Galway Music Residency has officially rebranded as MusicConnects, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s journey.

At the heart of this transformation is a renewed mission: MusicConnects is where music, community and place come together.

The new name reflects the organisation’s belief that music should be a vibrant part of everyday life, reaching people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities across Galway city and county.

Rooted in the soul of Galway, MusicConnects continues its pioneering residency programme, inspired by the power of connection – between people, between past and present, and between music and place.

Its new visual identity, with a logo echoing the Spanish Arches and the windows of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, symbolises the way tradition and innovation, community and creativity unite through music.

MusicConnects goes far beyond the concert stage. Its work brings world class musicians into schools, nursing homes, community halls and public spaces.

It nurtures young talent, supports emerging artists, and collaborates across art forms to create experiences that are both meaningful and memorable.

Music that moves Galway, emotionally, socially and culturally.

The rebrand comes with a new website, musicconnects.ie, offering audiences and communities a fresh way to engage with the organisation’s work and discover upcoming programmes.

The Town Hall Theatre in Galway City will benefit from €271,404 in grants for arts and culture organisations announced this week.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan announced awards in capital grants to eight arts and culture organisations for upgrading and development of their facilities.

The Town Hall Theatre, operated by Galway City Council, will receive €39,155 for improvements to its facilities.

This funding is provided under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme, a €1.4m capital investment scheme focused on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country.

Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme was originally launched on 14 June 2023. This announcement brings the total awarded under this scheme to date to €996,876, benefiting 32 arts and culture organisations across the country.

The scheme focuses on enhancing the existing stock of arts and culture centres throughout the country.

In line with the Government’s action on climate change, this scheme also welcomes projects that reduce an organisation’s carbon footprint, as well as projects that provide additional capacity for artistic production.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said, “I am pleased to announce this funding today to these arts and culture organisations.”

“Capital Schemes such as funding under Stream E of the Cultural Capital Scheme are integral to ensuring the preservation of arts and cultural facilities around the country.”

University Hospital Galway has become the first in Ireland to introduce a pioneering surgical procedure for the treatment of rib fractures.

The Convergent Biaxial 3-Dimensional (CB3) fixation is designed to make surgery on rib fractures safer and more efficient.

This innovative approach delivers a stronger, more reliable repair than traditional methods, particularly in areas where the bone is under pressure or weakened.

The first patient to benefit from this procedure was Desmond Egan from Ballintubber, County Roscommon, who sustained multiple rib fractures following a fall.

Thanks to the CB3 procedure, Mr. Egan received a stronger and more secure repair, supporting a smoother and safer recovery.

Speaking after his surgery, Desmond said: “I am very grateful to Professor Alan Soo and his team for all they have done for me.”

“My recovery is going very well, I’m very happy with everything, and I just want to say thank you to everyone involved in my care.”

Professor Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and lead of the procedure, highlighted the significance of this development.

“Rib fractures are very common, particularly in the West of Ireland, where we frequently treat injuries resulting from farming and construction accidents.”

“We are proud to be the first hospital in the country to adopt the CB3 procedure. Its advanced design enhances patient safety and surgical precision, helping to reduce risk, minimize painkiller use, lower the rate of post-injury lung complications such as pneumonia, and shorten hospital stays.”

The new procedure is designed to reduce operative risks while providing stronger support for healing and simplifying the implantation process, allowing plates to be placed at all locations of the chest wall without the need for large incisions.

It enables quicker implantation, which reduces anaesthesia time and enhances overall surgical efficiency.

By improving stability and surgical precision, the CB3 procedure can shorten recovery times and enhance outcomes for patients with serious rib injuries.

Hospital Manager Chris Kane added, “University Hospital Galway is committed to bringing the latest surgical innovations to our patients.”

“The introduction of this new surgical procedure demonstrates our ongoing dedication to improving patient outcomes and providing innovative, patient-focused care for those recovering from serious injuries.”

The historic King’s Head pub in Galway City Centre has seen a changing of the guard this week as the Grealish family has handed it over to new owners.

As of Friday, August 29, the Linnane Family have taken ownership of The King’s Head on High Street, Galway.

Emmet Linnane, new owner of the award winning pub, expressed his pride and enthusiasm about the place of the King’s Head in Galway life.

“The King’s Head is more than just a pub, it is a Galway institution, a place that has been at the heart of the city’s food, music, and cultural life for generations.”

“Its reputation as an award-winning venue and a cornerstone of community life is something we deeply respect, and it is with both excitement and gratitude that we now take the helm.”

Only this month, the King’s Head was named one of Ireland’s Top 50 Bars by The Sunday Times.

With roots going back over 800 years, the bar takes its name from Colonel Peter Stubbers, a former resident and the man believed to have executed King Charles I.

“As Galwegians, we understand the responsibility of stewarding such a historic place,” Emmet said.

“Our commitment is to honour its legacy while ensuring it continues to thrive as a gathering point for locals and a memorable stop for the many visitors who pass through our city.”

He went on to wish the Grealish family well in the future, and acknowledged the incredible work they have done over the years with this beloved venue.

Paul, Mary, Sarah, Ruairí & Aran Grealish wished the Linnane’s well in taking the reins of the King’s Head, looking back on three generations of their family taking care of the place.

“The Grealish Family have been proud custodians of this historic building and business since 1989.”

“During that 36 years the business benefited hugely from the contributions of three generations of our family, and all of our wonderful staff, for which we are extremely grateful.”

“We are therefore delighted that another local Galway family, namely the Linnanes are the new owners.”

“The Linnane family are well established in the hospitality business for many years, and will no doubt maintain and build on the ethos of The Kings Head.”

“Finally, we would like to wish the Linnane family every success for the future in The Kings Head.”

Ireland’s drinks sector takes centre stage today as the Irish Drinks Forum 2025 opens at the BIA Innovator Campus, Athenry.

The annual forum is bringing together more than 40 leading voices from industry, government and research for two days of debate, innovation and collaboration.

Today, the Forum will launch a seven-point Resilience Framework, designed to give drinks businesses a practical toolkit to future-proof against economic, environmental and trade shocks.

Industry leaders will explore how Irish producers — across whiskey, beer, cider, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks — can thrive in the face of mounting challenges, from global tariff risks, inflation and raw-material volatility and climate pressures.

This year’s Forum will feature keynote contributions and inputs from brands and organisations including Diageo, Kerry Group, Bord Bia, the Irish Whiskey Association, Teagasc, global market trends experts Mintel, the National Dairy Council and many others.

Ireland’s drinks industry now accounts for almost half of total food-and-drink export value, while also sustaining 38,000 direct and indirect jobs, anchoring rural economies from Donegal to Cork.

Annette Kearney, Programme Director, Irish Drinks Forum and MD of drinks consultancy Brims, said, “The Irish drinks sector has experienced extraordinary growth in recent years, albeit in a hugely fluctuating environment, deeply felt presently amongst many of its players and stakeholders.”

“Building on this growth and long-term sustainable resilience is hugely important and requires effort and new ways.

he 7 C’s framework adapted for this year’s Forum – Connection, Competence, Confidence, Coping, Character, Contribution and Control – provides all players, from start-up founders to operational personnel and global executives, with practical tools and approaches to harness sustainable success in the face of pricing, supplies and costs’ uncertainties, regulatory changes, climate impacts and shifting markets.”

She said that the 7 C’s framework adapted for this year’s Forum – Connection, Competence, Confidence, Coping, Character, Contribution and Control, will provide everyone in the industry with tools for success despite uncertainties in pricing and costs, along with regulatory and market changes.

Eoin O’Cathain, director of the Irish Whiskey Association at Ibec, said, “2025 is a year of considerable challenges for the Irish drinks sector.”

“The focus on resilience of this year’s Irish Drinks Forum has never been timelier, and the opportunity to connect and learn with our colleagues and friends has never been more important.”

“In times like these, we must learn from the experience of others. The true grit and resilience which embodies the Irish drinks sector will shine through again as we come through these tumultuous times. Ní neart go cur le chéile – there is strength in unity”.

Exports of Irish-made drinks hit record levels last year, with whiskey alone topping €1 billion, but volatility in input costs, climate-related crop pressures, and turbulence in international trade are intensifying.

The two-day event in Athenry will also feature:

• Tariff Stress Test: Live scenario analysis on US/EU tariff risk by pricing strategist Ed Heskins, Iris Pricing Solutions (London).
• Net-Zero Maturation Reveal: McCallan Bonded to highlight Ireland’s first net-zero whiskey maturation warehouse.
• Circular-Economy Lab: Workshop on new revenue streams from brewing and distilling by-products, moderated by Beverage Brewing Technology.
• Cooperage Masterclass: Demonstration by Ger Buckley, retiring 5th-generation master cooper at Midleton.
• Ireland’s First Net-Zero Gin Distillery: The Boatyard Distillery
• Tipple software for multi market D2C sales
• MCs are Felipe Schreiberg and Ivan Yates

Lynn Harte, Programme Manager at the BIA Innovator Campus, said that they are creating a “thriving innovation centre for the food and drinks sector – linking producers, researchers and technology partners. The goal is a smarter, greener, more shock-proof industry that keeps high-value jobs in our communities.”

Ibec, the organisation representing Irish businesses, opened new offices for services in the west of Ireland in Galway City this week.

The opening of the new offices in Eyre Square took place at the organisation’s annual Budget Briefing on business priorities for the Western region.

The event, which followed the formal opening of the office, brought together local members and TDs, including Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton TD, Alan Dillon TD, Noel Grealish TD, and former Leas-Cheann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Catherine Connolly TD.

At the Budget Briefing, Ibec’s Western members highlighted how the region’s unique quality of life is being undermined by housing constraints and delays or uncertainty around key infrastructural projects such as the N6 Galway Ring Road, the N5 upgrade, and Atlantic Corridor projects.

They also stressed the need for improved rail and bus connectivity. The meeting noted that Budget 2026 must balance global uncertainty with measures to boost agility, support productivity, futureproof capital projects, and strengthen fiscal resilience.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said, “We are thrilled to be marking a new chapter for Ibec in the Western region with the opening of our new office at Hibernian House.”

“Ibec’s roots in the West stretch back over 45 years, even before the landmark merger of 1993 that created Ibec as we know it today.”

“Our members across the Western region are responsible for creating and developing thousands of high-quality roles and career opportunities.”

“In supporting them, we want to ensure this region continues to thrive, both through the growth of Irish businesses and as an attractive hub for global investment.”

Danny added that Ibec’s commitment to the west, “ensures that businesses here will continue to benefit from strong local support while also being fully connected to Ibec’s national and international networks.”

Regional Director for Ibec, Kevin Feighery, added, “The Western office has always played a vital role, offering expert HR and industrial relations advice, and ensuring that the needs of businesses in our region are heard loud and clear on the issues that matter most.”

“Ibec’s legacy in the region speaks to decades of partnership, advocacy, and service to employers and communities across Connacht.”

“The businesses we work with every day represent the diversity of sectors in our region, from large employers to smaller local enterprises, from Irish-owned companies to multinationals, spanning MedTech, technology, engineering, food and beverages, and many more.”

“Today is not just about a new premises; it is about renewed ambition and renewed confidence in the future of enterprise in the West of Ireland, and the vital role Ibec’s Western office plays within that.”

One man was arrested in connection with the seizure of €161,000 worth of cocaine in east Galway on Monday.

Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a home in Killimor on Monday, where they found cocaine with an estimated street value of €161,000.

A man in his 20s was arrested during the search and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a station in the Garda North Western Region.

He has subsequently been released without charge pending the preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

This search was part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting the sale and distribution of controlled drugs and associated criminal activity in the area.

Gardaí have said that investigations are ongoing and that the drugs will be sent for analysis to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

People living in Galway City will have a chance to dispose of any hazardous waste that has been building up this weekend with a special waste collection event.

The Regional Waste Management Planning Offices and Galway City Council are holding a hazardous waste collection day this Saturday, September 6 at Ballybrit Racecourse from 8am to 12pm.

This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of leftover paint cans, old chemical sprays, pesticides, motor oil, or other lurking items that aren’t safe to dump normally.

Items that will be accepted at this event include:

• Household Chemicals: Disinfectants, detergents, bleach, oven cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, and other potent cleaning agents.
• Personal Care Products: Nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosols, and other chemical-based cosmetic products.
• Garden Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical treatments used in lawn and garden care.
• Paints: Leftover paint and paint related products such as paintbrushes and rollers.
• Solvents: Varnishes, thinners, strippers, inks, glues, resins, and other solvent-based products.
• Automotive Products: Used motor oil, petrol, diesel, antifreeze, surface polish, and other automotive fluids.

Conor McNamara, Executive Engineer of Galway City Council said, “We encourage everyone from Galway City to make use of this collection day to dispose their household hazardous waste safely.”

This event is for household waste only, with a limit of 10 cans/tubs per customer for leftover paint and 25 litres per customer for motor oil.

Entry costs €10 per vehicle, and will only be allowed if you have booked ahead of time at www.mycoco.ie/galwaycity/hwd.

Medicines, medical waste, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and gas canisters will not be accepted.

“Mishandling hazardous waste poses serious risks not only to our environment but also to public health,” says Carol Sweetnam from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices.

“Improper disposal of hazardous waste can harm both ecosystems and local communities.”

“This collection event aims to provide householders with an easy and convenient way to safely dispose of these materials, helping us protect and preserve a clean, safe environment for all.”

Traffic disruptions are expected on the N59 in the Ougterard area for the remainder of the week due to road works taking place.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the N59 on the Galway side of Oughterard from tomorrow.

The roadworks will be taking place ust outside the GAA pitch car park on the Galway side of the N59

The works are due to begin on the morning of Tuesday, September 2, and take four days to complete.

To facilitate these works, a temporary Stop & Go traffic management system will be in place daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Road users are advised to expect delays and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Gardaí are carrying out a 24 hour road safety operation for National Slow Down Day across Ireland today.

The operation began this morning and will continue until midnight on Monday. It aims to promote safer driving and reduce speed-related collisions nationwide, coinciding with the first full week of schools reopening across the country.

By 11am this morning, 134 drivers were detected speeding by Gardaí, static Speed Cameras, or GoSafe mobile camera vans.

Among those was one driver caught doing 65km/h in a 50km/h zone in Galway City.

An Garda Síochána conducts several high-profile National #SlowDown Days each year, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of speeding.

These operations serve to remind motorists of the serious risks associated with excessive or inappropriate speed, promote greater compliance with speed limits and support efforts to deter and detect dangerous driving behaviours.

Some 400 homes and businesses in the Tully area remain unable to drink their water after more than a month, as a Do Not Consume notice remains in place.

Uisce Eireann issued the prohibition for the Tully / Tullycross Public Water Supply on July 24 in response to elevated manganese levels on the network.

Uisce Eireann has said that ongoing operational and accredited monitoring indicate that the manganese values are starting to improve in the network.

However, these have not yet returned to compliant levels to allow the notice to be lifted.

Flushing and scouring of the network is currently continuing to help reduce the network manganese levels, and Uisce Éireann is regularly providing updates to the EPA and HSE.

The Do Not Consume Notice will only be lifted following a return to compliance for manganese levels and agreement with the HSE to lift the notice.

Uisce Éireann reminds customers that this is not a Boil Water Notice. Boiling the water is not a suitable measure to make the water safe to consume.

It is especially important that mains drinking water is not given to bottle fed infants.

Thomas Gibbons of Uisce Éireann has assured affected customers that all efforts are being made to lift the notice as soon as possible.

“Uisce Éireann understands the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community and we can assure impacted customers that we are working to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Thomas.

Alternative Water Supplies remain in place and are being replenished daily at the following locations:

• Derryinver Bridge
• Tullycross Church
• Tullycross Community Hall
• Tully National School
• Rogan’s shop, Tully

The public water supply should not be used for: 

• Drinking
• Drinks made with water
• Food preparation, washing or cooking of food
• Brushing of teeth
• Making of ice
• Infant formula

The water can be used for personal hygiene, bathing, flushing toilets, laundry and washing of utensils.

Croí Heart & Stroke Charity, is pleased to announce that the Connacht Hospitality Group, as part of their corporate social responsibility programme, will be kindly supporting the Croí Connects Helpline.

Croí Connects is a vital lifeline for people living with, or affected by, heart disease and stroke.

This free Croí service offers direct access to a specialist health team, including an experienced Cardiac Nurse Specialist, who provides confidential advice, guidance, and support.

Whether you need help understanding your diagnosis, advice on lifestyle changes, or reassurance during a challenging time, Croí Connects is here for you.

In addition to the telephone helpline, Croí Connects also hosts weekly online health chats, offering a welcoming space for people to learn more about heart and stroke health, ask questions, and connect with others.

These online sessions will resume on Tuesday, 2nd September, and are open to everyone with an interest in cardiovascular health.

“At Connacht Hospitality Group, we believe in supporting initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Brian Lynch, Group Director of Finance at Connacht Hospitality Group.

“Our team is committed to giving back, and this partnership with Croí is a meaningful way for us to contribute to the health and wellbeing of those around us.”

The support from Connacht Hospitality Group will help ensure that Croí Connects remains accessible to those who need it most, continuing to make a difference in communities across the region and beyond.

Croí Connects is available weekdays from 9 am – 5:30 pm on 091 544310 or by email at healthteam@croi.ie

Lotto excitement is sweeping the nation this morning after one online player matched all six numbers and the bonus in last night’s draw.

The lucky player has won an astonishing €17,008,295. This jaw dropping win now ranks as the third largest Lotto jackpot ever won in Ireland!

Since the Lotto game launched in 1988, only two jackpots more than €17 million have ever been won, which means last night’s Lotto jackpot winner has become Ireland’s third largest jackpot winner in the history of the game, winning an incredible €17,008,295.

The online winner also becomes the 7th jackpot winner of 2025, joining a winning line up from Louth, Dublin, Kerry, Limerick, Kilkenny, and Waterford.

And that’s not all, this win also crowns them the 17th National Lottery millionaire of the year!

The winning numbers from Wednesday’s (27th August) Lotto draw were: 2, 6, 20, 22, 26, 39 and the Bonus was 5.

The National Lottery will confirm the county where the winning online ticket was purchased tomorrow, Friday, August 29.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification and an email has been sent to the online player.

The winner is advised to make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Darragh O’Dwyer, National Lottery spokesperson, said, “We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that the third largest Lotto jackpot ever, an incredible €17,008,295, has been won by an online player.”

“This marks the 7th Lotto jackpot win of 2025, following a roll that began after a €4,038,682 win in Tramore, Co. Waterford back in April.”

“And with this win, we now celebrate our 17th National Lottery millionaire of the year! As well as our jackpot winner, in total over 93,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto plus draws.”

Gardaí have seized over €165,000 cannabis and cocaine and arrested a man following searches in Galway and Westmeath yesterday evening.

As part of a joint operation between Galway and Westmeath Drugs Units, Gardaí stopped a van on the Old Ballybane Road in Galway city at approximately 7:00pm on Wednesday.

Gardaí conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered approximately €35,000 suspected cocaine.

The driver, a male in his 40s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996 at a Garda station in the North Western Region.

Simultaneously, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

During the search, Gardaí found approximately €80,000 cannabis herb, €11,400 cannabis resin and a further €40,000 cocaine.

A hydraulic press and other drug paraphernalia were also seized. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for full analysis.

With university offers pouring in, Gardaí are cautioning young people to be wary of accommodation fraud, which is on the increase this year.

So far in the first six months of 2025, reports of accommodation fraud are up by 22%, with approximately 160 cases recorded by An Garda Síochána.

Reported losses from this fraud total €385,000, compared with €617,000 for the full year of 2024.

2024 records show that approximately one third of all accommodation fraud reports occur during August and September each year.

The return to college timeframe, between August and October, always sees a spike in accommodation fraud reports.

Approximately a third of victims of accommodation fraud are under 25, and 66% of victims are under 33 years. Of those victims, 54% are male and 46% are female.

Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.

Rental fraud occurs when a victim pays money to rent accommodation (typically in the form of a deposit) and subsequently discovers that the transaction was fraudulent.

Examples of rental fraud include:

• The fraudster claims to be out of the country and cannot show the renter the property unless they pay a deposit. The victim pays the deposit and is at the loss of the deposit.
• The fraudster is living in the property and shows a number of people the property, gets a deposit from several people and then disappears with the money.
• The transaction appears normal until the renter finds that the property doesn’t exist, is already occupied, or the keys do not work, and the landlord has disappeared.

Reservation fraud occurs when a person pays for a hotel/guesthouse room and subsequently discovers that the transaction was fraudulent. For example, the property doesn’t exist, or staff at the property have no record of the booking.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) advises that there are a number of red flags/warning signs:

• If the rent seems too good to be true, then it probably is. There’s no such thing as cheap accommodation, especially in urban areas.
• It’s only advertised through social media or the person letting the location will only communicate via Messenger or WhatsApp. You should push for direct answers and if responses are vague, disengage immediately.
• Where your knowledge of it came from an unsolicited contact / social media feed / pop-up advert, or where the contact appears to be based in other jurisdictions.
• There is a sense of urgency, like “a one-time offer”.
• The listing contains grammar or spelling mistakes, and/or there are very limited details or pictures of the property.
• The landlord is unable to meet up to show you the property in person.
• When communication is only through text / WhatsApp or other social media platforms.
• When the property is offered with no questions asked, and payment is demanded immediately before signing the lease.
• When you are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer (such as a wire transfer).
• Where the bank account you are asked to send the money to is in a different country.