville.

• 9:30pm: The Comedy Cocktails standup showcase takes place upstairs at the Roisin Dubh followed by the ever popular Silent Disco.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy a trad session with Mick Crehan and John O’ Halloran at The Crane bar on Sea Road.

Well, you have clearly got some sorta cryin’ disease. You need to get some apple cider vinegar and wash your eyes out. Now this will make you cry a lot, but don’t worry, we need to get all that cryin’ out of you - so do that for a week. You also need to get

a big bag of sand and table salt and dunk your face into it every day. Try and open your eyes when you do it. You can also strap mini sponges under your eyes to catch the excess tears until you’re cured.

You need to discover where these sad thoughts may be coming from. You could have had negative experiences in your past and a lot of feelings could be trying to break through. If you need help addressing an issue from the

past, or just want someone to listen, counselling can help. It’s a good thing to feel empathy for people and be able to share emotion, you just need to regain control and figure out what’s making you tear up so often.

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

Dear Candy:

Candy:

By Cara LYONS

Cara:

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The CRAIC on

Wednesday 26th March 2014

• 9:30am: If you want to learn all about outdoor vegetable crop production, then a free 12-week course starts this morning at Brigid’s Garden, Roscahill with tutor Kay Sinnott.

• 6pm: The Galway Chamber of Commerce celebrates 10 years of networking events by holding their Business After Hours at Barons Self Storage, Riverside Commercial Estate, Tuam Road – where the first ever BAH was held.

• 7:30pm: A fundraising table quiz takes place at Busker Brownes on Cross Street to help send Hannah Kielty to India as she volunteers with charity organisation Serve.

• 8pm: The Nenagh Players presents The Outgoing Tide at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre.

• 8pm: The Galway Musical Society celebrate their 30th production with the classic tale of Evita at the Town Hall Theatre, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and the Oscar award winning You Must Love Me.

• 9pm: Catch The Dead Heavies live at the Roisin Dubh followed by The Converse Allstars.

• 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: Brigid Power Ryce, Padriag Jack and Smash Rae will entertain at The Cellar bar on Eglington Street.

• 10:30pm: Don’t miss the ‘Screamin’ Bluecats’ at Garvey’s in Eyre Square for a night of rockabilly magic. Put on those Blue Suede Shoes.

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Mussel Power!!!

The jokes about the rugby were flying as it was announced that a contingent from

France will be travelling to Tullycross, Renvyle in May for the Connemara Mussel Festival. Running since 2006, this was the first time they held an official launch - which took place at Busker Brownes - and it was “just as stressful as organising the event itself!”

This year’s festival takes place over the May bank holiday weekend from May 2nd-5th, and will be one of the first festivals on the new Wild Atlantic Way. It will be opened by Sally and John McKenna of the McKenna Guides and members of the Fins Goussiers d’Anjou from France will also attend. Author Ms Nicola

Gordon Bowe (who we heard has a famous rugby playing nephew) will be on hand to discuss the work of renowned stained glass artist, Harry Clarke and there will be a special Made in Galway market as part of the music, dancing, talks and theatrical spectacles. The launch itself had an international flavour, with representatives from the Embassies of France and Japan. Launching the festival, County Mayor Liam Carroll said “its vibrancy cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world”. City Mayor, Padraig Conneely who “comes from that part of the country myself” welcomed the city launch and spoke of his memories of the area. “You have something very special to offer,” he said, “the natural beauty you have is stunning...and this food from the sea is the best in the world.”

By Avril HORAN

A Feast for the Senses

CRAICing Nights Out Launch of Connemara Mussel Festival

PhotosBy Darius IVANThe CRAIC in SALLY LONGS

COYOTE FACTOR SEMIFINAL

The CRAIC on

Thursday 27th March 2014

• 11:15am: The Connemara Pony Spring Festival kicks off today at The Showgrounds, Clifden, and continues until Sunday, March 30th.

• 5:30pm: An international conference, Lifeworlds: Space, Place and Irish Culture begins at NUIG and opens with a book launch, Mapping Irish Theatre, at the Hardiman Research Building. All events are open to the public.

• 6:30pm: The March ‘Over The Edge: Open Reading’ takes place in Galway City Library.

• 7pm: Discover playwright JM Synge’s connections to Galway at a lecture by Prof. Patrick Lonergan, NUIG, at the Galway City Museum.

• 8pm: The Galway Musical Society presents Evita at the Town Hall Theatre, Courthouse Square.

• 8pm: Cloonacool Players presents Many Young Men of Twenty at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre as the drama festival continues.

• 8pm: Ignite Galway takes place at Kellys on Bridge Street, where speakers have just 5 minutes and 20 slides to explain their personal and professional passions.

• 9pm: A charity night in aid of Serve takes place at Monroe’s Live, with three live bands, Shrugs Amber Floods and Whifflefit, all for just €5 for a good cause.

• 9pm: Enjoy a comedy night, Filibusters, at the Dew Drop Inn, with a host of local comedians lined up to entertain you.

The windows at Brown Thomas and Anthony Ryans will come to life on Tuesday, April

1st, as students from GTI will showcase their style skills.

Real live models will adorn the windows to signal the start of this year’s fashion fiesta, which culminates in a graduate fashion show at the House Hotel, on Thursday, April 3rd. They will be following in the footsteps of GTI fashion

graduate and Oscar designer, Laura Jayne Halton, who will MC the event. One of Laura’s creations was worn to the Oscars last year and she will also present her exciting collection at the event. This year’s theme is ‘a beautiful nightmare’ and we had a sneak peak at their launch in the stylish surrounds of Born, Newtownsmith. All of the proceeds from the fashion fiesta events will go to Cancer Care West.

For more see www.gti.ie.

An indoor market takes place on Sunday, March 23rd at Kelly’s Bar on Bridge street in aid of Pieta House.

With a treasure trove of vintage finds, this unique event will have vintage clothing, arts and handcrafted cards, jewellery, candles and much more from local traders - along with a special children’s area.

Pieta House is a non profit organisation, based in Tuam, providing support for the prevention of suicide and self harm. The event has been organised by five final year students at GMIT - Jaki Dennehy, Chloe Farrell, Amy Finnerty, Stacey Godard Cunniffe and Aisling Dillon. It will take place from 12-4pm and admission is free.

Oh La La - GTI Fashion Fiesta

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By Avril HORANCRAICING NEWS!!!

To Market for Charity!

PhotoBy Sunny JUDDY

ORANMORE’s St. Patrick’s Day ParadeBy Darius IVAN

(AHO)

The CRAIC on

Friday 28th March 2014• 12:30pm: Today is the start of the Galway Dance Days weekend festival by the Galway Dance Project with three days of performances and premieres.

• 1:10pm: An NUIG lunchtime lecture takes place at the Galway City Museum – Unlocking the Secret of Past Environments.

• 8pm: Thurles Drama Group presents Arthur Millar’s A View from A Bridge at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre as part of the drama festival.

• 8pm: The musical Evita continues at the Town Hall Theatre by the Galway Musical Society.

• 8pm: Music for Galway presents John O’Conor at the Aula Maxima, NUIG – a major force in Irish musical life for the past four decades.

• 8pm: Described as “risky, edgy and a very naughty girl” by Simon Cowell, comedienne Niamh Marron takes her Marronated tour to the Roisin Dubh upstairs.

• 8pm: For a night of hip hop, Mic A Blaze records are blazing a trail at Kelly’s on Bridge Street.

• 8pm: Galway Football, Coiste Peil Na Gaillimhe, are hosting a fundraising Night at the Dogs at the Galway Greyhound Stadium.

• Midnight: Covers band Escapade will have you dancing all night long at Monroe’s Live.

Tourists from around the globe flocked to Galway for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, with a 30% jump in the number of travellers who came to the city for the weekend. The most visited cities were Galway, Dublin and Cork, according to

the findings of online travel website, Expedia.ie. Overall, the number of tourists to Ireland doubled compared to this time last year, with the majority hailing from Canada, UK, Germany and the USA.

Irish Times journalist, Harry McGee, has added a new string to his bow! He’s been appointed to the NUI Galway governing authority, which is responsible for advisory and oversight. The Galway native is a political correspondent and barrister, having studied at NUIG and the King’s Inns. His career has taken him from The Connacht Tribune to RTÉ, the Sunday Tribune, the

Irish Examiner and he was also editor of Magill before landing the Irish Times post.

“I had some very memorable years at NUIG and am very proud to have graduated from this University,” says Harry. “ I am delighted to be asked to serve as a member of Údarás na hOllscoile.”

Salthill man, P a d r a i c McDonagh, is getting set to peddle from Galway to the steps of the Vatican in

Rome - all in aid of the Sunni Mae Trust. He will undertake the marathon 2,400km cycle on June 19th with 32 others,

including three from Galway. It is a personal challenge for Padraic and a way to raise funds for the charity. He is holding a fundraising rock night on Friday, March 21 at Kudos, Oranmore with tribute bands Remembering Lizzy, No Stairway and blues rock band, No Stomping Ground. Tickets are €10.

CRAICing Days Out Moycullen’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Parade Boost for Galway

Good Times!

From Home to Rome for Sunni Mae

By Avril HORANCRAICING NEWS!!!

GALWAY’s St. Patrick’s Day ParadeBy Darius IVAN

(AHO)

Overtraining the body and not allowing sufficient rest and recovery periods means the muscles you are working so hard to build up have no time to repair themselves between training sessions. You won’t see results, and you may cause yourself injury.

This can be disappointing and demotivating. If you don’t feel good and get into negative self-talk, frustration, even guilt-tripping, it will be harder to see the big picture and keep going for your goals, one step at a time.

It can be tempting to throw in the towel, to give up on the diet and give in to the inevitable cravings. So I had to learn to build a rest day and a cheat meal into my routine. This was hard for me, given my extremist tendencies. For me, it’s easier to keep going gung-ho than to pause and catch my breath. It’s hard to keep it to a ‘cheat meal’ and not a ‘cheat day’, or a ‘cheat week’!

It was easier for me to cut alcohol completely rather than have the odd glass of wine. In

ten months, I took myself from soft curves to lean muscle. I achieved my goal of competing in a bodybuilding competition. I got to wear fake tan and a blinged-up bikini onstage. I even won my category (Over 35 Female Fitness). It took a lot of hard work: early mornings and late evenings in the gym, a strict diet and less time with my daughter and almost no social life.

It was an emotional rollercoaster, because you need to be obsessed and it becomes incredibly boring to constantly think about, prepare and time the consumption of your fuel, I mean food, especially in those moments when the Big Day seems far away and you wonder if it’s even attainable.

• Today is the last day to catch the Magnetic North exhibition at the Galway Arts Centre by visual artist Selma Makela.

• 2pm: Michelle Browne and Emma Martin will perform My Methyl at the Galway Shopping Centre as part of the Galway Dance Days festival.

• 2:30pm: It’s the last day of performances by the Galway Musical Society as they present a matinee performance of Evita; shows again at 8pm at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 8pm: The band Little Green Cars have gained a huge following and will play a gig tonight at the Seapoint ballroom in Salthill.

• 8pm: It’s the final night at the Glenamaddy Drama Festival and Kilmeen Drama Group will bring the week to a close with The Walworth Farce at the Glenamaddy Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm: A monthly salsa party takes place at the Galway Rowing Club, Woodquay, organised by Salsa Bay Galway.

• 9:30pm: Catch EDTF at Kellys bar and live venue, with their high energy guitar and drum and bass sound.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy a free trad session at The Crane Bar with Michael Chang and Bill Wright.

• 11:30pm: The blissfully nerdy Daithí will entertain at the Roisin Dubh

• Midnight: Touring covers band, the Dee-Tees, are set to entertain on the main stage at Monroe’s Live.

The CRAIC on

Saturday 29th March 2014

Operation Moderation!By Dara KELLY

in GA

LWAY20

Part 2

Dara Kelly has realised she is an extremist. With her, it’s all or nothing, it’s full on or it’s not. When she embarks on a project, it is with 100% effort. And it was this determination that drove her to compete in a bodybuilding competition, sacrificing alcohol and embarking on a strict diet and training regime. And then she fell off the wagon! Here, she continues her tale of the lessons she has learnt along the way.

But I persevered and learned that the pay-off comes from taking small, consistent steps. You have to do (almost) the same thing again and again. It’s a curious mix of mind-numbing repetition and constant adjustment.

The best part is that you can decide how you want your body to look or perform, and then go and achieve it. You can aim for lean and athletic or big and muscular. You can metamorphasise. I also learned that unless you continue taking small, consistent steps, you will lose your hard-won gains very quickly.

Three months after achieving my goal, I was back at my starting point. I came off the diet, decreased my training and fell right off the wagon. Christmas and my birthday arrived. I partied. I ate and drank whatever I felt like. I gave myself full permission to

slack off. The blinged-up bikini doesn’t fit anymore! Do I care? Yes and no. Yes because I undid all the hard work of the last year. But no because I refused to equate my worth to the way I looked. I had to tell myself that it didn’t matter if I gained a little weight; I was still the same person.

And nobody actually cared. I know that I can achieve whatever I want to. I also know that I have a tendency to overdo things – ‘good’ things like training and dieting and ‘bad’ things like having a treat or a day off.

My big challenge is to find the sweet spot called moderation. Like most people, I am happy when working towards a goal, I feel good when I take care of my body and I have peace of mind when I follow through on my stated aims. The aim now is to have a fit, healthy, flexible body, to have words and actions

that match and to have regular quality time with loved ones. That includes ‘me time’.

I truly believe that self-care is a prerequisite for contribution to partner, family, friends, colleagues, clients and community. So this year, I’m going to balance all the different areas of my life with the ultimate aim of harmonious being. That’s my interpretation of ‘having it all’.

Part 2

The CRAIC on

Sunday 30th March 2014

Who runs the world? Acco rd i n g to Beyoncé, it’s Girls!

Womanly wiles trump physical strength and perceived dominance. A woman is a chameleon. She is a daughter, friend, sister, lover, mother. She plays many roles in life, from mom to muse. She can inspire, goad, command, seduce, enable, and create new life. A woman is a nurturer by nature. Women as adult friends give each other unconditional support, by listening, babysitting, providing alibis, shoes, wine or chocolate, as required.

A woman as a wife gives support and love to her husband, often putting her own career on hold to bear and raise his children. Women as mothers become multi-taskers par excellence: cook, driver, cleaner, singer, carer, manager, advisor, disciplinarian, nurse and cheerleader. She gives food and shelter to her unborn

child inside her own body. She literally expands to house new life within her.

There is very little a woman cannot do, but she is at her most powerful when supported by a loving partner. Multifunctional, ultra-capable woman needs to pause from time to time, to breathe and receive the support she so willingly gives to everyone in her life. She needs that space where she can relinquish the role of sister, mother, friend, colleague, leader, organiser, and just be adored.

Melting into masculine energy allows a woman to recharge, relax and blossom into the beautiful flower she is designed to be. The wild rose that twines herself around the mighty oak is supported and nurtured and can climb higher than if alone. She is strengthened and her beauty is showcased to the world. And all the while, the thorns hidden along her clinging branches also protect her protector.

• 10am: Celebrate Mother’s Day at Brigid’s Garden Roscahill, where they will honour all mother’s with a gift of spring flowers.

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

• 3pm: The Jackpot Into the West darts challenge takes place at Monroes Live on Dominick Street. All proceeds go to the Galway Hospice and to help send Irish Youth No. 1, Liam Gallagher, on his quest to win the PDC Youth Darts Tour ‘14.

• 3pm: Galway take on Armagh at Pearse Stadium in the Allianz Football League.

• 7pm: The world premiere of Anti Capitalism, The Musical, shows again at The Cube Theatre, NUIG as part of the Galway Dance Days festival.

• 7:30pm: A fundraising concert in memory of Mike Diskin takes place at the Town Hall Theatre to raise money for the Michael Diskin Arts Bursary.

• 8pm: Knarwolves, The Winter Passing, Old Beam and Dream State will entertain at the Roisin Dubh.

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

• 9:00pm: It’s the Big Fancy Open Mic Night – like all the others but with a €100 prize up for grabs!

• Midnight: The Sunday Sessions at Monroe’s Live presents The Rascals at the backstage bar.

Who Runs The World?By Dara KELLY

in GA

LWAY22

Inside every Good Girl.. ..is a Bad Girl

Le Paradis ClubGALWAY’S EXOTIC DANCING VENUE7 Dominick Street Upper, GalwayTel: 091-860556 www.LeParadisClub.com

Now that we are well and truly into spring, it ’s time to put away your boots and welcome the new shoe trends. It is not often something ‘ugly’ becomes the must-have fashion item of the season however the ‘ugly’ shoe has done just this. Think back to your childhood and the shoes you reluctantly put your feet into - jelly shoes, chunky soles, intense colours and crazy shapes. Believe it or not these are the trends that have taken

over the SS14 catwalk’s and have now made their way on to the high street. There is no escaping them this SS14 and crazily we love them! If you’re still unsure just wait…I have a funny feeling they might grow on you. Surprisingly easy to work into your wardrobe and a lot more comfortable than a stiletto! Make them your spring/summer staple.

• Today is the start of National Alcohol Awareness Week and this year’s theme is alcohol’s harm to others.

• Finalists in the inaugural Online Marketing in Galway awards will be announced today before the awards ceremony on April 22nd in the Town Hall Theatre. Prizes are valued over €25K for Galway business.

• 6:30pm: The Connacht Rugby Spring Bootcamp for advanced participants gets underway this evening at the sports grounds, suitable for both men and women who want to get fit the rugby way!

• 8pm: Test your knowledge with a film quiz at the Roisin Dubh on Dominick Street. Funds raised will go to help support the election campaign of Kiran Emrich – of the People Before Profit Alliance.

• 8pm: For a bit of a chat, head to Kellys for their weekly Galway language exchange, bringing together the international and expat community at a warm and friendly venue. It’s a great way to meet people and practice your language skills.

• 9:30pm: Head to The Crane Bar on Sea Road for a session of the best traditional music with Freda Hatton and Kevin Whelan.

• 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.

STREET STYLER:Patrycja RusieckaOCCUPATION:Make-up artist exploring fashionWEB:WWW.PRMAKEUP.COM or fb/PRMakeup

PHOTO B YMagdalena Osenkowska‘Spring has arrived’. We spotted Patrycja’s #CRA-

ICStyle on twitter and loved her interpretation

of spring fashion. Floral crowns have been quite

popular recently and are not going away any

time soon. This DIY crown is so cute and feminine.

Definitely top of our wishlist! Patrycja teamed her

high-waisted salsa jeans with a high-collar blouse

from New Look. This is a fresh way to wear your

jeans this spring while still paying attention to the

outfit details.

The CRAIC on

Monday 31st March 2014CRAICING 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!

Fashion Trends - The Ugly Shoe!

in GA

LWAY24

at LUNARESTypical Spanish Tapas Restaurant,

WoodQuay, Galwaywith this Craic page

GARY

M

ONROE & SUZANNE McCLEAN CELEBRATED IN HOWTH

The CRAIC on

Tuesday 1st April 2014

• There is nothing whatsoever

happening today – honest! Ah no –

fooled you there.

• 9am: The Galway City Enterprise

Board is holding a seminar entitled

‘Building a Brand for Your Business’ at

their premises in Woodquay.

• 10am: If you want to learn all

about cakes, a Cotton and Crumbs

workshop takes place at Unit 9,

Centrepoint, at the Liosban Industrial

Estate today to teach you about

brush embroidery and peony skills.

• 12pm: A Beginners Guide to

Google Analytics takes place at

the Galway City Enterprise Board,

Woodquay.

• 1pm: For a musical lunchtime treat

head to Lunchtime@ the Galway City

Library with the Contempo Quartet.

• 8pm: Coiscéim presents Duets at

the Town Hall Theatre – an evening

of unforgettable storytelling by the

dance group.

• 11pm: It’s time for the ever

popular Silent Disco at the Roisin

Dubh.

CRAICing Nights Out Deli La Tasca

CRAICING NEWS!!!By Darius IVAN

Thumbs Up!Cllr. Neil McNeilis discovers the benefits of opposable thumbs

Th e Walls, Sharon Shannon and Buck Taylor were among

those who came along to celebrate a significant double birthday for well known Galway

g l a m o u r couple, Gary

Monroe and Suzanne McClean. The dashing duo escaped to Howth, Co. Dublin, for the night of music, fun and great craic! Happy Birthday from The Craic Squad.

The CRAIC on

Wednesday 2nd April 2014

• 5pm: Swim For a Mile Galway takes place at the Kingfisher Sports Complex at NUIG – an initiative to encourage people back into the pool.

• 7pm: A life drawing class takes place at The Bridge Mills and classes are held on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis.

• 8pm: The Dubliners Dilemma, presented by Bachelors Walk Productions, takes place at the Town Hall Theatre. Based on The Dubliners by James Joyce, it is said to be compelling and mesmerising.

• 8:30pm: Comedian Mark Thomas brings his show, 100 Acts of Minor Dissent, to the Roisin Dubh following his award winning Bravo Figaro tour.

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

• 10pm: Put on those blue suede shoes for the best rockabilly in town with the Screamin’ Bluecats live at Garveys.

• 11:45pm: The Converse Allstars play live at the Roisin Dubh for a night of great music.

Galway took one step closer to gaining a Pur-ple Flag with a kick start work-

shop at The King’s Head. The Purple Flag recognises ex-cellence in the management of town and city centres at night, similar to the Blue Flag system for beaches.

The international award is

an indicator of where to go for a good night out and will bring positive publicity to the city. In order to achieve the Purple Flag accredita-tion, Galway must bring all stakeholders together to en-sure the city is a safe and at-tractive destination at night. If achieved, it will be a fur-ther boost to tourism in the city.

Special guest, Frankie Gavin, will take part in the Arts in Ac-tion finale concert at the Aula Maxima, NUIG on Wednesday, March 26th at 8pm. He will be joined by the NUIG Medi-

cal Orchestra and the choral scholars of St Nicholas Colle-giate Church, Schola Canto-rum. All proceeds will direct-ly benefit Voluntary Services Abroad.

CRAICING NEWS!!!By Avril HORAN

A Purple Heart

CRAICing time at The Polish Expo in Kelly’s

Arts in Action

The CRAIC on

Thursday 3rd April 2014

7 leid le díthocsainiú éasca seachtaine a dhéanamh

1. Ná hól tada ach uisce agus tae luibheanna (ól tae glas in áit caife, tá beagán caiféine ann) chun toc-sainí a ghlanadh.

2. Ná hith ach bia neamh-phróiseáilte. Ciallaíonn sin bia a réiteach as an nua, ach déan éas-ca ort féin é: sailéid, uibheacha bruite/scallta, rís lánghráin bruite sa mála, prátaí milse bácáilte, glasraí suaithfhriochta/galaithe, iasc/sicín/turcaí/mairteoil bácáilte nó róstaithe. Úsáid luibheanna & spíosraí éagsúla, réitigh méide-anna móra agus stóráil i mboscaí éagsúla iad.*

3. Cosc ar shiúcra – roghnaigh torthaí úra nó caora reoite.*

4. Cosc ar arán/rís/taosrán/císte/brioscaí bána. Déan do chuid féin ar bhealach folláin*.

5. Bain triail as bricfeastaí éagsú-la: leite coirce, pancóga speilte, uibheacha scallta & spionáiste, bradán deataithe & arán coirce, muesli baile. *

6. Faigh níos mó codlata.

7. Téigh amach faoin aer & déan beagán aclaíochta gach lá.

* Seol ríomhphost chugam @ da-ra.n.kelly@gmail.com chun oidis

7 tips for an easy 7-day detox.

1. Drink only water and herbal tea (try green tea instead of coffee, it still has a little caffeine) to flush out toxins.

2. Eat only non-processed foods. Yes, that means preparing food from scratch but you can make it easy on yourself: salads, boiled/poached eggs, boil-in-the-bag wholegrain rice, baked sweet po-tatoes, stir-fried or steamed veg-gies, baked or roasted fish/ chick-en /turkey/lean beef. Use herbs & spices as flavouring, cook large batches & separate into contain-ers.*

3. No sugar – choose fresh fruit or frozen berries.

4. No white bread/rice/pastry/cake/biscuits. Bake your own healthy versions.*

5. Vary breakfast: oat porridge, spelt pancakes, poached eggs & spinach, smoked salmon & oat-cakes, homemade muesli.*

6. Sleep more.

7. Get some fresh air & exercise every day.

*email me @ dara.n.kelly@gmail.com for recipes.

Glantachán Earraigh

Spring Cleaning

CRAICING HEALTH!!!By Dara KELLY

dara.n.kelly@gmail.com

ARÍS!Affirmative Rituals, Irresistible Success

in GA

LWAY

30

• 9am: A seminar on ‘How to Win Tenders’ takes place at the Galway City Enterprise Board, Woodquay.

• 7:30pm: The Faulty Towers Dining Experience takes place at the Salthill Hotel. Catch Basil, Sybil and Manuel along with a 3-course meal for just €45.

• 8pm: The Hourglass Theatre Company presents a powerful Spanish language production, La Casa de Bernarda Alba at the Town Hall Theatre.

• 9pm: Beardyman is back at the Roisin Dubh with another round of rip roaring, beat filled and lavishly improvised gigs while Bangers, Empty Lungs and Old Bean play upstairs.

• 9:30pm: Enjoy the country and folk stylings of Greg Cotter and Mary Flanagan at the Crane bar on Sea Road while The Burning Hell concert tour also takes place there this evening.

LINE UPS TICKETS

NEWS & MORE

JackpotInto the West Challenge

Sunday March 30th, 4pmDOORS 3PMTICKET ONLY EVENT €15

2 X World Darts Champion

Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis vsTeam Galway

All proceeds going to Galway Hospice and Irish Youth No. 1, Liam Gallagher, on his quest on the PDC Youth Darts Tour, 2014.

TICKETSCLADDAGH & CELTIC, 1 QUAY LANE, GALWAYONLINE AT MONROES.IE

Enda Shoer presents

RELIABLE & SAFE