Galway three-in-a-row star dies aged 81

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November 1, 2023

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Local TD Claire Kerrane has called for clarity on the eligibility criteria for the new Knowledge Transfer (KT) Programme.

Concerns have been raised that eligibility criteria for the KT Programme may require participants to be herd keepers rather than joint herd owners, which in turn could result in many women farmers and young framers being excluded from the opportunity.

The Sinn Féin TD said that the programme is welcome and will no doubt build on the valuable guidance, advice and targeted skills development that the previous programme delivered.

However, she said that it is ‘really concerning that many women farmers and young farmers may be locked out of this opportunity’ as a result of the programme’s eligibility criteria.

“It appears that there may be a requirement in the Department’s Terms and Conditions for the schemes that participants be herd keepers rather than joint herd owners,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Many women in agriculture and young farmers will be part of farm partnerships and are often a joint herd owner, rather than the registered herd keeper.

“That the Department only allow for one herd keeper is an ongoing issue which representative groups, such as the Women in Agriculture Stakeholder Group (WASG), have long raised with the Minister.

“This an issue the Minister and his Department will be well aware of, and it would be incredibly disappointing if eligibility for the KT Programme is hinged on participants being herd keepers, rather than allowing for joint herd owners to participate too.

“I have sought clarity on the criteria for the scheme and would urge the Minister to make clear that joint herd owners will be eligible to take part in the Knowledge Transfer Programme.

“The Minister has repeatedly stated his ambition to support women in agriculture and young farmers, but this must be reflected in access to schemes and opportunities which support knowledge transfer and skills development amongst those groups.”

Galway finalist in national nursing home awards

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November 1, 2023

galway daily news nursing homes ireland awards poster

A director of nursing at a Co. Galway nursing home has been selected as one of the finalists in the Nursing Home Ireland Care Awards 2023.

Brian McNamara, who is Director of Nursing at Greenpark Nursing Home in Tuam is one of 24 finalists across a range of disciplines within the nursing home sector who will attend a national awards ceremony on Tuesday, 7 November.

Brian’s parents established Greenpark Nursing Home in 1991 and older persons care has been a part of his life since.

“I love my role as Director of Care and feel privileged to be able to work with those who need it most. I could never see myself doing anything else,” he said.

Over 200 nominations were submitted to the awards process to recognise excellence in nursing home care, eligible from 382 private and voluntary nursing homes across Ireland.

Judges independent of NHI within differing older person care disciplines adjudicated on the entries.

From the 24 finalists, eight overall winners will be announced and honoured at the prestigious awards ceremony for their exceptional dedication to nursing home care.

Irish television personality Mary Kennedy will MC the awards ceremony for the Nursing Home Ireland Care Awards 2023, in association with Homecare Medical.

Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, congratulated the finalists, saying that it is a remarkable achievement and well-deserved, with nominations pouring in from nursing homes all over the country.

“The applications consistently displayed exceptional excellence; therefore, being a finalist represents outstanding recognition and is truly an honour for those going forward,” he said.

“The staff and residents of the nursing homes should take immense pride in the finalists’ accomplishment in reaching this stage.

“The NHI Care Awards serve as a celebration of the outstanding care provided by dedicated individuals and care teams in our 382 Member nursing homes across communities in Ireland. They recognize the extraordinary commitment of staff and nursing homes in meeting and exceeding the health and social care needs of nursing home residents.”

Man arrested by gardaí investigating online threats

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November 1, 2023

A man in his 40s has been arrested by gardaí investigating alleged online threats against public representatives.

The man has been arrested for an alleged offence contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

He is being detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1948 at a Garda Station in the West of Ireland.

More to follow…

Missing person appeal stood down after body discovered

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October 31, 2023

The missing person appeal for Aidan Howley has been stood down following the discovery of a body.

A missing person appeal had been issued by Gardaí in Co. Mayo on Tuesday afternoon after concerns were raised.

Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance in the matter.

University of Galway postgrad open evening next week

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October 31, 2023

University of Galway’s postgraduate open evening takes place on Tuesday November 7, 2023 from 4-7pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn.

With more than 200 postgraduate courses on offer across a range of subjects including Humanities, Business, Law, Engineering, Science and Computer Science, Nursing, and Medicine and Health Sciences, the postgraduate event is a key event for those who want to broaden their skills-set, define their areas of expertise, increase their specialist knowledge and ultimately improve their job prospects.

The informal networking event will showcase the suite of full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes available, including taught and research masters, as well as doctoral research options. Flexible, online, and blended learning options are also on offer.

Academic staff will be available to meet prospective students to discuss study opportunities, entry requirements and career paths and postgraduate support staff will be on hand to discuss applications, admissions, scholarships and fees.

As part of University of Galway’s strategic focus on recognising excellence and success, EU students with first class honours in their undergraduate degree are eligible to apply for a €1,500 scholarship towards their taught master’s degree at the University.

Visitors to the event can find out more about this and other scholarship schemes, fees, funding, careers and employability at our panel discussion on postgraduate opportunities takes place at 4:15pm.

This will be followed at 5pm by a talk on Opportunities for Graduate Studies and Funding a PhD by the Dean of Graduate Studies, Professor Donal Leech.

Speaking about the upcoming event, Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Recruitment Officer, University of Galway, said they especially encourage visitors considering a return to university studies to attend the Postgraduate Open Day.

“Almost half of those applying to our postgraduate courses are not recent graduates, they are returning to study or upskill for their current job,” she said.

“The value of a postgraduate qualification is proven in terms of improving employability and career progression, increasing lifetime earnings, learning invaluable transferable skills that employers value, and many of our courses also offer opportunities for placement and internships.”

Booking in advance is recommended and is available here.

Galway teenager who joined British Army focus of new documentary

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news paddy devlin british army

A teenager who left his native Galway City to enlist in the British Army in 1941 is the focus of a new documentary on TG4 next Wednesday.

Paddy Devlin travelled to Belfast aged just 17 and became a member of the Royal Ulster Rifles, serving in a glider battalion which fought on D-Day and in the invasion of Germany.

Paddy saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers after crossing the Rhine but was himself seriously wounded.

He was one of an estimated 67,000 southern Irishmen who joined up to fight Nazism in the Second World War.

He was a crack shot who became one of the best snipers in the Allied forces, and fought in the Battle of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge and the Crossing of the Rhine operation.

Paddy was wounded by German machine fire in the Rhine battle while defending his comrades, but returned to service. After the war he joined the RAF and retired as a warrant officer after 28 years.

He settled in Moycullen and wrote a memoir of his wartime experiences, a valuable record of the experiences shared by tens of thousands of Irishmen.

In the TG4 documentary, Paddy’s niece Elayne Devlin explores why her uncle and nearly 70,000 other Irish men and women ignored Irish neutrality to fight for Britain in World War II.

Elaine, an RTÉ journalist, explores why her uncle Paddy and so many others risked death in battle and hostility at home to fight as a soldier of the Crown.

Irish men and women who joined up to fight the Nazis were given a warm welcome in Britain during the war, but often found a cold house on their return home. It was a tale largely written out of Irish history for more than a half a century.

Their huge involvement in the Allied war effort was largely ignored, and tens of thousands of families did not speak about their families’ role in it.

A silence descended on Irish servicemen which only began to be lifted from the 1990s onwards, when the northern Troubles were coming to an end. It is only now that their heroic sacrifices in a struggle which claimed the lives of 5,000 Irishmen are being fully recognised.

Paddy Devlin, Gunnadóir na Gaillimhe, told through the experiences of one family, lifts the lid on that secret history at 9.30pm on Wednesday, 8 November.

Gardaí appeal for man missing from Co. Mayo

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news missing man county mayo

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 42-year-old Aidan Howley who is missing from Foxford, Co. Mayo since Tuesday, 31 October.

Aidan is described as being approximately 6ft in height with a thin build, with fair hair, brown eyes and a beard.

It’s not known what he was wearing at the time of his disappearance.

Aidan’s family are concerned for his welfare and have sought assistance from An Garda Síochána in locating him. Searches of lands in the locality are ongoing.

Anyone with any information on Aidan’s whereabouts are asked to contact Ballina Garda station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Met Éireann issues weather warning for Galway

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news Weather warning for heavy wind and rain to hit Galway

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Galway ahead of strong and very gusty westerly winds, accompanied by heavy showers on Wednesday morning.

The weather conditions could lead to difficult travelling conditions for road users, as well as wave overtopping.

The weather warning will come into effect at 5am on Wednesday morning, remaining in place for 6 hours until 11am.

Counties Clare and Kerry are also affected by the warning.

Conversation on Irish Unity to be held in Conamara

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news conamara irish unity event poster

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell and Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald have announced that the party’s Commission on the Future of Ireland will host a Gaeltacht Peoples’ Assembly in An Crompán in An Cheathrú Rua on Monday, November 27.

The Commission extends an open invitation to all citizens and sections of society and the Irish diaspora to submit their views, concerns and aspirations, via participation in the People’s Assemblies or through the online submissions portal which has been developed.

The aim of the Commission is to widen democratic participation and to serve as a model of grassroots consultation.

There will also be Women’s Assemblies, Youth Assemblies and Assemblies in other Gaeltacht areas.

Sinn Féin has argued that the Irish government should organise a Citizen’s Assembly where all these matters and others around Irish Unity can be discussed.

The event on November 27 will be as Gaeilge and will discuss and debate Irish Unity and how it affects the Connemara Gaeltacht from a range of perspectives.

Sinn Féin has successfully organised nine previous People’s Assemblies in Belfast, Donegal, Dublin, Derry, Waterford and Louth and the upcoming event will be the first in the West of Ireland.

Both submissions to the Commission on the Future of Ireland which will be published when the series of meetings have been concluded and submissions to the Gaeltacht People’s Assembly can be made online now at www.sinnfein.ie/futureofireland.

Registration is also now open for those wishing to attend. You can register to attend the event by clicking the link here.

New edition of Andrew J. Kettle memoirs launched in Galway

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news meomoirs of andrew j kettle — Professor Niamh Reilly, Established Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway and great-great granddaughter of Andrew J. Kettle. Photo: Martina Regan.

A University of Galway academic and great-great-granddaughter of Andrew J. Kettle, one of the key figures in the Land War, has revived his first-hand account of the tumultuous period in Irish history.

Professor Niamh Reilly has written a new introduction and an extended biographical essay in a newly published edition of The Material for Victory: The Memoirs of Andrew J. Kettle.

Andrew J. Kettle (1833-1916) was the co-founder of the Irish National Land League who presided over the meeting that established the national organisation 144 years ago along with Michael Davitt and Charles Stewart Parnell.

Kettle was a lifelong champion of the rights of tenant farmers, an advocate of national self-determination, an innovative and progressive farmer, and a prolific writer of letters to the editor of The Freeman’s Journal.

The new edition, developed in partnership with the Kettle’s Heritage Society, is freely available for students and scholars and anyone interested in the Land War and the social and political history of the period, having been published by Open Press at the University of Galway.

Along with comprehensive annotations by Professor Reilly and her colleague Dr Jane O’Brien, which provide indispensable context for a new generation of readers, the edition also features a foreword by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland.

Originally edited by his son Laurence J. Kettle (1878-1960) and published for the first time in 1958, The Material for Victory: The Memoirs of Andrew J. Kettle documents Kettle’s activism especially around the Land War of 1879-1882.

Professor Niamh Reilly said that the Material for Victory recounts Kettle’s collaboration with Parnell and his role as a leader in the formation of the Irish National Land League and the Land War, culminating in Kettle’s imprisonment in Kilmainham Jail in 1881.

“The memoirs contain fascinating behind-the-scenes stories featuring leading political personalities of the day and a unique perspective on key events from the rise of Parnell, the declaration of the “No Rent Manifesto”, and the establishment of the Ladies Land League, to the Phoenix Park murders, the failure of the First Home Rule Bill in 1886, and the ultimate downfall of Parnell following the O’Shea divorce scandal in 1891,” she said.

Drawing on her family history, Professor Reilly’s additional biographical essay provides a wealth of information about the family context of the memoirs, some 65 years after their original publication by Laurence Kettle in 1958, and more than a 100 years after Andrew J. Kettle first recorded his recollections in handwritten notes.

In particular, using currently available online civil records and newspaper articles, family anecdotes, archival material, and previously published commentary, the essay sheds light on the shared life of Andrew J. Kettle and his wife, Margaret McCourt Kettle, and their 12 children, who in addition to Laurence, included Tom Kettle, essayist, poet, Professor of National Economics and champion of social justice, who was killed in the Great War, and their sisters about whom extremely little has been written until now.

The Material for Victory is available free online – as an open access book at https://openpress.universityofgalway.ie/materialforvictory/.

Galway rally driver Aoife Raftery makes British Rally Championship history

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October 31, 2023

galway daily news aoife raftery at british rally championship in wales

Galway rally driver Aoife Raftery has created a piece of motorsport history in Wales as the first female to join the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy in the final round of the British Rally Championship.

The Craughwell native competed in the Llandudno-based Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on Saturday in her PM Rally Hire Ford Fiesta Rally 4.

The all-gravel event covered just under 90 kilometres on iconic rally roads previously used in Wales Rally GB.

The event was notable as the British Junior Rally Championship title-deciding finale which was a straight fight between two Irish drivers, Kyle White from Co. Down and Kyle McBride from Donegal.

While the title was decided in favour of White, Aoife Raftery put herself into the thick of the action by setting the fastest time on the event’s opening stage, the 14-km run through Elsi Forest.

As a result, she became the first woman driver ever to lead a round of the Junior British Rally Championship.

Unfortunately, her car developed brake problems ahead of the second test and she was forced to complete the opening loop with just front brakes only.

However, Raftery and her co-driver Damien Connolly showed their ingenuity effecting temporary repairs which allowed them to continue safely.

The delay in fixing the issue dropped them down the running order, meaning they started the last stage later than anticipated and under the cover of darkness which deprived the Galway/Monaghan crew of a deserved top result.

“I was really happy to get to the finish in the Cambrian Rally and it was great to be leading the Junior British Rally Championship after stage one,” said Aoife.

“Unfortunately we had brake issues. We managed to get that temporarily fixed heading into stages two and three but it caused us to lose a lot of time.”

Her efforts in Wales were supported by Gerry Broderick Motorsport and Gary McNamee of MCN Motorsport.

“Thanks to Gerry and Gary and the lads in service that helped us get going again and sort of the problem,” she added.

“It was nice to be able to show our pace in the PM Rally Hire Ford Fiesta Rally 4 Car,”

“Thanks to Damien on the notes, the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy, and my sponsors. It was cool that I was the first woman to lead a round of the Junior BRC.”

Raftery will switch disciplines this weekend as she prepares for her rallycross debut in England on Saturday.

The 22-year-old will contest the final round of the British Rallycross Championship at Lydden Hill in Kent in the RX 150 category on November 4 and 5.

She will step into the TSL-backed single-specification RX150 machine just days after competing in the Cambrian Rally.

This is the final weekend for the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy support category, which includes a heat race taking place after dark under floodlights on Saturday evening, as she also makes her competitive rallycross and rear-wheel-drive debut.

Storm Ciaran to bring heavy rain and strong winds

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October 31, 2023

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory as heavy showers and longer spells of rain leading to flooding in parts of the country.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Storm Ciaran is expected to bring falls of heavy rain and strong winds.

But Galway might avoid the worst of it, as early indications suggest the heaviest rain and strongest winds will be in Munster and Leinster.

The weather conditions could lead to poor visibility and difficult or dangerous driving conditions, Met Éireann says.

Galway based Aerogen achieves milestone 20 million Solo systems produced

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October 29, 2023

Galway based medtech company Aerogen has crossed a titanic milestone having now produced 20 million of their drug delivery systems.

The Aerogen Solo is used by hospitals and caregivers around the world to aerosolise drugs for the acutely compromised respiratory patient.

This milestone is jointly celebrated with the company’s 25th anniversary. Founded above a butchers shop in Galway in 1997, Aerogen is now Ireland’s largest indigenous medtech company.

Headquartered in Galway with manufacturing in Parkmore and Shannon, Aerogen’s workforce has tripled in the past five years to 500 employees operating in 28 countries.

The expansion has continued in recent years, with the company bringing on 110 new employees in 2023, and a further 50 multi-disciplined positions in the pipeline.

Speaking at Aerogen’s milestone event at their plant in Parkmore, Minister Neale Richmond TD said: “I am delighted to join Aerogen at their highly impressive facility here in Galway to witness the production of the 20 millionth Aerogen Solo device.”

“Irish businesses like Aerogen are the backbone of our economy, scaling and growing their footprint overseas, while continuing to develop and nurture the team back home.”

The Minister added that he is delighted that Aerogen has grown to become, “An international player on the world stage working with and developing lifesaving respiratory devices and clinical products for the health sector globally.”

The 20 millionth Aerogen Solo was packaged in a unique, gold branded box. The customer that receives this shipment will be acknowledged with a €10,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

As part of their 25th-anniversary celebration, Aerogen has planned a series of 25 events and initiatives to express its gratitude to its employees, customers and the communities in which they operate.

The company has donated over €100,000 to various charities and organisations already this year with plenty more activity planned.

The 20 millionth product is an incredible milestone for us to achieve during our 25 year celebrations” said John Power, Aerogen CEO and Founder.

“Our journey has been marked by relentless dedication to innovation led and customer-centric solutions and whilst we today rightly celebrate a production milestone, we also reflect on the acutely sick patients those products have played a key role in treating.”

“To be able to impact the clinical outcome for one person is a great privilege, to be involved in the treatment of 20 million individual patients globally is not alone a huge privilege but also an incredible honour for us all at Aerogen”.

Aerogen’s parent company Stamford Devices Limited Group, reported a strong financial performance for the year ending December 2022, recording €119.9 million in revenue.

Sales in Aerogen’s core Medical Device business of €117 million resulted in pre-tax earnings of €26.5 million.

Garda appeal for man missing from his home in Claregalway

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October 29, 2023

Gardaí are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a 39 year old man missing from his home in Claregalway.

Paul Fahy has been missing from his home in Claregalway since the morning of Friday, October 27.

It is believed Paul left his home on Friday morning at approximately 11.45am

Paul is described as being 6 feet in height, with a slim build and has grey/black hair.

When last seen he was wearing black tracksuit bottoms, grey jumper and a high visibility vest with black Nike runners.

Anyone with any information on Paul’s whereabouts are asked to contact Oranmore Garda station on 091 388 030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Weather warning for heavy rain in effect today

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October 29, 2023

A weather warning is in effect for heavy rain and possible flooding in Galway and the west of Ireland today.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for all of Connacht, along with counties Longford, Westmeath, and Cavan.

The rain warning will be in effect until 9pm on Sunday night.

During this time Galway will be hit by heavy or prolonged showers of rain.

This brings with it the risk of localised flooding, along with impaired visibility and poor driving conditions.

Wedding bells are ringing in Ros na Rún

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October 29, 2023

The wedding day is here, but all is far from rosy, Che reveals some news that could be huge for the family, and Sorcha is very worried about Sadie in Ros na Rún.

Laoise and Micheál’s wedding day has arrived! Micheál continues to conceal his health issues and tries to power through the day.

Things go from bad to worse, and it becomes a question of whether or not they’ll make it down the aisle.

There is no end in sight for Réailtín’s nightmares and Micheál continues to lie to her. In the meantime, Laoise tests Réailtín’s patience. Will Réailtín get the answers she needs?

Che sees Crystal in a new light after wrangling information out of Natasha. Sonny and Crystal’s relationship is on the rocks and Che reveals some news to his family.

Sorcha learns of Malachaí and Sadie’s impulsive marriage and notices that Sadie is acting a little too out of character. Anxious and concerned, she confronts Malachaí.

Catch up on all the latest in Ros na Rún this Sunday in a double feature omnibus on TG4.

Euromillions player in the west is Ireland’s newest millionaire

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October 29, 2023

Galway Daily news Lotto player wins €17 million jackpot

A lucky lotto player in the west of Ireland is having a hell of a bank holiday weekend after becoming Ireland’s newest millionaire following Friday night’s EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ draw.

The winning ticket worth €1,005,000 was won by a player in Mayo who purchased their ticket through the National Lottery App.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification to the user’s online account and a separate email has now been sent to the lucky Mayo ticket holder.

The newly minted millionaire in Mayo officially becomes the 35th National Lottery millionaire of 2023, surpassing the number of yearly lottery millionaires not seen since 2011.

Typically, in every single EuroMillions draw, ten players in Ireland win €5,000 on the ‘Ireland Only Raffle’. In last night’s draw, an additional €1 million was added to the special raffle draw and among those ten winners of €5,000, one of those winners won an additional €1 million.

The ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ winning raffle code in last night’s EuroMillions draw, which is worth €1,005,000 million to one online player in Dublin was:  I-PWF-70160
There were over 46,000 prize winners in Ireland in Friday’s EuroMillions draw, there was one winner of the €17 million jackpot prize which was won in Spain.

A National Lottery spokesperson said, “It’s been an incredible 2023 for our players with 35 millionaires made so far and we still have two months of the year to go.”

“This is the highest number of millionaires that have been made in National Lottery games since way back in 2011 and we’re looking forward to meeting with our latest Mayo winner to share in the celebrations.”

“We are asking all our online players to check their National Lottery accounts and tickets very carefully today as they will have received a notification and an email to inform them of their prize.”

The national lottery is urging the Mayo player to contact their claims team at 1800 666 222 or by emailing claims@lottery.ie to make arrangements to claim their prize.

Months long road closure in Athenry town centre

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October 29, 2023

Bridge Street in Athenry will be closed for a number of months starting next week as new sewerage pipes are laid in the town.

The next phase of Athenry Sewerage Scheme Project involves the installation of a new sewerage pipe at the river crossing.

To ensure the safety of crews and the public, a road closure will be required from October 31 to December 1.

The closure will be temporarily lifted during the Christmas period and replaced with temporary traffic lights on Bridge Street before it is reinstated from January 3 until the end of February, 2024.

Uisce Éireann’s Colm Claffey thanked the community for their patience and co-operation in advance as this vital project progresses.

“We understand that a temporary road closure is inconvenient, and our crews will make every effort to minimise disruption. We will lift the closure during the month of December to facilitate the busy Christmas period for businesses.”

“The long-term benefits of this project will far outweigh any short-term inconvenience. A sewer network that is fit for purpose is essential in order to support business and social development in the community.”

“Not only will these works support existing and future residential and commercial development, but they will also improve the overall performance of the sewer network.”

Coffey Construction Ltd, working on behalf of Uisce Éireann, are on track to complete the project by the end of 2024.

In the meantime, Uisce Éireann will continue to update the local community in Athenry as we continue to make progress.

Uisce Éireann issues update on two Galway boil water notices

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October 28, 2023