Galway business selected to represent county at National Ploughing Championships

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August 24, 2023

The Emergency Department (ED) at University Hospital Galway has been extremely busy over the past few days with high numbers of people attending.

Many of the attendances patients are very sick and need to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.

Some 201 people attended the Emergency Department yesterday, and there is ongoing pressure on bed availability in the hospital.

Saolta has said it regrets that many patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital.

There are currently 49 people awaiting admission at the hospital.

The hospital is also dealing with a significant increase in COVID-19 presentations and admissions. There are currently 16 COVID-19 positive patients being treated at GUH with 2 wards affected with COVID-19 outbreaks.

Saolta said they are committed to treating everyone who presents at the ED but they do so strictly in order of medical priority.

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

Planning sought to demolish and replace Lidl supermarket in Gort

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August 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning sought to demolish and replace Lidl supermarket in Gort

Lidl has submitted plans to demolish their existing supermarket in Gort, and build a larger replacement store in its place.

Lidl is seeking planning permission to demolish the existing supermarket on Crowe Street, Gort, as well as the two storey building adjacent to it.

In its place they intend to build a single storey supermarket with a total floor space of 2,529m², up from the current building’s 1,795m².

According to the application, it is estimated that the enlarged store will cate for an additional 5-10 full time jobs on top of current employment levels.

The Cover Letter for the plans states that the current supermarket, which was designed in 2005, is no longer suitable to cater for the scale of demand in the area.

Other works will include reconfiguring car parking and landscaping of the site.

A revised vehicular and pedestrian access junction to Kinincha Road and new pedestrian accesses to Kinincha Road and Crowe Street will also be created.

A Natura Impact Statement will be submitted to the planning authority with the application.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by October 12 of this year.

Galway’s Raftery digs deep to secure a special category win at Barum Rally Zlin

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August 23, 2023

Aoife Raftery & Ronan Comerford Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2023 2 — Photo: Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy.

Galway’s Aoife Raftery had to put in a massive effort to secure the best female driver in a two-wheel drive car accolades at Barum Rally Zlin over the weekend.

The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy driver is contesting this year’s FIA Junior European Rally Championship and the legendary Czech event was the fifth round.

The Craughwell native’s rally got off to the worst possible start on the first day of the rally weekend.

During Friday’s opening stage, a spectator special on the streets of Zlin, as a result of cold tyres, the Peugeot 208 Rally4 driver overshot a junction and damaged its rear right wheel.

The considerable time loss put her very much on the back foot for the reaming two days and 12 special stages.

On Saturday morning she set herself a target – to overcome Friday’s time loss and to be the fastest female driver in a two-wheel drive car.

The overall woman’s category was won by Italian Rachel Somaschini for the second ERC rally in a row. She was driving a Citroen C3 Rally 2 car instead of Raftery’s less-powerful Peugeot 208 Rally 4.

The Galway woman and her Armagh-based co-driver Ronan Comeford – both Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy members were in determined mode over Saturday’s loop of six stages.

They ended the day third in the woman’s category but more important, they were second in the two-wheel drive section in their PCRS Rallysport-prepared Peugeot.

Ahead of them sat Hungarian Adrienn Vogel who was just 28 seconds clear of the Irish driver on Sunday morning.

During Sunday’s demanding route Raftery nipped away at her rival’s lead, bringing it down to just 1.4 seconds by the final stage.

Raftery and Comeford dug deep over the final 16km stage to not only catch Vogel , but push well ahead and take the win by 6.9 seconds.

“It was a special weekend, and we learned a lot,” Raftery said at the finish ramp in Zlin where Vogel was the first to offer congratulations.

“We had to build back up after Friday’s mishap and really had to dig deep on Sunday. It was really nice to have this battle with Adrienn. It was nice to have a target going into each stage, looking at times and knowing what I had to do on each test.

She also finished seventh in the FIA Junior ERC category, her second European Rally Championship points-scoring finish in a row following her 12th-place finish in Rome

“Honestly, I really enjoyed the event, it has been a class event, the whole thing, it was a great atmosphere, the stages are so tricky, but when you get into the flow, they are some stages,” Aoife added.

Her co-driver Comerford, also a Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member added: “The stages are really challenging for a co-driver, you have to be on top of your game.”

Meet The Maker tour series continues with Micil Distillery

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August 23, 2023

Meet The Maker tour series continues with Micil Distillery

Get a taste of Galway and an insight into the history of distilling with the latest Meet the Maker tour with Micil Distillery.

Meet the Maker is the latest programme from the award-winning Galway Food Tours to show visitors to Galway the minds behind some of its most delicious offerings.

The Meet the Maker tours combine food and the unique characters in Galway who bring the best of what is on offer to life.

Padraic O’Griallais, sixth generation of the founding family of Connemara Distillers, will give an insight to the story behind the brand of Micil Distillery.

Padraic will detail the history poured into each bottle through family recipes and traditions in the event at Galway City Distillery on Merchants Road.

Guests will get to try two of his award-winning spirits paired with Irish farmhouse cheeses and a delicious baked sweet treat.

Tickets, €35pp are available from www.galwayfoodtours.com.

Planning approval given for new Athenry Gaelscoil campus

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August 23, 2023

Planning approval given for new Athenry Gaelscoil campus

Galway County Council has given the green light for the construction of new primary and secondary Gaelscoils in Athenry on the site of the former Clarin College.

The GRETB has received planning permission for a new campus on the Caheroyn Road which will comprise two main school buildings.

Gaelscoil Riada Primary School will be primarily two storeys in height, containing 16 classrooms and 1 SEN classroom.

The primary school will have the capacity for 485 pupils and 26 teachers. It will also possess two ball courts, hard and soft play areas, and a sensory garden to the rear.

Also to be located on the campus is Colaiste an Eachraidh secondary school, two and three storeys in height. This will include 17 classrooms, 12 specialist classrooms, and 1 SEN classroom.

The secondary school will also have a three storey sports hall, four ball courts, and a grass play area.

Colaiste an Eachraidh will have the capacity for 455 pupils and 45 teachers when completed.

The sports facilities in the new schools will be made available to local sports clubs, music rehearsal groups, scouts, and others as part of their current relationships with the Gaelscoils.

The school campus will have a single vehicular entrance from the Caheroyn Road, leading to a set down area and parking before the vehicular exit on the same road. There will also be a pedestrian entrance onto the Tuam Road.

The school campus will feature a total of 84 car parking spaces and 48 covered bicycle stands.

Landscaped green areas will be mostly located along the sides and rear of the school campus.

Planning permission for the new Gaelscoil campus was granted by the county council with 22 conditions attached.

The GRETB intends to start construction work on the site in July 2024, and it is expected that the project will take 18 months to complete.

Approval was given last February for the demolition of the old Clarin College building. The GRETB said at the time that there has been an issue with anti-social behaviour, including a small fire, since the site was vacated.

Big night for Galway bars at 2023 Bar of the Year Awards

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August 23, 2023

Big night for Galway Bars at the annual Bar of the Year Awards. Photo: Jill Thornton

It was a great night for bars and pubs in Galway City at the annual Bar of the Year Awards this week, with multiple top prizes handed out.

Six bars and individuals in Galway took home awards from the ceremony which took place in the Clayton Hotel in Dublin on Monday night.

The awards won by local bars at the annual awards included three Gold awards, with Galway’s finest establishments claiming the top spot in their categories.

Conor Moloney of An Pucán was singled out on the night, winning the Bar Manager of the Year award.

Conor Moloney of An Pucán was singled out for the Bar Manager of the Year Award. Photo: Paul Sherwood Photographer

HYDE Bar on Forster Street had an especially good night, taking home the Gold in the Hotel Bar of the Year category, and Bronze award for Gin Bar of the Year.

Blake’s Bar on Eglinton Street won the Bar Food of the Year Award, with the owners saying they were “over the moon” to have gotten the gold.

“It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by all the team here at Blake’s Bar and we could not be prouder.”

Caribou in Woodquay also claimed the top prize for Craft Bar of the Year in another bog win for Galway bars.

1 of 3

Sonny Molloy’s Irish Whiskey Bar won Silver in the Whiskey Bar of the Year category, and the Front Door Pub on Cross Street got Bronze for City Bar of the Year, with the bar owners saying they were “delighted” by the award.

Paladar in Co. Cork was named the overall Bar of the Year in Ireland at this year’s prestigious awards.

New forestry stats highlight Government’s continued failure says local TD

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August 23, 2023

Galway daily news Minister faces no confidence motion over forestry licencing backlog Canney says

A local TD has said that new forestry stats highlight the Government’s continued failure to delivery on forestry.

Deputy Claire Kerrane said a report, published this week by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, shows that the key forestry metrics remain at some of the lowest levels of the past decade.

“For example, there was just 2,273ha of afforestation in 2022. This is compared with 6,652ha of afforestation in 2022,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“There is an annual target of 8,000ha of afforestation, yet we are looking at a combined total of 6,723 for the past three years.”

Deputy Kerrane said as well as this, the report starkly highlights the lack of confidence in the sector from farmers and foresters and the impact this has had on buy-in in recent years.

“For example, in 2017 there was 536 farmers involved in afforestation in the State. This number has dropped to just 76 as of 2022.

“The statistics published today make clear that this Government has mismanaged forestry. We desperately need the new Forestry Programme in place, and yet it remains nowhere to be seen.”

Deputy Kerrane said farmers and foresters need certainty, and called on Minister Hackett to provide an update on the new Forestry Programme in full.

Senator fears collapse in TV licence revenue will threaten jobs

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August 23, 2023

Galway News - Courts - Man assaulted for not changing TV channel

The collapse in TV licence revenue threatens the future of independent production companies and their associated jobs, a local senator has said.

Senator Sean Kyne called for urgent action to protect workers in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector whose roles are funded through the Sound and Vision Scheme, which received a ringfenced portion of the licence fee.

The Fine Gael senator said that the collapse in the TV Licence revenue is not just a problem for RTÉ.

“It threatens a vital source of funding for independent tv, radio and film production companies and all of the workers involved, including actors, writers, producers, directors and many more,” he said.

“Since the Broadcasting Act of 2009, the Sound and Vision Scheme has, through a ringfenced portion of the TV Licence Fee, supported the creation of content for TV, film and radio that otherwise would not have been made.”

“There have been 49 rounds of funding under the Sound and Vision Scheme to date with the most recent rounds supporting more than 100 projects produced by local and community radio stations, as well as for larger media companies, such as TG4 and Newstalk.”

Senator Kyne said the Scheme is directly linked to the TV Licence as the legislation provides that 7% of the money collected through the Licence Fee goes into the fund.

“Therefore, as the funding collected via the TV Licence Fee falls, so too does the amount of money available for the Sound and Vision Scheme.

“Minister Catherine Martin needs to take action now to avoid a collapse in funding and to protect jobs in local and community media and the film, TV and radio production sector that are now under serious threat.”

Free period product initiative launched at University of Galway

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August 23, 2023

galway daily news period products university of galway

A pilot programme distributing free period products has been launched at University of Galway to tackle the issue of period poverty among students and staff.

The pilot, launched by University of Galway and University of Galway Students’ Union, stems from a 2017 initiative by the students’ union to address the serious financial pressures and taboos faced by students who menstruate.

The University is now funding and supporting the programme to supply more free items in locations across campus for those who need them.

The high cost of period products and the societal stigma which can still be attached to menstruation can lead to exclusion, mental health impacts and the use of unsuitable alternatives.

This programme aims to combat these issues and foster an inclusive, open campus with access for all.

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare Officer, Izzy Tiernan, said that period poverty and hygiene poverty are very real issues for University of Galway students.

“We are delighted that the University is supporting this pilot programme. We are calling on the Government to act now on the ‘Period Poverty in Ireland Report’ from February 2021,” said Izzy.

“Students have enough financial worries as it is with the cost of living crisis and spiralling rents, and we firmly believe the Government needs to mitigate the cost of these essential healthcare products for all.”

Josephine Walsh, Head of Student Engagement at University of Galway, said: “Student Services at the University are delighted to be able to support the Students’ Union on this important initiative and policy for students.

“It is symbolic recognition by the University of the very real issues that our students face and even more so we know it will make a very real difference in their lives.”

University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, said they are proud of the initiative that was taken by students and their representatives.

“As a University we are delighted that we are able to follow their lead and support efforts to alleviate cost and the effects of period poverty,” he said.

“Our new policy of free period products at University of Galway is a strong symbol of progress and how we can work together, with our students, to ensure better outcomes and respond to need.”

A list of free period product locations is available here.

Emergency street closure in Galway City for footpath repairs

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August 22, 2023

Galway City Council has advised road users that Mary Street in the city will be closed to traffic until Thursday morning to allow for footpath repairs.

The street will be closed from Abbeygate Street Upper to Eglinton Street until 7am on Thursday, 24 August.

A temporary diversion route will be in place via Newtownsmith, and all emergencies and deliveries will be accommodated.

Water outages in Kilbannon area

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August 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

There will be water outages and reduced pressure in Kilbannon and surrounding areas on higher ground until midnight on Tuesday night.

Residents and businesses will be without normal water supply due to production capacity at the water treatment plant.

Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council have apologised for the inconvenience caused by the emergency works.

Julia Morrissey Bridge petition surges past 1,500 signatures

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August 22, 2023

galway daily news julia morrissey bridge campaign

An online petition calling on Galway City Council to name the city’s new pedestrian bridge in honour of forgotten 1916 veteran Julia Morrissey has surged past its initial goal of 1,500 signatures.

Speaking from Galway, chairperson of the Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign, Ian Ó Dálaigh thanked everyone who has signed and shared it so far.

“The support we have gained is absolutely fantastic to see, and has ensured that the Julia Morrissey Bridge proposal is the clear frontrunner,” he said.

“In addition to these 1,500+ supporters, we’ve gained the support of local branches and councils of Unite, Fórsa and Mandate trade unions, and of the Galway Council of Trade Unions.

“And we have the support of several well-respected historians and authors, who recently signed an open letter in favour of our proposal.”

Senator Frances Black also spoke in the Seanad in support of the proposal during a Seanad debate on a motion in favour of naming the new national maternity hospital after Dr Kathleen Lynn who was also a 1916 veteran.

Senator Black said there is a real lack of commemoration of women from that period.

The petition now stands at almost 1,600 signatures, and people across Galway are being urged to sign it if they haven’t already done so.

“With your support, we can make the Julia Morrissey Bridge a reality,” said Ian Ó Dálaigh.

You can view the petition HERE.

Daíthí Ó Sé ‘delighted’ to take part in this year’s Croí Night Run

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August 22, 2023

galway daily news croí night run 2023 dathi o se

People across the West are being encouraged to register for the 9th annual Croí Night Run which will take place on Friday, 13 October.

Daíthí Ó Sé, who is a strong advocate for heart health, will be in Salthill to participate in the 5k event which raises funds and shine a light on heart health each year.

Media partner iRadio will also have the iTeam at the start line to get participants pumped and ready for another great night run.

Registration is open to people of all abilities and everyone is encouraged to get involved, young and old, family, friends, and work colleagues to run, jog or walk 5km in aid of Croí!

With thanks to Benecol, 100% of the proceeds will go directly to supporting Croí services.

This includes sustaining health and support initiatives and community programmes including a free community helpline, Croí Connects, and the Croí Courtyard Apartments, available to families in need of accommodation while their loved ones receive heart or stroke care in University Hospital Galway.

Christine Flanagan, Director of Fundraising at Croí, said: “Following a hugely successful event last year with over 2,000 participants, we continue to encourage people to take their heart health seriously for 2023 and sign up early for this year’s event to run, jog or walk 5km in aid of Croí.”

“We expect this year to be a sell out event, so we would advise early registration. We would like to thank heart health advocate Daíthí Ó’Sé, Benecol and media partner iRadio for their support.”

Heart health advocate Daíthí Ó Sé said he is delighted to participate in Croí’s 5k Night Run, where he will be taking part on team Benecol, the sponsor of this year’s run.

“Benecol wants to spread cholesterol awareness and encourage everyone to get their cholesterol levels tested,” he said.

“Lots of people are unaware that their levels are high even though it affects 60% of the Irish population.

“Take me for example, I didn’t know my cholesterol was high until I went to my annual check-up with the doctor. To get it down, I’ve been taking Benecol shots in the morning with my breakfast. It’s a simple change that’s making a big difference to my health.”

Participants will receive a special Croí Night Run Goodie Bag which will include a NEW limited-edition Croí Night Run long-sleeve running jacket and Benecol® goodies. To learn more visit: croi.ie/events and croi.ie/event/9th-annual-croi-night-run/

Over 50 patients without a bed at UHG today

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August 22, 2023

There are more than 50 patients admitted at University Hospital Galway who are without a bed today.

UHG is the third most overcrowded hospital in the country today, with 44 patients on trolleys in the emergency department, and a further nine in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 11 patients admitted for whom no bed was available this morning.

Five patients are on trolleys in the ED at Portiuncula, and another six are in the wards with no beds.

Figures from the INMO Trolley/Ward Watch show a total of 501 patients admitted in Irish hospitals with no beds this morning.

University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected, with 97 patients on trolleys, followed by Cork University Hospital with 63, and UHG with 53 total.

Gardaí investigating alleged carjacking in Barna area

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August 22, 2023

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

Gardaí are investigating reports of a carjacking in the Barna area which occurred over the weekend.

The alleged carjacking occurred in the Ballard area of Barna at approximately 8:20pm on Saturday night.

One male aged in his 40s received non-life threatening injuries as a result of this incident. He did not seek medical attention at the scene.

Gardaí have said that investigations into the incident are ongoing.

No arrests have yet been made as part of this invesitgation.

New map shows Galway Bay in unprecedented stunning detail

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August 22, 2023

New map shows Galway Bay in unprecedented stunning detail

An incredible new map displays Galway Bay in never before seen levels of detail, including a clear picture of the land beneath the waves.

This is the first of the new Blue Scale map series of Ireland’s coastal waters, which contain unprecedented detail of the local topography, including the seabed.

This map has its origins in the INFOMAR seabed mapping programme which has been running since 2006.

They have been produced as a joint venture between the Marine Institute in Oranmore, and Geological Survey Ireland.

INFOMAR aims to map Ireland’s seabed and deliver a comprehensive baseline bathymetry dataset to underpin the future management of Ireland’s marine resource.

Galway Bay stretches for roughly 50km from Galway City at the mount of the River Corrib, out to the Aran Islands at the entrance to the bay in the west.

There are numerous small islands within the bay, of glacial origin in the inner bay, and low lying granite in Connemara to the northwest. The karst limestone hills of the Burren form the southern boundary of the bay.

The coastal parts of Galway Bay have been designated a Special Area of Conservation due to their wide range of important habitat types which include intertidal mud and sandflats, other littoral habitats, coastal lagoons, saltmarshes, turloughs, vegetated cliffs, calcareous grassland and limestone pavements.

Galway Bay offers habitat to common seals and otters, and is an important ornithological site for seabirds, waders and waterfowl.

INFOMAR is making all 18 maps available for free to the public to download in high resolution.

Follow the journey each week as a new map is released on the INFOMAR website, and join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook.

Volunteers sought for Galway City air pollution study

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August 22, 2023

Galway Daily news Volunteers sought for Galway City air pollution study

Hundreds of volunteers from homes and businesses in Galway City are being sought for a study to measure air pollution in the city.

The Environmental Protection Agency and City Council are seeking the help of 500 citizen scientists to help measure the level of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) in their local area.

NO2 is air pollutant which can cause serious harm to your heart and lungs, which is mainly emitted by cars, vans and trucks.

The study will be carried out over the course of October, with all volunteers to be fully supplied with the kit they need.

Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Donal Lyons said “I am delighted to represent Galway City Council at the launch of the amazing Clean Air Together initiative, which highlights the importance of air quality in our city.”

“This initiative offers those of us who live in the city an opportunity to directly engage in the collection of air quality information and to learn what our local air quality is.”

“These results can help inform Galway City Council of NO2 levels within the city and will be combined with existing EPA air quality results to give a better picture of NO2 levels in the city.”

The volunteers who have registered for the study will be sent a kit including the measurement tube, and simple instructions on how to install it.

You will be asked to install the tube on Monday, October 2 and leave it in place for approximately four weeks. The tube will measure the levels of nitrogen dioxide – without you even knowing that it is there.

After approximately four weeks of measuring NO2 levels, the tube is posted back to the EPA, free of charge. The tube will be analysed, and results should be available early 2024.

EPA Director Micheál Lehane said, “The EPA is delighted to be bringing this exciting project to Galway city to measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2) – a major traffic pollutant which is known to be harmful to our health, and the environment.”

“By taking part in this Clean Air Together project, you will measure NO2 in your area and your measurement – together with all of the other data collected – will give us a detailed picture of air pollution from traffic in the city.”

Anyone who is resident in Galway City can get more information, and register to take part, at www.CleanAirTogether.ie.

One woman killed and two men seriously injured in car crash

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August 22, 2023

One woman was killed and two men were seriously injured in a car crash in Co. Mayo on Monday afternoon.

The two vehicle collision occurred on the N5 at Swinford at approximately 4:30pm yesterday afternoon.

A woman in her 70s, a passenger in one car, was killed during the collision. The man driving the car was seriously injured, and taken to Mayo University Hospital.

The man driving the second vehicle also received serious injuries in the crash, and was taken to University Hospital Galway.

Gardaí issued a statement appealing for any witnesses, or any drivers who may have camera footage, to come forward.

“The N5 is currently closed between Swinford and Charlestown as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination of the scene. Local diversions are in place.”

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.”

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N5 between Swinford and Charlestown this afternoon between 4pm and 4.45pm, is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.”

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 925 2990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”

Ten Galway businesses receive grants to boost online presence

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August 21, 2023