Health services in Galway and Roscommon are reminding the public to be aware of all available care options for the May Bank Holiday weekend.

Bank holiday periods traditionally place additional pressure on health services, which can be further compounded by good weather.

People are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the range of options available and to consider the most appropriate option before attending Emergency Departments.

Emergency Departments will experience higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday period, and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience, particularly where longer waiting times may occur.

People are advised to plan ahead, choose the most appropriate care option for their needs, and to stay sun smart while enjoying time outdoors.

Ann Cosgrove, HSE Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Galway and Roscommon said, “Our priority this bank holiday weekend is to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

“While Emergency Departments are there to treat serious illness and injury, a wide range of community-based services are available and may offer quicker and more appropriate care for less urgent needs.”

“Even though we have plans in place across hospital and community services to manage increased demand over the Bank holiday weekend, we are encouraging people to consider alternatives such as their local pharmacy, GP services and Injury Units which can provide timely advice and treatment for many non-urgent conditions.”

“Community pharmacies can also support a range of minor illnesses through the Common Conditions Service, helping patients access appropriate care quickly and safely, and ensuring Emergency Departments remain available for those who require urgent or life-saving care.”

“We wish everyone a safe and healthy weekend. Our staff remain available to provide care when needed, and all patients who attend an Emergency Department will be assessed and treated, with those who are most seriously ill or injured seen as a priority.”

Care options available this May Bank Holiday weekend include:

• GP Out-of-Hours Service (Westdoc):
  If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out-of-hours GP service, Westdoc. The service operates across the weekend, appointments must be made in advance. GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here.
• Your local pharmacy 
  Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.
  The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.
• Injury Units – Roscommon Injury Unit:
  Roscommon Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week, including bank holidays. It treats non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns. The unit provides services such as X-rays, plaster casts, and wound care. No appointment is required; patients can attend directly. You can find your local injury unit here.
• Mental health supports
  Information about when to get help, organisations that provide mental health services and types of specialist services are available here.

More than 500 students, including 14 PhD graduates, were conferred at Atlantic Technological University’s Spring Conferring Ceremonies, held across its Galway, Sligo and Donegal campuses this week.

The ceremonies brought together graduates from across the west and north‑west, along with families, friends and staff, to mark academic achievement across a wide range of disciplines and award levels, from Higher Certificate to Doctoral degrees.

Spring sunshine across all locations added to the sense of occasion, with campus celebrations reflecting the optimism of the graduating classes.

Now one of the largest higher‑education institutions in Ireland, ATU has more than 30,000 students across nine campuses and continues to attract increasing numbers of first‑choice applicants.

Addressing graduates, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn reflected on both the significance of the day and the university’s rapid progress.

“While we are relatively new as a University, we continue to grow at pace – we are also now a University of choice with increasing numbers of students choosing ATU as their first preference.”

“For us, the real measure of our impact is through our graduates. They will be the positive change our region and society needs through their talent and hard work, and we are proud to welcome them into our growing ATU alumni community.”

Over 5,000 more students will be conferred at ATU later in the Autumn.

Members of the public are being asked to have their say on safety in their communities as part of a new consultation process launched by the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).

The initiative aims to gather views from people aged 12 and over on issues affecting safety, wellbeing and inclusion, with the public’s feedback set to play a key role in shaping a new Community Safety Plan.

A series of public meetings will be held in libraries and community venues across the county over the coming weeks, giving residents an opportunity to raise concerns and suggest solutions directly.

Meetings will take place from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm at Loughrea Library on May 8, and in An Cheathrú Rua and Oughterard on May 15.

A final session is scheduled for Oranmore Library on May 29, with additional engagement events planned for June on Inis Mór, Inis Oírr and Inishbofin.

A countywide online survey has also been launched through Galway County Council’s website at www.galway.ie, asking people about safety in public spaces, online, on public transport, in housing and in rural areas.

Survey participants are also invited to highlight their main concerns and put forward ideas that could help improve safety across their communities.

LCSP Vice Chair Aodán McDonogh said the process is designed to ensure the plan reflects lived experience across the county.

“This consultation process is about listening directly to the people of County Galway. Community safety must be shaped by the lived experience of residents in every town, village and island community.”

“I would encourage everyone, especially young people and those from marginalised groups, to take part in the survey and attend the public meetings.”

LCSP Coordinator Marie Nicholson said the aim is to build an evidence-based plan that reflects real concerns in communities.

She added, “The partnership is urging people from all parts of the county to take part. Local insight is essential in identifying concerns and setting future priorities. All responses will be treated anonymously.”

The LCSP, established in late 2025 to replace Joint Policing Committees, brings together agencies including Galway County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla and community groups.

It is tasked with developing a three-year Community Safety Plan and overseeing local initiatives, supported by the National Office for Community Safety.

At its meeting on April 14, members confirmed plans for the public consultations and survey, and discussed engagement with older people, people with disabilities, young people and minority communities, as well as ongoing work by subgroups.

A commemorative plaque has been unveiled to honour a Galway soldier fatally wounded while serving on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon over 45 years ago.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard has joined members of the family of the late Private Stephen Griffin to unveil the stone plaque which has been erected adjacent to Bóthar Stiofáin, Rahoon, which is named in his honour.

Pte Griffin was just 21 years old when he was fatally wounded on April 7, 1980, at At Tiri, South Lebanon. He had been serving there with the 46th Infantry Battalion. He was the first Irish soldier killed by hostile action on UNIFIL service.

A newly installed stone plaque was unveiled at a commemorative ceremony on Sunday last, which was supported by Galway City Council and the Irish Defence Forces.

Defence Forces chaplain Fr. Paul Murphy said a prayer at the event, which was attended by representatives of Renmore Barracks and some of Pte Griffin’s former colleagues from Collins Barracks in Cork, where he had been based.

Speaking at the event, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard said it is fitting that the plaque has been installed to remember the sacrifice of Pte Griffin.

“I am honoured to have been invited to unveil this plaque, along with members of the Griffin family, on behalf of the people of Galway. Many people throughout the city, particularly in Stephen’s home area of Rahoon, remember his tragic passing.”

“This plaque will now keep his memory alive and help younger generations to learn about his sacrifice and the positive impact and legacy left by Stephen and other Irish peacekeepers.”

“In recent weeks and months, we have seen stark reminders of the dangers faced by our peacekeepers in Lebanon.”

“This plaque also reminds us of the positive contribution and legacy of Ireland’s Defence Forces personnel and their peacekeeping missions in Lebanon and elsewhere, over many years.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Stephen’s sister Áine said, “We are very grateful that this plaque has been erected in memory of Stephen. It will help ensure that he will be remembered for years to come, and I want to thank all of those who have helped to make this possible.”

“Recent months have reminded us of how peace is uncertain. Our family are very conscious of all peacekeepers, and particularly those who, like Stephen, made the ultimate sacrifice while endeavouring to protect it.”

“We want to thank those who attended this event, including friends, family, elected representatives, army personnel and Stephen’s former colleagues.”

The stone plaque has been installed during ongoing works on the Bóthar Stiofáin Active Travel Scheme, which is nearing completion.

The erection of the plaque had been requested by Galway City Councillors during the planning phase for this project.

People in Galway are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the bye-election taking place later this month.

A by-election for Catherine Connolly’s former seat in Galway West will be held on Friday, May 22.

The deadline to register or update your voter registration is Tuesday, May 5.

Ireland’s independent electoral commission, An Coimisiún Toghcháin, is advising voters in Galway West to act now if they want to have their say in the upcoming election.

The quickest and easiest way to register to vote or to update your details is to go to www.checktheregister.ie

Art O’Leary, Chief Executive of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, is urging people to act straight away to register or to update your details so that come Friday, May 22, they can use their vote.

“Now that we have an official date for the bye-elections, the people of Dublin Central and Galway West can start thinking in earnest about who they want as their new TDs in the Dáil.

“The clock is ticking to get yourself registered to vote if you’re a first-time voter, or to update your voting details if you’ve moved house, returned to Ireland from abroad or recently became an Irish citizen. The easiest way to do this is to go to www.checktheregister.ie”.

“Through these two bye-elections as Ireland’s independent electoral commission we will be working to give people access to clear and impartial information about what bye-elections are, voter registration and how to cast their vote.”

“Your vote is your voice, so my appeal to people across Dublin Central and Galway West is to make sure that your voice is heard on Friday, May 22.”

A leading international expert on Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also called chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) will be giving a free talk in Galway in May.

For ME Awareness Month in May Dr Amolak Bansa will be giving five free talks around the country organised by the Irish ME/CFS Association.

Before the Covid pandemic, between 10,000 and 20,000 people in Ireland were believed to suffer from Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), now often diagnosed under the name Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

It is thought that the figures have now grown dramatically. Vera Kindlon, Chairperson of the Irish ME/CFS Association, explains why awareness-raising is important.

“While things have improved in the last decade, many people still experience a considerable delay in obtaining a firm diagnosis. Research has been published which shows that an early diagnosis can greatly improve the prognosis.”

“Without a diagnosis, relations with family and friends can be strained and arrangements with employers or schools become very difficult. Having a name for what is wrong with them allows patients to better manage their condition.”

“They can also then get in touch with other sufferers, learning how others have dealt with similar problems and gaining support and empathy from those who know exactly what it is like.”

“We are lucky to have a recognised world expert on the condition come to speak with us to share his knowledge. We hope patients across the country will benefit from the wealth of his experience.”

Symptoms of ME/CFS include overwhelming flu-like exhaustion made worse by exertion (physical or mental exertion), muscle and joint pains, sore throats, swollen glands, disturbed sleep, impaired concentration & memory, dizziness and headaches.

A particular feature of the disease is that the condition waxes and wanes over time and symptoms can fluctuate a great deal from day to day, or even within a day.

Orla Ni Chomhrai, host of the Galway meeting (and secretary of the Irish ME/CFS Association) says, “We are delighted to host Dr Bansal for this meeting in Galway.”

“He has decades of clinical experience treating ME/CFS patients, as well as conducting research into the condition. It will be great to have an opportunity to listen to him at this talk as well as having an opportunity to ask questions.”

Talks about this condition will be held on the following dates:

• Saturday, May 16: Maldron Hotel Dublin Airport. 2:30 PM
• Monday, May 18: The Carraig Centre, Ballincollig, Cork. 7 PM
• Thursday, May 21: Great National South Court Hotel, Raheen, Limerick. 12 noon
• Saturday, May 23: Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway. 6 PM
• Sunday, May 24: Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo. 5:30 PM

Admission is free, with no advanced booking required. Following each talk, there will be a questions-and-answers session. Event includes free tea/coffee & biscuits.

Further details are available from the Association: 01-2350965, info@irishmecfs.org, or the Association’s website www.irishmecfs.org

A man in his 60s was killed in a single vehicle car crash north of Ballinasloe on Wednesday morning.

Gardaí are appealing for witness that may have information about a single vehicle collision which occurred at Tyrur, Newbridge, Ballinasloe at around 9:45am on Wednesday.

The driver of the car, a man aged in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been removed to mortuary at Portiuncula Hospital.

No other injuries have been reported, and the road is closed for technical examination by Forensic Collision investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage and were travelling in the area between 9:30am and 9:50am are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

University Hospital Galway has activated surge areas and is warning of long waiting times to be seen as high numbers of people attend the ED today.

Yesterday 323 people attended the Emergency Department at UHG. As of this morning, there are 29 patients on trolleys in the ED, another 22 patients on ward trolleys, and an additional 38 patients in surge areas.

The hospital is working to reduce delays in the emergency department and is asking patients to consider all healthcare options before coming to the ED.

Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

All available beds in the hospital are in use, with long waiting times for people to be admitted to a bed from the ED.

Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

“Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures,” a statement from UHG said.

“Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.”

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

Unless their situation is an emergency, people are being asked to consider their GP, the out of hours service, or Roscommon Injury Unit in the first instance.

Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses.

In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

Children receiving care at Portiuncula Hospital are benefiting from the introduction of new virtual reality headsets to make their stay easier.

The system, called Smileyscope, uses immersive VR storytelling to help distract and relax children during procedures such as blood tests, cannulation, and vaccinations.

By transporting young patients into engaging, interactive worlds, the headset helps shift their focus away from the clinical environment and potentially uncomfortable procedures.

Clinical teams report that the introduction of the headsets is having a clear and positive impact. Many children are calmer and more comfortable during procedures, helping to reduce distress for them and their families.

The technology has proven particularly effective in managing needle phobia and injection anxiety, providing distraction during blood tests and cannulation, and promoting relaxation during imaging procedures or pre-operative care.

Carly Smith, Assistant Director of Nursing for Paediatrics at the hospital said, “We are always looking for ways to make the hospital experience as positive as possible for children and their families.”

“The introduction of Smileyscope is a wonderful example of how innovation can support compassionate, child-centred care. Seeing children feel calmer and more confident during procedures is incredibly encouraging for both staff and families.”

Play specialists and nursing staff have welcomed the technology as an additional tool to support child-centred care.

By combining clinical expertise with innovative distraction techniques, the hospital continues to prioritise both emotional wellbeing and high-quality treatment.

Speaking about her son’s experience using Smileyscope, Theresa Hynes said: “As a parent, seeing your child need a medical procedure like blood tests can be stressful and it’s never easy watching them feel anxious or upset. However, using the Smilescope made a remarkable difference for us.”

“When Luke used it in the children’s ward, it immediately shifted his focus away from what was happening around him. Instead of worrying about the procedure, he was completely absorbed in what he was seeing through the headset.”

“It turned what could have been a frightening experience into something much calmer and more manageable,” she said.

Just over €250,000 in funding has been allocated for projects to improve the water quality in Galway’s rivers, lakes, and canals this year.

The funding has been awarded through the Community Water Development Fund and the Catchment Support Fund, both administered by the Local Authority Waters Programme.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne, welcomed the announcement. “Local action by communities and groups is critical in our efforts to protect our waters.”

“Through the Community Water Development Fund and the Catchment Support Fund, we are providing significant investment in the grassroots work of local communities and voluntary groups who care deeply about water quality in their local areas.”

“My Department’s funding supports these groups to deliver meaningful projects that protect and restore local rivers, lakes and streams.”

Under the Community Water Development Fund, local communities and groups receive grants for projects and initiatives to enhance local water bodies thereby helping to improve water quality and protect biodiversity.

While the Catchment Support Fund builds the capacity of community groups actively involved in water quality management by providing financial assistance for their core costs, including staff salaries, administration and promotional materials.

Both funds help community groups and organisations to deliver a wide range of projects to improve water quality nationwide, including:

• River and catchment conservation and restoration: initiatives to restore and protect local rivers and their ecosystems.
• Community engagement: programmes that promote water stewardship and raise awareness about water quality issues.
• Biodiversity enhancement: projects that support habitats and species dependent on clean water.
• Preparation of reports: feasibility studies, habitat management plans, ecological surveys, and hydromorphological studies.

Projects which have been awarded funding in Galway under these two schemes are:

Community Water Development Fund 

Catchment Support Fund

It was a good weekend for one lucky lotto player in Galway who won just under €18,000 on Friday night.

The Galway player was one of two players who matched five numbers in Friday night’s EuroMillions draw to win €17,902 each.

The winning Galway ticket was purchased online on Friday, April 17. An email notification has been sent to the online winner encouraging them to check their account.

The winning numbers for the Friday, April 24 draw were: 25, 26, 30, 40, 45 and the Lucky Stars were 01 and 05.

Both players are advised to contact the National Lottery Prize Claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to collect their prize at Lottery Headquarters.

As there was no winner of the €17,000,000 jackpot on offer, Tuesday’s EuroMillions jackpot is now set to roll towards an estimated €25 million.

A man arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Galway City over the weekend has been charged.

The man in his 30s was arrested on Friday night after Gardaí responded to a serious attack on a 65 year old woman in Ballybrit.

The woman passed away as a result of her injuries in hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The man arrested was charged yesterday and brought before a special sitting of Galway District Court.

A woman in her 60s has died after being attacked in Ballybrit on Friday night, and one man has been arrested in connection with this incident.

Gardaí were alerted to an serious assault at a home in Ballybrit, Galway City at approximately 11:45pm on Friday.

A woman, aged 65 years, was removed from the scene to University Hospital Galway in a serious condition and passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A post-mortem examination has taken place the results of which are not being disclosed for operational reasons.

The scene remains preserved and is continuing to being examined by the Garda Technical Bureau.

A man in his 30s, has since been arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the North Western Region.

The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark has been awarded a UNESCO Global Geopark accolade, a first UNESCO Global Geopark in Connacht, and the fifth on the Island of Ireland.

Exclusively, the JCWL UNESCO Geopark includes the only Gaeltacht region in a UNESCO Geopark on the island of Ireland and globally.

This high-profile international badge of honour recognises the JCWL Geopark’s outstanding natural beauty, unique culture, rich heritage, Irish Language – Gaeltacht region, progressive and strong community spirit, along with its inspired people.

The JCWL UNESCO Global Geopark encapsulates 20 highly motivated and determined communities across north County Galway, south-west County Mayo inclusive of the Gaeltacht.

Each community is dedicated to maintaining their individual charm and ethos while working together to sustain, nurture and support unique cultural and heritage skill sets and traditions.

Embracing new opportunities also forms part of the agenda especially those which complement the sustained developmental efforts of people and their communities in order to achieve the coveted UNESCO status for the region.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said “The ratification of Joyce Country & Western Lakes as a UNESCO Global Geopark is a landmark achievement that celebrates the extraordinary natural heritage and living Irish language culture of this remarkable region.”

“Údarás na Gaeltachta is proud to support this recognition, which will open new doors for sustainable tourism, community development, and economic opportunity for the Gaeltacht communities at its heart.”

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “UNESCO Global Geopark status shines a well-deserved spotlight not just on our unique landscape, but on the people who live and work here and have cared for it over generations.”

“While the economic benefits are clear, there’s also a strong conservation element to this award, supporting communities to protect our natural heritage, biodiversity and way of life, and ensuring this special part of Galway and Mayo is preserved and respected into the future.”

Niall Ó Donnchú, Director General with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, said the organisation, “warmly welcomes the announcement that the Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark will receive its UNESCO Global Geopark accolade.”

“This brings significant opportunity for community development, education and training; business enterprise and tourism ventures.”

“NPWS particularly looks forward to working with the Geopark and its communities on biodiversity initiatives which will enrich and showcase the enormous landscape diversity, unique geology, natural history and cultural heritage that the area offers.”