University of Galway announces bursary scheme for student teachers

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Daithi Ó Sé returns for Galway Hospice Christmas lights

Galway Hospice will be back holding its annual Tree of Lights Celebration in person this year, with special guest Dáithí Ó Sé returning to flick the switch.

Galway Hospice staff and volunteers warmly welcome the return of families and friends to watch the switching on of the magical Christmas Tree lights.

Each light on the Galway Memorial Tree represents a tribute to a loved one, who is much loved and missed.

The Memorial Tree lights will be turned on in a special celebration on Sunday, December 4 at 5pm, the first time it’s back in person since 2019.

“The Tree of Lights Celebration is an important event in the Galway Hospice calendar and for the people of Galway, it is an opportunity to remember and celebrate our loved ones who have passed away.”

I would like to thank everyone who has sponsored a light on the Galway Memorial Tree this year,” explains Director of Fundraising and Communications at Galway Hospice, Charlene Hurley.

Hosted by Galway Tenor Frank Naughton, the event features festive music from Jimmy Buckley and Scoil Chaitríona Children’s Choir.

The lights on the Galway Memorial Tree will be officially switched on by special guest Dáithí Ó Sé, who enjoys attending the event each year.

To sponsor a light on the Galway Memorial Tree, visit www.galwayhospice.ie/lights, visit Galway Hospice in Renmore or call 091-770868.

Galway Hospice had extended its thanks to Phil Grealish and St Columba’s Credit Union Mervue for their contribution to the Tree of Lights Celebration.

Plans to demolish ruined building for shops and apartments

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Plans to demolish ruined building for shops and apartments

Planning permission is being sought to demolish a ruined building in Loughrea, in order to make way for a mixed commercial and residential development.

An application has been made to the county council by a B. Shaughnessy to knock the ruined building facing onto Kelly Street, Loughrea.

In its place, the developer seeks approval for a three storey building, with two retail units on the ground floor level of the building.

The two upper floors would contain four one bedroom apartments, divided equally between the two floors.

An inspection report for the building submitted with the planning application notes that the building is in terrible condition, with walls either cracking or partially collapsed.

The roof of the building has long since completely caved in, and the inside of the building is covered in vegetation.

“It is not feasible or structurally safe to renovate this building,” the report by Clarke Construction Design states. “There are some significant structural issues with this building with settlement cracks in the rubble walls.”

“The gable walls have severe subsidence and cracking on it, All doors and windows throughout the dwelling have been removed or rotten away with time”.

“These openings are to be secured/blocked up to prevent public accessing the building as it is a severe public hazard, as the walls are on verge of collapsing as the roof is completely collapsed.”

The National Monuments Service recommended that an Archaeological Impact Assessment should be carried out, as the site is within the footprint of the historic town of Loughrea.

Galway County Council is currently due to make a decision on this planning application by December 13 of this year.

Supermac’s and Galway GAA announce new five year sponsorship

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily GAA Supermac's and Galway GAA announce new five year sponsorship

Supermac’s and Galway GAA have today announced that they are continuing their long running partnership for another five years.

The two have agreed to a five year sponsorship deal, worth up to €3 million, that will take their longest running partnership up to 2027.

Supermac’s have been the sponsors of Galway hurling since 1991, and since 2013 have also backed the football squad.

The deal means that Supermac’s will sponsor all Galway Adult and Youth Intercounty teams.

Pat McDonagh, Managing Director of Supermac’s, said that “Both myself an Una are delighted to be continuing one of the longest running sponsorship relationships in the country.”

“The sponsorship of the county teams is an important part of our relationship with the GAA and the fact that we sponsor hundreds of clubs, schools and teams throughout the country is equally as important to us.”

“We are over 40 years in business and in the 32 years that we have been sponsoring
Galway we have always maintained a strong relationship with clubs and schools in the communities in which we are based.”

“We would like to wish all the teams the very best of luck during the upcoming campaigns,” Mr. McDonagh concluded.

Galway County Board Chairperson, Paul Bellew said “Galway GAA are delighted to extend our partnership with Supermac’s for another five years.

“Pat and Una McDonagh have been fantastic supporters and promoters of the GAA in Galway and indeed nationally for over 30 years now and we thank them for their continued support.”

“This new agreement represents a significant investment over the next five years and is a strong endorsement of our six flagship teams across hurling and football.”

“We look forward to working closely with Pat, Una and the team at Supermac’s over the next five years,” Paul Bellew said.

Two day roadworks taking place in Salthill this week

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Some traffic disruption is expected in Salthill for two days this week due to roadworks taking place.

Galway City Council is installing pedestrian crossings at Blackrock, Salthill and on the Tuam Road, south of the Joyce Road junction.

Pavement works at Blackrock will be undertaken this Wednesday & Thursday, November 30 and December 1.

Traffic management measures will be in place in Salthill while the resurfacing is underway.

Electrical commissioning works on ongoing at both locations, the city council has said, thanking the public for its patience while the projects are being completed.

Local business leaders taking to the street for COPE Galway

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Local business leaders taking to the street for COPE Galway

The annual COPE Galway Business Leaders’ Sleep Out will return to Shop Street this Friday to raise funds for their homelessness services.

In the lead up to Christmas, COPE Galway is supporting 453 men, women and children in Galway who are availing of Emergency and Transitional Accommodation via the charity’s Homeless Service.

This includes 86 families with 199 children and 134 single people. Some of these families are spending their second or third Christmas Eve waiting for Santa in emergency accommodation, many in a B&B room.

Martin O’Connor, COPE Galway’s Assistant CEO remarked, “Just this week we heard the announcement of a shocking and unprecedented number of people who don’t have a place to call home in Ireland.”

“Here in Galway, this winter is proving extremely challenging for so many across our community due to the cost-of-living crisis.”

“With asking rents for any available properties in Galway spiralling out of control, the challenge has never been greater for anyone without a home to find an affordable place to live.”

“Meanwhile, our services at COPE Galway have never been under such pressure,” she added.

Some 40 local business leaders will be spending the night in their sleeping bags on Shop Street this Friday, December 2, in what is the biggest fundraiser of the year for COPE.

Over the past 10 years since it was first launched, the Business Leaders Sleep Out has raised over €1.25 million for the charity.

One participant, Matt Carty of Zimmer Biomet noted, “There are a myriad of circumstances that can lead to anyone becoming homeless.”

“It can be very difficult to find a way out of homelessness – COPE Galway supports people, including families and children, through each of the stages.”

“To experience childhood in a homeless setting is entirely unacceptable,” said Sinead Carey, COPE Galway’s Head of Homeless Service.

“Parents feel as if they are denying their children a normal childhood, though the homelessness is of no fault of theirs.”

“We support families with keeping as much a semblance of normality as possible while living in emergency accommodation.”

“Thanks to these funds raised, we’ve also been able to support families to move on from homelessness into a home of their own in a timely manner when the opportunity arises.”

COPE Galway supports people to secure accommodation, set up their homes and sustain independent living as well as provide skills development and befriending initiatives.

The funds raised by the Sleep Out have helped with initiatives such as community based housing, and outreach support for the most vulnerable homeless, those sleeping rough on the streets.

Man due before court in human trafficking investigation

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November 29, 2022

A man arrested in Galway yesterday as part of a human trafficking investigation is due to appear before court this morning.

Gardaí from Mullingar conducting an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and related crimes conducted a search in Galway on Monday.

During the course of the search, a man in his 30s was arrested and detained at Mullingar Garda Station.

He has since been charged, and will appear before Longford District Court at 10:30am on Tuesday morning.

Green light for dozens more bed spaces in Headford Road student accommodation

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November 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Green light for dozens more bed spaces in Headford Road student accommodation

Galway City Council has okayed plans to significantly increase the number of bed spaces in a student accommodation development on the Headford Road.

Planning permission has been granted to Cleverson Ltd for revisions to the plans for a seven storey student accommodation complex next to Galway Retail Park, which has yet to be built.

The biggest change in the plans in the application was to increase the number of bed spaces in the development by 49, up to 272 in total.

The floor plans have been modified to incorporate ‘clusters’ of single rooms grouped around a communal living room/kitchen, with the remainder of the units being single or double bed space units with an internal kitchen and living area.

These layout changes mean that, despite the 49 extra bed spaces, the total number of apartments is only increasing by one.

The city council inspector’s report stated that the number of bed spaces is acceptable considering the city centre location, and the additional communal facilities coming from other alterations to the plans.

Approval has also been given to replace a commercial gym on the second floor with communal space, and for amendments to three retail units, while a fourth would be converted to offices.

The communal facilities for students will include a lounge, a library, a cinema, and a gym area for them alone.

The council inspector said that it was “necessary and important” that the amount of communal facilities be increased if the number of students staying there would also be going up.

Cleverson Ltd first received approval from An Bord Pleanála for 223 bed, student accommodation development on the Headford Road in Galway City in July of 2021.

The apartment complex will comprise two seven storey buildings linked by a glazed bridge.

The site, next to Galway Retail Park, is a mix of wasteland and car parking owned by the developer.

Planning permission for the newly altered student accommodation complex was granted by the city council with six conditions attached.

Condition No. 5 stipulated that all of the communal facilities must be ready for use before any of the bed spaces are occupied.

The council also insisted that the access route from the Headford Road must allow the public to access the car park to the rear of the site.

Man arrested in Galway in human trafficking investigation

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man has been arrested in Galway today as part of an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and related crimes.

Gardaí from Mullingar conducted a search and arrest operation in Co. Galway on Monday as part of their investigations.

In the course of the operation man in his 30s was arrested and is currently detained at Mullingar Garda Station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1996.

An Garda Síochána have said that the further updates will follow in this ongoing investigation.

Martin Junction completion date pushed back to next year

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily traffic Call for full report on cost of converting Martin Roundabout

The final date for the conversion of the Martin Roundabout has been pushed back again, and work is now not expected to be finished until next year.

The city council’s latest update on the project has said that surfacing works have gotten underway this month, and are expected to last until February 2023.

Work on converting the Martin Roundabout to a signalised junction began in late January, and was originally supposed to be completed within six months.

That date was pushed back to late November, and the finalisation of the project has now been delayed again.

The city council has said the works were delayed due to supply chain issued, and because of the weather.

Concerns have been raised about the delays to the project, as well as the issues it is causing with traffic and road safety at the busy junction.

A new traffic alignment will be in effect at the junction from December 2 as surfacing work progresses.

Further changes to the road layout are expected as the phases of the surfacing works continue.

“Fox Building Engineers Ltd will work to optimise traffic flows through the junction, to minimise delays, maintain safe passage through the works for the travelling public, and ensure the safety of our team working on this project,” the council said.

Current Traffic Management Plan Layout:

New Traffic Management from December 2:

The work will convert the existing Martin roundabout to a 4-arm traffic light controlled junction, along with other upgrades.

These will include the provision of cycle lanes, bus priority measures, footpaths and associated landscaping.

Caution urged visiting older relatives with Winter bugs going around

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November 28, 2022

People in Galway are being urged to exercise caution visiting vulnerable relatives, with an increase in flu and winter viruses going around.

The HSE’s Public Health West team is encouraging people not to visit hospitals or nursing homes if they have any respiratory symptoms.

“Those who are in settings such as hospitals or long term care facilities are at a higher risk of serious illness if they contract any virus,” a statement to Galway Daily said.

“It is important if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as a cough, sneezing, sore throat, breathlessness; that you avoid attending these settings.”

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 symptoms

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

Chilly start to the week forecast for Galway

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily weather Weather warning as further snow showers forecast

It’s going to be a chilly start to the week in Galway, but there also promise to be some sunny days before Winter really bites.

The coldest part of the week will come early, with temperatures on Monday to reach lows of 3 degrees overnight inland, though it will be slightly warmer on the coast.

The skies will be mostly fair today, with sunny spells in the afternoon and only a light breeze, with temperatures reaching daytime highs of 10 – 11 degrees.

Tuesday will be another cold one, with partly cloudy skies and some sunny spells in the afternoon.

A light easterly breeze will gain moderate strength as the day progresses. Highest temperatures on Tuesday of 7 – 9 degrees, dropping down as low as 5 degrees overnight.

The only rain of the week currently forecast by Met Eireann will come on Wednesday, with some light showers on the coast in the morning in a mostly cloudy day.

A moderate southeasterly wind will veer southerly as the day progresses, but fortunately, it won’t be as cold as the start of the week.

Highest temperatures on Wednesday will reach 10 – 12 degrees, without dropping much overnight.

Thursday is also expected to be an overcast day, with moderate to strong southerly winds, and temperatures ranging from 9 – 12 degrees.

Friday will be another mostly cloudy day with some scattered sunshine, Met Eireann has said.

But it will be the last reprieve from Winter, as temperatures are expected to drop again headed into the weekend, before plummeting next week.

Minister Harris announces green light for two major education projects in Galway

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Minister Harris announces green light for two major education projects in Galway — Simon Harris visits Galway City to announce two large scale education infrastructure projects. Photo: @SimonHarris/ twitter

Minister Simon Harris has announced today that the green light has been given for two major infrastructure projects by ATU Galway and the GRETB.

The Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board has been approved to move to the next stage of developing a College of The Future (COTF).

The project envisages the building of a state-of-the-art further education campus in Galway city.

Separately, Minister Harris has confirmed Atlantic Technological University has been given the go ahead to proceed to the next phase for a multidisciplinary teaching and learning facility on the Galway City Campus.

Speaking during a visit to Galway today, Simon Harris said that this is a great day for Galway, which has been chosen as one of ten locations for a College of the Future.

“Galway has become a hub for third level education and it needs a state-of-the art facility to meet the demands of the entire county.”

“The College of the Future Major Projects Fund will support the implementation of the vision set out in the Further Education Strategy.”

The GRETB has been given the go ahead to proceed with developing a preliminary business case for the project.

GRETB’s Chief Executive David Leahy said, “We are delighted to have been successful in our application for funding to build a state-of-the-art Further Education and Training College in the heart of Galway City.”

“This will allow us to develop and expand both our full and part-time courses and to offer the very latest in technology-enabled facilities in the continued delivery of top class education for the West of Ireland.”

Atlantic Technological University has also got the green light to develop a preliminary business case for a multi-disciplinary teaching and learning facility in Galway.

It is envisaged that the new building will serve students in the areas of Engineering, Business, Science and Computing.

ATU President Dr Orla Flynn welcomed the announcement, saying “The proposed development of this Learner Centre will benefit students and staff across our region, but especially those based at our ATU Galway City campus.”

“ATU has ambitions to become a truly great multi-campus technological university, serving the needs of our unique region, and beyond.”

“To do this, we will require continuing capital investment and today’s announcement is a very welcome step in that process.”

The application by Atlantic Technological University was made under the Technological Sector Strategic Projects (TSSPF) Fund.

Minister Harris said that today is a “key milestone” for the project at ATU, adding that the technological sector is a driver of regional development.

Bishop Michael Duignan pays tribute to late Martin Drennan

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Bishop Michael Duignan pays tribute to late Martin Drennan — New Bishop of Galway Michael Duignan. Photo: Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora

Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh & Kilfenora Michael Duignan has paid tribute to the late Martin Drennan, who passed away over the weekend.

Bishop Duignam expressed his sympathies to the family and friends of the late Martin Drennan, and the whole diocesan community who knew him.

The former Bishop of Galway died on Saturday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin, in the presence of his family, six years after stepping down.

Born in Kilkenny in 1944, Martin Drennan was ordained as a priest in 1968, serving the parishes of St. Mary’s Cathedral, and later Ballycallan.

He spent more than two decades teaching, both in Ireland and in Rome, where he headed the Irish College for five years in the 80s.

Drennan was first appointed Bishop of Galway in 2005 following the retirement of his predecessor Bishop James McLoughlin, and served until his retirement after 11 years on the job.

Bishop Duignan said that the Kilkenny man “took the west of Ireland to his heart” as the Bishop of Galway, and made for himself a home here, with friends and found family dear to him.

He described the late Bishop Emeritus as someone the community will remember as a “gentle, prayerful, kind and wise pastor”, with a self-effacing presence.

He also recalled fondly the warm welcome the Bishop Drennan had for him personally on his recent appointment to Galway, and for the counsel he offered.

The funeral for Martin Drennan will take place on Wednesday this week at Galway Cathedral, with interment to follow.

The full statement from Bishop Michael Duignan is as follows:

Yesterday, I received the sad news that Bishop Martin Drennan had died at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his loving family. I offer my sympathy to his family, to our diocesan community and to his many friends.

Bishop Martin was a Kilkenny man to the core who took the West of Ireland to his heart. Even though he continued to avidly support the black and amber of his birthplace, Galway became his home and the people of the west became his new family and his dear friends. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ossory in 1968, his first appointments were to St Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny and to Ballycallan parishes before returning to further studies.

Sacred Scripture was his passion. Fr. Martin was to become an internationally respected academic and taught with energy, passion and insight at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth as Professor of Old Testament. He was skilled at making the inspired words of the ancient biblical texts relevant, powerful and life-giving to the modern world.

In May 1997, he was appointed auxiliary Bishop in Dublin and in 2005 he succeeded Bishop James McLoughin as Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora. Bishop Drennan’s able intellect and innate pastoral sensitivity when combined with his gentle prayerful, self-effacing presence served the Diocese well. At the time of his retirement in 2016 on health grounds, Bishop Martin wrote:

“My eleven years here have been among the happiest and most fulfilled of my life. When I succeeded Bishop James McLoughlin in 2004 you, the priests and people of Galway, Mayo and Clare, made me welcome. Since then, your support and kindness, your prayers and your affirmation, have been a real source of strength and inspiration to me. For this I will be forever grateful. It was a privilege to be your Bishop. From deep in my heart I say thank you. My retirement takes place during this Holy Year of Mercy and I sincerely ask forgiveness from anyone among you I may have hurt in any way during my time as Bishop. I offer my loyalty and my wholehearted support to my successor and I ask you for your continued prayers. You will always be in mine.”

The people and priests of the diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora will remember him fondly as a gentle, prayerful, kind and wise pastor. At a personal level, I will be ever thankful to Bishop Martin for his warm welcome to me on my recent appointment to Galway and for his wise counsel.

Throughout his life, and in particular in his later years of illness, he lived very much by the wisdom contained in the title of his last book – Turning Wounds into Wisdom – a series of reflections on the Sunday Gospels in which he endeavoured to turn the wounds of life into a wisdom for living.

Bishop Drennan’s episcopal motto was Comhoidhrí le Críost (co-heirs with Christ). Taken from the Letter to the Romans (8:17), here St Paul emphasises the sure hope of an eternal destiny that is the hallmark of a follower of Christ. I pray that God will now enfold Bishop Martin more deeply into his eternal loving embrace and grant consolation to his family and those who will miss him in this world.

A Easpag Máirtín, a chara dhil

go bhfáiltí sluaite na n-aingeal romhat

go bhfaighe tú suaimhneas síoraí

agus go mbuailimid le chéile arís,

go gcoinní Dia i mbos a láimhe thú. Amen.

Galway scientists make fascinating discovery of 350 million year old fossils

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November 28, 2022

galway daily news fossil discovery sea urchins university of galway wexford

A team of scientists at University of Galway have discovered a remarkably well-preserved group of fossil sea urchins on a limestone slab in Co. Wexford.

The fascinating discovery was first made by Dr Nidia Álvarez Armada when she was surveying the geology at Hook Head for her undergraduate thesis at University of Galway.

Over 200 complete fossil sea urchins are preserved in exquisite detail on the slab, in an area of just 1m².

The limestone layer containing the fossils was in danger of being lost to coastal erosion, so the scientific team mounted a rescue operation to save it.

They successfully removed the slab and entrusted it to the National Museum of Ireland for conservation and further study.

The site at Hook Head is protected under law and approval for the recovery was granted by several state agencies, as well as the local landowner.

All of the sea urchins have their spines still attached, and they apparently died together on the seafloor almost 350 million years ago – a dramatic moment now frozen in time on the rock surface on the coast of south-east Ireland.

The fossil find could reveal important information about the nature of seafloor communities during the Carboniferous, a time period that occurred long before dinosaurs ever walked on land.

Palaeontologist Dr Nidia Álvarez Armada, the lead author in the study, said that when she first noticed the echinoids on the limestone surface, she was “completely astonished” by both the sheer number of fossil specimens and their exceptional preservation.

“The significance of the find was instantly apparent and I immediately began mapping and recording the shape, size and position of each individual urchin on the rock surface,” said Dr Álvarez Armada.

“This work took several weeks to complete, but it was important to carefully document the fossil find in as much detail as possible.”

Dr John Murray, who co-authored the paper and supervised the original project, said it is quite exceptional to find Carboniferous fossil sea urchins so perfectly preserved and in such large numbers like this.

“In life, these particular echinoids had very flexible plated bodies, covered with many spines, which usually disarticulated and dispersed rapidly after death, leaving little trace of them behind,” he said.

“The Hook Head urchins must have been buried quite quickly after they died, with little or no post mortem disturbance; however, it remains unclear why they congregated in such large numbers at this location on that ancient seafloor.”

Dr Murray added that the significance of this discovery was such that all of the members of the rescue team willingly volunteered their time and expertise to travel to Hook Head to help salvage the fossil-bearing slab.

“We consciously chose to leave this important fossil find in the care of the National Museum of Ireland immediately – I guess it was our way of giving this piece of priceless geoheritage back to the people of Ireland.”

Fixing housing crisis key to retaining nurses and midwives

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway City Council has announced plans for a social housing development of 84 apartments and houses in Knocknacarra.

The availability of affordable housing in large cities and towns is key to retaining nurses and midwives, the INMO has said.

The nurses and midwives union described last week’s Daft rental report as ‘grim’, but said it was a reflection of what many nurses and midwives are experiencing in many parts of the country.

The report found that in Galway city, the average rent stood at €1,713 during the third quarter of 2022 – an increase of 16.4% on Q3 last year.

Elsewhere in the county it rose by 12.2% to €1,249.

The report shows that one-bedroom apartments in the city were €1,142 on average (up 15%), and a two-bedroom house was €1,333.

Rents for three and four-bedroom houses in the city rose to €1,594 and €1,948 respectively.

General secretary of the INMO Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that the lack of suitable available accommodation and increasing rents is having a hugely negative impact on their ability to retain nurses and midwives in cities and towns where there is significant pressure on the rental market.

“Affordable accommodation in close proximity to healthcare settings should not be a pipe dream for nurses and midwives who work long hours,” said Ms Ní Seaghdha.

“Immediate provision and supports must be made to allow these essential workers to live within a reasonable distance of their place of work.

“Provision of housing assistance, subsidisation, and zoned areas in any planning for hospital builds such as the new National Children’s Hospital or the proposed new elective hospital in Cork City.”

She said that nursing and midwifery managers are now advising that all cities and big towns are affected.

“The current model of recruiting is not sufficient and is costly and time-consuming and is undermined due to the inability to retain the same essential grades due to lack of available accommodation and extraordinarily high costs of accommodation when sourced.

“Nurses and midwives earn modest incomes and if we want to have some hope of ensuring that hospitals in Dublin and other large urban areas such as Cork, Limerick, and Galway have safe staffing levels we must ensure that there are homes that nurses and midwives can afford to live in.”

American hamburger chain Wendy’s set to enter Irish market

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November 28, 2022

galway daily news wendy's fast food hamburger restaurant ireland

American burger chain Wendy’s has announced plans to enter the Irish market as it continues to expand across Europe.

The company is looking for well-established franchisee candidates that have strong operations experience, local development expertise and an ambition to grow quickly.

With more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide, Wendy’s has 25 restaurants currently operating in the UK, ten of which are company-operated.

Abigail Pringle, President, International & Chief Development Officer of The Wendy’s Company said that as they continue to expand their international footprint, we are focused on building long-term relationships with franchisees in Ireland.

“We are committed to serving high-quality, great tasting food, and intend to offer our wide range of craveable menu options, including our famous square hamburgers made with fresh beef patties and served hot off the grill.”

The fast food restaurant is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, freshly prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty dessert.

For those interested in learning more about Wendy’s franchising opportunities in Ireland, the UK or other European markets, contact Steve Lampshire at steve@platinumwave.co.uk.

Galway Simon invites community to Dip at Dawn this winter solstice

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November 28, 2022

galway daily news galway simon community dip at dawn

Galway Simon Community is inviting people to welcome the brighter days to come, by joining them for a Dip at Dawn this winter solstice.

The revitalising dip will take place at 8.39am on Wednesday, December 21 at Salthill Beach, and will help to alleviate the trauma of homelessness in the West.

The Dip at Dawn crew will lead participants in taking the plunge, and Laragh Cunningham of Yoga Shala and the Village Community Choir will also be on hand to help motivate people in song.

And if that isn’t enough to warm your heart, Jamie Peaker of Salthill’s Barista Bus will be at the ready with hot drinks after the dip.

Registration for the event is €30 and the first 200 people to register will receive a Galway Simon beanie.

Those who sign up will also gain access to an exclusive 10-minute Winter Solstice yoga practice by Laragh Cunningham of Yoga Shala.

People must register in advance for the Dip at Dawn. Registration and more info can be found at galwaysimon.ie/events/winter-solstice-dip-at-dawn/.

Fintan Maher of Galway Simon explained that the numbers of people turning to Galway Simon Community is consistently increasing.

“The impact of the current housing crisis, which has been further compounded by rising food and fuel poverty, is creating what can only be described as a terrible perfect storm.

“The vital funds raised by the Dip at Dawn and our many other ways to give, will help make a huge difference to those living in fear of losing their home this Christmas.”

Laragh Cunningham of Yoga Shalah said we talk about homelessness in numbers and often those that are homeless and vulnerable and in need of care from Galway Simon Community are invisible.

“When over 200 of us came together as the sun was rising for the summer solstice, we turned up, we made ourselves visible and we allowed the community of Galway to show that we care,” she said.

“I would encourage people to join me and take the challenge for the Winter Solstice. By sharing this moment together, we’ll be able to help people in our community facing homelessness this Christmas.”

If you don’t feel like taking a dip there are many other ways you can contribute, to help Galway Simon keep people out of Emergency Accommodation and in their homes this Christmas.

You can host a Christmas jumper day, donate a voucher, give a gift of impact or organise your own Christmas fundraising event.

All information can be found at www.galwaysimon.ie or you can call 091 38 18 28 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today.

100% of proceeds will go directly to Galway Simon Community who provide support and accommodation services to those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

Funeral of late Bishop Martin Drennan to be held on Wednesday

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November 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Former Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan passes away

The funeral of the late former Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan will be held on Wednesday 30 November at Galway Cathedral.

Bishop Martin will repose at Galway Cathedral from 7pm to 10pm on Tuesday, and funeral mass will take place at 1pm on Wednesday in the Cathedral.

The former Bishop of Galway passed away on Saturday morning aged 78 surrounded by his family.

Martin Drennan stepped down as Bishop in 2016 after just over a decade at the post, and was succeeded by Brendan Kelly.

Born in Kilkenny in 1944, Martin Drennan was ordained as a priest in 1968, serving the parishes of St. Mary’s Cathedral, and later Ballycallan.

He spent more than two decades teaching, both in Ireland and in Rome, where he headed the Irish College for five years in the 80s.

Drennan was first appointed Bishop of Galway in 2005 following the retirement of his predecessor Bishop James McLoughlin, and served until his retirement after 11 years on the job.

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November 27, 2022