The University of Galway hosted its Summer Conferring ceremonies today, marking a significant academic milestone for hundreds of students and their families.

More than 400 students were awarded their degrees during the ceremonies, including 92 who were conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The largest cohort to graduate during today’s ceremonies was the 187 doctors who received their Honours Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Obstetrics (MB, BCh, BAO) degree.

During the conferring ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded a total of 15 Final Medical Medals by the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

One graduate, Dr Anmol Mahesh from Clonmel, Co Tipperary, received 5 medals in recognition of his outstanding academic performance.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said, “At University of Galway, we take great pride in being part of each student’s journey, supporting their growth and celebrating their success.”

“Graduation is not just an end, but the beginning of what our students can and will go on to achieve, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their chosen fields.”

Six of Galway’s historic civil parishes are stepping into the digital age with the launch of an innovative project that turns local heritage into interactive online StoryMaps.

This project has seen the rich histories of Stradbally (Clarinbridge), Monivea, Moylough, Moycullen, Gort, and Loughrea meticulously researched and digitally transformed.

It comes as a major collaboration between Galway County Council, University of Galway, Galway County Heritage Forum, The Heritage Council, and community heritage groups in the county.

Marie Mannion, Heritage Officer of Galway County Council, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, stating, “This project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of investing in our future generations.”

“The dedication and passion of the students, combined with the support of our local communities and the expertise of the Heritage Office and GIS Department, have brought this initiative to life.”

Officially launched this week at a special event in Áras an Chontae, the project brings together traditional townland research and historical records in a newly digitised format.

Drawing on rich sources such as O’Donovan’s Ordnance Survey Letters, Griffith’s Valuation, the Down Survey, and the 1901 and 1911 censuses, the initiative makes these valuable archives more accessible than ever.

The initiative is powered by the work of University of Galway students Carlos Grace, Giada Solito, Liam Flaherty, and Laura Daly.

Over the past year, they have worked in close partnership with local communities and Galway County Council’s Heritage Office and GIS Department, unearthing stories, local lore, and forgotten histories that now live on through this accessible and engaging digital format.

Dr. Lisa Walshe, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Sociology at the University of Galway, commended the students’ efforts.

“It has been a privilege for our university to collaborate with Galway County Council on this initiative, which highlights the rich heritage of Galway County through innovative student research.”

“This partnership exemplifies the value of academic and civic engagement, and I commend our students for their dedication, creativity, and commitment to preserving and sharing our local history.”

“Together, we are helping to deepen public appreciation of Galway’s unique cultural landscape,” Dr Walshe said.

The research has been digitised for townlands in the six parishes, while immersive digital StoryMaps have been created for Loughrea, Moylough, Moycullen, and Gort.

Combining the latest mapping technology with text, images, and multimedia content, the StoryMaps tell powerful location-based stories accessible from any internet-enabled device with a web browser, including tablets and phones.

Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “The launch marks a significant milestone in how local history is preserved and shared.”

“With an eye on Galway’s global diaspora and future generations, the project is a powerful example of how technology and tradition can converge to deepen our understanding of place.”

“As we navigate the digital landscape, we honour the traditions of the past while embracing the opportunities of the future,” she added.

“Through these StoryMaps, we invite you to immerse yourselves in the essence of our townlands, towns, and villages, to witness the evolution of time reflected in the fields, roads, and streets we walk, and the buildings, landscapes, and structures we admire.”

There are over 64,000 townlands in Ireland, of which there are in the region of 4,556 in County Galway, Ireland’s second largest county.

Almost half of the County’s townlands have so far been digitised as part of the ‘Galway County Heritage Trails’ project.

Roughly 1,000 homes in the Ballybane area of Galway City will experience water outages today as Uisce Eireann carries out work on the network.

Work is being carried out on the water network on the Ballybane Road from 9:30am to 5pm on Wednesday.

To facilitate these works it is necessary to shut off the water supply on this part of the network.

Approximately 1,000 customers on the Ballybane Road in the city and surrounding areas may be affected.

Uisce Éireann’s Leo O’Shea thanked affected customers for their co-operation ahead of the essential works.

“We wish to acknowledge the inconvenience caused by a planned outage and assure affected customers that crews will complete the works as quickly as possible to restore normal water supply on Wednesday evening,” said Leo.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers.

However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Galway University Hospitals is cancelling elective procedures as ongoing pressure on the emergency department over the weekend is affecting the number of beds available.

Nearly 200 people attended the emergency department on Saturday, and a further 169 on Sunday, with a total of 68 patients admitted over the two days.

As of this morning, there were 29 patients in the Emergency Department with 15 on ward trolleys, totalling 44 patients waiting to be admitted. Additional surge areas are also in use.

This, along with viral cases, is putting pressure on the number of beds available at the hospital.

“We are continuing to manage multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 and Norovirus cases,” a statement from UHG said today.

“We would like to remind the public that where a ward is affected by COVID-19 and Norovirus, visiting is limited and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members / nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance.”

“The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.”

“All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.”

“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.”

Some elective procedures are being cancelled at the hospital due to the lack of available beds. The hospital is contacting patients who will be affected by this.

The hospital is asking people to only come to the emergency department if the situation is urgent.

People should attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.

All visitors to the hospital will be required to practice good hand hygiene and use hand gel regularly, face masks are available for use throughout the hospital.

Residents of Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, are holding their third Road Safety Walking Protest this morning to highlight ongoing safety concerns along the main road through the village.

Calls for action on road safety in Na Forbacha date back to 2016, when residents first raised issues about unsafe crossings, narrow and incomplete footpaths, and speeding traffic.

In 2022, Na Forbacha was awarded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funding, with the objective of making the school route safer for children. However, progress remains slow.

An An Taisce report published in 2023 outlined 24 recommendations, including a lighted pedestrian crossing, traffic-calming infrastructure, and safe, continuous footpaths.

In May 2025, Galway County Council confirmed that a contractor had visited the road and is drawing up proposals but Na Forbacha remains at Stage 2 of the 7-stage SRTS process, with no delivery timeline and no eligibility for other safety grants until that process concludes.

The upcoming protest is the community’s way of maintaining pressure and keeping visibility on the issue.

Every weekday, children and parents walk to school along a route that locals say is unsafe and unfit for purpose.

“We’ve been calling for these basic safety measures for years. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to trigger action,” said the organisers of the protest.

Other local residents said that the pace of progress on delivering the road improvements is unacceptable.

Parents expressed that Firbo is “a community, not just a main road”, and that they need to continue to show that this issue is a priority for everyone.

A pair of siblings have become some of the first people in Ireland to receive a groundbreaking heart surgery in Galway.

University Hospital Galway (UHG) achieved a significant milestone in cardiac care last October by becoming the first hospital in Ireland and the UK to implant the Avalus Ultra biological aortic valve, a major advancement in the field of valvular heart surgery.

The ground-breaking procedure was first performed on Noel O’Brien from County Galway, marking the hospital’s inaugural use of the innovative valve.

In a remarkable turn of events, Noel’s brother, Michael, underwent the same life-changing procedure, becoming the eighth patient to receive the implant last month.

Both surgeries were successfully carried out by Professor Alan Soo and his team at UHG.

Both Noel and Michael O’Brien had experienced symptoms commonly associated with aortic valve disease, a condition where the valve narrows or leaks, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood.

If untreated, the condition can lead to heart failure and other serious complications. Patients with aortic valve disease, either stenosis (blocked) or regurgitant (leaky), often require valve replacement

The Avalus Ultra valve is a next-generation aortic valve replacement that offers improved durability, enhanced surgical handling, and easier placement. Its introduction places UHG at the forefront of cardiac surgical innovation in Ireland.

Professor Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, praised the development, stating, “The introduction of the Avalus Ultra valve represents a new chapter in heart valve surgery.”

“We are proud to lead the way in offering our patients the very latest in cardiac technology, ensuring better outcomes and improved quality of life.”

The successful adoption of this advanced valve system underscores UHG’s commitment to pioneering treatments and delivering world-class cardiac care to patients across Ireland.

In celebration of Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, expectant parents, parents and caregivers of babies and infants (0–3 years) are invited to a free ‘Parents Connect’ event next week.

Organised by the Galway City Early Years group under the Galway Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), this special event brings together local organisations, experts and parents to highlight the vital role of early relationships in shaping a child’s wellbeing.

Attendees can enjoy a relaxed morning with tea, coffee and fun activities, meet other parents and access trusted information stands.

From 10:30am, guest speakers will share practical tips for supporting both parent and baby wellbeing.

Speakers include Catherine Maguire, Clinical Psychologist and Infant Mental Health Specialist and PhD Researcher at the School of Psychology, University of Galway (social and emotional development of babies and infants) and Karen Concannon, Community Sports Development Officer, Galway Sports Partnership, (movement and activity)

Infant Mental Health Awareness Week runs from Monday June 9 – Friday, June 13, and the ‘Parents Connect’ event will be held on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30am at the Radisson Red hotel in Galway City.

Highlighting the week’s importance, guest speaker Catherine Maguire said, “The earliest relationships and experiences shape the quality of an infant and young child’s brain and supports their emotional wellbeing and lifelong health.”

“By also supporting our parents and caregivers, we help to lay the foundations for children to feel safe, loved, and ready to explore and learn.”

“Infant mental health is everyone’s business, and small positive changes can make a lasting difference.”

This event coincides with Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, which shines a spotlight on the importance of early years and the support available to families.

Galway City Early Years group is made up of a range of local agencies including Ard Family Resource Centre; Galway CYPSC; Galway Childcare Committee; Galway City Partnership; Galway Sports Partnership; HSE’s Health Promotion and Improvement, Community Nutrition & Dietetics, Public Health Nursing, and Young Parents Support Programme; Healthy Galway City, TULSA Family Services and University of Galway.

ICS Medical Devices, a leading catheter design & manufacturing services provider, has announced that it plans to create 72 new jobs in Galway by 2028.

The new roles being created over the next three years will be across engineering, human resources, manufacturing, and quality.

The company, founded in 2019, has been approved for €1.5 million in funding through a number of Enterprise Ireland supports, which will directly support investment in facilities, capabilities, people & new technologies.

Speaking at the announcement at ICS Medical Devices, Minister of State, with responsibility for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton congratulated ICS Medical Devices on their growth and the new jobs the company will be creating.

“This expansion is a testament to their innovation and commitment to excellence. I’m also pleased to see Enterprise Ireland supporting this success through their grant funding, helping to drive job creation and economic development in the region.”

Speaking at the announcement, Jenny Melia, Executive Director and incoming CEO, Enterprise Ireland, said, “ICS Medical is at the forefront of innovation in the medtech sector, developing best in class catheter solutions to meet the needs of the global healthcare sector.”

“I’d like to congratulate the team on today’s anniversary and the plans to create an additional 72 high-quality positions over the next three years.”

“Supporting Irish companies with the ambition to scale globally is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and we will continue to work closely with ICS Medical to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs here in the Galway region.”

ICS Medical Devices works with international medical device companies in the design, development and commercialization of catheters, access sheaths, balloon catheters, valve delivery systems, and stent delivery systems.

“Furthermore, ICS Medical Devices is playing a vital role in strengthening Ireland’s Medtech ecosystem,” she continued.

“Their continued success and growth in such a short period of time from a high potential start-up to an established highly regarded company not only highlights their leadership in the sector but also provide valuable expertise, technology, and services that are instrumental in supporting other Irish start-ups coming through to achieve key milestones.”

Seamus Fahey, CEO of ICS Medical Devices, added, “We are delighted to announce this continued expansion of ICS Medical Devices and the creation of 72 new jobs.”

“This growth reflects the hard work of our team, the continued investment in new technologies, and the increasing demand for our services.”

!We look forward to continuing to support our customers in pioneering advancements in medicine. We sincerely thank Enterprise Ireland for their continued support, which has been instrumental in helping us scale and succeed.”

The 31st annual Croí Corrib Charity Cycle will take place in Galway City and Connemara this weekend, with some traffic disruption expected along the routes.

The cycle starts at University of Galway Dangan Sports Campus at 8am on Sunday, and finishes at Croí House, Newcastle.

Due to the large number of cyclists taking part, Croí are advising motorists and road users that there may be delays in the area throughout Sunday.

There are two routes which will be affected throughout the morning and afternoon.

50km Route: An out-and-back route that departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG), heads out via the new Moycullen bypass, stops at Oughterard, and returns back via the Moycullen bypass before finishing at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre.

107km Route: Departs from the Dangan Sports Facility Carpark (adjacent to NUIG) before passing through Moycullen, Spiddal, Rossaveal, Maam Cross, and Oughterard, returns via the Moycullen bypass, and finishes at the Croí Heart & Stroke Centre, Newcastle, Galway City.

The shorter route does not go through Moycullen. The longer route goes through Moycullen Town on the way out, but back via the new Moycullen bypass.

Croí would like to take this opportunity to thank cyclists, motorists, and local communities along the route for their patience and understanding in advance of the event.

Registrations for the event close on Saturday at 4pm. No registrations will be permitted on the day.

President Michael D. Higgins donated his Presidential Archive and books from his personal collection to the University during a visit to his old alma mater on the second day of his Galway trip today.

The documents in the archive, which include personal papers, writings and correspondence, will be held in the Archives and Special Collections of the University Library.

The donation was formally announced at a special celebratory event at University of Galway, where President Higgins was accompanied by his wife Sabina as he was welcomed back to his alma mater, where he studied and taught before entering politics.

The event was held at the Aula Maxima in University of Galway’s iconic Quadrangle, which was renamed The Michael D. Higgins Auditorium as part of the celebrations.

A portrait of President Higgins, by artist Colin Davidson, which has been acquired by the University for its public art collection, was also unveiled.

The celebration was hosted by Chair of the Governing Authority of University of Galway, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway.

President Higgins said, “I am very pleased to formally announce the collaboration with the University of Galway of my archive of writings and documents from my Presidential terms, for their custodianship.

“The University of Galway Library Archives and Special Collections can now provide a secure home for these files and make them accessible to future generations of researchers who are interested in the political, social and cultural life of our country over this period”.

The added that files of his presidency in the archives could “perhaps explain my thinking, motivation, and frustration too – the personal data that has helped inform my speeches, statements and other written materials over the past 14 years of my life mar Uachtarán na hÉireann.”

Spanning two full presidential terms, President Higgins’ archive offers an extraordinary window into the life and work of Ireland’s ninth President with a rich array of material representing personal papers from his time in office.

It includes meticulously edited speech drafts bearing his handwritten annotations and his personal correspondence with a wide and diverse network of individuals.

The collection runs to more than 150 archival boxes and is to be catalogued by Archivist Kieran Hoare.

The official records of President Higgins’s terms of office will remain with the State and be transferred to the National Archives.

“As well as my archive files, as an avid reader with a significant collection of books, I am delighted to be in the process of contributing a proportion of my collection to the University.”

President Higgins said that this collection includes titles that he acquired for his research, including “some heavily annotated volumes that informed my thinking during my time as a lecturer at the University through to my Presidency.”

“The collection also includes many books presented to me from a wide range of sources while undertaking local, national and international engagements, with some of these marking historic events attended by myself in an official capacity.”

“For me it is important that the Aula Maxima in the Quadrangle – the iconic auditorium which I am truly honoured is now to be associated with me as the ‘Michael D. Higgins Auditorium’ – always be open and accessible to the public, to those who live in Galway, to visitors, to the university staff and students, and to visitors and tourists.”

“Therefore, it is a source of pleasure to hear that it is a space that will be utilised not just for university related occasions, but that it will also be used for other public occasions such as, for example, the Galway Arts Festival.”

Monica Crump, University of Galway Librarian, said, “President Higgins is a true scholar with a passion for books and the importance of reading.”

“His archive and books enable us to witness his scholarship in action, with well-thumbed and annotated books linking directly to his work as President and the topics in his speeches.”

“It is an absolute privilege that he has chosen to donate his Presidential archive and a selection from his book collection to the University of Galway Library and we are proud to be the custodians of his legacy, which will inspire future generations of students and scholars”.

Galway County Council has joined forces with GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs from across Galway for the county’s first-ever Green Clubs event at Ballinderreen GAA Club in June.

The Green Clubs Programme—a collaboration between the GAA and local authorities throughout Ireland—was launched in 2020 to support clubs in taking climate action.

The programme is funded with support from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.

The upcoming information evening on Tuesday, June 17, will feature guest speakers and experts on a range of key topics, including Energy, Waste, Biodiversity, and Funding Opportunities.

The event will also showcase real-life case studies from Ballinderreen GAA Club and St. Brendan’s Club in Ballygar, highlighting their implementation of impactful climate and sustainability projects.

Funded under the Community Climate Action Fund and supported by Galway County Council, Ballinderreen GAA Club has installed planter boxes for a Pollinator Pathway, solar panels on the clubhouse, a windows upgrade for the Community Centre, recycling bins, and a water fountain.

Cllr. Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said, “Galway County Council is extending an open invitation to all GAA, LGFA, and Camogie clubs across County Galway to join us for this important event.”

“It’s a unique opportunity to learn from fellow clubs, gain expert insights, and discover practical steps you can take to make your club more sustainable.”

“By coming together, clubs can lead the way in climate action—on and off the pitch—for the good of our communities and future generations.”

Denise Feeney, Green Club representative and Community Climate Action Officer for Galway County Council, said that the event will showcase “practical examples of how Galway clubs can embrace green initiatives.”

She added that it will help them to “future-proof their facilities, cut costs, and enhance community well-being while making a positive impact on the environment.”

Confirmed speakers at the event include Paul Bellew (Chairperson of Galway GAA), Míde Ní Shúilleabháin (Sustainability Adviser (GAA Green Club Programme), Orla Ní Shuibhne (Community Mentor, Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland), Sinéad Ní Mhainnin (MyWaste.ie), Brendán Ó Loinsigh (Ballinderreen GAA Club), Brian Healy (St. Brendan’s Club), and representatives of the Biodiversity and Climate Action offices of Galway County Council.

The evening will conclude with a Questions & Answers session and a walkabout tour of the Ballinderreen GAA Green Club, showcasing its innovative climate action projects.

Clubs planning to attend are requested to RSVP to climateaction@galwaycoco.ie by Monday, June 16th, 2025.

The new headquarters for Galway City Council has fallen in value by €8 million since it was purchased two and a half years ago.

Galway City Council is planning to begin moving into the new HQ in the Crown Square development on Monivea Road in 2026.

The move has been the subject of some controversy, with criticism levelled at a lack of consultation with staff and the public.

The building was bought by the city council in December 2022 for €36 million. Since then, its value has fallen to €28 – €29 million as of May 2025.

The valuation, which was carried out by Avison Young and Power Property, states that the decline reflects wider trends in the commercial property market, such as rising interest rates, post-COVID changes to office demand, increased construction costs, and global economic uncertainty.

The valuation was presented to elected members of Galway City Council on Tuesday. Council officials maintain that Crown Square remains the most cost-effective solution.

It is asserted that the value of the building will exceed the €36 million price over the course of its 40 year expected lifespan.

The council states that by consolidating four existing office sites into one, this new HQ will avoid €108 million in renovation and temporary relocation costs.

This would include an estimated €69 million cost to refurbish and expand the current City Hall premises on Prospect Hill, and a further €38 million to temporarily relocate office staff while this was underway.

The next stage of the project will be the fit-out. A tender for this is expected to be issued in June, and returned by August.

Univeristy Hospital Galway is under extreme pressure today as high numbers at the emergency department, along with COVID and Norovirus cases, are putting pressure on beds.

Yesterday, Wednesday 4 June, 246 people attended at the Emergency Department and there were 57 admissions. There are currently 32 patients in the Emergency Department, with 50 patients waiting to be admitted.

The hospital has advised that it is also currently dealing with COVID-19 and Norovirus cases.

Where a ward is affected by COVID-19 and Norovirus visiting is limited and all visits must be pre-arranged by the family members / nominated visitor, who should contact the relevant ward or unit in advance

The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

“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,” a statement from UHG said.

“Due to the pressures on the site and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is postponing some elective procedures. Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.”

“As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”