University of Galway to celebrate Traveller Ethnicity Day

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Galway Senator condemns "rotten, corrupt" saga at Inland Fisheries Ireland

Sinn Féin’s ‘mismanagement’ of their finances requires clear explanations from their party leaders, local senator Sean Kyne has said.

The Galway senator said there have been a series of ‘troubling and worrying’ revelations recently regarding Sinn Féin’s party accounts and statutory declarations.

He said it is vital that all political parties follow the rules relating to election spending, relating to donations – and especially the rules regarding the recording of proper and accurate accounts.

“Deputy Pearse Doherty told RTÉ’s Prime Time on Tuesday night they are not being investigated by SIPO,” said the Fine Gael senator.

“Today’s Irish Times makes clear SIPO are examining Sinn Féin’s contradictions and anomalies in the party accounts and its electoral spending declarations. It has been repeatedly discussed at several meetings of the Commission.”

Kyne said that again, Sinn Féin was trying to ‘mislead the public’ only for the truth to emerge less than two days later.

“We need to hear clear explanations and statements from Deputies McDonald and Doherty on this ongoing saga concerning their party’s finances.”

The senator also noted that Sinn Féin received over €1.5 million euro of taxpayers’ money in 2021.

“The public has a right to know that this funding is spent within the rules and that it is properly and accurately accounted for,” he said.

U20 Hurlers kit man raising funds by losing 2 stone in just 28 days

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February 24, 2023

galway daily news gerry moloney hurlers losing weight for hospice — Pictured at the Galway Hospice for the launch of the fundraising drive were Gerry Moloney, Dr Karen Keane (left) and Mary Nash CEO Galway Hospice. Photo:- Mike Shaughnessy

Galway Under 20s Hurlers’ kit man Gerry Moloney is halfway through a sponsored weight loss challenge to lose 2 stone in 28 days, in aid of Galway Hospice.

The Craughwell man has been the U20s hurling team’s kit man since 2019, overseeing two All-Ireland Minor victories.

By 9 March, Gerry aims to lose 12.5% of his body weight, 28lbs, and it is hoped the short-term challenge will have long-term benefits for Galway Hospice.

The fundraiser has already raised over €4,800.

The hurlers have been closely aligned to Galway Hospice since 2019, when players visited patients in the Hospice’s Daycare and Inpatient Units.

Every panel member has had a family member cared for by Galway Hospice.

“Our values are that we are honest, open and trusting and our values match the values of Galway Hospice,” said the hurling manager Brian Hanley.

Mary Nash, Chief Executive of Galway Hospice, said that the GAA is embedded in the local community, as is Galway Hospice, and they are delighted to have the support of the Galway Under 20s.

Team nutritionist Dr Karen Keane will be monitoring Gerry’s progress along the way.

Support the challenge at www.idonate.ie/galwayu20shurlers28daychallenge

Army working conditions present risk to Ireland’s national security

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February 24, 2023

Galway Daily news 20,000 sandbags being deployed in the city

Local senator Gerard Craughwell has spoken out against the poor working conditions in the Irish Defence Forces which he says now present a risk to our national security.

In an email to his colleagues, Senator Craughwell spoke about how military personnel feel that politicians are out of touch with members of the Defence Forces.

He said that serving soldiers, sailors and air crews are struggling to understand the thinking in the Oireachtas.

He also said that the biggest problem for the Defence Forces is a lack of funding.

“A commission was established to examine the future of the defence forces and neutered at its establishment as it really could not deal with pay and conditions.”

The Independent senator said that its report is with us for over a year and, “to the man on the street, nothing has happened.”

“It is not only our security that is being put at risk it’s our place in the world.

“We big ourselves up seeking high profile seats on the UN Security Council etc, but in reality, we are now a laughingstock.”

Nominations open for 20th annual Galway City Mayor’s Awards

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Nominations open for 20th annual Galway City Mayor's Awards

Nominations are now open for the annual Galway City Mayor’s Awards, honouring those who give their time volunteering for worthy causes.

Now in their 20th year, the Mayor’s Awards serve to recognise outstanding individuals and groups for their commitment and participation in voluntary activities in communities across the city.

Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins encouraged people to nominate those in their community who they think have given back to the community in a significant way.

“These awards mark outstanding contributions made by individuals, community and voluntary groups across Galway City.”

“As Mayor, I am encouraging individuals, community, and voluntary groups to put forward nominees who have made a real difference to their community.”

“The Mayor’s Awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge people who commit time and effort to make their community a better place.”

“We all know people who despite their incredibly busy lives and schedules still find time to support neighbours, local groups, and their community in a very significant way.”

“If there is an individual or group that deserves to be recognised for their efforts, please nominate them,” Mayor Clodagh Higgins said.

Galway City Council is inviting nominations for individuals or groups who are involved in voluntary activity taking place in the city in one of the following categories:

· Arts, Culture, Heritage and Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award

· Neighbourhood/Community Champion Award

· Community Service and Social Inclusion Award

· Older Person Volunteer of the Year Award

· Environmental Sustainability Award

· Sports Volunteer of the Year Award

· Children and Youth Support Award

· Young Volunteer of the Year Award

· The Galway City Council Volunteer of the Year Award

If you would like to nominate an individual or group for any of these award categories, you can complete an online form at www.galwaycity.ie/MayorsAwardsNomination. Nomination forms are also available from City Hall and the City Libraries.

The closing date for online nominations is 4pm on Friday, March 24. Each of the award winners will receive a commemorative gift and a payment of €500.

All nominees will be presented with an individually designed Mayoral Certificate at the Awards Ceremony which will be held in May.

High-Speed fibre broadband now available for over 1,000 Inverin premises

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Over 1,000 homes and businesses in the Inverin area are now able to get high-speed fibre broadband.

National Broadband Ireland has said that fibre broadband is now available to order or pre-order for premises in the Inverin deployment area on its network.

Under the National Broadband Plan, some 40,000 properties in Galway are included in the targeted areas, with a total investment of €153 million.

The Inverin area includes 1,028 homes, business, and farms, which are ready to join the 13,734 premises where works have already been completed around Galway.

Peter Hendrick, Chief Executive Officer of NBI said, “We are delighted to announce that premises in the Inverin Deployment Area of Galway can now order or pre-order broadband services through the National Broadband Ireland network.”

“This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

As a wholesale network operator, National Broadband Ireland does not sell fibre broadband directly to end users.

Rather it enables services from a range of broadband providers or Retail Service Providers (RSPs).

Some 61 RSPs have already signed up to sell services on the National Broadband Ireland network and 48 are certified as ready to start providing connections as of today.

Last year saw the Spanish investment management firm Asterion Industrial Partners acquire a majority stake in NBI.

The government consented to the company buying an 80% stake in NBI last July, and the deal went through in November.

Skulls stolen from Inishbofin being returned by TCD

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February 23, 2023

Skulls stolen from Inishbofin being returned by TCD — Old St Coleman's Church and Graveyard on Inishbofin. Photo: Marie Coyne

Humans remains that were taken from Inishbofin over a century ago without consent are being returned to the island by Trinity College.

The remains, 13 skulls, were stolen from the island back in 1890, ethnologist Alfred Cort Haddon and student Andrew Francis Dixon, who later became TCD’s Professor of Anatomy.

The two took the remains without the consent of the islanders, from St Colman’s monastery on Inishbofin for use in research.

The Board of Trinity College approved the repatriation of the human remains on Wednesday, following work by the Trinity Legacies Review Working Group.

Marie Coyne, who runs the Inishbofin Heritage Museum and was one of the chief campaigners for the return of the skulls, said that she was “over the moon” with the news.

Speaking with Galway Daily Marie said that she was “so happy TCD made the correct decision to return the Inishbofin skulls/human remains”.

She thanked everyone involved in the campaign, and said that they’re now looking forward to brining these remains home, and reinterring them at St. Coleman’s.

Trinity Provost Dr Linda Doyle said, “I am sorry for the upset that was caused by our retaining of these remains and I thank the Inishbofin community for their advocacy and engagement with us on this issue.”

“We will now work with the community to ensure that the remains are returned in a respectful manner and in accordance with the community’s wishes.”

Bill for Mother and Baby Home survivors redress scheme passes Dáil

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Redress Scheme for Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors opening March 20

A Bill authorising a redress scheme for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes was passed through the Dáil late on Wednesday evening.

The Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill was passed by a vote of 73 in favour, and 63 votes against.

The was some heated debate in the Dáil about a potentially open-ended timeframe for paying victims, and the six month cut off point for survivors to qualify for compensation.

Only those who spent “not less than” 180 days in a Mother and Baby Home would qualify for compensation under the redress scheme.

This threshold has been heavily criticised recently for excluding those who had spent less than six months in an institute, excluding many young children.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said during Wednesday night’s debate that there is no real “reason or logic” behind excluding 40% of survivors from the redress scheme, other than the cost.

“I know extending this scheme to all of the survivors will cost more money, but it is not a cost we can walk away from.”

“The people who are here in the Gallery and the people who could not make it here tonight and are watching on their televisions deserve to be treated equally.”

“In the overall context of all the good things we are doing in this country and the supports we are giving to very many people, the time is here for us to step up to the mark for the people who were let down by the State – shame on all of us that they were – and say we will do this.”

Deputy Canney said that he couldn’t figure out how the six month threshold had been arrived at, whether it was a medical or scientific conclusion, or just a cut-off point.

“How would a survivor who spent six months and one day there qualify and somebody who spent two days less – five months and then some – not qualify?”.

Deputy Canney, along with Denis Naughten, Michael Fitzmaurice, Mairead Farrell, and Claire Kerrane voted against the bill as presented, while Deputies Ciaran Cannon, Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon Ó Cuiv voted in favour.

There was also concern expressed about ambiguous language in bill about addressing claims “as soon as practical”, with multiple deputies concerned that it would lead to the process being dragged out.

Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman that the government fully intends that any applications to the payment scheme will be addressed as quickly as possible.

“While I understand that concern was expressed regarding the absence of specified timelines in the legislation and that this could be interpreted as opening the door to long delays in processing applications, this is absolutely not our intention.”

“We expect that the vast majority of applications will be readily verifiable through the official records and will be processed quickly to payment offers.”

Sean Canney said that it is easy for any standard as open-ended as this to become “diluted”, and said that a timeframe should be inserted.

“It would be reasonable to do so, especially in view of the fact that what we are trying to do here is to give redress to people who are at an age where they have been fighting for years. It is important we bring closure to what they are doing.”

An amendment inserting a three month timeframe to address applications put forward by Deputy Peadar Toibin at the start of Wednesday’s debate was voted down.

Aki, Bealham, and Hansen in starting XV against Italy this weekend

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily sport Mack Hansen named in squad for All-Blacks game after injury fears — Mack Hansen. Photo Credit: INPHO / Connacht Rugby

Three Connacht players have been named to the matchday squad for this weekend’s Six Nations clash against Italy.

Mack Hansen, Bundee Aki, and Finlay Bealham have all bee named among the starting XV for Saturday’s game at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

There have been six changes made by Andy Farrell to the starting lineup from the team that triumphed over France at Aviva Stadium in Round 2.

James Ryan will captain the team and it will be the seventh occasion that he takes the captain’s armband. He will be partnered in the second row by Iain Henderson, who makes his first start for Ireland since the final game of last year’s Championship against Scotland.

Ronan Kelleher is retained at hooker having come off the bench against France with Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham either side of him in the front row. In the back row, Jack Conan comes in at number eight with Caelan Doris switching to the blindside flank and Josh van der Flier at openside.

Craig Casey and Ross Byrne are set to make their first Six Nations starts and Bundee Aki is introduced to the midfield having started from the bench in the opening two rounds. Garry Ringrose is set to make his 50th appearance for Ireland while the back three of Hugo Keenan, James Lowe and Mack Hansen is unchanged from the opening two rounds.

Dan Sheehan has returned to fitness to take his place among the replacements alongside Dave Kilcoyne, Tom O’Toole, Ryan Baird, Peter O’Mahony, Conor Murray, Jack Crowley and Stuart McCloskey.

The match will be broadcast live on RTE and ITV television and on RTE and BBC NI radio.

IRELAND Team v Italy, Guinness Six Nations Championship, Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Saturday, February, 25, Kick-Off 14:15 Irish Time
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 27 caps
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians) 11 caps
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 49 caps
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 43 caps
11. James Lowe (Leinster) 17 caps
10. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD) 16 caps
9. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 9 caps

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne) 19 caps
3. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 29 caps
4. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 70 caps
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 50 caps (c)
6. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 25 caps
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 47 caps
8. Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 35

Replacements

16. Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 14 caps
17. Dave Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians) 50 caps
18. Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 6 caps
19. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps
20. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 91 caps
21. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 102 caps
22. Jack Crowley (Munster/Cork Constitution) 2 caps
23. Stuart McCloskey (Ulster/Bangor) 11 caps

Last call for Galway companies and community groups in €1,000 grant scheme

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Last call for Galway companies and community groups in €1,000 grant scheme

The RISE Community Fund has issued its last call for entries for grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises in Galway.

Established by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), RISE is providing monthly grants across the country to give an immediate cash injection into local communities seeking to boost their digital ecosystems.

Applications for the cash grants are currently open in Galway with the deadline closing on Tuesday, February 28.

Up to five grants of €1000 will be available to successful applicants across the county.

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI said, “Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have – both to the local community, and to the wider economy.”

“That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology across Galway.”

Following the route of NBI’s deployment of its new high-speed fibre broadband network, the RISE Community Fund launched last year to empower people’s plans to use technology.

David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of NBI, said, “We know there are some amazing people doing extraordinary things to bring value to their local communities throughout Galway”.

He added that they hope to accelerate and scale the ambition of people’s plans via these grants.

Successful applicants for the programme will be notified in early March, with the grant money to follow soon after.

Small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises with plans to use technology to scale their operations and bring tangible benefits to their local communities are encouraged to visit www.riseglobalfoundation.com for entry forms and guidelines.

Plans approved for new walking trails in Connemara National Park

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February 23, 2023

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for building a number of new walking trails in Connemara National Park.

The Board has granted planning permission to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for just over 8km of new walking trails, separated into two areas, as well as a new car park.

Three new trails are to be established in an area south and southwest of Letterfrack, totaling approximately 2km in length.

The new Farm Trail will be 1,590m in length, and an additional 150m Sensory Trail will be built next to the visitor centre, along with roughly 250m of accessible trails connecting to the existing Elis Wood Trail.

The second main area of this project is located an Mweelin, sought of the N59 and approximately 3km north of Letterfrack.

Here the NPWS build a new car park with 144 spaces, and public toilets, to service approximately 8km of new walking trails.

Here they will build the new Old Galway Road (1,550m) and Bog (1,350m) Trails, as well as add an additional 660m to the existing Lime Kiln Trail.

A 150m link track will connect the Lime Kiln Trail to the Canal Trail, and another 1,350m link trail will lead from the new car park to these trails.

This venture is a joint effort between the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Failte Ireland to improve the amenities within Connemara National Park.

They also looked into whether it would be feasible to link the Park to Kylemore Abbey through walking trails, but this idea was ultimately abandoned as unfeasible.

The county council granted planning permission for the project in March 2021, despite the Case Planner for the council recommending that it be refused due to road safety and environmental concerns.

The Council’s Director of Services found that the project should be granted approval, as the roads department had met with the NPWS on site, and agreed that a non-compliant entrance/exit would be closed, and a new one developed.

The DOS also stated that mitigation measures for potential environmental impacts on European Sites of Twelve Bens & Garraun Complex SAC are included in the Natura Impact Statement submitted with the application.

Two third party appeals against the council’s decision were made to An Bord Pleanála in April of 2021.

Both of these raised concerns about the information provided in the NIS, and that there was a lack of other environmental reports.

In response the NPWS said that further information related to environmental impacts was submitted on the request of the county council.

An Taisce also submitted an observation to An Bord Pleanála which was critical of the planning application and the development for lacking an integrated plan for access and management of the park, as well as of how the application was handled by the county council.

An Bord Pleanála ultimately upheld the council’s decision to approve the new walking trails, with eight conditions attached.

Denis Buckley signs three year deal to stay with Connacht Rugby

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily rugby The Sportsground to be renamed Dexcom Stadium in partnership deal — Photo: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

Denis Buckley will be extending his stay at the Sportsground by three years, Connacht Rugby has confirmed.

The loosehead prop has signed a has signed an initial three-year deal, with the club having an option on the third year.

Speaking about the deal, Buckley said that Connacht is a “special place” for him, and that he’s pleased to be extending his stay.

“The Sportsground will change a lot over that time so I’m excited to see the development take place and play my part in that on the field.”

An old hand at Connacht now, Buckley has made 223 appearances for the province since first joining in 2011.

He was part of the wider squad that won the 2016 Guinness PRO12, and has also been capped by the Ireland U20s, Emerging Ireland and the Barbarians.

Director of Rugby Andy Friend praised that body of experience he brings to the front row for Connacht Rugby.

“He’s a top-class scrummager and has seen a lot of change at the club since his debut over 10 years ago.”

“He still has a lot to give Connacht both on and off the field, so securing his services for the next few years is a great boost to the Province.”

Five Galway food gems sweep prizes at Irish Takeaway Awards

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February 23, 2023

Galway Daily life & style Five Galway food gems sweep prizes at Irish Takeaway Awards

Galway’s cafés, bars, and restaurants showed their strength at the Irish Takeaway Awards this week, taking home an array of awards.

The 2023 Irish Takeaway Awards took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone this week, celebrating all the food you can grab and go.

Whether its a classic burger, café sandwiches on the go, or even restaurant quality meals you can take home, there’s something for everyone’s palate.

Handsome Burger, already a multi-award winning food gem in Galway, took home the Best Burger Award for Connacht, and the Overall title, as well as claiming the Social Media Award 2023.

Handsome Burger celebrated the win, saying they were “delighted” with the win, and thanked the “perfect harmony of an amazing team, great ingredients & wonderful customers” for getting them there.

The Best Fish Dish of the Year went to Hooked seafood restaurant in Galway, as well as Best in Connacht for Takeaway Team of the Year, and the Champion Chip Award.

Chef’s Café in Craughwell also had a good night, being crowned the Best in Connacht in multiple categories.

They were the provincial winners in the Café Takeaway of the Year, Kebab of the Year, and the Pack Up & Go Award.

“We are absolutely delighted and want to say a huge Thank You to our wonderful staff for all their hard work and of course our amazing customers because obviously we wouldn’t even be here without ye,” they celebrated on facebook.

The Gourmet Offensive Falafel Bar in the city won Best in Connacht for the Healthy Takeaway of the Year, and came Highly Commended in Vegetarian Takeaway of the Year category.

Lastly Bia & Co Gastro Bar and Restaurant in Claregalway won Best in Connacht for the Restaurant Takeaway of the Year award, and was Highly Commended in the Sandwich of the Year category.

AndChips in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford was crowned the overall Takeaway of the Year 2023 for Ireland on the night.

Local company promotes tourism in Galway to Nordic countries

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February 22, 2023

galway daily news nordic tourism workshop copenhagen killary fjord tours — Lisbeth Wahl, Authentic Europe AS; Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland; and Míchéal Ó Cionna, Killary Fjord Boat Tours, at Tourism Ireland’s 2023 Nordic trade workshop in Copenhagen. Pic – Tourism Ireland

Ireland was promoted to over 50 tour operators and travel agents from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland at a trade workshop in Copenhagen.

Twenty-two Irish tourism companies – including Killary Fjord Boat Tours – took part in Tourism Ireland’s 2023 Nordic workshop, meeting and doing business with the Nordic travel professionals.

They aimed to encourage them to extend their Ireland offering or to include Ireland for the first time in their programmes for 2023 and beyond.

The event provided a valuable opportunity for Tourism Ireland and its partners to remind the Nordic travel professionals all about the many great things to see and do around Ireland – including our great food and drink offering, fantastic accommodation options and our sustainable tourism experiences.

Emer Mac Diarmada, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for the Nordic Region, said: “We’re delighted that so many key Nordic travel professionals have taken the time to come and meet with our partners from Galway and elsewhere around Ireland in Copenhagen, to learn all about our superb tourism offering.

“Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these influential Nordic tour operators and travel agents – and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of their business.”

In 2019, 256,000 visitors from Nordic countries visited the island of Ireland, who spent €116 million during their time here.

Letter | The environmental cost of Ministers’ “diplomatic holidays”

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February 22, 2023

galway daily news letter to editor cian mortimer people before profit galway debenhams workers strike

Dear Editor,

It emerged this week that a number of government Ministers are expected to travel across the globe for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.

I am unsure as to the quantifiable merit of these ‘diplomatic’ holidays, I mean, journeys. However, we can be sure as to the quantifiable impact of these flights regarding their emissions.

It is estimated that the minister’s flights will account for over 75 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2eq) emissions. We should also bear in mind this is based on economy seats only, with business and first class travel leading to inflated emissions.

With per capita Irish emissions at 12.3 tonnes CO2eq, these flights will lead to the same emissions as 6 people in Ireland will use in the entire year.

Whilst not entirely drastic, if we compare these emissions to countries typically blamed, we see that these flights account for the total emissions of 39 people in India or 33 people in Brazil.

Looking towards the Global South, countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Ethiopia could provide for 104, 290, and 750 people respectively with the same emissions allocation.

It would be remiss to discuss flights and not mention some stark numbers as to the inequality of aviation travel.

Only 10% of the earth’s population will ever fly. 1% of people who fly account for 50% of all global aviation emissions.

I would stipulate that I do not care much for an individual’s emissions, provided they are within the realm of normality. However, these extraordinary emitters are not normal and should not be treated as such.

Climate change does not care for whataboutery. We simply do not have time.
Every single kilogram of CO2eq is critical. Every single degree in temperature rise is detrimental.

Every single flight which can be avoided is non-negligible. We must become leaders in a new model for diplomatic engagements that do not require the use of aviation.
The best carbon offset there is not leading to that emission in the first place.

Yours,

Criodán Ó Murchú
Peterswell, Galway

Galway students win Irish leg of global Invention competition

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February 22, 2023

Galway Daily Galway students win Irish leg of global Invention competition — Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted the global event, “Invent for the Planet 2023”, engaging first-year students through PhD candidates in a 48-hour Intensive Design Experience (IDE) to solve a challenge affecting the planet today.

Two Galway students were part of a team which took the top prize in the Irish side of worldwide design and invention competition.

A student team called “Power Up” has won the Irish leg of the 2023 international “Invent for the Planet” design blitz competition.

They took home the top prize in Ireland for developing a prototype affordable energy generator which uses hydropower and wind power electricity that is stored in a battery.

The winning team comprises Xing Ying Chuang, third year Biomedical student at ATU Galway; Tom Hakizinka Senga, second year Mechanical Engineering student at Dundalk IT; Tenis Ranjan, Postgraduate student at University of Galway; Edbin Ostilio Buezo Zuniga, first year engineering student at ATU Sligo; and Ontiretse Ishmael, PhD computing, ATU,

“Based on our calculation, the power generated by this system in one hour can light up approximately 250 light bulbs”, they said, adding “we will all be using clean energy to keep our planet intact.”

For taking first place in the Irish leg of the competition, they were awarded a €5,000 prize.

Invent for the Plant is a 48-hour intensive design experience (IDE) that engages students at different universities around the world on a single weekend to solve high-impact, global problems.

Organised by Texas A&M University, it ran synchronously in 29 universities across 22 worldwide locations during the weekend 10 to 12 February.

ATU’s School of Engineering hosted the Irish leg of the competition for the second year in a row.

The top five worldwide teams will go on to compete in the final in Texas on 28 April, with the shortlist to be announced later this month.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) hosted the global event, “Invent for the Planet 2023”, engaging first-year students through PhD candidates in a 48-hour Intensive Design Experience (IDE) to solve a challenge affecting the planet today.

Organiser Dr Jack Saad, Fulbright Faculty Scholar, Texas A&M, and lecturer in Robotics at ATU Galway, said that it was great to see students from different backgrounds coalesce into teams over the weekend.

“The event will leave an indelible mark on the participating students’ learning experience and will help given them the experience and confidence needed to overcome life’s challenges.”

The runner up “Eat Smart” team comprised of Caoimhe McCormack, first year Environmental Science student at ATU Sligo; Zain Ali, IT Master student at ATU Donegal; Vijay Kumar, IT Master student at ATU Donegal; and Jessica Henry, third year Software engineering year at ATU Sligo.

“Innovation is the key to solving our world’s most critical issues and at Eat Smart, we believe in using our creativity and drive to positively the planet,” the team said.

“We are proud to have received recognition for our solution to prevent food waste at the Invent for the Planet 2023 event and will continue to work towards a more sustainable future”.

In total 35 students competed from ATU (Galway, Donegal and Sligo campuses), University of Limerick, University of Galway, Munster Technological University (MTU), Technological University of Shannon (Tus) and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

2023 promises a big year for Galway sports betting

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Angela Mc Bride

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February 22, 2023

Galway daily sport Moycullen GAA cancels all activities in response to COVID-19 cases

Sports fans and betting enthusiasts in Galway have a tremendous 2023 to look forward to as sports stars from the Hooker County and Connacht at large feature in some of the year’s biggest sporting events. And betting operators in Ireland are sharpening their odds in anticipation. Shopping around to get value in your bets is the smart move here. But what are the upcoming events attracting major interest?

For many Irish sports fans, the year kicks off properly with the Guinness Six Nations, and Connacht players feature in Andy Farrell’s title-chasing Ireland squad. Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham, and Bundee Aki will all play key roles as the current World Number 1s chase the Six Nations crowd as a precursor to the biggest event of them all in rugby, the World Cup in France kicking off in September. With the Heineken Champions Cup and United Championship also featuring Connacht, it’s a bumper year for fans of the oval ball and Galway-based players will have a major part to play. Keep an eye out for Six Nations and Rugby World Cup betting specials with most of the major Irish bookmakers including Paddy Power, BoyleSports and QuinnBet.

In soccer, Galway United will seek to win promotion as the team faces another year in the League of Ireland First Division. John Caulfield’s side will look to improve on second and third-place finishes in the last two seasons in order to secure a return to the top flight. League of Ireland soccer matches is featured by all top sports betting operators and live betting options also apply.

Then in GAA, Galway hurlers, footballers, and camogie players will seek a strong season in both the Championships and League competitions. Galway’s hurlers shared the league title in 2021 but haven’t won the competition outright since 2017, the same year that the county last claimed the Liam MacCarthy Cup. For the footballers, it’s been a much longer run without success. Galway’s last triumph in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championships was in 2001, while the barren run in the League stretches back to 1981. Backing Galway’s success in 2023 looks like making more sense from a hurling perspective.

For the ladies success in the football arena has sparsely been more recent, with 2004 the most recent All-Ireland win, although the team did reach the final as recently as 2019. It was that same year that The Tribesmen won the Ladies’ National Football League title. We have to turn to camogie for Galway GAA’s most recent success, with the county’s camogie players claiming the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship as recently as 2021. Indeed, backing the girls looks a smart bet as the 2023 campaign tips in.

With strong participants in a host of other sports, the Galway sports scene is certainly busy and maintains tremendous interest throughout the year. And with top Irish bookmakers offering odds on rugby, soccer, GAA and much more besides, the opportunities are plenty for Galway sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike to get behind the county’s host of sports stars.

With top Irish bookmakers offering odds on rugby, soccer, GAA, and much more besides, the opportunities are plenty for Galway sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike to get behind the county’s host of sports stars. Keep an eye out for upcoming events such as the Guinness Six Nations and Rugby World Cup, as well as Galway United’s matches in the League of Ireland First Division. And for GAA fans, Galway hurlers, footballers, and camogie players will seek a strong season in both the Championships and League competitions. GAAbetting.ie may be a great resource for those interested in betting on Galway GAA’s most recent success.

Cost of Living package not enough for workers says Kerrane

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February 22, 2023

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns that the government’s cost of living package will not go far enough to protect workers and families.

Speaking after a range of measures were announced yesterday, Deputy Kerrane said that all support in the midst of a cost of living crisis is welcome.

But she said that the announced measures include no additional supports for fuel and heating, despite calls for a much-needed Discretionary Fund to assist households struggling with utility debt.

“The announcement of lump-sum payments for specific groups, including one parent families and Disabled People, who have some of the highest levels of poverty and deprivation in the State will not be enough,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“That these payments will not be received until April means that many households will continue to struggle, when supports are needed immediately. Sinn Féin’s proposed package would see supports extended and in place from next week.”

Kerrane said the detail on exactly which groups are eligible will matter as, during the last round of once-off measures, many people with disabilities were left out of receiving payments due to very rigid criteria.

“The government should make sure that eligibility for these payments is inclusive as possible, to ensure they reach those who need them.

“Furthermore, lump sum payments should not replace focus on making social welfare rates adequate, particularly with regard to cost of disability.

“A one-off payment is just that and in many cases, it will be spent before it’s received. Outgoings and rising bills are not one-off.”

The TD also said that it is disappointing that Social Welfare rates were not increased in the announcement.

“No increase of rates means these payments continue to be outstripped by inflation and represent a real-time cut for those reliant on fixed incomes.”

Man brought before court on rape and sexual assault charges

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February 22, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man in his 20s was brought before Galway District Court this week charged with rape and sexual assault offences.

The man, who cannot be named at this time, was brought to court in custody, where evidence was given of his being arrested and charged.

He has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and aggravated sexual assault, all of which are alleged to have been committed against the same victim in Galway City in 2021.

The court heard that the DPP has directed that the case will go to the Central Criminal Court on indictment.

The DPP has also consented to the case going forward on a signed plea of guilty if that should arise.

There was no objection bail subject to conditions that the accused man should reside at the address provided to the state, sign on at a local garda station, and surrender his passport.

He is also not to have any contact with the alleged injured party or any witnesses in this case, and must stay away from Galway City and County other than for court appearances.

The case will next come before Galway District Court in March.

Local butchers bring home the bacon at national awards

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February 22, 2023