The second night of the Galway International Arts Festival Street Spectacle is taking to the streets of the city this evening.

The public event is on in Galway City at 6:00pm and 9:30pm on Saturday.

The route will travel from Eyre Square down William Street, Shop Street, Mainguard Street and Bridge Street to Dominick Street Lower and Raven Terrace.

An Garda Síochána encourages spectators to arrive early and if an area is crowded, to find an alternative viewing spot along the route.

Some traffic disruption and parking restrictions are expected around Eyre Square, Eglinton Street, Bridge Street, Dominick Street Lower and neighbouring streets on both evenings.

Please use public transport, walk, or cycle, if possible. For those travelling by car, please park responsibly.

Missing teenager Angel Ndlovu has been found safe and well this week Gardaí have confirmed.

An Garda Síochána made a public appeal for information on Angel’s whereabouts earlier this week.

The 15-year-old girl had been reported missing from her home in Ballybane since Thursday, July 10 last week.

It has been confirmed this weekend that she has now been found safe.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Just days after a fantastic EuroMillions win, Galway is once again in the spotlight as a Lotto Plus 2 player has scooped a life-enhancing €250,000 prize in last night’s draw.

The Lotto player purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on Sunday, 13th July, from Circle K Newcastle in Galway City.

The winning numbers in last night’s Lotto Plus 2 (16th July) draw were: 3, 11, 12, 19, 26, 37 and the Bonus was 46.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €11,351,777, in total, over 83,000 players won prizes in the Lotto & Lotto Plus draws, including the Lotto Plus 2 winner.

Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery said, “Galway strikes again! For the second time this week, a player has scooped a fantastic prize, taking home a life-enhancing windfall of €250,000.”

“We’re now urging all of our players to check their tickets carefully – you could be holding a winning ticket!”

The winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and to keep it safe.

They should make contact with our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie, and arrangements will be made for them to collect their life-changing prize in Lottery HQ.

A short term swimming ban has been put in place for Ballyloughane Beach by Galway City Council due to elevated bacteria levels detected.

Elevated levels of Intestinal Enterococci were detected in water samples taken from Ballyloughane Beach on Monday, July 14.

As a result of this, a swimming ban has been issued by the city council, which is currently expected to last for 2 – 4 days.

Further samples were taken on Wednesday, July 16, the results of which will be delivered on Friday.

The contamination is suspected to be from urban runoff, which Ballyloughane Beach is known to be susceptible to.

The community of Banagher has reached a major fundraising milestone, raising over €195,000 towards the creation of a state-of-the-art outdoor swimming facility at Shannon Bank Park, Esker, Banagher.

Launched by the Shannon Bank Park Development Group at the Crank House on February 2 this year, the campaign has exceeded expectations in a town of just 1,907 residents.

The money raised will support an €850,000 project, including the new pool and significant site development works, which also benefits from €616,000 in funding through the Fáilte Ireland EU Just Transition Fund.

The new Banagher Outdoor Swimming Pool will include wheelchair access, improved seating, wider pontoons, and a dedicated kayak and paddleboard launch, all situated in the River Shannon at Shannon Bank Park.

Construction by Inland and Coastal Marina Systems is already underway, with pool sections currently being fabricated off-site in preparation for installation.

The fundraising efforts have been wide-ranging and imaginative: from the River Shannon Challenge (a 3.5km swim held on June 28) and the Carrauntoohil Challenge (May 10), to nine-year-old Conor Horn’s ‘May the Fourth Mountain March’, a pony trek, the ‘Last Ever ‘80s Nostalgia Night’ at Melba’s nightclub in Birr, a monster auction at Corrigan’s Corner House, a tractor run, and several school-led events.

Significant supporters also include the local ‘Beat on the Street’ Festival and the ‘Runners V Riders’ fundraising group. Sponsored nameplates, an online iDonate page and a tap-to-donate machine in the park also played their part.

“When the Just Transition funding came in, it made the project a possibility — but for us, the work only really started then,” said Johnny Butler of the Shannon Bank Park Development Group.

“€172,000 is an awful lot of money, and people said we were mad. That this was just another pipe dream that looked good on paper.”

“But from the very start, we were met with nothing but positivity. Everywhere we turned for help or support, we didn’t have to ask twice.”

“I checked the platform we used for online donations recently. There are 2,658 individual contributions there alone. That doesn’t include all the physical fundraising that went on.”

The project will be delivered in two phases. Phase 1 will see the removal of the existing pool and the installation of the new facility before the end of August.

The pool will be closed for a maximum of two weeks during the transition. Groundworks and the construction of a new wheelchair ramp and improved access points will commence at the same time.

Phase 2 will follow in 2026, focusing on landscaping and the completion of groundworks to integrate the new facility into the park.

“It really shows the kind of community that exists here in Banagher — and not just here, but across West Offaly, East Galway, and North Tipperary too,” Johnny Butler added.

“Part of the appeal is that the project ticks so many boxes: it’s about health, it’s about access, it’s free, and it’s something that benefits both local people and visitors who already travel long distances to use the current pool.”

“Hopefully, it will inspire similar regeneration projects elsewhere — both locally and nationally.”

A teenager critically injured in a car crash in Tuam on Sunday evening has since died, it has been confirmed today.

Gardaí are continuing to investigate a two car crash which occurred at Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, at approximately 6:05pm on Sunday, and have reiterated an appeal for witnesses.

The driver of one of the cars, a female in her late teens, was conveyed to University Hospital Galway, where she has since passed away.

The driver and passenger of the second car (a male in his 20s and a female in her 30s) were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward.

Any persons who were in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5:50pm and 6:15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating Gardaí.

Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A EuroMillions player in Galway is celebrating a life-enhancing midweek windfall of €625,081 in last night’s draw.

The lucky player matched five numbers and one Lucky Star in Tuesday night’s draw.

The Galway player purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw from Eurospar in Carraroe, Co. Galway.

Remarkably, this store is no stranger to big wins – it also sold a €7 million Lotto jackpot ticket last November.

Adding to the excitement, a second Irish player in Louth matched five numbers to win a handsome €14,609.

Their Quick Pick ticket was bought at Dunnes Stores, Dundalk, Ard Easmuinn, Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The winning numbers in last night’s EuroMillions (15th July) draw were: 24, 38, 41, 45, 49 and the Lucky Stars were 1 and 6.

While there was no winner of the EuroMillions jackpot worth €96,858,365. In total, over 40,000 players in Ireland won prizes in the EuroMillions and Plus games, including our two winners in Galway and Louth.

Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery said, “What fantastic news to wake up to – another substantial win for two Irish EuroMillions players! Huge congratulations to our winners in Galway and Louth.”

“We’re now urging all of our players to check their EuroMillions tickets very carefully – you could be holding a winning ticket!”

Gardaí are seeking information on the whereabouts of a teenage girl who has been missing from Galway City for the past week.

15-year-old Angel Ndlovu is reported missing from her home in Ballybane, Galway, since Thursday, July 10.

Angel was last seen in the Ballybane, Galway area on Wednesday, July 9 at approximately 2pm.

Angel is described as being approximately 5 foot 2 inches in height, with a slight build. She has black hair and brown eyes.

When last seen, Angel was wearing black leggings, a black hoodie and black runners.

Angel is known to frequent the Tuam, Co. Galway, and Dublin areas. It is believed that Angel may have travelled to the Dublin City Centre area.

Gardaí and Angel’s family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information in relation to Angel’s whereabouts is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

IdeasLab, University of Galway’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, has celebrated student entrepreneurs and innovators at the 2025 Start100 programme.

Now in its fourth year, the six-week incubator brings in partners from the world of business and enterprise to support students and student teams as they develop early-stage business ideas.

The programme culminated in a Demo Day, where the students pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and an audience of peers, mentors and leaders in enterprise.

Sean Allen, from Four Mile House, Co Roscommon, showcased his concept – LeukoCheck – an early-stage idea for a continuous blood monitoring system designed to support ICU patients.

It explores how real-time biomarker analysis might enable earlier detection of sepsis and, in time, contribute to improved patient outcomes. He was inspired by his family’s personal experience of undetected sepsis.

Sean Allen was recently awarded the Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship, sponsored by The Liffey Trust, in partnership with IdeasLab at University of Galway.

The ‘One to Watch’ award, sponsored by WestBIC, was presented to Joseph Tannian, a PhD student in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. The award recognises the potential of his concept – DuaLine – which aims to reimagine diabetes care.

Building on scientific advances that have extended the lifespan of implants from just three to four days to up to eight weeks, DuaLine seeks to explore how these breakthroughs could be translated into real-world impact through the design of a compact, next-generation pump.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to both of our innovative students on receiving their Start100 2025 awards by demonstrating such exceptional ideas and entrepreneurial talent.”

“Our students are not just preparing for the future – they are helping to shape it. Start100 is a powerful expression of University of Galway’s commitment to innovation with impact.”

“In a rapidly changing world, this kind of applied, values-driven learning is essential – not just for our students, but for the future of our society and economy.”

Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director for the West and North-West Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said: “The Start100 series of incubation supports are to be commended as they help students to explore, develop and validate their ideas in a structured and safe environment.”

“It is a privilege to preview the project ideas, and I am excited to say that there are some strong business prospects in the mix. Enterprise Ireland welcomes the Start100 initiative, recognising it as an avenue for future enterprise success and is happy to support this worthwhile programme.”

Start100 is designed to nurture creativity, confidence and entrepreneurial thinking through a blend of mentorship, skills-building workshops and real-world exposure.

This year’s students explored diverse opportunities and challenges across sectors such as health innovation, education, accessibility, AI, and creative technologies.

Each team worked closely with a mentor from their field, while expert-led sessions focused on market validation, storytelling, tax, intellectual property and pitch delivery.

Students were also hosted by CREW and Platform94, strengthening their understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem.

Guest speakers included leaders from Enterprise Ireland, WestBIC, and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the award-winning SymPhysis Medical and Start100 alumni Sam O’Neill from Rowteic.

Final pitches at Demo Day were evaluated by an expert judging panel: Dr. Helen McBreen, Partner, Atlantic Bridge, Méabh Conaghan, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland, John Brennan, CEO, WestBIC and Conor Carey, Director, Fairstone Ireland.

Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at IdeasLab, added, “Showcase Day is always a reminder of the boldness and creativity of our students. Start100 is not about having all the answers – it’s about stepping into the unknown, testing ideas, and building the confidence to take the first steps toward impact.”

“What we saw at the event was a room full of energy, curiosity, and students willing to challenge themselves and think differently. That is the essence of innovation, and it’s exactly what IdeasLab was created to support.”

Galway City Council has given its approval to seek a €60 million loan, which will be used for a number of sports, culture, and infrastructure projects.

The elected members of Galway City Council voted to approve the loan on Monday to commence projects such as sports masterplans and the redevelopment of Galway City Museum.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, said, “This approval to proceed with this €60m loan application today represents the belief and positivity Galway City Council has in our city.”

“This is a young, vibrant, educated, artistic, Gaeltacht city, with a long tradition as an outward-looking trading port, over more than 800 years of history.”

“This decision is an investment in our future, starting the enabling works for ground-breaking projects, including the sports masterplans.”

The full list of projects being supported by this capital investment includes:

• Masterplans at Kingston, South Park and Renmore (land acquisition and enabling works);
• Woodquay Park redevelopment;
• Pitches at Millers Lane;
• New MUGA at Renmore;
• Delivery of other sports capital projects, such as pitch drainage and the skate park in Doughiska;
• Redevelopment of Galway City Museum;
• Upgrades to Cultural Facilities in the City;
• Public lighting upgrades, following damage from Storm Éowyn;
• Fit out of new civic offices to accommodate staff

Galway City Council will now seek formal sanction for the loan from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and agreement of loan terms and drawdown with the Housing Finance Agency.

The 2026 budget planning process will commence in Galway City Council in Q3 2025, prompting the application process at this point in time.

Repayment of the loan will take place over a 30-year term, with an annual repayment of €3.1 million anticipated.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, said, “This capital investment is possible as a result of some difficult decisions by Members in late 2024, to increase the funding available to the City Council through an adjustment in Local Property Tax and Commercial Rates.”

“This decision is now bearing fruit, as we find ourselves in a stable position to apply for a hugely significant investment in capital infrastructure in our city.”

“Galway City Council is gearing up to deliver these projects – through the establishment of a new Project Development Directorate, on-going recruitment of the specialised people and skills needed to deliver these projects, and preparation for our move to new civic offices where we have the space to expand and accommodate the people we need.”

“The loan sanction today is a statement of our intent for Galway City to remain a world-class city to live, invest, work, or visit, with a significant programme of projects enabled as a result of today’s decision”.

The Galway Mountain Rescue Team is calling on local adventurers, nature lovers, and night owls to step into the moonlight for a cause that saves lives.

On Saturday, October 11, the charity will host “Howl at the Moon” – a unique walking challenge set in Galway Wind Park.

The event will offer two atmospheric walking options: a 9km and a 17km route, both taking place under the stars.

Participants are encouraged to bring head torches, warm gear, and their loudest ‘howl’ as they join others for an unforgettable evening of fun.

“All funds raised will go directly to supporting our voluntary rescue services, helping us purchase essential gear, maintain operations, and ensure we can respond swiftly and safely when people need us most,” said Dermot Hughes, Team Member and Howl at the Moon Event Manager

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a magical night-time adventure, Howl at the Moon promises a community celebration with a difference.

Don’t forget to pack your headtorch and hi-vis and fill your backpack with plenty of water and snacks for an unforgettable night under the moon.

The event will kick off at 6:15pm on the evening of Saturday, October 11, at Galway Wind Park.

The registration fee to take part is €35 for adults, €25 for Under 17s, or €50 for anyone registering on the night.

Anyone who wants to take part in this walk and raise money for a good cause can register at https://howlatthemoon.ie.

A teenager has been hospitalised in critical condition after a car crash in Tuam on Sunday evening.

Shortly after 6pm on Sunday, two cars were involved in a crash at Ballygaddy Road, Tuam.

The driver of one of the cars, a female teenager, was taken to University Hospital Galway, where her condition is described as critical.

The driver of the second car, a man in his 20s, and a passenger, a woman in her 30s, were both treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out, and Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information regarding this crash to come forward.

Any persons who were in the Ballygaddy Road area between 5:50pm and 6:15pm and who may have witnessed the incident should contact investigating Gardaí.

Any road users who were travelling in this vicinity at the time, and who may have camera footage including dash cam, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí can be contacted at the Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Galwat RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of two people who found themselves stranded by the rising tide on Satuday afternoon.

Galway RNLI’s volunteer crew were requested to launch by the Irish Coast Guard yesterday afternoon to rescue two walkers on Hare Island who had been cut off from the shore by the incoming tide.

The request to launch came shortly before 3pm, and the volunteer crew of Pierce Purcell, James Rattigan, Aaron Connolly and Seán King launched the lifeboat shortly after and were quickly underway to Hare Island on inner Galway Bay.

Conditions at sea were good with good visibility, thanks to the current spell of fine weather.

When the lifeboat reached Hare Island, one of the crew went ashore and located the two casualties, who were safe and well.

The crew brought the casualties on board the lifeboat and returned to the lifeboat station at the New Docks.

Seán King, who was helm on the lifeboat, said, “We launched quickly when we got the call that there were people stranded on Hare Island because the tide had come in and covered the causeway to the island.”

“Luckily, lifeguards on a nearby beach noticed that people hadn’t returned from the island and raised the alarm.”

“If you get into difficulty or see someone in difficulty, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

“Walking around coasts is a very safe activity most of the time. Our advice is to always take a means of calling for help and to check the tides.”

“Tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can easily catch you out if you haven’t checked them. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.”

He added that, “With hot temperatures over the next few days, we know many people will be taking part in activities on the water or along the coast.”

The RNLI’s advice for people out on the water or at the coast is to:

• Check the tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.
• When swimming, choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
• If you get into difficulty in the water, remember: #FloatToLive. This simple skill can save your life.
• In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard

Galway’s weather will continue to be extremely hot and unsettled tomorrow, with temperatures in the high 20s and a risk of thunderstorms.

Met Eireann has issued another weather warning for 16 counties tomorrow warning of temperatures in excess of 27 degrees.

This warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, and all of Connacht will be in place from midday until 6pm on Sunday.

There will also be a risk of thunderstorms developing from the late afternoon and early evening.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for all of Connacht.

This warning will be in place from 3pm until 10pm on Sunday, with the greatest risk in Galway developing in the early evening.

This carries with it a risk of heavy thundery downpours causing surface flooding and lightning damage in places.

Difficult travelling conditions may results and some outdoor events could also be impacted.

It’s a big day out in Athenry this summer, with a full day (and night) of community events to raise funds for Athenry Playground.

Athenry’s Big Day Out, on 19 July from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., is a collaboration between Athenry Community Council and Athenry Community Playground Group, two volunteer groups focused on fostering involvement and creating community spaces in the town.

The community event promises a wonderful day focused on promoting local talent, creativity, and music.

“It’s a great opportunity to get together for a really good cause,” said Galway County Cllr Peter Feeney, who also chairs the Athenry Community Council.

This public event will fill Athenry town park and playground with free access to a makers mart, featuring youth creators and local craftspeople; food trucks, and live music.

In the playground, families can enjoy a fundraiser filled with creative play workshops and activities like dancing, drumming, mural painting, yoga, crafts, sensory play, and more.

“The park and playground have always been a place of social interaction and the Big Day Out will be the ultimate community play day,” said Feeney.

The playground fundraiser will kick off with the grand opening of the Athenry Little Library, a book-sharing initiative gifted to the town by Athenry Community Council.

The unveiling will feature art from local resident Tanya McGarry and storytelling from authors Katherine Scanlon and Georgia-Mai O’Boyle.

Local primary school pupils will also have their artwork on display as part of the playground group’s Design Your Dream Playground art competition.

The competition saw over 400 entries from parish schools, with winning pupils’ design elements being considered in the redesign of Athenry Community Playground.

The fun continues after the Big Day Out with a Big Night In at Dowling’s Bar on North Gate Street. Starting at 8:00 p.m., Dowling’s will host live music from Moonlight Eclipse and Gerry Hanberry, a DJ, barbecue, and a mega raffle to raise funds for Athenry Community Playground.

Since re-forming in October 2024, ACPG has been working to bring attention to the playground, which, after over 20 years of use, has begun to rapidly deteriorate and become unsafe.

The group has raised €50,000 through community activism, donations, and fundraisers. The funds will be used to refurbish the playground and install new equipment

“We are pleased to be moving in the right direction now in terms of having a new, accessible, and modern playground that is fit for purpose,” said committee treasurer Dr Michelle McMahon.

Progress can already be felt thanks to the recent purchase of new sensory play panels, which were funded in part by Galway County Council’s Community Development Scheme Infrastructure Grant.

Galway County Council is also supporting the Big Day Out through their Community Development Scheme Arts Grant.

Most playgrounds in Galway County are owned and managed by local community groups and are only insured by the county council.

The council typically provides no funding or management. Athenry Community Playground is the oldest community-owned playground in the county and the only public play space in Athenry.