Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

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April 21, 2023

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services

Some significant disruption is expected to regular scheduled train services between Galway and Dublin this Saturday due to works on the rail line.

Irish Rail is carrying out engineering works on the line between Hazelhatch and Sallins this Saturday, April 22.

Because of this, a number of scheduled train services going both ways have been cancelled tomorrow.

Several other trains have had additional stops added to the journey, while others will have bus transfers for the leg of the journey between Galway and Athlone.

Irish Rail has listed the following services which are being affected by the engineering works:

07:35 Heuston to Galway will call additionally at Hazelhatch and Sallins
09:25 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 10:00, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin
11:25 Heuston to Galway will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin and Clara
13:25 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 14:10, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin
15:35 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 16:15, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway
16:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
17:10 Heuston to Athlone is cancelled
17:30 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 18:15, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway
18:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
19:35 Heuston to Galway is deferred to 20:20, will call additionally at Hazelhatch, Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare and Monasterevin, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway
06:25 Galway to Heuston is cancelled
07:30 Galway to Heuston will call additionally at Clara, Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge and Hazelhatch
09:30 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 09:55, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
11:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 11:35, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
13:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 13:15, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch
15:05 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 15:10, will call additionally at Monasterevin, Sallins and Hazelhatch
17:20 Galway to Heuston will be bus transfers departing at 17:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 17:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, train departing at 18:52 from Athlone to Heuston calling additionally at Monasterevin, Sallins and Hazelhatch
18:10 Galway to Athlone will be substituted by bus transfers departing at 18:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 18:00 from Galway to Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, third bus transfer departing at 18:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone
19:20 Galway to Heuston will be bus transfers departing at 19:00 direct from Galway to Athlone, second bus transfer departing at 19:00 from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone, train departing at 20:52 from Athlone to Heuston calling additionally at Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Sallins and Hazelhatch

Man brought before court in alleged incident between landlord and tenant in Ballinasloe

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April 21, 2023

Galway Daily man before court on alleged incident between landlord and tenant

A man has been charged and brought before courts in relation to an alleged incident between a landlord and tenant in Galway.

Video which has been widely shared on social media allegedly shows an incident involving a landlord in Ballinasloe with a circular saw this week.

The footage appears to show the man attempting to force his way into a tenant’s home, using the saw on the closed door.

Gardaí said in a statement to Galway Dailly that a man has been charged in relation to this incident.

He was brought before a sitting of Loughrea District Court on Thursday, April 20.

“As the matter is before the Courts no further details can be provided at this time,” a Garda spokesperson said.

Sinn Féin to ‘engage’ with Irish Farmers Journal about front page story

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April 20, 2023

galway daily news sinn féin farmers journal story

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has rubbished claims that farmers are concerned as to the tax implications of a Sinn Féin government.

She said that a front page story in this week’s Irish Farmers Journal misrepresents her party’s policy as well as comments from the reported meeting.

Deputy Kerrane said that those who want to maintain the status-quo are ‘clearly attempting to scare farmers.’

She said that Sinn Féin is “absolutely committed to maintaining existing tax reliefs available to farmers.”

“Farm organisations know this and any financial advisor worth their fees should know this.”

Deputy Kerrane said the primary concern regarding agricultural tax reliefs is the frustrating manner in which they are currently extended — often months after budget day.

“Under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, many farmers have seen their incomes drop, CAP supports reduced while uncertainties for the future have increased. Sinn Féin will strive to reverse those trends,” she said.

“The front-page headline and story in today’s Irish Farmers Journal misrepresents Sinn Féin’s position and, we believe, the commentary at the reported meeting. We were not asked for comment prior to its publication.

“I have spoken to farmers who attended the meeting and they tell me that there was no reference to Sinn Féin at all at the meeting.”

Deputy Kerrane said that Sinn Féin will be engaging with the Irish Farmers Journal to seek clarification on these matters.

Galway well represented at the 5 Nations Squash tournament

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April 20, 2023

U13s Irish Squash Squad. L-R - Coach Andrew Gillespie, David Connell, Lucy Lynch, Laya Sabry, Rebecca Day, Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch and Jack Clery

Young athletes from Galway are doing the country proud with a strong presence at the 5 Nations Squash tournament in Edinburgh this weekend.

The Irish Junior Squash teams have been selected after a highly competitive year of tournaments in every province.

After a showing of commitment throughout the season, many Galway players have risen to the top in order to represent Ireland.

The entire boys U13 Irish team is made up of four players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club (GLTC) Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch, David Connell and Jack Clery.

L-R: David Connell, Eoin Mullery, Ben Lynch, Lucy Lynch and Jack Clery, U13s players from Galway Lawn Tennis Club

Ben’s twin sister Lucy Lynch is also representing Ireland girls U13 along with Laya Sabry (Sutton LTC) and Rebecca Day (Waterford).

These players are a credit to their super squash coach Dave Noone in GLTC who has harnessed their ability and competitive spirit and they are proud and excited to represent their club and country.

“I’m delighted for this group of talented athletes, they’ve worked hard over the years and playing for Ireland is as high an award you ask for.”

“Hopefully it’s just the start of great things to come,” David Noone said.

The 5 Nations Squash Tournament is an annual round robin style competition between Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and France.

This young players tournament has athletes compete in the under 13s and under 15s categories.

The 2023 5 Nations will take place at Edinburgh Sports Club this weekend from Friday to Sunday, April 21 – 23.

Appeal lodged against rejection of Oranmore housing estate

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April 20, 2023

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

A appeal has been lodged against the county council’s refusal to grant planning for a residential development of 70 homes in Oranmore.

A planning application was made by BRTW Oranmore 2 Ltd for 40 houses and 30 apartments on a 1.94ha site next to the N67, at Oranhill, Oranmore.

The site is bordered by the existing Cill Clocha housing estate to the north, and the N67 to the east.

A new north-south distributor road connecting the lands to the N67 is currently under construction, and access to the estate would be off this road.

A three storey apartment block, with a landscaped central courtyard, was be located at the entrance to the estate next to the N67.

This would contain 10 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bed apartments, and 5 three-bedroom apartments.

The county council refused planning permission citing the density of the proposal, and concerns about its design on a prominent approach to the town.

The council also said that the development plans had “poor quality and insufficient” landscaping and open space, which would affect future residents, and was dominated by roads.

The decision also said that sufficient information had not been provided to show that the local road network could accommodate additional traffic at the N67 junction.

Three public submissions objecting to the project were also received by the county council

That decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision on this planning appeal by August 14 of this year.

Get ready to rumble with Wrestling extravaganza coming to Galway

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April 20, 2023

Megaslam Wrestling Grimsby — Megaslam Wrestling match in Grimsby. Photo: Brightflame Media & Megaslam

Wrestling mania is coming to Galway this week with the a titanic clash of a show in Tuam on Saturday evening.Wrestling mania is coming to Galway this week with the a titanic clash of a show in Tuam on Saturday evening.

The Megaslam Wrestling tour is following up on the success of its first Irish tour last November, and the entertainment extravaganza is coming to Galway this week.

The tour’s next stop is in Tuam this Saturday, April 22 with an evening of family entertainment at the Mall Theatre.

Organisers who brought the renowned touring event to Ireland for the very first time in November said it was a ’smash hit’ and urged them to book in more dates spanning the country in 2023.

“The first 5 date tour in November was an incredible success,” said spokesperson for Megaslam Brad Taylor.

“There was a huge hunger from fans in Ireland to bring Megaslam to the country and we are glad we did, all dates were sold out in advance.”

“We are scheduled to present more than 30 dates in Ireland for 2023 and the team are excited to be heading back with some incredible line ups”

“You do not necessarily need to be a Wrestling fan to enjoy our events, the show appeals to all the family who are just looking for a spectacular family experience, we guarantee that you will want to come back”.

Two teams will battle it out during the evening with fans being urged to cheer on their favourites.

“For Team Megaslam we have the Megaslam Machine, Massimo – a muscle bound giant of the ring from Italy, Ireland’s own Alexander Dean and popular star Prince Ali”.

“Opposing them will be Team Nasty, Megaslam Champion Ricky Regan, ‘Wrestling Royalty’ Jason Moore plus many more stars from across the globe, making this a truly international spectacular”.

“We are bringing the full Megaslam experience to Ireland. The vast majority of our events post-covid have sold out and we fully expect the Ireland Tour to do the same”.

Tickets for the 7:30pm show this Saturday start from just €5, and are still available to book online at https://www.megaslam.co.uk.

Connemara singers star in new TG4 series

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April 20, 2023

Two sean-nós singers from Connemara will headline the latest episode of TG4’s new music series Bláth na hÓige.

The series follow these young singers at this early stage of their musical careers, where they collaborate under the musical direction of renowned sean-nós singer Síle Denvir, herself also from Connemara, and the illustrious fiddle player Colm Mac Con Iomaire.

Working from Stiúideo Cuan in An Spidéal, they will explore and work together to make their own sound from our unique sean-nós tradition.

The series began last week, and this Thursday’s episode features sibling duo Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta from An Áird Mhóir, Carna.

Born into a village at the heart of the Gaeltacht region, they were fortunate enough to have been immersed in the traditions of Irish music, song and dance from a very young age.

Keen vocalists, multi-instrumentalists and dancers, their mother tongue, Gaeilge, is often at the heart of their musical performances and other endeavours.

Caoimhe began playing music and singing at the age of four. Broadening her musical abilities in later years, she developed into a multi-instrumentalist.

Developing the sean-nós singing style native to her area, she also began experimenting with other styles and genres.

She has received many accolades at numerous music competitions across the country, including county and provincial titles as well as two All-Ireland titles at the tender age of 14.

Caoimhe has been privileged to share the stage with renowned performers and has amassed a vast repertoire of songs, ballads and tunes over the years.

Since the age of 16, Séamus has been making waves on stages around the world; performing in Asia, North America and throughout mainland Europe.

He has had the privilege of performing with Ireland’s finest performers at prestigious festivals across the globe – most recently as a guest musician on the 25th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance at Radio City Music Hall, NYC.

Accumulating a total of 23 All Ireland Titles from the age of 7, Séamus has performed alongside the finest ambassadors of Irish Music and has contributed to numerous albums to date.

The duo received great attention for their unique take on a Sean-nós song, “Eleanór na Rún”, on TG4’s “Fleadh 2020”.

City Councillor hits out at congestion charges

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April 20, 2023

Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

Congestion charges in Galway City should not be considered until the Ring Road is in development, and public transport has been sorted out.

City Councillor Alan Cheevers said as much in response to proposals by Green Party leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan this week.

Minister Ryan brought a memo to Cabinet this week seeking approval for measures to reduce car usage.

The National Demand Management Strategy may well examine creating car free zones and introducing congestion charges in urban areas.

However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in the Dail this week that there were no plans to introduce charges in the foreseeable future.

Cllr Alan Cheevers has asked the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to insist on the Outer Ring Road in Galway, and the Limerick-Cork motorway to be included in the strategy for car free zones

“If you look at the current situation with Galway City, we have gridlock with traffic which is seriously affecting our commuters and our residents, and long term, our economic growth and businesses.”

“I believe what we need to see is a collective suite of measures including the outer ring Road to take cars away from the City as well as proper bus services and a commuter rail link.”

He added that three to four years for the introduction of park and ride or commuter rail in Galway is not soon enough, as is the 2028 expected delivery date of the Dublin Road Bus Connects project.

Meet the minds behind Galway’s finest foods

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April 20, 2023

Meet the minds behind Galway's finest foods — Mike Browne, Photo: Julia Dunin Photography

The award-winning Galway Food Tours is taking visitors behind the curtain this summer to meet the people responsible for the city’s mouth watering delights.

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

Kicking it all off is Mike Browne on Thursday, April 20, the charming oyster guy, who you will instantly fall for.

An artist and gaeilgeoir, Mike has had a stall selling oysters on Galway’s famous market for over 17 years.

He will talk you through what is involved in getting the oysters from these shores to our plates…while serving you the freshest local oysters!

After meeting Mike, you will take a short walk to one of Galway’s award-winning restaurants for a delicious meal and wine pairing…finishing the evening off with a nightcap in our favourite local bar!

The second event in the series of tours will see people meet Teresa Roche of the award-winning Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese.

Teresa is a qualified nurse who returned from overseas to start her business on the family farm, using only cattle born and reared on the farm.

A fourth generation dairy farmer, Teresa’s family have been farming their land for over 200 years.

Tickets are €100 and are available from www.galwayfoodtours.com.

Ó Cuív’s safe deposit bill to be debated in Dáil tomorrow

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news safe deposit boxes ireland

Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív’s bill which would see the opening of safe deposit boxes held by banks for more than 80 years will be debated in the Dáil tomorrow, Thursday.

Deputy Ó Cuív proposes to open the safe deposit boxes in banks starting with the old deposits and examining them before creating a property register.

Ahead of the debate, Ó Cuív said that the first Irish banks opened in Ireland at the end of the eighteenth century and since then many banks have held safe deposit boxes.

It is believed these boxes, many of which are unclaimed, could hold items of historical interest.

“In the event of no owner being identified, my Bill proposes that those of historical interest should be transferred to the National Museum of Ireland while any cash not claimed should be lodged into the Dormant Accounts Fund,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

“This bill set out the legal framework under which this can be done safeguarding property rights but also acting in the interests of the common good.”

Grants totalling €400,000 announced for arts organisations in Galway City

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April 19, 2023

Galway daily news galway city council announces grants for arts organisations — Barboro 2018

Galway City Council has awarded grants totalling €400,000 to 58 arts organisations in the city for 2023.

The grants to the arts organisations will help keep them in business, reward them for the great work achieved on and offline, and assist them in developing programmes in the future.

The Council agreed to make the full arts budget available to arts organisations, artists and arts workers in the city.

Galway City Council said that it values the powerful projects and programmes delivered right throughout the city in participation, access and diversity.

Applicants and awards

IARRATASÓIR / APPLICANT	DUAIS 2023 AWARD
126 Artist Run Gallery	€ 11,000
An Taibhdhearc	€ 4,250
Architecture at the Edge	€ 4,000
Artspace Studios	€ 10,500
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children	€ 20,000
Blue Teapot Theatre Co	€ 5,000
Branar	€ 8,000
Brothers of Charity Galway – Programmes: That’s Life and Arts Alive	€ 6,000
Brú Theatre	€ 2,250
Club Shine	€ 600
Cois Cladaigh	€ 1,200
Crannóg Magazine	€ 2,000
Cúirt International Festival of Literature	€ 15,000
Decadent Theatre Co	€ 4,000
Druid	€ 28,000
Eastside Community Drama	€ 2,000
Engage Art Studios	€ 13,500
Eva’s Echo Theatre Co.	€ 1,000
Galway African Diaspora	€ 1,000
Galway Art Club	€ 500
Galway Arts Centre	€ 35,000
Galway Baroque Singers	€ 1,400
Galway Baytones	€ 1,000
Galway Cartoon Festival	€ 1,000
Galway Cathedral Recitals	€ 1,500
Galway Choral Association	€ 1,000
Galway Community Circus	€ 10,000
Galway Dance Project	€ 6,500
Galway Early Music	€ 4,000
Galway Film Fleadh	€ 19,000
Galway Film Society	€ 3,000
Galway International Arts Festival	€ 46,000
Galway Music Residency	€ 26,000
Galway Musical Society	€ 500
Galway Percy French Society	€ 300
Galway Theatre Festival	€ 11,000
Galway Ukulele festival	€ 500
Galway Youth Orchestra	€ 1,000
Galway Youth Theatre	€ 3,000
Irish Patchwork Society	€ 450
Junior Galway Film Fleadh	€ 1,500
Knocknacarra Amateur Theatre Society (KATS)	€ 500
Luminosa	€ 4,000
Macnas	€ 24,000
Misleór	€ 1,500
Moon Fish Theatre Company	€ 6,000
Moth & Butterfly Festival	€ 1,000
Music for Galway	€ 16,000
Red Bird Youth Collective	€ 1,500
Renmore Pantomime	€ 1,000
Resurgam	€ 1,200
Saolta Arts	€ 5,000
Skylight 47	€ 900
St Nicholas Collegiate Church Schola Cantorum	€ 1,200
The Forge Clay Studios	€ 2,000
Tulca Festival of Visual Art	€ 14,000
Westside Arts Festival	€ 5,000
Youth Ballet Galway	€ 1,750
TOTAL	€ 400,000

SUSI Grants 2023-24 – Applications open with some important changes

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news SUSI grant application 2023 2024 changes

Applications have opened for SUSI grants for the 2023 – 2024 academic year this week, with some changes to the grant scheme for the upcoming academic year.

Budget 2023 increased the income limit from €55,240 to €62,000 for the 50% student contribution grant.

There is also a new student contribution grant of €500 for incomes between €62,000 and €100,000.

The postgraduate fee contribution grant was increased by €500 from €3,500 to €4,000, and the eligibility for second chance mature students will be reduced from five to three years.

The updated grant scheme also excludes rental income earned under Rent-a Room Relief Scheme from reckonable income, as well as an increase in the amount of holiday earnings which may be deducted from the total household income from €4,500 to €6,552.

The priority closing date for renewal applications is 8 June 2023 and Priority closing date for new applications is the 6 July 2023.

Local TD Seán Canney urged families to apply before these closing dates that, saying that it is important the applications are submitted on time to avoid late decisions.

Record number households supported by Threshold in Q1

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news 248 homeless adults in Galway last month

Housing charity Threshold supported 1,262 households to stay in their homes or secure alternative housing in the first quarter of this year, the highest number on record since the charity began publishing its quarterly impact reports in Q2 2021.

A total of 1,727 adults and 1,310 children were saved from homelessness between January and the end of March.

In Q1 2023, Threshold supported 9,256 households, including 12,181 adults and 8,036 children.

Advisors answered over 11,500 calls and responded to over 2,000 webchats from private renters facing challenges in their tenancy.

Of new clients who contacted Threshold in the first three months of the year, 2,041 were at risk of homelessness with a majority facing this prospect as a result of their landlord selling their home.

Commenting on the report, Threshold’s National Advocacy Manager Ann-Marie O’Reilly said it is “extremely worrying” to see record levels of households requiring immense levels of support in their tenancies in the first quarter of this year – particularly while an eviction ban was in place.

She said that the figures truly indicate the level of the crisis we are facing in Ireland.

“Threshold advisors are working tirelessly to support thousands of private renters. In the first quarter of the year, our advisors answered over 11,500 phone calls and responded to over 2,000 webchats, supporting renters with their tenancy,” said Ms O’Reilly.

“Threshold’s work is vital as thousands of renters face uncertainty in the coming months.”

Notices of Termination

Tenancy termination remains the largest concern for private renters in Q1 2023, with 37% of new clients having received a Notice of Termination from their landlord.

Over half of private renters who contacted Threshold in Q1 2023 reported issues related to the security of their tenancy.

Sale of property remains the most common reason landlords end a tenancy, however 41% of such notices were found to be invalid by Threshold advisors in Q1 2023.

Two in three notices citing the requirement of the home for use by the landlord or relatives were found invalid by advisors, while 75% of notices citing renovation as the reason for the notice were deemed invalid.

Threshold advisors assess each Notice of Termination in line with the Residential Tenancies Acts and when a notice is invalid, Threshold can help the renter stay in their home.

Eviction Ban

Threshold, alongside other housing and homelessness organisations, previously engaged with the Government on the need for an extension to the eviction ban, proposing a number of measures as key actions to ease the pressure on the rental market and resolve aspects of the housing crisis.

An acceleration of the ‘purchase with tenant in situ’ scheme and an expansion of the scheme to include those in the cost rental income limits, which has been undertaken by Government.
Allocation of a balanced proportion of newly available social housing units, by Local Authorities, to long-term homeless households.
Setting of ambitious quarterly targets for Local Authorities to bring vacant homes back to the rental market.
Allocation of resources to the RTB to proactively engage with landlords who have issued notices of termination and to use data collated by the RTB to inform a strategy for the retention of landlords in the private rental sector.
Enact the Simon Bill, which has been proposed by the Simon Communities of Ireland aimed at increasing protection for those facing eviction and at risk of homelessness.

Ann-Marie O’Reilly added: “Following the Government’s decision to lift the eviction ban, we called for key recommendations to ease pressures in the private rental market.

“It is positive to see that the Government has put measures in place, such as expanding the “purchase with tenant in situ” scheme to those eligible for cost-rental housing.

“Cost-rental is an important tenure in bringing affordability to the housing sector and must be delivered at scale to be truly effective. Retaining small landlords in the private rental sector is one of many critical elements in addressing the housing crisis.

“While we welcome the Government’s consideration of tax breaks for small landlords in the upcoming Budget, it is essential that any tax breaks provided are in exchange for increased security of tenure. This is something that we have argued for previously.”

Conamara singer to be honoured at trad music awards on Sunday

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news síle denvir receives award at gradam ceoil 2023 — Síle Denvir attending the TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2023 Awards in the Irish World Academy of Music & Dance. Photo: Liam Burke / Press 22

Conamara singer Síle Denvir will be presented with her Singer 2023 award on Sunday night at the ‘Oscars of traditional music’, Gradam Ceoil TG4 2023.

The live concert and awards show takes place in Limerick and will be broadcast live on TG4 at 9.30pm on Sunday 23 April.

Síle Denvir is a sean-nós singer, harpist, and academic whose music is deeply influenced by the Irish language, her upbringing in the Conamara Gaeltacht.

In addition to performing as a solo artist, Denvir is a founding member of the traditional band Líadan and has collaborated with many musicians throughout her career including The Chieftains, Barry Kerr, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Martin Hayes and Úna Monaghan.

In 2018, she took part in the world premiere of Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin’s Fill Arís, performing with Iarla Ó Lionáird and Lillis Ó Laoire.

She is also a Lecturer at Dublin City University and is particularly interested in Irish language song in a modern context.

She has published two books on Conamara songwriters, Tom a’ tSeoighe: Amhráin (2020) and Ciarán Ó Fátharta: Amhráin (2008).

Denvir is an accomplished composer and the music director of the new youth sean-nós group Bláth na hÓige.

She regularly contributes to TV and radio programmes on TG4, and on 31 March this year she released her new album, Anamnesis – a recording of sean-nós songs in collaboration with producer John Reynolds and cellist Caroline Dale.

2023 Gradam recipients, who represent the crème de la crème of traditional music and song, will be joined in live performances on stage by their own special musical guests.

The live awards show, which will be hosted by TG4 presenter, Páidí Ó Lionáird, will also feature live performances from the seven Gradam Ceoil 2023 recipients.

A range of VIP guest presenters will also take to the stage to present the recipients with their awards these include, Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer Breda Smyth, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Peter Browne, Bríd Harper, Antóin Mac Gabhann and Anna Ní Ghallachóir.

Tickets for TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards 2023, are available from Gradam Ceoil TG4 2023 Tickets

University of Galway and Students’ Union announce formal partnership

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news students union partnership — University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh and President of University of Galway Students’ Union Sai Gujulla. Photo: Sean Lydon.

University of Galway and the University’s Students’ Union have announced a formal partnership.

The agreement will see staff and students work together to deliver real and positive change in the areas of student-centred decision-making and student participation and engagement.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said the University’s core values of respect, openness, excellence and sustainability were developed and defined with input from both staff and students.

“In particular, we committed to being here for our students, our society and our planet.

“Our new and formal partnership between our University and our Students’ Union is a manifestation of that commitment to our students as University of Galway, a university for the public good.”

President of University of Galway Students’ Union Sai Gujulla said that by working together to a common agreed purpose, they can promote enhancements that deliver meaningful benefits for the university community.

“We are setting out to achieve an enhanced working relationship between the University and the Students’ Union based on the values of openness and respect, in a spirit of collaboration and positive intent, and with meaningful results that deliver mutual benefit for the entire university community.”

The agreement sets out a commitment to regular and open communication at various levels between the University and the Students’ Union ‘in a spirit of respect and positive intent’.

Among the aims are to increase the student voice in decision-making and to bring about greater student representation on relevant committees.

As part of the agreement, training will be offered to students who which to participate in this way and for staff who wish to work with students in this way. The partnership also aims to gather feedback from students to inform meaningful and positive change.

The University also commits to funding orientation programmes; on-campus social events to build a sense of community; academic skills development training, including exam support; health and well-being; and personal, professional and civic development training.

Win a BMW or Mini Cooper for just €20!

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April 19, 2023

galway daily news win a bmw raffle — Attending the launch of 'Win A BMW' were Colm Quinn of Colm Quinn BMW, Caroline Loughnane, Chairperson National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Phillip Duffy charity Director and National Coordinator of ‘Win a BMW’. Photo: Sean Lydon

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute has launched its annual Win A BMW raffle, with a stunning second prize on offer in this year’s fundraiser.

Those who buy a €20 ticket have a chance of winning the 1st prize of a BMW X1 Hybrid or the 2nd prize of a MINI Cooper.

This is the fifth year of the popular fundraiser with all funds raised going to support the National Breast Cancer Research Institute based at the Lambe Institute, University of Galway.

One in seven Irish women will develop breast cancer before they reach 75 with over 3,500 cases diagnosed annually.

The Institute’s funded researchers are currently working on major national and international projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

The draw for both 1st and 2nd prize, held in association with Colm Quinn BMW Galway/Athlone, will take place at the charity’s fundraising race day, ‘Race in Pink’, at the Galway Races Winter Festival on Sunday, 29 October 2023.

To support breast cancer research and be in with a chance to win, you can get your tickets now at www.WinABMW.ie

Man sentenced for recurring thefts from electrical store

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April 18, 2023

Man sentenced for recurring thefts from electrical store

A thief returned to the scene of the crime once too often, getting caught after returning to the same store multiple times in the space of a week.

Patrick Francis McCarthy received a prison sentence consecutive to the one he is currently serving, and disqualified from driving for ten years at Galway District Court this week.

He pleaded guilty multiple road traffic and theft offences related to good stolen from Flaherty Markets Electrical in Ballybane Industrial Estate last year.

In total, €2,245 worth of goods were stolen from the Ballybane store, the court heard, none of which were recovered.

On February 25 of 2022, Gardaí were called to Flaherty Markets Electrical, where the manager said that a man and woman had entered the store and stolen goods including lights, cameras, and LED mirrors.

The manager also reported that the same duo had been by the store twice already that week, on February 21 & 24.

CCTV footage clearly showed McCarthy coming to the store and leaving with goods, and the car which was used to get there, the court heard.

Gardaí identified him as a suspect from the footage, and also confirmed that he was disqualified from driving at the time.

When arrested and interviewed, he made full admissions to what had happened.

He was also charged with driving without having a valid driving licence or insurance in connection with all three dates, as he was disqualified from driving at the time.

McCarthy’s solicitor Valerie Corcoran said that her client had developed a severe gambling problem, and incurred “huge gambling loans” as a result.

She said that he wants to apologise, and had entered a plea of guilty at the earliest available opportunity.

The court heard that McCarthy had 43 previous convictions, including 12 for driving without insurance, and was currently serving a 17 month sentence due to expire next August.

Judge Marie Keane imposed eight months consecutive the sentence he is currently serving, for the largest value thefts on February 24.

The judge also imposed five months consecutive to his current sentence for driving without insurance, and another four months for stealing two mirrors worth €265 each on February 25.

Concurrent sentences were imposed for the other theft and no insurance charges, while the driving without a valid licence was taken into account.

Council to acquire derelict hospital for domestic violence refuge

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April 18, 2023

galway daily news st. brigids ballinasloe site as domestic violence centre

The properties related to St Brigid’s Hospital Campus in Ballinasloe are to be sold by the HSE, with Galway County Council looking to purchase the derelict site.

Cllr Evelyn Parsons received confirmation that Galway County Council is seeking the premises from the HSE to establish a domestic violence refuge for women and children.

Director of Housing at GCC Liam Hanrahan confirmed to Cllr Parsons that the Old Nurses Home at St Brigid’s Hospital will be acquired under the state register listing process.

The Departments of Housing and Justice will be involved and the Council will work with the relevant approved housing bodies to deliver a suitable model for the region.

“There is a major need for facilities with wraparound supportive services for Women and Children fleeing domestic abuse, in what has been termed the shadow pandemic with an alarming rise in cases during COVID,” said Independent councillor Evelyn Parsons.

“Many victim survivors have to remain living with their abusers in the current housing crisis with reduced accommodation options available or else face forced homelessness.”

She said that this is a terrible situation for many adults and children living lives under ‘threat, chronic terror and harm’.

“We know that approximately eight people fleeing domestic abuse are turned away daily and forced to remain in these intolerable situations living with their abuser in many instances or else face forced homelessness to stay safe,” said Cllr Parsons who stated that the next step for Galway County Council will be to agree purchase price.

Exciting lineup unveiled for opening weekend of Galway Theatre Festival

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April 18, 2023