January 2023 - we started the year off right and we all head to Dublin to open our creative minds, look at other businesses like ours and see how we can improve. We of course had a little fun along the way eating and drinking and spending time together outside of the kitchen



In 2019, 56 Central crews dedicated time and energy to making the restaurant greener.

We applied the 1% rule and looked at every department and said

 “where can we make 1 small change”

 We set up the Green Team with members from each department 

Here are a sample of the simple steps we took 

We didn't buy Christmas crackers & donated money to Galway Simon Community instead

We ask that our clients refrain from using take away cups when sitting in

We do not use plastic straws & also reduced when we use straws in general

We work hard to separate all our rubbish -making changes to our bin systems was key

We avoid food waste by ordering little & often & preparing our food properly reducing leftovers

We control portions to avoid food waste - checking bins regularly to see what is being wasted

We have changed our take away containers to avoid plastic

We sell “keep cups”

Gill takes part in the annual Sleep Out Simon every year since 2016! Always joined by amazing crew members over the years and her dad

Like every year, this the 4th year of the sleep out brought amazing people to Shop Street and also key locations across the city raising well over €89,000  

Before the sleep out Helena hosted a Disco Bingo in 56 Central and raised her target in one go  - a wild night , serious fun.

During the summer we held a ‘walk out’ to show support for those who marched for people who are homeless in Ireland. Homelessness effects us all so therefore we all must show support.

The annual Holistic Fest which Gill hosts in 56 Central with Fiona Mc Donagh the creator, this year donated all funds to the Galway Simon Community - without the continued support of Fiona McDonagh from Lamh Clinic this would not have been possible.

Fiona creates an amazing evening every year where people can learn about different holistic therapies and hear great speakers from around Ireland

We work with various groups who bring students over to learn English and experience life in Ireland. We are always blessed by the students we take on. In 2017 we welcomed Mazi from Paris and Ronan from France - pictured below.

We work with an Erasmus placement programme and have given placements to over 30 Italian students so far! Some like Catalina have gone on to become full time team members, Supervisor and now Assistant Manager.

We gain so much from having these young people, it’s a win win.

 Gradam Sheosaimh Ui Ogartaigh.

Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh is the name given to Galway’s Bilingual business award. This award is organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge with support from Galway Chamber. The Gradam both recognises and rewards businesses and organisations in Galway that use and promote the Irish language in the city. It is also a salute to Galway businesses for their outstanding contribution to Galway City’s bilingual status.

In 2018 56 Central introduced the Irish language throughout the restaurant and in their day to day activities. With the manager of the restaurant Rowena being a fluent Irish speaker, once appearing on TG4 showing of her love for her native tongue, the language has a place in the hearts of the 56 Central Crew members. They even have their own tag line, #ourhappyplace, translated to #ÁitAntSonais.

The Positive Placement Project.

It is no secret that Gill and the 56 Central Crew are passionate about helping the community and paying it forward. From day one of training in the restaurant each crew member is taught about the value of giving back to those less fortunate and how they can make a positive change to the people around them. In 2017 Gill and Michelle set up the Positive Placement Project in conjunction with the Galway Simon Community Youth Reach Project and NUIG

This initiative saw 56 Central taking in 2 clients of the Youth Reach Project and training them the ins and outs of how to work in a professional kitchen. When 5 weeks came to an end the 2 clients, with the help of the 56 Central Crew, held a dinner party in the restaurant with all proceeds going towards the Galway Simon Community.

The dinner party alone raised over 2,500 for this wonderful cause. Once the training had come to an end the 2 clients found themselves in employment in 2 restaurants in Galway. The project is still running and we are proud of our students who have taken part and had great success in life - without them taking a leap of faith this project would never have happened.

This project would not have been possible without Gills best friend the late Michelle Armstrong Bell who helped her set up the project in conjunction with students from NUIG - her HR insights were invaluable in creating a good project and brining it to light.

OUR FIRST SLEEP OUT FOR SIMON

Words can't describe the excitement .....

€10,000 raised from Gill & her dads sleep out for Simon!
This money is going directly to a local Simon House that caters for women in need of shelter. We are looking at getting a new kitchen for the house where the women can learn to cook or simply make daily meals in comfort while they live here.
On the night myself & the gang of 28 volunteers raised another €4,047.46 from the good people on the streets of Galway that night & all the local bars who let us in!
All this money goes towards the overall funds raised! There were 2 other sleeps out happening in Galway that night one in Corinthians Rugby with the wonderful Sharon and a gang out in Athenry so funds are streaming in. Looks like we may have all raised over €20 k so far!

I was delighted with the support people literally running to me with cheques & cash & customers donating in the restaurant.
So many Local business owners came out in force behind us too which was gave us such a great feeling of community spirit.
I live by the wise words I once heard Richard Branson saying - If you are in a position to make a change and do something then you do something.

On behalf of myself Gill & Big Joe Senior
THANK YOU ALL
Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat

#together we have changed many lives!

Simon Community Kitchen/Sitting Room Renovation