A vibrant community life and arts scene in the town of Glenamaddy continued in 2007, with the local Town Hall Theatre proving a hub for activities in the arts in the east Galway region. The annual drama festival, a children’s drama group, as well as the publication of books by local authors and a vibrant young band scene combine to ensure an exciting arts scene in the locality. On the economic front, the development of Glenamaddy took a step forward this year, as tenders went out for consultants to prepare contract documents for a sewerage scheme for the town. The provision of a new sewerage scheme for the town will enhance the potential of the town and some developments planned for the town are awaiting the provision of the new scheme. With the tenders now out, it is hoped that the project can get underway in 2008. The provision of a new community school in Glenamaddy is another priority in terms of the town’s infrastructure. Complications around the issue of title held up the building but the tendering process for the building of the new school is now believed to be complete and it is hoped that work will go ahead in the immediate future. Glenamaddy is well served in terms of sporting facilities with the town having a fine GAA pitch on the Creggs Road, as well as a Glen Celtic FC development near St. Patrick’s Church. Over €100,000 was spent on state-of-the art lighting and fencing at the GAA pitch this year, including grant aid from lottery funding, while new lighting was installed at the Glen Celtic ground. Commercially it was a year of mixed fortunes in the town as the Bank of Ireland pulled the plug on its Creggs Road premises and with it the town’s only public ATM. The decision was the cause of much protest in Glenamaddy in the summer months with local business people and householders protesting about the inconvenience which would result and the damage which would be done to the commercial life of the town. The good news story on the commercial front was supplied by events at Brogan’s Bakery where Michael and Helen have seen the facility progress with a multi-million euro bakery completed. Most towns in Ireland are lucky to have one local band who play at the weekends and brighten up the pub scene for the punters – but in Glenamaddy it appears the locals are spoilt for choice. The reason? They don’t have just one band in the area – there are four bands based around the town. These bands include ESD (electro sonic discharge), Vinyl Rock, The Brothers D and Sundown. Vinyl Rock is made up of Sean Heneghan (Drums), Pauric Donlon (lead singer) and Derek Donlon (base guitar). Vinyl Rock specialises in classic rock, while five-man ESD prefer modern rock. ESD is made up of Declan McCallion, Sean Heneghan, Thomas Connolly, Simon Stikirsky and John Dolan. Sisters Sarah and Sylvia Finnegan also regularly features on the local music scene. So, if you’re a fan of live music and want so see some local talent, then get yourself along to Mannion’s in Glenamaddy, the favourite haunt of the local young musicians. Meanwhile work is continuing on the selection of a memorial to commemorate the contribution of local GP Dr. Geraghty to the community of Glenamaddy. A renowned social campaigner, Dr. Patrick or Patsy Geraghty was instrumental in the establishment of a local day care centre, cottage hospital and sheltered accommodation units. The weekly Tuesday night clean ups paid off this year when Glenamaddy Town Enhancement Committee were presented with an Environmental Award 2007 from Galway County Council on Thursday 8th November at an event in the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway. The group received the award in recognition of the valuable work done by them during the year to the enhancement of Glenamaddy town and environs. Glenamaddy also won an Endeavour Award for Co. Galway in the Tidy Towns Competition. Glenamaddy is one of few towns in the region which boasts a purpose-built theatre in the town hall. The facility is put to good use with a range of activities for young and old. The drama scene in the town culminated in March with ten nights of eclectic entertainment during the 47 th annual Glenamaddy Drama Festival. Indeed the vibrant arts scene continues this week when local children will perform some seasonal drama and festival songs and carols in the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday 15 th and Sunday 16 th December at 8 pm. Get your tickets quick in Donnie Keaveny’s!
This Week’s Digital Edition
