" The Galway Alternative " May 2011

Galway May 2011
Listening to our fellow members discussing their imminent visit to London, our “Stay at Home” members decided to take a short visit to the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill. So having made all the arrangements we took the 11.30am train into Galway and were taken by taxi to the hotel. We had a lovely relaxed two day visit. Even though the weather was quite showery, the hotel provided a very relaxing atmosphere with wonderful views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.
We attended a most enjoyable concert in the hotel on our final night. The Mayo Male Voice Choir presented the Spirit of Mayo with David Durham, Baritone, Anne Marie Gibbons, Mezzo Soprano and Sean Costello, Tenor. The Wolfgang Ensemble, Ireland’s most exciting string quartet then performed. The music chosen by the choir was from South Pacific, Phantom of the Opera, Pirates of Penzance, Les Miserables, Johann Strauss and many more. The Ladies of Castlebar Parish Choir joined the Mayo Male Choir to sing “You Raise Me Up” and “Funiculi, Funicula”. It was a wonderful ending to our short visit.

Bridie Loughman

Walkers 3rd Birthday







Member Jimmy Lyons decided that active retirement should be just that, with this in mind he started us walking. A committee was formed and permission was sought and granted to use Pearses G.A.A. sports grounds.
The use of these facilities ensured that the project would succeed, the clubhouse could be used in wet weather which gave the venture continuity. Warm up,warm down became became common place jargon with the silver haired walkers. Toilets and tea making facilities ensured a lively and informative discussion ensued after the walk.
During the summer months the walkers would go on tour, visits were made to other areas either by train or car, this has proved very popular as it involves both travel and sampling the local cousine.
This activity has proved to be one of the most valuable, constant and well attended activity of the association.
Thanks once again to Jimmy who straight away formed an excellent committee and involved everybody with this healthy and communal project.









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Some walkers enjoying a bracing walk