Old Galway
A NEW SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN GALWAY – WOOLWORTHS
by Tom Kenny
The expansion of the Woolworth chain in Ireland in the early 1950’s proceeded smoothly except in one location, Galway. A number of city councillors, supported by some local retailers were against bring new business into town. Eventually, Woolworths purchased the site of the old Royal Hotel in the Square. The hotel was demolished and a brand new purpose built retail store in its place. When they advertised for staff, more than 500 girls applied. Officials of the firm were very taken aback and it took several days to complete the interviews. The weekly wage offered to the girls, £4 7s 6d was very good for the time. About fifty people were initially employed.
CHURCH LANE
by Tom Kenny
On a 1625 map of the city, this lane is referred to as ‘Crooked Lane’ and a little later in that century, it was commonly known as ‘Céim Cam’. In 1708 it was referred to as ‘Church Lane’ and on two documents dated 1824 it is down as ‘Bohercranmore’ (the Lane of the Big Tree) and also as Church Lane, sometimes called Lána an Teampaill. During the last century it was locally known as ‘O’Gorman’s Lane.
NORA BARNACLE
by Tom Kenny
Nora Barnacle was born on the night of March 21st/22nd 1884 in the maternity ward of the workhouse, part of which served as a hospital. At the time her family were living in Raleigh Row. Her parents were Thomas Barnacle, an illiterate itinerant baker whose heavy drinking kept the family in poverty and Annie Healy, a member of a family of substance who believed in education and hard work. They married in 1881 and for the next 26 years, led a nomadic life as they moved from tenement to tenement almost with the birth of each child. They had 8 children in all, one of whom, John Patrick, died in infancy.
THE DAY THE WAR CAME TO GALWAY
by Tom Kenny
On September 3rd, 1939 at 11am, many Galwegians listened to the British Prime Minister’s broadcast declaring war on Germany. Very early the following morning, the following dramatic radio message came through to the Harbour Office, “Norwegian Motor Vessel ‘Knute Nelson’ picked up 450 shipwrecked people, proceeding Galway. Due tomorrow morning, Tuesday 5th. Please arrange tender for landing same. Also notify pilot on Aran Islands. Please have medical supplies ready, From Master, September 4th”.
GALWAY’S FIRST FREEMAN
by Tom Kenny
On August 31st, 1939, Dr. Douglas Hyde, President of Ireland, signed his name in Irish in a small leather-bound book as the first Freeman of Galway.
He had travelled to the city the day before, stayed at the Eglinton Hotel and attended performances of some of his own plays in An Taidhbhearc. At 11am the following morning, he was driven in an open motor car through flag-bedecked streets to University College. The pavements along the route were lined with citizens and visitors from all parts of the country. He carried a bouquet of flowers which had been presented to him by seven year old Rita Curran from Salthill.
THE PENNY DINNERS
by Tom Kenny
The Penny Dinners Committee was a name given to a voluntary group who used to provide free dinners for 40 to 80 impoverished children four times per week in the late 1920's and early 1930’s. In fact the title was a misnomer, in no sense were they penny dinners. The children could not afford to give a penny for them nor could the committee provide a dinner for a penny. The funding for these meals came from the people of Galway and also from fundraising productions they put on, mostly in the Columban Hall.
THE CLADDAGH RING
by Tom Kenny
The story of the Claddagh Ring, which is made up of a plain hoop attached to a hammered or cast bezel designed as two hands clasping a crowned heart, has so much folklore and myth attached to it that it is hard to know where legend ends and truth begins. The motif of clasped hands is usually referred to as a ‘fede’ or ‘hands in faith’ ring and has been used on love rings since Roman times. The heart, regarded by lovers as the seal of affection, made an appearance on rings at a later date as did the crown which is the distinguishing feature of the Claddagh Ring from all the others.
A FAIR DAY IN EYRE SQUARE, c.1885
by Tom Kenny
Two hundred years ago, cattle fairs were held regularly at Fairhill in the Claddagh, then later in the century, they moved them over to Eyre Square where they often spilled over into adjoining streets like Williamsgate Street and Forster Street. They took place in the Square for a long time until they were moved to the Fairgreen.