'City of culture and creativity' - Phil Hogan launches Galway's year as European Capital of Culture

February's full moon is the 'snow' or 'storm' moon in the native American lunar calendar, and it lit up a storm-battered stage and trapeze line for Galway 2020’s opening ceremony at the weekend.

Although Storm Ciara forced cancellation of the open-air event, EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan lifted spirits with a rousing speech at the formal handover of the European Capital of Culture title.