Residents of Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, are holding their third Road Safety Walking Protest this morning to highlight ongoing safety concerns along the main road through the village.

Calls for action on road safety in Na Forbacha date back to 2016, when residents first raised issues about unsafe crossings, narrow and incomplete footpaths, and speeding traffic.

In 2022, Na Forbacha was awarded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding, with the objective of making the school route safer for children. However, progress remains slow.

An An Taisce report published in 2023 outlined 24 recommendations, including a lighted pedestrian crossing, traffic-calming infrastructure, and safe, continuous footpaths.

In May 2025, Galway County Council confirmed that a contractor had visited the road and is drawing up proposals but Na Forbacha remains at Stage 2 of the 7-stage SRTS process, with no delivery timeline and no eligibility for other safety grants until that process concludes.

The upcoming protest is the community’s way of maintaining pressure and keeping visibility on the issue.

Every weekday, children and parents walk to school along a route that locals say is unsafe and unfit for purpose.

“We’ve been calling for these basic safety measures for years. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to trigger action,” said the organisers of the protest.

Other local residents said that the pace of progress on delivering the road improvements is unacceptable.

Parents expressed that Firbo is “a community, not just a main road”, and that they need to continue to show that this issue is a priority for everyone.

A pair of siblings have become some of the first people in Ireland to receive a groundbreaking heart surgery in Galway.

University Hospital Galway (UHG) achieved a significant milestone in cardiac care last October by becoming the first hospital in Ireland and the UK to implant the Avalus Ultra biological aortic valve, a major advancement in the field of valvular heart surgery.

The ground-breaking procedure was first performed on Noel O’Brien from County Galway, marking the hospital’s inaugural use of the innovative valve.

In a remarkable turn of events, Noel’s brother, Michael, underwent the same life-changing procedure, becoming the eighth patient to receive the implant last month.

Both surgeries were successfully carried out by Professor Alan Soo and his team at UHG.

Both Noel and Michael O’Brien had experienced symptoms commonly associated with aortic valve disease, a condition where the valve narrows or leaks, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.

If untreated, the condition can lead to heart failure and other serious complications. Patients with aortic valve disease, either stenosis (blocked) or regurgitant (leaky), often require valve replacement

The Avalus Ultra valve is a next-generation aortic valve replacement that offers improved durability, enhanced surgical handling, and easier placement. Its introduction places UHG at the forefront of cardiac surgical innovation in Ireland.

Professor Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, praised the development, stating, “The introduction of the Avalus Ultra valve represents a new chapter in heart valve surgery.”

“We are proud to lead the way in offering our patients the very latest in cardiac technology, ensuring better outcomes and improved quality of life.”

The successful adoption of this advanced valve system underscores UHG’s commitment to pioneering treatments and delivering world-class cardiac care to patients across Ireland.

In celebration of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, expectant parents, parents and caregivers of babies and infants (0–3 years) are invited to a free ‘Parents Connect’ event next week.

Organised by the Galway City Early Years group under the Galway Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), this special event brings together local organisations, experts and parents to highlight the vital role of early relationships in shaping a child’s wellbeing.

Attendees can enjoy a relaxed morning with tea, coffee and fun activities, meet other parents and access trusted information stands.

From 10:30am, guest speakers will share practical tips for supporting both parent and baby wellbeing.

Speakers include Catherine Maguire, Clinical Psychologist and Infant Mental Health Specialist and PhD Researcher at the School of Psychology, University of Galway (social and emotional development of babies and infants) and Karen Concannon, Community Sports Development Officer, Galway Sports Partnership, (movement and activity)

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday June 9 – Friday, June 13, and the ‘Parents Connect’ event will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30am at the Radisson Red hotel in Galway City.

Highlighting the week’s importance, guest speaker Catherine Maguire said, “The earliest relationships and experiences shape the quality of an infant and young child’s brain and supports their emotional wellbeing and lifelong health.”

“By also supporting our parents and caregivers, we help to lay the foundations for children to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore and learn.”

“Infant mental health is everyone’s business, and small positive changes can make a lasting difference.”

This event coincides with Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which shines a spotlight on the importance of early years and the support available to families.

Galway City Early Years group is made up of a range of local agencies including Ard Family Resource Centre; Galway CYPSC; Galway Childcare Committee; Galway City Partnership; Galway Sports Partnership; HSE’s Health Promotion and Improvement, Community Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health Nursing, and Young Parents Support Programme; Healthy Galway City, TULSA Family Services and University of Galway.

ICS Medical Devices, a leading catheter design & manufacturing services provider, has announced that it plans to create 72 new jobs in Galway by 2028.

The new roles being created over the next three years will be across engineering, human resources, manufacturing, and quality.

The company, founded in 2019, has been approved for €1.5 million in funding through a number of Enterprise Ireland supports, which will directly support investment in facilities, capabilities, people & new technologies.

Speaking at the announcement at ICS Medical Devices, Minister of State, with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton congratulated ICS Medical Devices on their growth and the new jobs the company will be creating.

“This expansion is a testament to their innovation and commitment to excellence. I’m also pleased to see Enterprise Ireland supporting this success through their grant funding, helping to drive job creation and economic development in the region.”

Speaking at the announcement, Jenny Melia, Executive Director and incoming CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said, “ICS Medical is at the forefront of innovation in the medtech sector, developing best in class catheter solutions to meet the needs of the global healthcare sector.”

“I’d like to congratulate the team on today’s anniversary and the plans to create an additional 72 high-quality positions over the next three years.”

“Supporting Irish companies with the ambition to scale globally is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and we will continue to work closely with ICS Medical to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs here in the Galway region.”

ICS Medical Devices works with international medical device companies in the design, development and commercialization of catheters, access sheaths, balloon catheters, valve delivery systems, and stent delivery systems.

“Furthermore, ICS Medical Devices is playing a vital role in strengthening Ireland’s Medtech ecosystem,” she continued.

“Their continued success and growth in such a short period of time from a high potential start-up to an established highly regarded company not only highlights their leadership in the sector but also provide valuable expertise, technology, and services that are instrumental in supporting other Irish start-ups coming through to achieve key milestones.”

Seamus Fahey, CEO of ICS Medical Devices, added, “We are delighted to announce this continued expansion of ICS Medical Devices and the creation of 72 new jobs.”

“This growth reflects the hard work of our team, the continued investment in new technologies, and the increasing demand for our services.”

!We look forward to continuing to support our customers in pioneering advancements in medicine. We sincerely thank Enterprise Ireland for their continued support, which has been instrumental in helping us scale and succeed.”

The 31st annual Croí Corrib Charity Cycle will take place in Galway City and Connemara this weekend, with some traffic disruption expected along the routes.

The cycle starts at University of Galway Dangan Sports Campus at 8am on Sunday, and finishes at Croí House, Newcastle.

Due to the large number of cyclists taking part, Croí are advising motorists and road users that there may be delays in the area throughout Sunday.

There are two routes which will be affected throughout the morning and afternoon.

50km Route: An out-and-back route that departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG), heads out via the new Moycullen bypass, stops at Oughterard, and returns back via the Moycullen bypass before finishing at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre.

107km Route: Departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG) before passing through Moycullen, Spiddal, Rossaveal, Maam Cross, and Oughterard, returns via the Moycullen bypass, and finishes at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway City.

The shorter route does not go through Moycullen. The longer route goes through Moycullen Town on the way out, but back via the new Moycullen bypass.

Croí would like to take this opportunity to thank cyclists, motorists, and local communities along the route for their patience and understanding in advance of the event.

Registrations for the event close on Saturday at 4pm. No registrations will be permitted on the day.

President Michael D. Higgins donated his Presidential Archive and books from his personal collection to the University during a visit to his old alma mater on the second day of his Galway trip today.

The documents in the archive, which include personal papers, writings and correspondence, will be held in the Archives and Special Collections of the University Library.

The donation was formally announced at a special celebratory event at University of Galway, where President Higgins was accompanied by his wife Sabina as he was welcomed back to his alma mater, where he studied and taught before entering politics.

The event was held at the Aula Maxima in University of Galway’s iconic Quadrangle, which was renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium as part of the celebrations.

A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, which has been acquired by the University for its public art collection, was also unveiled.

The celebration was hosted by Chair of the Governing Authority of University of Galway, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway.

President Higgins said, “I am very pleased to formally announce the collaboration with the University of Galway of my archive of writings and documents from my Presidential terms, for their custodianship.

“The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers who are interested in the political, social and cultural life of our country over this period”.

The added that files of his presidency in the archives could “perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too – the personal data that has helped inform my speeches, statements and other written materials over the past 14 years of my life mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.”

Spanning two full presidential terms, President Higgins’ archive offers an extraordinary window into the life and work of Ireland’s ninth President with a rich array of material representing personal papers from his time in office.

It includes meticulously edited speech drafts bearing his handwritten annotations and his personal correspondence with a wide and diverse network of individuals.

The collection runs to more than 150 archival boxes and is to be catalogued by Archivist Kieran Hoare.

The official records of President Higgins’s terms of office will remain with the State and be transferred to the National Archives.

“As well as my archive files, as an avid reader with a significant collection of books, I am delighted to be in the process of contributing a proportion of my collection to the University.”

President Higgins said that this collection includes titles that he acquired for his research, including “some heavily annotated volumes that informed my thinking during my time as a lecturer at the University through to my Presidency.”

“The collection also includes many books presented to me from a wide range of sources while undertaking local, national and international engagements, with some of these marking historic events attended by myself in an official capacity.”

“For me it is important that the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle – the iconic auditorium which I am truly honoured is now to be associated with me as the ‘Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’ – always be open and accessible to the public, to those who live in Galway, to visitors, to the university staff and students, and to visitors and tourists.”

“Therefore, it is a source of pleasure to hear that it is a space that will be utilised not just for university related occasions, but that it will also be used for other public occasions such as, for example, the Galway Arts Festival.”

Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said, “President Higgins is a true scholar with a passion for books and the importance of reading.”

“His archive and books enable us to witness his scholarship in action, with well-thumbed and annotated books linking directly to his work as President and the topics in his speeches.”

“It is an absolute privilege that he has chosen to donate his Presidential archive and a selection from his book collection to the University of Galway Library and we are proud to be the custodians of his legacy, which will inspire future generations of students and scholars”.

Galway County Council has joined forces with GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs from across Galway for the county’s first-ever Green Clubs event at Ballinderreen GAA Club in June.

The Green Clubs Programme—a collaboration between the GAA and local authorities throughout Ireland—was launched in 2020 to support clubs in taking climate action.

The programme is funded with support from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

The upcoming information evening on Tuesday, June 17, will feature guest speakers and experts on a range of key topics, including Energy, Waste, Biodiversity, and Funding Opportunities.

The event will also showcase real-life case studies from Ballinderreen GAA Club and St. Brendan’s Club in Ballygar, highlighting their implementation of impactful climate and sustainability projects.

Funded under the Community Climate Action Fund and supported by Galway County Council, Ballinderreen GAA Club has installed planter boxes for a Pollinator Pathway, solar panels on the clubhouse, a windows upgrade for the Community Centre, recycling bins, and a water fountain.

Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said, “Galway County Council is extending an open invitation to all GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs across County Galway to join us for this important event.”

“It’s a unique opportunity to learn from fellow clubs, gain expert insights, and discover practical steps you can take to make your club more sustainable.”

“By coming together, clubs can lead the way in climate action—on and off the pitch—for the good of our communities and future generations.”

Denise Feeney, Green Club representative and Community Climate Action Officer for Galway County Council, said that the event will showcase “practical examples of how Galway clubs can embrace green initiatives.”

She added that it will help them to “future-proof their facilities, cut costs, and enhance community well-being while making a positive impact on the environment.”

Confirmed speakers at the event include Paul Bellew (Chairperson of Galway GAA), Míde Ní Shúilleabháin (Sustainability Adviser (GAA Green Club Programme), Orla Ní Shuibhne (Community Mentor, Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland), Sinéad Ní Mhainnin (MyWaste.ie), Brendán Ó Loinsigh (Ballinderreen GAA Club), Brian Healy (St. Brendan’s Club), and representatives of the Biodiversity and Climate Action offices of Galway County Council.

The evening will conclude with a Questions & Answers session and a walkabout tour of the Ballinderreen GAA Green Club, showcasing its innovative climate action projects.

Clubs planning to attend are requested to RSVP to climateaction@galwaycoco.ie by Monday, June 16th, 2025.

The new headquarters for Galway City Council has fallen in value by €8 million since it was purchased two and a half years ago.

Galway City Council is planning to begin moving into the new HQ in the Crown Square development on Monivea Road in 2026.

The move has been the subject of some controversy, with criticism levelled at a lack of consultation with staff and the public.

The building was bought by the city council in December 2022 for €36 million. Since then, its value has fallen to €28 – €29 million as of May 2025.

The valuation, which was carried out by Avison Young and Power Property, states that the decline reflects wider trends in the commercial property market, such as rising interest rates, post-COVID changes to office demand, increased construction costs, and global economic uncertainty.

The valuation was presented to elected members of Galway City Council on Tuesday. Council officials maintain that Crown Square remains the most cost-effective solution.

It is asserted that the value of the building will exceed the €36 million price over the course of its 40 year expected lifespan.

The council states that by consolidating four existing office sites into one, this new HQ will avoid €108 million in renovation and temporary relocation costs.

This would include an estimated €69 million cost to refurbish and expand the current City Hall premises on Prospect Hill, and a further €38 million to temporarily relocate office staff while this was underway.

The next stage of the project will be the fit-out. A tender for this is expected to be issued in June, and returned by August.

Univeristy Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure today as high numbers at the emergency department, along with COVID and Norovirus cases, are putting pressure on beds.

Yesterday, Wednesday 4 June, 246 people attended at the Emergency Department and there were 57 admissions. There are currently 32 patients in the Emergency Department, with 50 patients waiting to be admitted.

The hospital has advised that it is also currently dealing with COVID-19 and Norovirus cases.

Where a ward is affected by COVID-19 and Norovirus visiting is limited and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members / nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance

The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

“Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity,” a statement from UHG said.

“Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.”

“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”

Uachtaráin na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins commemorated 25 years of Terryland Forest Park at a celebration in Galway City today.

The ‘Green Lungs’ of Galway City were planted in early 2000, over the course of a single day in March. Over 3,000 people arrived in an empty field that morning and left having planted a forest.

The event recognised the dedication and commitment of Galway City Council Recreation and Amenity staff, volunteers from Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park, and President Higgins, who, as Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht at the time, secured funding for the nascent forest project.

Terryland Forest Park was the largest urban neighbourhood forest project in the history of the Irish State when it opened to the public for the first time in March 2000.

President Higgins said at the commemoration, “We celebrate today the important milestone that is the 25th anniversary of the opening of Terryland Forest Park.”

“Owned and managed by Galway City Council and assisted by Tuatha volunteers, today Terryland Forest Park represents a wonderful urban mosaic of woods, meadows, wetlands and other natural habitats that also serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for schools and universities.”

“As well as educational and recreational amenity value, the park also helps the country to meet its international commitments in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises by acting as a carbon sink and wildlife sanctuary.”

“May the Poet’s Trail and Terryland Park continue to be a source of recreation, well-being, and perhaps even transcendence for years to come.”

As part of the commemoration, President Higgins planted an oak tree in the very spot he previously planted a King Oak 25 years ago, which was knocked down by Storm Eowyn.

The event was attended by President Higgins and his wife Sabina Higgins; Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane, TDs, Elected Members of Galway City Council, staff from Recreation and Amenity in Galway City Council, volunteers from Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park and children from teachers and pupils from St. Nicolas’ Parochial School, Castlegar National School and Scoil San Phroinsias.

Artwork from children in the three schools, imagining the future of the forest from 25 years ago, was displayed alongside contemporary artwork from the same three schools depicting how the native woodland of today would evolve into the future.

The King Oak that came down during Storm Eowyn was transformed into five pieces of art by Galway-based artist Tommy Carew.

Mayor Keane commented, “Terryland Forest Park was the first public park in Ireland designed with public participation and represented a wonderful proactive partnership between stakeholders.”

“The park became an ‘ecological corridor’ for wildlife connecting the Corrib waterways through the city to the farmlands of east Galway. In a time of an interconnecting global climate and biodiversity crisis, the role of this park has never been more crucial.”

“The planting of the new oak tree honours the work of past generations in bringing the woodland to fruition, while symbolising hope for the next generation to take up the mantle and heralding the next 25 years of Terryland Forest Park.”

The Respiratory Integrated Care Team, Galway City Integrated Care Hub, and the HIVE Laboratory at the University of Galway were honoured at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards recently, for their virtual care initiative for COPD patients.

The initiative, which leverages remote patient monitoring technology, was recognised with the award for ‘Best Use of Information Technology’.

The COPD virtual care pathway, which launched in April 2024, has redefined how care is delivered to patients experiencing a COPD exacerbation.

The model enables patients to recover at home, supported by a multidisciplinary clinical team, fostering greater patient empowerment and continuity of care.

To date, 95 episodes of care have been delivered through the virtual pathway, resulting in the saving of 545 hospital bed days.

The average length of stay under virtual care has been reduced to 6.01 days, compared to the national inpatient average of 7.5 days for COPD patients in Ireland.

Through a user-friendly application, MyPatientSpace, patients are empowered to report their daily symptoms and monitor key health metrics from the comfort of their homes.

Equipped with a pulse oximeter, they can track vital signs such as oxygen saturation and heart rate on a daily basis. The system is designed to detect any deviations from target ranges or emerging concerning patterns, triggering real-time alerts for the clinical team.

This enables rapid intervention and the development of personalised care plans, helping to address issues early and prevent escalation.

Professor Sinead Walsh, Consultant Respiratory Physician, University Hospital Galway and Respiratory Lead for the Galway City Integrated Care Hub said, “This pathway has been transformative in how we care for patients with COPD.”

“It allows us to detect deterioration earlier, provide timely interventions, and support patients to recover safely in their own homes.”

“The feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive—they feel more in control of their health and reassured by the daily connection with the care team.”

Professor Derek O’Keeffe, Consultant Physician, University Hospital Galway and Director of the HIVE Lab said, “This digital health initiative demonstrates how innovation happens through collaboration.”

“Professor Sinead Walsh, Consultant Respiratory Physician and her clinical team including Emma Burke, Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioner worked with Dr David Tiernan and the HIVE Lab research team at the University of Galway to develop and implement a novel digital health solution to improve COPD patient care.”

This award-winning initiative reflects a broader shift toward digitally enabled, patient-centred care, demonstrating how technology can enhance clinical outcomes, optimise resources, and improve patient experience in chronic disease management.

Galway County Council has launched its strategy for preserving and enhancing the county’s rich built, natural, and cultural heritage over the next six years.

Unveiled today at the Marine Institute in Rinville, the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024–2030 sets out a detailed roadmap to address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and the need for community-driven heritage preservation and the safeguarding and protection of the County’s intangible cultural heritage.

Developed in collaboration with Galway County Heritage & Biodiversity Forum and The Heritage Council, the plan is the only one of its kind in Ireland to fully integrate biodiversity and heritage in a combined action plan.

Among the key priorities are conducting a comprehensive biodiversity audit of Council-owned lands, updating Galway’s Invasive Alien Species Strategy and developing a countywide Tree and Hedgerow Management Plan.

The plan also commits to protecting sensitive habitats such as peatlands and marine ecosystems and delivering biodiversity education through training in collaboration with the Public Participation Network (PPN).

The built heritage aspects of the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024-2030 aim to preserve, protect, and enhance the county’s built and archaeological heritage by promoting best practices, supporting community engagement, and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.

The plan also seeks to raise awareness, provide education and training, and foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of these heritage assets.

On the cultural heritage front, the plan aims to empower communities to actively engage with and safeguard their local heritage.

This involves recording and digitising cultural heritage data, supporting community-led arts and oral history projects, and strengthening investment in both staffing and funding to grow the sector sustainably.

“I am honoured to launch the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024–2030—a shared commitment to protecting the rich natural, built, and cultural heritage of our county,” stated Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway.

“This plan reflects the passion and dedication of communities across Galway and outlines practical, adaptable actions to raise awareness and safeguard our heritage and biodiversity” added the Cathaoirleach.

“In the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, it serves as a roadmap for collective action. I invite everyone to get involved—together, we can create lasting, positive change.”

The Council’s last plan (2017–2022) delivered several notable achievements, including the award-winning Digitising Galway’s Graveyard Heritage project, which made more than 40,000 burial records accessible to the public online.

Other successes included an Audit of the County’s Holy Wells, a Barn Owl Conservation initiative that showed the first signs of species recovery in 50 years, and a countywide masterplan for oral heritage collections.

The Council also supported Féile na gCloch, or “Festival of Stone,” on Inis Oírr, which celebrates traditional stonework craftsmanship.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive, Galway County Council, said, “The Plan sets out a clear, action-driven vision to protect and celebrate our county’s rich natural, built, and cultural heritage.”

“It will guide our efforts in addressing climate and environmental challenges, promoting sustainability, and enhancing awareness and stewardship.”

“I thank the Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Forum, the Heritage Council, and all who contributed. Galway County Council is proud to lead this important work and looks forward to its successful implementation,” added Mr. Conneally.

Martina Moloney, Chair of The Heritage Council, commented, “By bringing together heritage and biodiversity efforts under one unified strategy, Galway is setting a national example of forward-thinking stewardship.”

“We are proud to have supported this ambitious plan and remain committed to working closely with Galway County Council and the community to ensure its successful implementation, safeguarding Galway’s unique identity for generations to come.”

The Galway County Heritage and Biodiversity Plan 2024–2030 was shaped by extensive public consultation over the past two years.

Engagement efforts included countywide consultation events, an online survey, and targeted workshops with the Traveller community, Brothers of Charity, primary and secondary schools, and active age groups.

The plan, which received over 450 public submissions, was formally approved by Elected Members in December 2024.

Children across Galway are being asked to support vulnerable youngsters around the world by hosting a tea party in their final weeks of school.

The new initiative is organised by Team Hope, the charity working to transform children’s lives by tackling poverty and inequality in African and Eastern European countries.

Now in its 15th year, the organisation, best known for its Christmas Shoebox Appeal, has revealed that people in Ireland have donated €2million in life-changing aid since 2010.

The ‘Team Hope Tea Party’ has a €240,000 target to fund vital projects such as clean water, education and income-generation opportunities in countries including Kenya, Burundi, Malawi, and Rwanda, where many live on less than $2 a day.

And the event, running from June 14-22, is not confined to schools – sports clubs, businesses and individuals across the country are all asked to take part.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve not only delivered millions of Christmas Shoebox gifts but have also helped provide access to clean water, healthcare and support for communities that need it most,” said Deborah Lowry, Team Hope CEO.

“In June, we’d love if people can think beyond the box and host a tea party to help raise vital funds to support that work.

“In the five years to the end of this year, we will have improved the lives of 10,000 children in our sustainable development projects.

“The locally-based water projects in Kenya not only provide clean water to communities but also mean that girls, who previously spent hours collecting water every day, can go to school. There are multiple layers to the improvements our work makes to people’s lives.”

Some of Team Hope’s other projects include the creation of pineapple farms in Rwanda, an income generator allowing parents to support their families and send their children to school.

It also supports the development of village savings and loans groups, using members’ savings to lend to each other, allowing people to buy goats and pigs or start a soap making production business.

“We know that we are impacting hundreds of people in their own communities and thousands of children as a result of this work,” said Ms Lowry.

“While the shoebox appeal opens the door so we can help the poorest communities create their own future, we want to tell a different story; that these children are well loved, that they are full of hope. We are only the little seeds that helps them build a better future.”

Team Hope asks everyone to host a tea party to ensure that the charity can continue its grassroots projects in the world’s poorest regions.

Participants will receive a digital pack of downloads, including recipes and party ideas, as well as a donation page for their individual event.

For more information on how to host a Tea Party or simply get involved, visit teamhope.ie.

A family presented almost €10,000 raised for University Hospital Galway to help make the hospital more comfortable for patients receiving cancer care.

A very generous donation of €9,709 was recently presented to St Joseph’s Oncology Patient Comfort Fund at UHG in memory of the late Clement Gallagher

Clement, from Inver in County Donegal, had been a patient in St Joseph’s Ward, and helped to raise the funds before he passed.

The cheque was presented to the Oncology Patient Comfort Fund by Clement’s wife Kathleen Gallagher, Olive Mc Kelvey, sister and Peter Campbell, brother-in-law.

The funds were raised during a céile which had all been organised by Clement before his passing. The fundraising was undertaken by the family in appreciation of the care Clement received while he was a patient in UHG.

Kathleen Gallagher said, “We would like to sincerely thank all staff for all the help and support they gave to Clement while he was a patient here.”

“We raised the funds in his memory. He had organised the céile musical event before his passing, our family held the event in his honour.”

“We are so grateful to all those who supported the event and helped us raise this money for the Oncology Day Ward and Comfort Fund at UHG.”

Tina O Donnell, Clinical Nurse Manager 2, St Joseph’s Oncology Ward expressed her gratitude and said, “On behalf of the staff in St Joseph’s, we would like to sincerely thank Kathleen for this generous donation.”

“We are very grateful to everyone who supported the event, for their time and effort in raising funds for the Oncology Patient Comfort Fund. This donation will enable us to purchase comfort items for our patients.”

Two people have been confirmed dead following a house fire in Casla, Connemara early on Tuesday morning.

At approximately 6:20am, Gardaí and Fire Services were alerted to a house fire at Gleann Mhic Mhuireann.

The fire was brought under control by Fire Services and the bodies of a woman aged in her 70s and a man in his 30s were recovered from inside the house.

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

Both bodies have been transported to the Mortuary at University Hospital Galway for post-mortem examinations.

The results of the post mortems, along with the findings of the technical examination, will determine the course of the Garda investigation.

The local Coroner has been informed. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Heavy rain with high winds and a possibility of flooding is expected in Galway today, with a weather warning lasting into Monday night.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow rain warning for Galway, Mayo and Kerry today.

On Monday afternoon and evening Galway will experience heavy rain, with very strong, gusty southerly winds near the coast.

This may cause some localised flooding along with poor visibility and difficult travelling conditions, Met Eireann cautions.

The weather warning will remain in place until 10pm on Monday night.

The weather is forecast to improve tomorrow, with Met Eireann predicting a breezy day with sunny spells and showers.

Highest temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees in moderate to fresh and gusty westerly winds.