Old Galway
Father Michael Griffin
by Tom Kenny
Michael Joseph Griffin was born on September 18th, 1892 in Gurteen in East Galway, one of five children of Thomas Griffin and Mary Kyne. He was educated locally, then in St. Joseph’s College, Ballinasloe and finally in Maynooth. He was ordained in April 1917 and was seconded to the Galway diocese.
Tomás Bán Concannon
by Tom Kenny
Tomás Bán Concannon was born on Inis Meáin 150 years ago on November 16th, 1870, the son of Páidin Concannon and Annie Faherty. He was called ‘bán’ because of his blonde hair and to differentiate him from other neighbours of the same name. He was educated on the Island and, unusually for an islander, in the Monastery School in Galway.
Grattan Road
by Tom Kenny
Crane’s Strand or Tráigh na gCorr appears on the 1651 map. It would seem to be the Whitestrand area before the building of Grattan Road.
Mícheál Walsh, The Old Malt
by Tom Kenny
On September 22nd, 1920, twelve Black and Tans burst into the Old Malt Pub on High Street, breaking down the door and rushing upstairs to where Mícheál’s wife and children were sleeping. They demanded to know Mícheál’s whereabouts and then they searched the building, firing shots, exploding grenades, terrifying the kids and causing extensive damage to the property.
PATRICK JOYCE
by Tom Kenny
Patrick Joyce was born at Lisheenagaoithe, near Headford on May 23rd, 1868. He became a monitor teacher in 1884, taught in Cloghanover School for two years, later as principal of Trabane and then Tiernee in the parish of Carraroe. In 1892, he married Margaret Donohue. He was eventually appointed as principal of Barna National School and his wife taught in Boleybeg National School.
Stone Mad
by Tom Kenny
Like most towns, Galway was built using native stone and there was plenty of that around.
Some Nasty Close Shaves in Galway
by Tom Kenny
Baker’s Hotel and Billiard Rooms on Eyre Street was run by Captain Baker who had served with the British Army during the war. It was much frequented by the Black and Tans, some of whom (including Edward Crumm) stayed there.
The Black and Tans Raid on O'Flaherty's Pub
by Tom Kenny
The tall building in the centre of our picture of New Docks Road taken in 1903 was known as “Gas Tank” Flaherty’s pub. We presume he got his nickname because of the gasworks across the street.