Galway Races October 2010

"Serious Decisions"


" Winner Alright"

October Bank Holiday Galway Race meeting

Last Monday 25th October a group of about twenty of us attended the final Race Meeting of 2010 in Ballybrit, Galway. It was a most enjoyable occasion.
The weather was dry but cold. We were well-protected from the weather, though, as we were located in the Panoramic Restaurant at the Millennium Stand. Dinner was excellent and we could place our bets from the comfort of our seats. Standing up we had a full view of the race course. A running commentary was also provided keeping us all up to date. The excitement towards the end of each race was wonderful as everyone cheered his own horse all the way to the finishing line. We won some, we lost some but none of us returned to Ballinasloe with any major winnings or losses!

Bridie Loughman

ARA Go On Festival Western Region Sept. 2010

The Two Jim's in action.



"Do I Know you" ???



Western Regional ARA Go On Festival 2010

We have just returned from three very enjoyable days in the Salthill Hotel in Galway, celebrating the Western Regional ARA Go On Festival 2010.
We met members from many other groups in the Region and this was both informative and entertaining. The hotel did an excellent job in welcoming and accommodating us for our entire stay. Music and dancing was provided by the hotel’s resident band and some ARA members also performed. We even found time to play a few hands of Bridge each evening.
On Monday evening a local historian, Paul McGinley, gave a very interesting talk on Galway City in olden times. Then on Tuesday we had a choice of tours, one to Connemara Heritage Centre and the other to Spiddal and Cong. A visit to Siopa Standún, a well-known and long established premises in Spiddal, was next on the agenda and there we purchased gifts and souvenirs.
A Gala Dinner concluded our last evening in the hotel. The meal was served in the Rockbarton Suite on the ground floor. No effort was spared to make this a memorable banquet.
We have been very lucky with the beautiful sunny weather here in Galway over these past few days and we returned home feeling duly relaxed and refreshed.

Bridie Loughman