Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has called on the government to provide greater support for orphans and their guardians.
The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Children and Youth Affairs said that in 2017, approximately 1,500 people were in receipt of a Guardian payment in respect of almost 2,000 children.
“Whilst this is a relatively small cohort of people it is vital that we offer support to these children and their guardians”, explained Deputy Rabbitte.
“Applying for a Guardian’s payment should automatically trigger a wraparound support service involving the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Health, for example. There needs to be a whole of government approach and services such as counselling should also be readily available to children and their guardians.
“It is vital that those who find them themselves in this situation are adequately supported by the State, be it financially, emotionally or otherwise. I am therefore calling on the Government to step up and do more and develop a whole of government approach to supporting orphans and their guardians,” she added.
The Draft Master Plan for Kingston incorporating the layout of the lands is available for further viewing and comments until 4 May 2018, the City Council has said.
The plan for the lands at Kingston began over a year ago, when residents in the area were asked to contribute to the master plan.
A public information day will be held this Thursday, 19 April, from 2.30pm to 7pm in the Knocknacarra Community Centre, Cappagh Park, Cappagh Road where the plans can be viewed and comments lodged.
The documentation can also be viewed and downloaded from the website at www.galwaycity.ie.
Galway City Council says that submissions must be submitted by either email to parks@galwaycity.ie or by post to the Recreation & Amenity Department, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway no later than 4pm on Friday 4th May 2018.
It’s the turn of camogie this week as we seek to select our first 15 nominations for the 2018 Galway Daily Camogie All-Stars.
Similar to last week’s format, 60 players will appear on twitter polls over the next day covering 15 positions. All you have to do is pick your favourite person.
GOAL! GALWAY!
REBECCA HENNELLY!@LittlewoodsIRL National Camogie League Latest in Banagher
The 15 winners will be official nominations when we select our Team of The Year in September. Another round will take place after the provincial finals. And one more following the All-Ireland Finals.
Galway have 13 nominations. Will they all make the team? That’s for you to decide.
GOAL! GALWAY!
AILISH O'REILLY!@LittlewoodsIRL Camogie League Latest in Wexford Park
The Centre for Irish Studies at NUI Galway has announced the appointment of Tomás Ó Neachtain as Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence.
Born and raised in Coilleach, An Spidéal, Tomás is part of a family which has a long and rich tradition of sean-nós singing.
Tomás heard and learned most of his singing from his father, and indeed his father had learned from his father before him.
Though he briefly spent time in England as a young married man, it is in Coilleach that Tomás and his wife Nancy have reared their own family.
His son Seosamh, a renowned sean-nós dancer and musician, was appointed as the first Sean-Nós Dancer in Residence at the Centre for Irish Studies in 2009.
Tomás’s distinct, clear, sweet vocal style echoes the singing he heard in his youth.
His repertoire is wide and varied, but he particularly favours big songs such as ‘An Droighneán Donn’, ‘Tomás Bán Mac Aogáin’ and ‘An Chaora Ghlas’. Tomás gives singing workshops and is two-time winner of Corn Uí Riada in 1980 and 1981.
During his time as artist-in-residence, Tomás will deliver a series of workshops at NUI Galway and will contribute to the expanding Sean-Nós Archive Collection.
The workshops are free and open to the public and take place in the autumn and spring of 2018-19.
On 12 April the highest figures were recorded in University Hospital Galway with 58 patients on trolleys.
Still Waiting Coordinator Cyril Brennan said: “We need to call on public opinion to demand the measures that were put in place for the Taoiseach’s visit be implemented to help reduce people waiting on trolleys, the Taoiseach visit shows our hospitals have beds available but due to staffing shortages are not open and this is not acceptable.”
The Still Waiting Campaign is supported by left leaning political parties as well as unions such as the INMO, Siptu, Forsa and Congress.
Joe Loughanne of People Before Profit and a Galway representative of Still Waiting said: “Not only is Galway effected by a trolley crisis it also has the highest outpatient and inpatient lists in Ireland there are over 48500 waiting, government policy is not working, and we need people power similar to that of the water demonstration and the recent housing demonstration to demand change.”
The Still Waiting health campaign is a national campaign and is calling for the increase of bed capacity, an increase in front-line staff, the creation of a not for profit home help service as well as move towards a national health service.
The first round of nomination selections for the 2018 Galway Daily Hurling All-Stars took place on twitter last week with league champions Kilkenny and promoted Limerick sharing nine players.
Kilkenny finished top with five players. Eoin Murphy was the winner in goal, Padraig Walsh was named at full back, while Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid and Walter Walsh were included in the attack.
Limerick were represented by defenders Sean Finna and Diarmuid Byrnes, Cian Lynch in midfield and Aaron Gillane at right corner forward.
Tipperary got three picks as Ronan Maher took a midfield slot while John McGrath and Jason Forde are at 12 and 14. Dublin won two polls with Eoghan O’Donnell and Sean Moran winning out at 4 and 6. Wexford’s Diarmuid O’Keeffe completes the set at left wing back.
Galway had three contenders but none managed to top their poll. Conor Whelan got 32% but finished behind Walsh; Jason Flynn (17%) came second to Gillane; and Adrian Tuohey just managed 10% coming fourth behind Finn.
The 15 winners will be part of our 45 official nominations after the All-Ireland Finals. The second round of selections will take place after the Leinster and Munster Hurling Finals.
EOIN MURPHY (KILKENNY) – 89%, Mark Fanning (Wexford) – 6%, Darren Brennan (Kilkenny) – 5%, Anthony Nash (Cork) – 0%
Line Ball; What an unbelievable piece of skill for children to look at. I wonder do people truly appreciate the levels all intercounty players are now at. A line ball from possibly 80m just floated over the bar. Class from Ronan Maher. Inspiration for youngsters 👍 pic.twitter.com/a9arnqQdTC
14. JASON FORDE (TIPPERARY) – 71%, Peter Duggan (Clare) – 19%, Seamus Flanagan (Limerick) – 10%, Michael Breen (Tipperary) – 0%
All eyes on the ball as Tipperary's Jason Forde sends a sideline cut over the bar against Kilkenny in last Sunday's Allianz League Final. pic.twitter.com/GdcXPvsWGN
15. WALTER WALSH (KILKENNY) – 58%, Conor Whelan (Galway) – 32%, Patrick Curran (Waterford) – 5%, David Dunne (Wexford) – 5%
There’s Wally.
Walter Walsh strikes for Kilkenny’s first goal as they took the Allianz Hurling League title against old rivals Tipperary in Nowlan Park. pic.twitter.com/6nipaggOCZ
— Piaras Ó Mídheach 📸 (@SportsfilePOM) April 8, 2018
Local historian Catherine Corless was among those honoured at the 43rd Rehab People of the Year awards yesterday.
Catherine Corless received her award for her work bringing to light the horrific story of nearly 800 children buried at the former Bon Secours Mother and Baby Home in Tuam.
Speaking at the ceremony Ms. Corless called for the remains of the children buried at the Tuam Home to be excavated and properly interred.
“We have a long way to go yet. To get answers to Tuam and why this happened and to make sure that those children in that graveyard, to make sure they’re taken out of there and put where they should be, in a Christian graveyard.”
She said that there would be “no rest” until the survivors of the Tuam Home receive an apology from the Catholic Church and the State, insisting that it is “the least that they deserve.”
In a video played at the awards chairperson of the Tuam Home Survivors Network Peter Mulryan praised Catherine Corless for how her work has helped survivors of the Tuam Home.
“We can hold our heads up high now, we are recognised in society at last and it’s about time. We were in the doldrums in the dark old days and I’m delighted that she’s getting this award.”
The award was presented by Human Rights Commissioner and former Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan.
Others who were recognised on Sunday include the Irish Coast Guard, the crew of Rescue 116, and Fr. Peter McVerry who was receiving his second award for his work with the homeless.
The 43rd annual Rehab People of the Year Awards ceremony took place on Sunday at the Mansion House in Dublin.
15 April 2018; Glenamaddy, Galway players celebrate following their side's victory in the Lidl All Ireland Post Primary School Senior B Final match between Glenamaddy, Galway and Presentation, Thurles, Tipperary at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
(Photo – Ladies Gaelic Football)
They combined for the moment of the match on 26 minutes in Sunday’s All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B Ladies Football Final as Glenamaddy Community School ran out 5-13 to 2-7 winners in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
Maeve Flanagan overturned an attempted clearance by the Presentation, Thurles defence before spotting her Kilkerrin/Clonberne team mate. And feeling confident after an earlier green flag, Morrissey successfully attempted the lob beating keeper Muireann Lloyd and setting her team up for glory.
GOAL! GLENAMADDY!
AILISH MORRISSEY!@lidl_ireland All-Ireland PPS Senior B LGFA Final Latest in Duggan Park
Captain Flanagan and Player of the Match Morrissey were part of the 2015 Senior A All-Ireland winning panel. And this final was their last for the school as both to their Leaving Certs in June. They spoke to Galway Daily after the match.
Glenamaddy made a mockery of the weather on Sunday as they stormed out off the blocks in the second half to win the All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior B Ladies Football title.
Goals galore for Galway's Glenamaddy, as they earn an impressive win over Presentation, Thurles in the Lidl All-Ireland PPS Senior B title. #SeriousSupportpic.twitter.com/FF9La1M5UZ
Two Ailish Morrissey goals brought the Galway team back into proceedings and they led 2-7 to 2-3 at half-time. But 1-4 against a strong gale inside four minutes of the restart put them clear by double digits before further goals for Lynsey Noone and Aisling Ward.
Manager John Kennedy was thrilled after the final whistle and he spoke to Galway Daily.
Bhí oíche iontach ann Dé Satharn sa Loft, áit a raibh fuirseoirí den chéad scoth ar stáitse ar san HOPE (D). (Helping Other People Escape Depression). Oíche iontach lán do fuinneamh agus gáire a bhí i gceist ag iarraidh feasacht a ardú ar san HOPE(D)
Is catharnacht é HOPE(D) nach bhfaigheann cabhar ar bith ón rialtas agus atá bunaithe i gCill Dara. Bunaíodh é go bhunúsach chun cabhrú le daoine agus le clainne atá ag fulaingt le dúlagar agus méala don féinmharú.
Ar an oíche labhair Cathaoirleach an eagrúchán, Terri Thorpe faoin oíche a bhí i gceist agus an catharnacht féin.
Cathaoirleach HOPE(D) Terri Thorpe – Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
“Táimid lonnaithe i gCill Dara agus ní fhaigheann an eagrúchán cabhair ar bith ón rialtas. Bíonn an obair á dhéanamh againn leis an phobal saor in aisce.
“Is é úscra daoine a choiméadann sinn ag oibriú agus tá sé go hiontach oíche mar seo a bheith againn, áit a feicimid an gáire i scamall dorcha.
“Thosaíomar seo le croí mhór, agus mar grúpa tacaíochta táimíd ar nós seanmháthair a éistíonn le do fadhbanna nuair a thagann tú isteach sa seomra suite.
“Gualainn le ghualainn táimíd ag oibriú tríd an ghearrchéim atá ann le dúlagar agus sláinte mheabhrach,” a dúirt Terri roimh an stáiste a fhágaint.
Cathaoirleach HOPE(D) – Terri Thorpe. Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
Is fadhbanna ollmhór iad dúlagar agus sláinte meabhrach, rud atá taréis chuile teaghlach in Éireann a bhuaileadh go díreach nó go hindíreach agus tá sé fíorthábhactach go dtiocfaidh daoine amach chun chaint faoi na heisithe.
Go pearsanta, chuireann sé seo isteach orm go mór mar chuir duine do na chairde is fearr a bhí agam riamh lámh ina bháis féin, i Mí Méan Fomhair 2014, nach mór mí iomlán théis ar dhein duine d’ár iar-pháirtí ranga an rud chéanna.
Bhí an bheirt acu chomh óg, théis an Ardteistiméireachta a dhéanamh agus an scoil a fhágaint, 3 bhliain ghearr roimhe sin. I ndáríre bhíodar ag tosú amach ar an saol agus cheapfá go mbeidís ag tnúth leis an todhchaí ach níl an deis sin ag ceachtar acu anois.
Táid i gconaí anseo linn i spiorad ach ní dhéanann sé níos éasca é nuair a bhíonn fios maith agam go d’fhéadfadh rudaí a bheith difriúl dá mba rud é gur labhair siad faoi na fadhbanna a bhí ag pléascadh taobh istigh.
Nuair a athraíonn an saol go suntasach agus nuair a bhíonn tionchar go díreach ag féinmharú ort, domsa b’é cailliúnt cheann do na chairde is fearr a bhí agam, tugann sé cic sa tóin duit chun an saol a thógaint le do dhá lámh.
Bíonn sé deachair sin a dhéanamh chuile lá agus gan dabht beidh rudaí ag chuir isteach ort ach tá an saol ann dúinne. Chun an fírinne a rá ba chóir dúinn taithneamh a bhaint as gach rud a thagann romhainn agus gan ligeant dos na sonraí seafóideach a chuir isteach orainn.
Is é an teachtaireacht is mó agus is tabhachtaí atá tógtha agam féin ó na féinmhairithe seo, ná is chuma cé chomh dúghafa lenár saol féin atáimid, caithimid am a thógaint chun seiceáil suas ar a chéile.
D’fhéadfadh cúig nóimead ag seiceáil suas ar chlann agus chairde a bheith an difríocht idir saol agus bás do dhaoine áirithe agus dá bharr sin tá sé fíor thábhactach aire a thabhairt dá chéile agus fios a bheith ag gach duine go bhfuil seirbhísí tacaíochta ar fáil.
Is seirbhís tacaíochta é HOPE(D) agus é lonnaithe i gCill Dara ach is féidir liosta dos na seirbhísí atá ar fáil anseo sa Gaillimh a fheiscint anseo.
Deirtear i gcónaí gurb é an gáire an cóir leighis is fearr agus b’shin rud a bhí ceart ar an Satharn nuair a bhíos i mo shuí sa Loft le grúpa daoine a raibh ag gáire ó thosach go deireadh na hoíche.
Bhí thart ar 25 duine i láthair ar an oíche agus sinn go léir aontaithe agus le chéile le fios mhaith gur bhuail sláinte mheabharach, dúlagar agus féinmharú chuile duine sa seomra, go díreach nó go hindíreach uair amháin nó uair eile inár saol.
Slua beag ar an oíche – Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
Thosaigh an fearr ó Mhaigh Eo, Paul David Murphy an oíche agus é tabhairt amach faoin bhaile féin Bhaile an Róba ach go tapaidh ina dhiadh sin dúirt sé ba chuma cé chomh olc atá féin mar is iad na daoine a déanann an áit iontach.
Paul David Murphy fuiriseoir- Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
Bhí an fuiriseoir óg lán de chainte agus é ag insint scéalta faoi a chairde agus chlann, scéalta greannmhar a d’fhág an lucht féachanna lag ag gáirí.
Oíche den chéad scoth a bhí i gceist le AR Devine ar stáitse tar éis Paul David Murphy agus go tapaidh ina dhiadh sin bhí Séan Ó Bheaglaoich ar stáitse.
Sean Ó Beaglaoich – Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
Taréis an bhriseadh bhí Johnny Graham agus Farmer Michael ar stáitse ag tá sé éasca le rá go raibh chuile duine ag baint sult as an oíche agus na haithriseoirí ar fad.
Físeán tógtha ag Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
Beidh oíche eile á reachtáil i Moorefield, Co. Cill Dara ar son HOPE(D) le costas €10 ar na ticéidí. Táim cinnte go mbeidh chuile duine ag gáire ar feadh na hoíche ansin freisin agus tá tuilleadh eolas le fáil faoin oíche sin anseo.
Caithfear buíochas a gabháil le Sean Ó Bheaglaoich a bhí ag eagrú an dá oíche sin ó Bré.
Sean Ó Beaglaoich – Pictúir tógtha ag Kyra Krenitsky
Ar focal scor, caithfear míle buíochas a gabháil le Kyra Krenitsky a thóg na pictiúrí ar fad ar an oíche.
Má tá tuilleadh eolas ag teastáil uaimh faoi HOPE(D) is féidir glaoch a chuir ar 1800 855834 nó 087 1513535. Is féidir ríomh phoist a chuir chuig contacthoped@gmail.com más mian libh freisin.
Saturday night saw some very talented and fantastic comedians take to the stage at the Loft to provide plenty of laughter, in aid of the HOPE(D) foundation. (Helping Other People Escape Depression).
HOPE(D) is a non government funded organisation based in Kildare which was set up with the aim of helping people and families suffering from depression and suicide bereavement.
On Saturday night chairperson of the organisation Terri Thorpe spoke about the event and the charity itself.
Terri Thorpe – Chairperson of HOPE(D). Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
“We are based in Kildare, as a non government funded organisation where we work with the community free of charge.
“It is the essence of people who keep us in operation and it is so lovely to have a night like tonight where we find that glimmer of laughter in the dark cloud.
“We got into this with a good heart, as a support group and we treat you in the same way a grandmother would when you come into the sitting room to offload. We listen.
“Shoulder to shoulder we can work through the crisis of depression and mental health”, Terri concluded before she came off the stage.
Terri Thorpe – Chairperson of HOPE(D). Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
Depression and mental health issues are something that have hit every home in Ireland be it directly or indirectly and it is of extreme importance that the issues are spoken about.
From a personal experience one of my best friends committed suicide in September 2014, almost a full month after another former classmate of ours had also took his own life.
Both of these lads were so very young, having just completed their Leaving Certificate and finished school a short 3 years earlier. They were really just starting out in life and should have been looking forward to their future but now neither of them have that chance.
They are always with us in spirit but it doesn’t make it any easier knowing that things could have been different had they spoken about issues that may have been bubbling inside them.
When life changes so drastically and suicide suddenly impacts you directly, for me it was losing one of my best friends, it makes you realise how much you take life for granted. Life is for living and not getting bogged down by the nitty gritty little issues or silly little problems that seem to arise.
The strongest and most important message that I have taken from the suicides of my best friend and our former classmate is; that no matter how obsessed we are with our own lives and how busy we are, we do need to take time out in order to check up on each other.
Taking five minutes to check up on friends and family could be the difference between life and death for some people which is why it is of critical importance to look out for one another and for people to realise that there are plenty of support services available. HOPE(D) is one of those support services located in Kildare but you can find a list of the services available in Galway here.
It has often been said that laughter is the best form of medicine and that saying shone through on Saturday night as I sat in the Loft amongst a small crowd of people who laughed from the moment the show began right through to the end.
With about 25 or so people in attendance on the night, the comedy show gave off a very intimate vibe of togetherness and unity, with the understanding that mental health, depression, and suicide has either directly or indirectly hit every single person in that room.
The intimate crowd on the night – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
Mayo Man, Paul David Murphy, began the night with a dig at his home town Ballinrobe, but quickly reinforced the fact that no matter how bad the place itself is, the people are what makes it great.
The young comedian was full of beans as he told many true stories about his friends and family which resulted in the audience shedding tears of laughter.
Paul David Murphy Comedian – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
The West was most certainly awake with AR Devine another Mayo man following quickly in the wake of Paul David Murphy who MC’d the rest of the night. AR Devine poked the beast as he discussed how a homeless man had robbed his bicycle at midnight when AR had just finished a late night in work. Although he hinted at addiction and homelessness it was done so, innocently, with his aim not to go too deep into the dark side and all the while he had the room full to the brim with laughter.
Sean Begley, new to the world of comedy and winner of the Bray Comedy Festival Best New Act 2018 followed swiftly in the footsteps of the Mayo men.
Sean Begley new to the world of comedy – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
He quickly had the audience in convulsions laughing as he began with,
“I was really enthusiastic about coming out tonight but I got a phone call earlier on that said sorry to disturb you Mr Begley but you’re mother has been rushed to hospital and she’s critical.
“I said sure jeez she’s exactly the same way at home like she never shuts up. She’s grand, she’s grand and there were no mammies harmed in the writing of that joke.”
It was quiet clear from the tone and the content of Sean’s jokes that family means everything to him. Most of what he joked about was aimed at his family, his wife and his own parents clearly showing that his family life is of extreme importance to him all the while keeping the audience entertained.
Sean Begley new to the comedy world – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
Laughter became the essence of the night even throughout the 20 minute break which allowed people to go to the loo and top up their drinks before the final two acts came on stage.
When the show resumed it was time for the audience to get involved as three people were asked to come up on stage. I quickly reclined back in my seat hoping not be noticed knowing I would probably fall on the stage if I were chosen.
Video by Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich Roisín, Joceyln and Joe were chosen to join Paul David Murphy on stage as they became the ones to watch. Following their little stint, Johnny Graham bounced onto the stage with copious amounts of energy which stayed with him for the entirety of his act. My jaws hurt as everything he said had the entire room break into streams of laughter.
Video by Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich Johnny wriggled off the stage like a worm and hopped on a chair in the front row doing somewhat of twerk which made us all laugh until our stomachs hurt.
Johnny Graham – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
The final act of the night was the internet sensation Farmer Michael and Kathleen, who covered controversial topics of race, religion, sexuality, immigration, war, feminism but all the while keeping the audience well entertained. The duo Farmer Michael and Kathleen together were the perfect act to end what was an amazing night of comedy in the Loft.
Farmer Michael and Kathleen – Photo taken by Kyra Krenitsky
For those interested there is another comedy night taking place in Moorefield Co. Kildare in aid of the HOPE(D) foundation with tickets costing €10. All the information is available here.
Hats off to Sean Begley, who has been involved in the organisation of both comedy evenings remotely from his home town in Bray.
On a final note, a huge thank you to the very talented Kyra Krenitsky who took all the above photos on the night.
For more information on HOPE(D) you can call 1850 855834 or 087 1513535. You can also email contacthoped@gmail.com.
15 April 2018; Ailish Morrissey of Glenamaddy, Galway celebrates after scoring her side's first goal during the Lidl All Ireland Post Primary School Senior B Final match between Glenamaddy, Galway and Presentation, Thurles, Tipperary at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe, Co Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
(Photo: Ladies Gaelic Football)
Two All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Senior Ladies Football titles came Galway’s way over the weekend as Colaiste Bhaile Chlair and Glenamaddy Community School secured championship silverware.
Glenamaddy Community School won the Senior B championship in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Sunday (15th April) after overturning an early deficit to beat Presentation Secondary School, Thurles by 5-13 to 2-7.
Two Casey Hennessy goals gave the Tipperary school an early 2-2 to 0-4 advantage but Glenamaddy were 2-7 to 2-3 leaders by half-time thanks to two Ailish Morrissey strikes.
The strong wind favoured Presentation in the second half but it was the Galway school who hit the ground running get 1-4 in four minutes to go 11 points clear.
Lynsey Noone got the third goal and added a fourth on 47 minutes before corner back Aisling Ward ran the length of the field to stick a rebound into the net for a fifth green flag and a third All-Ireland title for the school in five seasons.
And Colaiste Bhaile Chlair continued where they left off in the Junior ranks in 2017 by adding the Senior ‘C’ trophy to their cabinet on Saturday in Kinnegad.
Sarah Conneally’s team struck a remarkable 6-6 unanswered in the second half to beat Scoil Mhuire, Tuam 7-9 to 2-7.
They trailed 2-7 to 1-2 at half-time thanks to two Leah Dennehy goals for Trim. But they brought their shooting boots out after the break with Shauna Brennan, Niamh Moran, Eimear Mitchell, Sinead Donovan and Kate Slevin all raising green flags.
A Fianna Fáil TD says that he has serious concerns regarding the British Government’s plans for Northern Ireland after Brexit.
The party’s Spokesperson on Cross Border Co-Operation Declan Breathnach TD made the comments after the British Home Office advertised 21 Border Force Officer roles based in Belfast.
“This news is seriously concerning and spells trouble for Northern Ireland,” said Deputy Breathnach.
“The British Government are clearly putting in place preparations to enforce a hard-border on the island of Ireland should an agreement not be reached between the EU and British negotiation teams.
“There are fears that the British could renege on their commitments and are anticipating the need to implement a hard border.
“These latest developments underscore the need for the Irish Government to redouble its efforts to prevent the imposition of a hard border. Such a move would be devastating to the social and economic fabric of Ireland, and would particularly impact on border communities. Every effort must be made to prevent this from becoming a reality.
“It’s chilling that the British Government are putting in place detailed plans to deal with the one thing which they have promised to avoid,” added the Fianna Fáil TD.
Meanwhile there have been fresh calls in Britain for a second referendum, once the ramifications of Brexit become known when the all of the necessary deals are finalised.
Celebrating student volunteering at NUI Galway were (l-r): undergraduate student volunteers Charlotte Lucas, Lisa Costello; NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh; Student Volunteer Coordinator, Lorraine Tansey; with School of Business student volunteers Matthew Farrell and Laura Ledger. Photo by Aengus McMahon.
Over 950 student volunteers have been presented with the ALIVE Certificate for Volunteering by NUI Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.
The ceremony was attended by Galway City Mayor, Councillor Pearce Flannery.
NUI Galway students volunteered with a variety of local and national organisations throughout the year including Conservation Volunteers Galway, Galway Autism Partnership, Galway Civil Defence, and Croí to name a few.
Volunteers have also brought experiments to Galway schools through a wide range of science outreach workshops and participated in reading and mentoring through school homework clubs.
Ceremony guest, Robert Farrell, Head of Direct in Aviva which employs more than 350 people in Galway, said: “Caring more for the communities in which we live, is part of our DNA in Aviva Ireland.
“We carefully encourage the instinctive generosity of our employees, encouraging them to give of their time, skills and passion to their local communities.
“To facilitate this, we give them three days paid leave to volunteer for their local charities and we match the funds they raise for local causes. We commend the work of NUI Galway in promoting volunteerism amongst the student body.”
ALIVE is the student volunteering programme at NUI Galway and students are awarded Certificates to acknowledge their contribution to campus programmes and local and international community volunteering.
The ceremony is an annual event to encourage volunteering and to thank all the community partners for hosting student volunteers. This year the ALIVE programme worked with higher education institutions across Ireland to successfully launch StudentVolunteer.ie a national platform to match students to non-profits.
This year’s event is to highlight corporate social responsibility as employee’s growth and development through volunteering advance leadership skills and team building. Lorraine Tansey, Student Volunteer Coordinator at NUI Galway, said: “As future professionals, students are well placed to learn how volunteerism in their future is an opportunity company’s embrace.”
Annelise Garrison, NUI Galway student who volunteers with the Irish Cancer Society Charity Shop and the Galway Pride Festival, said: “By volunteering, I helped create a safe place for people to be themselves and celebrate their diversity.”
Darragh Doyle, NUI Galway student with Enable Ireland learned about sustainable fundraising and said, “We need volunteering to help raise the much needed funds so that these important services can continue. We also need awareness for the extent of the work that Enable Ireland provide.”
Galway’s 4-9 to 1-10 victory over Tipperary last Saturday (14th April) secured them a place in the All-Ireland Minor Camogie Final and a meeting with Cork on April 28th.
Mairead Dillon struck all four goals as the Tribesgirls kept their opponents at bay and their title defence on track. Should they prevail over the Rebelettes, it will be the first time Galway have successfully retained this title.
For manager Lorraine Larkin, she has led Galway to seven successive All-Ireland Finals including winning the 2015 under 16 title and the 2017 minor crown. Afterwards, she spoke to us and Dermot Flaherty Video.
All-Ireland Minor Camogie Semi-Final – Saturday, 14th April
Galway 4-9 Tipperary 1-10
Darren Kelly in Banagher
There were no trophies handed out but Galway would have taken satisfaction from this All-Ireland minor camogie semi-final thanks to Mairead Dillon scoring four goals. It secured the defending champions a rematch with Cork on April 28th after falling to the Rebelettes in the group stages.
Caoimhe Perdue converted a Tipperary free after just 51 seconds but Galway’s threat was evident in their first meaningful attack. Chloe Reilly set off down the left flank and just when the rearguard was about to swallow her up, she spotted Dillon who made no mistake with the first goal.
Reilly added a point but on six minutes, Casey Hennessy got within range before striking Tipperary’s goal. Katie Mannion responded for Galway before Rosanna O’Donnell levelled at 1-2 apiece. However, the maroon and white started to take control of proceedings.
Well done to Portumna CS and Galway players Niamh Horan and Alannah Kelly in yesterday’s All Ireland Camogie Semi Final win over Tipperary. Hard luck to Tipperary and our own Clodagh McIntyre who lined out for them
Niamh Horan sent over three placed balls to make it 1-5 to 1-2 on 22 minutes but Galway should have done better. However, Teegan Canning whipped in a ball from the left in injury time and Dillon was perfectly placed for Galway’s second goal and interval advantage was 2-5 to 1-3.
Perdue registered a 45 upon the resumption before Hennessy put three between them. And the teams shared the next four points making it 2-7 to 1-7 on the three-quarter mark. There was no doubt that the next goal was going to win this match and on 47 minutes, Dillon secured her hat-trick.
GOAL! GALWAY!
MAIREAD DILLON! (HAT-TRICK!)@OfficialCamogie All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final Latest in Banagher
Dillon waited before pulling first time rifling a strike to the top corner. Tipperary replied with a Perdue point but Galway scented the finish line. And when Sarah Healy’s long free on 55 minutes was taken by Siobhan McGrath, the Sarsfields forward knew Dillon’s location for the fourth goal.
At 4-9 to 1-8, the contest was over though Tipperary did have a couple of late scores through Perdue and Hennessy. Galway were unfortunate to lose Kate Moran to a second yellow in injury time but Lorraine Larkin now has led Galway to seven All-Ireland Finals.
Well done @GalwayCamogie96 Minors! Niamh Niland scores 0-3 and Galway are through to the All Ireland Minor @OfficialCamogie Final 👏
Galway: Sarah Healy; Kate Moran, Leah Burke, Erica Leslie; Pearl Finnerty, Alannah Kelly, Kate Screene; Niamh Horan (0-3, two 45s, one free), Teegan Canning; Katie Mannion (0-1), Ciara Helebert, Mairead Dillon (4-1); Niamh Niland (0-3, two frees), Siobhan McGrath, Chloe Reilly (0-1). Subs used: Rachel Hanniffy for Canning (37 mins), Rachel Murray for Horan (57 mins), Sinead Cannon for Leslie (60 mins).
Tipperary: Aoife Butler; Thea Curtin, Niamh Long, Anna Gavin; Sarah Delaney, Laura Shinners, Margaret Quigley; Gemma Fox, Aine O’Dwyer; Clodagh McIntyre (0-1), Caoimhe Perdue (0-4, one free, one 45), Karin Blair; Casey Hennessy (1-4, four frees), Rosanna O’Donnell (0-1), Emma Flanagan. Subs used: Sorcha Ryan for Curtin (HT), Eimear Bourke for McIntyre (57 mins), Katie Ryan for Fox (57 mins).
NUI Galway’s School of Law will host a half-day conference tomorrow, Tuesday, 17 April, focusing on the theme of ‘Homelessness, the housing crisis and socio-economic rights’.
The conference will take place in the Hardiman Building, NUI Galway, from 2.30pm-5.15pm.
Conference organiser, Dr Eoin Daly from NUI Galway’s School of Law, said: “This conference will bring together voices from both academia and civil society concerning what is arguably the most pressing social crisis in Ireland at present.”
The conference will bring together academic and civil society voices concerning legal and policy responses to the homelessness and housing crises. Confirmed speakers include: Niamh Randall, Simon Communities; Padraic Kenna, NUI Galway; Thomas Murray, An Cosán; and Martin O’Connor, COPE Galway.
The conference is held in assocation with the Masters in Public Law programme at NUI Galway.
The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy sat down with teams from Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway last week, as part of the visit by the Taoiseach and four Ministers in Galway City.
Among the topics discussed were the controversial Project Ireland 2040 plan, affordable housing and HAP.
Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community said the visit was a welcome one.
“We were really delighted to welcome the Minister to our new emergency accommodation service for an impromptu meeting.
“The teams from both Galway Simon and COPE sat down with the Minister and we had a very open conversation about the homelessness crisis in Galway.
“We were able to discuss some of the proposed projects for Galway in the Project Ireland 2040 Plan and we put key questions to the Minister around the provision of social and affordable housing, as well as the extension of the Homeless HAP Scheme to Galway.
“We would like to extend our thanks to the Minister for accepting our invitation on the day to visit our service and for taking on board the feedback and questions from both teams in an open way,” she said.
Karen went on to say the visit allowed the Minister to get first-hand accounts of the issues that are faced locally and said that the meeting was a huge opportunity for both Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway to come together to advocate for those experiencing homelessness in Galway.
Minister Murphy has undertaken to respond to the charities on some of the key queries raised during the meeting and advised that he will be following up on key areas discussed.
Two weather warnings are currently in place for Galway.
Met Éireann issued a status yellow rain warning, saying that accumulations of 25 to 50mm are expected throughout the day and into tonight.
There is a potential for higher amounts on hills and mountains and localised spot flooding is possible.
The weather warning will remain in force until tomorrow morning at 6am.
There is a further status yellow warning for Wind which extends across the state. The weather chiefs have warned that south to southeast winds will reach mean speeds between 50 and 65km/h with gusts between 80 and 110km/h.
The winds will be strongest along Atlantic coastal counties at first but the strong winds will extend countrywide through the course of the Monday afternoon and evening.
There will be a shift in the weather from Wednesday though, with warmer temperatures and sunny spells forecast until Saturday at least.
