The Irish Management Institute (IMI), a centre of excellence in business education, is holding two one-day programmes in Galway on 16–17 September aimed at enhancing the AI capabilities of business professionals.

The programmes promise an immersive experience led by the IMI’s AI experts, aimed at helping people to gain the practical skills to unlock the potential of AI in their organisation and drive future business growth.

The event is being hosted in partnership with Galway Chamber, Innovation Technology AtlanTec Gateway, and Galway Executive Skillnet, bringing together business leaders across the west of Ireland.

Recent survey findings from the IMI Barometer show that only 5% of Irish business leaders have the skills to fully harness AI tools and technology in their organisation.

Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber, said, “We’re proud to work with the Irish Management Institute and Galway Executive Skillnet on the delivery of this AI event series in Galway.”

“AI is a powerful tool that can support businesses to increase efficiency, drive innovation and support future success. It’s important that business leaders in Galway and across the west of Ireland have the knowledge and capabilities to fully harness the power of the technology in their business and accelerate their growth potential.”

The sessions will be led by Kieran Gilmurray, a global AI leader, entrepreneur, award-winning author and digital transformation expert.

Gilmurray brings deep experience delivering practical advice to HR and finance professionals on how to embed AI across their functions, with a focus on measurable impact and real-world application.

The two one-day programmes will commence with an ‘AI for HR’ programme in the Radisson Red Galway on September 16th will equip HR professionals and decision makers with the knowledge and tools to responsibly integrate AI into their people strategies.

With hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, the full day event will explore how AI can be used to streamline recruitment, personalise learning and development, and enhance employee wellbeing.

This will be followed by an ‘AI for Finance’ programme on September 17th which will provide interactive training and workshops aimed at strengthening the AI capabilities of financial professionals.

From automating routine finance tasks to mitigating risks and driving productivity, it will provide leaders with actionable takeaways and a structured implementation plan for every organisation to use AI for greater efficiency and innovation.

Kieran Gilmurray, IMI Programme Director, said, “AI is a once in a generation technology that has tremendous potential to empower organisations across the country to enhance productivity and drive growth.”

“As the AI transformation accelerates, it’s crucial that decision makers have the AI capabilities to integrate the technology in their business strategy and support their people to realise its benefits.”

“The roll out of our new AI event series, in partnership with the Galway Chamber is an important step forward in helping business leaders across the west of Ireland develop this critical base of AI knowledge and skills and will help enhance business competitiveness across the region.”

To learn more and sign for the programmes, visit: https://www.imi.ie/

A research team from University of Galway has captured a rarely observed ocean mixing process during an expedition to the Greenland Sea, a finding that could improve our understanding of Arctic climate change.

The research team spent several weeks at sea during the summer of 2023 aboard the Marine Institute’s research vessel RV Celtic Explorer, carrying out surface ocean measurements in one of the most remote and climate sensitive parts of the world.

The team focused on a phenomenon known as cabbeling. This process involves the temperature and salinity (concentration of salt) in the ocean, which together make up the ocean density.

Cabbeling occurs when two water masses with different temperatures and salinities, but the same density, are mixed together. The result is a denser mixture than either of the original water masses, a consequence of the non-linear behaviour of seawater.

This denser mixture then sinks, triggering turbulence and vertical mixing. Cabbeling has important implications for melting Arctic sea ice as it can increase the amount of heat from below to the ocean surface.

The results have implications for improving scientists’ understanding of cabbeling and its potential role in models of sea surface warming and Arctic ice loss, particularly as climate patterns shift.

The Greenland Sea is expected to experience increased freshwater outflow from melting ice in a warmer climate, altering the regional dynamics.

Understanding and incorporating the effects of cabbeling will enhance the accuracy of predictions of ocean heat transport, especially in polar regions where warming is accelerating and sea ice is in decline.

The study was led by PhD candidate Kevin McGraw, Professor Audrey Morley and Professor Brian Ward from University of Galway, and took place along the East Greenland Polar Front, an area where cold, fresh Arctic water meets warmer, saltier Atlantic water.

To observe the cabbeling process, the team deployed a robotic instrument known as the Air-Sea Interaction Profiler (ASIP), which is a unique autonomous underwater instrument specifically designed to study small-scale processes at the ocean surface.

Kevin McGraw said, “Cabbeling is rarely observed because it is sporadic and short-lived, with its intensity and reach varying across Polar Regions.”

“Our underwater robotic platform, Air-Sea Interaction Profiler, is a unique instrument designed specifically to study the upper ocean without interference from the ship.”

“Because it can capture rapid changes on the scale of seconds to minutes, it allowed the team to detect cabbeling in action, which would have been nearly impossible with conventional methods.”

Prof. Audrey Morley, University of Galway, said, “The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm water north and cold water south thereby distributing heat around the globe.”

“Density gradients have been identified as a main driver of the AMOC, which may be altered by high-latitude cabbeling in a warming ocean. This suggests that the cabbeling effect needs to be considered to explain past and future AMOC variability.”

Professor Brian Ward, Professor of Ocean Physics at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, said: “These observations are a good example of the subtle processes associated with climate change and how small-scale processes can have broader implications.”

The research highlights the importance of combining innovative ocean technology with field observations to improve our understanding of fine scale mixing processes that shapes regional and global climate patterns.

Galway based animal welfare charity Madra has made an urgent public appeal after 13 newborn puppies were found alone this week.

The newborn puppies were found in an isolated area outside of Galway City on Thursday.

Sharing the information on social media, Madra asked if anyone had seen the mother and that it was urgent to find her.

“13 newborn pups were found alone last night in an isolated area off the N59 between Bushypark and Woodstock in Galway. We urgently need to find their mum! ⚠️”

“Have you seen a dog in this area who looks like she may have just given birth? Or do you know of a dog in the area who was due to give birth?”

“We urgently need to find her. Her babies need her and she’ll be suffering without them. Please share!”

Galway will face off against Cork in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final this weekend, in what promises to be a day of great craic for all the family.

Fans heading to Croke Park on Sunday, August 10th for the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Senior, Intermediate, and Premier Junior Camogie Championship Finals are in for more than just thrilling sporting action.

They can expect a full day of family-friendly entertainment this weekend, before and after the matches, both on and off the pitch.

Entertainment highlights include:

• Tailgate party in the Croke Park Hotel from 12noon, featuring music, face-painting and more!
• Live DJ Sets and a Dance Cam in Croke Park throughout the day
• T-shirt cannons in Croke Park
• Drumming performances in Croke Park
• Half-Time Shows – including pitch-side appearances from mini teams, U14 Parades, and the Tipperary Jubilee Team of 2000
• Live stadium MCs: broadcasters Aisling O’Reilly and Valerie Wheeler

Matchday will kick off with the Premier Junior Final begins at 1pm, where Laois and Armagh will fight for the Kay Mills Cup.

This is followed by the Intermediate Final at 3pm, which will see Kerry and Offaly compete for the McGrath Cup.

Finally, the day will culminate in the Senior Final at 5:15pm as Galway and Cork battle it out for the O’Duffy Cup.

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of The Camogie Association, said, “There’s nowhere else you’ll want to be on August 10th than Croke Park.”

“We’ve got something for everyone – from die-hard supporters to families looking for a memorable summer day out.”

“With entertainment from start to finish, the atmosphere promises to be electric, both on and off the pitch. It’s a true celebration of camogie, community and culture – you won’t want to miss it.”

University of Galway today announced that Professor David J. Burn has been appointed the 14th President of the University with effect from September 8.

Professor Burn will succeed Professor Peter McHugh, who has held the position on an interim basis since September 2024.

Professor Burn has served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University since 2017.

There he led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation.

David is also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.

Professor Burn serves as Director of an Academic Health Science Centre, the Newcastle Health Research Partnership, which works to deliver improvements to health and wellbeing for the over three million people living in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria.

Professor Burn is also President-elect of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

David will take up his position as President on the first day of the new term on the 8th of September 2025, joining the many thousands of students returning for the new academic year.

Speaking about the appointment, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, University of Galway’s Governing Authority, said: “Following a rigorous and competitive assessment process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor David Burn as the next President of University of Galway.”

“Professor Burn brings a wealth of experience in University and health care leadership and presents a compelling vision to inspire University of Galway’s staff and students to take this remarkable University to new heights.”

“With a track record of leadership and achievement internationally, Professor Burn brings both the necessary experience and vision to this role, and I look forward to working with him as we begin a new chapter in the University’s journey.”

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Interim President, Professor Peter McHugh, for his steady leadership of the University over the last year and to wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Commenting on his appointment, Professor David J. Burn said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next President of University of Galway.”

“Although born and bred in the Northeast of England, I have had a strong personal connection to Ireland for over 35 years and am therefore no stranger to its rich heritage and vibrant culture.”

“I look forward to working with all staff and students to help University of Galway further realise its incredible potential and am excited about what we can achieve together.”

Three of Galway’s best-known pubs have been named among Ireland’s Top 50 Bars by The Sunday Times, cementing the county’s well-earned reputation for world class hospitality, character and craic.

The Kings Head on High Street, The Crane Bar in Galway’s Westend and Tigh Neachtain on Cross Street have all secured their places on the list for 2025.

Galway has long been celebrated as a city of conversation, music and community, and its pubs have always played a central role in drawing people together.

This latest recognition reinforces what locals have always known, that some of the very best bars are right here in Galway.

The Kings Head, a landmark steeped in history, continues to thrive under the stewardship of the Grealish family.

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

Today, it is a far more welcoming place, a warm and lively venue known for serving some of the most distinctive west coast gastropub fare and offering a space where every kind of gathering finds a home.

The Crane Bar, across in the Westend, has long been a haven for traditional music lovers.

The Crane is the sort of place where the pints are creamy, the welcome is genuine and the tunes are taken seriously. If you are lucky enough to get a seat, settle in and take it all in.

Tigh Neachtain, on the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, remains one of the most iconic spots in the city.

With its colourful façade and labyrinth of snug corners, it is a place where stories are swapped and pints are savoured. It is pure Galway through and through.

This accolade from The Sunday Times is a celebration of the culture and spirit of Galway pubs.

A Galway punter is enjoying a hell of a bank holiday, now €60,394 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in Saturday night’s main Lotto draw.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the day of the draw from Tesco, Athenry Shopping, Athenry, Co. Galway.

The winning numbers in Saturday night’s Lotto draw were: 2, 3, 6, 9, 24, 39 and the bonus was 34.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €13,704,859, in total over 109,000 players won prizes in the Lotto & Lotto Plus draws including our Galway player who matched 5 numbers and the bonus in the main Lotto draw.

Darragh O’Dwyer, National Lottery spokesperson, said, “What a fantastic night for one player in Galway who has claimed a life-enhancing €60,394 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in last night’s main Lotto draw.”

“If you bought your ticket in Galway, now’s the time to double-check, you could be Ireland’s newest big winner.”

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Galway area to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Storm Floris is set to bring heavy wind and rain to the west coast on Monday, with weather warnings issued by Met Éireann.

Unseasonably impactful weather is expected for Sunday night and into Monday as a deepening low-pressure system, Storm Floris, will likely track to the northwest of Ireland, bringing a spell of heavy rain and very strong winds.

Two status yellow weather warnings have been issued for Galway, with a wind warning in place from 2am to 1pm Monday, and a rain warning in place from 2am to 10am.

The strong southwest winds and spells of heavy rain with thunder are expected to create hazardous travelling conditions with disruption of outdoor events.

Fallen trees and flying debris may pose a risk to people and structures, as could the possibility of lightning damage.

There is also a risk of flooding from wave overtopping and heavy downpours early on Monday.

Met Éireann Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock says, “Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday.”

“However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.”

“However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case.”

“And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west.”

“Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities.”

A teenager reported missing from the Galway area two weeks ago has been found safe and well.

Gardaí made a public appeal for help locating 15-year-old Angel Ndlovu earlier this week.

She had been reported missing from Ballybane, Galway City since Thursday, July 21.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that she has been found safe and well.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

The Labour Party has decided to support Galway TD Catherine Connolly in her campaign for the Presidency of Ireland.

The decision to back Deputy Connolly was made at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the Party’s Executive Board (EB) on Thursday evening.

At the meeting, PLP and EB members were briefed by the General Secretary on the Party’s membership consultation process which concluded earlier this week.

That consultation showed a clear majority of members in favour of supporting Catherine Connolly TD in the Presidential election.

Following a discussion, the PLP and EB proceeded to agree to support the campaign.

The meeting also appointed Ciarán Ahern TD, as the Labour Party’s co-ordinator with Catherine Connolly’s campaign.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Ahern said that Labour was backing Deputy Connolly for president in the “spirit of supporting the development and growth of the Left across the country and demonstrating that an alternative politics is possible here, a cause which our party leader Ivana Bacik has led and promoted over recent years.”

“While there are issues where we have differed with Deputy Connolly, we are determined that the social democratic values of equality, justice and tolerance should shape the Presidency over the next seven years and follow the legacy of Michael D Higgins.”

“We believe that Catherine Connolly shares those values, and has put them into practice during her political career.”

“Catherine will make an excellent President, campaigning and advocating for the common good.”

Galway City Council’s first-ever rain gardens are in full bloom and bringing a fresh splash of colour to the city.

As part of the recently completed Crescent/Sea Road Junction Upgrade, which was delivered by the Council’s Active Travel Department, two new rain gardens have been installed, along with a suite of safety improvements for all road users.

A rain garden is a novel type of landscaping that helps prevent flooding and enhance drainage by capturing and absorbing rainwater.

Frank Clancy, Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council’s Active Travel Department, has explained the benefits of the new rain gardens.

“Rain gardens are a relatively simple nature-based, sustainable drainage system. They are designed to reduce the rate of rain runoff from roads and footpaths into underground drainage pipes.”

“By using specially selected plants, the rain garden can soak up excess water, act as a pleasant visual amenity in an urban environment and enhance biodiversity.

These rain gardens are the first of their kind in Galway City, and the council intends to replicate their success elsewhere.

The two rain gardens at the junction of The Crescent and Sea Road have been installed in areas which were previously part of the roadway, which has now been narrowed.

New, wider footpaths have also been constructed in this space. By reducing the width of the roadway, both vehicular traffic speeds and crossing times for walkers and wheelers have been reduced, improving road safety and comfort.

This scheme also saw the construction of a new footpath along The Crescent, linking the 401 Bus Stop to the Medical Centre. Prior to this, there had been no footpath on this side of the road.

Two new pedestrian crossings have also been installed, and new safety enhancement works have been completed at nearby Scoil Fhursa as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard has welcomed the completion of this scheme.

“The works on The Crescent and Sea Road are a welcome addition and benefit all road users in this area.”

“By installing a new footpath, new crossings, and enhanced safety measures at Scoil Fhursa, Galway City Council is making active travel more attractive and safer for people of all ages.”

“The new rain gardens are another welcome addition which enhances the aesthetic value of the area while also delivering many important and practical benefits. I look forward to supporting the further rollout of more projects of this nature over the coming years.”

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to all road users to take action and use the roads with care over the forthcoming August Bank Holiday weekend.

Gardaí are carrying out a roads policing operation across the country this Bank Holiday weekend which began on Thursday morning and will continue until 7am Tuesday.

The appeal comes as the RSA publish their 2025 half yearly report which analyses fatalities from 1 January – 27 July. This report based on 91 fatalities which occurred on public roads over this time period, shows that the number of those killed aged 46-65 is now the highest in six years.

In contrast, there has been a year-on-year reduction in the number of young people (25 years old or less) being fatally injured in collisions. A quarter of the 95 people that have lost their lives this year were in this age range – 14 fewer fatalities than this time last year.

35 drivers, 22 pedestrians, 17 were motorcyclists, eight cyclists, eight passengers and one e-scooter rider have been killed. This shows an increase among vulnerable road users i.e. cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Additional findings:

• 27% of fatalities occurred between 12pm and 4pm
• 26% of all fatalities occurred between 8pm and 4am when traffic volumes tend to be lower
• Friday through Monday saw the greatest number of fatalities
• Over half (56%) of all fatalities occurred on 80km/h and 100kmh roads.

Speaking at this morning’s road safety briefing, Minister of State Séan Canney said, “As we head into a Bank Holiday weekend, when many of us may be looking forward to travelling and spending time with loved ones, I urge everyone to be mindful of their own safety and that of others.”

“Simple measures like putting your phone away, slowing down, and paying attention to the road could make the difference that prevents a tragedy.”

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said, “This is one of the busiest weekends on the roads. Not just for motorists, but at this time of year, it’s one of the busiest weekends for cyclists and pedestrians.”

“We ask everybody to be very conscious of our vulnerable road users, our cyclists and our pedestrians.”

“We’re asking people to slow down, we’re asking people to just plan their journey ahead. Some will have long journeys this weekend, so take your time and take your breaks.”

“Don’t be using mobile phones or anything that might distract you while driving. We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news this weekend.”

“We’re going to be out in force from today straight through to next Wednesday, with extra checkpoints and considerable more enforcement in relation to speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelts. So please drive carefully and drive responsibly.”