For once, the Gods shone down on participants as hundreds snaked their way in sunshine along the shores of Galway Bay to the end of the Prom in memory of their departed loved ones – and to help comfort others on the last leg of life’s journey.

They were all taking part in the Galway Memorial Walk, which remembers those who are gone but which also raises much-needed funds for Galway Hospice.

This was the 18th year of the walk which is now firmly embedded in Galway’s social calendar; a unique chance to walk and talk and remember fondly those no longer here.

Galway Hospice CEO Mary Nash cut the ribbon to launch this year’s event on Sunday, in the company of Galway City Mayor, Cllr Eddie Hoare.

And the walkers themselves came from all over the city and county, emboldened perhaps by the late summer sunshine that was in marked contrast to so many previous walks, when – on occasion – the wind and rain nearly drove the participants out to sea!

On top of that, a host of towns and villages across the county organised their own, smaller, events to also remember lost loved ones and to help Galway Hospice.

Photo:

Getting ready for the start of the Galway Memorial Walk in aid of Galway Hospice last Sunday. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy

Enjoy full coverage and loads of photos from the Memorial Walk 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.