Bradley Bytes – A sort of political column by Dara Bradley

One of the greatest achievements in local politics in Galway is becoming Mayor of the city. It’s a largely symbolic, ceremonial role without real power but represents a significant achievement, nonetheless.

And for many Mayors, one of the hopes and dreams they harbour, if they’re lucky enough that their peers bestow them with that honour, is that their year in office coincides with Galway winning an All-Ireland.

Holding the mayoral chains when Galway senior football or hurling captains lift the Sam Maguire or Liam McCarthy cups at Croke Park, allows the First Citizen to ride on the coattails of the feel-good factor created by maroon success. Image the endless photo shoots and speeches to the adoring crowds?

First-time city councillor Eddie Hoare achieved the first of those feats at the AGM of Galway City Council held at University of Galway last Friday.

And as an avid GAA fan, pundit and commentator on Galway Bay FM, former minor, U-21 and senior Galway footballer, and St Michael’s GAA Club stalwart, the Fine Gael man would dearly love to be the Mayor that accompanies Pádraic Joyce or Henry Shefflin with their respective cups across the Shannon later this Summer.

Last Friday, as Hoare was celebrating his election as mayor, it remained a possibility that Galway could do the double.

But results against Armagh and Kilkenny mean his hopes of being an ‘All-Ireland mayor’ could be wiped out by Mayo and Tipperary this weekend.

Eddie is learning fast that in sport, just as in politics, a week is a long time!

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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