CONNACHT RUGBY: 11 PLAYERS GET IRISH SELECTIONS

-

April 3, 2018

“We cannot make any change to our barbaric abortion laws without removing the Eighth Amendment. We will be on the right side of history, and we’re bringing hundreds of thousands of students along with us. We’re ramping up to register students to vote, getting students ready to canvass, and making sure students get out and vote ‘Yes’ in May. Together we will vote ‘Yes’ to remove the Eighth Amendment,” he said.

The Union of Students in Ireland today launched the national student-led campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment at the annual student Congress in Galway.

The campaign, Students For Choice, will be registering thousands of students to vote ahead of polling day on May 25th.

Speaking at the launch, USI President Michael Kerrigan said that Students for Choice will ‘take the baton that has been passed to us from generations of activists, and we will take this over the line.’

USI is the national representative body for the 374,000 students in third level education on the Island of Ireland, and is a member of the national civil society campaign, Together For Yes.

USI registered 18,000 students who have never voted before between September and November 2017 , adding to the upwards of 80,000 students registered to vote by USI in recent years.

WATCH: Chicago Mayor gives advice to students interested in politics

By

-

April 3, 2018

mayor of chicago galway advice politics advice

Mayor of Chicago Rahm Emanuel has been conferred with an honorary degree at a ceremony at NUI Galway today and gave advice to students interested in politics.

While at the University, he offered some advice to students who are interested in pursuing politics or social activism.

He said that whether your politics leans left or right, you should stay engaged in the most important thing – how we govern ourselves in the future.

Watch what he had to say below.

Today @nuigalway conferred @ChicagosMayor Rahm Emanuel with an honorary degree. Here he gives advice to students interested in pursuing #politics and social #activism. @StudyInGalway @USEmbassyDublin @IrelandChicago #Chicago pic.twitter.com/tYeoeUdaNR

— NUI Galway (@nuigalway) April 3, 2018

Video via @nuigalway

CONNACHT RUGBY: JUNIOR INTERPROVINCIAL DETAILS ANNOUNCED

By

-

April 3, 2018

Dylan Carpenter in a ruck 30/4/2016 — Junior Interprovincial Series, Enniskillen RFC, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh 30/4/2016 Ulster vs Connacht Connacht's Dylan Carpenter in a ruck Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

(Photo – Connacht Rugby)

The details for Connacht’s Junior Interprovincial series have been announced with action commencing at the beginning of the month.

Connacht begin with a home time against Leinster on Saturday, 28th April. The game kicks-off at 2.30pm in Ballinrobe while at the same time, Munster and Ulster lock horns in Muskerry.

The 2011 Grand Slam winners haven’t tasted victory since 2015. Their best result in the last two years was a 23-23 draw against the eastern side in 2016 and they only fell by one (15-14) in last year’s campaign.

The Junior Interprovincial Series gets underway later in the month. Here are the dates and locations of Connacht's three games: https://t.co/0fdap9nt86

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 3, 2018

However, their luck against the other teams haven’t been as good.

Seven days later (May 4th), the western province are on the road when they head to Ards RFC in Co. Down for their clash with Ulster. That game throws-in at 2.30pm. Ulster were 33-20 winners in 2016 and came out 34-5 winners last year.

The campaign concludes the following Saturday (11th away) with another away assignment against Munster. That game also has a 2.30pm kick-off and will take place in Old Christians RFC in Glanmire, Co. Cork. Connacht have only managed 10 points against Munster in the last two years losing 35-3 in 2017 and 50-7 the previous year.

MEP calls for Irish Unity Referendum in Easter speech

By

-

April 3, 2018

MEP for the Midlands North West constituency Matt Carthy, has called on unionist leaders to engage in discussions on what a United Ireland could look like.

“Pretending that the debate isn’t happening or that change isn’t coming, doesn’t prevent the debate or the change, it just reduces your potential to shape it,” he said. “That is unfair on unionist communities who must be accommodated in our new, agreed Ireland”.

However recent talk of holding a referendum has been harshly criticised by Fine Gael.

Senator Neale Richmond commented: “At such a vital juncture in Brexit talks, with tensions across the UK, talk of a referendum on a United Ireland is wholly irresponsible.

“With emotions charged, the Irish Government is going to great lengths to reassure unionists in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain that the current negotiations are not an exercise in securing a United Ireland by stealth.

“It is vital that we respect the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom as a whole and crucially that of Northern Ireland.”

Matt Carthy used Brexit being imposed on the people of Ireland as a reason that the fate of people in Northern Ireland should not be decided by London and voters in England.

Matt Carthy MEP made the remarks during an address to the Easter Rising commemoration in Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh on Easter Sunday morning.

He said: “Ireland is once again at a point of great change. The Orange state is gone. The perpetual unionist majority in the North has ended. The forces of conservative Ireland no longer enjoy the unquestioning support of citizens.

“Orange and Green are now part of a rainbow of colours and identities. A new Ireland is emerging.

“We now have a real opportunity to end Partition and build a new and united Ireland.

“We must secure and win a referendum on Irish unity.

“We want to engage the unionist people and their representatives in the debate – we want them to tell us how a united Ireland can and should protect their identity, their culture, their place in this country.

“The refusal by unionist leaders, thus far, to engage in this conversation, is a failure on their part, a particular failure to those they represent. Pretending that the debate isn’t happening, that change isn’t coming, doesn’t prevent the debate or the change, it just reduces your potential to shape it. That is unfair on unionist communities who must be accommodated in our new, agreed Ireland.

“We don’t need to accept each other’s version of history to acknowledge the rights of everyone to remember their dead.

“The ongoing campaign by some unionist leaders against any element of commemoration for republicans needs to stop as does the facilitation of that campaign by elements within the media who should know better.

“Raymond McCreesh refused to be criminalised in 1981; we will not allow our remembrance of him and other IRA volunteers to be demonised in 2018.”

However, Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmond argued that a referendum on a United Ireland can only be deemed required by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

He also said that Sinn Féin MPs should change the 100-year-old policy of not taking their seats in Westminster – effectively ignoring their mandate – to ‘materially impact the lives of the people of Northern Ireland for the better’.

“It is clear that nothing of substance has changed in terms of political representation in the North that would merit such a referendum.

“Rather than floating such notions, the leadership of Sinn Féin should really be focused on re-establishing power sharing at Stormont.”

CONNACHT RUGBY: NUIG CROWNED WOMEN’S CUP CHAMPIONS

By

-

April 3, 2018

NUIG were crowned Connacht Women’s Cup champions on Sunday after a 39-0 win over Buccaneers. The league champions always looked in control as they ran in seven tries. Two came in the opening 10 minutes as Karen Douglas and Shannen Lane crossed over for a 10-0 lead.

Two further tries and a conversion before the break brought the score up to 22-0, and even though Buccaneers started to grow in the game as it went on, they were unable to get on the scoresheet before the half-time whistle.

MATCH REPORT | Wins for @NUIGRugby and @RFCCastlebar on Women's Finals Day at the Sportsground https://t.co/TlU5jLNFbe pic.twitter.com/MwHmmHsv3n

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 3, 2018

That pressure from Buccaneers continued at the start of the second half, but any hope of an improbable comeback was ended when Amanda Forde touched down for NUIG’s fifth try 10 minutes into the second half.

From then on it was a case of the college seeing out the game, and they crossed over twice more to finish up as 39-0 winners. While Bucs can consider themselves unlucky not to put points on the board there was little doubt that NUIG were deserving winners.

FULL-TIME: NUIG 39 Buccaneers 0. @NUIGRugby claim the Connacht Women's Cup in convincing fashion with a seven try victory #WomensCupFinal #GrassrootsToGreenShirts pic.twitter.com/bWR3b2eaBm

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 1, 2018

Tuam/Galwegians suffered defeat in the Connacht Women’s Plate final beforehand as Castlebar won a 12-try thriller by 54-22. The Galway side led 12-0 thanks to Amanda Kelly and Andrea Donnellan – the second of which was converted by Emma Keane.

FULL-TIME: Tuam/Galwegians 22 Castlebar 54. The Mayo side win the #WomensPlateFinal with Ursula Sammon contributing a brilliant five tries #GrassrootsToGreenShirts pic.twitter.com/il1XorHQHi

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) April 1, 2018

Sarah Walsh opened for Castlebar before Ursula Sammon touched down three times as the Mayo team went 26-12 up at half-time.

Tuam/Galwegians crossed over twice more within 10 minutes of the restart through Deirdre Morney and Cathriona Kavanagh. However, the rest of the game was dominated by Castlebar as they scored 28 unanswered points as Sammon and Darwyn O’Halloran ran in two tries each.

GALWAY GAA: (Reaction) – “I suppose It’s a big learning curve” – KEVIN WALSH

By

-

April 3, 2018

Their first season back in the top flight of league football resulted in a Croke Park final appearance and Galway football supporters weren’t too despondent after falling short to Dublin.

Three late scores finally ensured the All-Ireland champions won their fifth title in six seasons and maintained their position as favourites heading into the summer.

Well done Kevin Walsh and Galway footballers great start to 2018

— John Daly (@mayogaels) April 1, 2018

“It’s one of disappointment with the result, obviously,” said Walsh to assembled media after Sunday’s game. “But, overall, taking everything into account, I suppose it’s a big learning curve for the team.”

“They’re disappointed we gave away a few late points, but, overall, for a team that I think with maybe five of those who started haven’t kicked a championship ball yet, it was important for us to see how they would react at headquarters.”

Despite the defeat, Walsh was happy enough with his team’s efforts as all attention now turns towards MacHale Park, Castlebar in six weeks and another joust with rivals Mayo.

The last time Easter Sunday fell on April 1 (1956), Wexford won the All-Ireland hurling and Galway the football. #GAA

— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) April 1, 2018

“Overall, happy enough performance-wise,” added the 1998 and 2001 All-Ireland winner. “A few things in there we’ll have to improve on. But, overall, disappointed to lose.

“We haven’t even thought of Mayo this week. This was totally about getting ready for Dublin this week, but I’m sure while we’re thinking about this they’re getting the troops together so it’s going to be a heavy five weeks.

“It was important we were there coming up the stretch. We gave away a few late points, but we learned a lot overall. I think five of those lads haven’t kicked a championship ball yet, so it was important for us to see how they would react at headquarters.”

“You see lots of games where 14 beat 15, especially when it involves a team like Dublin. They’re All-Ireland champions for a reason and they showed it again today. They are really, really good at ball retention – that’s a lesson we’d be hoping to pick up from them.”

Dublin have won the Div 1 Allianz Football League beating Galway, Watch the Full-Time highlights here on GAANOW! pic.twitter.com/bJ8vcLuHaJ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 1, 2018

GALWAY GAA: (Match Report) – DUBLIN 0-18 GALWAY 0-14

By

-

April 3, 2018

Galway couldn’t stop Dublin clinching a fifth National Football League title in six years on Sunday but Kevin Walsh’s team ended their spring on a positive note ahead of facing Mayo in the Connacht championship on May 13th.

Late points from Philly McMahon, Eric Lowndes and Dean Rock eventually ensured Jim Gavin’s team atoned for last year’s loss to Kerry ahead of their attempts at a fourth consecutive All-Ireland title in the summer.

Galway were the only unbeaten team in Division One but were expected to struggle against the Metropolitans in Croke Park. However, they stayed with their illustrious opponents for most of the contest only to finally be taken down in the final five minutes.

Dublin deserved their win today. However, Leinster referee should have issued at least two black cards to Dublin players in first quarter. Cynically dragging down Damien Comer. Big bearing on game. Not good enough. @LeagueSundayRTE @TribesmenGAA @Galway_GAA

— Ray Silke (@raysilke98) April 1, 2018

Rock and Paul Mannion gave Dublin an early 0-2 to 0-0 lead but Barry McHugh and Johnny Heaney levelled affairs by the 10th minute. Mannion forced a stop from Ruairi Lavelle within seconds of the throw-in, the first of three saves from the Inisbofin keeper.

The teams shared six points before McHugh put Galway 0-6 to 0-5 ahead on 21 minutes. It was the only time Kevin Walsh’s side led though they did go in 0-8 apiece at half-time. Mannion and Rock put Dublin back ahead but Heaney ensured parity.

Substitute Colm Basquel kicked two minors upon the resumption for an 0-11 to 0-8 Dublin advantage but Galway clawed back the deficit again before Shane Walsh made it 0-12 apiece.

https://twitter.com/Ptrfahy/status/980509094195933185

Dublin were down to 14 players following a second yellow for Niall Scully but their experience in big game environments was starting to tell. After the teams exchanged minors again, Rock got through forcing another great stop from Lavelle.

The Ballymun Kickhams free taker converted the resulting 45 before Ciaran Kilkenny put two between the teams. However, Damien Comer, who terrorised Dublin’s defence on occasions, reduced arrears to the minimum setting up a mouthwatering finish.

However, Dublin pushed for the line with their three late points to clinch a 13th league crown. Galway’s hopes of bridging a gap to 1981 must wait another year but they gave a good account of themselves showing their intent ahead of the Connacht championship next month.

Dublin: Stephen Cluxton; Philly McMahon (0-1), Michael Fitzsimons, David Byrne; James McCarthy, Jonny Cooper, John Small (0-1); Brian Fenton, Michael Darragh Macauley; Niall Scully (0-1), Paul Mannion, Brian Howard; Kevin McManamon, Ciaran Kilkenny (0-2), Dean Rock (0-7, five frees, one ’45). Subs used: Eric Lowndes (0-1) for McCarthy (35 mins), Colm Basquel (0-2) for McManamon (HT), Eoin Murchan for Small (40 mins), Con O’Callaghan for Macauley (54 mins), Shane Carthy for Mannion (68 mins), Small for McMahon (70 mins).

Galway: Ruairi Lavelle; Declan Kyne, Sean Andy O’Ceallaigh, Eoghan Kerin; Cathal Sweeney, Gareth Bradshaw, Sean Kelly; Paul Conroy (0-1), Ciaran Duggan; Johnny Heaney (0-2), Eamonn Brannigan, Peter Cooke; Barry McHugh (0-6, five frees), Damien Comer (0-3), Shane Walsh (0-2, one free). Subs used: Gary O’Donnell for Heaney (62 mins), Tom Flynn for Cooke (67 mins), Patrick Sweeney for Conroy (68 mins), Adrian Varley for Walsh (70 mins), Johnny Duane for Bradshaw (70 mins).

Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow)

Dublin have won the Div 1 Allianz Football League beating Galway, Watch the Full-Time highlights here on GAANOW! pic.twitter.com/bJ8vcLuHaJ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 1, 2018

Connacht Hospitality Group teams up with Macnas to support Youth Ensemble

By

-

April 3, 2018

Galway Daily macnas connacht hospitality

Macnas is known throughout the world for its large-scale, interactive spectacle events for audiences, communities and festivals.

And now, the award-winning theatre company from Galway has teamed up with The Connacht Hospitality Group in support of The Macnas Young Ensemble.

Macnas, led by Artistic Director Noeline Kavanagh, is known across the globe with its shows involving up to 300 participants with audiences of 50,000 in attendance.

Founded in 2009, The Macnas Young Ensemble are a core part of Macnas and have presented their own stand-alone productions supported by Macnas.

Under the tutelage of Macnas Performance Director, Miquel Barcelo and other visiting facilitators, the group develop new work that is relevant to them and which feeds into the present and future of Macnas.

The Young Ensemble is open to anyone aged 15-19, the workshops take students through a range of performance styles including Commedia Dell’Arte, mask work, ensemble performance and physical expression.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of Spectacle artist in Galway city and county, the Macnas Young Ensemble has 45 members and the workshops are free of charge and run throughout the entire year on a weekly basis making the support of The Connacht Hospitality Group invaluable to the next generation.

This partnership will allow Macnas to develop a world-class dynamic performance ensemble and Drumming troupe for Galway city and county.

This support will also help to deliver Young Ensemble and Drumming events locally, nationally and internationally and support Macnas to engage with communities enabling young people to access free high quality large-scale cultural performances and activities.

The youth drumming troupe aged 15 -19 which will be led by the Macnas parade Musical Director Orlagh De Bhaldraithe in collaboration with Eímhín Craddock, drummer and facilitator.

This troupe will pioneer new beats on the street with the Macnas signature high octane performance.

Macnas Artistic Director Noeline Kavanagh explained, “The Connacht Hospitality Group sponsorship is directly supporting local young people to have access to and engagement in the arts.

“It is a valuable and deeply appreciated partnership that will see a new generation of performer and musician emerge out of Galway to continue a legacy in the Spectacle arts on the streets of Galway and across the streets of the world.”

“We at the Connacht Hospitality Group, are delighted to be able to support a company as exciting and passionate as Macnas, as a group we have always been huge supporters of the local community through sports, festivals and local charities and we are very excited to be able to now extend this support out to the Arts.

“We believe in the message Macnas delivers and as a business we recognise the value the Arts has brought to our wonderful city, particularly as we build up to Galway 2020,” said Wayne Neilon Group General Manager.

“Macnas has a strong vision that encompasses the continual training and development of young artists and performers within the company to promote innovation and excellence, the partnership with The Connacht Hospitality Group will ensure this becomes a reality,” concluded Noeline.

For more information see www.macnas.com or see Macnas across all social platforms.

Wednesday – John Spillane at The Black Gate

By

Kate Robinson

-

April 3, 2018

John Spillane plays the Black Gate
Wednesday, April 4 @ 8pm
The Black Gate Cultural Centre, 14 Francis Street
Tickets €20 available on the door

Cork’s very own heartfelt troubadour John Spillane brings his unique mix of folk and sean nós to The Black Gate.

October 2017 saw the acclaimed Irish Singer and Songwriter John Spillane, celebrate 35 years of an ever-consistent vastly illuminating and exciting career within the world of music.

Having sold over 100,000 albums in Ireland, John has also been awarded with two Meteor Irish Music Awards for ‘Best Act Folk’ and ‘Traditional’ act. His songs have been covered by many Irish folk lumineers such as Christy Moore, Sean Keane, Karan Casey, Pauline Scanlon, Solas, Mary Black, Méav, Sinéad Lohan, and Sharon Shannon.

Don’t miss this rare and intimate concert for 50 people only! This special event promises to be one to remember.

Adm. €20 (Tickets available ONLY at the Black Gate – open from 6pm daily – First come, first served)

Tuesday – Galway launch of Together for Yes

By

Kate Robinson

-

April 3, 2018

Galway Together for Yes campaign launch
Tuesday, April 3 @ 7:30 – 10:30pm
The Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road

Come out for the official launch of the Galway Together For Yes Campaign!

The campaign – alongside the Galway Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment as well as the national Together for Yes campaign – works to repeal the 8th Amendment in a national referendum to be held at the end of May.

The panel of speakers at the launch includes:
Orla O’Connor – Co-Director of Together For Yes
Arlette Lyons – Termination For Medical Reasons
Eoin Daly – Lecturer from NUIG Law School
Dr Michael Creed – Doctors for Choice
More to be announced soon!

After the huge success of the launch of the national campaign, come join Yes campaigners to get the ball rolling in Galway and to find out how you can get involved!

All are welcome – this is a kid-friendly event.

The Galway Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment is a group of 25+ organisations represented in Galway that support repealing the 8th amendment.

Tributes paid following sudden death of on-duty Garda

By

-

April 3, 2018

Tributes have been paid today following the sudden death of an on-duty Garda at Clifden Garda Station yesterday morning.

Shane Cuffe was a nephew of acting Garda Commissioner Dónal Ó Cualáin.

He was 39 years old and had been a member of An Garda Síochana for 13 years.

He was married and had two young children.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Breaking Bread breaks barriers at Galway Food Festival

By

Kate Robinson

-

April 2, 2018

Another successful Galway Food Festival culminated this afternoon in the Breaking Bread community feast, held in a packed Printworks gallery on Market street.

The feast featured live performances and food stalls from various Galway-based community groups serving to both highlight the plethora of different cultures in the most diverse city in Ireland as well as raise funds for Cope Galway.

And it was crowded from the start. Traditional Polish songs rang out from the performance area as children raced around picnic tables and throngs of people chatted and ate beneath colourful bunting and balloons.

Crowds at Breaking Bread — Crowds at the Breaking Bread community feast on Monday afternoon in the Printworks

Tipperary native and ten-year Oranmore resident Eleanor Nolan, who attended Breaking Bread with her young son Ted, said: “I’m really enjoying it. It’s kind of a nice mishmash of absolutely every kind of food and fun that you could manage. There’s even food for him, which is great.

“We had a little bit of everything, really. I’m a coeliac, and the allergens and stuff are marked down, which is really handy…it was really really good.”

Longtime Moycullen resident Gloria Avalos – one of the founding members of the Mexican Community of Galway – commented: “I think it’s an amazing event, and it’s a great opportunity to taste the authentic food from the different cultures that are in Ireland, in this beautiful country.”

Avalos – who first arrived in Galway 29 years ago – helped run the eye-grabbingly colourful Mexican food stall, whose volunteers were wearing vibrant Mexican blankets called cobijas.

Viva Mexico! — The Mexican Community food stall

They served chicken enchiladas with coriander and cheese on top, charro beans – traditional ‘cowboy’ beans made with chorizo and bacon – and carlota lemon cake for dessert.

But when it came time for her lunch break, Avalos wanted to try something new.

“I tried the Indian food and I tried the Lithuanian food, and the other one was French…very tasty, very different. It was nice. I’ve never tried Lithuanian food so it’s a fantastic opportunity for me.”

Several local organisations – including the Galway Anti-Racism Network, the Galway Traveller Community, The Burren Lowlands, and The Melting Potluck – were also serving food alongside the community groups of various nationalities.

Although most of the food came from all across the globe, traditional Irish standbys like coddle were also available for the less adventurous palate.

Ballybane resident Gabriella Toko, who was serving food with the Galway Congolese Association, said: “I love the event. I was working at it last year, that’s how I came to know about Breaking Bread. I’d heard about the food festival before, but I never actually got to experience it as much until I got involved last year.

“It’s great. I love it, personally. I think it’s cool having a lot of different nationalities come together and share whatever they have to share.”

So what’s on the Congolese menu?

Toko said: “Today we have two different dishes. We have puff puff, which is a traditional donut that we make from our country. So just basic ingredients: flour, yeast, sugar, vanilla extract for a bit of flavour. And we have ntaba, which is a lamb dish – it’s grilled lamb with onion, garlic, seasoning, all of that good stuff.

“And we have a homemade chili sauce that we serve with it. So it’s Scotch bonnets – really really hot peppers – a bit of garlic, a bit of onion, a little bit of seasoning as well in that. And it’s usually fried up, so it’s really good.”

First-time attendee and five-year Galway resident Arthur Demurger commented: “I think it’s very good…you never realise that there’s so many different communities in Galway. It was the same for the St. Patrick’s parade.

“I’m a tour guide, so I always tell people that Galway is very international, but this is a good sign of that.”

Demurger tried the Congolese ntaba lamb dish as well as Moroccan tagine. The verdict? “I like it!”

Local events organiser Paul David Murphy – who worked at Breaking Bread – said: “Great numbers in here. It’s fantastic. Loads of flags all around the place, loads of costumes, loads of artwork, and most importantly, loads of food!”

European Region of Gastronomy’s Deirdre Tully commented: “Galway was designated for this year’s European Region of Gastronomy, and as part of it, our objective as well is to celebrate cultural diversity and food and our culture in Galway. As you can see there’s loads of cultures here today, and it’s just wonderful.

“I actually for the first time tried some food from Ghana, and I had spinach and yams, and plantain…absolutely splendid. The flavours were unbelievable. I’m thinking about Filipino next.”

The Castlegar native added: “This is wonderful. Just to see so many cultures, so many people, but yet we’re all Galway. It’s great.”

Breaking Bread was organised by the Galway Food Festival and Galway 2020 in collaboration with Creative Ireland.

Tristan Heanue’s ‘A Break in the Clouds’ to have its TV premiere tonight

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

-

April 2, 2018

While the weather forecast for the evening doesn’t look great, it gives us the opportunity to laze around and finish off the last of those easter eggs guilt-free while indulging in some late night television. I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend the evening if I’m honest but the icing on the cake comes as Tristan Heanue’s ‘A Break in the Clouds’ will have it’s TV premiere tonight, the 2nd of April on RTE2 at 11.45pm as part of Shortscreen.

Shortscreen showcases the very best of Irish Short Films every Monday night on RTE2 with Heanue’s film being selected for this weeks episode.

‘A Break in the Clouds’ is the story of a young couple who struggle to adjust to life after the birth of their first child. The film was written and directed by Tristan Heanue starring; Tristan Heanue, Gemma-Leah Devereux, Marie Ruane and Linda Breathnach. Tristan Heanue and Paddy Slattery co-produced the film.

Heanue is currently basking in delight following his recent win at the Físín Pitching Competition which took place at the International Dingle Film Festival last weekend on the 25th March.

The Físín Pitching Competition is an annual competition which has taken place at the Dingle International Film Festival since 2011. This competition is aimed at encouraging many filmmakers to develop their films in the Irish language.

The Dingle International Festival has been on the road since 2007 and it has only served to go from strength to strength each year.

Heanue’s ‘Silence’ was nominated as the winning film from the Físín Pitching Competition as Heanue had to compete with four other nominees before his film was announced the winner.

Being a native of Connemara, he is delighted with the result of his film ‘Silence’ being produced by IFTA winner Eamonn O Cualáin. Speaking about the win, Tristan said,

“I am really thrilled to win. I’ve had this idea for this film for a few years and it’s a great feeling to know it will be made this year. Dingle Film Festival is one of my favourites. They have always supported my work down through the years and I’m so grateful to get the opportunity to make this film with them.”

“The film will be called ‘Silence’ and it is about a couple going to visit their daughter in hospital after a suicide attempt. It shows a couple struggling to communicate their feelings to their daughter or talk about what has happened.”

“The idea came from a real meeting I witnessed between a family in a treatment centre while I was visiting a friend a few years ago.”

While Tristan embarks on a new voyage with ‘Silence’ he is currently overjoyed with his film ‘A Break in the Clouds’ being premiered on RTE2 this evening 2nd April at 11.45p.m.

Wrap up warm tonight, get the popcorn ready and finish off those easter eggs in style while watching ‘A Break in the Clouds.’

Chicago Mayor to receive Honorary Degree tomorrow at NUI Galway

By

-

April 2, 2018

Galway Daily news nui galway schools Public involvement in healthcare research seminar

An Honorary Degree will be conferred on the Mayor of Chicago tomorrow at a ceremony in NUI Galway.

Rahm Emanuel is a former White House Chief of Staff and the 55th Mayor of Chicago.

Speaking last week, NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “The cities of Galway and Chicago are twinned as Sister Cities for over twenty-one years.

“Since then a strong and dynamic relationship has developed bringing social, cultural, educational and economic benefits and reflecting the many personal and professional links between our two great cities.

“In honouring Mayor Emanuel, we as a University signal what we value. We recognise not only these ties which bind Galway and Chicago in our role as Galway’s University. We also signal the importance of public service, of acting locally with global impact, and of democracy, sanctuary and freedom – in the world and for the world.”

Rahm Emanuel has led the passage of budgets containing reforms and investments to solidify Chicago’s financial future.

Song of Granite á thaispeánt ar TG4 anocht

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

-

April 2, 2018

Le tuar na h-aimsire á léiriú go mbeidh ceathanna báistí trom anocht, cad é an slí is fearr chun an oíche a chaitheamh? Amuigh sa chathair agus an báisteach á stealladh síos oraibh nó a bheith suite síos go cliathánach ar an tolg leis an tine lasta agus na h-uibheacha cáisc a n-ithe agaibh agus sibh ag fanacht do léiriúchán Song of Granite.

Beidh Song of Granite á thaispeánt ar TG4 anocht, Luan Cásca ag a 9.30i.n. agus is é anocht an chéad uair riamh don scannán a bheith á thaispeánt ar an teilifís.

Chuireann an scannán ‘Song of Granite’ saol an amhránaí sean-nós mó le rá Joe Éinniú i láthair. B’é Joe Éinniú duine dos na amhránaí Gaelach traidisiúnta (sean nós) ab fhearr a rugadh i gConamara i 1919.

B’é Pat Collins atá ina stiúirthóir do Song of Granite. Tá sé i mbun scannánóireachta ó 1998 agus tá sé taréis níos mó ná 30 scannán a stiúiradh – príomhscannáin, cláir fáisnéise agus oibriúchán trialach gearr san áireamh. Tá cláir fáisnéise déanta aige cheana féin ar na scríobhneoirí Michael Hartnett, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill agus John McGahern agus dhein sé clár fáisnéise faoi scannánóir Iaránach Abbas Kiarostami a có-stiúirú.

Oíche mór atá ann anocht agus an scannán á thaispeánt ar an teilifís don chéad uair. Bígí ag faire ar TG4 ó 9.30i.n chun Song of Granite a fheiscint.

Galway East TD says ‘Please vote No on May 25th’

By

-

April 2, 2018

East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon has urged people to vote ‘No’ in the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment on 25 May.

In a series of tweets over the weekend, the Fine Gael TD cited text from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and retweeted a tweet from John McGuirk which stated: “In Britain, one in every five pregnancies end in abortion.”

This statistic has been challenged as it fails to take miscarriages into consideration.

The Minister for the Diaspora & International Development also urged people to ‘be kind to one another’ during the referendum campaign, which many believe will be the most divisive in the history of the state.

“The child, by reason of his physical and mental immaturity, needs special safeguards and care, including appropriate legal protection, before as well as after birth”

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Ireland in 1992#savethe8th
Pls vote No on May 25th pic.twitter.com/mt76NDYYpL

— Ciaran Cannon 🇮🇪 (@ciarancannon) April 2, 2018

Over the next few weeks it’s important that we all acknowledge the good intentions of those advocating for both #savethe8th and #repealthe8th. Everyone approaches this fundamental question from the perspective of trying to do the right thing. Be kind to one another.

— Ciaran Cannon 🇮🇪 (@ciarancannon) April 1, 2018

Joyce’s Supermarkets Galway to begin Autism Friendly Evenings

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

-

April 2, 2018

Joyce’s Supermarkets Galway are to begin Autism Friendly Evenings in two of their stores beginning this Tuesday, 3rd of April.

Today marks the 11th annual World Autism Awareness Day, a day where we try to understand the challenges not only faced by those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder but also what their parents, family and care-givers encounter.

Joyce’s Supermarkets Galway have today announced that they will be holding Autism Friendly shopping hours in their Headford and Athenry stores.

The friendly shopping hours will be held every Tuesday evening, between 7pm-9pm the first of which begins tomorrow the 3rd April.

Joyce’s is an independent family run business which began in 1951 in Headford and from the outset they have endeavoured to provide a friendly and personal service to the local communities and surrounding areas.

To facilitate the Autism Friendly Evening there will be a few slight changes in-store in Headford and Athenry in order to make it easier for those with Autism.

Lighting will be reduced.
Noise levels will also be reduced, with the radio turned off, in-store announcements will not happen and till sounds will be lowered.
Extra assistance will also be available to customers upon request.

Joyce’s Supermarkets are hopeful that the sensory adjustments will make the shopping routine easier for someone with autism and they welcome all suggestions and feedback in relation to these new changes. To provide information/feedback you can message the stores.

You can follow Joyce’s Supermarkets on Facebook to get all the information on the newest in-store promotions as well as any updates or changes that are happening throughout the stores.

We wish both the Athenry and Headford Stores the very best of luck with this new chapter in their stores.

Weather forecast for this week

By

-

April 1, 2018

Galway daily news galway Weather warning for heavy rain in effect

After a horrible winter, we’re all hoping for some well-deserved and long-overdue good weather as we enter the fourth month of the year.

But unfortunately, the weather hasn’t quite caught up with the date yet, with showers forecast for every day this week. But the showers may clear up each evening, bringing some spells of sunshine too.

Rain will gradually become widespread tonight and it could fall as sleet and snow at times on higher ground. Lowest temperatures will be just 0 to 2 degrees in a fresh to strong easterly wind.

Tomorrow will be breezy with the rain continuing into the afternoon. The rain will gradually give way to some heavy showers. The strong easterly winds will gradually ease and become southerly later. Highest temperatures of 10 degrees.

The rain on Tuesday will give way to brighter spells in the late afternoon. Temperatures will reach 11 degrees in the afternoon.

Wednesday will be similar, with showers during the day clearing by evening, with some sunny spells expected. Highs of 8 degrees.

Early indications are that we will experience milder temperatures on Thursday and Friday but showers will be widespread throughout both days. Highest temperatures could reach 13 degrees.

Tributes paid to last surviving son of an executed Easter Rising leader

By

-

April 1, 2018