Independent TD Seán Canney has called on the Department of Transport to introduce a speed limit of 30 km/h for schools in the country.
He said that there are roads past many schools, especially rural national schools outside of towns and villages, where the speed limit is set at 80km/h.
Canney said that while there may be intermittent flashing speed signs, they are not effective and are not working at times.
“In the interest of safety of school children, a national policy of 30kph is required at all schools.
“This will remove the doubt for drivers and help safeguard safety for children, parents, and staff at school premises.”
The Galway East TD said he has been in contact with many school principals and parents, who expressed the view that the existing arrangement is dangerous.
Deputy Canney wrote to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan last week requesting that he introduces a blanket rule to fix speed limits to 30kph at every school.
“The local authorities can then introduce the speed limits as part of their next speed limit review.
“We have already set a national speed limit of 30kph for all residential housing estates, and this has worked and is effective. My motivation is to save lives and ensure that children, parents, and school staff have a safe environment on the public road adjacent to schools.”
A vigil in support of the people of Palestine will take place this Saturday, New Year’s Eve, at 2pm in Galway city.
The vigil at the Spanish Arch is one of ten taking place across Ireland to commemorate the 14th anniversary of the Gaza War, which killed over 1,000 Palestinians.
The annual gathering will also highlight the ongoing occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
2022 has been the deadliest year for Palestinians being murdered by Israeli soldiers or illegal settlers in the West Bank since the UN started recording fatalities in 2005.
Ciaran Tierney, a spokesperson for the organisers, said: “Obviously, the war in Ukraine has been horrific this year. But this annual vigil in Galway is to remind people that the West Bank and East Jerusalem have been illegally occupied for 55 years and that the people of Gaza have been living under an inhumane siege for 15 years.”
Mr Tierney said that children and teenagers have been shot by soldiers who face no punishment for their crimes.
He also highlighted the murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in the Jenin refugee camp in May, which he said showed that soldiers enforcing an illegal occupation carry out illegal executions knowing they won’t be punished for their crimes.
“The horrific attack on Shireen’s funeral in Jerusalem showed the contempt which the Israeli authorities have for the brave reporters who report the truth about the occupation on the ground,” said Mr Tierney.
“Even in death, Shireen was seen as a threat by the occupiers. Shireen, a Christian who was also a US citizen, was a hero to the people of Palestine for her brave reportage for 25 years and the illegal occupiers did not want her funeral to turn into a mass demonstration.”
Galway has been home to Palestinian post-graduate students over the past three to four years and members of a dance group from the Aida refugee camp in the West Bank cried when they visited the ocean for the first time during a trip to Galway and Connemara in September.
They received a standing ovation for a show celebrating Palestinian culture at the Town Hall Theatre during their visit to the city.
“All are welcome to the vigil at the Spanish Arch,” added Ciaran Tierney.
“It’s a chance to meet up, fly a flag, and to show that Irish people have not forgotten the people of Palestine at the end of what has been a horrific year for them.”
The vigil is organised by the Galway Palestine Solidarity Campaign, in association with the University of Galway Palestine Solidarity Society.
Planning permission is being sought for a residential development comprising of 14 apartments and duplexes in Oranmore.
An application has been made to the county council for the construction of two three storey apartment buildings at Millplot, Oranmore, on the Station Road.
The plans by Kenny Developments Contracting Limited are for 4 ground floor, two-bed units; 3 ground floor, one-bed apartments; and 7 three-bed duplex units.
The site currently contains a derelict house and sheds, which would be demolished.
It is also intended to carry out upgrade works to the vehicular entrance to the site, which is shared with a neighbour.
A cover letter for the application also notes that the county council intends to carry out improvements to the existing nearby bus stop, including providing a new footpath in front of this site.
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by February 15 of 2023.
The government is running a public awareness campaign over the holiday period to let to suffering from domestic abuse know that services remain open.
The ‘Still Here’ campaign relaunched on St. Stephen’s Day, to inform and reassure people that supports and services are always available to those at risk or experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Minister for Justice Simon Harris said, “Unfortunately, we know that home is not a safe place for all of us. I want victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence to know that they are not on their own, particularly at this time of year.”
“An Garda Síochána, the Courts Service and other services, including the vital supports provided by our community and voluntary sector, are still here for you over the Christmas period.”
The ‘Still Here’ campaign was developed in April of 2020, during the lockdown of he COVID-19 pandemic, and runs on TV, radio, streaming video and audio services such as Spotify and YouTube, as well as on social media to reach the widest audience possible.
The campaign was developed in collaboration between the Department of Justice, and frontline services working directly with victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.
An Garda Síochána have said that they will prioritise instances of domestic and sexual abuse over the holiday period.
Commissioner Drew Harris said, “An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual and gender based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders.”
“We are focused on a number of operational areas that we believe will enhance how individual Gardaí respond to victims and incidents of domestic abuse”.
This, he said, will “ensure that no matter where a person lives, the service and protection they receive from An Garda Síochána will always be of a consistently high standard. ”
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for an immediate meeting of the Emergency Department Taskforce in response to hospital overcrowding.
The INMO said that a meeting of the taskforce, with the Minister in attendance, should be called after 360 patients, including 19 children, were on trolleys in Irish hospitals two days before Christmas.
INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said, “The ED Taskforce which has representatives with stakeholders outside of HSE management including trade unions, Department of Health officials, senior clinicians and patient advocates should meet immediately.”
She added that Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly should make it his “absolute priority” to attend such a meeting.
On December 23, the last day before Christmas for which figures are available, there were 30 patients on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals.
At UHG there were 20 patients without a bed, 18 in the emergency department and two in the hospital wards.
Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe was also having a bad day, with 10 people waiting on trolleys, more than is typical, which were split half and half between the ED and the wards.
“The members we represent, and their clinical colleagues are very angry where they have been left to try provide care in really unsafe environments.”
“Nurses, doctors, and all patient-facing staff have been placed in an impossible position because of poor planning on behalf of their employer and the Government.”
“Our members and the patients in their care are dealing with the consequences of a minimalistic, hands-off approach.”
A contractor has been appointed to complete the new €30 million Deep-Water Quay for the Ros a Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue announced that a contract has been signed for the project with Ward & Burke Construction Limited.
He said that when completed, the new 200m long quay will “accommodate larger fishing vessels and attract additional landings from both Irish and non-Irish fishing vessels.”
At present Ros an Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre has 325 metres of quayside but is limited in deep water to a maximum of -5.8 metres chart datum and experiences congestion in busy fishing seasons.
The new development will be accessible to large vessels such as Irish Navy vessels, Marine Institute Research Vessels, marine survey vessels and marine leisure craft.
“Our Fishery Harbour Centres are critical infrastructure for the seafood industry and Ros an Mhíl is a clear example of how these facilities stimulate economic activity for the surrounding rural coastal communities with the potential for downstream development and jobs,” Minister McConalogue said.
“This project is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to addressing the impacts of Brexit on the fishing sector and to a strong future for Ireland’s seafood primary producers.”
Work is expected to begin on the project in the coming January, and be completed by September of 2024.
The project will be funded through the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.
One lucky Lotto player in Galway got a surprise Christmas present this week, winning a €50,000 Euromillions raffle prize.
There were ten players each who scooped €50,000 in Friday night’s EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ draw.
The winning ticket in Galway was sold at Desmond Salmon’s Newsagents in Portumna.
Two players in Dublin, two players in Kerry and one player in Limerick, Kilkenny, Galway, Cork, Kildare and Meath all scooped the special raffle prize which was last of twelve draws in the National Lottery’s ’12 Draws of Christmas’ EuroMillions promotion.
This raffle event saw ten players scoop €50,000 each in each EuroMillions draw every Tuesday and Friday between November 15 and December 23.
This means 120 players won a combined total of €6 Million in this special draw.
In the same EuroMillions draw, one Irish player matched five numbers to scoop €17,012. The player from Co.Cork purchased their ticket online or on the National Lottery app.
A National Lottery spokesperson said: “It has been a fantastic weekend for many of our players who got a nice Christmas treat in our EuroMillions and Lotto draws.”
“We are urging all our players to carefully check their tickets to see if they are one of the weekend’s big winners.”
“We are urging our big EuroMillions winners from the weekend to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.”
Meanwhile, in Saturday night’s Lotto Draw three players matched five numbers and the bonus to €22,643 each.
One of the tickets was purchased in Cummins Quick Pick store in the Square, Galbally, Limerick. The winning quick pick ticket was sold on Friday, December 23.
A second winning ticket was purchased in Bergins XL, Derrinturn, Co Kildare. It was also sold on Friday 23. The third winning ticket was purchased online or on the National Lottery App.
There was no winner of Christmas Eve’s Lotto jackpot which was worth €9,834,269, which will now roll over to next Wednesday, where the jackpot prize is set to pass €10 million.
Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a man missing from Co. Roscommon since the morning of Christmas Eve.
William O’Brien, aged 37, was last seen at Castlerea Train Station at approximately 10:45am on Saturday, December 24.
William is described as being approximately 6 foot 2 inches in height with a broad build, black hair and blue eyes.
When last seen, William was wearing blue jeans, a maroon jumper and a cream jacket.
Gardaí and William’s family are concerned for the welfare of the missing man.
Anyone with any information on William’s whereabouts are asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Almost 600 people were caught speeding during the National Slow Down Day traffic operation which took place this week.
From 7am on on December 23, to the same time on Christmas Eve, GoSafe checked the speed of 225,685 vehicles across Ireland.
Of those vehicles, 592 were caught driving in excess of the speed limit.
In Galway some of the offenders highlighted by Gardaí include a driver caught doing 140km/h in a 120km/h zone on the M18 at Pollataggle, Gort.
Also noted were a driver doing 76km/h in a 50km/h zone on the N6 at Ballinfoyle, and another caught doing 67km/h in a 50km/h zone on Church Street in Ballinasloe.
Assistant Commissioner, Roads Policing & Community Engagement Paula Hilman said, “We know from our enforcement activity that motorists continue to recklessly drive at speeds significantly above the posted speed limits.”
“This not only poses a serious risk to themselves and their passengers but to all the road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians and cyclists.”
More than 150 people have been killed on Irish roads this year, over 30 more than in the same period last year.
There have also been almost 1,200 crashes resulting in injuries, many of them of life-altering seriousness.
Sam Waide, CEO of Road Safety Authority said, “The roads are going to be very busy over the coming days with people travelling for Christmas and the New Year. Busy roads mean it may take to take longer to arrive at your destination.”
“My advice is to plan ahead, leave earlier if making a long journey, take frequent breaks to avoid driver tiredness and to slow down.”
“Remember the time savings you gain from speeding are miniscule so don’t put yourself or others at risk.”
Between December 24 – 31 of last year, nine people were killed on the roads in Ireland, and a further 30 suffered serious injuries.
“Let’s ensure that no more families are left grieving. Together we can make sure that all road users arrive home safe this Christmas,” Sam Waide added.
In Galway, a young man in his 20s lost his life in a single vehicle crash in the very early hours of Christmas Eve near Tuam.
Cyril Cusack in Galileo, released 1969. Credit: Fenice Cinematographica-Rizzoli-Kinozenta / Album
This Christmas and New Year’s TG4 will showcase the best of the holiday season with something for everyone from documentaries, music, sport and film.
On Christmas Day, a new documentary Cyril Cusack: Lár an Stáitse about one of Ireland’s greatest actors. Cyril Cusack’s long career began in the early days of Irish silent cinema and saw him conquer stage, screen and television.
He was an actor, poet, playwright and Irish language speaker. Featuring rare family photos, exclusive interviews with his six children and the greatest moments from his long career, this documentary is the definitive portrait of one of our finest actors.
Dessie: Glór na Bó Finne celebrating the life, times and music of renowned Irish singer Dessie O’Halloran will also air on Christmas Day.
Following his collaborator and cousin John Halloran from Inisbofin to London, back to Ireland and then to the big stages, this programme celebrates Dessie’s life.
A feature length documentary about poet Paul Muldoon Paul Muldoon Laoithe ‘s Liricí explored by many of the musicians he has worked with iincluding Paul Simon, Liam Neeson, PJ Harvey, Bono, Ruth Negga, Paul Brady, and Iarla Ó Lionáird airs on December 28.
His work from being a young radio producer in Belfast to Professor of Poetry in Princeton University, New Jersey is reflected in the range of friends and acquaintances who participate in the telling of Muldoon’s life and his playful and allusive poetry.
Percy French best known as a writer of humorous songs, as well as being a legendary entertainer, a talented author, poet, banjo player and an accomplished landscape painter who travelled the world performing will be the focus of Percy French: Siúlach Scéalachon New Year’s Day.
A new documentary Willie Clancy: 50 Bliain den Cheol celebrating the life and times of Willie Clancy, as well as 50 years of the renowned annual Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare will air on December 30.
A profile of much-loved Dublin footballer Anton O’Toole or ‘Blue Panther’ Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA will air on December 29. Anton O’Toole was pivotal to the Dubs iconic team that sparked off a Gaelic football revolution.
Dáithí Ó Sé and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin will ring in the New Year in Fáilte 2023 from The Mills Inn in Baile Bhúirne Co. Cork.
Dáithí and Doireann get the party going with John Spillane, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Cór Chúil Aodh and The Raw Bar Collective on centre stage.
A Cine4 film Foscadh will have its tv premiere on January 2. Starring Starring Dónall Ó Héalaí, Fionnuala Flaherty, Cillian Ó Gairbhí and Macdara Ó Flatharta.
Directed by Seán Breathnach. Foscadh is set in the wild mountains of Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of naïve recluse John Cunliffe who is suddenly propelled into manhood at the ripe old age of 28.
Foscadh on TG4
When his over-protective parents pass away, friendless John inherits mountain land that is in the way of a lucrative wind-farm development, and he is forced to navigate the choppy waters of romance, trust and vengeance for the first time.
The United Rugby Championship continues on Rugbaí Beo over Christmas. On St. Stephen’s Day, Munster and Leinster go head to head live from Thomand Park, and on New Year’s Day, Ulster host Munster in the Kingspan Stadium.
For children this Christmas, there will be Irish language versions of Abominable on Christmas Day, Hotel Transylvania on St. Stephen’s Day and Smurfs: The Lost Village on January 2.
A young man was killed in a car crash near Tuam which occurred in the early hours of the morning on Saturday.
Gardaí are currently at the scene of a single car crash which occurred on the R347 near Ballyglunin, Tuam at approximately 2:50am on Saturday morning.
The driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was killed in the collision.
The young man was pronounced dead at the scene. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported.
The man’s body was removed to University Hospital Galway, where a postmortem will take place at a later date.
The scene is currently preserved pending an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators.
The R347 between Annagh Hill and Palm Tree junction is currently closed with local diversions in place.
Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this crash to come forward.
They are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2:30am and 3:00am to make this footage available to Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 708 40, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Plans have been submitted to the city council for a massive residential and commercial development, containing hundreds of apartments, in Rahoon.
Glenveagh Living Ltd have made a planning application for 227 apartments, spread across seven apartment blocks, at Gort na Bró, Rahoon.
The development will also include 1,009.5m² of commercial space at the ground floor level of the blocks.
The plans by Glenveagh also include the construction of a community facility and a childcare facility with an external play area.
The development will be feature a total of 230 car parking spaces, divided between 49 surface spaces, and 181 in an underground car park.
Bicycle parking for the complex will comprise 114 short stay and 436 long stay spaces.
Other works involved in the project would involve the realignment of the road between Gort na Bró and Gateway Retail Park, as well as the provision of private and communal open spaces.
The planning application, which was submitted on December 21, is currently at the pre-validation stage with the city council.
A decision on this application is currently due from the city council by February 23 of next year.
The Peter McVerry Trust housing and homeless charity has officially opened their new Western Regional Office in Tuam this week.
The office, which the charity said will allow it to ramp up delivery of services and housing in the west, was opened by Galway TD and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte.
Peter McVerry Trust began delivery of social housing in Galway in 2020 and has since expanded to Mayo and Roscommon.
This year the charity started to deliver dedicated employment support, Activation First, for its tenants in the west of Ireland.
The charity also delivers homeless services in the region, and opened its first family hub service in Galway in partnership with Galway City Council. The service has supported 21 families impacted by homelessness in 2022.
Pat Doyle, CEO of Peter McVerry Trust, said that they are focused on finding “practical and sustainable solutions” to the homelessness crisis affecting the west, and elsewhere.
“We supported 176 people across our services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon this year. That’s 176 unique individuals experiencing homelessness who needed our support.”
“The opening of our Western Regional Office here in Tuam will allow us to continue to expand this much needed support.”
“We’ve been working in closely with the local authorities here over the last couple of years, and along with the support of our donors, this partnership has allowed us to grow the number of homes we provide in the region and support more local people out of homelessness.”
So far this year, the Peter McVerry Trust has supported 176 people across its western services, and the opening of the new office will allow the charity to ramp up its delivery of these services and expand its delivery of housing for the region.
Gardai in Galway seized €70,000 worth of drugs, and arrested one man, following a raid in Galway City on Thursday night.
At approximately 9:30pm on Thursdsy night, Gardai from the Galway Divisional Drug Unit assisted by other units, searched a home in the Newcastle area of the city.
During the course of this operation suspected Cocaine with an estimated street value of €70,000 was seized.
A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene, sbd detained at Galway Garda Station.
He has since been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The seized drugs have been sent for forensic analysis.
Galway United has announced that Mikie Rowe has re-signed with the club to return for the 2023 season, after a strong start last season.
Rowe made 25 appearances for United this year, contributing five goals and two assists to the club’s scorecard.
Three of those goals came during the play-offs against Longford, where United had a very strong showing in their three games.
Speaking with the club’s media team, he said of his decision, “A big part of my decision in coming back was that I could see the club going places, with a big part of that being the fan base.”
“They were exceptional all year, home and away. The fact we got close to two thousand for a game in Limerick in the playoffs was incredible.”
“That’s a big boast for the players and gives us massive hope that the club is going places, so it’s great to still be a part of that.”
The Wexford native began his career with the then Waterford United. He spent two seasons at the RSC before departing for America to play college football with Young Harris College in Georgia.
He was named the United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division II Men’s National Player of the Year for the 2018 season, where he averaged better than a goal a game.
With an additional spell at Tormenta FC for two seasons, Rowe spent five and a half years in total across the Atlantic, before returning to Ireland and signing on with the Tribesmen.
During his time in the States, Mikie Rowe picked up great experience in a versatile attacking role, serving a winger, attacking midfielder, and striker.
Further updates on the Galway United squad for 2023 are expected in the days and weeks ahead.
Two innovative Galway based science project have been awarded €7.4 million in government funding for developing innovative technologies.
The funding is being provided under the latest tranche of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund announced by Leo Varadkar.
The Galway medtech company Venari Medical, formerly known as Invera Medical, is leading project aimed at developing a new way of treating venous disease, and the leg ulcers it causes.
This project has been awarded €4.6 million, and also involves Galway based Innovative Catheter Solutions Ltd, University of Galway, and ATU Galway.
The second project, led by Glasport Bio, has been awarded €2.8 million, and is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of livestock.
This project also involves Devenish RD&I Ltd, University of Galway, and University College Cork.
“Innovation opens the door to future growth, future prosperity and future jobs,” said Leo Varadkar, announcing the funding.
“I am glad that we are in a position to fund a further three disruptive innovation projects under Call 4 of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.”
Three projects in total were awarded €13.3 million under the latest tranche of the DTIF, with the third, based in Dublin and Louth, being aimed at the treatment of leaking heart valves.
“The latest projects being funded involve collaboration on exciting projects in the MedTech and Climate Action sectors,” Leo Varadkar said.
“These projects have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for people with heart valve problems or leg ulcers, and to reduce the carbon footprint of livestock.”
Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, which administers the DTIF, said, “Despite the huge challenges presented in recent years, Irish companies have remained agile, and have contributed to Ireland becoming a global hub for technology and innovation.”
“The recipients of these awards, who are working on disruptive projects with the ability to potentially improve healthcare outcomes and to have an impact on sustainability, exemplify that innovation and resilience.”
“These awards will support these companies to continue to be ambitious and will support further collaboration.”
A man in his 50s was killed in a single vehicle crash in Roscommon on Thursday morning.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the N60 in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon this morning.
The crash occurred at approximately 8:40am in the townland of Harristown, outside Castlerea.
The driver of the car, a male aged in his 50s, was pronounced dead a short time later.
The body of the man was removed from the scene to University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem will take place.
The road was closed to allow for a technical examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators which has since concluded. The road has since reopened.
Gardaí are appealing for any potential witnesses to this crash to come forward.
Any road users who were travelling on the N60 between 8.15am and 8.45am this morning and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Galway’s finest links golf courses were laid for Hollywood legend Bill Murray in a new documentary releasing this week.
The Links Life: Murray Edition features Bill Murray and his family traveling around some of Ireland’s top golf courses, led by New York Times best-selling author Tom Coyne
Tom Coyne took his group to some of the most scenic course’s that Ireland has to offer, including Carne in Mayo, Connemara, Donegal, Enniscrone in Sligo and of course Galway Bay Golf Resort which was in sensational condition as always but was blessed with glorious sunshine for the round.
Photo Martina Regan.
Bill was presented with a signed Connacht Rugby jersery and a personalized bottle of whiskey to commemorate his visit to Galway Bay Galway Resort.
The former Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day star was a huge fan of Galway and was seen enjoying many of its dining establishments and bars during his stay in the Connacht Hotel.
Damien Coleman Golf Course Supervisor at Galway Bay said, “It was a tremendous honour for all involved at the course to be visited by such passionate golfers, to see them enjoy the round so much gave everyone in the club so much pride and satisfaction.”
“Hope this film will be a great advertisement for tourism in the West of Ireland, as it it broadcast in the States over the festive period just in time for planning next years golf outings.”
Bill and his family took their tour of the Wild Atlantic Way back in August 2021, and the results are coming to our screens this week.
The Links Life is releasing this week on Amazon Prime Video, as well as Tom Coyne’s YouTube channel.
Connacht Rugby are welcoming a number of international players back into the fold for their Christmas interpro against Ulster.
Connacht will face Ulster at the Sportsground on Friday in the URC, hot off a bonus point win in France in the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The squad has been almost completely changed from the side that defeated Brive last week, with just Shane Delahunt, Oisín Dowling and Bundee Aki remaining in the starting lineup.
Director of Rugby Andy Friend said, “We all realise the importance of tomorrow’s game in our aims for a top 8 finish this season.”
“We’ve a number of players returning to us after a break, and have also included a few players in the 23 who impressed in the Challenge Cup, so there’s a good mix in our matchday squad.”
Captain Jack Carty, Finlay Bealham, Cian Prendergast, Conor Oliver and John Porch all return after being rested for the two weeks of Challenge Cup rugby, while Mack Hansen has recovered from injury to also start.
Denis Buckley completes the front row with Delahunt and Bealham, while locks Josh Murphy and Niall Murray are paired together. Dowling retains his place at blindside flanker, with Oliver on the opposite side for his 50th appearance and Prendergast at number 8.
Caolin Blade is chosen at scrum-half while Tom Farrell partners Aki in the centre. With Hansen and Porch on the wings, Tiernan O’Halloran is named at full-back.
Andy Friend said that games against Ulster are always intense, with victory dependent on being able to “front up for the full 80 minutes” of the match.
“With a large crowd behind us and everyone in the Christmas spirit it’s sure to be a great occasion”.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS ULSTER RUGBY
Friday 23rd December, 19:35 @ The Sportsground
