Tuam Herald 22nd November, 1851 p3.
The Electric Telegraph
The Pocket states that the Midland Great Western Railway Company have made arrangements for the immediate erection of the electric telegraph wires between Dublin and Galway. The work will be done without a moment’s delay, and it is hoped that the telegraphic communication will be completed before the arrival of the first trial steamer from America.
Connacht Tribune 19th June, 1920
Village invaded
On Sunday night Kinvara was invaded by a crowd from Kiltartan and Ardrahan returning from the Belharbour sports who kicked up a noise that the people were in fear and terror of their lives all night. The crowd made a sweep on a Connemara hooker that was lying at the quay and commanded the skipper, with a loud shout of “Hands up,” to hand over a jar of poteen which he had in the boat. On getting it they carried it off in triumph. After imbibing a bit too freely of the contents, a row arose over the division of the spoils and the jar was smashed to atoms.
The owner of the boat took a bicycle from the fellow who captured the poteen and in throwing the machine into the boat he missed the mark and it fell into the tide. The owner of the bike and his confreres cycled to Duras to intercept the boatman “homeward bound,” and after chartering a small boat they were informed that the bike had been thrown into the sea at Kinvara.
They returned to Kinvara and kept shouting and singing at intervals until seven or eight pm. One or two of the party took possession of a ladder and went on the roof of a thatched house, and with lighted candles threatened to set it on fire. Another batch of them threw cars and everything they could lay hands on into the tide and did a lot of damage, while broken bicycles were found on every road.
Irish Examiner 1st October, 1892 p.12
The old city of Galway will celebrate with more than ordinary enthusiasm the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World, for in that fine old city was born William Eyre, the Irishman who sailed with Columbus on his first voyage. The daring and love of adventure characteristic of his race prompted him, no doubt, to embark in the perilous expedition. He was in Palos at the time and had no difficulty in getting engaged as a sailor.
He was one of the thirty-eight whom Columbus left in garrison in the fort of La Natividad, the first European settlement in America, which Columbus built at Christmas, 1492, before returning to Spain. The following year the fort was stormed by an Indian chief and the whole garrison slain. The Galway sailor was among the first white men whose blood was shed.
The names and fate of the slaughtered men who remained in the fort after the return of Columbus to Europe were found in a published proclamation at Seville, calling on the relatives of the deceased to come forward and draw their pay. There is no record of any of the relatives of William Eyre applying for the money due to him from the Spanish Government.
May you see God’s light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.
Connacht Tribune 20th September, 1968 p.7
The first meeting of the shareholders of the Kinvara Handcraft Co-op was held in Kinvara recently. There are 139 shareholders who hold twenty shares at £1 each.
The steering committee outlined the steps taken to date and surveyed the possibilities which lay ahead. Mr. John Tobin, I.A.O.S. addressed the meeting and spoke highly of the great response to a worthwhile idea. He went on to say that he had no doubt but that with continued local co-operation and shrewd management this venture would be an asset not alone to Kinvara but to a broad hinterland in South Galway and North Clare. By encouraging the growth of the handcraft industry and by taking viable steps to promote agriculture and tourism, this Co-operative could very well be a boon to the economy of the area.
Rev. Fr. C. O’Connor, C.C., presiding chairman, thanked Mr. Tobin and all who had contributed to the initial development.
The following management committee was elected who at their first subsequent meeting elected the officers:
Very Rev. B. Mulkerrins, P.P. (Patron);
Rev. C. O’Connor, C.C. (Chairman);
Mr. Sean McMahon, N.T. (Vice-chairman);
Mr. Toddie Byrne, N.T. (Secretary);
Mr. Kieran Moylan, N.T. (Treasurer);
Messrs. Patrick Bermingham, Gerry Ryan, Thomas Donlon, N.T., Paddy Kavanagh and B. Connors.
The ‘Aran’ knitting has been the theme of a number of meetings held in the parish and the response to date from within and outside the parish, augurs well for the success of the Co-op. The rate of 2/2 per ounce offered, plus participation in a bonus scheme, compares more than favourably with other such concerns.
Mrs. J. T. Bugg will control this aspect as distributor, finisher, quality controller, and pattern designer.
A meeting of the ladies of the parish is scheduled to discuss other aspects of handcraft, such as rushwork, crochet work, and souvenir making.
The securing of a site or premises to be used as a display centre is also receiving attention. Negotiations are in progress with Córas Tráchtála and other concerns with a view to marketing the finished products. Co-operation with other Co-ops such as Cloonfad and Strokestown is taking place. Continued guidance and support is promised from the I.D.A., Bord Failte and the County Galway Development Team.
Irish Examiner September, 26th, 1903
The rumour regarding Galway Bay to be selected by the Admiralty as a naval base has created much interest locally, but the official confirmation is still wanting. The rumour, however, is not taken for over much here, as it is believed its origin has sprung from a discussion which took place at Galway Urban Council meeting last week. It is stated that the Admiralty were anxious to acquire the foreshore called Fairhill, which is at present used as a fair green for the training of the Naval Reserve, it being eminently suitable. The Council, although ready to meet the admiralty, would not give their sanction, in the absence of any official reference to the matter. Galway Bay is well suited for either a naval base or a transatlantic station, there being not less than six fathoms of water in any part of the bay, and the depth in the fair way is greater, so that vessels of the heaviest tonnage might ride safely afloat. Years ago Galway Bay was a steam packet station for America.
Freemans Journal 8th December, 1910 p.5 (abridged)
The Winter Show of the Royal Dublin Society was opened yesterday under weather conditions which were on the whole favourable, there being a reasonable amount of daylight and relatively little fog.
The total number of entries was 2,300. Last year it was 2,169.
Malting Barley
1st prize – winner also of champion prize
Peter Kilkelly, Munnia, Burrin, County Clare.
Seed used – Webb’s Kinver Chevalier.
2nd prize – also reserved for champion prize
Patrick Quinn, Geeha, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Seed used, Chevalier
3rd prize
Patrick Mahon, Geeha, Duras, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Seed used – Webb’s Kinver chevalier
Very highly commended
Thomas Keane, Geeha, Duras, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Seed used – Archer
Reserved
Joseph Diveney, Bellharbour, Co. Clare
Seed used, Chevalier
Tuam Herald 14th October, 1899 p.2
Letters to the Editor
Sir,
Arising out of your recent interesting articles on the awful condition of our Co. Galway Roads, it is to be hoped that Mr. Perry will not certify for payment of Roads from the town of Kinvara without first coming to inspect them or else to send his deputy.
The state of these roads is indeed very bad. I don’t wish to name any road in particular as being worse than another, if I tried to I could hardly, as they are one and all as bad as each other.
I often travel these roads and therefore have reason to know the way in which they have been kept. Hoping you will publish these few lines and oblige.
A. TRAVELLER
Irish Examiner 31st March, 1894 p.12
By Galway Bay
When Spring with blossoms wild and sweet, made all the meadows smile,
And wreathed her roses ’round the brow of God’s Eternal Isle,
I dreamed the bright dreams of a boy, and left my books and play,
To watch the white sails gleaming – the sails on Galway Bay.
At morn my bare feet brushed the dew, to see the great sun rise,
(Ah! never was a sun like that in all God’s splendid skies!)
A sun that gave the loveliest light – a light that lives today.
As when it kissed the sails that gleamed – the sails on Galway Bay!
How bright the suns – how sweet the winds – how blue the skies that bent
Above the waves that mirrored them and murmured as they went!
And the shouting of the captains and the sailors far away,
In the boats that rocked near Galway – the boats on Galway Bay!
I would today I were a boy – a little barefoot boy,
Where once I watched the bending sails – the boats that danced for joy!
For though my ship has crossed the sea and anchored far away,
Still blow the gales and gleam the sails – the sails on Galway Bay!
Atlanta Constitution.
Connacht Tribune 10th November, 1967 p.10
At the A.G.M. of Kinvara Guild Muintir na Tíre last week in Ryan’s Hall, Kinvara, the Secretary, Mr. Toddie Byrne, stated that the financial success of the carnival run by the guild had now brought the Parish Development Fund to £1,267/10/6. The local guild had fulfilled its role in promoting the social and cultural life of the parish and all members showed interest in the activities. The highlight of the year was the unveiling of the plaque to the poet Francis A. Fahy. On a Saturday in July the less fortunate members of society members of the Wheelchair Association were entertained and catered for in a spirit that reflected the proper Christian outlook.
During the year the newly formed Youth Club were represented in the guild and showed that these young people are anxious for social outlet. The success of local G.A.A. team has been the cause of pride and admiration in the guild.
Two lectures were given during the year, one by Sergeant J. McLoughlin on “Road Safety” and the other by Mr. McKiernan on “Piped Water”. Mr. T. Donlon, outgoing Chairman, said that there was great social involvement on the part of the parishioners through the one medium where personal and political affiliations blended i.e. Muintir na Tíre.
It was decided that a carnival would be held under the auspices of the guild next year; £250 will be allocated to the G.A.A. and the balance of the profits will be allocated to the Parish Development Fund, whence top priority will be given to the development of the entrance to St. Colman’s church.
The Burren and Beyond 