Galway City Council has unveiled a civic commemoration on Salthill promenade to Dr Arthur Colahan, composer of the infamous song ‘Galway Bay’. It has also honoured Tommy Keane (1968 – 2012), one of Galway’s most celebrated professional footballers.
The song ‘Galway Bay’ achieved global popularity in the mid‑20th century when it was recorded by Bing Crosby. It was included in the soundtrack of the film ‘The Quiet Man’, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
A plaque bearing the lyrics of the chart-topping song has been unveiled on Salthill Promenade, overlooking the landscape that inspired it – a landscape evoking “Irish identity, emigration, and the experience of longing for home”, the city council says.
Arthur Colahan was the first child born to Sarah Whistler and Professor Nicholas Whistler Colahan. The family moved from Enniskillen to The Crescent, Galway, with Arthur attending ‘the Bish’ from the age of 13.
Although Dr Arthur Nicholas ‘Whistler’ Colahan spent much of his professional life working as a medical specialist in England, he never lost his connection to Galway, where he is buried.
Brian Donnellan travelled from Canada to represent Arthur Colahan’s family, having met New Zealander Sally Griffin by chance some years ago. Arthur Colahan was the nephew of Sally’s great-grandfather. Brian and Sally jointly made the nomination for the commemoration of Dr Arthur Colahan.
Bernie O’Connell made the nomination for the commemoration of Tommy Keane.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said that “together, these commemorations tell a powerful story”.
“They remind us that Galway’s identity is shaped not only by place, but by people — by those whose talents, dedication and creativity leave marks long after they are gone. Today, we say clearly that Galway City remembers, Galway City values, and Galway City honours its own,” he said.
Tom Kenny, former President Michael D Higgins and Brian Donnellan at the Galway civic commemoration reception
The joint commemorations were marked by two formal unveiling ceremonies followed by a reception attended by friends and family of the two men being commemorated. Former President Michael D. Higgins, a long-time supporter of football and the arts in Galway City, was also in attendance.
The commemorations form part of Galway City Council’s wider programme of civic naming and remembrance, recognising individuals whose achievements reflect the values, character and heritage of the city.
