The Ireland I grew up in is gone

The author reflects on how the traditional, close-knit culture of Galway and western Ireland has drastically changed, likening it to the near-extinction of the Irish language. This transformation is marked by the recent election of Helen Ogbu, Galway's first black mayor, highlighting a shift from the idyllic, homogeneous past to a more diverse and modern society. This evolution underscores broader changes in Irish society, reflecting the country's evolving identity and the impact of immigration.