Secrets of the salmon snatchers on CD

POLAROIDS on the Salmon Weir was a radio series on Galway's tradition of salmon snatching. Now immortalised on CD, it will be launched at Galway City Museum with an illustrated talk by broadcaster Maud Hand at 7 pm on Monday December 13.[private] Originated and researched by Peadar Browne, the radio series was presented and produced by Maud Hand, who lives in Luimnagh, Corrandulla,  and features retired snatchers, Fisheries Inspector Pat Gorman, bailiffs, solicitors, customers, spectators, writers and musicians, all of whom have been touched or inspired by this ancient form of fishing which flourished in Galway in the recent past. Says Tommy Hoolihan, formerly of the Claddagh and the only snatcher willing to be identified: 'The thrill of having a fish and he running on a handline was incredible, especially if you hooked a ten or twelve pound salmon, sure he'd nearly pull you into the river.' Another snatcher who remains nameless says: 'I didn't see salmon, I saw ten pound notes with fins â€â€ it became an art. The better you were at it, the more money you made and the quicker you could be in and out before the bailiffs came.' Snatching is a crude style of fishing using a strokehaul or weighted treble hook on a handline which is thrown into the water and hooked anywhere in the flesh of the fish. When the Irish government took over the Galway Fisheries in 1978, it was criminalised, despite its long clandestine tradition as a means of livelihood, particularly among residents of the Claddagh. Henry Comerford, prosecuting solicitor for the Western Fisheries for three decades recalls: 'They were a tourist attraction in Galway apart altogether from seeing the wonderful salmon making its way up river, you had all these slick young guys in their open shirts, blue jeans and Polaroid sunglasses whipping huge fish from the Corrib.' The series focuses on the fun and drama of the practice as the poachers pursued the salmon, the customers cajoled for cheap deals, the bailiffs chased the snatchers and the public looked on in glee at the eternal entertainment of the cat and mouse high jinks. Musicians and writers were inspired, among them Tuam's Padraig Stevens and Dick Byrne, who've immortalised the city's more legendary snatchers in their music and prose. As the CD goes on sale at the Galway City Museum and in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop for €15 Maud Hand gives an audio preview of this colourful series marking the city's recent history. Other contributors include poet Mary O'Malley, actor Mick Lally, King of the Claddagh Mick Lynskey; local craftsman and tour guide Micháel Ó Ceallaigh, and retired bailiffs Paddy Glynn and Joe Mullery. Eimear Quinn's first solo gig in Galway EIMEAR QUINN will give her first ever Galway solo concert this Christmas at the Town Hall Theatre on December 17. It will be part of her national Christmas tour, which by now has gained a very dedicated and enthusiastic following. Eimear's version of O Holy Night has become synonymous with Christmas for many, following her annual rendition of this much loved carol on Ryan Tudridy's radio show. The hit album O Holy Night includes Eimear's own arrangements of beautiful carols and songs, and has been featured on Irish Christmas complilation CDs and resulted in the RTE TV Christmas Special â€ËœA Christmas Celebration with Eimear Quinn'. The concert is promises to be a memorable night where Eimear will be joined by Mamisa String quartet and guitarist Robbie Overson. Quinn says 'People tell us that this concert really helps them to connect with the spiritual side of Christmas, and that they feel uplifted and ready to take on the festive season. Music can be such a help and also a huge joy at this time of year, when, as well as the festive fun, we have to face into a lot of complex issues. It is hugely humbling to us that people want to hear us at Christmas time year after year. We are just delighted to be performing in the west this December, both in Galway and Castlebar.' Ryan Tubridy plans to keep the tradition going in his new 2fm radio slot with Eimear singing live for him this December. Free tickets to RTECO event in Leisureland THE RTÉ Concert Orchestra is offering a pair of free tickets for its Christmas concert in Leisureland, Galway this Thursday, December 9 for the first 50 people to respond to Angela.Rohan@rte.ie. An evening of feelgood favourites, the concert features top jazz singer Clare Teal, whose fans include Michael Bublé, Jamie Cullum and Michael Parkinson. The wonderful, vibrant RTÉ Concert Orchestra will also play popular Christmas orchestral music. All in all, an evening to cheer everyone up in Budget Week! A Magical Medieval Christmas THIS Sunday 12th at 4 pm, the medieval vaults of the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas will echo with the evocative sounds of a medieval Christmas. Step into Galway's musical past and enjoy a glass of mulled wine (or mulled apple juice) and a Griffin's mince pie with Morisca, an exciting ensemble featuring four of Ireland's leading exponents of early music. A Medieval Christmas includes well-known tunes such as the Wexford Carol and In Dulce Jubilo, as well as toe-tapping medieval dances (with Francesco Turrisi, well-kown jazz pianist and percussionist). Laoise O'Brien (recorder), who has previously wowed audiences at the Galway Early Music Festival, promises audiences an exciting soundscape of instruments not often played in Ireland including the medieval fiddle or vielle (Sarah Groser), gemshorn and a wide variety of percussion instruments. Pauline Graham, who has performed with Resurgam, is the vocalist. Let the magic of medieval music get you into the spirit. Tickets (€15 / €10 concessions) include a glass of mulled wine or apple juice and a mince pie and are available in Charlie Byrne's Bookshop, at the door, or on-line at www.galwayearlymusic.com. This concert is hosted by Galway Early Music.[/private]