An entourage of 200 supercars will again descend on Salthill next month for an overnight pit stop – as Cannonball returns to the west on Saturday, September 7, on its way around Ireland.

The supercar spectacle sets off from Johnstown Estate in Enfield on September 6, taking in Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Galway, Leitrim and finishes in Trim Co Meath.

Cannonball is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from the power of Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to the grace and elegance of Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati.

The brand-new Lamborghini Revoulto will be unveiled in Ireland for the very first time and over 200,000 spectators are expected with free family festivals organised from coast to coast.

Cannonball has already raised €1,638,432 for Irish children’s charities and this year the official charity of Cannonball is the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation – an Irish children’s charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disability associated with complex medical need.

Cannonball offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world’s most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for.

The Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns around the country get the party started.

The Cannonballers and celebrities in colourful costumes add to the melee. From Spiderman to Star Wars, Cat Woman to Wonder Woman, cheerleaders to Charlie’s Angels, Batman, the Joker and more; it is a totally unique free family day out.

Pictured: Former Miss World Rosanna Davison pictured at the announcement that The Jack and Jill Childrens Foundation is the official charity partner for Cannonball 2024.

A Connemara Councillor has claimed that three in every five homes in the region are vacant for up to ten months of the year – with the owners only using them at the height of the season as holiday homes.

That has led Cllr Gerry King to call on Galway County Council to contact the owners of these vacant homes – as well as those who have derelict properties – so that they can be better used by those seeking accommodation.

The Ballyconneely-based councillor said that a report he received showed that 60% of houses in Connemara are owned by tourists, with just 40% locally owned.

“It is a terrible imbalance, and it is awful to see houses that are owned by someone in Dublin or various parts of the country being left vacant for so long,” said Cllr King.

He wants these properties occupied as they create an unlived in appearance to various parts of Connemara.

“New Year’s Eve and these houses are full to capacity – but come the middle of January and you would swear you are in a different country,” he said.

His comments come as the latest Residential Buildings Report from database firm GeoDirectory revealed that the number of vacant homes across Galway is still almost 50% higher than the national average.

The rate in Galway for the second quarter of this year was 5.5% compared to a national average of 3.9%.

The lowest vacancy rate in the country is Dublin at 1.3 percent – while the highest is Leitrim at 12 percent.

CEO of GeoDirectory Dara Keogh says there is a big difference between the east and west of the country.

“The Connacht area has a high rate of dereliction compared to the east of the country. But then, the trend of dereliction is happening across the country and this is something that we look at over a period of time,” Mr Keogh added.

He said that it was something that they would be analysing into the future and trying to determine why it is happening, when there is such a huge demand on housing.

The report also revealed that there were a total of 1,293 new residential address points recorded in Galway in the twelve months to June – and a further 1,070 residential buildings were under construction across the county in June as well.

Pictured: Cllr Gerry King.

Burglaries within the Galway Garda Division have increased by eight per cent over the past twelve months, according to the most recent figures issued by the Central Statistics Office.

The CSO reported 386 burglaries over the twelve months of 2023, mirroring a national trend which saw an overall increase of six per cent over the same period, giving a total of 9,806 burglaries.

The data reveals that 19 of the 28 Garda Divisions have experienced an increase in burglaries within this period.

The combined Roscommon and Longford Garda Division endured the highest rate of increase in the country at 45% (235 burglaries), Cork City increased by 41% (351 burglaries), and both Cork West and Westmeath increased by 40% (77 and 280 burglaries respectively).

The report did however outline positive decreases in burglaries within some divisions, as the Dublin Eastern Garda Division showing the highest decrease in burglaries down 20% (348 burglaries), Kerry down 13% (140 burglaries), Kildare down 12% (437 burglaries) and Sligo and Leitrim down 11% (136 burglaries).

Against this backdrop, PhoneWatch, provider of monitored alarms and home security systems, have highlighted the urgent need for all homeowners to be more vigilant and to take proactive steps to improve their home security measures.

“The increase in burglary incidents is a stark reminder of the importance of community awareness and individual action to safeguard homes and neighbourhoods,” said PhoneWatch Managing Director Eoin Dunne.

“Although, it is reassuring to note that since pre-Covid times burglary and related offences fell from 16,410 in 2020 to 8,927 in 2021 which coincided with Public Health controls in place with Covid restrictions.

“As lockdown was lifted in 2022, the number of incidents rose to 9,257 and remained similar at 9,251 in 2023 before rising again to 9,806 incidents in the last twelve months.

“We would like to see this upward trend reversing within the next 12 months, so that the annual number of burglaries decreases, and we can be safer in our homes and know that are families are better protected,” he added.

PhoneWatch urges homeowners to always be vigilant and secure their homes with the most stringent methods – particularly as they go away on holiday.

They urge householders to ask a neighbour to take in your post and bins while you are away, so that it looks as if you are home; to keep lawns cut and shrubs pruned, so it looks freshly done, especially if you are going on holidays; lock all windows and doors – and be careful with social media posts that show you’re not at home..

PhoneWatch also advises homeowners to protect their homes and families in the best way possible by installing a monitored alarm system.

Pictured: PhoneWatch MD Eoin Dunne.

A once-neglected corner of Gort has been transformed into a riot of colour and imagination after the local Tidy Towns Committee hosted its second annual Mural Art Jam.

Starting with the August Bank Holiday weekend, participants turned the uninspiring grey space along Kelly’s (or Courtney’s) Lane into a colourful and inspiring public art space.

These talented local artists came together to paint a series of murals on the garden walls of residents and businesses, injecting new life into this often-overlooked corner of the town.

Gort Tidy Towns is a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing the environment and overall quality of life in Gort.

Through initiatives such as the Mural Art Jam, the group aims to create a more vibrant and attractive town for residents and visitors alike.

“It was a pleasure to be invited and to be able to paint something in the Irish language, I’ve really taken a liking to this town, so I chose the word ‘ANSEO’ or ‘HERE’ to paint,” said signpainter Paul McGuigan.

Paul was joined by fellow artists Kept, Otto Stoneman, Bren McMahon, Claudia McMahon, Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana, Lorenna Rodrigues, Jim Ricks, and Brian Twomey.

A diverse range of styles and themes were showcased, from traditional Irish music, dry stone walls, Georgian Architecture, and W.B Yeats to more abstract, modern, and whimsical designs. The dozen plus murals not only beautify the area but are also thought provoking and serve as a reflection of the town’s rich heritage, diversity, and vibrant culture.

“The Mural Art Jam was a true community effort, bringing together artists, residents, and businesses to create a shared space that makes our town that little bit nicer to be in,” added a spokesperson from Gort Tidy Towns.

The members of Gort Tidy Towns extended their gratitude to all the property owners who generously permitted their walls to be repainted by Tidy Towns and then the artists, as well as the numerous volunteers who contributed to cleaning and priming the walls, removing litter in the area and the overall project’s success.

The committee is particularly grateful to Colm Farrell Auctioneers for their support.

Pictured: Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana, Lorenna Rodrigues painting on Kelly’s Lane. Photo: Annie De la Riva

A New Zealander with a passion for history – and for Ireland through his wife’s ancestry as a member of the Guinness family – has just published a new book that traces the other side of her roots…embedded deep in the story of Ballinasloe.

Rod Smith from Tauranga in New Zealand describes his story of the Trench family of Garbally House as ‘the culmination of a 30-year fascination with Irish history’.

But it is also the story of his wife Glennis, who is a descendant of both the Trenches and the Guinness dynasty – and they are coming to Ballinasloe for an Irish launch next month.

“I published Guinness Down Under in 2018, and this September, my new book will be released – Clancarty; the high times and humble of a noble Irish family,” says Rod.

“The book has a chapter on the origins of the Trench family, and then nine chapters, one on each of the nine Earls of Clancarty from 1803 to the present day,” he explains.

Spanning nine generations and 220 years, Clancarty unveils the history of the Earls of Clancarty, from their life at Garbally House, to their eventual retreat to England.

Tracing their lineage to Frederic de la Tranche, a Huguenot exile in the late 1500s, the Trenches built an empire in Ireland over two centuries.

As servants of the Establishment, they were rewarded with peerages and lucrative appointments – but their descendants were unable to adapt to Ireland’s changing landscape in the late 19th century, opportunities were missed and resources squandered.

Among the life stories chronicled is that of the first Earl, William Power Keating Trench – Billy to his friends, Willy to relatives – landowner, MP, military commander and holder of peerage titles, but still described as something of a lightweight preoccupied with status.

“He matured quickly however on a wintry December morning in Bantry in December 1796 when he looked out into the bay and saw 17 French warships with hundreds of soldiers ready to destroy him and his world,” writes Rod.

“William grew closer to the English governors of Ireland later in his life and was rewarded accordingly, though he enjoyed his earldom for just two years – from 1803 until his death aged 64 in 1805.”

Richard Power Le Poer Trench was the second Earl of Clancarty from 1805 to 1837 – and by far the most eminent member in the family story who served as Britain’s ambassador to the Netherlands for a decade – before he forgot his place and his bossy temper offended the King and cost him his job.

“He withdrew to the comfort of his prejudices and his world in Galway where he was answerable to nobody, grew out of touch with the changes occurring around him, and was eventually deserted, blustering alone in the House of Lords while his peers went to lunch.”

Rod gives each of the Earls a chapter; William Thomas Le Poer Trench the Earl of Clancarty from 1837 to 1872; Richard Somerset Le Poer Trench, Earl from 1872 to 1891, 19 years, and William Frederick Le Poer Trench, Earl of Clancarty from 1891 to 1929, 38 years, and the final Trench occupier of the Garbally estate.

“Known as Fred, he was the most colourful of all the Earls and regularly in the public domain for much of his life – for all the wrong reasons,” writes Rod.

“Fred’s great-grandfather and grandfather made significant contributions to public life in Ireland and England. His father was willing but unable. Fred was neither willing nor able.

“Fulfilling his personal wishes was the only thing that mattered, and if that meant using other people’s money or not telling the full story so be it: he could try and repair the damage later.

“He wasted money on gambling and high living, and insisted on an aristocratic lifestyle, assuming his parents or the family estate would always pay the bills, blithely ignoring control or discipline. Debts and bankruptcy made no difference and eventually his disregard for the strictures placed on him resulted in a prison sentence.”

The dynasty is continued by Richard Frederick John Donough Le Poer Trench was the Earl of Clancarty from 1929 to 1971, 42 years, the longest of those who held the title, followed by the seventh Earl, Greville Sydney Rochfort Le Poer Trench from 1971 to 1975.

Born in December 1902 he was the youngest of William and Belle’s five children, and the last of the family to be born at Garbally.

William Francis Brinsley Le Poer Trench was Earl of Clancarty for 20 years from 1975 to 1995 – a one-time Nazi sympathizer who had tea with Adolf Hitler and later became a world authority on UFOs – followed by the current Earl, Nicholas Power Richard Le Poer Trench, who succeeded his uncle Brinsley in May 1995.

“As things stand, he will be the last to hold the title. Be that as it may, Nick is not going quietly. Modest he may be, but he is a regular and forthright speaker in the House of Lords and, if the issue is about arts or Europe or those on society’s margins, he will be on his feet sooner or later,” reveals Rod.

Rod and Glennis Smith are in Galway from October 17 to 21 – and the launch of Clancarty; the high times and humble of a noble Irish family takes place in Ballinasloe Library on Saturday, October 19, at 2.30pm, hosted by the Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society.

Pictured: Author Rod Smith.

A major overhaul of the Dublin Road in Tuam is being planned to allow for better infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists – and a safer route to schools.

A team of consultants will be appointed in the coming weeks to design an Active Travel scheme on the R332 through the town.

Galway County Council and National Transport Authority want a technical engineering consultancy to design the scheme to begin at the Vicar Street junction, near the town square in the north, to Tuam Stars GAA sportsgrounds in the south.

This route is approximately 1.2km and links the town centre with several schools, sports facilities and residential estates.

“The project will deliver engineering measures to support sustainable travel and will incorporate a ‘Schools Street’ scheme, in line with the Local Transport Plan for Tuam 2023-2029,” according to the brief.

It will involve the reallocation of road space for cycling, wheeling and walking.

“This route is relatively wide, and this makes reallocation of road space quite feasible,” the brief said.

The Council and NTA want to reallocate space, to allow for new engineering measures without compulsory purchase order (CPO).

They said some land acquisition “may be required” at localised tighter spots to deliver the route but if this was needed the Council’s preference “is for those lands to be acquired by agreement”.

They want pedestrian and cycle facilities improved at all junctions along the route, and the “design will need to tie into the existing infrastructure or any proposed footpaths and cycle tracks in this area of Tuam”.

The authorities said that the area was “extremely congested at school times”, and there are currently no designated cycling facilities on the R332 Dublin Road.

“As the road and its junctions are quite wide, vehicles have priority along the route, and it, therefore, is not an attractive route for walking, wheeling or cycling. It is a car-dominated route,” the brief said.

Existing footpaths on the route need to be improved, the authorities said.

“A review of the existing crossing facilities is required with a view to see if they need to be upgraded and if additional pedestrian crossings are required,” it said.

Several businesses are located along a one-way section of the road, between the Vicar Street (town centre) junction and Frank Stockwell Road junction, including AIB Bank, Bank of Ireland, Supermac’s, The Tuam Herald, St. Jarlath’s Credit Union, professional services offices, retail shops, hair salon and pharmacy.

There are several schools located on Dublin Road, including Trinity Primary School and High Cross College (south campus) on the one-way street, and on the two-way section of Dublin Road are Educate Together National School and Archbishop MacHale College.

St. Oliver’s Special School, on Frank Stockwell Road, is approximately 100m from Dublin Road.

“There are proposals from Trinity Primary School and Educate Together National School to amalgamate campus and relocate their access junction. These proposals have not yet been submitted for planning, however coordination with the R332 Dublin Tuam Road Active Travel scheme will be required,” the Council said.

Other organisations in the area are a family resource centre, TUSLA, community nursing unit, a Centra shop, as well as GAA, soccer and rugby pitches at the eastern end of the proposed scheme.

The Council said the proposed new scheme was necessary to provide “a direct and attractive route to the town centre that allows people to prioritise active travel modes”.

It would also provide enhanced connectivity between the southeast of Tuam and the town centre for people walking, wheeling and cycling to encourage increased walking and cycling trips; incorporate a school street to support active travel among children; improve safety of pedestrians and cyclists near the school; and reduce reliance on car trips.

This tender is to complete stages two to four, which includes feasibility report, preliminary design and getting it to stage that it can proceed to the next step, which is detailed design and procurement, before it proceeds to construction.

Pictured: Archbishop MacHale College…along Active Travel route.

A past pupil of Gort Community School was recently selected for a prestigious nine-week internship at the University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations ‘Character Leadership Project’.

During her internship, Sophia Brady Khan will contribute to research on the empirical and conceptual aspects of character and leadership, integrating insights from the humanities, social sciences, and industry research.

The project aims to cultivate a new generation of wise thinkers and effective leaders by focusing on the human dynamics of leadership and the qualities that enable leaders to build trust, think clearly, embrace diversity, empower others, and persevere through challenges.

Sophia is also involved in delivering leadership programs designed to help students and professionals lead across boundaries and make positive contributions to their organisations and society.

Currently, Sophia is pursuing a double major in Chemistry and Business as part of her Natural Sciences degree at Durham University, where she will begin her final year in October. Sophia also serves as an ambassador for Durham’s Centre for Sustainable Development, Law, and Policy, with a focus on climate leadership.

Pictured: Honour…Sophia Brady Khan.

String Theory is a new collection of twelve Irish traditional tunes arranged for acoustic guitars, orchestrated by well-known Galway guitarist Gerrard Coffey, whose previous work includes Mary Coughlan’s seminal album, Tired and Emotional, back in 1985.

The album is collection of Irish, Breton, Scottish and English traditional tunes arranged for guitars, augmented by fiddle, bazouki and mandolin.

“The arrangements feature imaginative use of acoustic, electric, twelve-string, six-string and four string guitars,” explains Gerrard.

“Some of the tunes are session favourites and others are a little less well known.”

Gerrard himself plays all guitars and created the arrangements – but he’s also joined by three well-known artists, with whom he has worked so well in the past.

Brendan O’Regan plays Mandolin and Bazouki on several tracks. A popular figure on the Irish traditional music, he himself released two successful solo albums in the past and has featured on albums by many trad players, including Martin O’Connor, Matt Malloy and others.

Jimmy Fitzgerald plays bass guitar on several tracks – a resumption of a musical connection that also stretches into the sands of time, because Jimmy and Gerrard released an album together, entitled No Man’s Land, in 1988.

A collection of traditional music from various countries around the world, it was produced by Dutch musician and producer Eric Visser – synonymous with so much of Mary Coughlan’s body of work and in particular with Tired and Emotional – it featured many of Ireland’s best session musicians.

Jimmy himself has led two very successful bands – the Little Fish and the Screaming Blue Cats as well as playing every style from Cajun with the Mamin Cajun Band to jazz with the Galway Big Band. His current band, The Screaming Blue Cats, play raucous Rockabilly.

Completing the line-up on String Theory is Kevin Lees, a fiddle player and folk musician, teacher, composer, audio producer and creator in Celtic and Scandinavian folk music.

Gerrard Coffey himself played and toured extensively with Mary Coughlan in her formative years in Galway and played guitar on her debut album, Tired and Emotional.

In addition, he has played session guitar on albums by Brendan O’Regan, John Falkner, Jimmy Fitzgerald and Brendan Larrissey.

String Theory is currently streaming on Spotify, Bandcamp, Amazon Music and iTunes.

Pictured: Gerard Coffey… new album.

A 16-year-old youth appeared before a special sitting of Galway District Court today – charged with assault causing harm following Thursday’s attack on the Army Chaplain at Renmore Barracks.

As the youth arrived, there was a strong garda presence outside the Galway City courthouse to appear before Mr Justice Gerard Furlong at a special sitting of the Juvenile Court.

The sixteen-year-old, dressed in black jeans and a black jumper, was led into court by Gardaí. Under Section 93 of the Children Act 2001, the youth cannot be named for legal reasons.

Garda Conor Breen gave details outlining the youth’s arrest, charge and caution.

Detective Sergeant Paul McNulty objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act. He described the alleged attack as “an unprovoked, frenzied attack”.

He said that Fr Paul Murphy was returning to the army barracks on the night in question when the accused approached his car. Fr Murphy put his window down as he thought the youth wanted to ask him a question. The accused then lunged at the Chaplin and stabbed him multiple times.

Det Sgt Murphy told the court that “good quality CCTV footage” had been obtained, which captured most of the alleged incident. He said that Fr Murphy obtained “seven deep lacerations to his arms which required surgery”, and he also obtained more minor cuts to his face. CCTV footage from the barracks showed 20 stabbing movements from the accused.

As Fr Murphy tried to drive away, the accused “clung” to his car. Members of the Defence Forces fired warning shots, which initially did not deter the youth. He was subdued by military personnel and was then arrested by Gardai.

A ‘hunting-style knife’ with an eight-inch blade was recovered at the scene.

The court was told that it is envisaged that more serious charges could be brought as the investigation continues, which may include assault causing serious harm and attempted murder, which can both carry a sentence of up to life in prison.

He also outlined that offences under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice Terrorist Act are also being considered as a result of evidence seized during the course of this investigation.

He said that Gardaí believed the boy “holds a radical Islamist mindset,” and analysis of devices seized by the Gardaí showed content supporting the so-called “Islamic State terrorist group”.

Det Sgt Murphy said that he would have “serious concerns if bail was granted, given the random and sinister nature of the attack”.

The Det Sgt agreed with Jack Donohue, defence solicitor for the accused, that his client has no previous convictions and no bench warrant history. He further agreed that the accused and Fr Murphy were not known to each other.

Mr Donohue said that under the Children’s Act, detention should be seen as a last resort. He said his client is willing to abide by any bail conditions, including a curfew, stay away from the Renmore Army Barracks, and stay off social media. He told the court that the boy’s parents were in court and would act as surety.

Judge Gerard Furlong said he was refusing bail ‘due to the extreme seriousness of this case and the strength of the evidence that has been outlined’. He said he considered it ‘reasonably necessary to refuse bail to prevent a commission of another serious offence’.

He remanded the boy into custody at Oberstown Children’s Detention Centre. He will appear again via video link on Tuesday, August 20.

Legal aid was granted and extended to cover a senior council. He directed that the accused should receive all appropriate medical and psychological care.

For full coverage of this story, don’t miss next week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale from Thursday morning.