Ballinasloe Orb lights up for 301st Ballinasloe Horse Fair

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September 30, 2023

galway daily wellbeing and socioeconomic status

The Galway Mind Body Experience will return to Leisureland Event Centre in Salthill on Sunday, 8 October.

This free admission event includes over 70 exhibitors and 29 complimentary talks, workshops, yoga and meditation classes.

It promises to be a day to inspire, educate and entertain, with doors open from 10am to 7pm, and no tickets are required.

The event comprises four different elements all in one venue, the Mind Body Soul Expo, the Yoga and Meditation Festival, Live Well – Talks & Workshops, and the Galway Psychic Fair.

The Mind Body Soul Expo brings together a range of exhibitors, practitioners, and speakers from the world of holistic health and wellbeing from across Ireland and beyond. It will provide over 20 holistic therapists offering mini treatments, advice, and information.

The Yoga and Meditation Festival is a day of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. Offering complimentary yoga and meditation classes open to all.

Live Well – Talks & Workshops, will see a diverse set of presenters offer unique workshops, while the Galway Psychic & Holistic Fair, with its own private and dedicated area, is a must for all those interested and curious to explore the world of Psychic Readings, Mediumship, Palmistry, Crystal Ball, Angel, and Tarot cards.

For more info, click here.

Portumna native appointed as volunteer coordinator at Roscommon Hospital

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September 30, 2023

galway daily news michelle brehon roscommon hospital

Roscommon University Hospital has announced the appointment of Michelle Brehon to the role of Volunteer Coordinator.

Originally from Portumna and living in Roscommon, Michelle worked as a Neuro Physiologist for 13 years at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin.

She has worked as a Cardiology Physiologist at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore for six years, where she gained valuable experience working with patients and their families as part of a Multidisciplinary team.

The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, inducting, training, supporting and coordinating volunteers for Roscommon University Hospital and the Palliative Care Support Unit, to further enhance services for patients and their families and support staff.

A recruitment campaign is currently under way to recruit Meet, Greet and Guide Volunteers, Patient Companionship Volunteers, Gardeners and Complementary Therapists such as Massage Therapists, Reflexologists as well as Hairdressers and Nail Technicians.

Michelle said she is delighted with the appointment, to be the connection between the volunteer and the patient.

“Volunteers contribute so much to an organisation by giving dedicated attention to a specific group of patients or project,” she said.

“Their presence can create a more compassionate and holistic healthcare environment ultimately benefiting the patient.”

“Involving people from the community is a great way of building a connection within the local community for Volunteers and demonstrates the hospitals commitment to it.

“Volunteering can also offer numerous personal benefits, including a sense of purpose, networking opportunities along with improved mental and physical health. Individuals who volunteer find it a very rewarding and enriching experience with a lot of personal satisfaction to be gained from it. This positively impacts the Volunteers and the communities they serve.”

Claire Conlon, Interim Hospital Manager said that this is the first appointment of a Volunteer Coordinator for Roscommon University Hospital, and they are delighted to welcome Michelle to the role.

“The benefit of having Volunteers in a hospital is twofold with benefits for both the patient and the Volunteer. Volunteers play a vital role in enhancing the overall patient experience and supporting healthcare staff.

“When patients receive personalised support and attention from Volunteers, it can enhance their overall satisfaction with their hospital experience.”

Food and drink companies invited to apply for Food Works

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September 30, 2023

galway daily news food works 2023 — Stuart McNamara, Wexbury Spirits; Aisling Tuck, Naked Bakes; Rachel Byrne, Zingibeer; Giselle Makinde, Cream of the Crop; Kwanghi Chan, EAST by Kwanghi; and Dee Schroeder, Good Brew are currently taking part in Food Works. Photo: Fennell Photography 2023

Food and drink companies from Galway are being encouraged to apply for Food Works 2024, an accelerator programme for high-potential food, drink, ingredients, food science and technology companies.

Combining the resources of Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, Food Works has been a driver of innovation in the food sector over the last decade.

The ten-month programme also provides access to grant funding, buyers, mentors and investors.

Successful applicants on the 2023 programme included Zingibeer, GoodBrew, EAST by Kwanghi Chan, Slice of Life, Cream of the Crop, Wexbury Spirits and Naked Bakes.

Speaking about the benefits of the programme, Rachel Byrne from Zingibeer said that Food Works makes you zoom out on the business and think big.

“We’re building a strategy as part of our business plan and you have to ask yourself questions about the direction you want to go in that without the programme you may have put on the long finger,” she said.

“To think at the end of the process we’ll have a really robust pitch and business plan is really exciting and will be a huge asset to the business.”

Food Works was established in 2012 and since then has welcomed over 100 companies through the programme, including hugely successful food and drink brands such as Wicklow Wolf; Nobó, Lismore Food Company, Grá Chocolates and Thanks Plants, to name just a few.

Since the programme began, Enterprise Ireland has invested over €5.64 million in Food Works companies including 20 High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) and 18 PSSF/CSF investments.

Food Works 2024

Food Works runs annually from February to November. Participating start-ups take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, manufacturing and marketing.

Successful applicants are supported to get investor-ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focussed on scaling internationally.

They also receive customised support from business advisors, facilitated peer-to-peer learning and may have the opportunity to receive feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000.

The closing date for applications for the 2024 programme is 1 December 2023. Full details and an application form are available at FoodWorksIreland.ie

Homelessness increases in Galway again in latest report

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September 29, 2023

Galway Daily news Homelessness increases

Homelessness has worsened again in Galway once again in the latest monthly report from the Department of Housing.

There were 279 homeless adults in Galway City and County in August, seven more than were recorded the previous month.

Across the region of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon there were 104 families living in emergency accommodation, three more than in July.

Those families 179 child dependents, down from 212 the previous month, and 54 of them were single parent families.

The 371 homeless adults across the three counties of western region is an increase on 355 in July.

Of those, 294 were Irish citizens, another 46 were from the UK or European Economic Area countries, and 31 were from countries outside the EEA.

People aged from 25 – 44 years old accounted for just over half of all homeless adults in the west. 207 of them were men, while 164 are women.

Galway public urged to watch for suspicious packages or activity on the coast

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September 29, 2023

Galway public urged to watch for suspicious packages or activity at sea

Gardaí have today relaunched Coastal Watch maritime initiative in Galway to target the transport of illegal drugs by sea.

The initiative was relaunched in Clifden today by An Garda Síochána and Revenue Customs Service.

The Coast Watch spans some 500km of coastline and the Irish waters around them. It is primarily aimed preventing illegal drugs being imported by sea.

The initiative also highlights the importance of vigilance among from coastal communities, and those active on the sea.

Coastal Watch was first established over three decades ago with the objective of preventing the Ireland’s West coast being used for the importation of illegal drugs.

Regular patrol of the coastline forms an overarching element of the operational plan, as does raising awareness among coastal communities and landowners, as well as those that are at sea for commercial and leisure purposes.

Galway Chief Superintendent Gerry Roche said, “Gardaí across the Galway Division, together with our partners in Revenue and the Irish Naval Service are refocusing the Coastal Watch initiative with the aim of preventing Galway’s coastal area, which spans some 500km, from being used to import illegal drugs into Ireland.”

“Renewing Coastal Watch demonstrates An Garda Síochána’s ongoing commitment to fulfilling the objectives of our Drug Detection Strategy and tackling the sale and supply of illegal drugs at local, national and international levels.”

“Recent seizures of large quantities of cocaine along Irish coastline demonstrate that this initiative is more important than ever.”

“The public’s assistance in alerting Gardaí to any suspicious activity along the coastline helps us to combat this illegal activity.”

Coastal Watch aims to highlight suspicious or unusual activity such as:

Packages floating in the sea, on beach or hidden close to the shoreline
Crew making landings in remote areas
Unusual objects at sea or ashore such as buoys or signalling devices
Possible unauthorised landings by foreign vessels
Merchant shipping at anchor close to land or islands
Ships away from their normal shipping lanes
Ships signalling ashore or being met by small craft
Vessels operating at night without lights.

Wine and Dine at Galway Bay Golf Resort

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September 29, 2023

Wine and Dine at Galway Bay Golf Resort — Photo Martina Regan

Enjoy fine cuisine, incredible wine, and gorgeous views on your visit to Galway Bay Golf Resort for the ‘Wine and Dine’ event.

It’s all happening on Thursday, October 12, from 6:30 pm, and you’re invited to grab tickets for what promises to be a truly memorable evening you’re sure to love.

Galway Bay Golf Resort is the only headland course on the West of Ireland, and its incredible views offer a unique setting.

Galway Bay Golf Resort’s ‘Wine and Dine’ evening will start with a terrific arrival drinks reception with a selection of wines chosen by premium goods provider, Findlater.

You’ll be able to mix and mingle with everybody as you savour the fantastic vintages – and it’s a great chance to check out the recently refurbished clubhouse, 2 Iron Bar & Restaurant, and Bay View Suite, each of which were expertly modernized and updated earlier in the year.

Following the drinks reception, you’ll be treated to a delectable three-course dinner. Each chef-crafted dish will showcase the best and freshest local produce, while also giving you a taste for what’s regularly on offer at Galway Bay Golf Resort.

The Galway Bay Golf Resort menu features amazing ingredients from the West of Ireland, allowing the culinary staff to create hearty starters, incredible seafood courses, gourmet burgers, and lots more.

Tickets for Galway Bay Golf Resort’s ‘Wine and Dine’ event on October 12 can be purchased through Eventbrite, and they are priced at €50 each.

If you’d like to find out more about Galway Bay Golf Resort, including the fantastic menu options they typically offer, please visit their website – galwaybaygolfresort.ie.

Sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Six changes to Connacht lineup for final pre-season game against Edinburgh

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September 29, 2023

Galway Daily sport Connacht squad named for Edinburgh trip — photo credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Six changes have been made to the Connacht matchday squad that will face off against Edinburgh this evening.

Connacht and Edinburgh will play at Hive Stadium on Friday evening, with kick-off at 7:30pm.

Darragh Murray, Paul Boyle, Colm Reilly, JJ Hanrahan, Cathal Forde and Shayne Bolton are all coming onto the starting XV for the game.

Conor Oliver will captain the Connacht side this evening. Tickets are still available through Edinburgh Rugby.

This is Connacht’s last pre-season game before the 2023/24 BTK United Rugby Championship starts next month.

Connacht will be starting their season at home on the Sportsground on October 21 when they take on the Ospreys.

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY SQUAD VS EDINBURGH RUGBY
Friday 29th September, 19:30 @ Hive Stadium

15. John Porch
14. Shayne Bolton
13. Tom Farrell
12. Cathal Forde
11. Andrew Smith
10. JJ Hanrahan
9. Colm Reilly
1. Denis Buckley
2. Dave Heffernan
3. Jack Aungier
4. Darragh Murray
5. Joe Joyce
6. Shamus Hurley-Langton
7. Conor Oliver (C)
8. Paul Boyle

Replacements from: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Jordan Duggan, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Oisín Dowling, Niall Murray, Michael McDonald, David Hawkshaw, Sean O’Brien, Byron Ralston, Liam McNamara.

Advisory Board appointed for Tuam Mother and Bany Home excavation

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September 29, 2023

Galway Daily news Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme

The government has announced the appointment of an Advisory Board for the planned excavation of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

The Advisory Board will support the Tuam Director in the complex work of excavating the mass grave at the former Mother and Baby Home.

The Director of the project, Mr Daniel MacSweeney, was appointed by Minister Roderic O’ Gorman back in May.

He will consult with the Advisory Board at regular intervals, including at key decision points in the intervention.

In line with the provisions of the Institutional Burials Act 2022 the Tuam Advisory Board consists of: a chairperson who is a former coroner or someone with coronial expertise; two members with scientific expertise; a representative of Galway County Council; a former resident of the Tuam institution; and a family member of a person believed to be buried at the Tuam site.

Speaking today Minister O’Gorman said, “I am pleased to make these appointments to the Advisory Board. The strong pool of experience and expertise will be an invaluable resource to the Director during what will no doubt be a highly complex intervention process.

“In addition to being supported by this Advisory Board, the Tuam Director is committed to ongoing engagement with all those affected by the site.”

The persons appointed to the positions are:

Chairperson: Dr Brian Farrell, Dublin District Coroner emeritus and past President of the Coroner’s Society of Ireland
Scientific Expert: Dr Barra O’Donnabhain, Department of Archaeology, University College Cork
Scientific Expert: Dr Denise Keating, Freelance Consultant Osteoarchaeologist
County Council representative: Alan Farrell, Director of Services (Corporate Services)
former resident: Peter Mulryan
family member: Annette McKay

Luxury travel agents discover Galway with lunch in fisherman’s cottage

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September 29, 2023

galway daily news travel agents from the US visiting glenlo abbey in galway — Virtuoso travel advisors from the United States, with Hillarie McGuinness, Tourism Ireland (front); and Steve Fenton, MHL Hotel Collection (left), at Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway. Pic – Tourism Ireland

Ten US travel professionals are exploring Galway and other parts of Ireland this week as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

The group flew from the United States to Shannon Airport and enjoyed dinner and an overnight stay at Glenlo Abbey Hotel, before visiting Inis Oírr where they had lunch in a private fisherman’s cottage.

The travel advisors are all specialists in luxury travel and are members of Virtuoso, a high-profile travel agent network, designing unique travel itineraries for their American clients.

The aim of the visit is to familiarise the travel advisors with the island of Ireland and the superb luxury tourism offering here.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to work with Virtuoso, to invite this group of specialist luxury travel agents to visit Galway and Ireland, to experience at first-hand some of our luxury tourism offering, including our boutique hotels and high-end resorts.”

“Seeing is believing – and our aim is that when they return home, they will be even more enthusiastic about the destination, helping to secure a greater share of their business for the island of Ireland in 2024 and beyond,” she said.

Removal of Shannon Oaks Hotel from Derelict Sites Register is “outrageous”

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September 29, 2023

galway daily news shannon oaks — Louis O'Hara at the derelict site

Galway East Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara has described the removal of the former Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna from the Derelict Sites Register as ‘outrageous’.

O’Hara said that the site remains in a ‘dilapidated and derelict condition’ and believes that it calls into question the effectiveness of the register and Galway County Council’s application of it.

The Shannon Oaks was added to the register less than one year ago, meaning that the owners faced financial penalties through the derelict sites levy.

This is 7% of the market value of the property for each year a property remains on the register.

“While minor remedial work may have been carried out on site, it still remains in a dilapidated and derelict condition and is a complete eyesore in the heart of Portumna town,” said O’Hara.

“Planning permission was granted for redevelopment of the hotel over three years ago but it has been left idle and falling into ruin ever since, with no sign of redevelopment works beginning any time soon.”

The Shannon Oaks was the only hotel in Portumna, and O’Hara said that redeveloping it would be of huge benefit to the town and surrounding areas in terms of tourism and employment.

“Removing this site from the Derelict Sites Register removes any incentive for the owners of the hotel to redevelop it,” he siad.

“It raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the register and Galway County Council’s application of it, especially given that only four sites were on the register for the county as of 31 December 2022. Sites must be identified and the register enforced properly if we are to tackle dereliction across County Galway.”

Mayoral reception for Galway Minor Ladies Football team

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September 29, 2023

galway daily news galway ladies football team at a mayoral reception in galway city — Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare, with Members of the Galway Minor Ladies Football Team – All Ireland Champions 2023 - at a Mayoral Reception.

A mayoral reception was held in City Hall this week for players, coaches, friends and family of the Galway Minor Ladies Football team.

The team were honoured by Galway City Council for their win in the A division LGFA All-Ireland Ladies Football Final last month – making them All Ireland Champions.

Cllr Eddie Hoare, Mayor of the City of Galway, said it was his pleasure to host the mayoral reception to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of LGFA All-Ireland Minor Ladies football champions.

The Mayor said that Galway’s first A title at minor level since 2018 was a ‘tremendous achievement in the face of stiff competition’ throughout the championship.

“I personally know the thrill and rush of adrenaline of running onto the pitch, surrounded by your teammates, wearing your jersey with pride, and gaining so much from an involvement in sport and in the GAA in particular,” he said.

“For the players, it is a real act of commitment to pull together and deliver a result as a group of individuals working as one solid unit, so I commend you also in your achievement, which is reflected in your well-deserved title as All Ireland Champions.”

The Mayor recognised the essential work of the management team Daniel Moynihan and Nioclas Mac Donnacha, and the coaches Enda Holmes, Katrina Connolly and Neil Moynihan.

The support of the team physio Marion Reynolds and FLO Martina Coen was also acknowledged. The Mayor closed the event by wishing the players the best for the future and their careers in sport.

Man (30s) to appear in court today following Ballina stand-off

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September 29, 2023

Galway Daily news missing teenager found safe

A man in his 30s will appear in court this afternoon after being charged in relation to an incident in Co. Mayo on Wednesday.

Gardaí were called to a business on Wednesday in Ballina where a man had barricaded himself inside.

It is understood that the stand-off, which lasted a few hours, involved the man brandishing a knife.

The man is due to appear before a special sitting of Castlebar District Court today at 1.30pm.

Garda investigations are ongoing.

35 patients in Galway hospitals unable to be discharged due to lack of alternate care

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September 28, 2023

There are 35 patients in Galway’s public hospitals hospitals who a fit for medical discharge, but unable to be sent home due to a lack of alternative care available.

At University Hospital Galway, as of September 12, there were 26 adult and 2 child patients who are medically fit for discharge.

However they remain in hospital, many for months of years, because of a lack of alternative placements for them.

The two child patients ay University Hospital had been in hospital for 81 days and 37 days respectively.

Of the adult patients, three had been in hospital for more than a year. One for 431 days, another for 537 days, and a third for 1,151 days.

At Portiuncula Hospital there were a further seven adult patients who are medically discharged, but remain accommodated on general medical wards due to lack of alternative care.

This information was provided to the latest Regional Health Forum meeting in response to a question from Galway City Councillor John Connolly.

Ann Cosgrove, COO of the Saolta Hospital Group, said that discharging patients can be dependent on, “long term care facility placements to become available or additional home
help supports to be put in place” before they can leave the hospital.

University of Galway teams up with Libraries to promote STEM

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September 28, 2023

University of Galway teams up with Libraries to promote STEM

The University of Galway is partnering with libraries across Ireland to encourage young people to get interested in STEM subjects.

The ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme from University of Galway has distributed audiovisual equipment to six libraries in Galway, Mayo, and Cork to help young people in schools and youth groups take part in the innovative science video competition.

Now in its 11th year, ReelLIFE SCIENCE challenges young science enthusiasts and filmmakers across the island of Ireland, north and south, to produce fun short science videos to educate and entertain the public.

With a prize fund of more than €5000, the best videos from primary schools, secondary schools and youth organisations will each win €1000 and will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival at University of Galway on November 12, 2023.

Videos can be up to three minutes in length and can communicate any aspect of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), including topics like: Climate Action, How Things Work, Emerging Technology and Marvels of Medicine.

Filming for ReelLIFE SCIENCE can be done smartphones, tablets or cameras. The closing date for entries to this year’s competition is Friday, October 13.

Speaking about the collaboration, ReelLIFE SCIENCE Founding Director Dr Enda O’Connell, said: “We are very excited to launch this pilot project with these six libraries, to enable more young people to engage with science and technology in a creative way.”

“Having a scientifically engaged public from all regions and backgrounds has never been more important, and through the support of Science Foundation Ireland, we plan on expanding this initiative to more libraries around the country in the coming years.”

Through the Digital Libraries partnership with Foróige, the audiovisual kits were presented to libraries in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Castlebar and Ballina in Co Mayo, Castletownbere and Youghal in Co Cork, and Westside Library in Galway City.

The kits can be borrowed by young people to help them with their productions.

Since launching in 2013, more than 23,000 young people in 700 schools and youth organisations in Ireland have taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme, producing over 2,500 short science videos.

More information about taking part can be found at www.reellifescience.com.

Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

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September 28, 2023

Galway Daily news Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

The government has today announced the appointment of five new members of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, two of whom are from Galway.

Máire Áine Uí Ailín is a Placement Officer in the University of Galway.She is responsible for the administration of the Work Placement Register for students who are undertaking a BA with Irish and students who are studying Law with Irish.

Originally from Ceantar na nOileán, one of the islands in southwestern Connemara, Máire now lives in An Ceathrú Rua.

The other board member from Galway appointed this week is Sonya Uí Shíoda, who lives in Maigh Cuilinn.

She is the former Head of Corporate Services and former Planning, Policy and EU Affairs Manager for Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan confirmed that they have appointed five new ordinary members to Údarás na Gaeltachta until the end of 2024.

The other three board members appointed by the Minister are Caitlín Ní Bhroin (Donegal), Micheál Ó Drisleáin (Waterford), and Seán Ó Cuirreáin (Donegal).

The Minister also announced the extension of the term of Mary Uí Chadhain as Chair of the board until the end of this year, at which point she will leave her position as Chairperson but will continue to act as an ordinary member until the end of 2024.

The Department has been informed by board member, Debra Ní Shúilleabháin, that she will be resigning from the board with immediate effect.

As a result, there will be one vacancy on the board in the period up to the end of the year when the new Chairperson of the organisation will be announced.

Minister Martin said, “We are pleased to announce these appointments and I am sure the new members of Údaras na Gaeltachta will undertake their work with energy and commitment.”

“An tÚdarás is an organisation that plays a central role in the life of the Gaeltacht community and the new members who we have announced today will contribute to that into the future.”

Minister of State O’Donovan added, “There are, and always will be, a variety of challenges old and new facing Údarás na Gaeltachta, but the competence, experience and wide range of skills possessed by these new members will greatly benefit the organisation.”

Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, Údarás na Gaeltachta has a board of twelve members. The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media appoints seven of the members, including the Chairperson.

As for the other five, the local authorities which have Gaeltacht areas in their jurisdictions nominate those members to the Minister for appointment.

Five new board members of Údarás na Gaeltachta were appointed by local authorities earlier this year, with Cllr Padraig Mac an Iomaire nominated by Galway County Council.

Galway City Hub provides community care for cardiac patients

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September 28, 2023

IMG_20230828_103531 — Dr Susan Connolly with her team and patient Noel Ridge at the Galway City Hub.

Almost 300 patients have passed through a new hub for providing cardiac care in the community established in Galway City this year.

The Enhanced Community Care pathway for Cardiology has been up and running since March 2023, cutting back on hospital waiting lists.

Operating under the Saolta University Health Care Group and Community Healthcare West, it provides integrated care for patients in the west of Ireland.

Work carried out by the Galway City Hub has resulted in 300 patients being removed from the Galway University Hospitals waiting lists.

This has been through a variety of initiatives such as list validation, a chest pain initiative, setting up of appointments at the hub instead of the hospital and the redirection of GUH hospital heart failure wait list to the hub.

“The ECC programme has been absolutely transformational for the care of patients with chronic cardiovascular disease,” said Dr Susan Connolly, Cardiologist with UHG.

“We have seen 298 new patients in the hub and had 1,300 clinical contacts since we started,” Dr Connolly added.

Through the work of the enhanced community care programme patients are being treated for their chronic heart disease closer to home. This is proving life changing for those now availing of the community based service.

Services at the Galway City hub are provided in an integrated fashion between GPs, practice nurses, community specialist teams and hospital specialist teams.

Noel Ridge, a patient at the Integrated Care Hub shared his experience of how its services have positively impacted his life and health.

“I’ve had three heart attacks and been in the hospital nine times in the last 18 months. But I’ve come through it.”

“The support I receive at the hub provides great comfort because I’m not waiting for hospital appointments that are months or a year apart. If I don’t feel well, I can call the hub right away and explain what’s happening.”

“Overall, visiting the hub is much more convenient as it is closer to home and appointments are scheduled at specific times, which reduces a lot of stress.”

Dr Connolly added: “One of the main benefits we hear from patients is that they now feel they have a safety net. With the Chronic Disease Management service we meet these patients in hospital and establish the link with the community service.”

“Two in five patients in Ireland present with more than one chronic conditions, which traditionally saw each patient attending a wide range of different hospital services. This care is now streamlined in the hub for patients with multiple conditions.”

Casla Bay Coastguard in new series on heroes of the coasts and mountains

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September 28, 2023

Ireland’s mountains, seas and coastline provide an irresistible draw for holiday makers, hikers and those seeking adventure. But things can go wrong in the blink of an eye.

In Tarrthálaithe na hÉireann, a new series for TG4, we follow the brave men and women of the Irish coast guard, mountain rescue teams and community rescue boats across Ireland.

The everyday heroes who drop everything to come to the aid of people in need across Ireland at sea, on the ground and in the air.

We follow the teams as they put themselves through rigorous training, join them at community events & fundraisers and hold our breath as they perform daring rescues around the country.

In the first episode we revisit the remarkable story of Sara Feeney and Eimear Glynn’s rescue off the coast of Galway in 2021, with members of the rescue team tasked with finding them.

In Kerry, we meet the team at Valentia Coastguard, the oldest station in the country. We also meet the Banna Coastguard team who are keeping the waters of this beach safe, and follow some willing volunteers as they fundraise much needed funds for this service at the Ring of Kerry Cycle.

Since Covid our mostly voluntary rescue teams are now busy all year round. Their training, equipment and rate of call outs is of a very professional standard.

They are hugely committed people, rooted in their communities, ready to search and rescue at a minutes’ notice.

Over the Summer and early Autumn of 2022, teams from Big Mountain Productions followed the men and women of the Irish Coast Guard, our mountain rescue teams and community rescue boats across Ireland.

Having access to the coast guard co-ordination centre in Valentia we follow one of the four full time Coast Guard rescue helicopters based around the country – R118 stationed in Strandhill, Sligo.

At the heart of the series is the extraordinary commitment and work of volunteers the length and breath of Ireland.

These men & women make up the unpaid coast guard units along our coast from Malin to Greenore, the mountain rescue teams to the community inshore lifeboats.

We witness the training, fund raising and local characters who make up the voluntary Coast Guard units from Mulroy & An Bun Beag in Donegal, Ros an Mhíl in Conamara to Wexford’s Cahore point.

Viewers will be given an insight into the skills and training needed to become a member of the Mountain Rescue teams.

Among the teams featured are Sligo/Leitrim, Kerry, Dublin/Wicklow and the Southeast Mountain Rescue team based in Clonmel.

Meet volunteers from the specialist dog rescue unit SARDA who demonstrate the invaluable work they and the rescue dogs carry out while searching for missing people.

The commitment and dedication of voluntary inshore rescue teams often founded after tragedy is poignant and inspiring in equal measure. Two of these teams, Banna Beach Kerry and Bantry Bay, West Cork are featured.

Tarrthálaithe na hÉireann will air on Thursdays at 8pm on TG4 starting from October 5, with episodes available on TG4 player.

Electronic waste collection events across Galway in October

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September 28, 2023

Galway County Council and WEEE Ireland are holding a series of electronic waste collection events across the county next month.

The rolling series of mobile collections will run from October 3 through to October 26 in towns and villages across Galway.

County householders can dispose of any household electrical, electronic or battery equipment and batteries in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

The mobile collections will be help on the following dates and locations:

Tuesday, October 3: 10am – 1pm Carna , Bring Banks Site beside Church
Tuesday, October 3: 4pm – 7pm Leitir Móir, Car Park opposite Church
Thursday, October 5: 10am – 1pm Indreabhán, Mícheál Breathnach GAA Club
Thursday, October 5: 4pm – 7pm An Spidéal,  An Spidéal GAA Club Pitch
Tuesday, October 10: 10am – 1pm Maigh Cuilinn,  Handball Alley at GAA Pitch
Tuesday, October 10: 4pm – 7pm Headford,  Headford GAA Pitch
Thursday, October 12: 10am – 1pm Claregalway, Community Centre
Thursday, October 12: 4pm – 7pm Glenamaddy, SuperValu Car Park
Tuesday, October 17: 10am – 1pm Williamstown,  Williamstown GAA Pitch
Tuesday, October 17: 4pm – 7pm Tuam,  Co-Operative Mart.
Thursday, October 19: 10am – 1pm Abbeyknockmoy,  O’Donohoe’s Car Park
Thursday, October 19: 4pm – 7pm Monivea,  Monivea Abbey GAA Club
Tuesday, October 24: 10am – 1pm Kinvara,  St. Colman’s Church Car Park
Tuesday, October 24: 4pm – 7pm Woodford, Tommy Larkin’s GAA Club
Thursday, October 26: 10am – 1pm Clarinbridge,  Car Park at Paddy Burkes
Thursday, October 26: 4pm – 7pm Athenry,  Co-Operative Mart

Water outages in Galway City and Moylough today

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September 28, 2023