Fireworks start a year of events where Galway will celebrate being a city for five hundred years.
Thousands of people turned out along the Salthill seafront for the fireworks display to mark the opening celebrations.
President Patrick Hillery formally launched the quincentennial ceremonies recognising five hundred years of the ancient city of the tribes. In 1484, Galway gained mayoral city status and St Nicholas Church was granted collegiate status.
Church of Ireland Primate Dr Armstrong, Presbyterian Moderator Dr Simpson, along with nine other Church of Ireland and Catholic Bishops, took part in a service at St Nicholas' Church. It is said that Christopher Columbus prayed here before setting off in 1492.
Rector of St Nicholas Rev Leslie Forrest says that 1984 will be a special year in the history of the Galway church, which will host the Irish Ballet Company, as well as other events running throughout the year.
Two leading Galwegians, Bishop of Galway Dr Eamonn Casey and President of University College Galway Dr Colm O hEocha, comment on how Galway will celebrate five hundred years in the context of the challenges of the 1980s.
Dr Eamonn Casey hopes,
The quality of life in the city of Galway will be the better for it.
He also outlines plans to build a centre 'Mul an Oige' for young people.
Dr hEocha believes that the celebrations will raise awareness about the history of the city and create a sense of community. As head of the university, he feels the celebrations will help solidify the relationship between the town and the university.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 January 1984. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
