In a promising bit of news for pet owners, planning permission is being sought for a new Dog Park near Oranmore.
The application is for a dog park which will be on a 1.1Ha site located off the Reville Village Road south of Oranmore.
A cover letter for the planning application states that it will provide a safe and secure place for the exercise, socialisation, and training of dogs.
“Given the current bylaws dogs need to be leashed in public parks. However, there is also a need for dogs to be able to run free to burn off energy and get adequate exercise. This is where the dog park comes into play.
“By providing a secure area for dogs to be off-leash, they will be safe and pose no nuisance to the general public. This facility is needed given the current complaints about off-leash dogs in parks.”
“It would also allow the more infirm dog owners to adequately exercise their dogs off-leash safely while they can sit down.”
The plans state that dog owners, walkers, or training groups will be able to reserve a time slot at the park, which will have a chain link fence and key code access.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by January 12 of 2024.
Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD has welcomed a new TFI Local Link service launched this week from Portumna to Nenagh in Co. Tipperary.
Route 322 will operate four daily return trips Monday to Saturday, with an additional return service between Puckaun and Nenagh, as well as three daily return services on Sunday.
The route will connect towns and villages such as Portumna, Lorrha, Carrigahorig, Terryglass, Ballinderry, Coolbawn, Puckaun, Dromineer, Ballycommon and Nenagh.
Speaking about the new route, Minister Rabbitte said the launch of Route 322 is very welcome news for Portumna and surrounding areas.
The Galway East TD said that it creates great connectivity with neighbouring towns and villages across the Shannon in Tipperary allowing people to access the great amenities both towns have to offer.
“This is something I was keen to see come on stream so it’s great to finally come to fruition,” she said.
“The opening up of this route also enhances and simplifies onward travel for students, in particular. Limerick is a prime location for students in East Galway to live and study. This new route will be beneficial for students studying in Limerick, allowing them to link to buses that travel further to the Universities.
“Local Link is such an important service and provides people with choices when choosing to travel by bus and there is no doubt that this will be a popular route between Portumna and Galway.”
Minister Rabbitte said that this demonstrates that the government is paying attention to public opinion and allocating funds for the infrastructure required for individuals to lives and experience the sense of independence and connectedness that this service provides.
“This is part of the Government’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for 2023, which is one of the most ambitious plans yet for rural transport.
“It will see 67 new or enhanced Connecting Ireland bus services come on stream, we are already seeing the benefit of the new Tuam to Galway route launched earlier this year, which has been extremely busy.”
The Station House Theatre in Clifden was packed out on Saturday as the local community paid tribute to Dr Brendan Flynn, who has led the Clifden Arts Festival into its 47th year.
The two-hour event, organised and hosted by Connemara Chamber of Commerce, included local music, dance and a series of speakers from different aspects of Connemara life, from education, business, religious, arts and music.
Dr Flynn received several presentations during the event which includes a framed letter from President Michael D. Higgins, a specially commissioned sculpture, and a framed photo of the overwhelming words of thanks from the community.
The main presentation was a piece of sculpture specially commissioned by Connemara Chamber of Commerce for Dr Flynn. The bronze piece was created renowned sculpture John Behan.
A letter was read out from President Higgins praising Dr Flynn’s “exemplary contributions to the educational, cultural, and economic vitality of Connemara”.
After a standing ovation from all in attendance, refreshments were enjoyed afterwards in the Clifden Station House Hotel.
(L to R) John D’Arcy, AONTAS Chairperson
Michelle McGoldrick, Maynooth University
Simon Harris T.D., Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Alan Anthony Quinn, Tipperary Education and Training Board
Dearbháil Lawless, AONTAS, during A Window to the World: AONTAS Adult Education Summit 2023 at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.
Photo: Marc O Sullivan
Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) has been recognised for best practice in teaching skills and confidence building in the annual ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report.
The report was recently launched at the AONTAS Adult Education Summit at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
GRETB learners reported that tutors helped to build their confidence and sense of capability, and that the learning environment was one of mutual respect and knowledge-building.
Tutors were recognised for the time and one-on-one supports provided to learners depending on the support required.
One learner said that it is ‘such a relaxed way’ of learning.
“We all contribute to the class, but ultimately, our tutor prompts us to contribute to the lessons in ways that we probably wouldn’t even have thought that we could. It’s brilliant and makes us feel like we’re capable and confident,” they said.
Further Education and Training (FET) learners from Galway and across Ireland participated in focus groups and surveys to inform the research, which highlights overwhelmingly positive experiences of FET.
However, the report also reveals regional disparities in learning experiences due to inequalities in public transport, facilities, and inclusion and mental health supports.
CEO of AONTASDearbháil Lawless said: “There are two principal narratives emerging from this year’s ‘Learners’ Voices Across Ireland’ report – that education has a hugely transformative impact on learners’ lives, particularly those returning to education later in life – and that issues around local infrastructure and facilities are creating inequalities and barriers for learners across the country to access, or take full advantage of, those transformative experiences.”
“For many people in Galway and across Ireland, particularly those from under-resourced communities and groups that face the greatest challenges in accessing quality education, crossing the threshold of a college or training centre is a huge step, and for many even getting to the front door is proving to be the biggest barrier.”
Galway County Council has given the green light for a housing development of 30 houses, apartments and duplex units in Clifden.
Roonith Properties has been given planning permission to build a new housing estate on the northwest end of Clifden on the N59.
The mix of housing will comprise 8 one-bed units, 3 two-bed units, 5 three-bed houses; and 14 two-bed duplex units.
The site will be served by 47 car parking spaces, 36 bicycle parking spaces, and pedestrian connectivity to the existing footpath network.
The developer intends to provide three duplex units to the County Council for affordable or social housing in order to fulfil their Part V planning requirements.
Planning permission for the residential development was granted by Galway County Council with 43 conditions attached.
The council stipulated that a further Road Safety Audit of the plans must be carried out before the development commences, and all recommendations from it implemented, along with a third audit after construction is completed.
All of the homes must also be fitted with electric vehicle charging points, and are restricted to individual buyers in the first sale.
WYLDE, the high-end café and delicatessen on Forster Street, has some amazingly festive hampers available this holiday season – the perfect gift for someone special.
Packed full of goodies, treats, and flavourful delights, there is something for everyone with WYLDE’s eye-catching Christmas hampers.
WYLDE has three distinctive hamper options available for wine appreciators, coffee lovers, and beer aficionados, offering a charmingly upscale gift for a friend or family member.
The delightful Wine Hamper includes a bottle each of red and white Connacht Hospitality Group vintages, two jars of Gran Gran condiments, and one pack of delicious WYLDE chocolates.
The wonderful Coffee Hamper includes a 250g bag of Honduras or Christmas blend coffee, a jar of Harry’s Nut Butter, some hot chocolate sticks, a packet of WYLDE chocolates, and a charming keep-cup.
For the beer enthusiast in your life, treat them to a Galway Hooker Brewery Hamper which includes two bottles of the Oranmore brewery’s beer as well as a branded pint glass.
WYLDE’s chic and festive hampers are cute and thoughtful, and they have something for everyone this Christmas.
This is your chance to spoil someone special with a fantastically packaged gift from one of Galway’s most popular cafés and delicatessens.
To pick up one of these stylish and thoughtful gift hampers, simply call into WYLDE – located just a 30-second stroll from Eyre Square – where you can easily purchase whichever one you feel would make for a fitting gift.
An Garda Síochána are advising the public to be alert for scams claiming that people are able to get discounted electricity.
Scam texts have been doing the rounds claiming that people are eligible for electricity discounts under the ‘Energy support scheme’.
These fraudulent texts, claiming to be from the government, then attempt to get people to click on a link meant to appear as though it is sending you to a government webpage.
An Garda Síochána North Western Region issued a statement saying, “The Government have confirmed that there is no such scheme offered and warned the public not to click on any links or enter any personal details.”
Crime Prevention Officers advise people not to give out any personal details to someone who texts or calls you.
If the person claiming to be from a trusted institution seems genuine, then you should call them back on a number you know to be genuine.
“Scams are usually out of the blue, often have a sense of urgency and are looking for personal information”.
Information scammers will be looking for can include any of the following: Name, Address, DOB, Mothers Maiden Name, Model of first car, Pets name, where born etc.
Venturing into the lively realm of online gambling demands a nuanced approach to squeezing the most out of that enticing free initial deposit. It’s akin to stepping onto a dynamic stage where the choice of the right casino isn’t just a decision but a narrative arc, setting the tone for the entire symphony of your gaming journey. Seek out those platforms that not only extend the proverbial red carpet but do so with a grand gesture of substantial welcome bonuses, inviting you to kick off your gambling escapade with a bankroll that’s not just substantial but downright robust. The online casino landscape is a rich tapestry, each venue flaunting its unique array of no-deposit offerings. Here, the objective transcends the mere spin of the wheel; it’s about choosing a casino wisely, an artful selection profoundly influencing the trajectory of your initial deposit.
And, of course, if you’re scouring the digital expanse for online casinos that boast not just enticing but downright irresistible no-deposit bonuses, why not give thisfree casino no deposit a whirl?
Strategic Game Selection for Longevity
In the vast cosmos of online gambling, the heartbeat of success isn’t dictated by a uniform rhythm; it’s a dance where not all games sway to the same melody. To sustain and elevate that initial deposit involves a journey into the nuanced world of games that aren’t just a roll of the dice but a strategic ballet, seamlessly blending skill and chance. Picture the poker table or the blackjack arena, where strategic prowess takes center stage, offering not just odds but an entire narrative arc for elongating your winning streak. And, of course, gravitate towards games with lower house edges – those unsung heroes quietly nudging your chances skyward, becoming the invisible architects of your success in the long run. Choosing your games then becomes an art, a thoughtful strategy for transforming that free initial deposit into a journey that’s not just long-lasting but, more importantly, exhilarating in its unpredictability.
Bankroll Management
Success in the pulsating arena of gambling is a symphony that transcends the singular note of winning; it’s about orchestrating your bankroll wisely, becoming the maestro of your own financial composition. Transforming that initial deposit into a sustainable streak demands more than just number-crunching; it’s about establishing clear budgetary limits and then adhering to them with a steadfast resolve. Imagine dividing your bankroll into manageable units, each unit a strategic pawn in the chessboard of your gaming journey. Steer clear of the allure of betting more than a predetermined percentage on a single wager; it’s not just about avoiding pitfalls but crafting a melody that resonates with financial sensibility. Responsible bankroll management isn’t just a safety net for potential losses; it’s the conductor’s baton in your gaming symphony. This approach, far from being a mere strategy, becomes a philosophy, a guiding principle that significantly boosts the likelihood of turning your initial deposit into a sustained crescendo of profitable and enduring gameplay.
Loyalty Programs and Promotions
Within the vibrant tapestry of online casinos, loyalty programs and promotions aren’t just additional perks; they’re the heartbeat of the casino experience, the pulse that transforms a mere gaming session into a dynamic journey. These programs, akin to a friendly pat on the back, often shower you with extra bonuses, free spins, or even coveted cashback rewards. Here, the vigilant eye isn’t just a passive observer but an active participant in the ever-evolving canvas of your casino’s promotions page. Dive deep into loyalty programs; it’s not just an immersion but a submersion into added layers of excitement that intertwine seamlessly with your gaming adventure. This isn’t merely about transforming an initial bonus into a streak; it’s about crafting a narrative, a story where your gaming journey isn’t just a fleeting moment but a pulsating and enduring symphony of thrills and wins.
The official opening of the new €4 million Spiddal Wastewater Treatment Plant took place last week to mark the end of dumping raw sewage into Galway Bay.
Uisce Éireann was joined by local representatives who saw first-hand the state-of-the-art treatment being provided for wastewater in the village.
The €4 million project consists of the wastewater treatment plant itself, along with a new underground pump station and pipes to direct sewage to it. An existing outfall pipe was reused for the discharge of now-compliant wastewater.
Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Liam Carroll spoke of his pride at seeing the plant up and running.
He commended the team at Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council who worked together as they navigated the project.
“This is a vital piece of infrastructure for the locality and all those involved in getting us here today deserve our gratitude,” Cllr Carroll said.
“The value of a reliable wastewater service, in a manner that protects the natural environment, cannot be overemphasised. This plant is essential to the economic and social development of this area.”
Plans for the new wastewater treatment plant in Spiddal were approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2019. The new plant will be able to cater for a population of up to 1,000 people, allowing for growth in the area.
The site is on land operated by Údarás na Gaeltachta to the northeast of Scoil Éinne, and adjacent to Spiddal Craft Village and Cuan Studio.
The project was advanced to end the discharge of 600 wheelie bins worth of untreated sewage into Galway Bay each day.
Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon paid tribute to the team who brought the significant project to life, saying, “It’s fitting that we are seeing out the end of the year with a celebration here in Spiddal.”
“Eliminating the discharge of raw sewage into Galway Bay has always been a priority for Uisce Éireann and we are proud to be ending this practice, safeguarding the local environment and enhancing tourism opportunities for this beautiful part of the country.”
“We say a big thank you to the local community including Udarás na Gaeltachta, Spiddal Craft and Design Studios, Danu Media, Stiuideo Cuan Teo as well as Scoil Einne for their ongoing support and patience throughout the delivery of this vital project.”
Plans are in the works for a major facelift for an iconic pub in Galway City Centre, reopening under new management.
Vibrant Ark Limited has made a planning application to Galway City Council for the refurbishment of what was Richardsons on Eyre Square.
The proposed works will include replacing the existing shopfront of the pub and relocating its front door. Alterations will also be to the door facing onto Prospect Hill.
The existing stone cladding will also be removed and replaced with a painted nap render finish to the front façade and gable end of No. 1 Eyre Square.
Existing windows and doors will also be replaced with new timber windows and doors across all levels of both buildings.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by January 28, 2024.
Richardson’s had been a family-owned business for more than 60 years when owner Tom Richardson announced the family’s retirement in July.
The pub went up for sale with O’Donnellan & Joyce with a list price of €3 million, and a sale was confirmed later that month.
It’s understood that the sale was made to a Dublin publican.
Aaron O’Reilly (left) and James Corballis (right) after completing and passing the last of their assessments afloat which means that they can become fully-fledged crew, with assessor trainer Sean Ginnelly (centre). Photo Credit: RNLI/Aoife Morrissy
Two new recruits have completed their training and joined the team of volunteers performing lifesaving work with the Galway RNLI.
James Corballis and Aaron O’Reilly, two trainee crew with the Galway Lifeboat Station, have this week completed their training programme and passed their final assessments which means that they can progress to fully-fledged crew.
James Corballis is originally from Kilkenny and has been living in Galway for the past 15 years. He said, “The RNLI has been a big part of my family growing up and from where I live in Galway I could see the lifeboat launching at all hours day and night.”
What James saw was something he always hoped he could one day be a part of, and in 2020 he was able to join the RNLI.
“I’m delighted to have now completed my trainee plan, completed and passed the final assessments which means I can now move on to be ‘substantive’ crew and take on more responsibilities when we head out to sea when the pager goes off.”
Aaron O’Reilly grew up on the water and has always been involved in sailing and powerboating, teaching him plenty about the dangers of the water.
“I’ve been involved in water-based sports all my life and I know how important it is to have assistance if you need it if there is an accident or medical emergency out on Galway Bay.”
“I joined the RNLI so I could give back to the community and now that I have passed all my assessments, I’ll be able to play a greater part in providing a 24-hour rescue service for the people who need our assistance.”
Lifeboat training covers a range of skill sets such as seamanship and boat handling, navigation and search and rescue.
Trainee crew must complete 15 training modules and 49 different assessments of activities in the lifeboat station and on the water to ensure that the lifeboat and crew aboard are ready to handle a wide range of situations when saving lives at sea.
Frankie Leonard, Lifeboat Training Coordinator with Galway RNLI said, “It is a real credit to both of them that they were able to complete the training modules, put the skills learned into practice on shore and on the boat and prepare for and pass their assessments while also dealing with the challenges we all faced during the pandemic.”
“We are delighted to have two crew with their expertise and enthusiasm on board. Crew training is a continuous process and the learning never stops.”
A public consultation is underway on the new Loughrea Local Area Plan which will guide the development of the town for the next six years.
Galway County Council has published the Draft Loughrea Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 and is seeking public feedback over the next month and a half.
The LAP, and all associated reports, can be viewed at Áras an Chontae in Galway City, as well as at Loughrea Library on Church Street and the council’s Loughrea Area Office on Barrack Street.
In addition, all the documents can be downloaded from the Galway County Council website, https://consult.galway.ie/
A drop-in information session on the Local Area Plan will be held at Loughrea Hotel & Spa on Tuesday, December 5 from 2:30pm to 7:30pm.
Galway TD Denis Naughten has expressed his disappointment at people with Long Covid being denied the occupational injury support they “rightfully deserve”.
The Department of Social Protection has ruled allowing Long Covid as an illness for which people could claim occupational injury benefits following the publication of a new report.
The report said that COVID-19 does not meet the criteria for designation as an occupational illness under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005.
“Specifically, the presumptions about workplace transmission would not be sustainable on a general basis in the current environment when infection rates are low.”
The report also said that the Occupational Injuries Benefit would be of “limited value or no value” to people who already contracted COVID-19 in the past.
“As outlined in this paper, only Class A contributors would get full access to the Occupational Injuries Benefit scheme and the scheme would not apply retrospectively.”
Deputy Naughten had said before the production of the report that he intended to reintroduce an amendment to the Social Welfare Bill 2023 to have Long Covid designated as an occupational illness.
“As the Minister will be aware, the Department of Health and the HSE have agreed to extend special payments for a period exceeding 28 months to 143 healthcare staff afflicted with long Covid symptoms.”
“The State has, therefore, acknowledged that these 143 healthcare staff have an occupational illness of long Covid after contracting it, in all probability, within their place of employment.”
“However, they are still being denied access to an occupational illness scheme because the State is still refusing to publicly acknowledge that staff are chronically ill as a result of Covid infection.”
Deputy Naughten asked what would happen to those staff next April when the benefits expire and they are still unfit to work, or to all of the others who have been excluded from this support.
“Every other front-line worker outside of the health service who is out with a chronic illness as a result of long Covid is getting no additional occupational support.”
“We asked these individuals who run our hospitals and supermarkets and who support people with disabilities to go out and roll up their sleeves in the interests of the country at the height of the pandemic.”
“These dedicated individuals, who contracted long Covid as a direct result of their heroic efforts during the pandemic, are now being denied the support they rightfully deserve.”
FRESH Street 2019 which brought hundreds of delegates from around the world to Galway has won the Fáilte Ireland CARA award for 2023.
The event took place from 22 – 24th May 2019 in Galway City and Inis Oírr and brought together over 280 delegates from 21 different countries and from 4 different continents.
In advance of the seminar, a 2-day private meeting was hosted by the Arts Council of Ireland for policymakers across the world.
Over 12 policymakers arrived from the UK, Belgium, Ireland, Sweden, Latvia and France to share and discuss topics of mutual interest.
Making it a local event on a global level which examined the incredible power of making artistic work for public spaces.
The award was presented to the Director of ISACS (Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle) Network Lucy Medlycott at a ceremony honouring the contributions of 104 Conference Ambassadors to the Irish economy.
“ISACS are beyond thrilled to receive this award out of the blue for the wonderful FRESH Street event which we held in partnership with Circostrada and Galway 2020 back in May 2019,” said Lucy Medlycott.
“It feels particularly special to get this kind of recognition for an event whose significance was slightly eclipsed by the ensuing pandemic.”
“We are super grateful for the acknowledgement of the value of these art forms in our cultural landscape by Minister Martin and Failte Ireland and especially the Meet in Galway team.”
The ambassadors were acknowledged for their expertise, industry knowledge and unwavering commitment to successfully hosting an international conference in Ireland between 2018 and 2022.
Collectively these conferences have contributed €125 million to the Irish economy and have made a positive impact on our nation.
Fáilte Ireland’s Conference Ambassador Programme was developed to support individuals who want to host an international conference in Ireland.
The programme provides assistance and financial support at every stage of the event, from the initial bidding, through to the marketing and promotion of the event.
Ambassadors are sector leaders or influencers in their field and since the programme was established in 2009, Fáilte Ireland has supported almost 3,000 ambassadors in their bids to host conferences and events worth more than €2 billion.
Riverbank fencing and instream structures in the Kilroe River, Co. Galway, creating a habitat with varied depth and velocity of flow, favoured by invertebrates and salmonids.
A €1 million grant funding is available to support river conservation projects in Galway and around the country.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is providing grant support under the Habitats and Conservation Funding Call 2024 to support fish, and their habitats, in rivers nationwide.
Barry Fox Head of Operations at Inland Fisheries Ireland said, “The conservation and protection of Atlantic salmon and sea trout is an integral part of IFI’s progressive and sustainable fisheries management operations.”
“This funding will improve fish habitats and increase juvenile abundance of salmon and trout. A total of €1,050,000 is being allocated in 2024.”
“We are investing in transformative conservation projects that have a strong focus on outcomes”.
“Priority will be given to proposals that rehabilitate damaged river habitats, improve water quality, and help fish traverse physical in-stream barriers, like weirs.”
There are two main funding streams under the IFI’s Habitats and Conservation Fund – the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund, and the Midlands Fisheries Fund.
The money for these schemes comes from the revenue created by salmon and sea trout angling and commercial fishing licences, and the sale of fishing permits.
In 2023, the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund provided a total of €99,273 to 24 projects in counties Cork, Offaly, Donegal, Galway, Clare, Kerry, Kildare, Sligo, Mayo, Meath, Wicklow and Westmeath.
Up to €50,000 is available through the Midlands Fisheries Fund to support angling and sustainable development works in the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.
Eligible angling clubs, fishery owners and other stakeholders are invited to express their interest in applying for funding.
The closing date for expressions of interest is December 15, and full application details are available online here.
The annual Christmas Park and Ride Service will run from Galway Racecourse to the city centre from Friday 8 December until Christmas Eve, Galway City Council has announced.
Buses will run every 15 minutes in both directions Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 9.15 pm. On Sundays, the service will run every 15 minutes from 11.00am to 7.00pm and every 30 minutes from 7.00 pm to 9.15pm.
Fares are €1 per person each-way, and children and pensioners travel for free. All-day parking at the racecourse is included in the bus fare.
Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council, Brendan Gallagher, said that the Christmas Park and Ride aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Galway City in the run-up to the busy Christmas period.
He said it allows those shopping, eating out or visiting venues and events to enjoy a stress-free, reliable way to travel to and from the city.
“This is the 16th year of Galway City Council providing the service and I would encourage prospective visitors to Galway to avail of this easier alternative to bringing the car into the city centre this December,” said Mr Gallagher.
“A special thank you to the Galway Coach Station, Galway Racecourse and Callinan Coaches for partnering with Galway City Council to deliver the service.”
As in previous years, the Christmas Park and Ride service will operate in conjunction with other sustainable transport promotions, with Irish Rail offering free parking at Athenry, Oranmore, Craughwell, Ardrahan and Gort, including their current 20% reduction off all fares and a €6 Day Return fare from Oranmore to Galway, commencing on Friday 8 December.
More information on the Christmas Park and Ride service can be found on the Park and Ride webpage.
Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost will air tonight on RTÉ One at 9.35pm.
President Michael D. Higgins has said that a deeply moving documentary which will be broadcast on RTÉ One tonight should be seen in every household and school in Ireland.
The new documentary shines a light on the alarmingly high suicide rate among the Irish Traveller community, through the harrowing and deeply personal story of 12-year-old Patrick McDonagh from Finglas who died by suicide a year ago.
Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, which will air tonight on RTÉ One at 9.35pm, only hears from Traveller voices, with the story told from their perspective and not through the lens of settled community.
Sensitively following his parents, Michelle and Pat, as they come to terms with their loss, the film explores wider challenges facing the community and highlights the devastating impact of suicide on those left behind.
In sharing their harrowing personal story, Patrick’s family’s hope is to inspire other people to speak up and ask for help when they need it.
President Michael D. Higgins said that it was an honour to attend an advance screening of Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost, saying that it should be seen in every household and school in Ireland.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins with Pat and Michelle McDonagh, at a screening of the RTÉ documentary Patrick: A Young Traveller Lost. The documentary tells the story of their 12-year-old son Patrick McDonagh who died by suicide, which is to be broadcast this Monday night on RTÉ One and RTE Player at 9.35pm.
“Even though I am familiar with the issues with which the Travelling Community struggle, the personal testimonies of Patrick McDonagh’s parents, and Bernie Power moved me in a way I find difficult to describe,” said President Higgins.
“It would be so valuable if all members of the public could see this film, which describes a life lost to bullying. An incredibly talented boy, interested in all aspects of life and full of curiosity, within one year had his life destroyed.
“RTÉ and Alleycat Films have in my mind placed all of us in their debt in what is a splendid, valuable exercise in public service broadcasting. There are so many reasons I could think of why this film should be seen in every household, and it would be just incredibly valuable if it were seen in every school.”
Research shows that more than 1 in 10 Irish Travellers die by suicide. The suicide rate for Irish Traveller women is six times higher than settled women.
Meanwhile, the suicide rate for Irish Traveller men is seven times higher than settled men.
In the documentary Patrick’s mother Michelle Ward shared some of her treasured memories of Patrick.
“I remember when he was born,” she said. “He was the most beautiful little boy that was ever brought into this world. He was always clever. He loved English. He loved Irish. He knew everything about science.”
“He loved fixing bikes. He’d take a bike apart and put it together in seconds. I just can’t believe he left the world the way he did. I just thought he was so happy. He showed no signs…”
Patrick’s father Pat McDonagh reflects on the bullying his son experienced which the family were unaware of until after Patrick’s death.
“My little boy didn’t tell us nothing. I mean, secrets he took it to the grave. God rest him. We never expected Patrick to do what he done. I’m no good with phones – that’s the reason why we didn’t pass any notice of the phones.
“But when he passed away, we started taking notice of the phones, started realising it was the phone. It was a poxy phone. He was hiding stuff where he was being bullied. He never told us deep down inside, the mental torture. God knows what he was going through.”
Michelle explained that he deleted everything off his phone before he passed away.
“Deleted his Snapchat. His Tiktok. I couldn’t figure out why he deleted all of them, you know? We didn’t know what he was going through until the end, until people came and told us, little friends of Patrick’s came up and told us bits and pieces like we didn’t know.”
Sitting in Patrick’s bedroom, his mother Michelle describes her heartbreak.
“I feel very heartbroken when I’m looking at all this stuff. I didn’t just want him for 12 years; I wanted him forever. I was meant to go first. Not him. Suicide is the most hurtful thing to me as a mother. To lose a child. I feel like I have no answers. You know, why would he feel so hurt? That he thought he wouldn’t be happy in life you know? Why? I don’t get it.”
Leading Traveller voices from around the country, including Senator Eileen Flynn and Director of the Traveller Counselling Service Thomas McCann, contribute to the documentary and delve into the complexities facing this marginalised and often discriminated against community.
The documentary details research by DCU which states that 1 in 10 Irish Traveller children experience bullying more than several times a week. Meanwhile, 85% of the Irish public wouldn’t have a Traveller as a friend.
The deeply moving, unprecedented film, created in close collaboration with the Irish Traveller community, hopes to provide an opportunity to ignite conversations, dismantle stigmas, and encourage proactive measures to address the underlying factors contributing to this devastating crisis.
Patrick, A Young Traveller Lost airs tonight, Monday 27th, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player.
Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444
A man in his 30s has been arrested in Galway city after Gardaí seized €56,000 of suspected cocaine in a search on Sunday evening.
The search was carried out at a residence in the Castlepark area of the city at approximately 8.20pm.
Around €56,000 of suspected cocaine and €1,800 of suspected cannabis were seized during the search.
The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis.
The man who was arrested is currently being detained at a Garda station in Galway under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.
Freezing conditions could be accompanied by wintry showers later this week as temperatures plummet across the country.
This morning and early afternoon will be mostly cloudy with patchy light rain, drizzle and mist in the West, but it will become drier and brighter through the afternoon.
Tonight will become cold, and frost and icy patches are possible as temperatures fall below zero. Driving conditions could be hazardous, with patches of mist and fog forming.
Tuesday will see a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, mainly near north facing coasts. Highest afternoon temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees are forecast for Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday night will be cold, with low temperatures of below 0 degrees possible. Frost and ice are likely to form in some areas, as well as mist and fog as winds stay light and variable.
The mist and fog will clear slowly on Wednesday and it will be a generally cloudy day over most of the country.
Thursday will be cold again, with temperatures not surpassing 5 degrees.
Wintry showers are possible over higher ground in Connacht and Ulster, and more wintry showers are possible as temperatures remain cold throughout Friday and over the weekend.
