Ballinasloe man Colm Reilly signs two year deal with Connacht

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April 7, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for expansion of north Galway quarry

Planning permission has been granted for an expansion of a quarry in north Galway for the extraction of sand and gravel.

Finnegans Sands Limited have gotten the green light for an extension of their quarry to the southwest of Dunmore village.

The work will involve extending operations onto 2.7ha of land adjacent to the west side of the existing quarry

The planning application is for four years of operations, with an estimated 304,200 tonnes of sand and gravel to be removed each year.

The development will also involve upgrading 112m of the existing access track, and creating 63m of new road to facilitate the operations.

The developer also intends to create a 20m passing bay along a section of the local road the quarry is accessed from, to allow large vehicles to pass each other safely.

One submission was received from the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, which noted that the site is in the vicinity of a recorded Ringfort.

A Natura Impact Statement, Archaeological Impact Assessment Survey, and Road Safety Assessment were submitted as part of this planning application.

Planning permission was granted by Galway County Council with 14 conditions attached.

One condition of the planning permission is that it shall expire at the same time as the substitute consent for the parent quarry, in October 2026.

The council also stipulated that a suitably qualified Archaeologist must be employed to monitor all the works on the ground, and ensure a 40m buffer zone around the ringfort.

A special contribution of €35,000 is also required to be paid to the county council towards the maintenance of the proposed passing bay.

Greg is left reeling from the revenge plans of others in Ros na Rún

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April 7, 2023

Galway Daily television Greg is left reeling from the revenge plans of others in Ros na Rún

Greg is left reeling from the plans of others, Sonny thinks his son is up to no good, and Colm intercepts a shocking letter in Ros na Rún.

Greg has been well and truly played by Michelle and Malachaí. But will he try and salvage the situation by convincing Sorcha he did nothing wrong?

Sonny believes Che is up to no good and is furious he may miss his flight back to the states. Will Che surprise his father?

Colm reads a letter Michelle has sent to Sonia, and is shocked by its content, putting him on a collision course with Mack with hearts on the line.

O’Shea admonishes Diana on finding out she let the thief who stole from Peatsaí walk free, something that she may come to regret.

Niall has to adjust Gaudi’s menu due to Bobbi Lee forgetting to place a meat order. Time for her to step up to the plate and prove her competence.

Annette wants nothing more than to keep her job in the café, and is keen to show Berni she is more than capable of working alongside her. Though that may not be reciprocated.

Sadie receives a letter in the post telling her of what Greg and Sorcha did, and that Malachaí had full knowledge of it. Nothing pretty can follow on from this.

Catch up on all the latest secrets, schemes, and scandals from Ros na Rún on TG4 this Easter Sunday.

Sinn Féin holding Easter commemorations across Galway this weekend

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April 7, 2023

Sinn Féin holding Easter commemorations across Galway this weekend — Liam Mellows Statue, Eyre Square. Photo: DazW-Dub, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sinn Féin are holding a number of Easter Commemoration events across Galway City and County this bank holiday weekend.

The main event in Galway City will take place at the Liam Mellows Statue in Eyre Square on Saturday, starting at 3pm. The speaker for the event will be Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell.

The main event in the county will be a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Tuam Martyrs taking place at 1.30 PM, in the Square.

Chris MacManus MEP will be the main speaker at this commemoration, and it will be followed by the launch of the Galway Roll of Honour book by Louis O’Hara, KAWAS at Canavan’s.

A number of other wreath laying and commemorative events will be taking place across the county over the next few days.

Dé hAoine – Friday – 7/04/2023

5:30pm – Wreath Laying at William Freeney’s Grave, Teampall Geal, Athenry
6:45pm – Wreath Laying at Fr Michael Griffin’s Grave, Loughrea Cathedral
7:30pm – Commemoration at Woodford Cemetery – Speaker Louis O’Hara

Dé Sathain – Saturday – 9/04/2023

12pm Wreath laying Castegar monument
3pm Easter Commemoration, Eyre Square, Galway. Main Speaker Mairéad Farrell TD
6pm: Wreath laying in Kilbannon cemetery for centenary anniversary of Vol. John Higgins of Ballytrasna.

Dé Domhnaigh – Sunday – 9/04/2023
Connemara

12pm Easter Commemoration, Teach an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc. Main Speaker Mairéad Farrell T.D.
3pm Wreath laying, Ardbear Cemetery, Clifden
4pm Wreath laying, Thomas Whelan Statue, Clifden
5pm Wreath laying, Tooreena Cemetery, Tullycross

East Galway

11am Wreath laying, Creagh Cemetery, Ballinasloe
12pm Easter Commemoration in Athenry Cemetery – Speaker Louis O’Hara

Dé Luain – Monday – 10/04/2023

1:30pm Easter Commemoration, Tuam – assembling in the Square, main speaker Chris MacManus MEP

This year marks the final year of the Decade of Centenaries which has celebrated and explored the history and culture surrounding Ireland’s struggle for indepedence.

It has looked at the build up to the 1916 Rising, the war for Independence that followed, and the descent into Civil War that came of the treaty which founded the Irish Free State.

Garda appeal over man missing from Loughrea

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April 7, 2023

Galway Daily news Garda appeal over missing man from Loughrea

Gardaí are appealing to the public for any information that could help locate a man missing from the Loughrea area of Galway.

Mark Milmo (37), was last seen in the Loughrea area yesterday, Thursday April 6.

Mark is described as having brown hair and brown eyes and he is approximately 6 feet in height with a strong build.

Gardaí and Mark’s family are concerned for his welfare, and are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Anyone with any information on Mark’s whereabouts are asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842 870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Connacht’s Shane Delahunt announces retirement

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April 7, 2023

Galway Daily sport Connacht's Shane Delahunt announces retirement

Connacht’s Shane Delahunt has announced that he is retiring from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

The 29 year old hooker released a statement thanking his family and the supports at Connacht who have back him over the past decade.

Delahunt first joined Connacht on a trial basis in the summer of 2014. He signed his first professional contract with the province two years later.

In his career with Connacht he has made a total of 125 appearances for the province.

Shane Delahunt released the following statement about his retirement:

“The last nine years at Connacht have been incredible for me and my family, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. After being here so long there will be too many people to thank, but there are a few special people I’d like to say thank you to now.

Firstly, I’d like to thank Nigel Carolan and Jimmy Duffy for the opportunity they allowed me all those years ago. I’ll be forever grateful.

I’d also like to thank Dave Hanly and Barry O’Brien for the incredibly hard work they’ve put in with me over the last year to get me back from injury.

Lastly, to my wife to be Laura, parents and brother along with my skills coach and great friend Jeff Carter. You have all been with me from the start and I’m hugely grateful for the sacrifices you have given, to allow me to chase what I love.

To all the fans and supporters of the province, you are incredible people and I thank you for all for your support over the years. It never wavered, no matter the conditions.

Unfortunately I’d love to be playing on with this brilliant group of lads and for this massive club but that’s not to be. That said, I want to wish the players and the people of Connacht every success in the years ahead.”

Tuam’s new X-ray facilities to be in use by December

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April 7, 2023

galway daily news new x-ray service in tuam galway

The long-awaited X-Ray facilities in Tuam are will begin installation by June this year and will be operational before the end of the year.

The HSE confirmed to Deputy Seán Canney that the ultrasound service was also increased to a five day a week service in January of this year and GPs can now directly access this service for their patients.

The National Primary Care has invested in staff, equipment, and capital funding for the development of diagnostic services at Tuam Primary Care Centre.

The ultrasound is currently delivered by two ultra sonographers, a healthcare assistance, and the service of administration staff support.

A radiographer has been recruited for the delivery of the X-Ray service.

Tuam Primary Care Diagnostic Service in being developed in conjunction with Portiuncula University Hospital Ballinasloe, Primary Care Community Healthcare West, and HSE Capital and Estates.

“I acknowledge the support given to me by Simon Harris TD, former Minister for Health, who allocated funding for these vital services in 2017,” said Deputy Canney.

“I urge the HSE to ensure that the much needed and much delayed X-Ray service is operational without any further delay.”

Galway weather: Sunshine to make way for rain over Easter

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April 7, 2023

Galway Daily news Weather warning for continued heavy rain in Galway

After a bright and mostly dry start to the Easter weekend today, Met Éireann has forecast more unsettled conditions with rain and drizzle expected on Easter Saturday and Sunday.

Today will remain bright across the West with decent spells of sunshine and high temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees.

Tonight will start dry and partly cloudy, but patches of drizzle are possible later in the night. Lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees are forecast in a light to moderate southeasterly breeze.

It will be mostly dry on Saturday in Galway, but it will become cloudier and breezier at times. Patches of light rain or drizzle are also possible, especially near the coast.

Highest temperatures will again be 12 to 15 degrees with a moderate to fresh southeasterly wind developing.

On Easter Sunday morning it will be cloudy across the West with outbreaks of rain and drizzle.

This will extend eastwards to the rest of the country through the day and the rain will turn heavier in the west and southwest.

It will be slightly cooler than previous days, with temperatures between 10 and 13 degrees in the afternoon with a moderate to fresh south to southeast wind.

Sunday night will see the cloud and rain clear eastwards, followed by clear spells and scattered showers.

Lowest temperatures will be 5 to 8 degrees in a light south to southwest wind.

On Easter Monday there will be widespread showers with some sunshine in between. Some of the showers will be heavy with hail and thunder possible.

Saw Doctors to play second Big Top gig due to phenomenal demand!

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April 7, 2023

galway daily news saw doctors gig tuam august 2023

The Saw Doctors will play a second concert at the Heineken Big Top at Galway International Arts Festival this summer due to phenomenal demand.

The first concert sold out in record time, but GIAF and Róisín Dubh have announced that fans tickets will another have a chance to get tickets for the new date on July 29.

Tickets for The Saw Doctors go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 April from giaf.ie and roisindubh.net

It is the third concert announced by the Saw Doctors in Galway for this summer, with the band set to in their hometown of Tuam a few weeks later on 19 August for the first time in three decades.

The Saw Doctors last performed at the GIAF in 2004 in a double-bill with The Undertones at the Warwick Hotel.

The band was discovered by Mike Scott of The Waterboys on a stormy Tuesday night in Galway in the 1980s, plying their trade with more gumption than virtuosity in the back room of The Quays Bar.

Scott offered them the support slot on The Waterboy’s Irish Tour to launch the ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ album in 1988 and they went on to support The Waterboys on their six-week tour of Great Britain in Spring 1989.

Their first single, N17, was written by the band’s singer Davy Carton and guitarist Leo Moran.

Their second release I Useta Lover entered the Irish single charts at No. 27, from where it slowly climbed, taking seven weeks to reach Number One and remaining on top for the following nine weeks.

Galway International Arts Festival acknowledged the support of its principal funding agencies the Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken; and Education Partner University of Galway.

Salthill recognised with Purple Flag for vibrant nightlife

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April 7, 2023

Salthill has officially been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and nighttime economy.

It is the first time that Salthill has received the award, and it joins Galway City which has retained its purple flag status, first awarded to the city in 2015.

The Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm and 5am.

Purple Flag areas are spaces that provide diverse and well managed night scenes, with a range of entertainment and dining options including: pubs, bars, clubs, restaurants, cafés, live music venues, theatres, art, and even shopping.

Salthill’s excellent choice of pubs and restaurants, the number of venues promoting alcohol-free socialising and activities, and a solid sense of community amongst the businesses there and through the Salthill Village Group were some of the highlights of the submission in the judges report.

Judges’ positive feedback on Galway City’s submission included a co-ordinated approach to public policy development in Galway City, the new Night Time Economy Advisor role planned for 2023, the local live performance scheme which encouraged several concerts to take place in theatres and music venues, and the wide range of bars, restaurants, festivals and events throughout the Purple Flag area.

Galway Mayor Clodagh Higgins said that Purple Flag zones are places where the Council, Gardaí, local businesses, and communities have worked together to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe.

“I am delighted that Salthill will be joining Galway City in attaining this great award. It shows the great work being done in our local community to work together to make all users feel protected while enjoying the great local welcome,” she said.

Teenager gets community service for €43k cocaine stash

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A Galway teenager after being caught by with more than €43,000 worth of cocaine following a Garda surveillance operation.

The 17 year old, who cannot be named as he is a minor, received a 120 community service order after appearing at Galway Circuit Court.

Sgt Eoin Fox told the court that the arrest and seizure came after an intelligence and surveillance operation at Dunlo Harbour in September 2021.

Intelligence led Gardaí to a disused yard at the harbour, where a stash of drugs was uncovered.

On September 19, shortly after 5pm, Gardaí saw a football come over the wall of the yard. The defendant climbed the wall and checked the area, before putting on a pair of latex gloves and making his way to the undergrowth.

There he removed a white lunchbox from the undergrowth and opened it, at which point he was arrested by Gardaí.

Inside the lunchbox were six bags of white powder, two big and four smaller, all of which were suspected to be cocaine.

The drugs were sent for analysis, and came back as 620.7 grams of cocaine, with a street value of €43,449.

Cocaine in a lunchbox seized at Dunlo, Ballinasloe in September 2021

The offence of Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act, possession of drugs for sale or supply where the value is €13,000 or greater, typically carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, but this does not apply when the offender is minor.

The accused had no previous convictions, and entered a plea of guilty at the first date before the Circuit Court.

The teenager, who was 16 at the time of the offence, claimed that some of his friends accumulated a drug debt of a few hundred euro. He took responsibility for this, and ended up embroiled in cocaine dealing, he said.

Barrister for the defence Bernard Madden SC, said that he couldn’t imagine a more unlikely drug mule. “But that’s no indicator these days,” he added.

Mr Madden said the report from the probation services was positive, and that his client wants to turn his life around.

He was involved with a negative peer group at the time, which involved drinking and cannabis, but has since left that behind.

The young man is involved in both GAA and Soccer, and wants to become a teacher, Mr Madden said.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan said that this was a “most serious” offence, and that with the drugs trade come “money and violence, including assaults and murder”.

In most cases, the judge said, an offence like this would result in someone going to prison.

He said that it was hard to understand how someone so young had found himself involved with such a huge quantity of drugs.

The early plea, his young age at the time, work ethic, and engagement with Youthreach were mitigating factors the judge said, as was the fact that he has clearly learned his lesson.

Aggravating the seriousness of the offence was the value and nature of the drugs involved, as well as participation in the drug trade.

Judge O’Callaghan imposed a Community Sanction Order, and ordered the teenager to perform 120 hours of community service.

Health officials warn of long hospital waiting times this Easter

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily news People in Galway urged to know their healthcare options for Bank Holiday

Health officials in Galway are warning of very long waiting times expected at emergency departments over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

The Saolta Hospital Group has warned that the Easter break is typically a very busy time for hospitals and emergency services.

That means people who come to the emergency department for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times over the coming weekend.

At University Hospital Galway this morning there were 61 patients on trolleys, of whom 47 were in the ED. This shows the hospital is already extremely busy before the bank holiday weekend has started.

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Group said, “Our hospitals remain incredibly busy and I acknowledge that these delays are very difficult and unacceptable for patients and their families.”

“We are working closely with our community colleagues to ensure that every available resource is mobilised and utilised to respond to the needs of our patients who are seeking urgent and emergency care.”

Healthcare staff are working to discharge as many patients ready to go home as they can, so that beds will be available for new admissions.

Staff in hospitals and community settings are also working to ensure that all available beds across hospitals and community facilities are in use.

People are being asked to consider options for non-emergency care such as Injury Units, Out of Hours GP and pharmacies before attending an ED.

Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West added, “If you urgently need to see a GP out of hours, please contact Westdoc on 0818 360 000.”

“Westdoc provides urgent out-of-hours GP care for patients of participating practices in Galway, Mayo & Roscommon. The GP out-of-hours service is for patients needing urgent medical care.”

“It is not a substitute for the Emergency Ambulance Service who are the appropriate service to deal with medical emergencies where they arise.”

The Roscommon Injury Unit treats injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

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

Dr Regina Kiernan, Consultant in Public Health Medicine for Public Health Area F added that respiratory illnesses are continuing to circulate in the community, driving up hospital attendance.

“Those who are seriously ill and require emergency care should of course come to hospital, but we would urge others to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, GP Out of Hours Services and Minor Injury Units.”

“We want everyone to keep well while protecting the most vulnerable parts of our population,” Dr Kiernan said.

Galway’s Vaping Enthusiasts Get Together to Promote Device Safety and Education

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Angela Mc Bride

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April 6, 2023

Galway’s vaping enthusiasts decided to take a stand for safety! As the quote goes, “prevention is better than cure” which is why Galway’s Vaping Community is holding meetings to promote awareness about the importance of using vaping devices safely and responsibly. One member had the following to say, “We want to make sure people understand the potential risks associated with vaping and how to avoid them.” Needless to say, it’s an inspiring and noble goal; with the continuous rise in popularity of these devices it’s essential that those who use them take responsibility for their safety and learn more about proper usage.

Researchers are in favor of vaping

If you think about it, it’s often overlooked that smoking can be one of the most significant risk factors for chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. By the time someone quits smoking they may already be at an increased risk of developing these conditions. But with resources available in Galway vapers are able to access education on how to reduce their risks associated with smoking by switching to an alternative form of nicotine delivery such as e-cigarettes or vape pens.

To everyone’s surprise, there is evidence to suggest that switching from smoking combustible cigarettes to vaping can improve cardiovascular health by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Needless to say, this could lead to improved quality of life for many individuals who are considering making the switch from traditional cigarettes but don’t know where or how to begin.

More than one benefit

As you can imagine it would be beneficial for people to consider making the switch from cigarettes considering all aspects such as cost and convenience when selecting an alternative form of nicotine delivery system. It might make you wonder what products are available on the market? Well, believe it or not there are a variety of products, like juul pods available which offer different levels of nicotine strength so users can select their preferred type for a more personalised experience when using e-cigarettes or vape pens.

What’s often overlooked by many is that there are also different flavors available so users in Galway can find something they enjoy while still receiving their desired dose of nicotine without inhaling any smoke containing harmful toxins found in traditional combustible cigarettes. In a very short amount of time Galway has become a hub for safe and responsible use when it comes to vaping practices – potentially ameliorating negative attitudes towards this activity before they could become widespread throughout Ireland and abroad!

Created a positive change

With some planning involved these individuals have created widespread positive change within Ireland regarding attitudes towards vaping practices – which could take some time for other countries around the world who don’t yet have such initiatives! There’s no doubt that without this movement galvanising support throughout Galway we wouldn’t see nearly as many people considering making the switch from cigarette smoking – ultimately leading them down a path towards better health outcomes!

Who would have thought that one small group could make such an impact? But if you think about it logically; if even just one person switches from cigarette smoking over traditional combustible cigarettes via vaping then we’ve achieved something monumental here! A pleasant surprise indeed!

Ultimately, through collective efforts made by members within Galway’s Vaping Community we’re seeing increased safety standards placed upon those choosing this lifestyle – providing them with more information than ever before on how best utilise their devices safely and responsibly.

Eviction ban in the spotlight at virtual townhall meeting

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily news Eviction ban in the spotlight at virtual townhall meeting

A virtual townhall meeting to address the housing crisis and the impact of the end of the eviction ban in Galway West will be held next week.

The townhall meeting is being organised by Uplift, a grassroots social campaigning group, with the support of Féile Housing, a community based arts collective.

The virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, April 13 at 7pm, giving a chance for people in Galway to share firsthand experiences of how the housing crisis, and coming evictions, have impacted them.

Uplift have said that it is also meant to give the public a chance to put questions to their local TDs who are attending.

Director of Uplift, Siobhán O’Donohue said, “The government has made a political decision to lift the no-fault eviction ban at a time when nearly 12,000 people are homeless in the State – including 3,431 children.”

“It is only right that local residents should be able to put questions to their elected representatives, including the most fundamental – ‘where am I to go?’”

Among the other speakers at the event will be Prof Roy Kearns, a housing expert.

Galway residents can register to attend the meeting at this link before the meeting begins.

The government made the decision last month to let the temporary eviction ban come to an end on April 1.

There have been concerns that a tidal wave of evictions will be coming in the months ahead, as figures from the Residential Tenancies Board show that 4,300 notices to quit were issued in the just the final three months of last year.

Even among government party ranks, the decision has not been unilaterally supported, with Fianna Fáil City Councillor Alan Cheevers breaking party ranks to call for the eviction ban to be extended until September.

Cllr Cheevers said that he, “can’t support a policy of ending the eviction ban at present until the programme of measures and supports proposed by government are fully operational.”

He expressed concerns about the fact that there is presently very little emergency accommodation available to the city council, and people are concerned about becoming homeless.

“Over the last few weeks many of my constituents who are on notice to quit, have contacted me. Many of these people do not know whether they will have a roof over their heads in the coming weeks.”

The decision has also resulted in a bizarre saga playing out in the national media as Fr Peter McVerry said that Taoiseach Leo Varadkar overruled the Housing Minister to have the ban ended, only to withdraw that accusation this week.

Four Galway players named for Irish U18 Women’s Six Nations squad

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily sport Four Galway players named for Irish U18 Women’s Six Nations squad — Under 18 Women's Interprovincial, IRFU High Performance Centre, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 12/2/2023 Munster U18 vs Connacht U18 Connacht huddle during the game Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Four Galway players have been named to the Irish U18 Women’s Six Nations Squad out of ten total drawn from Connacht.

The U18 Women’s Six Nations Festival will take place at Wellington College in England from April 7 – 15, with each team playing five games total.

The Irish Squad features 10 Connacht players, Poppy Garvey, Beibhinn Gleeson, Roisin Maher, Sarah McCormick, Ellen O’Toole, Ailish Quinn, Molly Boote, Hannah Clarke, Emily Foley and Grainne Moran.

Molly Boote (Connacht/Oughterard/Tuam RFC), is one of six returning players who competed in the inaugural U18 Six Nations last year.

Head coach Larissa Muldoon has been leading the players in a series of camps at the IRFU High Performance Centre on the Sports Ireland campus this month.

The 28 player squad she has chosen from among their ranks is now ready to take the field this weekend.

The first two matchdays, on Friday, April 7 & Tuesday, April 11 will see the teams play two 35 minutes games one each day.

That will be followed by a full 70 minute fixture to close out the competition on the final matchday of Saturday, April 15.

The Irish side will start the competition competing against France, with kick-off at 3pm tomorrow, and finish with a full game against Wales.

Ballinasloe native and Irish International Aoibheann Reilly will be assisting Muldoon as an additional coaching resource for the Six Nations competition.

All of the games will be live streamed by Six Nations through their YouTube channel.

IRELAND U18 WOMEN’S SQUAD – 2023 WOMEN’S U18 SIX NATIONS FESTIVAL

Forwards (15)
Grainne Burke (Munster/Ennis RFC)
Kelly Burke (Leinster/Mullingar RFC)
Beth Buttimer (Munster/Fethard RFC)*
Lily Byrne (Leinster/Skerries RFC)
Poppy Garvey (Connacht/Sligo RFC)
Beibhinn Gleeson (Connacht/Oughterard/Tuam RFC)
Roisin Maher (Connacht/Creggs RFC)
Lilly Morris (Munster/Killarney RFC)
Sarah McCormick (Connacht/Ballina RFC)*
Alma Obehi Atagamen (Leinster/Balbriggan RFC)
Ellen O’Toole (Connacht/Wesport RFC)
Ruby Starrett (Ulster/Larne RFC)
Ailish Quinn (Connacht/Ballina RFC)
Orla Wafer (Leinster/Enniscorthy RFC)*
Saskia Wycherly (Munster/Bantry Bay RFC)

Backs (13)
Molly Boote (Connacht/Connemara RFC)*
Emma Brogan (Leinster/Navan RFC)
Lyndsey Clarke (Munster/Ennis RFC)
Hannah Clarke (Connacht/Oughterard/Tuam RFC)
Katie Corrigan (Leinster/Tullow RFC)*
Emily Foley (Connacht/Ballina RFC)
Caitriona Finn (Munster/UL Bohemians/Ballina-Killaloe RFC)
May Goulding (IQ Rugby/Hartpury)
Abby Healy (Leinster/Wicklow RFC)
Lucia Linn (IQ Rugby/Loughborough University)
Grainne Moran (Connacht/Ballina RFC)
Niamh Murphy (Leinster/Cill Dara RFC)
Robyn O’Connor (Leinster/Wexford Wanderers RFC)*

*capped at U18 level

Match Day 1: Friday 7^th April, 2023
France v IRELAND KO 3.00pm
IRELAND v Italy KO 5.00pm

Match Day 2: Tuesday 11^th April, 2023
Scotland v IRELAND KO 10.00am
IRELAND v England KO 11.00am

Match Day 3: Saturday 15^th April, 2023
IRELAND v Wales KO 2.15pm

The Connacht Hotel wins Sustainability Award at Irish Restaurant Awards

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily business The Connacht Hotel wins Sustainability Award at Irish Restaurant Awards

Galway’s Connacht Hotel celebrated taking home the Best Sustainable Practices award for Galway at the Irish Restaurant Awards.

The Connacht Hotel was one of the many county winners announced at the recent regional finals for the prestigious national awards, sometimes known as the Food Oscars for Ireland.

Galway was represented by a slew of winners at the Connacht Regionals of the Irish Restaurant Awards, and The Connacht Hotel was recognised for their forward-thinking sustainability practices.

The Connacht Hospitality Group’s flagship hotel has taken their green-friendly approach very seriously over the years.

“It’s great to be recognised by The Irish Restaurant Awards for our sustainability objectives and achievements, so a thank you to them for this award,” said Natasha Chuyeva, Hotel Manager and leader of its Green Team.

“We all know how important it is that we take sustainable decisions every day, and we’ve done our best to implement real change.”

“For our EV chargers and Hometree collaborations, we’ve thought big and made impactful, measurable changes.”

“But we’ve also looked at the minute details, from re-using coffee grounds as fertilizer for our gardens to encouraging green-friendly meeting room etiquette.”

“Making a change, whether big or small, is so crucial – and we’re delighted to be playing our part for a greener, healthier future,” Natasha added.

All of the county winners announced for the Irish Restaurant Awards will now go head to head for the Regional and All-Ireland titles, the winners of which will be announced on May 15.

Among the sustainability initiatives undertaken by the Connacht Hotel’s Green Team in recent years has been their partnership with the environmental charity Hometree.

Hometree aims to conserve and reverse damage to Ireland’s biodiversity and forest cover by tree planting and other projects to will preserve native woodlands.

This partnership has saw the hotel raise some €6,000 for the regeneration of Ireland’s native Oceanic rainforest in Connemara.

The newly renovated hotel has taken significant measures to reduce its carbon emissions over the last few years by reducing energy consumption, preserving scarce water resources and minimising waste production.

The green team actively protect and promote local biodiversity, buy locally where possible and encourage visitors to use local “green” businesses and services.

The Connacht Hospitality Group

The Connacht Hospitality Group is the group behind popular hotels like The Connacht Hotel, Residence Hotel, and HYDE Hotel, while they also own An Púcán, 1520, and HYDE Bar. The family-owned Group is run by the Fitzgerald family and company Director John Carmody, together with their great leadership team.

INMO seriously worried about post-Easter trolley surge

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April 6, 2023

Urgent steps need to be taken to avoid a surge in hospital overcrowding ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation is calling on the HSE to take action this weekend in order to alleviate pressure next week.

This comes after a meeting the INMO had with senior management last week to discuss the Bank Holiday weekend.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said, “Our members are concerned at the very high levels of overcrowding leading into the Easter period.”

At University Hospital Galway today, there are 61 patients on trolleys, the third highest level in the country, and close behind the 62 at Cork UH.

Phíl Ní Sheaghdha added that the INMO have, “set out the necessary immediate steps that must be taken to alleviate pressure across hospital sites.”

“We know that after every bank holiday there is a predictable surge in the number of people on trolleys.

“Therefore, all efforts to increase discharges, including over the long weekend period must be undertaken.”

Additional hospital capacity should be obtained from the private sector for the weekend, the INMO has advised, and “alternative care pathways” in the community must be brought into use.

Mixed bag for Easter weekend weather as sunny start gives way to rain

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily weather Mixed bag for Easter weekend weather as sunny start gives way to rain

A mixed bag of weather for Galway this Easter, with a promising start to the weekend on Goof Friday, but with wind and rain to follow.

The weekend will start off quite chilly, as low temperatures overnight on Thursday/Friday will see a nippy start, dropping to 0 degrees in parts of Galway tonight, but picking up tomorrow.

“Good Friday will the best day countrywide this Easter. It will be dry and bright for most of the country, with just the chance of light isolated showers,” says Met Eireann forecaster Linda Hughes.

In Galway, the day will be partly cloudy but dry, with sunshine breaking through as well in the afternoon, including some clear, bright spells.

After a chilly start to the morning on Good Friday, temperatures will reach highs of 10 – 12 degrees later in the day, with moderate southeasterly winds.

“A lot of dry weather too, in the east over the Easter weekend, however it will be overall quite cloudy with scattered outbreaks of rain and some heavy rain moving in at times from the Atlantic,” continues Linda.

“Southerly winds will be mostly light on Saturday, but will freshen during Easter Sunday will be a fresh, blustery day”.

Saturday will take a turn for the worse, with rain showers possible throughout much of the day, strongest and more persistent in coastal areas.

Light to moderate southeasterly winds also forecast, again strongest in coastal areas, with highest temperatures of 9 – 10 degrees.

Easter Sunday will also be a blustery day, with winds reaching near gale strength on the Atlantic coast, and heavy rain showers also expected.

Easter Monday will be a bright, breezy day with sunny spells and passing showers, and winds turning quite blustery at times in places.

Boil Water Notice lifted after more than five months in place

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April 6, 2023

Galway Daily news Boil Water Notice lifted after more than five months in place

The Boil Water Notice for homes in Ros a Mhíl has been lifted this week after more than five months in place.

Uisce Eireann issued the BWN for some 250 homes supplied by the Rossaveal Reservoir at the end of last October.

It was lifted with immediate effect on Wednesday evening after consultation with the HSE.

All consumers on the Spiddal Public Water Supply served by Rossaveal Reservoir can now resume normal use of the water supply for drinking, food preparation and brushing teeth.

The notice was first issued due to low levels of chlorine and detections of Coliform bacteria in this part of the supply network.

Uisce Éireann Operations Lead, Eoin Hughes said: “Uisce Éireann wishes to thank the people of Rossaveal for their patience, co-operation and assistance during this Boil Water Notice.”

“We are grateful to the media, elected representatives and also members of the public who shared updates.”

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April 6, 2023