As the warm weather continues the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI have issued a joint appeal for people to stay safe on the water.
The appeal comes as sea temperatures have reached a seasonal high and many people will be tempted to go for a late summer swim.
An average of nine people drown every month nationwide and the organisations are urging the public to be mindful during the current spell of warm weather.
Temperatures in Galway are expected to reach highs of 27 degrees today, and remain well over 20 degrees in the coming days.
The weather is also expected to remain dry for the foreseeable future, with little rain until the latter half of next week.
There is currently a status yellow high temperature weather warning in place for all of Ireland, which will be in force until 8am on Saturday.
For those seeking to enjoy some time on the water during this good spell, the following advice has been given:
1. Never swim alone and ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your activity.
2. Only swim in areas with which you are familiar.
3. Swim within your depth and stay within your depth.
4. Where possible choose lifeguard protected beaches. Lifeguards will be patrolling blue flag beaches throughout the weekend. If you are swimming elsewhere, swim in areas that are known locally as safe and where there are ringbuoys present for rescues. Ask for local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas to swim. Pay attention to any safety signage.
5. Always supervise children closely and never leave them alone near water.
6. Never use inflatable toys in open water as a gentle breeze can quickly bring a person away from shore.
7. Make sure that the water’s edge is shallow shelving so that you can safely enter and exit.
8. The air temperature is warm but open water is cooler than air – avoid extended stays in the water as your muscles will cool, making swimming more difficult.
9. Alcohol is a factor in one third of drownings. Do not mix it with water activities.
10. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and then swim back ashore at an angle.
11. If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT – REACH – THROW
SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them.
REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick)
THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.
12. If you experience difficulty in the water, FLOAT TO LIVE. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands to help you stay afloat.
13. When boating, always wear a correctly fitting lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device and have to hand a VHF radio and a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
There have been 12 people killed on Galway’s roads so far this year, one of the highest figures in the country.
2023 has been a particularly bad year for road deaths so far, with 129 people killed in 119 separate collision.
The Galway Garda Division has seen the fourth highest number of people killed on the road, only exceeded by Clare/Tipperary (19), Mayo/Roscommon/Longford (16), and Meath/Westmeath (12).
In response to this, extra funding has been announced for increased use of mobile safety cameras, with a total of 4,265 additional Mobile Safety Camera Monitoring Hours until end of the year.
An Garda Síochána will be focusing the deployment of those cameras on a risk basis in the seven Garda Divisions which account for 67% of all road deaths so far this year.
The increased deployment follows the announcement earlier this week by the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that an additional €1.2 million is to be allocated towards increasing the presence of Mobile Safety cameras.
The primary purpose of this additional deployment will be to reduce speed-related collisions, reduce injuries and above all save lives.
Assistant Commissioner Pauls Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said, “Mobile Road Safety Cameras are deployed within identified stretches of road with a known traffic collision history or the prevalence of vulnerable road users.”
“Mobile Safety Cameras are designed to change driver behaviour in these high-risk stretches of road. The additional hours are being targeted within the areas where the highest proportion of fatal road collisions are taking place.”
“However Mobile Safety Cameras will continue to operate as normal also throughout the rest of the country.”
Fórsa trade union members working for the city and county councils will be engaging in industrial action over a job evaluation dispute.
From September 11 onwards Fórsa members will commence an indefinite ban on all non-statutory engagements with politicians such as TDs and Councillors. Public services will not be affected.
The industrial dispute centres on job evaluation, working out the relative worth (grade for the job) of posts in the local government sector.
It is carried out so that fair levels of pay for different jobs can be set rather than be based on subjective criteria or assumptions.
Fórsa claims that there has been an “abject failure” of management in the sector to engage with them on the dispute, not accepting that people are doing work above their current pay grade.
Both the Local Government Management Agency and Fórsa have requested that the WRC urgently reconvene conciliation on the issue of job evaluation in the local government sector.
From September 11 onwards council workers will not engage in any verbal, email or written engagements with politicians on matters such as answering queries, helping with parliamentary questions, etc which are not part of their statutory requirements.
This extends to all elected representatives including Councillors, Senators, TDs, including Ministers, and MEPs.
Fórsa has stated that industrial action will continue to escalate if employers fail to engage meaningfully with the union on this dispute.
A street in Galway City Centre will be closing to traffic for two months while big works are taking place on the downtown thoroughfare.
The road will be closed from the junction of Cross Street to the intersection with the exit from Leonardo Hotel.
The section of High Street between its junction with Shop Street and cross Street is also to be closed to HGV traffic.
This is to allow for street rehabilitation and drainage upgrade works to take place.
The street will be shut 24/7 from Monday, October 2 through to Thursday, November 30.
A temporary diversion route will be in place via Mainguard Street, CrossStreet, Flood Street, turning left on to the R336 New Dock Street to Merchants Road Lower, and further right on the R336 continuing along the Spanish Parade.
Localised access will be maintained as permitted within the limitations of those within the existing pedestrianised zone.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Artist Fernanda Ferrari who will perform ‘What to do on a Rainy Day’ as part of this year’s festival with children Sadhbh Chang, Eoghan Chang, Theo Adlaon, Faye & Elliot Nicholls Sames. With an exhilarating lineup of art, theatre, dance, literature and music for families and children of all ages, Baboró will unfold across various venues throughout Galway city and county this October (Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd). Tickets are available now at www.baboro.ie. Photo Declan Colohan.
Every child from 0 to 16 years is invited to let their imagination run wild over ten days in Galway this October with the Baboró Festival.
Artists and performers from as far as Australia, across Europe and closer to home will bring captivating, enchanting and exhilarating theatre, dance, art and more to Baboró this year.
Experience the magic of Baboró throughout venues across Galway City and County with family, friends, and your school.
For the youngest audience (0-2 years), Universe at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane is a sensory experience for babies and their grown-ups, full of visual poetry, live music, and movement.
In this gentle interactive performance, the audience is invited to explore the universe in order to find their place in it. People and objects are in constant motion as they seek balance and harmony amongst the chaos.
Each inhabitant in this cosmos, each sound, each movement, is bound together as we are guided in a playful exploration of the surrounding universe.
Dance, fashion, and live music meet the magic of origami to whisk you away on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Artist Fernanda Ferrari who will perform ‘What to do on a Rainy Day’ as part of this year’s festival with Theo Adlaon. Photo: Declan Colohan.
Children from 2 to 5 years are asked to join Club Origami as they rip, fold and scrumple a single square of paper, at the O’Donoghue Theatre at the University of Galway.
This immersive and interactive dance show invites audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing, and moving.
Back on campus at the University of Galway, an immersive, multi-sensory dance theatre performance titled ‘Making Waves’ has been made especially for children aged 8-13 years with mild to complex needs.
The audience members are seated in pods representing boats on stage, which enables everyone to become part of the adventure. This performance is non verbal and suitable for wheelchair users.
At Nuns Island Theatre it is time to Fall and Float. With playful energy, impressive acrobatics, comic timing, and a joyful soundscape, two dancers create a magical world through the clever manipulation of simple balloons.
Their imaginations seem to know no bounds – resulting in a hypnotic, funny and uplifting performance full of falling, lifting, throwing, catching, stumbling, floating … and sometimes maybe even a little bit of flying.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Mayor of Galway Eddie Hoare, Cathaoirleach Liam Carroll, With the Baboro team Tonya & Rachel and Children Eoghan Chang, Tara Canniffe, Sadhbh Chang & Aarav Sakhrealia. Photo: Declan Colohan.
At the Town Hall Theatre children from 5+ years will be presented with a show celebrating difference and the power of friendship in Polar Bear & Penguin. This is a quirky tale of our time, infused with humour, friendship and fish! The tender and heartfelt show follows a polar bear and a penguin as they get to know one another and learn how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet…paws…flippers.
In An Taibhdhearc an honest, funny, and heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia and seeing things differently is told in Little Murmur. This dance theatre show is based on the true story of a child who one day realises they have been misspelling their own name. Defined by his learning difficulties, not his abilities, dance became Aakash’s mode of expression.
The University of Galway Concert Orchestra and Music Generation Galway City join forces to present an interactive cushion concert in The Wildlife Orchestra Experience. From the smallest piccolo to the largest tuba – a spectrum of orchestral sound tells a story of Galway’s wildlife, green spaces, and seascapes.
Listen to the fluttering butterflies, buzzing bees and the caw of the crow, alongside other characters from the natural world around us. This relaxed event for families will take place on Saturday 22 October in Galway Community College on Wellpark Road and it’s for children of all ages.
The reality of the world in which we all exist is addressed through soft questioning in The Shape of Quiet Feelings. Baboró artist-in-Residence Maisie Lee and Jessica Wilson (Australia) asked Galway children to use their imaginations to respond to their feelings about climate change.
Their ideas and imaginings are reflected in an immersive experience through an atmospheric and sensory world, where children’s imagined stories and creatures take on myth-like qualities.
By giving story and form to something that can sometimes feel scary and intangible, The Shape of Quiet Feelings at Blue Teapot Theatre will empower children and their families to consider new approaches to some of the big challenges presented by climate change. The Shape of Quiet Feelings is a Baboró commission and part of TRACKS Touring Network.
The Baboró art trail is a way in which people can enjoy free exhibitions around the city. Asking questions through art is a creative and different way of us seeing each other. Have you ever wondered how your child sees you? Well, the answer might lie within the ‘I See You Like This’ exhibition.
With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras – asked to smile, look natural and come in closer. In I See You Like This, Australian artist Jessica Wilson, flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects.
Facilitated by Jessica in a private session the week before the festival begins, children will design and direct a creative photoshoot of their significant adult, captured by photographer Julia Dunin. The resulting portraits will create the exhibition.
If you would like to be part of this exciting exhibition you can book an appointment for you and your 7 – 14 year old child with Jessica via baboro.ie. In the appointment Jessica will ask the child questions about how they see their adult’s personality and then design and direct their own photoshoot using unusual objects to express how they see their adult.
This unusual, fun, and intimate process gives adults an experience of being ‘seen’ as more than just a parent or guardian to their child, whilst making space for a playful surrender to their child’s thoughts and ideas, giving them real agency.
The adult subject will see their portrait for the first time when they are hung in Galway Arts Centre and gifted to the families at the end of the festival.
At Engage Art Studio in Salthill, There Are Little Worlds exhibition explores moments of curiosity and joy through detailed miniature paperworks. Local artist and educator Paula Henihan has constructed illustrative scenes made from brightly painted paper cut outs that are positioned carefully in layers within tiny boxes.
Paula’s work contains scenes that capture pleasant moments, brave moments, quiet and calm moments. You are invited to peer into these little worlds of wonder. Come with a curious eye and you may find some hidden details.
Irish companies, Fidget Feet & Ceol Connected, return to the festival with When the Moon Spun Round for children aged 6+ years. Galway audiences will be enthralled by this enchanting show featuring a playful mix of contemporary aerial dance and traditional music performed by tricksters in the moonlight.
Come on an imaginative journey of joyful movement in this charming and uplifting performance.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Mufutau Yusuf, Christine Kandiwa & Jeanne – Nicole Ni Ainle. Photo: Declan Colohan.
From Australia Slingsby will perform The Boy Who Talked to Dogs for anyone aged 12+. This rough-and-tumble tale fuses shadow puppetry, live music, and stunning physical performance to bring this epic true story to the stage.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Martin McKenna, and beautifully adapted by playwright Amy Conroy, The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is a magical and mischievous tale of hardship, transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
A new show from Moonfish Theatre, The Crow’s Way is a thrilling and unpredictable tale of friendship and self-discovery for children 8+ years and anyone who loves adventure, brought to life with Moonfish’s signature brand of theatre magic. A co-commission with Baboró in partnership with the Town Hall Theatre.
Galway City Museum will host two hands-on events. Superhuman, developed by CÚRAM, is an exciting new exhibit that invites children to explore the creativity and innovation of medtech research.
While Cultivating Curiosity from Toodlelou Creativity Lab is an opportunity for children and their grown ups to experience the joy of discovery together.
As part of the literature focus, Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, author and illustrator of the ‘Rita’ series of books will introduce Rita’s latest adventure, Rita agus an Dineasár. There will be storytelling, music, chat, live illustration and…. DINOSAURS!
This lively interactive session is for Irish-speaking children from 1st class onwards. This will take place on Monday 16th October at 10am and 12 noon in An Taidhbhearc.
Families can join Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, for a hands-on creative session to celebrate Rita’s latest adventure, ‘Rita agus an Dineasár’.
With storytelling and art, the children will create their own fantasy pets, just like Rita! Suitable for Irish-speaking children and their grown-ups. This will take place on Sunday 15th October at 2pm in the Portershed on Market Street.
The full programme, workshops, adult events and tickets are now online at www.baboro.ie
Galway County Councillor Declan Kelly is urging the government to ensure that it includes another three energy credits in the forthcoming Budget in October.
The Loughrea councillor has said that he has been asked to speak out on the issue by constituents who are ‘living in dread of the next electricity bill’.
He said that he considers the current government to be the most anti-rural in the history of the Irish State.
“It is, after all, the government that permitted the Green Party to lead the way on the ban on the sale of turf at a time of rocketing energy prices,” said Cllr Kelly.
“One thing this government has gotten right, however, was the energy credits it introduced in the last Budget.”
He said that these credits at least gave some financial breathing space to people struggling with constant bills and the rising cost of living.
“While I welcome the news this morning that the largest energy supplier in the country is to reduce electricity and gas unit prices from the beginning of November, people are still under major pressure from high energy prices and I have been asked to speak out on the issue by constituents who are living in dread of the next electricity bill,” he said.
“The media has reported stories of people turning off lights and practically living in the dark over the fear of how high their next bill will be and no one should have to live like that, especially our older citizens and families who are on modest wages.”
Uisce Éireann today has renewed its appeal to the public to conserve water as the warm weather continues and demand increases.
There are no plans to introduce general water restrictions or hosepipe bans, but the public has been asked to help play their part in protecting essential water supplies.
Today’s call from Uisce Éireann comes as over half of Irish households still admit to wasting water.
Simple water saving tips include checking water consuming appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers for any plumbing issues, keep a jug of water in the fridge rather than letting the tap run cold, which could save six litres per day.
Other ways of saving water include making sure the tap is off while brushing teeth, which can save 84 litres of water a week and reducing shower time by 60 seconds, saving up to 120 litres of water every week.
Margaret Attridge, Uisce Éireann’s Head of Water Operations, said: “We are experiencing a warm, dry, spell of weather this week, and, while it is great to see after a particularly wet summer, this brings its own unique set of challenges.
“Many of us will be enjoying these warm evenings in our gardens, however, it is important to remain conscious of our water usage habits throughout the year, regardless of the weather.”
Gardaí have seized €107,500 of controlled drugs and a firearm with ammunition, following a number of searches in Ennis, Co. Clare yesterday, Wednesday.
The searches were carried out by members attached to Clare Detective Units, Clare Community Engagement and the Western Region ASU.
During the course of these searches €87,000 of suspected cocaine, €15,000 of suspected amphetamine, €5000 of suspected xanax (2,500 tablets), €500 of suspected heroin and €1800 cash was seized.
A firearm and ammunition were also recovered. The drugs and firearm will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for examination.
No arrests have been made so far in the investigation.
The school bus service is no longer fit for purpose and needs to be completely overhauled as a matter of urgency, a local TD has said.
Deputy Seán Canney has said that for a second year running, parents and students are left without school bus tickets and are only receiving notification of this as children prepare to go back to school.
He said students are again without tickets even though they received tickets in previous years.
The Independent Galway East TD said that he has had parents contacting him to say that whilst they have been issued with bus tickets, they are now being told that there is no bus or driver available.
“I have also learned that bus Éireann is cutting back the hours of their own drivers in favour of private operators despite a shortage of drivers.
“The Minister for Education has got to intervene and sort out this mess for hundreds of families. I understand that there is a review taking place, but this review is ongoing for nearly three years and in the meantime the situation is getting worse.”
Deputy Canney said we have instances where a school bus pulls up outside a family home to pick up students, but the family have no tickets for the bus.
“I also had the situation where Bus Éireann are cutting back drivers’ hours at a time they should be increasing them to deal with the demand. There are also instances where bus tickets have been issued, but there is no bus available.
“It is time for a change in attitude and for every child to be accommodated on a school bus. We now have full employment and parents need to have certainty in terms of school transport.
“The time has come for the Department to deliver in the long overdue review of the school transport system and put in place a system which will bring all students to school who need the service and maximise the use of the buses that are available.”
World Paella Day will be celebrated in Galway this year with a week of paellas being served at Cava Bodega, culminating in a tasting event on Sunday, 24 September.
The event celebrating Valencia’s most famous dish has been held internationally for the last five years, growing in popularity each year.
The diversity of paella dishes will be celebrated with a range of special paellas at Cava Bodega on Middle Street in Galway City.
During Paella Week, from 5pm to 7pm each evening, guests can enjoy a special paella for two, plus two glasses of sherry for €30.
Each day will have a different paella special, and guests can expect meat, chicken, vegetable or seafood paellas – and even chorizo.
On Sunday 24 from 4pm to 5pm, JP McMahon will be demo-ing how to cook paella and offering samples of seafood and oyster paella from a large paella pan outside Cava Bodega on Middle Street.
Setting up a traditional paella pan outside is a sight often seen in many regions of Spain, to entice passers-by into the restaurant with the delicious aromas.
JP hopes to interest those who have never tasted the dish before and convert them to this staple Valencian dish.
“Paella is such an integral part of Spanish cuisine and such a diverse dish that you can have numerous types and variations,” said JP.
“We of course will be using oysters and seafood for the dish in our Sunday afternoon demo and tasting outside Cava Bodega to mark The Galway Oyster Festival.”
Adam Harris, founder and chief executive of AsIam, Ireland’s national autism charity, joined University of Galway’s Vice-President Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Dr Helen Maher and Izzy Tiernan University of Galway Student Union Vice-President for Welfare and Equality at the opening of the University’s new multi-sensory room for neurodivergent students. Photo Martina Regan
University of Galway’s new multisensory room officially opened this week, equipped with interactive and integrated lighting, visual, vibroacoustic and sound effects.
The room will have calming, stimulating, and integrated lighting, sound and vibroacoustic arrangements, for people to suit their sensory needs and unwind on comfortable furniture.
Soft furnishings and sensory stress-relieving items complete the experience, enabling students to feel regulated and supporting their engagement in college life.
Founder and chief executive of Ireland’s national autism charity AsIAm, Adam Harris, who officially opened the multisensory room on Tuesday, said that autistic people and other neurodivergent people face barriers to accessing education.
He said that these barriers are often invisible to others, but prevent the community from enjoying the same chance.
“Some 3.38% of children in school today now have an Autism diagnosis and there is also a significant increase in the number of adults accessing assessment,” said Mr Harris.
“It is so important that higher level education institutions are accessible for our community and that environmental barriers do not prevent students from thriving and contributing.
“AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity, is delighted to be working with HEIs across the country as part of our Autism Friendly HEI Award and we warmly congratulate the University of Galway on the launch of their sensory space – this investment will no doubt support more students to access the University, enrich the experience of those already enrolled and also act as an educational tool for all on campus in terms of understanding and accepting difference.”
University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Helen Maher, said that inclusivity is a priority for the University to create equal opportunities and conditions for all, and we are focused on assisting those most in need.
“This space is part of University of Galway’s wider efforts to accommodate and make the campus more accessible for students with additional needs,” she said.
“We need to ensure that our students experience at University of Galway is an enjoyable and positive one, and accessibility and student involvement were key considerations throughout the design of this space.
“Universities can be a crowded and noisy environment which can impact learning and work, especially for neurodiverse students, so the aim of the new Multi-Sensory Room is to provide a safe space where users can relax and stimulate their senses in a controlled manner.”
— TurfCast – Burnley FC Fan Channel (@TurfCastPodcast) June 23, 2023
While many of the locals in the city follow Galway United, it’s impossible to deny the allure of the Premier League. In fact, it’s the biggest competition around, with some of Ireland’s very own plying their trade for some of English football’s most prestigious clubs.
With the new season firmly underway, people with an interest in the beautiful game are assessing the competition and looking at the various new faces in the league. It’s important that fans who want to bet check out any Premier League odds ahead to make the most of the odds on display. Arsenal, for example, are set to win the league at 11/2, and are fine-tuning their fantasy football teams every week. This is a smart move given the various head-to-head battles that occur with any overly-confident friends throughout the season.
Likewise, for soccer lovers from Ireland, some talented professionals from the Emerald Isle will be hoping to develop further on the biggest domestic stage of all. Some of Ireland’s finest are turning out for sides down at the bottom of the table and could be in for a gruelling season. These are popular picks for fans looking at relegation odds Premier League, though there is plenty of Irish talent to keep tabs on during the season. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of Ireland’s finest who will be hoping to shine in the Premier League in the months ahead.
Burnley have a strong Irish contingent
A side that will be aiming to stay in the division come the end of the season, Burnley is home for a number of talented Irish players right now. Under the guidance of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany, names like Michael Obafemi and Josh Cullen, will be hoping to kick even further on in their careers. Dara O’Shea, who signed from West Brom in the summer, is another Irish star with a seemingly bright future. Having already played 28 matches for the Baggies in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, his experience could be vital for Burnley this season.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson is already being linked with Manchester City
3 – In Erling Haaland, Son Heung-min, and Evan Ferguson, today is only the second time three different players have scored a Premier League hat-trick on the same day, after September 23rd, 1995 (Robbie Fowler, Alan Shearer, and Tony Yeboah). Magic. pic.twitter.com/jAb0q1Rhhe
A player who has already hogged the headlines, Bettystown’s very own, Evan Ferguson, is capable of making even more of name for himself this season. Following the former Bohemians player’s hat-trick in Brighton & Hove Albion’s 3-1 win against Newcastle United earlier in the season, the 18-year-old striker’s stock rose further as links to treble winners Manchester City began to emerge. Ferguson is one of Brighton’s main threats and he is clearly benefitting from the Seagulls’ expansive style that Roberto De Zerbi has taken up a level. For Republic of Ireland devotees, Ferguson is the next big hope and it’s easy to see why.
Matt Doherty is back at Wolves
A name many Irish fans might’ve forgotten about, Matt Doherty is out of the relative wilderness at Spurs, after his surprise January loan move to Atletico Madrid, and is back at a familiar club in Wolves. The attacking wing-back’s career has stagnated after a frankly disastrous move to London, leaving him open to a return to Wolverhampton and to play in front of a set of supporters who know him extremely well. Doherty might not be the player he was three years ago, but he’s at the perfect place to rediscover the sort of form that earned him the move to Spurs in the first place.
Galway will play host to the 10th European Global Ocean Observing System (EuroGOOS) International Conference this October.
The conference, titled ‘European operational oceanography for the ocean we want – addressing the UN Ocean Decade Challenges’, will be held from October 3 – 5.
Held every three years, this oceanographic conference aims to facilitate dialogues around best practices, share knowledge and experience, and discuss future roadmaps with international partners and governmental stakeholders.
Experts in many fields from around the globe will attend, including ocean science observers, forecasters, technology developers, policy makers, data services, and users.
Glenn Nolan, Manager of Oceanographic Services at the Marine Institute, said, “We are delighted to welcome the 2023 EuroGOOS International Conference to Galway.”
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for international colleagues working across oceanography to connect and learn from one another”.
EuroGOOS brings together oceanographers, ocean forecasters, broader marine scientists, and governmental agencies, to ensure that ocean data collected and forecasts generated are fit for purpose for end users.
Those end users include maritime traffic, fishers, aquaculture producers, marine and maritime administration, search and rescue, and longer term monitoring for climate and European obligations.
Ireland, through the Marine Institute in Rinville has been a member of EuroGOOS since 2005, and supported EuroGOOS in its transition to becoming a legal entity in 2012.
The 10th EuroGOOS Conference will look at emerging priorities in oceanography; develop a seamless forecasting system of the European seas and global ocean; strengthen the scientific response to policy needs; integrate European oceanography into a global context; and more.
Michael Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute noted, “We are delighted to be the local host of this very important conference”.
Registration is open until Monday 11 September 2023. The programme and registration information can be viewed here.
Over 40 events are happening across Galway County on Culture Night, Friday 22 September including ‘Take a Walk with Crom'. Join Galway County Arts Office and Athenry Heritage and Arts Centre from 9pm as the wise and magnificent Crom to lurk around the medieval streets of Athenry alongside Macnas performers, stilt walkers and drummers who promise to entertain and enthrall all ages.
Culture Night invites everyone across Galway county to join in a national day of celebration this month, with dozens of amazing events.
More than 40 events in towns and villages across the county will create a magical spectacle on Friday, September 22.
Culture Night will bring communities together to revel in the vibrancy and diversity of culture in the county, all of it completely free of charge.
“Culture Night is a huge evening for the Arts Office with so many events to choose from all across the county”, says Sharon O’Grady, Galway County Arts Officer.
“Our venues and amazing culture groups have come out in force again this year so we will be encouraging everyone to take part and support all venues and fabulous free events happening in their communities.”
Multiple events including music, theatre, spectacle, visual arts, poetry, printmaking, photography, crafts and storytelling for all ages are happening throughout the day and late into the evening in a location near you.
Locations where events are being staged include Abbeyknockmoy, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Ballinderreen, Barna, Ceann Áras Fibín, Clarinbridge, Clifden, Gort, Headford, Inishbofin, Inverin, Loughrea, Newbridge, Oranmore, Roundstone and Tuam.
Step into the enchanting world of Macnas as they lead a captivating walk with Crom in Athenry.
This mesmerising spectacle, in collaboration with the Galway County Arts Office and Athenry Heritage and Arts Centre, promises an immersive journey filled with visual delights and auditory wonders, transporting attendees into a realm of imagination and creativity.
Celebrate the rich heritage and vibrant culture of the Traveller community at Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre. Engage in photo exhibitions, workshops, showcases and performances, offering an authentic glimpse into Traveller culture.
Allow Sonic Strings, a dynamic teenage orchestra from Coole Music and Arts, to guide you along the scenic Gort River Walk with harmonious melodies that create an absolutely enchanting ambiance.
At Tuam Family Centre, experience a cross-cultural celebration as musicians from North Africa weave their melodies with the enchanting verses of Farsi Poetry.
Discover traditional craftsmanship at Gort Library, where artisan designers showcase activities from Aran stitching to felting, crochet and quilting, celebrating the artistry of these time-honored techniques.
Embark on a bilingual night of music and sean-nós singing in Loughrea at Leabharlann Bhaile Locha Riach, led by Professor Lillis Ó Laoire.
Celebrate Athenry’s vibrant cultural scene with captivating performances, culminating in ‘Lucht Siuil,’ a poignant tale from the Traveller Community.
Whether an arts enthusiast or new explorer, Culture Night offers a dynamic programme for all, weaving a tapestry of diverse stories, talents, and traditions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join this national celebration on Friday, September 22nd. Embrace the beauty and power of culture night as we celebrate and connect #onenightforall
For full details of events happening for Culture Night near you visit CultureNight.ie.
Planning permission is being sought to convert a vacant unit at Westside Shopping Centre into a new café.
The planning application by Westside Shopping Centre Ltd is for a change of the permitted use of Unit 5 out front from retail to café/restaurant.
The application states that the unit in question, which was most recently a laundry and dry cleaners, has experience “prolonged periods of vacancy” in recent years.
It also claims that there is “limited market demand for retail units at this location” and that having a café would bring “much needed life and animation” to the Seamus Quirke Road.
The intended occupant of the unit is Insomnia café and coffee shop chain, which first opened in Galway back in 1997.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway City Council by October 26 of this year.
This is far from the only big change coming to Westside Shopping Centre, as last year the council approved plans for a major facelift of its façade.
The plans are for refurbishments to the southern and western facades of the building, where it’s public entrance is located.
These will consist primarily of new cladding and signage, as well as landscaping works in the existing car park.
Last year An Bord Pleanála also gave the go ahead for plans to build a 250 bed student accommodation development on the grounds of the shopping centre.
Ali’s Irish Ale by Hooked is the name of the fantastic new beer that is sure to go down a treat with seafood lovers.
Brewed and canned onsite at Galway Hooker Brewery’s premises in Oranmore, and made with seafood very much in mind, it is an ideal accompaniment to any of the tantalising dishes you’re sure to find at one of Hooked’s locations on Henry Street and in Barna.
Galway Hooker Brewery is the oldest existing brewery in Connacht, and they have been crafting beers since 2006.
Ali’s Irish Ale is brewed by them in the traditional style of an India Pale Ale, and the beer is packed full of citrus and tropical fruit flavours.
The new beer is well suited to seafood, cured meats, or dessert dishes, and it’s the ideal choice on your visit to Hooked, where you can enjoy all manner of fresh seafood favourites like spicy-coated calamari, steamed Killary Harbour mussels, and spicy shrimp taco.
Ali’s Irish Ale is named in honour of Hooked owner and culinary entrepreneur Ali Jalilvand who began his sea-faring journey in Galway in 1981 when he arrived to become a fishmonger.
Today, some 42 years later, Ali owns multiple restaurants across Galway as well as a fish shop. He knows the seafood industry inside-out, and his restaurants have garnered acclaim from near and far, in addition to winning awards.
“At Hooked, Seafood isn’t just our business, it’s our passion, and crafting dishes that bring together the best of our region’s produce is a journey that is as exciting today as it was when we opened our first restaurant,” Nuisín Jalilvand, Hooked Managing Director, said.
“We are thrilled to have teamed up with Galway Hooker to craft our very own Hooked beer that perfectly complements our seafood dishes.”
“We have been captivating our customers with Ali’s Fish Market and our restaurant menus over the years, and the introduction of Ali’s Irish Ale perfectly aligns with our culinary vision. What’s more harmonious than the trio of fish, chips, and beer?”
Ali’s Irish Ale can be savoured at either one of the Hooked locations on Henry Street or in Barna, so why not make a reservation and grab your favourite seafood dish and a glass of Ali’s Irish Ale?
Temperatures are forecast to soar to highs of 27 degrees in parts of Galway this week as we continue to enjoy the best spell of weather in months.
This week has been our first real spell of sunshine since early June, with temperatures well into the 20s across Galway.
The mercury is expected to hit 25 degrees easily on multiple days this week according to Met Eireann.
In some parts of Galway around the city it is even forecast to reach as high as 27 degrees on Thursday afternoon.
Today promises to be a sunny and dry day, with only a few patches of scattered cloud across other wise clear skies, and temperatures hitting highs of 23 – 25 degrees, with a light southerly breeze.
Thursday promises to be an even warmer day, with highest temperatures of 24 – 27 degrees in the afternoon, with a light variable breeze.
A dry but humid day, with some patches of cloud during the morning and afternoon, but clearest in the evening.
Friday promises to continue to be blisteringly hot, with temperatures again reaching highs of 25 – 27 degrees, and clear sunny skies throughout the day.
Don’t expect any relief from the wind, as only a very gentle variable breeze is expected in Galway on Friday.
Headed into the weekend temperatures will begin to fall once again, with rain showers, heavy at time, making their return on Sunday and into next week.
The annual Irish Medtech Awards will be held in Galway later this year, with applications for the nine categories now open.
The Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have launched ‘Medtech Rising: The Business leaders’ conference and Awards 2023’.
Medtech Rising is the leading event of its kind bringing together business leaders, and international experts, to help Ireland’s global hub get ahead of the latest trends.
The 2023 conference and awards will take place at the Galmont Hotel in Galway on December 7.
Dr Eoghan Ó Faoláin, Irish Medtech Association, Deputy Director, said, “The medtech industry plays a vital role in saving and transforming lives.”
“Medtech Rising is an incomparable opportunity to gather as an industry to get ahead of the latest trends with the ‘Business Leaders’ Conference’, as well as celebrate the success of the sector here with the ‘Irish Medtech Awards’.”
Ireland has become a global hub for the medtech sector, with a very strong presence in Galway.
There are more than 450 medtech companies active in Ireland, employing more than 48,000 people around the country and creating €13 billion in exports.
“Our vision will be to strongly position Ireland as a global leader in innovative patient centred medical technology solutions, helping to set the future global healthcare agenda, with a proven ecosystem that is a major contributor to the economy,” Eoghan Ó Faoláin saod.
“We believe that with the right supports and policies in place Ireland’s global medtech hub can shape the future of healthcare and strengthen its international position.”
Garrett Murray, Enterprise Ireland, Head of Lifesciences, says that the conference is a chance for the entire medtech community to meet and share best practices.
“The Irish Medtech Awards not only gives recognition to the companies in Ireland, but winning an Irish Medtech Award is a wonderful achievement to market internationally to investors and customers.”
“Events like Medtech Rising provide an opportunity to highlight the exciting innovation and R&D happening in Ireland.”
“Supporting medtech companies to scale is central Enterprise Ireland’s strategy, ‘Leading in a Changing World 2022-2024’.”
“Ireland is a big player in this sector globally and Enterprise Ireland supported companies have even greater ambition for the future”.
Applications for the Irish Medtech Awards 2023 can be made online. The full list of categories for the awards are:
Medtech Company of the Year Award
Emerging Medtech Company of the Year Award
Collaboration in Medtech Award
Medtech Partner/Supplier of the Year Award
Digital Health Innovation of the Year Award
Best Diversity and Representation Company Initiative Award
TG4 brings another massive week of live sport, headlined by a huge interprovincial URC clash as Connacht host Munster, alongside seven live GAA games including the Leinster and...
