Syrian families are settling well in Tuam. Photo: Ray Ryan

Syrian families look forward to a 'joyful' future

TEN year old Ahmad has terrible nightmares. He dreams of bombings, destroyed buildings and dead people on the street. Then he awakens and finds himself warm and safe at home in Tuam.

But sadly Ahmad's nightmares are based on reality – they are a melange of memories from part of his young life that he and his family have left behind in Syria.
In just a short few months after arriving in North Galway, the young boy has settled into school, made friends, plays soccer and although he is only learning English himself, the pace at which he is progressing means he's helping his parents come to terms with a new language.
Ahmad's family is one of six refugee families who moved to Tuam at the end of last year. Overall there are about 100 Syrian refugees who are beginning a new life in Co Galway and are making the towns of Ballinasloe, Oranmore, Loughrea, Athenry and Gort their homes.

Read more in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald