Galway History :: History of Galway, Galway in old Photos

The influx of Polish people into Ireland over the past few years is some kind of a phenomenon. No other national minority has gathered here in such large numbers. What’s more, we don’t don’t remain passive, but instead we get organized, we act upon our existence here and we set up various organizations in order to help each other, integrate better and and get noticed not only on the job market.  

Polish people in Galway also stand for great potential that, when properly informed and supported, could lead to marking our existence and creating a positive view of the Polish community on the island. With that in mind, in May last year, we set up Polish-Irish Association in Galway (GIPA) that currently comprises 15 active members of both, Irish and Polish nationalities, and works within Galway city and county.

Initially, GIPA was working unofficially as a group of volunteers willing to lend a helping hand to their Polish coumtrymen in difficult situations as well as aiming at integrating the Polish and the Irish. In August 2008, GIPA was officially registered in Galway Community Forum and is now part of local government project called Intercultural Forum, supported by Galway City Partnership and Galway City Hall. 

GIPA’s aims:

• the integration of Polish and Irish communities within the Galway county as well as teaching both nations about each other’s cultures;
• in broad terms, providing information relating to everyday life in Ireland, regulations and law;
• promoting Polish culture and traditions 

GIPA is closely cooperating with the Galway City Partnership, Galway City Hall, Migrant Service and keeps in contact with the Galway Advertiser and Polska Gazeta (Polish Newspaper).