Trapper’s Inn on the Tuam road hits the spot for good grub ​OUR Commandos were delighted to be making the five-hour round trek to Galway this week and and we don’t know of anyone it happened to either but we don’t think it’s possible to have a bad night out in Galway It’s always busy in or around the city regardless of the time of year the time of the week or even the time of the day you call to a pub “Hopefully today’s no different,” the Old Commando said as our designated driver took us along the Tuam Road on the outskirts of the city centre he spotted The Trapper’s Inn on the right-hand side and suggested to us that this might be a nice little local to check out while noting they served food and his stomach was rumbling The Commandos don’t mind where they visit as long as there are refreshments available so he parked the pub mobile in the spacious car park adjacent to the boozer Stepping inside the front door we found a bar to the left and to the right but the Young Commando immediately turned left as he spotted a soccer match on one of the two TVs It was reasonably busy when we arrived with a mixed clientele of mostly couples or groups of men but we were served very quickly and a couple of the Commandos even opted for food The Old Commando didn’t see the need to use up space in his gut on food so he stuck with his usual pint of plain Coors and Rockshore are also available on draught and the bar staff and waitresses were all polite and friendly The Old Commando enjoyed his pint of Guinness as he checked out the Galway GAA memorabilia behind the counter Most of the clientele appeared to be tourists rather than locals but we did meet one regular barfly who informed the Old Commando as he sank his pint of Guinness of the new Radisson Red Hotel which had just opened 300m away “Trade has picked up around these parts since Christmas when that new hotel opened up I suppose they’re all coming here first for a few pints before getting taxis into the city centre,” he told the Old Commando There was a decent atmosphere throughout the pub with a high turnover of customers during our stay or lining their stomach as the Young Commando put it and our troops who did order grub were left satisfied The solid fuel stove wasn’t lit as the spell of warm weather continued and the green leather bench seating was generally in good condition The Proclamation hangs proudly inside the front door as well as a photo of Michael Collins and the Tricolour is draped from the ceiling Some of the great Galway teams in both football and hurling are also proudly displayed – such as the 2017 senior hurlers the 2001 senior footballers and the great teams of the 1980s perhaps the four-in-a-row chasing Connacht champions might have a new photo to hang at the end of 2025 we dispatched the Young Commando to inspect the toilets and he reported back to us that they were fresh and clean and contained two cubicles and a ceramic urinal We enjoyed our grub and the few pints in The Trapper’s Inn before our designated driver took us into town to finish off the night it probably wouldn’t matter if you called to this pub on a Wednesday night or a Saturday night — it would still be busy Our love for Galway continues to grow and it took us to The Drew Drop Inn recently where we enjoyed a fill of pints — too many There was a mixed clientele of all ages in the front bar where we sat but the higher you went up in the building the younger the crowd There is one TV in the front bar and a votive candle on each table with a nice open fire in the cosy snug section at the rear The purple bench seating was fine and the timber flooring was clean There was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the bar and the staff were friendly and offered efficient service The toilets are located upstairs and contained two urinals and one cubicle Please check your inbox to verify your details Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-1sgza6o:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-1sgza6o:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-1sgza6o.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-w5p45x::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-w5p45x{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-w5p45x:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-w5p45x:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);}PrintShareSaveThe death has occurred of Predeceased by her parents Frank and Delia her sister Peggy and brothers Patsy and Frank She will be sadly missed by her loving family; husband David Tuam (H54 VC53) this Easter Sunday from 5.00 pm to 7.00pm followed by removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption Funeral Mass on Easter Monday at 11.00 am with funeral proceeding to Shannon crematorium The cremation ceremony is available to view at https://shannoncrematorium.com/content/26-live-streaming Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Tuam Cancer Care. The Burke and Kenny families welcome and appreciate your condolences at this time. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Cremation / BurialDate Published: CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one. Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Christina 'Chrissy' Tully: 'He won’t know that I never married and that I never go to sleep at night without saying the rosary for him in this house and he never left my thoughts.' Photo: Gofundme in case her missing son returns to find her after she dies Christina “Chrissie” Tully was just 18 years old when she gave birth to a baby boy on December 13 while she was in the care of the Bons Secours nuns as an unmarried mother she was rushed to Galway Central hospital where she underwent a c-section The baby was immediately taken away from her and Ms Tully was told that her son had died In recent years she has conducted a painstaking journey to find the baby she named Michael but now fears she will die before she gets answers.  In a desperate bid to leave behind a legacy, Ms Tully has started a GoFundMe campaign to buy her house so that her son will “always have a home” Ms Tully is hoping to raise €50,000 towards the purchase of the home.  She told the Irish Examiner: “I don’t know where Michael is He was taken away by the doctors I never saw his face Ms Tully said despite requesting information from Galway hospital and the adjoining cemetery as well as Tusla there is no sign of a burial place for her son “What if Michael comes looking for me after I die Ms Tully previously told the Irish Examiner that she was taken to Loughrea barracks by two gardaí after she fell pregnant a second time five years later and a retired judge demanded she reveal the identity of the father of her children “I told him to go ahead and arrest me,” Ms Tully said I never married and my second child was taken away and adopted I hoped to get a job and a place to live with him.”  Ms Tully has since been reunited with her son Patrick Naughton who lives with his family in the UK Galway County Council did not respond to questions from the Irish Examiner From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in Follow and share the latest news and stories more irish examiner instagram articles © Examiner Echo Group Limited, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork. Registered in Ireland: 523712. Local historian Catherine Corless says she’s ‘horrified’ at the 11 year wait for answers about the burials at the site of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home In 2014 Catherine Corless discovered death certificates of nearly 800 children who died while in the home, but had no burial plot. Two years later, evidence of human remains were uncovered, with a formal excavation due to start last year. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam says substantial and meaningful planning has gone into this unique and incredibly complex excavation. Earlier this week office leader Daniel McSweeney said the work would go ahead in mid-June pending the appointment of the excavation contractor. However the independent contractor is yet to be appointed. While Catherine is welcoming this latest date she says the long wait shows a lack of political will Work to excavate the site of the former mother and baby institution in Tuam, Co Galway The work is expected to begin in the second half of the month pending the appointment of an excavation contractor Survivors and relatives of people who spent time in Bon Secours home as well as residents living close to the site will be informed of the exact dates in mid-May Daniel MacSweeney, who leads the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam said on Tuesday that “substantial and meaningful planning has gone into this unique and incredibly complex excavation” “As the site will be forensically sealed at all times during the excavation we are hoping to facilitate on-site visits for survivors and family members at the beginning of the excavation.” The Tuam institution operated from 1925 to 1961 and was run by the Bon Secours order In 2014, research carried out by local historian Catherine Corless revealed that 796 children died while at the institution A lack of burial records indicated the children could be buried on the site the then-government established the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes to examine what happened to women and children in these institutions from 1922 to 1998 A test excavation carried out in Tuam in 2017 discovered a significant amount of human remains in what appeared to be a decommissioned sewage chamber As part of the upcoming excavation process a multidisciplinary forensic team is being recruited Mr MacSweeney said the excavation will take place in two parts “Further details on the forensic approach being taken will be shared at the start of the excavation,” he added The Sisters of the Bon Secours have offered to give €12.97 million to the Government’s redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby institutions. Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism The Connacht Under-20 Football Championship Final between Mayo and Roscommon will take place in Saint Jarlath's Park Tonight(Wednesday, April 30) it's a clash with the title of Connacht kingpins on offer, as Mayo and Roscommon meet in Saint Jarlath's Park Tuam for the Connacht U-20 Football Championship Final click the video below to watch the game LIVE: " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news Healy Park in Omagh is likely to be the venue for Mayo when they play Tyrone in the All-Ireland Championship Graduates of ATU and its legacy campuses can benefit from the Alumni Scholarship offering a 20% reduction on Masters course fees Minster Alan Dillon at the opening of the new offices The role offers an attractive package for the right candidate Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie Castlebar for Galway this weekend and first up it's Friday's Connacht Minor Football Championship clash against Mayo with a final place against Roscommon and progress to the All-Ireland series on offer (throw-in: 6.30pm Their recent round-robin meeting at Tuam Stadium - in which Galway came out on top on a cold wet and windy evening - carried no jeopardy and while a superbly entertaining hour's football it mattered little in the grand scheme given both had qualified by virtue of wins over Sligo and Leitrim Galway haven't lifted the Tom Kilcoyne Cup since 2018 whereas Mayo are in the hunt for a fourth straight title at U-17 grade Read our full preview in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition online here Residents in Tuam will oppose a social housing development on an elevated site that they say will overlook their properties Galway County Council plans to build over 200 new social houses in Tuam to help address the housing waiting list for the area which currently stands at 337 Nearly half of those seeking local authority housing in Tuam have requested one or two-bed accommodation while a further 144 have listed a three-bed home as their first preference Local councillors were given an update on the planned Tuam residential developments at the Tuam Municipal Council meeting earlier in the week But Deputy Pete Roche said that if residents have a problem then they have to make submissions to the housing authority to outline their complaints or concerns The Galway East TD told the Connacht Tribune that while social housing needs to be provided in Tuam residents were also entitled to express their concerns and possibly encourage planners to reconfigure the site The 66 social housing units would be located on the Galway Road and residents fear that some of the blocks will be overlooking existing bungalows which have been there for decades Deputy Roche said that social housing had to be provided with existing local residents in mind – and he wants further engagement with householders before a planning application is submitted The approval of a Part 8 planning application is granted on the approval of local councillors One existing resident said that while the proposed estate looks very attractive the County Council had given no consideration to the property owners in the local area “The plans include three-storey homes that will be overlooking the gardens and dwellings of existing residents,” they said “There are no three-storey homes in the area at present so these will be inappropriate Some of the two-storey houses are equally impactful on the neighbours given their height be built to the rear of the site and reducing on the impact on existing residents.” the residents stated that the Council could not provide any details on the traffic impact that this will have on the busy Galway Road out of Tuam “They have no jurisdiction on the bypass (governed by Transport Infrastructure Ireland) which can close for maintenance for hours on end causing huge tailbacks through the town.” © Copyright 2023 - Ourside Agency The site of a mass grave for children who died in the Tuam mother and baby home, Galway. Photo: PA Works at the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, Co Galway, is due to start in the second half of June this year, pending the appointment of the excavation contractor. The update on the excavation timeline was provided this week by Daniel MacSweeney, who leads the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam. The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam is currently in the process of appointing a multidisciplinary forensic team and a main excavation contractor. Mr MacSweeney explained that once they have been appointed, a specific date will be revealed as well as more details on the two-part excavation plan. “In mid-May, when we have confirmed exact dates with the excavation contractor and the forensic team who will be excavating the site, we will share this information with the families of people who were in the Tuam institution, survivors, advocates, residents living in proximity to the site, and others who have been most impacted,” Mr MacSweeney said. “As the site will be forensically sealed at all times during the excavation, we are hoping to facilitate on-site visits for survivors and family members at the beginning of the excavation.” Mr. MacSweeney added: “Our work is centred around the people and groups who have been most impacted by the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam. This includes families, survivors and the Tuam community. Our work will be conducted in accordance with international standards and best practice, and in keeping with our core values. “Substantial and meaningful planning has gone into this unique and incredibly complex excavation. As part of this, we are in the process of appointing a talented, high-calibre multidisciplinary forensic team and a main excavation contractor. The excavation will take place in two parts. Further details on the forensic approach being taken will be shared at the start of the excavation.” The institution for unmarried mothers and their children was run by the Bon Secours Sisters and it closed in 1961. It is 11 years since it emerged that 796 children died in appalling circumstances at the former mother and baby home in Galway during its operation. Their causes of deaths included deformities, heart conditions, whooping cough and influenza, and their burial in a septic tank caused outrage across the world and forced the government to establish a commission of inquiry into mother and baby homes. Historian and activist Catherine Corless stands by the mass grave of children in Tuam. Photo: Andy Newman The commission’s final report, published in January 2021, revealed up to 9,000 children died in similar circumstances in other religious-run institutions across the country, including Sean Ross Abbey in Roscrea, Co Tipperary; Castlepollard in Co Westmeath and Bessborough in Co Cork. The homes were established because it was considered a sin and shameful to have a baby outside wedlock. Many of the babies were adopted against the mother’s wishes. In 2014, Galway historian Catherine Corless uncovered the names of the children who died in Tuam, as well as their causes of death. Tender documents by the OPW show that the “desired outcomes” of the project are to forensically excavate the site in its entirety and to recover all human remains there. The project is set to take 192 weeks, with a “construction” phase lasting 104 weeks, which is when the bulk of the work will be done. Irish NewsDarkness into Light 2025: locate your nearest walk for Pieta HouseAs registration deadlines come to a close, communities across Ireland are warming up for the annual Darkness into Light Walk for Pieta House. Fáilte chuig gaa.ie - suíomh oifigiúil CLG A compelling contest in the west eventually ended with the spoils being divided Shane Walsh’s sweet two pointer free with the last kick of the afternoon into the teeth of the wind ensured Galway preserved their unbeaten record Mattie Donnelly had edged Tyrone in front moments earlier Tyrone contributed handsomely to a splendid match enjoying many productive moments in a lively opening period with the teams departing deadlocked at the break With Malachy O’Rourke’s outfit primed for a battle Galway’s long range shooting was a key factor initially Before the interval Galway nailed four two pointers including frees from Rob Finnerty (2) and Walsh and one gorgeous effort from play by Paul Conroy prompted by the excellent Darragh Canavan and Mark Bradley highlighted Tyrone’s ability as Peter Harte’s laser pass located Canavan Canavan’s major guided Tyrone 1-2 to 0-2 ahead at the juncture and the game continued at a decent clip In the 13th minute Galway custodian Conor Flaherty made a sharp penalty save to deny Harte as the locals survived a significant scare When the interval eventually rolled around the teams were deadlocked and the issue was delicately poised Tyrone were backed by a strong breeze after the restart but they were unable to shrug off Galway’s resistance Bradley and Canavan caused plenty of damage but Galway were still very much in contention trailing 1-15 to 0-15 with 12 minutes left Galway captain Seán Kelly was fouled by Peter Teague with Walsh converting the resultant penalty with aplomb Tyrone substitute Darren McCurry rifled over a brilliant point Then Donnelly edged Tyrone two clear with a fine score from outside the arc and a Tyrone breach was punished with Walsh expertly nailing a free from the deck It was a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable encounter Scorers for Galway: Shane Walsh 1-7 (1-0 pen Paul Conroy (2pt) and Jack O’Neill (1f) 0-2 each Scorers for Tyrone: Darragh Canavan 1-5 (2fs) Kerry impress in Electric Ireland Munster MFC win over Cork6 hours ago Tipp beat Clare in Electric Ireland Munster MFC Phase 1 Final10 hours ago Referees named for Ulster and Leinster SFC Finals17 hours ago Kevin McStay expecting positive Mayo response23 hours ago Official Sponsors of the GAA Football All-Ireland Championship Official Sponsors of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Championship Martha: (peacefully after a short illness) at G.U.H. Predeceased by her father Michael and niece Zoe. Sadly missed by her heartbroken best friend and mother, Martina, her sisters, Sylvia, Olivia, Linda, Mary and Edel, her brothers Joseph, Martin, Eric and Gerry, nieces Sofia Jay and Lauren, nephews Scott, Derek, Andrew, Tiernan and Noah, brothers- in-law, Brian, Vincent and Gavin, Mary's partner Derek and Eric's partner Hannah, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbours. Martha will be reposing at Glynn’s Funeral Home, High Street Tuam, (H54 VC53) this Thursday evening from 5:30pm to 7:30pm with removal to her home afterwards. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12.00 noon in St. Conleth's Church, Kilconly with Funeral proceeding to Kilconly Cemetery. The Nally family welcome and appreciate your thoughts and condolences at this difficult time. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Date Published: In 2014, local historian Catherine Corless uncovered the names of 796 children who died in the religiously run home from 1925 to 1961. Picture: Padraig O'Reilly the Director of the Authorised Intervention has revealed A statement issued on Tuesday morning on behalf of Daniel MacSweeney said the intervention – the first of its kind in Ireland – “is due to start in the second half of June this year pending the appointment of the excavation contractor.”  Mr MacSweeney said he expects to confirm exact dates in mid-May when the excavation contractor and forensic team have spoken to the “families of people who were in the Tuam institution and others who have been most impacted.”  He explained that the burial site will be “forensically sealed at all times during the excavation," and that the team is "hoping to facilitate on-site visits for survivors and family members at the beginning of the excavation.” local historian Catherine Corless uncovered the names of 796 children who died in the religiously run home from 1925 to 1961 a number of test excavations in 2016 and 2017 confirmed that the remains of children found at the site were from the Tuam Mother and Baby Home When the nuns sold the land in the early 2000s they exhumed the remains of their colleagues who were buried in the nearby Bon Secours private hospital but left the children in the mass grave There was outrage all over the world when the story emerged that 796 children were buried in large chambers in a septic tank on the grounds of the home and were not given a proper burial Picture: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ieA Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate the circumstances of 14 homes and four county homes and survivors received a State apology in 2021 Families and campaigners have long called for the children to be removed from the site and given a proper burial Mr MacSweeney added: “Our work is centred around the people and groups who have been most impacted by the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam Our work will be conducted in accordance with international standards and best practice “Substantial and meaningful planning has gone into this unique and incredibly complex excavation we are in the process of appointing a talented high-calibre multidisciplinary forensic team and a main excavation contractor “The excavation will take place in two parts Further details on the forensic approach being taken will be shared at the start of the excavation.”  “I am absolutely delighted that finally we have concrete news “It is very emotional considering it has taken us over 10 years to get to this point where we finally might see the end of a terrible story and we can lay these little ones to rest.”  For more information about the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam, see www.odait.ie THE HSE is advising the public that higher attendances are expected at its Emergency Departments in Galway hospitals over the weekend Bank holiday weekends and extended good weather can put extra pressure on the health system and people are advised to familiarise themselves on care options available to them Emergency departments will see higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday weekend and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience during long wait times The HSE is advising that all avenues of care should be considered initially which may result in ED avoidance If anyone urgently needs to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend they should contact their local out of hours GP service Westdoc will be operating at increased capacity in Galway Mayo and Roscommon from Friday evening until Tuesday morning Find your local GP out-of-hours service at https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/ Clinics are by appointment only so call 0818 360 000 in advance to make an appointment Advice and over the counter treatments are also available from local pharmacies Injury units treat non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones Find your local injury unit at www.hse.ie/injuryunits The HSE says plans are in place across hospital and community services to ensure patients can access the care they need in the right setting The multi-award winning Upstage Players from Claremorris will bring Conor McPherson’s The Weir to the Mall Theatre in Tuam this week ahead of their All-Ireland Final performance McPherson’s much-loved play will be staged in the Tuam venue this Thursday and Friday night Admission is €15 and tickets are available from Quinn’s in Tuam but their normal routine is shaken up when an attractive stranger and they start sharing tales of ghostly happenings but what starts as innocent boasting and bravado turns serious when the stranger reveals a real Upstage Players were established in 2024  and while the group is based in Claremorris it attracts members from across the region with North Galway well represented in The Weir the group’s actors and crew are well-known in drama circles all over the West and beyond Dunmore’s Ollie Turner plays Finbar in The Weir while Ollie Barrett (on loan from Mayo to Milltown) plays Jim Pictured: The arrival of Valerie to the local pub changes everything in Conor McPherson’s The Weir It’s being presented by the award-winning Upstage Theatre Players from Claremorris ahead of their appearance in the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals VANDALS have caused devastating damage to the pitch at Tuam Stadium which could put upcoming fixtures in jeopardy. The joyriders used the ground’s tractor lawnmower to do donuts and dig up the pitch, causing serious damage. The culprits broke into the stadium on two occasions over Monday and Tuesday, breaking locks to access the lawnmower and using implements to start it without the key. Galway Football Committee Chairman Micheal Geraghty told The Tuam Herald that the incident is hugely disappointing and has left everyone at a local and County Board level dumbfounded. “After the high of the recent Galway and Tyrone game which saw bumper crowds at the stadium, to see this is extremely disappointing. They have defaced the pitch and the damage done could now put the upcoming U17 and U20 scheduled games in two weeks’ time in doubt,” explained Micheal. It’s thought that the culprits first broke into the stadium grounds on Monday night, broke locks and got the lawnmower going and did some minor damage. This was discovered by the caretaker on Tuesday morning and the gardai were alerted. The large lawnmower was put back in storage and locked up, but the culprits returned on Tuesday afternoon, sometime around 4pm and did further and much more extensive damage. The caretaker happened to come upon them during Tuesday afternoon’s incident but those involved ran off and the gardai attended the scene for the second time that day. “We think it was a group of young fellas involved. This is bad for the stadium but it’s also bad for the town,” remarked Micheal. The vandalism has resulted not only in a significant financial cost to the stadium committee who will have to have the pitch and the large lawnmower repaired, but the loss of County fixtures would be a huge loss to the stadium and the town. Galway begin their Connacht U-20 Football Championship next week and are scheduled to play Mayo in Tuam Stadium on Wednesday, March 26. Galway’s U-17s are scheduled to play Roscommon also in Tuam Stadium on March 28. Both of these fixtures could be lost to the stadium because of the damage caused. “It’s hugely disappointing. The stadium is a huge part of the town and the community. Everyone is proud of the works carried out and the opening of the new stand. We’re all volunteers trying to progress its development,” said Micheal. “Those involved probably thought it was a bit of fun but it’s not fun when the repercussions could interfere with games being played at the stadium. “The grass will grow again in a few weeks but at this stage we don’t know if it will be fit for the two Galway games,” added Micheal, who noted the only positive was that the pitch was dry at the time. “We want people to know that this type of vandalism is not acceptable. We’d hope those involved would learn from this and take responsibility for what they’ve done. It’s just not good enough. “It would be great to see these young lads getting involved in sport themselves and perhaps it would be a chance to bring about change in their future,” he concluded. Anyone with information in relation to the incidents at Tuam Stadium on Monday night and Tuesday afternoon is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093-70840 or any member of Tuam Stadium Committee. This is the next step of a long-awaited process to retrieve the remains of 796 children who died in the former Bons Secours home for mostly unmarried mothers in Tuam. Photo: Padraig O'Reilly is set to spend up to €5m on experts to assist with the operation The Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention Tuam has gone out to tender for qualified experts in a contract expected to last between one and two years but can be extended to a third year given the complexity of the process This is the next step of a long-awaited process to retrieve the remains of 796 children who died in the former Bons Secours home for mostly unmarried mothers in Tuam The religious-run institution operated between 1925 and 1961 The plan to recover the children's remains comes under the Burial Act which allows for the entire site to be excavated with experience ranging from at least five to 10 years for some roles osteoarcheology and forensic anthropology as well as photographers and evidence managers The actual number of people required in each position will depend on the requirements of the project as the excavation progresses. Preliminary works got under way at the site before Christmas and this has been completed The project involves the forensic excavation and recovery of human remains at the former Mother and Baby Institution including all associated works on site to facilitate the forensic excavation and recovery It should be understood that this project is large in scale and complexity and will require the recovery of commingled human remains director of Authorised Intervention at Tuam said: "We have two more tenders coming out this will be for a forensic team to work on site in Tuam The tenders will be for the main contractor and building contractor for the works involved in the intervention a tender for the specialised forensic team "The budget we have will be €5m and the tenders will be done through the Office of Public Works.”  Mr MacSweeney said that he couldn’t stress enough that what they are dealing with at Tuam is a “complex site” looking at the maps and how this is going to go the main contract will finalise the team on site,” he said "We still have that window of works to begin between February and June But the main message is that the complexity of the job is very high We want to have the right people at the right level to do the work for us." Mr MacSweeney said his office is still only taking samples from the elderly and vulnerable but that anyone is welcome to get in touch with his office if they believe they are related to the any of the children buried at the site Anyone who wished to contact the office of the intervention can do so at their website. PUBLIC consultation on ideas and the possible future uses of the extensive lands surrounding the old Tuam Railway Station will begin this week. Galway County Council has secured funding to allow for an overall design and concept for the large site to be drawn-up by an expert team of architects. The initial step is a drop-in information session for members of the public, local businesses and organisations, taking place tomorrow (Thursday, February 6) at the Tuam Council offices and Library on High Street from 5pm to 8.30pm. The railway station site is included in Tuam’s Masterplan as the Tuam Station Quarter and the Council are planning a major regeneration development for the lands and buildings. The Council is also in discussions with Irish Rail to determine the footprint of available lands for inclusion in the project. CEO of the Council Liam Conneally is mindful that the site holds many memories for people in Tuam. He acknowledges that while its redevelopment will take several years, the council is committed to the challenge. At tomorrow’s drop-in session, representatives of the Design Team will take members of the public through the considerations, including the potential uses, opportunities, and constraints, for the site which has transformational potential for the town. One of the main objectives for the redevelopment of the area is that it supports the growth of a strong local economy. It will also aim to encourage inward investment while retaining and integrating its existing heritage. A mix of uses is envisaged for the area that would be anchored by a public realm – streets, squares and bridges - that links to the town centre. This would help provide new public access, an enhanced streetscape, legibility and improved road and traffic circulation. Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said last year’s funding was positive and will lead to a development that brings investment and jobs to the Tuam area. Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services with responsibility for Planning and Economic Development continued: “We are developing this project from the outset in a spirit of partnership with the community, so we will start as we mean to go on with an open public engagement event on February 6. We look forward to meeting the public and will continue to provide further updates to the public as 2025 progresses. This is a special site and it’s a hugely exciting opportunity for Tuam.” Gardaí are investigating after vandals targetted Tuam Stadium and damaged the pitch surface. The incident happened at some point between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. After making their way into the grounds, it's understood vandals took out a ride-on mower and drove around the pitch. The pattern of tyre marks across the surface suggest they attempted to pull doughnuts. As well as the damage to the pitch, which will require major remedial work, damage was caused to seats in the stand, and graffiti was sprayed on a wall. Gardaí say the damage was done sometime between 4.30pm on Monday, and 9am on Tuesday. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. The damage to the surface of Tuam Stadium is being assessed amid fears that fixtures including All-Ireland schools games and Connacht minor and U-20 championships scheduled for the north Galway venue in the coming weeks may have to be switched Allianz League action returned to the venue when over 7,000 attended Galway’s late draw with Tyrone last Sunday week following the opening of the Joe O’Toole Stand before Christmas Extensive work has been carried out in recent years at the venue driven by a dedicated local group who were anxious to ensure that Tuam Stadium retained its status at a time when the county ground Vandals broke into the ground on Tuesday night taking a large lawnmower from a shed and causing significant damage to the surface by doing ‘donuts’ in several areas of the pitch Tuam Stadium secretary Ian Doyle said there is dismay over the vandalism not least as such a huge effort had been made in recent years by a dedicated group to ensure that the venue regarded by many as the ‘home of Galway football’ “I'm very saddened to have to report this damage which was done to the pitch in Tuam Stadium The thugs who broke into the stadium and then into the storeroom which stores our lawn mower which they drove onto the pitch to cause this damage have shown absolutely no respect whatsoever for all the work that so many local people,” he said we have lost an All-Ireland PPS football semi-final which was due to be played in Tuam Stadium this Friday We are also in danger of losing Connacht minor and U-20 championship games which are due to be played here in the coming weeks.”  Kerry will face Clare and Cork play Tipperary By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser You have accepted push notifications for this content. If you would like to manage your push notification preferences, you can do so here This website is optimised for mobile devices and modern web browsers In order to view the content correctly please upgrade your current web browser to IE9 or higher or switch to an alternative browser such as Chrome Follow the Archives for more daily updates on features A call for the development of a local museum in every county in Ireland The Tuam museum was established by local people at a cost of £12,000 in a former 18th century mill The committee which runs the Tuam museum is calling on the government to establish a local museum service in every county Secretary of the Tuam Museum Committee Dr John A Claffey highlights the need for this kind of service He points to a growth in local museums throughout the country in recent years he describes this growth as haphazard and wants it to be rationalised into a nationwide plan on a county by county basis Dr John A Claffey says that local museums play a role in education promoting tourism and the development of traditional crafts You could have a museum in every town and village in the country An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 April 1975 The reporters are Dermot Mullane and Jim Fahy Relief for the singer and composer of the song representing Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest RTÉ.ie is the website of Raidió Teilifís Éireann RTÉ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites A local Councillor has expressed concern that a car park in Tuam has been closed off to the public – particularly affecting parents on the school run The car park at the old Tuam Courthouse has been off limits for several months It is understood that the Courts Service were concerned for the safety of vehicles parked there as the old courthouse itself is falling into a state of dereliction raising the matter at the recent Tuam Municipal Council meeting Cllr Karey McHugh said that the loss of the car park was particularly impacting on families who use it during school times for drop-offs and pick-ups She described it as a massive blow to all the families who need it – particularly those with accessibility issues or those who require a buggy for their children The car park is close to several primary schools The old court building itself is a protected structure but has been closed for around 20 years on health and safety grounds – and the chances of it being redeveloped and brought back into use are remote “It is a problem for parents to get kids out and safely get them into school I have requested that we write to the Office of Public Works and the Minister for Education along with the Court Service and all the TDs for Galway East to address this situation,” said Cllr McHugh That area on the Dublin Road in Tuam is particularly busy each morning and afternoon given the number of pupils attending the local schools parking has become a major issue and can often result in considerable tailbacks Pictured: Cllr Karey McHugh at the dilapidated old courthouse in Tuam Deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents Michael and Bernie Tuam (H54 VC53) this Friday (April 18) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm followed by removal to his home in Arglora Funeral Service for Michael will take place in the Cathedral of the Assumption Tuam on Saturday at 2:00 pm with funeral proceeding to Creevaghbaun cemetery House strictly private on Saturday morning No flowers please, donations if desired to The Kevin Bell repatriation trust. If you would like to make a donation to the chosen charity please click on the button below. memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one DRAMA::Shane Walsh of Galway makes his way from the 14 metre line to outside the arc where he kicked a two-point free to level the match against Tyrone The drums were beating at the entrance to Tuam Stadium This iconic north Galway venue hadn’t hosted the senior footballers since 2023 A new-look ground ready to host a new-look game Already a subscriber? Sign in Introductory offers for new customers. Annual billed once for first year. Renews at €120. Monthly initial discount (first 4 months) billed monthly, then €10 a month. Ts&Cs apply more gaelic football articles You have accepted push notifications for this content. If you would like to manage your push notification preferences, you can do so here. Family Carers Ireland is inviting the people of Tuam to Step Up and take part in a special 5k fundraising walk starting from the Palace Grounds, Tuam on Sunday. Family Carers Ireland supports Ireland’s 500,000 family carers who provide unwavering support to loved ones, often without recognition or adequate support. The public are urged to show up and show their support for the hundreds of thousands of people who care for loved ones at home, many without a break. The event will raise vital funds and awareness to ensure that Family Carers Ireland can continue to be there for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. “With just days to go, we’re urging everyone in Galway to get involved,” said Eileen Aherne, National Fundraising Manager at Family Carers Ireland. “Whether you join us at Palace Grounds, Tuam, or walk in your own community, your support helps shine a light on the realities faced by family carers—and shows they are not alone.” The Tuam walk begins at 11am and to register or donate to the fundraiser, visit familycarers.ie. This year Tuam Swimming Club celebrates 75 years in existence. Founded in 1950, the club has provided swim teaching and coaching to the local community on a continuous basis during this period as well as competing successfully at Connacht, National and International levels. To mark this milestone the club are planning a 75th Anniversary Social event in the Ard Ri Hotel, Tuam on Saturday May 31. While the event is open to everyone it is hoped to attract many past swimmers, teachers, coaches and committee members and many others who had an involvement in swimming over the years. The night will start with a Prosecco reception in the foyer of the hotel where an exhibition of photographs taken over the decades will be on display. A three-course meal with wine follows at 7.30 and after a few speeches to mark the occasion, dancing with DJ Slopey will continue into the night. Tickets are €60 per person and are available from Eventbrite by searching Tuam Swimming Club 75th Anniversary Social. The club are also hoping that any member with photographs from past competitions will make them available. The plan to recover the children's remains in the former Bons Secours home for mostly unmarried mothers in Tuam comes under the Burial Act, which allows for the entire site in the middle of the Dublin Road housing estate to be excavated. File photo: Padraig O'Reilly which are in preparation for a full excavation due to start early next year ONE of the best known characters on the West of Ireland auctioneering is this week celebrating over 50 years in business and what a half century it has been for one Martin Tyrrell When Martin returned from Australia in the last 1960s to North Galway those were bleak and difficult times for auctioneers – and indeed anyone in business  – with both the property market and the national economy virtually stagnant He remembers that era as one where emigration was rife – and especially with young people – and where a house could be bought for €3,000; land was making less than €3,000 per acre; and nice lounge bars were averaging €12,000 we offered an all-round service even though it was a very depressed time The farming community were also having a depressed era and finance was very difficult to come by our firm continued to provide all services to our clientele both at home and overseas,” said Martin Tyrrell Martin Tyrrell was elected as president of the Tuam Chamber of Commerce – having been proposed by the late Joe O’Toole – and was also president of the Tuam Lions Club The late Jimmy Tierney – Manager of the Bank of Ireland branch in Tuam back the years – was the man behind getting Martin Tyrrell to look after the sale of the historic Castle Hackett in Belclare the new educational system under Minister Donogh O’Malley was probably the best legislation we ever experienced in Ireland with the Irish people gradually enjoying a much greater image and profile both at home and in many parts of the world,” recalls Martin Tyrrell that educational legacy of confidence and self-belief the extended Tyrrell family have all benefited from that confidence booster of a good third-level education continues to improve our overall marketing situation and way of life “We have come through most difficult and challenging times over the years it was a real boost to see a great new era emerge which is now being enjoyed by our country and our people both at home and overseas “Our overseas team continues to establish new markets for our top quality products Our international clientele continue to be offered the unlimited future potential of Ireland,” said Martin Tyrrell From ‘the hungry days’ of the £3,000 houses in the late 1960s Tyrrell Auctioneers – who are headquartered in the heart of Tuam town – now are selling houses at over €400,000 and farmland up to €20,000 an acre we have also witnessed a massive growth in tourism while Irish music and Irish culture are now highly regarded both at home and all over the world “This has been a wonderful transition both here in Galway and indeed all over the country given the years of oppression as a country that we had endured “There are some things too that really excite me in present-day Ireland like the whole Tidy Towns movement The work that’s being done with this body is truly admirable helping to keep our villages and towns in pristine condition and a joy to visit we are still making great strides with the Tidy Towns ideal,” said Martin Tyrrell Tyrrells have been appointed as agents for PTSB and also as valuers for other various financial institutions and insurance companies it has been a most wonderful transition since the tougher times of the 1960s and it has been great to be part of it all,” said Martin Tyrrell ■ Tyrrells’ Auctioneers, Insurance and Valuers can be contacted at: info@tyrrellauctions.ie who first  met in Australia before moving back to Galway in the late 1960s The death has occurred of Christopher (Paul) Ryan Christopher passed away peacefully at his home with his family Predeceased by his sister Maureen and his brother Dickie Deeply regretted by his loving family; wife Treasa son Richard sisters Ann Lowry and Josephine Donnelly Tuam This Monday evening from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 1.00 pm with funeral proceeding to Tuam Cemetery The Ryan family welcomes and appreciates your thoughts and condolences at this time A man and a woman have been taken to UHG with non-life-threatening injuries after a crash in Tuam The two-vehicle collision happened on the R939 - the Galway Road - in Tuam at around 9 this morning Gardaí are currently attending a separate traffic collision that happened on the M6 westbound at Oranmore Delays are expected while members attend the scene It was a busy weekend for Galway Community Games as they hosted the first round of the Connaught Indoor competitions in Tuam and Sunday was Cleaning-Up Day. The excellent facilities in High Cross College Tuam Rugby Club and Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha were all used and sincere thanks go to the Principals It is no mean feat to organise a full day of Competitions for 82 Teams in 25 Events There were 61 Games played on the day in Badminton Rugby 7’s from the 5 Counties of  Connaught This all comes down to the Connaught and Galway Committees who put so much effort in trying to get things right led by John Byrne Tuam County and Connaught Chairman,  Thank you to Margaret Bolton our Connaught Secretary and Shellie Power Galway Secretary in keeping the Administration rolling,  Thanks to Carmel Catherine,  Margaret and John on Presentation all the Basketball Referees and Table Officials organised by the Galway branch of the Basketball Association Appreciation to the Managers of the Chess and Draughts Team from all the Counties for their invaluable assistance in running the Chess and Draughts Finals Thanks to the Tuam Rugby Club Officials for Refereeing the Rugby 7’s Finals and TJ who helped out with heavy lifting on Friday Many thanks to our Catering Volunteers for keeping the troops fed and to Jim and Paddy for helping with the stewarding and car parking much appreciation to the Connaught Committee and the Galway Committee Check out the Connaught Community Games Facebook page for lots of presentation pictures.  Hereunder are the Results with credit to Margaret: Final: Calry (Sligo) defeated Woodford/Tynagh (Galway) Final: Turlough Towers (Mayo) defeated Kilteevan (Roscommon) Final: Oranmore Maree (Galway) defeated Carrick-on-Shannon (Leitrim) Final: Cornageeha/St Annes (Sligo) defeated Mohill (Leitrim) Final: Oranmore Maree (Galway) defeated Cornageeha/St Annes (Sligo) Final: Bunninadden (Sligo) defeated Carra (Mayo) Final: Moycullen (Galway) defeated Ballinrobe (Mayo) Final: Kilteevan (Roscommon) defeated Tubbercurry/Cloonacool (Sligo)  Final: Drum/Clonown (Roscommon) defeated St Final: Drum/Clonown (Roscommon) defeated Carrick-on-Shannon (Leitrim) Final: Kilmurry (Mayo) defeated Kilnadeema (Galway) Final: Skreen Dromard (Sligo) defeated Croghan (Roscommon)  Final: Skreen Dromard(Sligo) defeated Elphin (Roscommon)  Feichins (Sligo) defeated Ballaghaderreen (Roscommon) Feichins (Sligo) defeated Drum/Clonown (Roscommon) Final: Ballymote (Sligo) defeated Ballaghadereen (Roscommon) Final: Aughanagh (Sligo) defeated Breaffy (Mayo) Final: Bunninadden (Sligo) defeated Kiltoom/Cam (Roscommon) Final: Cornageeha/St Annes (Sligo) defeated Kilmaine (Mayo) Final: Kilmaine (Mayo) defeated Coolera (Sligo)  Final: Strokestown (Roscommon) defeated Kilmaine (Mayo)  Final: Coolera (Sligo) defeated Dunmore/Garrafrauns/Kiltevna (Galway) TABLE TENNIS  U/13 GIRLS/ U/13 BOYS U/16 GIRLS/U/16 BOYS PLANS for an ambitious €7million re-development of the derelict Tuam Station House have been submitted by Galway County Council The Council has begun the formal planning process for the major refurbishment and extension of the building that adjoins the unused railway line The submission of the planning application is viewed as a key step in an overall multimillion-euro investment in the site located on Sean Purcell Road The plans will include the construction of a new enterprise hub featuring individual enterprise suites café/canteen and a multi-use community and event/educational space The project is the first phase of a larger regeneration of the overall station lands involving a partnership between Galway County Council and Irish Rail Proposals for the site and building were on public display earlier this year but no submissions were received from the public at that stage The Part 8 planning application by the Local Authority will go before the members of the Tuam Municipal District in May said “This is the type and scale of investment that is needed in our town centres to ensure they remain attractive and vibrant places to work I welcome that such a large number of people came through the doors at our initial consultation evening where it was clearly evident that the Station House holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Tuam I have no doubt but that this project will do the building justice and not only bring a sadly derelict building back into use but give the people of Tuam renewed confidence that we are committed to and passionate about the potential of Tuam Town and its people.” said a huge amount of work has gone into the application “This project will significantly enhance the economic profile of Tuam and create a multitude of employment opportunities This is exactly the type of project that was envisaged when Galway County Council set out our shared vision for Tuam in the Regeneration Masterplan and its benefits have the potential to be felt well beyond this particular site The planning application is available to view at County Hall Tuam Area Office and on the public consultation portal hosted by Galway County Council at https://consult.galway.ie/ Submissions and observations from members of the public can be made up until May 14 DESPITE a lot of wishing and hoping by local businesses and fans The Saw Doctors have confirmed that they won’t have a concert in Tuam this year Thousands of fans thronged the town for the West Awake concert in Tuam in 2023 which saw the band sell-out two nights in a massive festival tent accommodating close to 5,000 people each night the first time the band had played in the town since the iconic West Awake concert in Tuam Stadium in 1991 brought a festival atmosphere to the entire town for the weekend The muddy conditions underfoot did little to dampen the spirits of the concert goers and other attractions and shows were held in other venues in the town to coincide with the main event While the band had hoped to return to Tuam with a larger concert line-up this definitely won’t be happening this year He told The Tuam Herald that any concert ...... Read the full story in the current edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or online here Division over re-using Town Council chains A TUAM Councillor has opposed a proposal which could see the old Tuam Town Mayoral Chain used by the Chairperson of the Municipal District The debate on chains of office for the MDC Chairpersons has rumbled on for nearly ten years but formally came before County Councillors at their meeting on Monday Sourcing a Cathaoirleach chain for each of the Municipal Districts could cost in the region of €25,000 but in an effort to reduce this it was mooted that the old Town Council Mayoral chains for Tuam Ballinasloe and Loughrea could be re-purposed The chains haven't been used since Town Councils were abolished in 2014 The Tuam Town Mayoral Chain is on display in the town’s library Tuam Cllr Donagh Killilea supported the chains of office for MDCs but wasn't happy about the Tuam chain being reused ..... Read the story in full in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here ARCHBISHOP of Tuam Francis Duffy has said the death of Pope Francis is “truly sad news for the Church and the world” The outpouring of affection and grief at the death of Pope Francis is quite understandable and not at all unexpected As one parishioner said ‘the parish priest of the world has died’,” remarked Archbishop Duffy “He is the Pope who gave us the Year of Mercy in 2016 with an emphasis on forgiveness and reconciliation His celebrated letter Laudato si’ – on caring for our common home especially those in poverty and on the margins and those who experience rejection because of personal circumstances that will long live in the memories of all who observed him “He brought the Church of the 21st century on to a synodal pathway Pope Francis visited Knock Shrine in the summer of 2018 while he was in Ireland for the World Meeting of Families “The news of Pope Francis’ death draws from us feelings of gratitude and appreciation for this son of Italian immigrants to Argentina and upon this rock I will build my Church.” THE multi-award-winning Upstage Players from Claremorris will bring Conor McPherson’s The Weir to The Mall Theatre in Tuam this week The Weir will be staged in the Tuam venue this Thursday and Friday night the locals are gathering for their daily pint but their normal routine is shaken up when an attractive stranger arrives they share tales of ghostly happenings…but what starts as innocent braggadocio turns serious when the stranger reveals a real the group’s actors and crew are well known in drama circles all over the West and beyond Dunmore's Ollie Turner plays Finbar in The Weir The Weir is directed by Alan Heneghan with Vera Kilgallon as artistic coordinator and stage manager The pair also took charge of stage design and construction This week’s performances in Tuam offer a last chance for audiences to see the show before the group’s appearance in the All-Ireland Confined Finals in Claremorris Town Hall and Theatre on Saturday night Claremorris Drama Festival committee will host the national contest this year Nine groups will participate in the All-Ireland Confined Finals The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday Upstage Players has been touring the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) Festival Circuit with The Weir The group participated in a total of seven festivals alongside myriad additional individual and group accolades Tony: (Suddenly) in the comfort of his home on Thursday 13th March Predeceased by his parents James and Bridget brothers Willie (Hailey) and Mick and his sister Bridie Sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Kitty Tony will be reposing at Grogan’s Funeral Home Patrick's Day) evening from 5.00 o’c until 7 o’c Requiem Mass on Tuesday at 11.30 o’c in Cathedral of the Assumption Livestream available at: Tuam Parish Web-Cam The O’Connor family appreciate your respect, support and understanding at this time. Those who would like to leave a message of condolence may do so on the CONDOLENCE section below. CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday The N17 is closed between Tuam and Milltown due to a road traffic collision The incident happened at around 8.45am this morning It's understood a serious injury was sustained and emergency services remain at the scene A TUAM chocolatier selling his own version of Dubai chocolates says it’s a fad created by social media which might pass away soon Frank Reynolds has been running his small chocolate shop named ‘Orange Chocolates’ in Tuam town for the last ten years The town’s favourite chocolatier produces many different varieties of handmade chocolates loved by his customers Frank first heard about Dubai chocolates when a couple reached out to him looking to buy chocolate moulds They told him about this chocolate that was trending on social media and making good profit for the producers Curious Frank also started to investigate the trend to find out why this type of chocolate is so popular “They told me that there was a craze out there for this Dubai chocolate bar and it sells for about €15 to €20 per bar After some research I found out the ingredients being used in it and started experimenting with the recipe.” Following multiple trial and error experiments Frank finally managed to create what is now being sold at his shop as ‘Dubai Chocolates Dubai Chocolate was first created to satisfy the pregnancy cravings of a Dubai based British-Egyptian entrepreneur She created the pistachio and tahini infused bar to satisfy cravings of her childhood favourite dessert ‘Knafeh’ Knafeh is a filo pastry which is one of the key ingredients of this chocolate alongside pistachio paste and tahini (sesame seed paste) the chocolate went viral on social media after some influencers started posting videos of themselves eating the delicious chocolate bar Frank told The Tuam Herald about how his online sales for this chocolate went beyond expectations when an influencer visited his shop and posted a video about the chocolate on her social media account “I later found out that she was an influencer and after she uploaded the video our online shop went mad for ten hours until we shut it down but I won’t be able to sell it on a similar scale when this fad finishes.” Frank is running a small shop where he works alone and makes 80 per cent of the products himself He believes that he doesn’t have enough time to mass produce one thing as this will lose him the well-established customers for other products Along with the original Dubai Chocolates made with Pistachio Frank has also created his own versions with Hazelnuts and Caramel which are equally amazing Chocolates at Orange chocolates in Tuam are made using good quality ingredients and are sold at affordable prices Frank is also cautious about customers stockpiling and only sells a limited number of chocolate bars to one person “I have had people come in and say they want eight bars or ten bars but I had to turn them down and tell them that they could have only two or three bars because I have other customers who want them as well “I opened this shop because I wanted to have something to do after retirement and I don’t have any ambitions to make it into a big business or something This is a place for me to come in every day make some chocolates and have a chance to meet people,” Frank smiled Tuam and Ballyglunin facilities needed water TUAM Fire Brigade proved to be saviours for two nursing homes amidst the water supply disruptions in the aftermath of Storm Eowyn Brooklodge Nursing Home in Ballyglunin and Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam have thanked the local fire brigade teams for delivering vital water during the disruption Brooklodge Nursing Home has been without power since Friday and is operating on generators to keep the place up and running while their water supply was also disrupted Owner Michael Moran told The Tuam Herald that he is grateful to the fire brigade and local farmers for their swift response and support during these difficult times “We have managed to keep the home up and running with everyone’s help and without alarming the residents,” said Michael “We are buying diesel for the generator every day and bottles of water for drinking but then we faced some disruptions and had to ask the local fire brigade to come in and fill the tank upstairs.” Michael was also grateful for the help offered by local farmers to clear the road on Friday We got a lot of support from local farmers A total of 44 residents are currently living in the Brooklodge Nursing Home “We have opened our doors to anyone who needs a place to stay warm we don’t have any empty beds to offer,” added Michael Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam also faced water supply problems and had to ask the fire brigade to come to their rescue Director of Greenpark Brian McNamara told The Tuam Herald that they were without water He said: “The water supply ran out for the whole town the local fire brigade came to our aid and helped us out “We have never had a storm like this before and many people have been isolated in their homes We got many calls from the community but could take only three people who were without power in their homes “People are isolated in their homes without electricity and water We got a few inquiries as well,” Brian added It was a midterm to remember for 11-year-old farmer James Newell with the arrival of seven kid goats on his farm in Corrandulla Last year the fifth-class student at Corrandulla National School put his pocket money towards the purchase of six female goats With the arrival of a male puck six months ago came several kids “The fact he was on holidays from school and was around for the kids’ births was fantastic and he has been mucking out for them every day since,” his father Read this story in full in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here THE award-winning documentary produced by Tuam native Tomás Hardiman will have a special screening in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre next week was voted Best Documentary of 2024 at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) last April Tomás favours being behind the camera but on this occasion faces the lens to bravely tell of his childhood abuse while attending a Christian Brother school in the town which Tomás explains he “didn’t set out to make” is directed by his friend and colleague Alan Gilsenan Tomás tells how he only began to remember parts of his early childhood when he was aged 56 “It happens to a child who has suffered abuse The experience can be so overwhelming that they can’t experience the experience and it gets put back to an ancestral part of the brain,” explains Tomás He began to remember thanks to therapy work with psychotherapists Mike Frawley and Ivor Browne The documentary was highly praised by former President Mary McAleese and was also viewed at the Vatican – although Tomás didn’t receive any response from those who watched it there.” This is the first time since the IFTAs that the documentary will be shown in Galway and having it up on a big screen in his home territory Discovering those hidden memories has been both traumatic and healing for Tomás and making such an honest and heartfelt film has been therapeutic and restorative for him Tomás mentions how a person needs to “face the dark to find the dawn” but he accepts that many of those who were abused as a child can be lost in the dark He doesn’t see himself as an activist but would urge anyone in a similar situation to himself to find a safe person to speak to in confidence “It’s ok to speak about it but we need to be careful who we speak to Tomás grew up in Church View in Tuam and worked in the Arts in Galway and Dublin for decades.“For me the journey I’ve taken has been the hardest ever but the benefits from it have been enormous in terms of my healing It would never have happened without making the film.” The documentary has had an impact on others – people who know him and those who didn’t until they saw the film “This is me telling my own story and it’s the only thing I’ve a right to do Hopefully it will help others to finally speak to that one person first.” The Days of Trees will be presented in a special Q&A screening at the Town Hall Theatre THE knockout stages of the Connacht U-20 Football Championship have come two weeks early for Galway following a second defeat last week away to Sligo It’s not all doom and gloom for Derek Savage’s charges They host Roscommon this evening (Wednesday) at Tuam Stadium at 6.30pm in their final game of the round-robin series Victory will ensure a top-three finish and a place in the semi-final Galway’s effort must significantly improve as they line out for a fourth Wednesday in succession The early stages of their encounter with Sligo showed a sense of tiredness despite management making three changes from the loss to Mayo this is the All-Ireland winning minor class of 2022 who suffered three defeats on their way to national glory Sligo went down to Roscommon (1-16 to 0-10) in their opening match and they started brightly last Wednesday evening in Markievicz Park against Galway with Ronan Niland converting a two-point free kept his balance to add another score for Paul Henry’s team leaving it 0-3 to 0-0 on six minutes Galway were getting plenty of possession but struggled in the middle third Centre-back Mark Mannion started the move that concluded with Éanna Monaghan getting Galway off the mark on 12 minutes before Mikey Mulryan and Monaghan again levelled affairs Niland finished a five-player move for Sligo’s first goal on 16 minutes It was a blow but the visitors responded immediately as Ross Coen played a one-two with Patrick Keaney before sending a ball behind the defence for Ryan O’Donnell to get Galway’s first green flag The momentum gained from that goal was quelled straight afterwards when Galway captain Colm Costello was black carded Sligo replied with points for Eamon O’Mahony and Dillon Walsh but Galway trailed by one at the break having played against the wind Coen troubled the umpires to leave it 1-5 to 1-4 Galway didn’t take advantage of the elements after the restart even though Mulryan set up Seán Dunne and Costello with points Michael Sheridan and a Niland free left Sligo 1-8 to 1-6 ahead on 37 minutes Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald, on sale in shops or buy our digital edition here Mayo’s Tony Carey lands a point during the Electric Ireland Connacht GAA Minor Football Championship at Tuam Stadium this evening. Picture: David Farrell Photography The Mayo minors sank to a two-point defeat to Galway in an extremely entertaining game at a wet and windy Tuam Stadium this evening. What on paper was a game with little at stake proved an entertaining spectacle but the real prize remains on offer in the Connacht semi-final between these two sides in two weeks time at MacHale Park. A Mayo side that had 14 changes since their previous game against Sligo, led by 2-5 to 1-7 at the break with Patrick Garvey and Oisin McCann hitting the back of the net. Early second half points extended the lead to three points for the visitors but Galway hit a purple patch, scoring 1-3 in a blistering three-minute spell to take advantage of the tie. Sub Jack Comer scored with his first touch, netting Mayo’s third goal of the game coming into the last quarter of the game but as Mayo began to tire, Galway found another gear. Tim Madden put them back in front with their third goal of the game before Cian Hynes' free from outside the arc put them four clear coming into injury time. Fiacra Ó Cinnseala scored a brilliant point from two-point territory for Mayo to cut the gap to two points in the closing seconds but it was too little too late. Western news delivered directly to your inbox Carmel passed away peacefully on 3rd March after a short illness borne with courage and dignity in the wonderful care of Beaumont Hospital surrounded by her loving family her twin sisters Catherine Mary and Claire Angela and more recently her mother Bridget Sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Pearse father-in-law Seán and Bernadette O’ Donoghue Carmel will be reposing at Grogan’s Funeral Home Tuam (H54 Y677) on Thursday evening from 6.00 o’c until 8 o’c (Prayers at 6.30 o'c.) Followed by removal to her home Requiem Mass on Friday at 2 o’c in Cathedral of the Assumption Tuam “There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone” The O’Donoghue family appreciate your respect, support and understanding at this time. Those who would like to leave a message of condolence may do so on the CONDOLENCE section below. The exhumation of up to 796 children’s remains at the former Tuam Mother and Baby Home will commence in next spring – with preliminary works on the site set to begin within weeks Director of Authorised Intervention at Tuam told the Connacht Tribune this week that that ground samples alongside topographic and other forms of surveys would be getting underway “in the next few weeks” the full excavation will begin in spring of next year,” he said The recovery of the remains alone could take two years due to the complexity of the site and underground septic tanks whose research revealed the appalling conditions in which these children were buried estimated that 796 children died at the home which was owned by Galway County Council and operated who was appointed to oversee the excavation process in May of last year said a staff of 15 was focused on delivering for the survivors of the home and the families of those buried in Tuam survivors and advocacy groups at the centre of this process Every step has been explained to them and we have been getting feedback on what’s planned “There has been a lot of interaction with Tuam area county councillors as we start moving towards starting the excavation we are going to be interacting with the people living adjacent,” he said The preliminary works will take an estimated eight weeks to conclude – the second step in a five-stage process Caption: Director of Authorised Intervention at Tuam Get the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now, or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie You can also download our Connacht Tribune App from Apple’s App Store or get the Android Version from Google Play Villages and towns across North Galway are preparing to immerse themselves in a sea of green as the countdown starts for St the parade in Glenamaddy is going to be held a day before St The arrangement has been made in order to allow time for people who would be busy travelling in and out of the town to watch and take part in the parade The parade in Glenamaddy will start at 2pm on Sunday the parade will showcase multiple floats from local community and business groups March 17 takes to the streets in Mountbellew where the All-Ireland winning Kilkerrin-Clonberne Ladies team will lead the parade followed by around 30 community floats The parade starts at 12 pm from the community centre on towards the Mart grounds It will see a tractor parade by children on their small tractors or tricycles leading the way and there are still calls out for local businesses and communities to register and take part in the colourful event Another family fun day is planned in Headford where the roads will be closed to traffic from 12.30pm with the parade passing through the town at 12.45pm As a recognition to the service provided to the community during Storm Eowyn have been announced as the Grand Marshal for this year’s parade while a performance of Irish Dancing on the square has been organised for 11 am Patrick’s Day parade will start at 11.30 am with the theme ‘Together we’re more than the sum of our parts’ to celebrate the United Nations’ International Year of Co-operatives efforts have been made to encourage younger people to get involved in organising the popular event a member of the organising committee said: “It’s been a struggle to get volunteers recently A few new people have joined the committee but we still need more volunteers for crowd and traffic controls.” Patrick’s Day parade often sees floats inspired from current events and country life The parade starting at 2 pm will showcase the vibrant culture and heritage Anyone who is still thinking about participating can get in touch with Tom Quirke on 087-2449361 With a theme of ‘Health is better than Wealth’ organisers in Tuam are hoping to build on last year’s turnout The theme aims to highlight the importance of being active eating healthy and looking after one’s mental and physical health It aims to recognise the amazing volunteers in the sporting cultural and community organisations in the town for the invaluable work they do in promoting health and positive values for all “A lot of people have embraced the theme and there will be a lot of interesting floats in the parade this year,” said Cllr Shaun Cunniffe “It will be a great day for hospitality and local businesses as we are expecting more than 3,000 visitors on the day.” Williamstown is proud to be hosting its very first St Patrick's Day Parade which begins at 1pm while a parade will also be held in Castleblakeney beginning at 1.30pm Clonberne parade will be held at 5 pm on Monday evening Led by the All-Ireland winning Ladies football team the parade will start from the church grounds There will be prizes for best station area or village as calls are out for more floats to participate Traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon will be the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Galway St Patrick’s Day Parade which begins at 11.30am on Monday from University of Galway towards Eyre Square Road closures will be in place from 11 am to 2 pm Don't miss our extensive coverage of local parades in Wednesday's Tuam Herald which will feature a special 12-page photograph special.