An exhibition of replica boats and ships in Connemara this weekend brings centuries of seafaring and emigration into perspective.

The exhibition, which was opened last evening by Cóilín Hernon, continues today in the Emigrants Centre in Carna.

The craft in this weekend’s exhibition relates to work, war, and emigration on the Atlantic going back as far as the Spanish Armada.

One of the Armada boats that were scattered far and wide in fearsome storms in 1588 floundered on the coast of Carna and the spot has ever since been known as Duarlaing na Spáinneach – the Spaniard’s Beach.

A replica of that ship constructed by Jim Horgan is part of the collection.

The Brig St John brings later times to mind. She sailed from Galway in 1849 and that voyage ended tragically within a few miles of the shores of America in October of that year.

She was wrecked in a storm on the coast of Massachusetts and over 100 people died.

There is also a replica of a Nobby on show, described by Cóilín Ó hIarnáin as a craft that had many uses further out to sea in the west – and various sailboats and ships complete the exhibition.

A special Mass of Remembrance for children is to be held in Barna tomorrow

The Children’s Remembrance Day Committee at UHG is inviting parents and their families who have experienced the death of a child before birth, shortly after birth or at a later stage to remember their loved ones

The Remembrance mass will take place at 2.30pm tomorrow in the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Barna

The theme for this year’s mass is ‘Remembered with love’ and the guest speaker is John Kelly, a bereaved father

During the Mass, Books of Remembrance with the names of those who have died will be presented to the Altar.

Committee Chairperson Maura Mannion, says that anybody who would like their loved one to be included in this special Mass needs to contact them in advance

A new book celebrating a golden age in Galway GAA history is being launched in Tuam this afternoon.

Written by Jim Carney, the book tells the story of Seán Purcell and Frank Stockwell, two Gaelic football legends who were born within ten days of each other in December 1928.

Known to all in football as the “Terrible Twins”, Sean and Frank were the heroes of Galway’s thrilling victory over Cork in the 1956 All-Ireland SFC final and won ten County Senior Championship titles with Tuam Stars between 1947 and 1962, including seven in a row from 1954 to 1960.

Proceeds from the book, go to Tuam Cancer Care and the launch will take place in the Ard Ri House Hotel in Tuam this afternoon at 2pm.