Met Éireann updates warning with flooding and travel disruption possible

-

September 19, 2023

galway daily news pink afternoon tea for breast cancer awareness at g hotel

The g Hotel in Galway is in the pink again for the full month of October as it hosts its annual Pink Ladies Afternoon Tea in support of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

To support the charity and help highlight the need for breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness month, the g is offering a very special ‘PINK’ themed afternoon tea with a donation from each afternoon tea going to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute in Galway.

At the end of October, the g Hotel will match the amount donated by customers and present the full amount to the institute.

The Pink Afternoon Tea has delicious items on the menu including Smoked Salmon Tartare on Pink Loaf with Herb Cream Cheese; Galway Goats Cheese with Raspberry and Pink Peppercorns; Chicken & Beetroot Terrine on Poppy Brioche; Smoked Bacon & Red Cabbage Salad Sandwich for savouries followed by pink treats including Raspberry & Pistachio Battenburg; Rose & Caramel Chocolate s’more; Strawberry Choux and White Forest Gateau, all served with Ronnefeldt speciality teas and freshy roasted coffees.

Why not add a glass of Pink Taittinger Champagne and a further donation will be made to the Charity.

To book the Pink Ladies Afternoon Tea this October contact events@theghotel.ie

Based at the Lambe Institute the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme at the National University of Ireland, Galway lead by Professor Michael Karin.

In Ireland, 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. It is the second most common cancer in Irish women in Ireland after skin cancer and the most common cancer in women over 50.

The role of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute is paramount, as its research can help to ascertain the causes and factors that influence breast cancer and therefore help to develop effective screening, treatments and medication to combat it.

For further information on the National Breast Cancer Research Institute visit www.breastcancerresearch.ie

Resurfacing works begin on the Castle Road in Kilcooley

By

-

September 19, 2023

galway daily news castle road resurfacing works

Galway County Councillor Declan Kelly has welcomed works to resurface the road known as ‘the Castle Road’ in Kilcooley which began on Monday.

Along with anti-skid surfacing recently applied to the road past nearby Kilcooley School, Cllr Kelly said the resurfacing of the Castle Road will make a major difference to local residents.

The Independent councillor said the Castle Road in Kilcooley, named after the remains of the medieval castle along its route, is a road he knows very well as he lived and worked in this district for five years.

He said that the road has been in a bad state for years as it runs over boggy ground, causing it to sink at numerous points, and welcomed resurfacing works which commenced this week.

“It is also a very busy road as it connects the N65 with the roads to Woodford and to Tynagh,” he said.

“I’m especially pleased because in addition to anti-skid surfacing recently applied to the road past nearby Kilcooley School, the resurfacing of the Castle road will make a major difference to local residents.”

Cllr Kelly said that he is continuing to work with Jackie Flannery and Gavin Treacy of the Kilmeen Cross and N65 Action Group to ensure investment in these local roads to enhance safety for motorists.

“People pay their motor tax and they deserve properly maintained roads as they go about their daily work and business.”

What is the importance of backlinks to online casinos?

By

Angela Mc Bride

-

September 19, 2023

There are many great Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies available that will help your online casino site gain traffic and engagement. One of the most effective ones include building backlinks, which are also known as inbound or incoming links.

Backlinks, also known as inbound or incoming links, are links that connect one website to another. These indicate that your content is worth linking to which is great for search engine rankings. Building high-quality backlinks is crucial to the long-term success of your website and can help improve search engine rankings and drive more traffic.

If you want to learn more about the importance of gambling backlinks, learn more about their importance here:

It helps build an online presence

Backlinks signal search engines that other websites consider your content relevant and valuable. Despite being a time-consuming process, it’s a great investment for the long-term success of your online casino site.

The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more authority and credibility your website will have in the eyes of search engines like Google. This, in turn, can improve your search engine rankings, drive more traffic to your site, and ultimately help build your online presence.

Builds brand recognition

When an online casino has remarkable backlinks, which may come in the form of blogs, people will realize how trustworthy it is. As it gains more support from numerous websites, its reputation grows. It could even persuade a number of partners and influencers to endorse the online casino once it has received support from a number of reliable publications.

Brings in consistent traffic

Besides helping your site build an online presence, they are also able to bring consistent traffic to your betting site. This recommendation may boost both search engine ranks and visitors from the referring website.

Instead of depending entirely on search engine traffic or paid adverts, you can bring a constant stream of visitors to your casino site by buying high-quality backlinks. With this, it is important to remember that not all backlinks are made equal. Purchasing low-quality ones will not benefit you and your site in any way.

It helps with SERP ranking

Backlinks play another important role in determining the ranking of your website on the Search Engine Ranking Page (SERP). To further highlight the importance of high-quality backlinks, they help your online casino site rank higher. Backlinks from authoritative and relevant websites in your niche carry more weight and can have a greater impact on your SERP ranking.

Makes online casinos trustworthy

An online casino site with multiple quality gambling backlinks is worthy of your patronage and trust. People will have more confidence in an online casino’s owner if they receive backlinks from reliable websites.

Going to an online casino is now a lot simpler than it was in the past since people tend to believe what they see on Google’s first page of results. Reliable websites connect back to the online casino, thus enhancing its standing as a platform to use with caution.

Over €155,000 awarded to community groups near Galway Wind Park

By

-

September 19, 2023

galway daily news community groups near galway wind park receive 155,000 euro in funding

Over €155,000 has been awarded by SSE Renewables and Greencoat Renewables to a total of 151 community groups close to Galway Wind Park through the wind farm’s Local Community Fund.

Galway Wind Park, the largest in Ireland, can generate enough renewable energy to power almost 145,000 homes, while offsetting over 140,000 metric tonnes of harmful carbon emissions annually.

The Galway Wind Park Community Fund was launched in 2018 and is the largest annual fund of its kind in operation in the country.

The overall fund, which totals over €400,000 per annum, is made available to applications from local groups and individuals via its Local Community Fund, Major Projects Fund, and Scholarship Fund.

So far, approximately €2.4 million has been allocated to groups around the Wind Park, including schools, sports clubs and community centres.

One of this year’s successful applicants is the Corribdale Grounds Committee which received funding towards repairing the children’s playground equipment in Corribdale Grounds.

Gerry Gibbons, Secretary for Corribdale Grounds Committee, said: “The playground at Corribdale Grounds was first opened in 2010 and has had basic maintenance works carried out on the equipment of the playground in the intervening years to ensure compliance for its Annual Safety Certification.

“The funding from the Galway Wind Park Local Community Fund will also us to replace worn playground equipment, ensuring a safe place for local children to play.”

Galway Local Community Fund recipients 2023

15th Galway Oughterard Scouts		Moycullen Active Retirement
Baboró Galway International Children’s Festival		Moycullen Angling Club
Bearna na Forbacha Aontaithe Teoranta		Moycullen N.S. Scoil Mhuire
Beile Blasta Maigh Cuilinn		Naíonra an Chnoic, Tír an Fhia
Carroe Judo Club		Newtown National School Moycullen
Clan Resource Centre Oughterard Clg Men’s Shed		Oughterard Boxing Club
Clann Community Garden		Oughterard Bridge Club
Coiste an Chillin		Oughterard Community First Responders
Coiste Páirc Spraoi Leitir Móir		Oughterard Golf Club
Coláiste Cholmcille		Oughterard Meals on Wheels
Comharchumann Shailearna Teo		Oughterard Parent & Toddler Group
Corrib Athletic		Oughterard Senior Citizens
Corrib Basketball Club		Oughterard Show Society Company Ltd.
Corrib Computer Training		Parents’ Association Scoil Muire Doireglinne
Corribdale Grounds Committee Ltd.		Platform Youth Club
Cumann Iománaíochta Mhaigh Cuilinn		Riding for Disabled Ireland – Galway Branch
Cumann Na Peil mBan Maigh Cuillinn		Rosscahill ICA
Domestic Violence Response Galway Ltd		Rosscahill Tidy Towns
Doon East Enhancement Committee		Scoil Naisiúnta Colmcille Leitir Moir
Forum Connemara CLG		Sonas Senior Citizens
FPMC Plean Teanga		Tar Isteach Playground
Galway Mountain Rescue		Timpeallacht Nadurtha
Horse Connects Enterprise Ltd		Tooreeny National School
Kilcummin Church Oughterard		Tullyokyne National School
Marginalised Residents of Doon East		Youth Café Clann Resource
Mensshed Dúiche Sheoige

Funding awarded for flood mitigation works in Monivea

By

-

September 19, 2023

Galway Daily news Funding awarded for flood mitigation works in Monivea

Funding has been allocated for the installation and construction of minor flood mitigation works in Monivea.

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan has announced the approval of Galway County Council’s applications for funding under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

Under this scheme, the council has been awarded €24,750 for flood mitigation works at Caherglass, Monivea.

The proposed works will consist of the installation of 300m of 450mm diameter drainage pipe into nearby drain, cleaning the existing drain, and installing earth embankment at rear of properties.

The Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme was introduced by the Office of Public Works in 2009.

Since then, 249 funding applications by Galway County Council have been supported under this scheme.

Under the scheme, applications are considered for projects that are estimated to cost not more than €750,000.

Most recently, the county council received €54,000 in August for the installation of a new 450 mm diameter concrete pipe crossing road with headwall and non-return valves at Moneen, Tuam.

A further €45,000 was awarded for a Hydrological Study of the Clarin River Basin area as well as €19,800 in funding to install flap valves on 2 no. pipes and construct a 510 m³ retaining pond at Dunmore Golf Club.

New Menopause Clinic opens in Galway City

By

-

September 19, 2023

Galway Daily news Plans submitted for new Galway City Primary Care Centre

A new menopause clinic has opened on the east side of Galway City to help women with this often misunderstood period of their lives.

The Misneach Menopause Clinic led by Dr Marina Curran has opened at the Galway Clinic in Doughiska.

Since December 2022, Dr Curran has been serving as the GP Specialist Clinical Lead in the Complex Menopause Clinic at University Hospital Galway.

Having looked after over 130 patients to date, she has witnessed the transformative impact of specialised care on women’s lives.

Findings from the Government’s Women’s Health Taskforce found that menopause emerged as an area where many Irish women feel a “sense of loneliness and isolation”.

For many women the topic of menopause “felt secretive and closed”, with a lack of communication “contributing to taboo or stigma” surrounding this life event.

Dr Curran believes women want to see change and improvements to their experiences of healthcare, particularly in relation to perimenopause and the transition to menopause.

Discussing the opening of the clinic, Dr Curran said that she has been working with menopausal women for some time, and having undertaken specialist training, understands that women’s needs in this time are not always being addressed.

“I want the Misneach Menopause Clinic to be a place where women can come and work with me to find the solutions that fit them best during this transitional time.”

“There have been huge developments in the methods and treatments for menopause so it’s a very exciting time to open this clinic.”

Dr Marina Curran is a qualified GP who has additionally completed the Principles and Practice of Menopause Care Course, and continues to undergo specialised training with the British Menopause Society.

“We know that half of our population will experience menopause and the rest will know someone going through it so educating and bringing awareness to the subject is very valuable.”

Contract signed on North Galway social housing project

By

-

September 19, 2023

Galway County Council has signed the contract for the construction of a social housing project at Ballymoe in the north of the county.

Finn Construction Ltd will be responsible for the construction of eight social houses at Durrow and Ballghymurray, Ballymoe.

Planning was granted in July 2022 for the estate consisting of 2 two-bed bungalows and 6 two-bed, two-storey houses.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council Cllr Liam Caroll said that it is great to see the council’s own build programme progressing.

This will deliver “high-quality, energy efficient housing across the county” Cllr Caroll added.

Chief Executive of the County Council Liam Conneally said that it is exciting to see a wide range of projects providing much needed homes in rural towns and villages.

Sing for the Autumn with Galway Choral Association

By

-

September 19, 2023

join-a-serious-galway-city-choir-looking-for-members-2023 — Galway Choral Association presents the proceeds of their summer concert to Claddagh Watch Patrol. L-R: Michael O’Hare and Craig Steven, GCA; Arthur Carr, Claddagh Watch, Tony Roe, Mary Curtin, GCA.

Sing for the changing of the seasons alongside a choir full of like minded music lovers with Galway Choral Association.

The Galway Choral Association is looking to hear from anyone who loves singing and wants a challenge as they recruit for the new season.

The Association is a mixed-voice community choir and has vacancies for men and women who want to sing fabulous music from the classical choral repertoire.

With the season starting in mid-September, the choir is working towards a performance of Rossini’s ‘’Petite Messe Solennelle’’ in early 2024, under the direction of Dr Darina McCarthy.

Former members, people who want to return to choral singing, and those who want to step up to the challenge of singing four-part harmony in a classical work are all welcome.

“Singing with a group is great for health and well-being, says chairperson Tony Roe. “Participation in choral singing provides great personal satisfaction as well as the opportunity to develop your singing talent.”

“Choral experience and ability to read music are helpful, but not necessary. New members often include people who last sang with a choir years ago, but we welcome all adult singers.”

Tony added that as a well established organisation, the Galway Choral Association has strong ties to the community, including charitable organisations, and the expertise to put on major shows.

“As a choir we aim to achieve a standard of excellence in choral singing and work with accomplished musicians while providing high quality musical education for members and raising funds for local charities.”

Founded in 1998 as a boy’s choir, it quickly grew to accept adult male singers the following years, and girls and ladies choirs in the years 2000 and 2001.

Now a quarter century old, the most recent summer concert raised €2,000 for the lifesaving Claddagh Watch Patrol organisation.

“I’m delighted to be doing the ’Petite Messe Solennelle” said Dr Darina McCarthy of the coming season. “It was composed in 1863, just over 30 years after Rossini wrote his last opera, and is a heartfelt work which shows his extraordinary compositional capabilities.”

“It is full of drama, pathos, colour and intensity. This Latin text Mass setting is accompanied by the unusual combination of two pianos and a harmonium.”

The new season starts in September 2023. The choir rehearses on Sunday from 7:30 – 9:30 pm in St. Patrick’s Band Hall, from September to June.

New members are accepted in September and February. Prospective members may attend three rehearsals, to see if it’s the right choir for them.

For more information, see www.GalwayChoral.ie or www.facebook.com/GalwayChoralAssociation/, or email admin@galwaychoral.ie.

Help make an incredible experience for children volunteering with Baboró

By

-

September 19, 2023

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is looking for volunteers to help bring its wonderful programme to life next month.

Come October, Baboró will delight children of all ages with an incredible array of theatre, dance, art and more, and it takes a lot of hands to ensure that all of these visitors to Galway get the best possible experience.

Since Baboró’s foundation in 1997, volunteers have helped to inspire children to engage with the world through their experience of the arts.

Now in its 27th year, the annual festival reaches thousands of children across the city and county.

Volunteers are invited to apply for this year’s festival, taking place from 13 – 22 October, 2023. Volunteers will be based in different venues throughout the city, helping to create a positive Baboró experience for audiences.

Volunteering during the festival is also a wonderful way to meet a great bunch of people, with many returning to volunteer year after year.

For more information on volunteering, contact the Baboró’s Festival Team Coordinator, Elena, at team@baboro.ie. or at www.baboro.ie.

Playful and Thought Provoking Programme

The 2023 Baboró programme promises to provide a magical experience for children of all ages and interests, along with their families.

Highlights include Druid Lane, 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.

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.

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.

Those are just a few of the many, many incredible events coming to like in the 2023 Baboró Children’s Arts Festival.

Public invited to talk on connections between Seán O’Casey and Liam O’Flaherty

By

-

September 18, 2023

galway daily news liam o'flaherty sean o'casey talk galway city library poster

On the hundredth anniversary of the production of Seán O’Casey’s Dublin plays at the Abbey Theatre, the Liam and Tom O’Flaherty Society will host a talk by Paul O’Brien on Tuesday 26 September in Galway City Library at 6.00pm.

Paul O’Brien is author of the recently-published political biography ‘Seán O’Casey: Political activist and writer’ which situates O’Casey in the literary and political context of his time.

Liam O’Flaherty from Inis Mór, who knew O’Casey personally and described him as a friend, has many political and literary crossovers with the Dublin writer.

The two men were socialists, participated in national and class struggles in Ireland and, significantly, produced literature from a working class perspective about the working class experience.

Both were centrally involved in the establishment of a literary and cultural project in Dublin during the 1920s called the Radical Club.

O’Flaherty described the broad objective of this Club as attempting to “draw in everybody interested in culture of any description in Dublin and form a nucleus of an organisation to resist the encroachment of the clergy, at the same time encouraging the appearance of new writers.”

Paul O’Brien will discuss these connections as well as the men’s literary and political contributions and their public row over O’Casey’s play The Plough and the Stars in the context of his new book ‘Seán O’Casey: Political activist and writer’.

The book places O’Casey at the centre of Ireland’s cultural and political history, charting his involvement in the shaping of modern Ireland. This is interwoven with a political and dramatic critique of post-independent Ireland and the wider world.

Like O’Flaherty, O’Casey wrote for a purpose. His life reflects the history of the early twentieth century in Ireland, a period shaped by revolution, counter-revolution and the struggle for a better world. History and politics are woven into the fabric of both their lives and their literature.

The event is being hosted free of charge by the Liam and Tom O’Flaherty Society and will take place in Galway City Library on St. Augustine Street, Galway from 6pm on Tuesday 26 September 2023. All members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Over 100 people turn out for successful Knocknacarra parkrun

By

-

September 18, 2023

galway daily news knocknacarra parkrun participants take a selfie — Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly takes a selfie with the volunteers after the Knocknacarra parkrun where Vhi hosted a special event to celebrate their More Than Running campaign. Photo: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Over 100 participants and 19 volunteers took part in the second stop of the Vhi More Than Running roadshow at Knocknacarra parkrun in Galway.

Among the volunteers was businesswoman and Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly, experiencing first-hand the benefits volunteering can offer.

Vhi’s campaign aims to highlight the mental and physical health benefits of volunteering at parkrun.

All participants at Knocknacarra parkrun on Saturday were treated to some well-deserved healthy snacks, drinks and Vhi goodies at the finish line.

Parkrun Ireland supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday at 9.30am. The parkrun events are open to all ages and abilities.

Vhi is again calling on people across the country to volunteer at their local parkrun, not only for the benefit of participants, but for their own health and wellbeing too.

A recent survey of parkrun participants examined volunteering habits and benefits. Nine out of ten people surveyed said they would recommend volunteering at parkrun to friends and family, a ringing endorsement that is reflected in the improvements respondents say they have noticed to their overall wellbeing.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location.

They will then receive a personal barcode which acts as free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.

Students’ Union to partner with Hygiene Hub Galway again this year

By

-

September 18, 2023

galway daily news students union hygiene hub galway — Pictured left to right: Izzy Tiernan, Raimey O’Boyle, Dean Kenny and Faye Ní Dhomhnaill (University of Galway Students’ Union)

University of Galway Students’ Union will partner with Hygiene Hub Galway again this year, holding monthly donation drives asking students and staff to join the fight against hygiene poverty.

There will be a donation point in the Students’ Union office on the last Friday of each month, starting Friday, 29 September, where hygiene, personal care and household cleaning products can be left for those in need.

Last year the Union collected almost 200kg of donations for the Hub and they hope to collect even more this year.

Donated items will be distributed to Hygiene Hub community partners in Galway who include COPE Galway, Galway Simon Community, Galway Traveller Movement and St Vincent de Paul among others.

They are asking for donations of shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, razors, shaving foam, deodorant, hairbrushes, hair ties, period products, nappies, baby wipes, toilet roll, headlice shampoo and laundry detergent.

Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said that they are delighted to partner with Hygiene Hub again this year to join the fight against hygiene poverty.

“Hygiene Hub are an amazing movement who help those living in poverty access the basics items they need. Their work addresses a huge injustice that exists in our society,” he said.

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Izzy Tiernan added that hygiene poverty is a major issue in the current cost of living crisis.

“It can lead to people having to make impossible choices between buying food or keeping clean. Our monthly donation drives aim to help Hygiene Hub to stop the social isolation that can result from hygiene poverty.”

New 12 bed Dunlo Ward opens at Portiuncula Hospital today

By

-

September 18, 2023

Galway Daily news New 12 bed Dunlo Ward opens at Portiuncula Hospital today

Portiuncula University Hospital has officially opened a new 12 bed ward today, marking the completion of the €5 million plus project.

The Dunlo Ward consists of eight single ensuite rooms and two double ensuite rooms on the first floor of the hospital.

The additional bed capacity was part of the capital funding from the HSE 2020 Capital Plan, costing in excess of €5m for the design, build and equipping of the ward.

The new ward has state of the art facilities including a digital Irish National Early Warning System (INEWS). This system also provides access to diagnostics including Laboratory and Radiology in each room.

The Dunlo Ward will care for both medical and surgical patients and will provide additional isolation rooms for the hospital.

Speaking about the opening of the Dunlo Ward, James Keane, Hospital Manager said it will provide additional bed capacity, and improved accommodation for patients.

He added that it will, “Ease patient flow from the Emergency Department and throughout the hospital, while meeting the required national standards and delivering enhanced quality care to our patients.

“Within the ward there are dedicated beds allocated for end of life care and complex palliative care patients. The Dunlo Ward will also facilitate paediatric patients who are transferring to adult services.”

Weather warnings issued as wind and rain to hammer Galway

By

-

September 18, 2023

Heavy wind and rain is expected to hammer Galway tomorrow, with multiple weather warnings issued for the west of Ireland.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow rain warning for all of Connacht and counties Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Donegal.

“Spells of rain will be heavy and persistent at times giving accumulative totals of 30 to 60mm, locally higher on hills.”

“The rain will ease off for a time in many parts on Tuesday daytime, before heavy spells of rain return Tuesday evening and night.”

The weather warning for heavy rain will be in effect from midnight Monday until 6am on Wednesday morning.

Separately, Met Eireann has also issued a Wind Warning for West Galway and Kerry, forecasting very strong and gusty south to southwest winds.

This warning will be in effect from 5pm on Tuesday until 3am on Wednesday, creating hazardous driving conditions, with Met Eireann warning of fallen branches and flying debris.

Marine warning have also been issued for Gale Force winds tomorrow reaching up to Gale Force 8 in the evening and overnight.

Fresh plans to replace Bohermore pub with new hotel

By

-

September 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Fresh plans to replace Bohermore pub with new hotel

Fresh plans have been submitted for the demolition of Tonery’s Pub in Bohermore, and the construction of a new hotel on the site.

The planning application by Carra Shore Hotel (Galway) Limited calls for the demolition of the pub and garage building on the 0.275ha site.

In its place the developer intends to build a 182 guest bedroom hotel, four storeys in height, with a further two floors below ground.

The planning report submitted with the application states that the hotel will, “provide additional tourist accommodation within Galway City, while also increasing employment opportunities in a highly accessible area in close proximity to public transport”.

No car parking is provided with the development, as it is envisaged that the majority of guests and staff will avail of public transport, the planning report states.

The landscape plans show a central courtyard area with green space, and additional gree areas at the rear of the site.

The city council had previously given the green light in 2021 for pub to be knocked and replaced with a hostel.

This planning application is currently at the pre-validation stage, and does not indicate when a decision is due from the city council.

Three new water bottle filling stations installed in city centre

By

-

September 18, 2023

Galway Daily news Three new water bottle filling stations open in Galway City

Three new water bottle filling stations have been installed at locations around Galway City Centre for easy public use.

The new stations are on Churchyard Street, outside Sheridan’s Cheesemongers; Dominick Street, outside the old Canal House; and outside the Eyre Square centre on Eyre Square.

These completely free filling stations join those already present in Millennium Children’s Park, Westside Park and Quincentenial Park.

Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council said that they wanted to make it easy for people to fill their water bottles around the city centre.

The filling station is activated by an infra-red sensor, so you simply have to pop your bottle under to get the water going, and remove it to stop.

“We are delighted to partner with Galway City Tidy Towns on this initiative – their members know all too well the problem with plastic bottle litter when they are doing their clean ups.”

“By making water filling stations available in parks, sports facilities and now the city centre, the public can refill and reuse their water bottles in six locations in the city – this will help to keep the city cleaner and reduce plastic waste in our bins.’’

Cllr. Eddie Hoare, Mayor of Galway City added, “Despite the plastic bag levy, Ireland is one of largest producers of plastic waste in the European Union.”

“We now generate around 3 billion plastic bottles a year. A key way to combat this waste is at source, and the new water bottle filling stations around the City are very welcome.”

“Well done to the Environment Department for installing them, and to Galway Tidy Towns for supporting this initiative”.

The water bottle filling stations are decorated with bright imagery which commemorates the sights, sound, and personalities of Galway.

Renowned Street Artist, Johnny Massacre, who sadly passed away in July 2003, is remembered on the water station in Dominick Street.

The Market Street station shows the Galway market in full swing, with the best of crafts and food and on display.

The Eyre Square station shows the Trans Express drummers at the Galway International Arts Festival in 2017 entertaining the crowds beneath them.

Four more people arrested in connection with car park violence

By

-

September 18, 2023

Four more people have been charged in connection with the public violence on the Headford Road, brining the total number of arrests to 19.

Gardaí arrested a further people over the weekend, three adult men and one juvenile.

Three of the men, aged in the 40s, 30s, and 20s, have since been charged and are due to appear before Galway District Court this morning.

A male juvenile has been released pending a referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme.

There have now been 19 people arrested in connection with the violent public brawl which occurred in the car park outside the shopping centre on the Headford Road on Sunday, September 10.

Four people were hospitalised as a result of the violent feud, two of them after being run over by a car.

Champions Galway United Dream of European Glory

By

Thomas O'Brien

-

September 18, 2023

Although Irish clubs have taken some notable scalps in the qualifying rounds of Europe’s major club competitions, runs to the big stage have been, sadly, thin on the ground.

But one club hoping to change those fortunes is Galway United, who might have a chance to do so as early as next season thanks to their exploits in the FAI Cup.

The Tribesmen, who have already wrapped up the League of Ireland First Division title, are in the semi-finals of the FAI Cup – a competition in which the finalists are typically handed a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League.

So could Galway United be on the verge of a first continental adventure since the 1990s?

Aiming High

Even just a cursory glance at the Champions League betting odds reveals the size of the task facing John Caulfield and his team if they are to qualify for the premier European competition – as the winner of the League of Ireland Premier Division has a chance to do.

Manchester City (2/1), Bayern Munich (5/1), Real Madrid (15/2) and Arsenal (8/1) are just some of the favourites to lift the trophy, while even 500/1 outsiders like Shakhtar Donetsk, Red Star Belgrade and Braga have a European record that no club in Ireland can match.

But Galway United have taken huge strides forward since the Comer brothers acquired a majority ownership stake in the club back in March 2022, with their investment rewarded by an outstanding effort in the First Division this term.

TABLE | SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division

Galway United are crowned champions with 5 games to spare while Cobh Ramblers and Wexford both win to consolidate their places in the play-off spots!#LOI pic.twitter.com/7mt96CDQBs

— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) September 22, 2023

At the time of writing, Caulfield’s side had won the title with five games to spare – a result of winning 24 of their opening 31 games of the 2023 campaign. A goal difference of +66 is indicative of just how dominant they have been.

And there’s no reason to think they’ll struggle in the top-flight next term, either. UCD and Dundalk have both been swept aside in the FAI Cup – indeed, newcomers to Irish football would not have known which was the Premier Division outfit as Galway racked up 5-1 and 4-0 victories respectively in those two games.

Whether they qualify via the FAI Cup this term or the Premier Division next, Galway United could be set for a European tour in the near future.

Breaking Through

Of course, UEFA’s constant tinkering with their coefficients and qualifying criteria continues to make it very difficult for Irish clubs to book their place in continental competition.

Premier Divisions Shamrock Rovers entered the Champions League in the first round of qualifying, where they lost out to Icelandic side Breidablik.

The 2023/24 Europa League final will be played at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, but sadly Irish clubs were not handed an entry into qualification for the tournament – instead, Dundalk, Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic were dropped into the Europa Conference League instead.

Great news!

FAI secure 2024 UEFA Europa League final for @AVIVAStadium 🏟️

Great to have the final come back to Dublin 🙌

➡️ https://t.co/ce1orx4PVB #UEL pic.twitter.com/qJUhBP78ph

— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 16, 2021

Victories for Dundalk and Derry saw them joined by Shamrock in the second qualifying round, with the Candystripes the only team to progress after a 5-4 aggregate win over Finnish club KuPS.

However, Derry City’s dream of qualifying for European competition was ended by Kazakhstan Premier Division side Tobol after a cruel penalty shootout defeat.

Dreams of emulating the 2011 era Shamrock Rovers – the first Irish team to make it to a continental competition proper – were crushed. So can Galway United go one better in the near future and qualify for the Champions League or Conference League?

Funding to support climate action in Galway City & County

By

-

September 16, 2023