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UHG dealing with bed shortage as a result of Storm Éowyn

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The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway continues to be very busy and the hospital is dealing with a shortage of beds as a consequence of Storm Éowyn.

Discharges from the hospital were paused during the red weather warning and as a result bed capacity in the hospital is affected.

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

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority.”

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

People who need medical attention are asked to only attend the ED if it is truly an emergency situation, and consider other options if not.

However, other healthcare services in the region have also been impacted by Storm Éowyn.

The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

Westdoc GP Out of Hours in Tuam, Westport, Knock and Castlebar treatment centres have been impacted by the storm and are closed due to power outages.

Westdoc in these areas will reopen as soon as power has been restored. People can still access the service for phone consultations at 0818 360 000.

Separately Storm impacts on the campus at Merlin Park have resulted in a number of fallen and unstable trees which remain a risk.

Galway University Hospitals is advising members of the public who regularly use the paths in Merlin to exercise caution.

“Where possible, our teams will make contact directly with those who use our day centre services in disability, mental health, or older people to advise them of disruptions. Families can also contact their local day service directly to get an update.”

 

Storm Éowyn: Cleanup to continue Saturday with many roads blocked and traffic lights out

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The cleanup after Storm Éowyn is continuing across Galway City and County and will enter into a second day tomorrow with many roads remaining blocked, large scale power outages, and other issues.

Galway City Council has said that traffic lights remain out in multiple locations across the city, and that it may take some time to repair connectivity.

In addition, low temperatures with icy conditions are expected tonight with many roads remaining untreated.

The combination of the weather and lights out mean that motorists should drive carefully, and exercise extreme caution when passing through junctions.

Lights are out at the following locations:

An Fiodán Doughiska pedestrian Circular Road junction  Tuam Road N6 junction 
Courthouse junction  Cooke Corner junction  Fire Station junction 
Dawn Dairies pedestrian Oranmore/ Dublin Road junction Doughiska Junction
Martin Junction  Parkmore junction Eyre square at Shop Street pedestrian
Newcastle post office pedestrian Ballymoneen Road junction Blackrock pedestrian
Lough Atalia/ Fairgreen Dunnes Headford Road Coolough junction
Woodquay Pedestrian – stuck on red

Bohermore Cemetery will be closed to the general public until further notice due to trees down. Funerals will be facilitated.

Eugene Dunleavy (Glenoaks) MUGA and Corrib Park MUGA will be closed until further notice due to damaged surfaces/ fencing.

Galway County Council has said that there has been an unprecedented number of calls to remove fallen trees and debris, and make roads passable again.

A full list of weather related road closures in Galway County can be found online here.

In addition, Rinville Park has been closed by the county council until further notice.

Winter road crews will also be out treating roads tonight in response sleet and freezing conditions forecast, prioritising the main road network.

The council has said that the response to Storm Éowyn will be a multi-day effort.

Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power this afternoon, as tens of thousands are still without water.

Weather warnings for the majority of Ireland have passed by this time, with only Donegal remaining under a Status Yellow warning until 11pm Friday night.

Storm Éowyn: Galway City homes likely to experience water supply disruptions

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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Homes and businesses across Galway City will likely experience some water supply disruptions throughout the day as a result of Storm Éowyn.

There was a power outage at the Terryland Water Treatment Plant at approximately 2.30am this morning, which caused the plant to shut down.

The plant was manually restarted at approximately 11.30am and is currently ramping up to full production.

However, as a result of the interruption in power, water levels in reservoirs around the city have dropped to low levels.

Uisce Éireann customers in homes and businesses across the city will experience some reduced pressure and supply interruptions over the course of Friday afternoon and evening.

Uisce Éireann crews have been working alongside crews from Galway City Council since the Status Red warning elapsed at 11am, to assess the damage caused by the storm and begin to restore supply to normal levels.

Customers are urged to conserve water where possible in order to protect supply while the outages are resolved.

There are some 60,000 homes and businesses around the country which are without water today due to outages caused by Storm Éowyn, with hundreds of thousands more at risk.

On top of that nearly 1,000,000 properties across the island of Ireland are suffering power outages in unprecedented storm damage.

Storm Éowyn: Emergency homeless shelter and car park closures

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Galway Daily news County Council making sandbags available for storm dennis

Galway City Council has closed car parks, made sandbags available, and opened emergency homeless shelters ahead of Storm Éowyn on Friday.

A Status Red weather warning for Galway will be in place from 3am to 11am on Friday, with winds gusting up to 130km/h forecast.

The storm poses a severe danger to life and people are advised to shelter indoors for the duration of the red weather warning.

COPE Galway will be operating an extension of the Cold Weather Response on behalf of Galway City Council from 9:00pm Thursday 23 January and into Friday 24 January, subject to the red weather warning continuing.

Should anyone encounter a person rough sleeping at night the COPE Galway night team can be reached on (085) 287 8876.

The freephone number is also in operation from 7pm until 11pm each night on 1800 788 887.

During day-time hours, COPE Galway Day Centre team can be contacted on (091) 525 259.

The city council council has also closed the car parks at:

  • Ballyloughane (local access only)
  • Silverstrand
  • Tofts Car Park, Salthill
  • Salthill Prom car park

Sandbags are also available to collect at the Spanish Arch, the fire station on Fr. Griffin Road, and at Seapoint beside the Aquarium in Salthill.

All public transport will be suspended during the red weather warnings, and schools will be closed nationwide on Friday.

Transport operators will make an assessment on when services can resume when the red warnings are lifted.

Storm Éowyn: Gardaí urge public to shelter in place during RED warnings

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Galway Daily news Man dies after car goes into the water

An Garda Síochána are urging the public to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel for the duration of Status Red weather warnings for Storm Éowyn.

Galway will be under a Status Red wind warning from 3am to 11am on Friday, with Met Eireann warning that extremely high winds will pose a danger to life.

Winds with gusts of up to 130km/h are expected during this time on Friday. Similar Status Red warnings have now been issued for the entire country.

Coastlines will be particularly dangerous due to high seas and wave overtopping. People are advised to avoid the coast altogether; Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry.

A Garda spokesperson said, “An Garda Síochána and our colleagues in the other blue light emergency services will be on duty but depending on local weather conditions may not be in a position to respond to help during the height of Storm Éowyn, subject to dynamic risk assessments.”

“Do not put yourself or members of the emergency services at risk during this period.”

“Members of the Public should prepare today for Storm Éowyn. Please ensure that property, garden furniture and other loose material on your properties are secured.”

“Today is the time to be a community, to check on isolated and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. Please ensure that they are aware of and prepared for this storm event.”

A Status Orange Wind Warning is also in place for the entire country from midnight tonight until 4pm on Friday.

Once the time duration of a Red warning has passed in your area, please exercise extreme caution and care when venturing out on the public roads, an Orange wind warning remains in place.

There will be fallen trees, structural and other unexpected debris, and fallen or damaged live electricity wires in many areas across the country.

Trees and structures may be unstable. The emergency services and our colleagues in local authorities and utility service providers will be busy identifying and repairing damaged infrastructure across the road network.

Storm Éowyn: STATUS RED warning for Galway with ‘Danger to Life’

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Galway Daily news Status Red weather warning issued for Storm Eowyn

Met Eireann has issued an updated Status Red weather warning for Galway and much of the country for Storm Éowyn on Friday with weather conditions posing a danger to life.

The Status Red wind warning for Galway and Clare will be in place from 3am to 12pm on Friday, promising the worst of the weather in the early hours of the morning.

During this time there will be extremely dangerous travelling and working conditions, with the storm posing a danger to life.

The high winds are also expected to bring many fallen trees and flying debris with significant disruptions to transport and widespread power outages.

Winds will also bring the risk of coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas of the Atlantic coast.

“Gale to storm force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and extremely destructive gusts in excess of 130km/h”.

Galway will also be under a Status Orange weather warning from 2am to 5pm on Friday.

Multiple other Status Red weather warnings have been issued to cover the majority of the country on Friday morning.

Researchers make breakthrough in bioprinting functional human heart tissue

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Ankita Pramanick, CÚRAM PhD Candidate and Professor Andrew Daly, Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and CÚRAM funded investigator, University of Galway. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Researchers at University of Galway have developed a way of bioprinting tissues that brings them one step closer to creating functional organs.

These bioprinted tissues can change shape as a result of cell-generated forces, in the same way that it happens in biological tissues during organ development.

The breakthrough science focused on replicating heart tissues, bringing research closer to generating functional, bioprinted organs, which would have broad applications in disease modelling, drug screening and regenerative medicine.

The research was led by a team at the School of Engineering and CÚRAM Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices at the University of Galway.

Bioprinting technology uses living cells within specialised “bioink” materials – a substance or material which can support living cells, and due to its characteristics, it can aid cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation during maturation.

The technology offers immense promise for creating lab-grown organs that closely resemble the structure of their human equivalent.

However, bioprinting fully functional organs remains a significant hurdle. For instance, while bioprinted heart tissues can contract, their force of contraction is often considerably weaker than that of a healthy adult heart.

Traditional bioprinting methods often aim to directly recreate the final anatomical shape of an organ, like the heart – therefore overlooking the crucial role of dynamic shape changes during natural embryonic development.

For example, the heart begins as a simple tube that undergoes a series of bends and twists to form its mature four-chambered structure. These shape-morphing behaviours are essential for sculpting heart cell development and maturation.

The University of Galway research team recognised this and developed a novel bioprinting technique that incorporates crucial shape-changing behaviours.

Ankita Pramanick, lead author of the study and PhD Candidate, said, “Our work introduces a novel platform, using embedded bioprinting to bioprint tissues that undergo programmable and predictable 4D shape-morphing driven by cell-generated forces.”

“Using this new process, we found that shape-morphing improved the structural and functional maturity of bioprinted heart tissues.”

Professor Andrew Daly principal investigator on the project said, “Our research shows that by allowing bioprinted heart tissues to undergo shape-morphing, they start to beat stronger and faster.”

“The limited maturity of bioprinted tissues has been a major challenge in the field, so this was an exciting result for us. This allows us to create more advanced bioprinted heart tissue, with the ability to mature in a laboratory setting, better replicating adult human heart structure.”

“We are excited to build on this shape-morphing approach in our ongoing European Research Council project, which is focused on developmentally-inspired bioprinting.”

“We are still a long way away from bioprinting functional tissue that could be implanted in humans, and future work will need to explore how we can scale our bioprinting approach to human-scale hearts.”

 

“We will need to integrate blood vessels to keep such large constructs alive in the lab, but ultimately, this breakthrough brings us closer to generating functional bioprinted organs, which would have broad applications in cardiovascular medicine.”

Storm Éowyn: Winds gusting up to 130km/h forecast

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Galway Daily news Status Red weather warning for Storm Darragh

Storm Éowyn is expected to cause damage across Ireland this week with extremely heavy winds forecast by Met Eireann for much of Friday.

Met Eireann is warning of dangerous travelling conditions and probable power outages cause by extremely high winds and the resulting debris.

The Status Orange wind warning for all of Ireland will be in force from 2am on Friday until 5pm that evening.

“Gale force southerly winds becoming westerly will bring severe, damaging and destructive gusts of up to 130km/h widely, with even higher gusts for a time.”

Storm Éowyn is expected to cause fallen trees and downed power lines resulting in power outages.

There may also be damage to structures and very difficult travelling conditions as a result of the gale force winds.

Coastal areas will likely experience some wave overtopping, and there may be disruptions or cancellations of public transportation.

Conditions will be worst in the south and southwest where a Status Red warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, and Limerick.

Galway United’s 2025 Season Is Set to Commence in February – What Are Your Odds?

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The 2025 League of Ireland will start in February 2025. The match fixtures are already out, and fans are excited about both the senior men’s and women’s teams.

It looks like the tournament is opening on Valentine’s Day, with Galway Unite having a match on the first day.

If you are a supporter of Galway United, there’s a lot to look forward to. Not only did they confirm four players back for their 2025 seasons, but they also welcomed HSSCU as their goal partner.

For bettors on crypto sports betting sites, this is a crucial time. You need to keep tabs on every team (even the ones you don’t support) if you want to secure some betting wins.

This blog will explore Galway United’s potential 2025 season performance during the first month. We also covered who can be your best odds and which players to look forward to.

League of Ireland 2025 Season Galway United’s February Match Fixtures

LOI 2025 will start with Shelbourne, the defending SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division Champions, hosting Derry City in Tolka Park. Many exciting matches will follow.

Let’s look at the Galway UTD fixtures for February-

Date Home Away Venue Kick-Off
Round One
February 14 (Friday) Cork City Galway United Turner’s Cross 19:45
Round Two
February 21 (Friday) Galway United St. Patrick’s Athletic Eamonn Deacy Park 19:45
Round Three
February 28 (Friday) Drogheda United Galway United Sulivan & Lambe Park 19:45

 

Key Takeaway

  • The SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Divison will start in March.
  • The SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division will also start in February with the Premier Division.

Galway United’s Latest News about Four Players Back for the Upcoming Season

In November 2024, Galway United confirmed that they are taking four players back into the team for the 2025 LOI. Who are they? Let’s give a quick rundown.

Greg Cunningham

Greg Cunningham had an amazing career in England. During this time, he played in the Premier League and the Championship. This former Ireland International has been with Manchester City, where he made his debut in the Europa League and Premier League.

After this, Greg played in various clubs, including Leicester City, Bristol City, and Blackburn Rovers. Needless to say, his role in Galway United is showcasing his years of experience playing in top-tier clubs.

Jimmy Keohane

The Kilkenny man had a great career in Rochdale before coming to United. There, he won the Player of the Year award in 2020/21.

Moreover, he also won the Player of the Month in October after returning to Terryland and scored four goals after playing seventeen times during every competition. His strike against Shelbourne, which led to a 2-1 victory for UTD, earned him the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland Players of the Month in September.

Garry Buckley

The Cork man had been in the Tribesmen after playing in 23 matches in all competitions before joining Galway United. But that’s not all.

Garry had been in Sligo Rovers on the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Divison side for three seasons. His connection to Galway started during the start of his career in Cork City in 2013. During this time, he scored 33 goals and made 186 appearances for Cork City.

Bobby Burns

The 25-year-old was in the Glentoran before joining the other three in Galway UTD for the 2025 season. He also played for UTD during the last season, making 13 appearances.

In Glentoran, he won the Clubs Player of the Year for 2023. He had spells at various clubs, including the Midlothian, Newcastle Jets, and Barrow. Additionally, Bobby Burns was in U17 to U21 in the Northern Irish national team.

We can expect the Tribesmen to show a great performance in the 2025 LOI, combining a good balance between defense and offense.

After all, The Irish Times commented on the team’s defense in June 2024, praising it. Apparently, Galway was the only team at the moment yet to concede a goal.

Galway United’s Upcoming Matches- Brief Overview and Predictions

It is still too early to make any accurate prediction for Galway United’s 2025 season fixtures. After all, all the teams have a whole month to practice, and a lot can happen during this time.

However, we still tried to take everything we had learned so far into account and made some predictions and overviews of the matches.

Note that we are only discussing the February matches. So, the matches in the Women’s Premier Divison are absent here, since they start in March.

Cork City vs Galway United

The Cork City and Galway United will face off on the 14th of February in Turner’s Cross. We have noticed that not only us but many expert predictors are also less confident about their predictions on this match.

But most, including us, think that both teams do not score during the match. It can be under 2.5 goals. Galway UTD may get an away win if one were to win here.

The main reason it’s challenging to predict this match is how close their stats and everything else are. However, our predictions are slightly tipped towards UTD at the moment.

  • Cork’s last four matches: WLDD
  • Galway United’s last four matches: DDLD

Note that the four additions to Galway were not in the team yet during these five battles of Galway.

Galway United vs St. Patrick’s Athletic

Galway United vs. St. Patrick’s will take place on February 21 in Eamonn Deacy Park. Many experts say the prediction is pretty straightforward for the time being.

In the last five times these two teams faced off, St. Patrick’s won four times, with Galway UTD not winning a single time. There was one tie.

Ironically, many expected Galway to win during those matches, given the team’s promising ‘last-five match’ records compared to St. Patrick’s. However, the latter still emerged victorious.

While there is a long gap between these matches and the 2025 season, most, including us, predict St. Patrick’s to win in their upcoming game. There is also a chance of a draw.

This prediction also considered the last four matches of St. Patrick’s, which were all wins against the likes of Sligo FC and Bohemian.

  • St. Patrick’s Athletic’s last four matches: WWWW

Drogheda United vs Galway United

Drogheda United will host Galway United on February 28 in Sulivan & Lambe Park. The two teams have faced off several times in the past.

During these matches, Drogheda UTD had six wins, Galway UTD had two, and they tied four times. We should point out that their most recent face-off results were

Draw, Galway’s win, Galway’s win.

It indicates that Galway is not to be underestimated. Moreover, you also have to consider their four additions to the team. Given these circumstances, we expect Galway United to have an away win with under 2.5 goals. Of course, there can be a draw like their last match.

  • Drogheda United’s last four matches: WDWD

Things to Consider Before Betting on a Soccer Team

Since you are looking for sports prediction and odds, we assume you may plan to bet on your favorite team. You probably already know this, but betting on a team should be followed by ample research.

Below, we have added some factors you must look into before betting on a soccer team or player-

Team Forms and Recent Performance

When it comes to team forms, one major factor becomes relevant—the last four to five matches. These matches inform you whether the team is on a winning streak or is struggling.

Another thing to check is whether the team will be playing at home or away. It has been seen that the majority of teams win at home. However, football is unpredictable, and the home-away factor is not that concrete. It is just a bonus thing to check.

Finally, you should also notice the previous face-off records of the teams. It gives an insight into how they usually fare against each other.

Player Stats and Conditions

The condition of each player (especially the star players) means a lot. For example, if a star player gets a sickness, injury, or suspension, that puts the team into a big issue.

Moreover, it is also worth noting the player’s mental conditions, including their recent attitude and any events surrounding them that could affect their psychology.

Of course, you should also check their recent performance. Stats like-

  • Appearances
  • Goal scored
  • Shot conversion rates (shots that result in goals)
  • Passing and possession rate and,
  • Goals allowed (for goalkeepers)

-are some crucial factors.

Tactics and Playing Styles

Whether the team is playing in a possession or counter-attack style also plays a significant role. Additionally, any decision by the manager and coach is a must to look into.

Opposition Strength

Just like your supporting team, you should also observe the strength, forms, and player stats of the opponents. Knowing the opposition will help greatly in balancing out the strength of both teams and making a much more accurate prediction.

Other Factors

Aside from the factors mentioned so far, you can also check-

  • Weather Condition: Some weather conditions favor specific teams more than others.
  • Match Type: Some teams often don’t put their all into less important matches to prevent injuries for the much more important game.
  • Team Motivation: Some teams may have a different motivation than winning. For example, they may willingly tie or lose to knock out another team from the semifinal.

Prediction for the Galway United’s 2025 LOI season is a guessing game now. However, if you want to make some accurate bets, you should keep an eye out for the activities of the team and their opponents.

Do not forget to check other updates, like weather conditions, injury, player mental conditions, playing style, and coach’s decisions.

Rebranding your company could be the key to success in 2025

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Galway Daily business The 5 Stages of Small Business Growth

Running a business in the ever-evolving market can be a real challenge. Competition is tough, and it’s really hard to stand apart from the multiple brands that emerge with innovative concepts. Also, one thing is for sure: in order to ensure your long-term success, it’s crucial to stay on track with the modern world, adapt to the ultimate trends, and embrace the latest strategies that could expand your business’ horizons.

Suppose you’ve had your firm for over a decade. In this case, it would be best to assess the current situation of the company and rely on numbers to see if your accounts, website, and sales have decreased. This could happen because of your outdated concept, as people might not be as interested as they used to be, your content might not be appealing, and your mission, mission, and values may not align with your audience. So, the best thing you could do in 2025 to achieve success is rebranding, as it could be the key to success in the modern world.

Image source: https://www.pexels.com/search/business/

Building a brand is crucial for your company

Simply put, the brand is your company’s unique identity. Building a strong brand is crucial for long-term success. Your brand helps you stand apart from competitors, telling people what is different about you and what you can do to them to make their lives easier. The identity of your company can be defined with various aspects, such as the logo and the name, that could transmit a message to the audience and make your firm recognizable. These aspects influence the customer’s perception of your business, together with a clear message about your mission and goals. Still, if you had a business for a long time with a stable customer base and you have not adopted the latest technologies and market trends to expand your horizons, rebranding is needed. Simply put, rebranding means rethinking your company’s identity to try new strategies for your business and attract new customers.

Understand your why

Before starting rebranding, it is essential to understand why. So, you should take a step behind and ask yourself what is wrong with your business, what areas need to be improved, how your audience reacts to your products, and see why you struggle to introduce your products to a broader audience.  So, what is the reason why you want to rebrand your company? What could potentially drive your business to a new milestone? The best thing about rebranding is that you have the opportunity to solve many problems, even the bad reputation of your company. For instance, if you have some issues regarding the environmental impact of your products, you can embrace a green path and rebrand your business, shifting to an eco-conscious mindset and establishing eco-friendly values, strategies, and practices. 

Research the current market situation 

To rebrand successfully your business, it is essential to analyze and research the current market situation and see what is going on in your industry, looking at the latest trends and identifying the best opportunities. Market research is vital to make sure you take the right steps. For instance, you could take into consideration the customers; feedback so you can conduct surveys and interviews and see how the audience perceives your brand. To reshape the internal procedure and promote open communication, it would be best to talk to your employee and ask for their opinion and suggestions, as they might have a great vision that could succeed. 

Establish your goals and introduce your new identity 

To benefit from the best results from your rebranding efforts, it’s essential to establish some long-term goals for your new brand. For instance, you might want to reach a global audience, find eco-minded investors that would be interested in your initiative, promote a certain healthy lifestyle for your clients, start collaborations with celebrities, strengthen your strategy for a certain area of your business, find new employees and so on. Then, it’s time to let people know about your new identity, but how? First of all, it’s crucial to have a strong online presence, so it would be best to keep your audience informed about your company’s new face on social media platforms and your website. Also, consider personalizing the experience of your clients by introducing your brand and sending them some customized items with your new logo. For example, suppose they are committed and loyal clients; in this case, consider sending them printed t-shirts. Otherwise, in case they are new customers or they might become clients, you could send a welcome pack with a few samples of your products and personalised lighters to let them know about who you are.  

Update your strategies and redefine your style 

Of course, with rebranding comes a complete update of your strategies. This includes your marketing strategies to promote your business and internal practices for the production of the goods. You should update the message, tone, and overall approach of your brand to try something new. For instance, if in the past you had a formal voice, consider experimenting with a casual, friendly style, targeting a whole new audience of youngsters. Also, your social media presence is vital for success, so even if you might not have the skills to run your business in the digital world, you can always ask for professional help. 

Monitor the impact 

Last but not least, it’s essential to track your progress and monitor the impact of your new brand. Identify the most popular posts and strategies, analyze the customer’s behavior and try to improve them even more, creating a personalized, unique and emotional connection with your clients to ensure their retention and see real numbers that can show the positive outcomes of your efforts. 

The bottom line 

Having a brand is like owning an ID card. The brand tells everything about your company, so if you think that your business needs an upgrade, rebranding could be the key strategy to success in 2025. 

Gardaí seize €33,000 in drugs and cash seized in Gort raid

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Galway Daily news Just 11 new Gardaí assigned to North-Western Region for newly sworn group

Gardaí in Galway seized more than €33,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine, and cash during a raid in Gort this week.

Gardaí from the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a home in Gort on Wednesday, January 15.

During the search of the house, €10,470 in cash was found, along with cocaine with an estimated street value of €700.

A further search located cannabis valued at €20,000, along with another €2,100 of cocaine.

A male in his late teens was arrested and detained at a Garda Station in Co Galway under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and subsequently released without charge pending further investigations.

VipStake: The Premier Platform for High Roller Online Casino Players

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  • Payment options: VipStake evaluates the availability of diverse and secure payment methods, including traditional banking options and modern cryptocurrency solutions. Withdrawal speed and processing efficiency are also considered.

By adhering to these strict criteria, VipStake ensures that players are directed to online casinos that prioritize fairness, quality, and a rewarding experience. This careful selection process reflects VipStake’s commitment to becoming the go-to platform for players seeking exceptional gaming through a trusted online casino VIP program.

Best high roller online casinos reviewed by VipStake

  1. SpinsBro: 1-hour withdrawals and a 7-level VIP program.
  2. BohoCasino: No max bet and €10,000 welcome bonus.
  3. CasinoTogether: 300% bonus and €75 crypto chip.
  4. GangstaCasino: 220% bonus and exclusive VIP perks.
  5. Cobra Casino: 300% bonus up to €3,000 with a €75 crypto-free chip for a strong start.

SpinsBro – 1-hour withdrawals and a 7-level VIP program

SpinsBro stands out for its extensive selection of casino games and a highly rewarding VIP program. With over 3,000 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, the platform offers endless entertainment for players. High rollers benefit from a 220% bonus up to €2,000, 200 free spins, and tailored rewards. The 7-level VIP program ensures personalized promotions, faster withdrawals processed in just 1 hour, and exclusive loyalty perks.

High roller rewards

SpinsBro is an excellent platform for high rollers seeking variety and exclusive perks. Its 5-tier VIP loyalty system offers increasing rewards, including personalized bonuses, higher cashback rates, and elevated withdrawal limits. Starting from Level 1, players earn 10% cashback and exclusive bonuses, with benefits scaling up to 15% cashback, a €1,500 exclusive bonus, and a €20,000 withdrawal limit at Level 5. The seamless 1-hour withdrawal process ensures convenience for high-stakes players.

Pros

  • Excellent withdrawal speed.
  • Comprehensive game selection.
  • Exclusive benefits for VIP players.

Cons

  • High minimum deposit (€500).
  • Limited casual player perks.

BohoCasino – no max bet and €10,000 welcome bonus

BohoCasino offers a premium gaming experience with a focus on providing high-quality casino games and tailored rewards for high rollers. The platform features a generous 150% bonus on the first deposit, 100 free spins, and total rewards of up to €10,000. With over 2,500 games, BohoCasino ensures a diverse gaming experience. Its VIP program includes no-limit max bets, faster payouts (10 hours), and access to exclusive events, making it an excellent choice for high-stakes players.

High roller rewards

BohoCasino delivers a rewarding VIP experience with its 7-level loyalty program designed to cater to slot lovers. Rewards include up to 400 free spins at Level 4 and cash bonuses scaling to €1,350 at Level 6. Players benefit from higher withdrawal limits, better exchange rates for loyalty points, and custom-tailored promotions. The platform’s focus on personalized service ensures that high rollers feel valued at every stage.

Pros

  • No limit on maximum bets.
  • Attractive bonus rewards.
  • Wide range of games.

Cons

  • Withdrawal times could be faster (10 hours).
  • High stakes-focused, less suited for casual players.

CasinoTogether – 300% bonus and €75 crypto chip

CasinoTogether offers a unique, community-driven gaming experience with an emphasis on rewarding high rollers. With an impressive collection of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options, the platform caters to all player preferences. Its bonus structure includes 50 free spins, a 300% bonus up to €3,000, and a €75 crypto-free chip. The VIP program provides tailored cashback, premium tournament invites, and fast withdrawals within 8 hours, ensuring a rewarding experience for loyal players.

High roller rewards

CasinoTogether is ideal for players who value community and exclusivity. Its VIP program includes cashback of up to 10%, exclusive tournament invitations, and special bonus offers. Cashback bonuses are credited weekly, helping players recover a portion of their losses. With a well-rounded loyalty club, high rollers enjoy constant progression and personalized rewards that reflect their gaming activity.

Pros

  • Fast withdrawal times (8 hours).
  • Cashback rewards for loyal players.
  • Secure and interactive platform.

Cons

  • Smaller maximum bonus compared to competitors.
  • Community-focused features may not appeal to all players.

GangstaCasino – 220% bonus and exclusive VIP perks

GangstaCasino offers a bold gaming experience, blending excitement with premium services for high rollers. The casino features over 2,000 games, including immersive live dealer options and high-stakes table games. The platform offers a 220% bonus up to €2,000, along with 200 free spins, catering to players seeking high-value rewards. Its online casino VIP program delivers faster payouts, higher withdrawal limits, and exclusive event access. With a 24-hour withdrawal time, GangstaCasino combines efficiency with premium services tailored to elite players.

High roller rewards

GangstaCasino offers thrilling rewards through its VIP program. High rollers enjoy increased cashback percentages, access to exclusive events, and faster withdrawal times. With a focus on luxury, the casino provides double or triple extra spins for loyal members, alongside personalized deposit bonuses. Its flexible rewards system is perfect for players seeking premium service and rewards tailored to their gaming preferences.

Pros

  • Generous bonus packages.
  • Efficient withdrawal system for VIPs.
  • Unique and exciting gaming atmosphere.

Cons

  • Slower withdrawal times compared to competitors (24 hours).
  • Limited casual player incentives.

CobraCasino – 300% bonus up to €3,000 with a €75 crypto-free chip for a strong start

CobraCasino is a standout platform for high-stakes gaming, securing its spot among the best high roller online casinos. The welcome package includes 50 free spins, a 300% bonus up to €3,000, and a €75 crypto-free chip. With over 3,000 games, including slots, live dealer tables, and progressive jackpots, CobraCasino ensures engaging gameplay. High rollers benefit from priority support, faster withdrawals within 24 hours, and a VIP program that offers personalized bonuses and rewards.

High roller rewards

CobraCasino’s VIP program provides players with a mix of free spins, cashback, and deposit bonuses as they climb the ranks. At Level 4, high rollers can earn up to €100 weekly bonuses, 20% cashback, and enjoy withdrawal limits reaching €20,000 monthly. The casino’s fast 24-hour withdrawal time and versatile payment options, including cryptocurrencies, add to its appeal as a top-tier destination for high-stakes players.

Pros

  • Crypto-friendly payment options.
  • Personalized VIP program benefits.
  • Quick withdrawal processing.

Cons

  • High wagering requirements for bonuses.
  • Focused primarily on high-stakes players.

How VipStake ensures high roller satisfaction

VipStake is dedicated to offering an unparalleled experience for high rollers by focusing on personalized services, premium rewards, and streamlined transactions. Here’s how VipStake achieves high roller satisfaction:

Feature Details
Personal VIP concierge (24/7) VipStake provides round-the-clock concierge services, ensuring personalized assistance with bonuses, withdrawals, and tailored gaming solutions. High rollers receive dedicated support for a stress-free gaming experience.
Exclusive VIP offers Connects players with premium bonuses, including exclusive promotions, high-value rewards, deposit bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards designed to elevate the gaming experience.
Empowering loyalty programs Offers access to the best loyalty programs, providing tiered benefits like faster payouts, cashback, and higher withdrawal limits, ensuring continuous rewards for high rollers.
Premier VIP program reviews Curates detailed reviews of top-tier VIP programs with a focus on trustworthiness, value, and player experience. Information is regularly updated for accuracy.
Diverse benefits for high rollers
  • Quick Payouts: Expedites withdrawal processing for swift access to winnings.
  • Higher Deposit Limits: Allows elevated spending capabilities for maximum gaming potential.
  • Exclusive Bonuses: Grants access to elite promotions tailored for VIP players.

Quick access to VipStake: One-touch convenience

Follow these simple steps to add VipStake to your home screen and enjoy its features effortlessly on your mobile device:

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  3. Confirm addition: Tap “Add” to complete the process.
  4. Enjoy one-touch access: VipStake will now be available on your home screen, offering instant access to its features and services.

With VipStake at your fingertips, your gaming journey becomes smoother, faster, and more convenient.

Last thoughts

VipStake makes finding the perfect high roller online casino effortless, offering expert reviews and tailored recommendations. Focus on licensed platforms with top-tier perks like personalized bonuses, higher limits, and exclusive rewards. Trust VipStake to guide you toward the best VIP programs for an exceptional gaming experience.

FAQs

How does VipStake identify the best high roller online casinos?

VipStake evaluates casinos based on several factors, including VIP rewards, game variety, withdrawal speed, customer support, and security. It only partners with licensed and reputable platforms to ensure safety and quality.

What can I expect from an online casino VIP program?

VIP programs offer benefits such as cashback, free spins, exclusive bonuses, priority support, invitations to private events, and faster withdrawals. The rewards improve as you progress through loyalty levels.

Does VipStake cater to beginners or only high rollers?

While VipStake specializes in high roller casinos, it also provides information and reviews for players at all levels, ensuring everyone can find a casino that suits their needs.

Are the casinos recommended by VipStake safe?

Yes, VipStake only partners with licensed and regulated casinos that adhere to strict safety and fairness standards. It ensures that all recommendations are secure and reliable.

Are there additional costs for using VipStake?

No, VipStake is free to use. It serves as a guide to help players make informed decisions about high roller casinos and VIP programs.

Can I find mobile-friendly casinos through VipStake?

Yes, VipStake highlights casinos with mobile compatibility, ensuring players can enjoy seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets.

How often does VipStake update its reviews?

VipStake regularly updates its reviews to reflect the latest offers, features, and changes in VIP programs, ensuring players always have access to accurate and up-to-date information.

Irish Open 2025: The Heartbeat of European Poker Returns

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The Irish Poker Open, Europe’s longest-running poker festival, returns in 2025 with its largest event to date. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, this iconic series will run from April 10 to April 21 at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) in Dublin, Ireland. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

A Record-Breaking Schedule

This year’s Irish Poker Open promises to be the largest in its history, expanding the schedule by four additional days to accommodate an even broader array of tournaments. With a staggering €5,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools, players of all levels can anticipate a competitive yet inclusive atmosphere. The Main Event stands as the centrepiece of the festival, boasting an unprecedented €2,500,000 guarantee, reflecting the event’s growth and global appeal.

For those seeking high-stakes excitement, the festival will introduce Mystery Bounty Events and High Roller tournaments with significant prize pools. Meanwhile, the Mini Irish Open, offering a €1,000,000 guarantee at an accessible €250 buy-in, provides casual players with an opportunity to participate in a large-scale event without breaking the bank.

Wherever you turn, everyone is guaranteed to witness some of the best poker hands being played by some of the biggest names in the business, ensuring each event is as thrilling for spectators as it is for participants.

Unmatched Atmosphere at the RDS

The historic RDS venue sets the perfect stage for the festival, blending modern facilities with Dublin’s welcoming charm. The social side of the Irish Open remains a key highlight, with the ‘Craic Den’ players’ lounge offering live music, games, and nightly entertainment. This mix of top-tier poker and lively camaraderie makes the Irish Open unique among European tournaments.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1979 by Terry Rogers, the Irish Poker Open has become a cornerstone of European poker. The 2024 event broke records with 3,233 entries in the Main Event, demonstrating its enduring popularity. The 2025 festival seeks to build on this legacy, continuing to draw a global audience while honouring its rich history.

Opportunities for All Players

The Irish Open 2025 caters to players across the spectrum. For seasoned pros, the Main Event offers life-changing prize pools and fierce competition. Recreational players can join smaller buy-in tournaments, like the Mini Irish Open, to experience the excitement of a world-class festival.

Online poker game satellites provide a cost-effective way to qualify for major events, opening the door for players worldwide to take part in this celebrated series.

Looking Ahead

The Irish Open 2025 promises to deliver on every front—bigger guarantees, a vibrant social atmosphere, and the chance to see poker legends in action. Whether you’re competing for a top prize or enjoying the festival’s famous Irish hospitality, this event captures the spirit of poker like no other.

Mark your calendar and prepare to be part of one of the most iconic poker festivals in the world. The Irish Open 2025 truly is the heartbeat of European poker.

The Most Iconic eSports Moments Ever

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Esports has produced countless unforgettable moments. If you like esports, you can explore online sports betting now on this discipline at 1xBet.

However, some stand out as iconic due to 3 things:

  • their impact on the gaming community;
  • thrilling gameplay;
  • and the lasting legacy they’ve left on the industry.

One of the most iconic moments came in the 2018 League of Legends World Championship. In the final between Invictus Gaming and Fnatic, Invictus Gaming delivered a clean 3-0 sweep, dominating Fnatic and taking their first-ever world title. By exploring online sports betting now at 1xBet, you will also be able to wager on those decisive contests too.

The moment that solidified Invictus Gaming’s legacy was the exhilarating finish. It included a perfect Baron fight and a flawlessly executed final push, encapsulating the team’s complete dominance.

A great Counter-Strike moment

In the world of Counter-Strike, one of the most celebrated esports moments occurred in 2018 during the ELEAGUE Major in Boston. By the way, you may also want to enjoy football bets today at 1xBet, where big moments of this discipline can be wagered too.

Cloud9 achieved an emotional victory, defeating FaZe Clan in a thrilling 2-1 match in the grand final. The moment of triumph was significant not only because it was Cloud9’s first Major title. This was also the first time a North American team had won a CS:GO Major, making it a milestone moment in esports history. The 1xBet platform allows its members to enjoy bets today on football and also on CS:GO Major events too.

Dota 2 and Fortnite

Another standout moment took place at The International 2018, the Dota 2 world championship. OG’s incredible victory remains unforgettable, especially for how they triumphed in the grand final against PSG.LGD. What made this achievement so remarkable was that OG was the first team to win The International twice and do so without losing a single game in the playoffs. This is a feat that no other team had accomplished before. The profitable e sport betting options from 1xBet also cover everything that happens on The International too.

Finally, the 2019 Fortnite World Cup was another pivotal moment. The crowning of 16-year-old Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf as the solo champion, taking home $3 million, was a monumental milestone for Fortnite and esports in general. His dominance in the solo competition and the massive prize pool added to Fortnite’s growing reputation in the gaming world. If you like Fortnite, the 1xBet website allows you to make profitable betting on e sports competitions that feature this game.

Galway’s Aerogen to create 725 new jobs

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The Galway medtech company Aerogen will be creating 725 new jobs over the next ten years from a €300 million investment plan.

Aerogen technology has been used to treat over 25 million patients in emergency departments, adult and paediatric ICUs, general wards and ambulance services in 75 countries worldwide.

Aerogen offers a safe and powerful drug delivery device for the treatment of critical respiratory illness and other non-respiratory illnesses and is the leading manufacturer of high performance, single-use, respiratory nebulisers in the world.

The Aerogen Group is headquartered in Dangan, Galway and the new Irish jobs will be across R&D, manufacturing, science and engineering and located there and at its two manufacturing sites in Parkmore, Galway and Shannon.

The implementation of the transformational scaling plan will enable Aerogen to create up to 725 highly skilled jobs in the West by 2035 increasing its global workforce to over 2,000 of which over 1,100 will be based in Ireland.

Now 25 years in operation, Aerogen has revenues of over €150 million and has contributed €130 million to local Irish businesses.

Over the next five years Aerogen expects to contribute a further €250 million in income and corporation taxes, directly benefiting the Irish economy.

John Power, CEO and Founder of Aerogen said, “We are delighted to announce this continued expansion of Aerogen as a truly global life science company.”

“Enterprise Ireland have been a superb partner in supporting this journey on which we just reached the pivotal milestone of having treated our 25th millionth patient, and we will continue to innovate across the respiratory journey for patients from our HQ here in Galway.”

Aerogen holds more than 300 international patents and published more than 200 clinical papers in its medtech research and development.

The new 10 year scaling strategy will see the company expand its existing device technology, and also build its emerging biopharmaceutics business.

This will be achieved with a major breakthrough in treating premature newborns with Infant Respiratory Stress Syndrome.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke was on site in Galway to preside over Aerogen’s growth announcement.

“The government through Enterprise Ireland is targeting ambitious scaling of Irish multinationals that will help drive the Irish economy and our competitive advantage forward.”

“Aerogen’s announcement today is evidence of that Irish multinational ambition in action, and we are delighted to support them on their patient-focused mission.

The expansion is supported by Enterprise Ireland, who welcome the creation of high value jobs and the strengthening of Ireland’s position in the global value chain of medical technology and manufacturing.

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said, “Ambitious companies like Aerogen embody Enterprise Ireland’s vision – that Irish owned, globally focused companies will be the primary driver of our economy.”

“Aerogen has the potential and ambition to achieve billions in revenue, joining the ranks of industry-leading Irish multinationals.”

Western Alzheimer’s seeks new location to expand Galway City services

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Western Alzheimer’s, a charity organisation that provides care and support in the community for families living with Dementia is seeking a new location to expand its services in Galway City.

The charity is seeking to acquire a site on the west side of Galway City (Newcastle/Dangan) to build a new Day Services facility.

The need for a new location comes on the foot of high demand for their services with long waiting lists for families and older people to receive care and support.

The charity, which was formed in 1996, supports in excess of 500 families annually across Galway, Mayo & Roscommon.

The charity currently offers Day Services in West Galway at a temporary location on the grounds of the Sacred Heart Church.

The current service operates in a communal space which often requires to be cleared to cater for other functions at the location.

Western Alzheimer’s has said that they would like to acquire a site, approx. half an acre or more to build a new daycare facility to provide support in the community of West Galway (Newcastle/Dangan).

Demand for services is significant with an extensive waiting list for families looking to avail of Day Services.

Western Alzheimer’s appeal to property holders or businesses in West Galway who may know of or have a property or site available are asked to get in contact with Western Alzheimer’s by emailing: info@westernalzheimers.ie or call 0949364900

UHG reports high pressure on Emergency Department today

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Galway Daily news

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is under significant pressure today with high attendances and long waiting times.

The hospital is also managing the ongoing impacts of high rates of flu in the community.

The ED has been extremely busy over recent days, with 265 attendances yesterday. As of this morning, 50 patients are on trolleys awaiting admission to an inpatient bed.

Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures.

Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

The high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability.

This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.

The hospital said in a statement that all available beds are in use, and that every effort is being made to discharge patients home to make more beds available for newly admitted patients.

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority. The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

“We continue to request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.”

“The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.”

“All visitors to the hospital will be required to practice good hand hygiene and use hand gel regularly, face masks are available for use throughout the hospital.”

Man (30s) found dead the day after a car crash

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Galway daily news Woman (80s) dies after being hit by truck

Gardaí in Galway are investigating a car crash which claimed the life of a man in his 30s last week.

An unreported single vehicle crash involving an SUV took place on a minor road, the L4102, at Slievaun, Clarinbridge last week.

The crash occurred shortly after 9:15am on the morning of Thursday, January 9.

The sole occupant of the SUV, a man in his 30s, was found dead at his home in Clarinbridge the following day.

The local coroner was informed and a post mortem examination took place. From the results of this Gardaí opened an investigation into the crash.

Garda forensic investigators have examined both the vehicle and the scene of the collision.

Investigating Gardaí are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

This includes anyone with dashcam or other video footage from the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091 388030 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Invest in Car Mats UK for Long-Lasting Protection and Easy Cleaning

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When it comes to keeping your car in pristine condition, one often overlooked accessory is the car mat. Investing in quality car mats can offer Car Mats UK for long-lasting protection and easy cleaning. These essential accessories not only protect the interior of your vehicle but also add to its aesthetic value. But why are they so important, and what should you consider when purchasing them? 

The Importance of Car Mats

Car mats play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your vehicle’s interior. They are designed to protect the vehicle’s original flooring from dirt, mud, and spillages, ensuring that the cabin remains as tidy as possible. This is particularly important in the UK, where unpredictable weather can often result in muddy shoes and wet umbrellas being brought into the car. 

Materials and Durability

Car mats come in a variety of materials, each offering different levels of durability and protection. Rubber and carpet are the most common materials used. Rubber mats are known for their durability and are particularly useful in wet weather conditions due to their water-resistant qualities. They are easy to clean, often requiring just a quick rinse with water to remove dirt. 

On the other hand, carpet mats provide a more luxurious feel and can be customised to match the interior of your vehicle. They can come with added features such as a non-slip backing and extra durability to withstand wear and tear over time. For the best results, opt for mats that are designed specifically to fit your car’s make and model. 

Protecting Your Vehicle’s Value

By using car mats, you are essentially preserving the condition of the original carpet in your vehicle. Over time, dirt and debris can cause permanent stains and wear down the fibres of your car’s flooring. This can significantly decrease the resale value of your vehicle. High-quality car mats act as a barrier, protecting your vehicle’s original interior and thereby helping to maintain its value over time. 

Health and Safety Considerations

Clean car interiors are not just about aesthetics; they also contribute to a healthier environment. Car mats make it easier to keep the cabin free from allergens such as dust and pollen, which can accumulate over time. Moreover, by providing a stable, non-slip surface, they help ensure that your feet stay in place while driving, thus enhancing safety for both the driver and passengers. 

The Convenience of Easy Cleaning

One of the most appealing aspects of car mats is their ease of cleaning. Most mats, particularly rubber ones, can simply be removed from the vehicle and hosed down or vacuumed, making the cleaning process quick and efficient. Carpet mats may require a bit more care but can still be easily vacuumed or shampooed, which means they can be maintained in a relatively straightforward manner. 

Customisation and Personalisation

Beyond protection and functionality, car mats offer an opportunity to personalise the interior of your vehicle. With a variety of colours, materials, and designs available, you can choose mats that reflect your style and complement your car’s interior. Customised car mats even allow you to feature a logo or personal insignia, adding a unique touch to your vehicle. 

Conclusion

Investing in the right car mats is a small but impactful decision that can offer extensive benefits. From protecting your vehicle’s interior to enhancing both visual appeal and comfort, good-quality car mats are an indispensable addition to your car accessories. By choosing durable, easy-to-clean materials, you ensure long-term protection and maintain the value and appearance of your vehicle, irrespective of what the unpredictable UK weather may throw at you.

Virtual Coaches and AI – The Future of Personalised Training for Athletes

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Sports training is rapidly evolving, and with artificial intelligence (AI) having a bigger influence in the modern world, it was only a matter of time before virtual coaching would start to benefit. Setting a new benchmark for personalised athlete development, being able to develop tailored training routines that adapt to an athlete’s needs is what AI can offer, improving performance through precision and efficiency.

So, as traditional coaching methods blend with the latest technology, athletes from amateur to elite levels can enjoy unprecedented support when training. Below, we’ll take a look at how it helps and what the future may hold.

The Evolution of Virtual Coaching 

For a long time, coaching relied on subjective assessments and generalised training that applied broad techniques across all athletes rather than being personalised. However, as technology advanced, so did the approach to training.

The introduction of video analysis tools marked a significant step forward, allowing coaches to scrutinise performance with greater accuracy. This developed further with wearable technology providing real-time data, offering insights into an athlete’s physiological and biomechanical metrics. This set the stage for AI, which today analyses vast amounts of data from these wearables to provide accurate training adjustments tailored to individual needs. This evolution represents a significant shift towards more scientific, precise, and personalised training strategies in sports.

How AI Enhances Training

By using data to tailor training to individual needs, AI can help process inputs from various sources, be it wearables, video analysis, and performance metrics, to identify patterns and areas for improvement. For instance, AI can analyse an athlete’s movement during training to detect inefficiencies or potential injury risks, offering corrective advice in real time. It also simulates different training scenarios to predict outcomes, helping coaches make informed decisions about the intensity and focus of workouts.

The key part here is the data collection, however, as AI needs this to be able to help analyse and find patterns. This means the technology behind how data is gathered from athletes is constantly changing. We’ve mentioned wearables, but there are also other innovations that coaches can use.

Companies such as Feldspar have developed a best-in-class sensor-enabled performance running track that gathers data while an athlete is running on it. This means that without the need for wearing any additional sensors, the track itself can provide real-time insights into performance and technique. AI helps to further interpret this data and quickly find patterns to provide recommendations that coaches can use for feedback.

The continuous adaptation of training plans based on an athlete’s progress and feedback ensures optimal performance. This level of customisation was unattainable just a few years ago when using only traditional coaching methods, so adjustments were slower and often based on less precise information. By providing detailed, actionable insights, current tech empowers coaches and athletes to achieve peak performance with greater efficiency.

What Are The Benefits of Virtual Coaches?

Virtual coaches, powered by AI, offer several advantages that revolutionise traditional training methods.

  • They provide unparalleled accessibility so that athletes can receive expert coaching and training from virtually anywhere at any time. This is especially beneficial for those in remote areas.
  • Virtual coaching systems are designed to deliver highly personalised training plans. AI analyses each athlete’s performance data to tailor exercises and routines specifically to their physical capabilities and goals, ensuring more effective outcomes.
  • They are cost-effective, reducing the need to have a coach physically present at every session, which can be financially demanding.
  • They can handle vast amounts of data and serve multiple athletes simultaneously, making them scalable solutions that can support teams or individual athletes equally. 

These benefits collectively enhance the training experience for athletes, making it more effective, personalised, and accessible. As it is a significant leap forward in a short space of time, it does raise questions about how its use can provide an advantage to those who can afford to use it, as well as what happens to traditional coaching roles.

For now, at least, virtual coaches are a useful tool for coaches and athletes to have, and as the technology advances, the hope is that the costs will fall to allow for much wider adoption, helping to level the playing field and provide much fairer competition amongst athletes at all levels. 

 

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