eight small steps (Kirk embedded in Galway)

Friends of Ireland and the Poths,

Today, again, we ask the same thing Paul did for his country men and women in the Book of Romans.

"Lord, our hearts desire and pray for them (the Galwayegians) is for their salvation." Amen! Romans 10:1

I have been enjoying my 'schnopper' ([German] for having a look; doing some scouting around) days in Galway.

Galway (official Irish name: Gaillimh) is the only city in the province of Connacht in the Republic of Ireland. The city is located on the west coast of Ireland. In Irish, Galway is also called Cathair na Gaillimhe, which is a translation of "City of Galway".

The city takes its name from the Gaillimh river (River Corrib) that formed the western boundary of the earliest settlement, which was called Dún Bhun na Gaillimhe, or the fort at the bottom of the Gaillimh.

The word Gaillimh means "stony" as in "stony river". The city also bears the nickname City of the Tribes / Cathair na dTreabh, because fourteen "Tribes" (merchant families) led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. The term Tribes was originally a derogatory phrase from Cromellian times. The merchants would have seen themselves as English nobility, and hence were loyal to the King. Their uncertain reaction to the siege of Galway by Cromwellian forces earned them this label, which they subsequently adopted in defiance.

The population of Galway city, as of the 2006 census, is 72,414. Galway is Ireland's fastest growing city.

Galway City (that is, the population inside the city limits) is the third largest in the Republic of Ireland. However, the population of the wider urban area, is fourth largest in the Republic of Ireland.

Galway is often considered to be the 'Cultural Capital of Ireland', and is world renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events.

Galway City is unique among Irish cities because of the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions - it is often referred to as the 'Bilingual Capital of Ireland'. The city is well known for its ‘Irishness’, and mainly due to the fact that it has on its doorstep the Galway Gaeltacht. The language is visible on the city streets, with bilingual signage on display on shops and road signs, and can be heard by locals around the city.

May the Lord be renowned in this place!

Blessings to you all!