This is Galway - May/June Edition - Issue #2

JUNE // FREE // THISISGALWAY.IE

ISSUE # 2

IFIF THERE’S ON, THERE’S SOMETHING GOING ON, AND IT’S WORTH GOING TO, YOU’LL FIND IT HERE.

WHAT’S INSIDE...

This is the city of never-ending festivals. This is the city of lashing rain and sudden sunshine. This is the city of cans on the Spanish Arch, music in the streets, and the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet. This is Galway.

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GET OUTSIDE

Get out of the city. Go explore what Galway has to offer.

THE GALWAY FRINGE FESTIVAL Two weeks of theatre, visual art, poetry, music, cabaret, comedy, and much more...

BRUNCH!

Feast like a king - check out some of the most exciting places to stuff your faces.

GALWAY’S BEST BEER GARDENS? The perfect way to spend a sunny day in Galway!

JOHN MULDOON

Putting the world to rights with legendary Connacht captain John Muldoon.

SLEEP!

Where to lay your head for the night. Three of our favourite spots for a well earned snooze!

FRESH PLACES NEW FACES Welcoming some new acts around town, from restaurants to beauty salons.

GALWAY INT ARTS FESTIVAL A look ahead to the 40th anniversary of the Galway International Arts Festival.

WE BANJO 3

Galway’s We Banjo 3 on success and plans for their upcoming Galway gig.

WHAT’S ON

If there’s something on and it’s worth going to, you’ll find it here.

WHO WE ARE...

Art Direction & Design Martin Browne info@thisisgalway.ie

Photography Boyd Challenger boyd@thisisgalway.ie

Editor Caitlin Foley caitlin@thisisgalway.ie

Advertising Queries Maxi Browne maxi@thisisgalway.ie

Get Outside...

Summer in Galway is the perfect opportunity to get out into the countryside and soak up some sunshine. Galway County has plenty of gorgeous destinations within an hour’s drive, and lots of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy...

Brigit’s Garden

Burren Nature Sanctuary

Killary Adventure Co

Rosscahill, Galway brigitsgarden.ie // +353 (0)91 550905

Cloonnasee, Galway bns.ie // +353(0)91 637444

Leenane, Connemara, Galway killaryadventure.com // +353 (0)95 43411

Aillwee Caves

Slieve Aughty Centre

Real Adventures Connemara

Loughrea, Galway slieveaughtycentre.com - +353(0)90 974 5246

Clifden, Connemara realadventures.ie - +353(0)85 146 2526

The award-winning Celtic Gardens take you on a magical journey into the heart of Celtic heritage and mythology, and the 11 acres of woodland and meadow make for a wonderful family adventure.

Try the café and the natural outdoor wooden playground for a full day of fun.

A guided tour of an ancient underground cave, a birds of prey show, gift shop, tea room and locally -made food – all this and more awaits you at the Ailwee Caves! The birds of prey show is especially impressive, with peregrine falcons, snowy owls, eagles and more.

Ballyvaughan, Co Clare aillweecave.ie – +353(0)65 7077036

The mile-long looped trail passes through shattered limestone, a disappearing lake and ancient hazel and ash woodland. There are farm pets, a lovely café, an outdoor adventure playground, and a Botany Bubble showcasing the Burren’s diverse flora.

You could make this a weekend trip in the country side at their eco-lodges, if you liked! This familyfriendly resort is perfect for a day trip, or a getaway.

It’s perfect for walking, cycling, and horse-back riding. Plus, children will delight in the Enchanted Forest, alive with gnomes, trolls and fairies! There’s plenty to do for all ages.

If you’re looking for an adventure, this is the place to come. Their lodges provide the perfect place to launch, and they’ve got tons of activities to try – from coasteering and kayaking to paintball, hillwalking and archery. Most of them are kid-friendly from 8 and up, too!

Connemara is an outdoor playground, and the folks at Real Adventures will show you how to take full advantage of that. Stay the weekend at their budget accommodation and kayak at sunset, navigate through the mountains and bogs of Connemara, surf on the Atlantic Ocean – there’s no shortage of things to do!

galway’s massimO and sligO’s the white hag brewery present

william st west galway ireland

Experience strange but brilliant cOcktails the wOrld didn’t knOw it needed, but sOOn wOn’t be able tO live withOut. Hosted by our resident mixologist Dylan Murray As seen in New York at the Dead Rabbit Live demonstration and tasting!

william street west, galway - 091 582239

We a re d elighte d to an n ou n ce ou r program m e for

A B S O L U T

GAVIN JAMES Thursday 20th July

BRIAN WILSON PET SOUNDS

PRESENTS

Sunday 23rd July

A NIGHT AT THE PROMS

B I G

PASSENGER & HUDSON TAYLOR Saturday 22nd July

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO FULLY SEATED SHOW

Wednesday 26th July

WITH THE RTE CONCERT ORCHESTRA

THE CORONAS

FULLY SEATED SHOW

Saturday 29th July

Thursday 27th July

T O P

2017 GALWAY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL AT ROISIN DUBH

Monday 17th July WEST CORK UKULELE ORCHESTRA Tuesday 18th July LISA HANNIGAN Wednesday 19th July LOAH & SHOOKRAH Thursday 20th July OVERHEAD, THE ALBATROSS Friday 21st July DEIRDRE O’KANE & PÁRAIC BREATHNACH Saturday 22nd July THE SOUL REBELS Sunday 23rd July DUBLIN GOSPEL CHOIR Monday 24th July WALLIS BIRD Tuesday 25th July BEOGA & EVE BELLE Wednesday 26th July NEW ORLEANS SWAMP DONKEYS Thursday 27th July JAMES LAVELLE PRESENTS UNKLE SOUNDS Friday 28th July JARLATH REGAN & TOM RHODES (USA) Saturday 29th July SAINT SISTER & JEALOUS OF THE BIRDS Sunday 30th July JFDR

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM ROISINDUBH.NET AND GIAF.IE

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FEATURE

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The Galway Fringe Festival is an annual cultural celebration which takes place throughout the streets of Galway and offers free and ticketed events across theatre, visual art, poetry, music, cabaret, comedy, street spectacles, spoken word and kid’s events. This year the festival begins on the 15th of July until the 30th of July.

The first Fringe Festival was born in the streets of Edinburgh in 1947, as a way to promote and celebrate the different art forms the city had to offer without the restrictions of committees, funding etc. The Fringe Festival is built around two core values; open access and freedom of expression. This inclusive ideology began to gain traction and now in 2017, there are over 250 fringe festivals celebrated worldwide including our own Fringe Festival. The Galway Fringe Festival exists thanks to the support of sponsors, partners and the generosity of the general public.

The Galway Fringe Festival is running its 6th edition this summer, from the 15th to the 30th of July. It is a multidisciplinary festival, bringing together the wide range of art forms that our cultural capital has to offer. Anyone planning to visit our city during the festival can expect to see a creative concoction of free and ticketed events from existing and upcoming performers, including stand-up comics, theatre, poetry, children's events and much more. The festival aims to be as inclusive as possible, which means that everyone is invited to participate, whether that be by performing or attending the events.

international attention ever since. In 2016, she performed at the Government's launch of the 1916 Commemorations in Dublin’s Convention Centre. According to reviews, this is truly a performance not to be missed.

1. Fizzy Drinks With Two Straws

Theatre highlights of the festival include ‘Squinty’ produced by Heartfelt productions, written and directed by Seamus Moran. The play follows four old school friends who meet up for several swift pints on the afternoon of John Joe Burke’s 40th birthday bash. Will they all still be friends by the end of the afternoon? The play will run from July 17th to the 20th and from July 24th to 27th at 6pm at Kirwan's Lane Theatre @ Busker Browne’s.

2. Empty Beds

Other theatre highlights include ‘Shakespeare in Connemara’ by Gerry Conneely running from July 17th to 23rd at the Loft, Seven Bridgestreet at 1pm. Finally, ‘Hound’s Hotel’, Head above Water Theatre Company run at The loft from July 20th to 22nd at 6pm.

A combination of wacky characters, slapstick comedy and musical farce, Hound's Hotel is a horror comedy which harks back to the classic British 70's sitcom, an adult pantomime which will grab your attention from the first line and hold you by the neck until the final bow.

For our musical theatre enthuasists we have the show “Gefilte Fish & Chips” by Daniel Cainer. Smart, funny, timely and only slightly irreverent, Cainer’s deeply moving tales about his family and observational comedy are a joy to behold. Brilliant rhyming and wordplay, great musicianship and haunting tunes that you won’t forget. His songs and his music are for anyone who has ever wrestled with emotions relating to their homeland, their heritage and their heart. Jewish or not, you will love this award-winning master songwriter's deeply moving, smart and funny story-songs.

This year, the Galway Fringe Festival is set to be the largest the City has seen yet, with over one hundred events across 22 venues in Galway City and its surrounding County.

Some notable performances include “Popcorn Not Included” a cabaret show by Press contact: Cindy Davesne Donna Gallagher and Joan O'Malley: two Email: info@galwayfringe.ie sopranos who connected over their love of Tel: +353 (83) 030 5556 opera, musicals and movies. Donna is a proud Dub and Joan hails from Mayo. "Popcorn Not Included" was devised as a way for these two friends to share the joy of their beloved movie music with their fellow musicians onstage and their friends in the audience.

We are also delighted to have Galway’s own award winning vocalist, Aimee Banks accompanied by a choir of 40 who will be performing a classical concert at the Augustinian Church on July 21st at 8pm. Aimee’s musical career began in 2015 when she represented Ireland in The Junior Eurovision Song Contest and has she been gaining

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Tea + Toast Theatre Company Venue: Loft Runs From: 20 July - 23 July Time: 15.30 - 16.15

Pennyworth Productions Venue: Loft Runs From : 24 July - 28 July Time: 15:00 - 15:50

3. Life on the inside The Young Gaff Venue: Loft Runs From : 29 July - 30 July Time: 15:00 - 16:00

4. HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr Heather Massie Venue: The Mechanics institute Runs From : 21 July - 25 July Time: 20:00 - 21:20

5. 'Hounds Hotel' Head Above Water Theatre Company Venue: Loft Runs From : 20 July - 22 July Time: 18:00 - 19:00

6. Mad Cats and Divas LipZinc Theatre Venue: loft Runs From : 27 July - 30 July Time: 18:00 - 19.00

7. Match Eva's Echo Theatre Company Venue: Columban Hall Runs From : 26 July - 30 July Time: 20:00 - 21:00

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BRUNCH like a boss...

FOOD

BRUNCH. Probably the best meal of the day. It’s an American import, but we’re fully on board with it.

Here are some of our recommendations for getting stuck into some eggs, potatoes, and maybe a few morning cocktails.

Dela

Kai

Their motto is “not all brunches are created equal”, and Dela’s brunch is definitely top-tier. Choose from options like American-style pancakes with bacon and maple syrup, or perfectly-cooked eggs with creamy hollandaise sauce – paired perfectly with prosecco.

Most ingredients sourced from their own farm, too!

Leaders in innovative brunch, there’s usually a line out the door on weekends so get there early! They make all the “best restaurant” lists and awards, and their pancakes (and their regular cakes) are the stuff of legend. This is true local, western Irish eating.

51 Dominck Street, Galway +353 (0)91 449252 €€ - €€€

22 Sea Road, Galway +353 (0)91 526003 €€ - €€€

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Brazco

The Kitchen

They recently topped Failte Ireland and Georgina Campbell’s Irish Breakfast Awards list for 2017. But don’t be intimidated – high standards meet a lovely relaxed atmosphere with huge open fires, local food, and a little bit of quirkiness at Ballynahinch.

TTheir brunch menu is small but mighty, with everything you’d crave in the morning making the list.

Your standard fry-up makes an appearance along with fun additions like a poached pear crepe and Shakshuka – served with their usual fabulous coffee and lovely, warm service.

Their inspired specials menus are constantly changing, and reflect the Kitchen’s fun, electic atmosphere.

Flavours range from apple pork with free-range fried eggs, to Turkish veggie and feta breakfast melts...

Always something different to try! And did we mention the cake? Delicious.

Carraig Láir, Oranhill, Oranmore, Co. Galway +353 (0)91 792896 €€ - €€€

Galway City Museum, Galway +353 (0)91 534883 €€ - €€€

Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway +353 (0)95 31006 €€€ - €€€€€

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FOOD

DISCO BRUNCH @ BITECLUB STREETFOOD DISCOTEQUE Part disco dance session, part boozy brunch -- it’s what Sundays were made for.

Biteclub are known for their laid-back, market-style vibes and their love of live disco DJ action. If you’re looking for a place that appreciates a good buzz on a Sunday, with a ton of delicious food and cocktails, you’ve found your tribe.

But it’s brunch, after all! So what’s on the menu? Streaky local bacon, French toast, poached eggs, smashed avocado, fried potatoes, smoked salmon, tons of hollandaise sauce – all the brunch favourites, in pretty much any form you can imagine.

Plus sticky chicken wings and some lunch-y bites to round it out (because sure, it goes all day!)

And let’s talk cocktails. They whip up exclusive cocktails for each disco party, but stars of brunches gone by have been: gin watermelon slushies, basil margaritas, chilli vodka Bloody Mary’s, margarita slushies.... So, are you drooling yet?

36 Upper Abbeygate Street, Galway +353 (0)91 569824 -- €€ - €€€

The New Breed Mark Little Campbell

Paul Lewis

Killian Crowley

Mark Little Campbell of Tosnu started his career very locally, at GMIT College, and went on to lead a varied and worldly culinary career before coming back to his roots in Galway.

Paul, currently of Universal in Galway’s Westend, is proof that dedication will get you far. He started working in kitchens in Cork after dropping out of university (twice). As a poorly-paid skivvy on the coal face of contemporary Irish cuisine, he learned to cook during the Celtic Tiger days in places such as Jacob’s on the Mall, the Ivory Tower and Café Paradiso.

Chef Killian Crowley of Aniar Restaurant has been in the business of great food for most of his life. He started cookery school at 15 years old in Belgium. “It was hard work, but it was great, because I knew that was the direction that I wanted to take,” he says.

The first Michelin star restaurant he worked in was Clairefontaine in Luxembourg. After that, he travelled to Monaco to work for Alan Ducasse in the 3 Michelin star Le Louis XV. He returned to Belgium to work for Cristophe Hardiquest in his restaurant Bon Bon, where the team garnered a second Michelin star after six months. “It was an incredible opportunity for me, being part of this team.”

Campbell got his first and second placement at KC Blakes under John Casey, which used to operate right in the heart of Galway City on Quay Street – a place that would become a theme throughout his culinary career.

He then worked at the Lanesborough Hotel in Hyde Park, London for eighteen months, before returning to KC Blakes as a sous chef.

Campbell them toured Australia for a year, working at several different establishments and serving the likes of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. He returned to KC Blakes, and then moved on to a position as sous chef at Artisan Restaurant in Galway. He later became Head Chef, a role that he maintained for five years.

His most recent endeavor is, of course, Tosnu, which he’s built with Aidan Scanlan, a former colleague from his KC Blakes days. Their ethos at Tosnu fits in well with the Irish food movement: “Source locally, think globally. ” They source all fresh, seasonal ingredients and put an emphasis on constructing dishes from a gluten and dairy-free base, where possible.

Tosnu - 14 Upper Abbeygate St, Galway

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He took his first head chef position in Cork’s Boquieria, while working catering and markets on the side. To great acclaim, he opened a bar and restaurant named An Cuibin Pub and The Silk Purse.

Paul then travelled to Barcelona to work with a Basque chef he had made the acquaintance of over the years. He then worked with a well-known Vietnamese-American chef, before returning to Cork to work with some old colleagues.

Then, finally, Paul made the jump up to Galway.

He and a friend, Frank, set up shop with the help of Conor and Jack of the Westend’s Bierhaus – a robust sandwich kitchen called Entrepans. He currently resides at The Universal on Sea Road, where he and another chef cook deep from Wednesdays to Sundays.

Universal - 9 William St West, Galway

For Killian, Ireland’s local food movement offers exciting and evolving opportunities. “I feel I want to be part of this movement and that’s why I’m here. Aniar is the base of this new direction, and the fact that we have so many great products nearby in the west of Ireland.”

He enjoys working closely with local fishermen and farmers, who supply the majority of the products used at Aniar. For Killian, the “live local, eat local” mentality that’s so close to the Irish food scene spells out the future of cuisine. He hopes a younger generation of chefs will be educated with that philosophy in mind.

As for future plans, Killian hopes to one day open his own restaurant along the Wild Atlantic Way in Connacht, and use it to help build the Irish food scene.

Aniar Restaurant - 53 Dominick Street, Galway

BEER GARDENS The perfect way to spend a sunny (any) day in Galway... PINT?

PUBS & CLUBS

BEER GARDENS The perfect way to spend a sunny day in Galway, pint in hand, sunshine on your face.

O’Connells

Murty Rabbitt’s

The beer garden to end all beer gardens. The space is absolutely sprawling with plenty of heated cosies, picnic benches, room to wander, plus a bandstand and its own weekend bar. It’s decorated to the nines – kind of a booze-themed Diagon Alley, with Gin Lane leading into Beer Street, leading into... Heaven. Start your night here – you won’t want to leave.

Heated seats and a roof mean you can enjoy their beer garden 365 days a year, in any type of sunshine (or lack of it) because it’s purpose-built for Irish weather. It’s perfect on a chilly night or a wet afternoon – but with lush plants, plenty of seating and some fun décor, it’s also a perfect little suntrap for those rare summer days!

8 Eyre Square, Galway Ph: +353 (0)91 563634

23 Forster Street, Galway Ph:+353 (0)91 566490

The Blue Note

Tí Joe Watty’s

Massimo

Their wee beer garden was recently renovated and is now as quirky and Jaeger-fuelled as the bar itself.

Have yourself a go on the little swing, pose with the Jaeger antlers on the wall, and have a pint with YOPM (your old pal Mal – the owner, in case you’re out of the loop.)

This one is the Aran Islands – a place that seems to exist in its own weather sphere and is somehow nearly always sunny for a visit. When you land from the ferry, head up the main road and you’ll find it at the top of a little hill. There are plenty of little suntraps plus a sheltered decking area. Delicious food and a cold pint on Inishmor – it’s the perfect way to spend a day.

Small but perfectly formed, Massimo’s beer garden is one of the best suntraps in Galway’s Westend. It’s a great spot for your sunshine filled al fresco lunch or a full on BBQ, and the chefs will even cook your food at their own built in grill. Massimo has always been one of Galway’s funkiest bars, with a great selection of craft beers,

But beer gardens are great craic on nights out, too - or pretty much anytime.

3 William St West, Galway Ph: +353 (0)91 589116

Kilronan, Inis Mor, Aran Islands, Galway Ph: +353 (0)99 20886

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10 William St West, Galway Ph: +353 (0)91 582239

PUBS & CLUBS

An Pucán

Carroll’s Bar

Their heated beer garden is another new number in Galway. Just finished last summer, An Pucan’s garden makes a great place to enjoy a few drinks, have a meal if it’s fine, or, best of all, watch a match. There are plenty of HD screens all over the place, and with some fresh air and a group of lads singing their heads off nearby, you’ll feel like you’re in the stands yourself!

Padraicin’s

Here’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink, or a gathering place for friends and family before heading into Galway’s Westend. Their beer garden is newly refurbished and as trendy and fun as the rest of the West!

Possibly the most beautiful spot for a pint in the county; Padraicin’s is one hell of a ride! On a beautiful sunny day like today you can sit outside enjoying a pint with some delicious grub, before disappearing down to the beach ten metres away to run the dinner off with the kids. Or… you can let the kids tire themselves out down on the beach while you sit back looking out across Galway Bay planning your assault on world domination.

11 Forster Street, Galway Ph: +353 (0)91 376561

39 Lower Dominick Street, Galway Ph: +353 (0)87 903 1963

Furbo, Galway Ph:+353 (0)91 592444

JOHN MULDOON

What do you think that win meant, for the future of provincial rugby in Connacht?

Whether you’re an athlete or a musician, we all want to be on a big stage. As a kid, I lifted trophies over my head when I scored the winning goal in football, hurling, whatever. It’s the same for anyone who has a hobby, or a dream, and wants to make that into a reality.

When you win a trophy, that does more for a sport than anything else. I was very conscious, last year, that the reverberations from the win did way more for people in Connacht than any one of us could do. The trophy makes a huge difference. You’re giving kids the ability to dream.

We all want to lift trophies. With kids – I’ve got a co-uple of nieces and nephews myself – they want to believe they can play. They might be fourteen, or twenty or twenty-five before they realise they might not be good enough but at least as a kid, they’ve got a dream – and you can say to them, if you work hard enough at something, you might just get there.

That’s the big thing about winning last year. It’s the amount of kids we see out on the Sportsground over the last few years – it’s grown exponentially.

And you need that. The more they’re inspired, the better.

On the future of Connacht Rugby, playing one final season, and the Connacht lads’ dirty secret It's almost a year since that famous day in Edinburgh where, against all the odds, Connacht Rugby won the Pro 12 and sent the whole west of Ireland into a delirium. Can you still remember how it all felt, the immediate aftermath of it all?

Leading up to the final it was a very strange environment to be in. You understand the context of it and the enormity of getting to a final but because we were so insular, we forgot just how much it means to the people – then suddenly, we won.

It wasn’t until we touched down in Knock Airport that we thought, ‘What’s happening here?’ There were 2,000 people there and kids, four and five years old – and we’re kind of going, ‘It’s bloody half twelve at night, why aren’t these kids in bed?’

It didn’t really hit me until we called into town here and got a bite to eat and were in the Pucan for a drink or two – just the waves of people coming, coming, coming. It took us an hour just to get to the Sportsground from the Pucan, because of the amount of people in the streets. Then we got on the open top bus and you just see the wave of people coming... That’s when it started to hit us.

This season hasn't really reached the echelons of 2015/2016... Do you think there's particular reasons for why it's not been possible to mirror last years triumph? Injuries, other teams upping their game, a greater expectation that perhaps wasn't there before?

You’ve hit the nail on the head with some of them, We still have the smallest squad in the league, which is tough. Last year, at important times, we had a lot of our squad fit. Some of the squad this year haven’t hit the form of last year – some of it is due to injury, some due to hunger. No one goes out there thinking they’re not training or trying as hard, but sometimes it’s just not there. Then, for the last 18 months, we’ve been trendsetters.

That’s a big thing for Connacht Rugby, to say we’re setting the trend of how people play. We went away from what was perceived to be the norm. We focused on holding the ball instead of kicking it away; we focused on upping the skill level. We forced every other team to do the same. Now, we’re seeing a lot of teams using our template, which I guess is a compliment to us.

Can Connacht win it again?

Absolutely.

For five or six years, we would’ve had [a squad made up of] 60-70% influences from outside Connacht – lads from other provinces in Ireland, as well as England, South Africa, New Zealand.

They’d come here as a stepping stone to somewhere else. In the last two or three years, the majority of our players come from Connacht.

These players are from here, born here, and all they want to do is play for Connacht and play for Ireland. There’s a massive shift, and there’s a motivation to represent Connacht, and be the best player possible for Connacht.

and you think, ‘Is this the right time to go?’ I suppose you think about your years and what you've done, you think about a legacy. You go through a lot of hard times and then you win a competition and you think to yourself: That's the pinnacle of what I can achieve for Connacht. You think about your age and how at some point you are going to start regressing, and for the first time in my life with Connacht Rugby, I decided to think selfishly: ‘Now is the time to go, now's the time to retire, you're still playing quite well and what I'd want to be remembered for would be to go out as close to the top as possible.’

“So when you’re asking me, can

So when you’re asking me, can we get back to we get back to where we were? where we were? I defin-itely think we can. We I definitely think we can”. have a very good underage set-up coming through – there are more underage players in rugby than ever before in Connacht. And there’s a great home- Pat Lam has just left for Bristol. As captain, I'd imagine you were close. grown talent coming through like Sean O’Brien, of How did you feel when he told you Claregalway; Callum Forde, of Monivea; Dave he was leaving and do you think that Heffernan, of Ballina; and Denis Buckley, of Co. Rocommon, to name a few. Connacht will build their that news could have affected perforfuture squad around these lads, and then what you mances on the pitch? have is a template that the other provinces have Obviously I was very disappointed to hear Pat was used for years and had success with. leaving, but you can't blame him as he got a very good offer to leave, and an opportunity to make There was talk of you retiring at the life for himself and his family a lot easier in the future. end of this season but you’ve decided to play on for another year. What As a coach, you’ve got to back yourself – and Pat was the reasoning behind the change was adamant from day one, this is the way we want to play. He sold us a plan of what he wanted of mind? to do, we all bought into it, and ultimately three You're at the cold face of something for a long time years down the line, we won a competition.

PAGE.17.

Kieran Keane is going to be the new man in charge. How much do you know about him? Are we going to see Connacht playing differently?

I met Kieran in the middle of January, and he's very different to Pat. They’re both Kiwis, similar upbringings and similar pasts, and he was in a job previously, very similar to what Pat stepped into with Connacht... and he was able to turn them around within a few years and get them winning competitions. Ironically if Pat had stayed I probably would have retired as although I have the most admiration for Pat, I'd worked with him for four years and the motivation to work with someone new was huge. When you've been around the block like I have you need new motivations and challenges all the time.

Kieran Keane is going to be the new man in charge. How much do you know about him? Are we going to see Connacht playing differently?

I met Kieran in the middle of January, and he's very different to Pat. They’re both Kiwis, similar upbringings and similar pasts, and he was in a job previously, very similar to what Pat stepped into with Connacht... and he was able to turn them around within a few years and get them winning competitions. Ironically if Pat had stayed I probably would have retired as although I have the most admiration for Pat, I'd worked with him

for four years and the motivation to work with someone new was huge.

When you've been around the block like I have you need new motivations and challenges all the time.

What are your plans after next year? You could always go back to working the door at the Blue Note...

[Laughs] No... Maybe if things got really bad or I was really stuck.

The Lions tour begins next month; how do you see us doing? And which players will start?

For Ireland, 11 was a good number to get on. Robbie Henshaw will definitely play as will Johnny Sexton I'd imagine, the two props will be there or thereabouts too. It's going to be difficult though -- you're asking 41 players who play different styles of rugby, who play for different clubs to have just eight weeks to work together and then go try and beat the best side in the world.

You're a keen hurling fan, it's well documented that your sporting hero is the great Joe Cooney and you were part of a minors team that made the final back in 2000... Is this the year Canning & Co finally win another all Ireland?

Photo credit: instagram.com/johnmuldoon8

I hope so! They have been knocking at the door for a long time now. I know a good few of the lads so I'd love to see them do it. With Kilkenny a little bit in transition and Tipp perhaps with a bit of a hangover from last year, it could happen. They've been the bridesmaids so often, perhaps this is the year

When you're not playing Rugby what's your idea of a good time?

The missus will probably kill me for saying it but I'm an avid horse racing fan.

I regularly attend races...Probably too much! I love the whole day out -- it takes your mind of rugby for a bit and is a real occasion. I play a small bit of golf, watch hurling of course and I actually love travelling although I don't get to do it as much as I'd like. I don't like roughing it though. like a few of the lads do -- I prefer a nice hotel, clean showers... And I'm getting married this summer which is a big deal, and in fairness it’s Lorna who's doing the majority of the organising, but it's a very exciting time for both of us

What's on your iPod? What are you listening to?

I hate chart music, I prefer 70's, 80's, 90's... The only song I like that is out now is that Harry Styles one. I didn't know it was him when I first heard it and was horrified when I found out. It’s a catchy tune though. When we are in the gym you can usually tell whose playlist is on the sound system.

This will probably embarrass them: A couple of the older lads and I have introduced 'Boy Band Friday' when we have a weekend when we don't play. You'd be surprised how many of the lads like boy bands from the 90s

Nepia Fox... Is he a better DJ than he is a flanker?

[Laughs] He's a very good DJ actually and has played Massimo and the Blue Note. Might even get him to do a few at my wedding, if he's still able late on in the night maybe.

Let's talk about the beard, Is it possible you're the only hipster to ever come out of Portumna?

[Laughs] The truth is I just hate shaving and there's only one hipster in Connacht Rugby and that's Ronan Loughney!

Words: Maxi Browne // Photography: Boyd Challenger

Photo credit: instagram.com/johnmuldoon8

Sleep...

The best way to get the full Galway experience is to stay a few nights!

Here are three great options: fun budget accommodation, a trendy city-centre boutique hotel, and one of Galway’s hidden treasures...

RESIDENCE HOTEL

This new, urban hotel puts you in the heart of Galway’s Latin Quarter. Some of the best restaurants and bars are just steps away, and you’ll be treated to the sights and sounds of our beautiful city from your window. If you crave a bit of relaxation, just close the window, jump in bed and pull up Netflix on the smart TV! The bold, contemporary décor in each room adds that something special to make your stay in Galway perfect. You might never want to leave!

14 Quay Street // +353 (0)91 569600

SNOOZLES

This city-centre hostel is the perfect place for hens, stags, sport groups and weekend trips with friends. Snoozles is a fun place with local street art murals on the walls, dorm-style rooms as well as private ensuites. Free breakfast, free wifi and a great location beside the coach station make it an easy choice!

Forster Street, Galway // +353(0)91 530064

INN TO THE WEST

Escape to Connemara at this charming, quirky alternative to the standard bed-and-breakfasts. Spacious en-suite rooms, an open garden, and a gorgeous locally-sourced breakfast await. Plus you’ll have the white coral beaches of Mannin Bay, the mountains of Connemara, and all the pubs, restaurants and art galleries of Clifden at your fingertips!

Westport Road, Clifden, Co. Galway // +353 (0)85 8810899

PAGE.19.

&

FRESH PLACES NEW FACES! Brand spanking new businesses to check out in Galway!

Ella West Galway’s new beauty salon powerhouse has all your beauty needs covered in one beautiful, chic space.

Ella West is like a modern dream home – full of big, gorgeous mirrors and pretty geometric designs with a clean, spacious atmosphere. Their friendly staff will have you feeling right at home, and you might never want to leave!

Their hair stylists come highly recommended, and they do a full range of affordable nail treatments, as well as makeup application. Or you can treat your visit like a spa day: waxing treatments, facials, and massages are all done in-house at affordable prices. See why we say ‘powerhouse’? Centrally located on Middle St, this might just be your new regular.

Where: 8, Middle Street, Galway

New to Galway

Murphy’s Ice Cream They proudly make all their ice cream from ingredients sourced in Kerry – like cow’s milk from the rare Kerry cow, house-made chocolate chips, and sea salt from the Dingle Peninsula. Rich, creamy Irish dairy combined with their decadent, unusual flavours (the brown bread ice cream is delicious) makes the perfect cup of ice cream.

Where: 12, High Street, Galway

Dough Bro’s at O’Connell’s The rumours are true – you can now chill out in O’Connell’s gorgeous beer garden, pint in hand, chowing down on Dough Bros pizza. It seriously does not get better than that.

They’ve got a wood fire and everything. 2am trips to Supermac’s are a thing of the past – why would you, when you’re already stuffed on Hey Pesto??

Summer just got a whole lot better.

Where: Unit 1 Cathedral Buildings, Middle Street, Galway

Armorica Located just fifteen minutes outside the City along the Wild Atlantic Way, Armorica can be found in the centre of Oranmore village by the sea. They’re already setting high standards for delicious food and a lovely dining experience. Their menu puts a strong focus on innovative cuisine and locally-sourced produce.

You’ll find tasty options like crab claws in garlic butter and white wine, pan-fried hake with organic chard, Flaggy Shore oysters from Clare, and chicken sourced from the Friendly Farmer in Athenry – plus a delicious and fun kids’ menu. For a lovely dinner in a relaxed, charming atmosphere, Armorica is definitely worth the trip!

Where: Main Street, Oranmore, Galway

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New to Galway

Galway International Arts Festival announces festival programme for its largest and most ambitious programme to date to mark its 40th festival A bohemian city with a long cultural history in literature and the arts, Galway lends itself beautifully to hosting world-class festivals such as the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF). This July 17 - 30, GIAF will present its largest and most ambitious programme to date to mark its 40th Festival.

President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins paid tribute to Galway International Arts Festival on the launch of its 40th anniversary programme: "For its four decades the Galway International Arts Festival has reminded us that the arts are a crucial vehicle for citizen participation and that good artistic work is an essential part of being human.

The festival has enabled the showcasing and appreciation of such artistic work, in the process broadening and deepening Ireland's international reputation as a country and a people defined by its artistic work and enriched by its inventive, creative and original people.”

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS...

Theatre & Opera There are four theatre world premieres this year at GIAF and highlights include the world premiere of Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival’s Woyzeck in Winter starring an extraordinary Irish cast including Patrick O’Kane, Camille O’Sullivan, Rosaleen Linehan and Peter Coonan.

In a first for GIAF, this year’s programme includes the world premiere of The Second Violinist a new opera by Donnacha Dennehy and Enda Walsh, a Landmark Productions and Wide Open Opera production.

Aaron Monaghan plays The Second Violinist, and the show will include a 16-strong chorus, together with Crash Ensemble. Definitely one not to miss.

International theatre highlights include a production from Kneehigh Theatre and the award-winning director and artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe in London, Emma Rice, who will reinvent Tristan & Yseult.

Irish theatre highlights include the Druid production of Crestfall; Corn Exchange’s head-spinning and exquisite Dublin by Lamplight; the world premiere of Branar’s How to Catch a Star; Decadent’s production of Pumpgirl; An Taibhdhearc’s Dún na mBan Trí Thine by Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, and the Abbey Theatre’s production of Two Pints by the comic genius Roddy Doyle, which will be performed in a number of pubs in Galway city, county and the Aran Islands.

First Thought Talks The hugely popular First Thought Talks strand is back with a series of conversations on power with academics, activists, architects, artists and authors with participants including Marwa Al-Sabouni, Emma Rice, Colm Tóibín, Maureen Gaffney, Caitriona Perry and many more.

Street Art The Street Art Programme features France’s Transe Express, with the highenergy interactive promenade show Chariot of the Sea and the largescale aerial performance Mobile Homme. The Netherland’s Close-Act’s illuminated skeletal i-Puppets will invade the city street and the dazzling Olivier Grossetête’s architectural installation The People Build will astound audiences this summer.

Music Live at the Absolut Big Top (co-produced with the Róisín Dubh) features an amazing line-up of Irish and international musicians including Brian Wilson performing his legendary album Pet Sounds; the joyous and uplifting Ladysmith Black Mambazo; singer-songwriter sensation Passenger; the sweet and soulful Gavin James; A Night at the Proms featuring the RTÉ Concert Orchestra; and Festival favourites The Coronas, and Jenny Greene and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra’s Dance Anthems playing at GIAF’s 40th Anniversary Weekend Party.

Visual Art The ever popular Festival Gallery at the former Connacht Tribune Print Works will be home to a major exhibition Dark Night of the Soul by the acclaimed Brazilian artist Ana Maria Pacheco, and an exhibition of new work Inscriptions by Ireland’s Ailbhe Ní Bhriain. The Festival also features a new commission Flag by Irish artist John Gerrard, After the Raft of the Medusa from UK/Australian artist John Beard and Nicola Gunwhy’s Can We Ever Really See Each Other? Exhibitions by other Irish artists include Memory Has a Pulse by Seán Cotter, Gary Robinson and Thomas Brezing at 126; Impressions’ Open Biennale and Golden Record presented by Galway International Arts Festival and Galway Arts Centre and featuring Dorothy Cross, Laura de Búrca, Susan MacWilliam, Lucy McKenna and Paul Nugent.

There’s lots more besides at this year’s Galway International Arts Festival (July 17 – 30). Tickets now on sale through www.giaf.ie.

For full Programme details, Festival updates and previews, visit www.giaf.ie. Follow GIAF on Facebook and Twitter using #GIAF17

PAGE.23.

Galway’s own We Banjo 3 return from a massive American tour for a hometown gig, and Galway’s best coffee (up for debate) We Banjo 3 are pioneering a genre of music they call Celt Grass - part old-time, part Irish trad, part American bluegrass. We took advantage of their homecoming to chat with frontman David Howley about their success and plans for their upcoming Galway gig.

On that journey we’ve played to crowds bigger than we could've imagined, recorded with Grammy winners, drove the length and width of the country and met thousands of people after shows and heard their stories.

Last time This is Galway chatted to you, the band was off to the States.

How was that?

Music has and always will be the great connector, it a language we all understand and can be a part of. The influence in our playing has been immense, but the influence in us personally is what has been important to where we are today. Coming home to Galway, we come with stories, songs and

The whole past year has been a whirlwind! After the last time we spoke we headed out for a tour of the US in which we launched our newest album “String Theory”. Just by power of the people, that album went to No. 1 on the Billboard World Music Charts in its first week. It was a turning point for us, made us stop and realise that the power in music is in the people, the everyday listener is who made that happen. We are so thankful for that support, the messages and calls from home made it so special.

How’s the reception to Irish music in the States? Do you feel like the bluegrass/Americana music over there is influencing your style?

It’s amazing to see how much Irish culture is celebrated all over the world and the US is one of the strongest supporters! The folk music of Ireland and America are so heavily linked, We Banjo 3 started as an exploration of that link.

"Nothing beats a 99 as you dry off after jumping off Blackrock’s diving tower.”

Your gig at the Seapoint last summer was awesome – Galway really responded to you guys. Do you have anything special planned for the Black Box gig?

The energy of that gig could have kept us going all year! We’re coming back this year with a whole new show, complete with new songs and new stories. We love playing music, the idea that people come out to see us is a dream come true and so we never put anything less that 150% into every gig.

Galway is a special place for us, it’s our home and we’re so proud of that. We have support

by Ultan Conlon, a fantastic singer from Galway, we’re all excited for the gig just to see his set too! We’ll have a bunch of special guests on the night too. It’s our hometown show, we feel it’s our right to drag all of our dearest friends on stage at some point!

It seems like it’s been a while since you’ve had a proper summer in Ireland. What are some things you miss about being in Galway when you’re away?

Galway is alive in the summer months with festivals, fun, friends and family. We miss the general atmosphere of strolling up Shop St, buskers playing and people smiling in the summer sunshine.

Nothing beats a 99 as you dry off after jumping off Blackrock diving tower. Martin and I grew up on a farm, both of us talk about that feeling of walking the fields just after the silage has been cut, the grass like stubble beneath your feet, the ground alive with birds, insects and wildlife. It’s something we take for granted until you’re away for a long time, Ireland is such a beautiful country! We are so lucky to have been born on this small island on the edge of the Atlantic!

WHAT’S ON

Don’t miss them live! We Banjo 3 will be playing the Black Box Theatre, courtesy of Monroe’s Live, on Friday, May 26. Get your tickets online at monroes.ie What are your go-to spots when you’re in Galway?

We’re all massive coffee addicts. “UrbanGrind” is my haunt when I’m home, Martin took me there for the first time when we used to share a place around the corner and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s where all the WB3 secret meetings happen, not sure if that’s giving away too much.

Enda maintains that “Coffeewerks and Press” do better macchiatos but what would he know!

I enjoy “Monroes" and “The Roisin Dubh" for music and general night time antics, both are great Galway music venues and have been a big part of the We Banjo 3 story from the beginning.

PAGE.25.

Running Salthill prom is blissful both in the summer and in the winter, nothing cools you down (or wakes you up) like a dip in the Atlantic afterwards!

I’m always excited to get home too just to see the new spots that open around town all the time!

I’ve been loving Hazel Mountain Chocolate Co. Hot chocolate fits into the “run the prom and jump in the ocean” routine as a reward afterwards.

Food is a big part of Galway too, and with places like Kai Cafe and Dela. the city is so suited to the hungry. So basically my life revolves around food, coffee, and music!

WHAT’S going ON?

WHAT’S ON

GALWAY GIG GUIDE Rubberbandits Róisín Dubh audiences need no introduction to The Rubberbandits. Distinctive for the plastic bag masks they always wear, musical duo Blindboy Boat Club and Mr. Chrome will be ripping up the Róisín Dubh with a very rowdy Saturday night show.

Roisin Dubh - Lower Dominick Street, Galway Saturday 27th May - 8.30pm

Damien Dempsey The one and only Damien Dempsey will be playing a massive summer show at the Black Box theatre for an eager Galway audience.

Black Box Theatre, Dyke Road, Terryland, Galway Thursday 8th June - 8pm

Mike Skinner Icons at Halo - Mike Skinner is the man behind the musical phenomenon that was The Streets for ten years and he’s coming to HALO! Halo Nightclub, 36 Upper Abbeygate Street Sunday 4th June - 10pm

PAGE.27.

MoodyManc "Moodymanc" has become one of the most respected names in house music today, and returns to The Blue Note in Galway’s Westend for the Bank Holiday w/end The Blue Note, 3 William St W, Galway Saturday 3rd June

WHAT’S ON

WE RECOMMEND...

The Dirty Circus Local sauce merchants The Dirty Circus return to The Roisin Dubh to indulge in some hot summertime action! Expect Burlesque, comedy, live music and many more surprises on the night.

Roisin Dubh, 9 Dominick Street Upper Saturday 24th June - 8pm

Disconauts Boat Party Disconauts boat party welcomes back to Galway, Cork brothers, mentors and inspisations Fish Go Deep. From the early days of their seminal club Sir Henry's to the current day the lads are a by-word for quality house music.

Corrib Princess & Blue Note Sunday 4th June from 7pm

Duke Special Belfast born Duke Special, the piano-based songwriter has a distinctly romantic style and a warm, accented voice. His long dreadlocks, eyeliner and outfits that he describes as "hobo chic" give his live performances a sort of theatrical style inspired by vaudeville style.

Monroe’s Live, 14 Dominick Street Upper, Galway Friday 16th June - 8pm

PAGE.28.

WHAT’S ON

We Banjo 3

Tom Greens European Road Trip

Trad on the Prom

One of the best live acts to come out of Ireland in recent years, the multi-award winning We Banjo 3 combine supergroup credentials with a breath-taking command of the emotive power of fiddle, guitar, mandolin and banjo.

Experience one of the greatest comic minds in entertainment, live and in person, as the hilarious TOM GREEN takes centre stage to provide non-stop laughter, displaying his wonderfully cracked view of the world around him.

Trad on the Prom showcases the amazing talents of legendary trad musician Máirín Fahy, the featured soloist with Riverdance and The Chieftains. Each night Máirín is joined on stage by an amazing selection of guest musicians.

May 26 // 8pm Monroe’s Live, 14 Dominick St Upper

June 3 // 8pm Roisin Dubh, Lower Dominick Street

Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday // 8.30pm Leisureland, Salthill

Red Bull Cliff Diving - Inis Mór

Dip in the Nip

Gaelforce West

After uncountable hours in the swimming pool during the off-season, the near-perfect rectangle of the 2017 season-opener on Ireland's Aran Islands will evoke at least a familiar feel amongst the divers.

Dip in the Nip is a fund raising initiative to support cancer charities in Ireland. Hundreds of people gather on a beach, shed their clothes and leggit into the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s the world’s first skinny dip for charity and a little bit of fun for a great cause!

Gaelforce West is the largest one day adventure race of its kind in the world. It is a multi-sport adventure race involving cycling, running, hiking and kayaking.

The course of approximately 67km stretches from the stunning Glassilaun beach to Westport.

June 18 Undisclosed location

June 24 From Glassilaun beach in Galway to Westport

June 24 // 10.30am Inis Mór, Aran Islands

PAGE.29.

Festivals...

WHAT’S ON

Galway Burlesque Festival The International Galway Burlesque Festival is a celebration of the diverse, creative, seductive world of cabaret and burlesque, featuring top performers from across the globe, converging on the Creative Heart of Ireland in a flurry of feathers, fans and fabulousness!

Friday May 26 - Sunday May 28 // www.galwayburlesquefestival.com

Bia Lover Bia Lover is a food festival will provide an exhibition in Athenry for quality food and drink suppliers based primarily in the west of Ireland. Parallel events include cookery demonstrations, food talks, a producers market on Saturday & Sunday in the park and partnership food and drink trails with local pubs, restaurants and farms from Friday.

Friday June 16 - Sunday June 18 // www.bialover.ie

Seafest SeaFest is Ireland’s national maritime festival and this year it will be held in the Galway Harbour area in late June 2017. The extensive SeaFest programme of events will include a seafood fair, seafood cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs and seafaring family fun. Come along to discover all about our ocean from exploration methods to shipwrecks and life of deep oceans. There will be tours of Ocean going vessels, leisure craft and boats, exhibits on marine life and all manner of festival entertainment for all ages.

Friday June 30 - Sunday July 2 // www.ouroceanwealth.ie/seafest

PAGE.30.

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