Free parking in multiple Galway towns for the month of December

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December 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Six people hospitalised after crash in Connemara — SAMSUNG

Gardaí in Galway took part in two days of operations by Garda divisions across the country aimed at protecting those in the sex trade this month.

On Thursday and Friday, November 24 – 25, the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), with the support of local units, carried out actions in 16 Garda divisions.

The intelligence led operations took place in Galway, Waterford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Dublin, Kildare, Donegal, Cavan and Louth.

Gardaí say that during this two day operation:

• 46 people were identified as having allegedly purchased sexual services from an individual involved in prostitution

• 65 safeguarding visits were carried out with a view to eliminating the possibility of sexual exploitation

• 112 individual sex workers were offered welfare advice and encouraged to avail of expert services

• 5 search warrants were executed in relation to the organisation of prostitution

• €3,000 euro and $500 was seized from a male in the South Eastern Region who is suspected of being involved in organised prostitution.

A number of files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions as a result of these operations.

Since the introduction of Part 4 of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, the sale of sexual services is legal and the purchase of sex is illegal.

Det. Chief Supt., Colm Noonan of the GNPSB said, “This ongoing work is all in an effort to strengthen our link with those involved in the sex trade in order to increase trust and raise greater awareness of the services that are available to them.”

“The Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit within our bureau regularly carry out safeguarding checks of people who are involved in the sex trade.”

“This is especially important so that Gardaí can identify anyone who may be vulnerable or who is being sexually exploited or trafficked. Our unit is also cognisant of those who are working independently in the sex trade.”

“Any person involved in the sex trade can be assured that An Garda Síochána is here to listen, and will treat any report of a crime against them very seriously and sensitively – whether it is assault, theft or criminality of other kind. ”

As part of its support for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence, An Garda Síochána has also launched a text message campaign which is aimed at offering confidential support to those working in the sex trade.

An Garda Síochána have two dedicated phone numbers for those in the sex trade in Ireland to contact to report a crime, seek advice or assurance as necessary.

Over 400 messages have already been issued to sex workers this week, and this initiative will continue in the coming days. The text message, which includes the details of available services, is sent in English, Romanian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Toft car park closing for maintenance works

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December 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Toft car park closing for maintenance works

Toft car park will be closed for just over a day from this afternoon to allow maintenance work to take place.

The City Council has said that the car park in Salthill is being closed from Thursday afternoon to Friday evening.

The period of the closure is from 4pm on Thursday, until 5pm on Friday evening.

The council apologised for any inconvenience caused by this closure.

Over 1,000 patients on trolleys in Galway during record breaking November

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December 1, 2022

There were more than 1,000 patients on trolleys in Galway’s hospitals last month, in the worst November the country has seen for hospital overcrowding.

Portiuncula Hospital had its worst November on record by a wide margin, with 298 people having to wait on trolleys.

This is almost 50 percent higher than last year, when there were 208 in November, and almost triple the number in the same period ten years ago.

Monthly figures from the INMO show that UHG was the fifth most overcrowded hospital in the country last month, with 703 people on trolleys.

This is the second worst November on record for University Hospital Galway, with 2019 being the only year worse.

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha said “We have seen yet another chaotic month in Irish hospitals, we have only had two days this month where there has been less than 500 people admitted to hospital without an inpatient bed.”

Nationwide there were 12,624 patients without beds in Irish hospitals last month, the worst level of hospital overcrowding ever seen in a November.

The worst the worst affected hospitals were UH Limerick (1,596), Cork UH (1,334), Letterkenny UH (1,108), Sligo (783), and UHG (708).

Phil Ní Sheaghdha also hammered home that there is a crisis in the treatment of children in Ireland’s hospital, with severe staffing shortages making things worse.

“For the first time we have had over 563 children admitted without a bed in our hospitals. This cannot continue.”

“The children’s hospitals are experiencing severe staffing shortages with up to 45% staffing deficits in some sites, and long-standing vacancies in nurse manager roles.”

“This is reflected in very high numbers of children waiting on trolleys across the CHI sites, accompanied by relatives in very cramped and overcrowded spaces.”

She said that it is now commonplace for there to be up to 40 sick children in hospital, with no bed available for them, on any given day.

“This is not only dangerous for staff and for patients 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.”

Recruitment and retention needs to be addressed at those hospitals as a matter of urgency, the INMO says, as well as the overcrowding crisis on the west coast, in order to maintain safe care this winter.

Government to help fund building student accommodation in Galway

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December 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Government to help fund building student accommodation in Galway

The government has approved plans to deliver hundreds of student accommodation beds in Galway, by committing state funding to construction.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris announced the plans this week for the state to provide financial support for the construction of student accommodation.

This policy will prioritise developments where planning permission already exists, but work has not proceeded due to increasing construction costs.

The plans are expected to deliver up to 667 beds across University of Galway, University of Limerick, and Maynooth University in the short term.

Financial support for construction will be in return for developers committing to affordability on rent.

The government has also given the go ahead to begin preparing Technological Universities to build student accommodation.

“In order for our TUs to thrive and to ensure we have balanced regional development, we need to have more accommodation in our regions.”

“Our TUs are ready for the challenge and this funding will start them on their path,” Minister Simon Harris said.

“As we progress this policy, we will ensure students in our target groups, the students who need the most assistance, are at the heart of the plans.”

Kenny faces selection dilemma, but Ireland’s number one jersey in safe hands

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Thomas O'Brien

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December 1, 2022

Ireland boss Stephen Kenny Ireland may have a dearth of talent in which to pick ten outfield players. But at least that’s not the case when it comes to selecting his goalkeeper.

Between Gavin Bazunu, Caoimhin Kelleher and Mark Travers, Kenny has an embarrassment of riches between the sticks. At 20, 24 and 23 years young respectively, Ireland’s goalkeeper’s jersey is in safe hands for a number of years.

Who goes on to become the outright number one is still a debate, however.

Heading into the Euro 2024 qualification campaign where few bookie free bet offers will be placed on Ireland making it to the finals, Kenny could have a selection dilemma on his hands.

Right now, Bazunu is in pole position. The 20-year-old Dubliner is reaping the rewards of choosing to leave Manchester City in search of regular action, playing every minute in the Premier League for Southampton so far this season.

Despite his tender age, Bazunu has been trusted ahead of the more experienced Alex McCarthy and largely impressed with several outstanding individual performances, albeit in a team that has conceded the third most goals, sit second bottom and ranks among the contenders to be relegated according to Irish football betting sites.

It’s a position that has cost Ralph Hasenhüttl his job of course, with the Austrian replaced by ex-Luton boss Nathan Jones before the World Cup.

Bazunu will hope the upheaval which ultimately comes with a managerial change doesn’t result in him losing his place once domestic matters resume and his international boss will be eagerly awaiting to see what transpires too.

Bazunu isn’t the only Irish Premier League goalkeeper right now though. Along the South coast of England at Bournemouth, Mark Travers is getting plenty of game time too.

Travers has had an up-and-down time at the Vitality Stadium so far it’s fair to say.

Having begun the season under the then manager Scott Parker, the 23-year-old was the unfortunate soul to be in goal for Liverpool’s 9-0 demolition of the Cherries – a result which led to the departure of Parker and Travers losing his place.

But he did at least start Bournemouth’s four games before the season paused for the World Cup replacing club number one, Neto who was ruled out until the end of the year.

It’s a spell that earned him praise from Gary O’Neill – now confirmed as permanent Bournemouth manager – and allowed him to regain his confidence.

Like Bazunu, Travers will be hoping to retain his place when the Premier League gets back underway on Boxing Day.

Clearly, getting a regular role in the Liverpool side is unlikely for their Irish teammate Caoimhin Kelleher. Displacing Alisson at Liverpool represents another challenge entirely.

For now, at least, the Reds number two is limited to cup games with his penalty-saving heroics enough for him to gain recognition and earn praise thus far.

Whether or not the odd game here and there will be enough to satisfy his ambitions long-term – and compete with Bazunu and Travers – is another thing though.

At some stage in his career, the Cork man will want to be getting first-team action on a more regular basis, a point not lost on Republic boss, Stephen Kenny.

A talented goalkeeper he may be, Kenny is right to point out the need for Kelleher to go out and prove it by getting games under his belt, just as Bazunu and Travers have done. And at 24 that time is not far away.

Regardless of Kelleher’s next step and whether Bazunu and Travers retain their respective places, they’ve all proven their worth at different times.

And while Stephen Kenny may have a job on his hands in choosing the one to hang his hat on, there’s no doubt the Irish goalkeeping position is in safe hands for some time to come.

Gardaí renew appeal for information on murder of Galway taxi driver

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December 1, 2022

Galway Daily news Gardaí renew appeal for information on murder of Galway taxi driver

Gardaí are making a renewed appeal to the public for information related to the murder of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy, a well-known taxi driver in Galway City who was killed 25 years ago.

Eileen, originally from Corofin, was 47 at the time of her death, when she was murdered on November 30, 1997.

Driving a Silver Toyota Carina, with the registration number 97G6663, Eileen was killed sometime on the night of November 30, before her body was found the following morning.

Eileen commenced work at 8am on November 30, and worked throughout the day. At 8pm Eileen informed her taxi base that she was taking a fare to Claregalway.

Approximately 20 minutes later the taxi base attempted to contact Eileen but received no answer.

At 9pm Eileen was due to meet the owner of the Taxi in Galway to handover the car and keys however she failed to meet as agreed. The last known contact with Eileen was at 8pm.

At this stage Eileen’s colleagues grew concerned for her whereabouts and searched the city for her taxi.

Just before midnight Eileen’s taxi was discovered at Lydon house bakery on the Tuam Road in Galway where it became apparent that Eileen may have been injured. A search of the area commenced.

Her body was found the following morning at Tinkers Lane, Knockdoemore just off the N17, after she had been assaulted and murdered.

Detective Superintendent Shane Cummins said, “25 years on, An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this case. The investigation into the murder of Eileen Costello O’Shaughnessy continues to be a live investigation.”

“We are conscious that we now live in a very different era to 1997 and now with that passage of time, people may feel more comfortable sharing information with us.”

An Garda Síochána are again appealing to anyone who may be in a position to assist with progressing the following leads in the murder investigation:

• At approximately 8.30pm on the N17 close to Tinkers Lane a woman with blonder hair was seen walking in the direction of Galway against oncoming traffic. She was at the hard shoulder and appeared in a distracted state. This woman has never been identified.

• At 8.45pm a motorist observed Eileen’s taxi a silver Toyota Carina registration number 97G6663 driving erratically on the N17 towards Galway city. As the cars approached Leaders shop the motorist overtook the taxi and saw a man with a beard driving it. The taxi turned left in Lydon house bakery. This man has never been identified.

• At approximately 9pm a man was seen jumping down from a wall close to Lydon house bakery and walking in the direction of Galway. He was wearing a green jacket and carrying a small canvass bag. This man has never been identified

• Finally a small red car was seen at 2am at Tinkers lane where Eileen’s body was found. The car had reversed up the laneway and had the parking lights on. The occupants of this car have never been identified.

“Anyone with information is encouraged to contact An Garda Síochána in Oranmore on 091-388030 or alternatively you can contact your local Garda station,” Detective Superintendent Cummins said.

East Galway to benefit from €169m EU fund

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November 30, 2022

Galway Daily news State more focused on defending litigation then protecting children Naughten says

East Galway and a number of counties in the midlands will benefit from almost €169 million in funding under the EU’s Just Transition Fund.

The funding was allocated to East Galway, Kildare, Laois, Longford, north Tipperary, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath to support the region as Ireland moves away from fossil fuels.

The money will be used to generate new green jobs, stimulate enterprise, increase sustainable tourism, restore damaged peatlands and alleviate the economic impacts of the transition to climate neutrality.

Local TD Denis Naughten welcomed the funding but warned that it is “vital that this funding delivers long term sustainable jobs across the region to replace the jobs lost in both the ESB and Bord na Mona.”

“The closure of the two power stations in Lanesboro and Shannonbridge have had a huge impact on the local economy not just in terms of immediate job losses, but also in terms of the impact that this spending had on the sustainability of many other businesses and communities,” he said.

“That is why it is imperative that this funding is targeted at projects that can deliver long term sustainable employment not just for the existing employees but for their children and the generations to come if we are to ensure that whole communities are not abandoned forever as a result of the closure of the two power stations.”

Father Ted star to headline Róisín Dubh’s Thursday night comedy club!

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November 30, 2022

The laughs keep coming at Róisín Dubh’s Thursday night comedy club with Irish comics Patrick McDonnell and Padraig Williams set to take to the stage at the famous venue for this week’s show, hosted by Adam Burke.

The first 25 tickets are just €8 from roisindubh.net, and those who are too late will pay €10.

It will be €10 at the door on the night, but pre-booking is advised as shows are frequently sold out.

Patrick McDonnell

Best known for his role as Eoin McLove on Father Ted, Pat has also delighted Irish viewers on Moone Boy, Stew, Naked Camera and the Savage Eye.

More than that, Pat is one of Ireland’s most accomplished and respected comedians.

He’s been touring comedy clubs at home and abroad for years earning international acclaim for ripping rooms apart wherever he goes.

A favourite at Róisín Dubh, Patrick’s vacant stare and guileless manner will have you laughing before he opens his mouth.

“…an impressive and persuasively tub-thumping performance” – Chortle

With support from Padraig Williams

Padraig has been working hard on the Dublin comedy scene so someday people will say “Oh yeah I think I’ve heard of him.”

“A true storyteller, Williams paints a completely relatable picture. Brilliantly satirical in parts and deep, biting and sarcastic in others. Williams has no problem working the room” – **** Bunbury Magazine

Hosted by Adam Burke

Fresh from his solo show at Galway Comedy Festival in October, Adam returns to Galway having been at the heart of the comedy scene in Ireland for over 15 years.

He is the mastermind behind the Bray Comedy Festival, he regularly hosts the massively successful Bingo Loco and is the man behind the Hardy Har Comedy Club at Bray’s Harbour Bar for 14 years.

Ronan Scully to receive Oireachtas Human Dignity Award

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news ronan scully — Ronan on his way from Ennistymon to Liscannor Co Clare. Photo:Andrew Downes, Xposure

Self Help Africa’s Ronan Scully will receive the 6th Oireachtas Human Dignity Award at a ceremony in Leinster House tomorrow, Thursday.

The award is presented by the Oireachtas Human Dignity Group to a person or group whose commitment to the promotion of human dignity is exemplary.

Ronan Scully, who was previously named Galway Person of The Year and received the Galway Mayoral Award, is now being honoured for his many years of service to others, both as a volunteer and professionally.

Since 2010, Ronan has worked with Self Help Africa, and was a volunteer and employee with GOAL for 18 years.

He has raised millions of euro over the years for various charities committed to human development and famine relief in Africa and Asia.

Ronan, originally from Offaly, works regularly with projects in Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi and India.

An Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD said that in honouring Ronan, they are honouring a great tradition of Irish people working to alleviate human suffering across the planet.

Independent senator Rónán Mullen, who proposed Mr Scully for the Award, described him as “a person of energy, enthusiasm, faith and hope, dedicated to improving people’s lives in the toughest parts of the world.”

“Ronan Scully is also known for his sporting and cultural contribution,” said Senator Mullen.

“He has been Offaly Sportsperson of the Year, was a leader on RTÉ’s Operation Transformation, has authored two books and writes a weekly column for three regional newspapers.

“In all he does, he motivates and helps others to improve their situation by pointing to what is important in life and helping them to reach for that, as he does himself. In that sense Ronan is a ‘renaissance man’.”

The award will be presented by the Ceann Comhairle at a ceremony in Leinster House to be attended by members of Ronan Scully’s family, representatives of Self Help Africa, TDs and senators.

Previous recipients of the Human Dignity Award were Sr Consilio Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire; Barney Curley, founder of Direct Aid For Africa; Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder of Mary’s Meals; Gina Heraty of Our Little Brothers and Sisters Orphanage in Haiti, and Br Kevin Crowley of the Capuchin Day Centre.

Nine Galway city cafés selling discounted €2 coffees this Friday

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news city café's giving away €2 coffee's on Friday

Nine cafés in Galway City are celebrating this Green Friday by offering their customers discounted €2 coffees all day.

The coffees will be sold in reusable 2GoCups at the nine cafés this Friday, 2 December.

The local businesses participating in Galway City Council’s reusable cup trial are Anton’s Café, Fr Griffin Road; C’est la Vie, Terryland; the Creamery, Salthill; Greens & Co, Henry Street; Mocha Beans, Salthill, Cross Street and Newcastle Road; Roscoes, Eglington Street; and Rouge, Dominic Street.

Speaking about the initiative, Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council explained: “We have just had Black Friday which is a welcome boost to the local retailers but inadvertently leads to an increase in packaging waste.

“Green Friday is a novel way for us to do something good for the environment. A €2 coffee in a 2GoCup will save you money and reduce the 22,000 coffee cups disposed of each hour in Ireland.

“Simply ‘borrow’ a fresh reusable cup for €1 from any of the participating cafés, and you can return it at any time to get your money back.”

UHG surgeon speaks out as pressure mounts for a new cancer centre in West

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news surgeon at uhg calls for cancer centre in the region — Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Alan Hussey, Plastic Surgeon in University Hospital Galway, has spoken about the urgent need for a new fit-for-purpose cancer centre in the West of Ireland.

Mr Hussey was diagnosed with cancer in June 2019 and he is now experiencing first-hand what it is like to be a patient receiving cancer care in the West.

He went from performing reconstructive plastic surgery on patients to undergoing two surgeries himself.

Mr Hussey’s experience as a doctor, and as a patient, has led him to row in behind a call for greater urgency in building a new fit-for-purpose cancer centre at UHG to replace severely outdated facilities which are struggling to cope with patient demand.

The surgeon said that the day ward, where patients receive treatment, is constantly crowded and at times there are not enough lounger chairs to cope with the numbers coming through and some have to be looked after in outpatient cubicles.

He said that there is great expertise at the hospital and the nursing staff are wonderful and doing everything they can, but the facilities are dated and not equipped to cope with the growing numbers of patients who need care.

Due to its largely older population and how highly dispersed the region is, the areas of the country with the highest incidence of cancer are the west and the north-west.

Although there has been an improvement nationally in survival rates for cancer, this region still has the lowest survival rates for those with breast and lung cancer.

Prof Michael Kerin, Director Saolta-NUI Galway Cancer Network, said that this cancer centre is “drastically needed to ensure that all cancer patients in the west and north-west of Ireland will be able to avail of timely diagnoses and the treatment and care they need.”

Last week, neatly 200 people attended an event in the Salthill Hotel in support of the proposed Cancer Centre in UHG and to raise more awareness of its necessity.

Galway senator praises royal tribute to disbanded Irish regiments in British Army

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news windsor castle irish regiment colours — Disbanded Irish Regiments' Colours on display at Windsor Castle in England. Photo by Allan Hillery from D Ball collection

Galway senator Gerard Craughwell has praised a commemorative service in England to mark the centenary of the handing over the Colours of the six Irish regiments of the British Army which were disbanded in 1922.

Senator Craughwell, the Irish Ambassador, senior service personnel, and representatives of all the regiments currently serving in the British Army with Irish connections attended the ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.

The late Queen Elizabeth II expressed her wish that such an event should take place while she was at Balmoral Castle in Scotland earlier this year.

That wish was endorsed by the new king, with senior military authorities recognising the importance of this centenary year.

The commemoration service, presided over by Father Pip Smith, took place at Windsor Castle where the colours of the Irish regiments are exhibited.

The governor and constable of Windsor Castle held a reception in his private quarters, attended by representatives of the Regimental Associations of the six regiments.

Local senator Gerard P Craughwell, President of the Connaught Rangers’ Association and former member of both the Irish Defence Forces and British Army, said: “We are grateful to the military authorities in London for making this centenary happen especially in such a significant year, and I acknowledge the impetus from those well-placed generals with Irish connections.

“It is important to recognise the extraordinary contribution, service and huge sacrifice of the men, and families, of these fine Irish Regiments, especially in the Great War 1914-18.

“No less than 15 Victoria Crosses, the highest award for valour in the British Army, were won by these Irish Regiments since their formation in 1881.”

At the reception, a presentational box containing commemorative coins of the six disbanded Irish regiments, especially designed and produced by Sean Collopy of Limerick, will be handed over for safekeeping in the castle.

The 80^th and 90^th anniversaries of the handing over the Colours in 1922 had previously been held at Windsor Castle, both hosted by Prince Andrew.

Pan Pan Theatre Company archive launched at University of Galway

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news pan pan archive launch at university of galway — (Left to right) Dr Barry Houlihan, Aedín Cosgrove, Willie White of Dublin Theatre Fesitval, Gavin Quinn, Pan Pan Theatre and Aafke van Pelt at the launch of the Pan Pan Theatre archive at University of Galway.

The archive of the award-winning Pan Pan Theatre Company has been donated to the University of Galway Library Archives.

Established in 1993 by Gavin Quinn and Aedín Cosgrove, Pan Pan Theatre Company have established international recognition as one of Ireland’s premiere theatre companies, touring throughout Ireland, Europe, the United States and from China to New Zealand.

The archive is fully catalogued and available to researchers at University of Galway Library.

A new digital online exhibition will share the Pan Pan archive with a global audience here.

The Pan Pan archive consists of annotated scripts, production notebooks, photographs, designs, programmes, posters, and a vast collection of digital show recordings, spanning more than 50 boxes of materials from the last 30 years.

The papers document the early years and development of the company led by Quinn and Cosgrove, who have directed and designed the majority of Pan Pan productions.

Dr Barry Houlihan, Archivist, University of Galway, said: “Working on the Pan Pan archive and cataloguing its vast array of materials is a reminder of the immense contribution that Pan Pan have made to contemporary Irish drama in Ireland and internationally.

“The archive will be in an immersive and fascinating resource for anyone interesting in the company and modern Irish theatre and culture.”

Gavin Quinn and Aedín Cosgrove, co-founders of Pan Pan Theatre Company said: “It’s an amazing opportunity that University of Galway has given Pan Pan to make our work available in this archive, we are blown away by the dedication and curatorial excellence of the Archive team. We are delighted that our little contribution to the theatre scene in Ireland will be preserved.”

Pan Pan were established as “Ireland’s first deaf ensemble”, producing work for and with deaf practitioners and audiences, creating a new space of accessibility for Irish theatre in the 1990s.

New original works by Pan Pan at this time included Tailors Requiem (1996), Cartoon (1998), and Standoffish (2000).

Dr Charlotte McIvor, Head of Drama, Theatre and Performance at University of Galway said: “The acquisition of the Pan Pan archive gives us another opportunity to bring together history and practice in our Drama and Theatre Studies classrooms and across the School of English and Creative Arts.

“Pan Pan have always been at the vanguard of moving Irish theatre forward as a landscape since their founding, and we are now delighted to be partnering with them to bring the transformative story of their history and their future directly to our students.”

John Cox, University Librarian, University of Galway said: “We are delighted to have secured the archive of such an innovative company as Pan Pan.

“This archive is a tremendous collection in its own right and complements our archival coverage of other Irish theatre companies, including the digitised archives of the Abbey and Gate Theatres and others in paper format such as those of the Druid, Lyric and Taibhdhearc.”

In later years Pan Pan adapted Irish and European classics in new and innovate productions.

Oedipus Loves You by Simon Doyle and Gavin Quinn (2006), which starred Ruth Negga, toured to international acclaim. The Crumb Trail by Gina Moxley (20009) revisited the form of the fairy tale for a modern technology-driven society.

Pan Pan engaged with the works of Samuel Beckett and William Shakespeare across a number of productions. Pan Pan produced Beckett’s radio plays, All That Fall in 2011, and Embers in 2013, and also Beckett’s Quad (2013) and Endgame (2019).

Shakespeare’s works were explored in Mac-beth 7 (2004) and The Rehearsal: Playing the Dane (2010), a reworking of Hamlet. In 2006, Pan Pan staged an all-Chinese cast production of J.M. Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World in Shanghai, translated into Mandarin, setting the production in a contemporary hairdresser’s salon.

Pan Pan are today producing new works and regularly touring nationally and internationally. The recipients of many international awards as well as Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards, the Pan Pan archive documents a company that has always sought to innovate, reinterpret, and connect Irish theatre and culture to the worldwide audience.

The Pan Pan archive digital exhibition, curated by Aafke Van Pelt with Eimhin Joyce and Dr Barry Houlihan, includes more than 400 digital objects from across the Pan Pan archive, all freely accessible online via the University of Galway Library Digital Repository.

The Pan Pan archive and digital exhibition will be launched at an event in University of Galway by Willie White, Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival on 29^th November. All are welcome to attend.

Visit Santa in the Hardiman this December for a cosy festive lunch experience

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news santa at the hardiman in galway city

The Hardiman on Eyre Square will welcome Santa Claus for a series of lunches in December ahead of the busiest night of the year for the North Pole man.

The popular Hardiman’s Santa Lunch Experience, which can be booked from this weekend, will take place on each Saturday and Sunday between 1pm and 5pm until 18 December.

People will enjoy a two or three-course lunch with starters including celeriac and chestnut soup; honey and soy glazed chicken wings; crispy duck and bean sprout salad and heritage beetroot salad.

The meal continues with traditional mains such as braised daube of Charleville beef; traditional oven roast turkey and ham with all the trimmings; miso glazed salmon; Galway Hooker Ale battered fish of the day and wild mushroom and kale gnocchi.

The three-course option will finish with the hotel’s chocolate and orange gateau with candied orange peel, dark chocolate bark and chocolate sauce, or the Hardiman assiette and Christmas pudding with brandy custard compote and vanilla bean ice cream.

After lunch, children can visit Santy himself in his Hardiman grotto and receive a selection box.

The 2-course Santa Lunch menu for adults is €30 and the 3-course lunch menu is €38 pp. The children’s menu is €15.95 for two courses.

Booking is essential as places are limited and subject to availability, see www.thehardiman.ie to book or call 091 564 041.

O’Meara’s SuperValu to launch new-look store after €1.2m makeover

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news o'meara's supervalu portumna — Yvonne O'Meara

SuperValu is set to launch its new-look store in Portumna next Thursday 8 December after the retailer invested €1.2 million into the store.

O’Meara’s SuperValu will offer an extended range of produce including a new Frank & Honest café, Moo’d ice cream, a new in-store bakery with special handmade doughnuts, a new hot food counter, a food-to-go range and a new a Happy Pear range.

The revamped store will also now offer a seasonal offers space, a value offer space and a new own-brand area.

The Portumna SuperValu has given 800 local people their first job, and the latest makeover will see the retailer hire new chef, bakery and barista team members.

Customers are invited to the official store launch next Thursday for a day of fun and activities, with many prizes to be won.

Commenting on the launch of the new store, Yvonne O’Meara said they are delighted to be opening our new-look store after significant investment and much hard work from the team.

“The new state-of-the-art store will offer our customers premium produce including our fresh bakery and food-to-go range, as well as fantastic products from local suppliers.

“We believe in enhancing local communities by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of the dedicated eco-friendly technologies throughout the new store.

“We can’t wait to bring our new offering to the people of Portumna and are extremely grateful to all our loyal customers who continue to support us in the local community.

“We look forward to seeing them in store again soon, and hope many of them will join us for the official launch on December 8^th.”

O’Meara’s SuperValu is independently owned and has been a long-standing supporter of the local community.

New art installation gives voice to women in Galway who experience domestic abuse

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November 30, 2022

galway daily news art installation atu cope galway

A new art installation commissioned by COPE Galway has been unveiled to the public in Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway.

The sculptural work, titled ‘We See You, We Hear You’, is by Galway artist Maura Finnegan and was commissioned by COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service to mark its 40th anniversary.

Maura Finnegan created the piece in collaboration with women who have engaged with COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service and members of its staff.

The art installation comprises seven display cases on plinths.

Six of the cases contain heads sculpted from plaster that depict different women, and each one has a QR code that connects to an audio recording of an anonymous COPE Galway service user telling the story of her real experience of domestic abuse in her own words.

A seventh box is left empty to represent women who have lost their lives due to domestic violence.

The charity chose Monday to launch the artwork in observance of the annual UN-supported 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign that is currently taking place internationally.

Describing the piece, the artist Maura Finnegan, who is a graduate of the MA Creative Practice course at ATU, said she chose to sculpt the head and face of women from a diverse age and cultural demographic, six in all, representative of Galway city and county in contemporary society.

“There is a seventh display case laid empty, indicating the worst possible outcome of domestic abuse,” said Maura.

“The sculpted heads embody silence, a word which occurred frequently in collaborative conversations with both the staff and clients of COPE Galway.

“While the sculptural figurative forms remain entrapped in silence, their words can be heard privately in audio files, accessed through your smartphone via a QR code to COPE Galway’s website.”

Speaking at the unveiling of the sculpture, Training and Development Lead with COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service, Jackie Carroll, said: “It’s always a privilege to work with survivors of domestic abuse and getting their input into this significant art project was hugely important.

“As we look back on 40 years of our domestic abuse service provision, I hope that the sculpture will raise awareness and I hope other women come forward and get the support needed.

“We know that significant numbers of women in every community experience domestic abuse. One in five women in Ireland will be abused by her partner at some stage in her life – and these women come from all walks of life. Abuse is not confined to any class, culture, creed or career.

“It takes many forms, including digital. By highlighting the issue within a public space, we are showing our support to those women and their children. By engaging with this art project, our communities are supporting us in saving lives.”

Head of the School of Design and Creative Arts at ATU, Dr Paddy Tobin, said that the team at the School of Design and Creative Arts, ATU, is honoured to be involved in this project, recognising the impactful work of COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service.

“It’s important to commemorate their work over the past 40 years, in providing vital support services to women and families.”

Locations and Dates

The ‘We See You, We Hear You’ art installation is going on public view in different locations in Galway city and county on the following dates:

ATU School of Design and Creative Arts, Wellpark Road, Galway City, now until 30th November.
ATU Dublin Road Campus, Café Foyer, Galway City, 30th November to 5th December.
An Garda Síochána Western Region Headquarters, Renmore, Galway City, 12th to 16th December.
From early January, it will be travelling to many of the communities around Galway county, where COPE Galway provides a domestic abuse outreach service.
It will return to Galway city as part of COPE Galway’s activities for marking International Women’s Day on Wednesday, 8th March 2023.

For more details and updates about the COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service ‘We See You, We Hear You’ art project, see www.copegalway.ie and its social media channels.

The ‘We See You, We Hear You’ art project was commissioned in partnership with the ATU Galway Radius Project and it is supported by Medtronic.

HSE urges people with respiratory symptoms not to visit hospitals

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November 29, 2022

galway daily news public urged to help contain spead of flu

Public Health West is encouraging the public to ensure they have no respiratory symptoms prior to visiting hospitals and long term care facilities.

With cases of RSV, flu and winter viruses increasing, people in Galway are being urged to make sure they don’t have symptoms such as a cough, sneezing, sore throat or breathlessness before visiting vulnerable people.

Public Health West issued the following advice:

If visiting someone who is vulnerable

– Ensure you do not have respiratory symptoms

– Wear a face mask

– Wash or sanitise your hands regularly

– Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly

Take these extra actions to avoid respiratory infection

– Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes

– Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow

– Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccine if eligible

– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, and before eating

– Wear a face mask in crowded areas

– Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces regularly

– Consider meeting outdoors in the fresh air as there is greater risk of infection in enclosed places

What to do if you have symptoms

– Stay at home when you are sick

– Stay away from those who are vulnerable

– Contact your GP if you need advice on how to manage your symptom

For more advice see: https://www2.hse.ie/under-the-weather/

Special fundraising CD in aid of Hand in Hand to be launched in Tuam

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November 29, 2022

galway daily news hand in hand fundraiser cd

A special fundraising CD in aid of children’s cancer charity Hand in Hand will be launched in the Ard Rí Hotel in Tuam on 2 December at 7pm.

Admission at the launch is €10 and includes a copy of the CD, food, and entertainment.

The national charity provides practical and emotional support to families facing childhood cancer throughout Ireland.

Hand in Hand offers support through services such as meal provision, childcare, counselling, play therapy, laundry and cleaning, all of which are provided free of charge.

The fundraising campaign and event is being led by Tuam Women’s Shed team who are active in various aspects of the town.

“I can’t praise the charity enough,” said Noreen Hynes of Tuam Woman’s Shed, whose young son Eoghan sadly passed away from cancer.

“Hand in Hand provides incredible support to families who have been affected by childhood cancer and all proceeds from the day and from CD sales will greatly assist the charity in their work.

“Thanks to everyone who is coming together, we know this will be a special day in the town.”

On behalf of Hand in Hand, Caroline O’Connor thanked the Women’s Shed in Tuam, particularly Noreen for this fundraising effort.

“On December 2nd in the Ard Rí Hotel, we will see the best that true community has to offer,” she said.

“Noreen will speak about her own journey and the role we can hopefully play in Hand in Hand. We’re very grateful for the support.”

The Galway Rural Development SICAP team have funded the group to create the CD and have funded the launch and have warmly praised two wonderful ambassadors for a very special charity.

Community Development Officer with GRD Melinda Coen-Ryan urged the Tuam community to support this worthy cause.

IHF says Galway hotels face uncertain year ahead

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November 29, 2022