Máirín Mhic Lochlainn announced as storyteller-in-residence at University of Galway

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January 25, 2023

galway daily news AthVentureCon games convention galway

Athenry Adventurers RPG club is holding a massive fundraising event called in the Raheen Woods Hotel Athenry on Saturday 25 February.

AthVentureCon will be the biggest tabletop roleplaying game convention in Galway to date, with gamers arriving from across Ireland.

There will be talks, panels, workshops, amazing crafters & merchants including Dungeons & Donuts, and so many games available on the day to play for both experienced gamers and beginners.

There are also going to be special guests, including podcasters and creators well known in the Irish TTRPG scene such as HomeBrew Quest, D8 Dungeon, Hearthfire Tales, Penny Dragon Games, Cublicle 7, and Sionnach Games.

Athenry Adventurers RPG Club, which is nearing its one-year anniversary, is affiliated with Youth Work Ireland Galway.

The club has grown and has between 30 and 40 young people coming through the door each week to embark on adventures in fantasy realms, by playing Dungeons & Dragons and other games.

This will be the club’s first big fundraising event. The event is suitable for ages 12 to 112. Tickets are on sale on the website.

Search for AthVentureCon across social channels and follow to keep up to date on all the news. Visit athventurecon.ie for more information.

City council honours Damian Browne at civic reception

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January 25, 2023

galway daily news damian browne honoured by city council — Proud Mammy, Mary kisses Damian Browne as father Joe looks on at a Civic Reception for the adventurer, held in the Salthill Hotel, organised by Galway City Council. Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

A Civic Reception was held by Galway City Council on Monday to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Galway rower Damian Browne.

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, acknowledged Damian’s achievements, notably his arrival into Galway in October after travelling more than 3,450 nautical miles across the Atlantic.

Damien’s journey took over 2,696 hours, and he became the first man to row from New York to Galway.

In the final hours of his epic 112-day journey, the weather forced Damian ashore in precarious circumstances on the rocks at Furbo Beach.

Damian immediately called Chris Martin, his land support officer, who in turn contacted the relevant emergency services who mobilised immediately.

The journey, which was entitled Project Empower, was part of a fundraising effort for four charitable organisations: National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Ability West, Madra and The Galway Simon Community.

Delays expected in Moycullen as bypass ties in to N59

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January 25, 2023

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

Delays can be expected in the coming weeks as the new bypass roundabouts are to be tied in to the existing N59 initially at Clydagh and then Drimcong from early February.

Kerbing on the Clydagh roundabout is to take place this week and tarmac surfacing will occur next week, weather permitting.

Following this, traffic will be diverted onto the roundabout at Clydagh to allow for the tie in of the Bypass to the N59 on the Galway side. This will involve lane closures and traffic lights.

Once this is done the section at Connemara motors will be surfaced and tied in. Following this, work will begin at Drimcong on the Oughterard side of the village for the same process.

Local senator Seán Kyne says that it is expected that the bypass itself will be open towards late Summer.

While this work will inconvenience people it is hoped that it will be as controlled as possible to limit disruption.

Open Day for further education and mature students at ATU Galway

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January 24, 2023

Open Day for further education and mature students at ATU Galway

Atlantic Technological University is hosting an open day for further education and mature students in Galway City this week.

The open evening at their Dublin Road campus this Thursday is aimed at Further Education (FE), Post Leaving Cert (PLC) and Mature Learners.

It will provide information on the CAO applications, careers paths, and a panel session from current students who will share their journey to education, and what to expect of student life at ATU.

Staff and students will be on hand to answer questions on all courses offered in Galway and Mayo campuses in multiple disciplines.

Lorraine Cunningham, ATU Galway-Mayo Schools Liaison Officer, said, “We offer excellent opportunities and supports to students who have studied Level 5 and 6 courses and wish to progress to university programmes.”

“At this event we are delighted to have our local and regional FE, PLC and Education and Training Board (ETB) providers from our region join us and host information stands.”

“This will be a great opportunity for anyone considering their education journey and to see all the pathways that are on offer.”

“Mature learners will have an opportunity to meet staff from ATU’s Graduate Studies and Professional Development Department to learn about all our part-time, flexible and e-learning options.”

The open day, which will run from 6pm to 8pm will include tours of the campus and facilities by student ambassadors.

Information will be available from ATU support staff and services covering Access options from the Disability and Learning Support Service and Access and Participation Office.

To register for this event go to https://www.atu.ie/openday.

Michelin Star Loam restaurant closing permanently due to costs

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January 24, 2023

Galway Daily life & style Michelin Star Loam restaurant closing down permanently

The Michelin Star Loam restaurant in Galway City will be closing down permanently due to “insane” operating costs.

Enda & Sinead McEvoy, owners of the award winning restaurant, announced that they will sadly not be reopening this Spring.

In a post on social media, they said that it has been a genuine pleasure to serve customers at the Fairgreen Road restaurant, but that they were taking an opportunity to be released from their lease.

“The cost of running such a large space right now is insane and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any easier.

“In the background we are working on a new project and of course our other premises, éan, will be running as usual.”

“Fairgreen road, the unlikeliest of places for a restaurant, has been great to us the last 8 years and we will miss being up there but ultimately we feel this is the correct course of action for us.”

Loam is a highly respected and much loved restaurant in Galway; along with its longstanding Michelin Star, Loam also frequently tops other guides.

In 2019 Loam was named the Best Restaurant in Ireland at the prestigious Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards.

“We know this restaurant is special to a great number of you as it is to us. We thank you all for choosing to spend your special moments with us and there will be more special moments in the future,” Enda & Sinead said.

Last year saw Éan awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand status, which recognises establishments that offer a simple yet skillfully delivered three course meal for under €40.

Get flirty with Galway Food Tours this February

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January 24, 2023

Take a culinary trip this Valentines Day and enjoy Galway’s finest food offerings with someone special to you.

Galway Food Tours Valentines Food Tour on February 15th offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day and post the Hallmark pressure date!

The romantically undecided can join for a fun-filled evening that will take them from Farmhouse cheese paired with delicious wine, to an award-winning restaurant followed by a special seasonal Valentine’s cocktail.

“The craic, fabulous food, and romantic zing in the air have already proven successful in the love department on previous Valentine’s tours – it’s certainly one of our best,” said Sheena Dignam, owner of Galway Food Tours.

“It does tend to be a little female-heavy; we get a 70% female and 30% male interest, so we want to see more men join us this year! Let’s level the playing gents – can you help?!”

Man sent for trial for alleged rapes in Galway

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January 24, 2023

Glway Daily courts Man brought before court on large number of rape charges

A man in his 20s has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court for alleged rape charges committed in Galway.

The District Court heard evidence from Detective Garda Aidan Murphy this week that a book of evidence had been served on the accused man that morning.

Judge Mary Fahy made an ordering returning the case for trial at the current sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

The man, who cannot be named, has been charged with 11 counts of rape, all against the same female victim, along with one count of making threats to kill or seriously harm the same person.

The rape is alleged to have occurred at multiple locations within Galway, on dates between October of 2019, and October of 2020.

The threats to kill or cause serious harm are also alleged to have occurred at one of these location in October of 2020.

Judge Fahy also informed the accused man that if he wished to use an alibi as a defence in his case, the state must be informed of it in advance.

Free legal aid was awarded for a solicitor, along with both junior and senior counsel.

Oscars 2023: A triumphant day for Irish cinema as nominees revealed!

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January 24, 2023

galway daily news an cailin ciuin irish film in cinemas in may 2022

An Cailín Ciúin has become the first Irish language film to be nominated for an Oscar in the Best International Feature Film category in what has been a day to celebrate for Irish cinema.

The nominations for the 95th Academy Awards were announced in a ceremony this afternoon, where Banshees of Inisherin writer-director Martin McDonagh’s received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

Kerry Condon (Best Supporting Actress), Colin Farrell (Best Actor), Brendan Gleeson and Barry Keoghan (Best Supporting Actor) are all nominated for the first time in their careers for their work on McDonagh’s film.

Paul Mescal was also nominated for Best Actor for his role in Aftersun and will go up against his countryman Colin Farrell, Austin Butler (Elvis), Brendan Fraser (The Whale) and Bill Nighy (Living).

An Cailín Ciúin will compete with films including Argentina 1985 (Argentina) and All Quiet on the Western Front (Germany), with the latter also nominated for Best Picture.

The film is based on Foster by Claire Keegan and is the feature film debut of writer and director Colm Bairéad and producer Cleona Ní Chrualaoi.

Since its premiere in February 2022, the film has impressed critics and scooped awards at a number of film festivals.

It won The Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus International Jury for Best Film at the Berlinale Film Festival and was awarded Best Irish Film by the Dublin Film Critics Circle.

It also won eight Irish Film and Television Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Director and Lead Actress Film.

Minister Harris encourages people to take Civil Legal Aid Scheme survey

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January 24, 2023

Minister for Justice Simon Harris TD is encouraging people in Galway to participate in the consultation on reform of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme.

The government announced a comprehensive, independent review of the Civil Legal Aid Scheme last summer and in December, a public consultation was launched.

The consultation involves filling out a short online survey and the deadline for taking part is Friday 3 February 2023.

Minister Harris said: “The Civil Legal Aid Scheme provides legal aid and advice to people of limited means in civil proceedings, including family law, and is integral to ensuring fair access to justice for all.

“The review is comprehensive in nature, and will assess many aspects of the Scheme currently, in particular how it works to meet the needs of those it is intended to serve.

“A Review Group has been established which will make recommendations for its future, including in relation to eligibility.”

He said that they are particularly keen to hear from people who have previously interacted with the Civil Legal Aid Scheme.

“However, we also welcome submissions from anyone who has a view on how access to justice could be improved for people on low incomes or who may feel marginalised in other ways, for example due to race, ethnicity or gender.”

This is the first time in its more than 40-year history that the Civil Legal Aid Scheme has been subject to a comprehensive review.

The survey can be accessed here. For more information click here.

Record number of children on trolleys in Irish hospitals

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January 24, 2023

galway daily news temple street cildren's hosptial overcrowding trolley

Forty-six children are without beds in Irish hospitals this morning – the highest number ever recorded for paediatric overcrowding.

A total of 517 people are on trolleys today in hospitals across the State, with 41 of those at University Hospital Galway and 22 at Portiuncula Hospital.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation’s general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that today’s level of overcrowding in our paediatric hospitals is ‘very worrying’.

She said that this is not only dangerous for staff and for patients, but that it is simply no way to safely treat sick children who are admitted to hospital.

“It also places a further burden on families who have to experience long waits while accompanying a sick child, potentially overnight,” said Ms Ní Sheaghdha.

“INMO officials are engaging with management across CHI sites to request the prioritisation of emergency admissions.

“Staffing in our children’s hospitals must be a focus for the HSE and Department of Health in the short and long term.”

€3.2m funding for projects across Galway city and county

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January 24, 2023

Galway Daily news rinville coastal walkway

Over €3.24 million has been allocated to Galway as part of funding to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.

The fund will support projects including the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities, as well as the upgrade of community facilities.

€50 million was allocated to local authorities across the country based on the number of new arrivals located there.

Galway County Council was awarded €1.33 million while Galway City Council was allocated just over €1.9 million.

Announcing the fund today, Minister Heather Humphreys said the funding will support projects ranging from sports clubs, playgrounds and walkways, to community groups in areas such as arts, drama and music.

“Communities the length and breadth of the country have really stepped up to the plate in recent weeks, opening their homes and facilities to people very much in need.

“This Fund is recognising the vital role our communities are playing as we continue to deal with many challenges, not least the war in Ukraine.”

The Minister encouraged communities to engage directly with their local authorities in the coming weeks to “ensure that high quality projects can be delivered, benefitting their towns and villages for years to come.”

University of Galway and Mary Robinson Centre to host climate conference

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January 24, 2023

galway daily news climate conference mary robinson

University of Galway and the Mary Robinson Centre will host the first Mary Robinson Climate Conference this summer.

The two-day event will feature presentations, discussions, roundtables, and workshops related to the impacts of climate change and ways to address it.

The call for session proposals is now open and suggestions are invited from a wide spectrum of disciplines.

The event takes place on July 6 and 7 in Ballina, Co. Mayo.

Dr Gordon Bromley, Lecturer in Physical Geography & Climate at University of Galway, said: “Climate change is the greatest socio-economic force of the 21^st Century, creating uncertainty and threatening to undermine basic societal foundations.

“As we stand at this critical juncture – seeking to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to global warming – the time is ripe and the need is clear to chart our awareness into truly new waters and to use our collective knowledge to better plan for the future.”

The conference will bring together voices from all sectors of academia and society to share climate-related research and discuss pathways for a sustainable future in an inclusive multidisciplinary forum.

For more information, please visit the conference website.

Farrell to bring forward new public ethics legislation

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January 24, 2023

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Mairéad Farrell TD will bring forward legislation to reform the public ethics framework in the wake of what her party is calling recent concerns around standards in public office.

The Galway West TD said that the entire ethics framework needs to be ‘rebuilt from the ground up’ but said her bill would allow it to better function while that process takes place.

She said simply allowing the ongoing situation to persist while the government tells us that they are ‘working on it’ is tantamount to saying there will be no accountability in the lifetime of this government.

“In recent months, we have had two ministerial resignations for, among other things, a failure to disclose relevant interests,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“We have had many having to correct the statements of their interests due to a failure to disclose all the required information.

“We have even had complaints referred to SIPO, who are also currently investigating the minister in charge of public ethics and standards.”

Farrell said that it is a bizarre situation where we have an ethics watchdog who cannot initiate its own investigations despite them having requested this power for years.

“There is no penalty for those who fail to disclose their interests, and in recent months we have seen certain ministers seemingly forgetting that they had more properties than you could count on both hands.

“Lastly, the fact that Oireachtas members are not required to disclose their liabilities above a certain threshold, excluding the private home, is a major weakness that has long been identified.”

The Bill, she said, would allow SIPO to initiate investigations on its own, broaden the list of declarable interests, and ‘make it a sanctionable offence’ for someone found to have wilfully and recklessly failed to make the required disclosures.

Ciaran Cannon apologises to band after slating them on Twitter

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January 23, 2023

galway daily news ciaran cannon sprints apology

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has apologised to Dublin band Sprints after he said that he’d heard better music from “slightly embarrassed TY students”.

His comments came after the garage rock band’s performance on the Tommy Tiernan Show on Saturday night – which was otherwise well-received by viewers.

In an apology, Cannon wished Sprints ‘every success’ in their career, adding that he is ‘never going to enjoy their music.’

“My sincere apologies to them for my unkind comment, now removed,” he wrote.

“I’m never going to enjoy their music, something that won’t cause them any concern whatsoever. It was unfair of me to undermine young people doing their thing.”

More must be done to tackle dereliction in Galway says O’Hara

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January 23, 2023

galway daily news louis o'hara sinn féín

More needs to be done to tackle dereliction in Galway as only three properties are listed on the county’s Derelict Sites Register, Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara has said.

He welcomed the recent addition of the former Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna to the register but said that local authorities such as Galway County Council must be adequately resourced so that they can identify more properties and collect all levies owed to them.

“Galway County Council have confirmed to me that the former Shannon Oaks Hotel in Portumna has been added to the derelict sites register for this year,” said O’Hara.

“After so many years lying idle this is welcome news and the owners will now be liable for the Derelict Sites Levy, which is 7% of the market value of the property for each year it remains on the register.”

The Galway East rep for Sinn Féin said that despite this, there are still only 3 properties listed on Galway County Council’s Derelict Sites Register, including the former Shannon Oaks.

“Anyone who lives in Galway knows that this does not reflect the reality on the ground and more must be done to identify properties and penalise owners who fail to maintain them.

“In addition, Galway County Council haven’t been collecting all levies that are owed to them, with the most recent figures for 2021 showing that no levies were collected in the county that year.”

O’Hara said this is deeply concerning when we know that dereliction is a blight on our communities.

He called for the Derelict Sites Levy to be used as a tool by local authorities to raise revenue that can then be utilised to tackle dereliction.

“We have millions of Euro in potential untapped revenue that could transform communities and bring vacant and derelict homes and buildings back into use.”

Floating casinos, what is it?

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Angela Mc Bride

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January 23, 2023

Any casino is, first of all, the impressions of the game, the feeling of excitement, and the joy of winning at high stakes. Most casino players appreciate the opportunity to get a new experience. Of course, the owners themselves know about it. Someone creates crypto casino UK, others build special ones on the water or offer cruise ship guests the to try their luck at slots. What is it – a floating casino and what is its peculiarity?

A casino on the water refers to a gambling establishment that is located on a boat, ship, or other floating structure. These casinos offer a unique gambling experience and can be found on cruise ships, riverboats, and even houseboats. They can vary in size and luxury, from small, intimate gambling halls to large, elaborate casinos with multiple levels and a wide range of games.

Different types of casinos on the water

The most popular casinos on the water include those found on cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale and Carnival’s Casinos at Sea.
Riverboat casinos, such as the Isle of Capri in Missouri and the River City Casino in Louisiana, are also popular.
Some floating casinos can also be found in exotic locations like Goa, India and Japan.

Building a casino on water requires a lot of planning and financial investments. The structure must be designed to withstand the movement of water and must also comply with maritime laws and regulations.

At the same time, the creation of a casino on the water has its own special meaning. For cruise liners, this is since a ship sailing on the water is subject to the laws of the country in which it was registered, so the owners of a gambling establishment avoid high tax rates. However, while the cruise ship is in port, the casinos must be closed. The range of games offered in them may vary depending on the liner’s route. The age limit is also different. For Europe and Australia, it is 18 years, for the United States, it is 21 years, and for Japan, it is 20.

Main reasons to build a casino on the water

Building a casino on the water can be a way to attract a different type of clientele. For example, cruise ships offer a vacation experience that includes gambling, while riverboat casinos can be popular tourist attractions in certain areas.

Another reason to build a casino on the water is that it can provide a unique and exciting gambling experience. Being on the water adds a new dimension to the gambling experience, and it can also offer spectacular views and a sense of luxury.

One of the main differences between land-based casinos and casinos on the water is that the latter are typically smaller and more limited in terms of the games offered.

Land-based casinos are more permanent, while casinos on the water are mobile and can change locations.

The atmosphere of land-based casinos and casinos on the water can also be different, with the latter often offering a more relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere.

Casinos on the water offer a unique gambling experience that combines the thrill of gambling with the luxury and excitement of being on the water. They can be found on cruise ships, riverboats, and even houseboats and are a popular tourist attraction. While smaller and more limited than land-based casinos, they provide a different type of atmosphere and a unique gambling experience.

Ireland’s first Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention carried out at UHG

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January 23, 2023

GALWAY DAILY NEWS heath Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention

A new robotic technology used in stent procedures has been carried out at University Hospital Galway — the first of its kind in Ireland.

The Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention combines the benefits of coronary intervention with the precision of robotics.

It allows cardiologists to move the stent one millimetre at a time.

It also gives the medical team an enhanced, close up view of the angiographic images and information during the entire procedure.

The new technology allows Interventional Cardiologists to use the robot as an extension of their own hand, allowing for robotic precision and details visualization when positioning of guide catheters, guidewires and balloon/stent catheters.

Prof Faisal Sharif, Consultant Cardiologist, who carried out the first procedure in UHG, welcomed the addition of the CorPath Robotic Angioplasy as a game-changer.

“Robotic innovation has come a long way in the last decade. And we in Galway are delighted to have performed the first Robotic Guided Coronary Intervention in Ireland and the UK,” he said.

“The main advantage of robotics is that it is safe and very precise in stent placement. It allows the accurate placement for up to 1 mm at a time.”

The use of robotics in the procedure will also benefit staff, reducing their exposure to radiation.

“Traditionally, the coronary stent placement procedure is performed in the Cardiac Cath Lab resulting in staff exposure to radiation. The second main advantage of using Robotics is the reduction in radiation exposure for the staff,” added Prof Sharif.

“We recently successfully completed the first case and going forward we will be performing these procedures regularly.

“I would like to thank Science Foundation Ireland, University of Galway and University Hospital Galway for their support towards this innovation.”

Appeal lodged against controversial Tuam gaming arcade plans

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January 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Council approves controversial Tuam gaming arcade

Plans for a gaming and amusement arcade in Tuam, which met heavy local opposition, have been appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Galway County Council granted planning permission to Coalquay Leisure Limited to covert a former bookstore on Vicar Street in Tuam.

There were strong objections from local residents and businesses to the plans, with concerns expressed about the late opening hours in an area with many homes.

Other concerns were related to the potential for anti-social behaviour, and that it would offer no ecomic or community benefits to the town.

Floor plans for the application show 51 gaming machines on the ground floor of the premises.

They also include two tables for poker or other card games which will be located near the main entrance.

One objection was a letter signed by 29 people, including Galway East TD Sean Canney.

Two third party appeals against the decision have been lodged with An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision by May 15 of this year.

Over €450,000 funding to help Galway students with cost of living crisis

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January 23, 2023