Eyre Square Shopping Centre Opens, Galway City, Ireland 1991

The official opening of the ‘Eyre Square Centre’, the west of Ireland’s biggest ever shopping centre.
The new Galway city centre shopping centre is the largest urban renewal project of its kind outside Dublin. The centre was designed by Ambrose Kelly architects and consists of 43 shops, 37 houses and parking for 450 cars.
The preservation and opening up of a large section of the medieval city wall, which was previously landlocked in a sea of derelict buildings has been hailed as a major architectural triumph.
Michael D Higgins, TD and Lord Mayor of Galway, comments on how retail and history live side by side in the new shopping complex.
Irish soccer manager, Jack Charlton, who was mobbed by well-wishers, cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony.
The new shopping centre is seen as a major boost for Galway’s economic future. Dan McInerney, Managing Director of Hillview Securities, described it as a great vote of confidence in Galway. Jim Sweeney, President of the Galway Chamber of Commerce, says the centre will increase attractiveness of the city offering a greater range of shopping.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 May 1991. The reporter is Jim Fahy.

[@sheilagavin6536]

Thank you for showing this gem of thoughtful collaboration resulting in a beautiful architectural incorporation and preservation of the ancient Galway Wall.

[@eddieraffs5909]

The square of 1991 is a far cry of the one I set foot on in 1968 and I'm certain it's changed as much again today.

[@alllovingcowherdboy4475]

FOR the worst, for the worst

[@alancawfield6549]

Haven't been there in 25 years at least but I always remembered the old city wall part of the shopping centre.

[@LonesomeTree88]

33 years later, this shopping centre still feels like it's stuck in the 90's lol

[@samholden4171]

Miss going to Galway as my dad's from there😢

[@bredafinn3390]

My son was born the day it opened

[@thechosenone3197]

Interesting, I turned 10 the day it opened. 😊

[@Mitch-Hendren]

Trouble is you gave to cross Eyre Square to get to it and run the gauntlet of " any spare change " lend us a smoke" and the various punch ups on the way .

[@gerardodwyer5908]

The ribbon cut by an old bald guy that managed an Irish soccer team famous for winning nothing. Only in Ireland.

[@tonemc6047]

But managed to get that Irish team to the World Cup finals the year before which was a major deal.

[@gilactico]

And along with brother Bobby was a world cup winner.Loved the west of Ireland too, legend.

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

You own words say who you are, what have you done in your life that is so superior, don't be shy, tell us all about yourself and try tell the complete truth, your nasty words about the very great gentleman, manager, football player and finest English man to ever set foot in Ireland says that you are good at telling lies, what else are you good at

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

@@janet4021 you got that completely correct

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

@@tonemc6047 what you say is totally true

[@derrygowley]

Ah traitor higgins looks young