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Eight students receive Optum scholarships

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galway daily news Caitlin McCahill, University of Galway
Caitlin McCahill, University of Galway

The United Health Foundation has announced the eight students to receive bursaries under its Healthcare Scholarship Program 2022.

The Optum Ireland programme is focused on students from less-advantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue a degree in primary or specialised care, or emerging health care technologies.

The program supports dedicated scholarships to University of Galway, ATU Donegal, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, and the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences (Dublin).

2022 Scholars

University of Galway: Caitlín McCahill, Occupational Therapy (St. Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties)

ATU Donegal: Mia Baikie, Nursing (Gairmscoil Mhic Diarmada, Arranmore) Catherine Whiteside, Applied Computing (Abbey Vocational School, Donegal)

Ulster University, Magee Campus: Gráinne McGlynn, Physiotherapy (Rosses Community School, Dungloe)

Queen’s University: Connor Allison, Biochemistry with Professional Studies (Loreto, Milford)

Royal College of Surgeons: Evin Donnelly, Medicine (Newpark Comprehensive, Ballybrack)

School of Medicine, Ulster University, Magee Campus: Heather Broadley (County Donegal); Dearbhlá Butterly (County Louth)

“This program is helping to create additional and much needed healthcare professionals in Ireland,” said Padraig Monaghan, Managing Director of Optum Ireland and UK.

“We have seen over recent years how these young people from diverse backgrounds have thrived with the support of the scholarship and I am delighted to announce this year’s recipients.”

With the addition of the new scholars, the scholarship program is currently supporting 24 students across five universities on the island of Ireland.

This year’s Ireland Healthcare Scholars will benefit from annual financial assistance, will be paired with a mentor and will participate in community volunteering activities.

Margaret O’Connor, Principal of Loreto Milford in County Donegal, said: “The Ireland Healthcare Scholarships make a real and palpable difference to young people who would not otherwise be able to have this additional education.

“The cost of third level education places a significant financial burden on families and pressure on the young people themselves. The scholarship can be life-changing for our students.”

Caolinn Diver from Carndonagh in County Donegal was one of the first recipients of a health care scholarship and recently graduated with a Master’s in Pharmacy with first class honours from Ulster University.

“My ambition was always to become a pharmacist, but I wouldn’t have been able to take my place on the degree course in Coleraine without this scholarship,” Caoilinn said.

“The support I received over the four years went beyond the financial and helped me navigate my way through the course and secure a position as a community pharmacist in the North West.”

€217m stimulus package for North West region welcomed

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Galway Daily news Rural regeneration projects in Galway receive over €6 million

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has welcomed the announcement that a €217m stimulus package will be provided for the West and North West Region.

Provided through the European Regional Development Funds (ERDF), the package is aimed at supporting regional development schemes in the West and North West Region.

The announcement follows a report from the European Commission this year, which downgraded the region for a second time to a lagging Region.

Deputy Kerrane said this signalled concern that the region has become significantly less well-off, relative to the European average, over recent years.

“The Region, which includes counties Galway, Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, Monaghan and Mayo, was downgraded to a ‘Region in Transition’ in 2019 by the European Commission before being downgraded again this year.

It is the only region in the State to be classified in this way.

“Challenges identified as rationale for downgrading the Region include lower productivity and educational attainment, as well as a weaker skills base and business environment in the region,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“We must ensure that people living in the West & North West can access a good quality of life and the same opportunities as other parts of the State.

“It is crucial now that momentum be built upon, and that every effort is taken to ensure the West & North West receives increased and sustained funding and investment moving forward.”

Born to Rise programme helping women find their voice

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galway daily news dr caren hession with new singing programme
Dr Caren Hession

A new self-development programme designed to help women to find their voice has been praised by a Galway senator who said that it has improved the way she speaks in the Oireachtas.

Born to Rise, created by Galway woman Dr Caren Hession, is helping women across the country to find their voice with a breakthrough technique using music and song.

Her next two-day Born to Rise programme will take place in the Town Hall Theatre on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January.

Senator Pauline O’Reilly recently attended Dr Hession’s sessions and said that it has taught her a lot about her voice.

“As a politician I use my voice every day to speak to people, do interviews and public addresses,” said the Green Party senator.

She said that it can be challenging as a woman in politics as there are many expectations about how you should sound and what you should say.

“People accuse you of sounding too aggressive or too passive,” she said.

Senator O’Reilly wanted to develop beyond that, and signed up for some singing lessons with Caren for her own enjoyment.

“It was something to do in my downtime. I have to say that I got so much more from it than I ever would have expected.

“I learnt the skills to improve my singing voice, but I also learnt how to control my voice when I speak, and to think about how to convey a vision through my voice and stay true to myself.

“I found through the singing lessons I have confidence in my voice and in what I had to say. I would recommend Caren to anyone wanting to explore finding their voice.”

Dr Hession, a professional in Music, Creative Arts, Philosophy, Neuroscience and Neurolinguistics, said that she was a woman who did not have a voice.

She said that she was afraid of her own potential and self-sabotaging by staying small and not using her inner or outward voice.

“Through singing I rediscovered who I was,” she said. “I could tell my story through song and music.”

“Unlocking the true potential of your voice is one of the most empowering, most fulfilling, and most transformational adventures on which you can embark.”

She said the two-day programme in January will take people on an emotional and inspirational journey to rediscover who they are within, ignite their true potential and give people the confidence, clarity and courage they need to live the life of magnitude they desire.

At the end of the two-day programme there will be a live music performance where participants will showcase their voice by singing to a full audience at the Town Hall Theatre.

“The option will be there to sing within a group or as a solo. It is amazing to see the growth after just two days.”

Anyone feeling lost, stuck, unheard, unmotivated, or desire something greater for your life overall is invited to join Dr Hession for the exclusive two-day breakthrough training programme on 28 and 29 January.

To find out more and purchase tickets for this two-day programme visit www.carenhession.com

Galway rents continue to spiral out of control in latest Daft report

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Galway Daily news

The latest Daft.ie report published this morning makes for grim reading once again as the average rents in Galway city and county continued to rise over the summer.

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.

For a single bedroom in a shared house in the city centre, people could expect to pay €572, while a double bedroom would set them back €617 on average.

Everywhere else in Co. Galway, there is a similar picture with rents continuing to rise, albeit less dramatically as in the city.

A one-bedroom apartment in Galway County averages €837, up 5.8%, while a two-bedroom house is €954 (3.6%).

It will cost people on average €1,103 for a three-bedroom and €1,263 for a four-bedroom house.

Nationally, rents in the third quarter of 2022 were 14.1% higher than a year previously –  the highest increase in market rents since the Daft Report was launched in 2005.

Between June and September, rents rose nationwide by an average of 4.3%.

This is the single largest quarterly increase ever recorded in the rental report in a series that goes back to the start of 2006 by some distance.

New procedure for coronary artery bypass grafting carried out at UHG

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galway daily news uhg surgeons for coronary artery
The surgical team for the first endoscopic radial harvest surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting in Ireland at University Hospital Galway. From left: Mr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon; Dr Sadiq Siddiqui, Cardiothoracic Surgery Registrar and Mr Ronan Kelly, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon. Missing from the photo Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon.

University Hospital Galway has become the first hospital in the country to introduce a new minimally invasive surgery for coronary artery bypass grafting.

The new procedure reduces significantly the risk of complications and infection for the patient.

It was carried out for the first time in Ireland by Dr Sadiq Siddiqui as part of the minimal access surgery programme at UHG.

Dr Siddiqui is an integral member of the surgical team led by Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeons; Mr Fabio Bartolozzi, Mr Ronan Kelly and Mr Alan Soo.

Traditionally in coronary artery bypass grafting operations, a number of arteries and veins are removed from their natural position and used as conduits to bring blood to the narrow or blocked coronary arteries on the surface of a patient’s heart.

The standard surgery leaves large scars on the patient’s legs and forearms that are often slow to heal and can be disfiguring.

This new endoscopic approach leaves two tiny scars on the forearm in place of a foot long scar along the whole arm. These heal quicker and with less pain.

“The radial artery from the forearm has been shown to be a longer lasting and superior vessel to use in Coronary Artery Surgery operations particularly in younger patients,” said Dr Siddiqui.

After performing over 400 endoscopic saphenous vein harvests (EVH) in Galway as part of coronary artery bypass operations, Dr Siddiqui travelled to the Royal Brompton National Heart Hospital in London to further his training in endoscopic surgery.

There he trained in this new technique to also harvest the radial artery from the left forearm.

“We are very grateful to the Royal Brompton Hospital for the assistance and expertise,” he added.

Prof Pat Nash, Chief Clinical Director with the Saolta University Hospital Group said: “The Endoscopic Radial Artery (ERAH) programme will further advance the burgeoning minimally invasive cardiac surgery programme in Galway and improve the care of patient’s undergoing coronary artery surgery in Galway by reducing their risk of complications and infections.”

Local TD says rail service into Galway City “more akin to Indian rail service than Irish one”

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Denis Naughten TD has told Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that the current rail service from Athlone and Ballinasloe into Galway City is “more akin to an Indian rail service than an Irish one” due to overcrowding.

Deputy Naughten said that the recent expansion of rail services announced by Irish Rail ‘completely ignored’ the Galway to Athlone rail line, despite Galway city being choked with traffic.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Independent TD said the announcement by Irish Rail was ‘even more bizarre’ considering the Government allocated €3 million to provide a passing loop at Oranmore railway station 18 months ago.

He went on to say that in the first major rail carriage investment under the Minister’s tenure, Galway city has been ignored.

Denis Naughten pointed out that Galway and the West of Ireland had to “get their fair share of the new rail carriages and if the morning and evening services between Athlone and Galway were improved these carriages could then be used during the day to enhance commuter services into Galway City from Athenry.”

Minister Ryan said he agreed with Deputy Naughten that Galway, as well as Cork and Waterford, Limerick, receive investment so that they have centres of scale that can be counterweights to the greater Dublin area.

He said that there is also potential for further improvements to be made around Céannt Station and for double tracking and improving the overall level of service, particularly from the likes of Athenry or Athlone into Galway, so that people can commute by rail rather than by car, which he said is the “curse of Galway’s transport system at the present time.”

Nearly 6,000 Galway carers to receive €500 lump sum this week

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Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

A €500 lump sum payment will be paid this week to over Galway 5,800 carers to assist with the cost of living crisis.

This payment announced by Minister Heather Humphreys today is one of eight lump sum payments designed to support families and households over the winter months.

The €500 lump sum will be received in carers’ bank accounts on Thursday, costing a total of €57.3 million.

The payment is being made automatically to people receiving a Carer’s Allowance, Carer’s Benefit or Domiciliary Care Allowance payment.

Those who received the annual Carer’s Support Grant in June who have confirmed that they are still caring will also receive the €500 lump sum payment.

Announcing the details, Minister Humphreys thanked all carers in Ireland for the vital and valuable contribution they play in local communities.

She said their commitment and work in supporting those that need help and support is ‘hugely important’ and ‘greatly appreciated’.

Special fundraising concert to take place in Salthill

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galway daily news band at salthill concert fundraiser
Members of the Moonlight Big Band who play a fundraising concert at the Salthill Hotel. Photo: Sean Lydon

A 19-piece big band will perform at an exciting concert on Sunday, 4 December at the Salthill Hotel.

The Moonlight Big Band will perform as part of the special fundraising event in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

The concert will feature music from Sinatra, Buble, Miller, Paul Anka, Goodman and many more with plenty of Christmas classics.

Singers on the night will include Keith McDonald and Madeleine Connaughton and the MC will be Galway Bay FM’s Jimmy Higgins.

All singers and musicians in the band have donated their services to support breast cancer research and as a result all proceeds raised will go directly to the charity.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets are just €20 each available online only at www.breastcancerresearch.ie/BigBand

COPE Galway supported almost 3,000 people last year

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Galway Daily news COPE Galway extremely worried at record homelessness levels

COPE Galway supported almost 3,000 people in the city and county last year, across all their services.

The charity’s annual report for 2021 shows that COPE cared for 2,885 people through its homelessness, domestic abuse, and senior support services.

COPE has launched its annual report this morning, with guest speaker and human rights expert, Mr. Michael O’Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.

Speaking from Vienna, he took part in a Q&A session addressing issues such as the right to a home of your own, and inequalities in society that lead to isolation for older people, and that force women and children to leave their abusive homes.

COPE Galway’s CEO, Michael Smyth remarked about the numbers in the report; “This represents a 10% increase on the numbers of men, women and families our organisation served the previous year”.

“A figure that is unfortunately only going to increase as we face into the challenging social and economic landscape that lies ahead.”

At the report launch, attendees heard from staff about the challenges they have faced on delivering services, and keeping the doors open.

Mr Smyth continued, “It is thanks to the commitment and resilience of our staff and volunteers and the strength and determination of our clients that we were in a position to support so many in 2021.”

“Throughout the year, our staff continuously found new ways and innovative approaches to progress our clients through our services towards a better quality of life.”

Climate and housing crisis front and centre at ATU Galway Careers Fair

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Tackling the climate crisis and housing emergency was at the front of minds and on the tips of tongues at the ATU Galway Careers Fair.

Twenty-six employers from Ireland and the UK representing all sectors of architecture, construction, civil engineering, and more attended the event at Atlantic Technological University Galway recently.

The views expressed there emphasised that a shortage of built environment graduates will impact our ability to tackle the climate emergency and deliver critical housing and infrastructure.

Dr Shane Newell, lecturer, ATU Dept of Building & Civil Engineering, Galway campus, pointed out that the built environment is responsible for roughly a third of Ireland’s carbon emissions.

“Therefore, our graduates will have a significant role to play in combating this in the future as we transition towards a climate neutral economy by 2050.”

“Our graduates in the built environment will be at the coalface tackling climate change and this makes it a very rewarding and exciting time to be entering the profession”.

The employers who attended that Careers Fair met and talked with students from Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management and Quantity Surveying degree programmes about new graduate opportunities and placement positions.

A major shift in focus in built environment programmes in ATU Galway in the last decade is the focus on sustainability and tackling the climate emergency.

In ATU Galway, all built environment degree programmes have an industrial placement in third year.

This annual event gives students excellent opportunities to speak directly to employers to discuss potential placement positions which are an important part of their undergraduate studies.

Work placements enhance the student learning experience and ensure students have valuable experience prior to entering the workplace, and increases their employment prospects.

Representatives from companies in attendance shared their views, with Nicola Van Der Walt of Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers saying that it is an exciting time for students to study in this field.

“There are currently record levels of investment projected in infrastructure projects in Ireland.”

“Ryan Hanley is predicting a strong demand for graduates in the sector over the next couple of years.”

Lisa Elliott, from Shareridge Civil Engineering added, “The calibre and quality of students and graduates we met while exhibiting at the Careers Networking Event at ATU Galway was top class”.

“Students were informed and knowledgeable in theory and practice and we very much look forward to engaging with these fantastic young people within our graduate and placement programmes.”

Appeal made to An Bord Pleanála over large Oranmore housing development

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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An appeal has been made to An Bord Pleanála against the county council’s decision to refuse planning for a large residential development in Oranmore.

Corestone 16 Ltd were refused planning permission last month for 101 houses and apartments on the Coast Road, Oranmore, next to the train station.

The original application made to the county council was for 91 homes, but this was increased in revised plans submitted after the council asked the developer to consider a higher density.

The council refused to approve the housing development after taking issue with its design and layout, lack of engagement with the wider Urban Framework Plan for the area, and concerns about social housing.

The “design, scale, and car dominated layout” of the development, in an area that is supposed to be focused on public transport, was not acceptable, the council said.

In addition, the decision also criticised the “poor quality public realm, quality of public and private open space, poor disposition, and inadequate and insufficient quality of residential amenity” in the plans.

This decision has been appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision by March 21 of next year.

It states that the layout of the estate has been designed to enhance connectivity with Oranmore train station, and will create a new greenway with pedestrian and cycling connections to the village and station.

The appeal also states that this application is for the first phase of a larger development, adding “As part of the next phase, the central landscaped space will be expanded to create a new central park”.

The bulk of the public green space in the current application is at the northern end of the site.

Additional landscaped space will be provided to the east of the current site in later phases, the appeal states.

Weather warning for heavy rain in effect

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Galway daily news galway Weather warning for heavy rain in effect

A weather warning for thundery rain and possible flooding is in place today, and will remain in effect until Monday night.

Met Eireann issued a status yellow weather warning for heavy or thundery pulses of rain across the country today.

It’s expected that the rain will lead to flooding in places, Met Eireann has said.

The rain warning for Galway and all of Ireland will be in effect until 8pm tonight.

The worst of the rain is expected in the southeast, with a status orange warning for Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow until midday.

In Galway, after heavy showers overnight, the worst of the rain today is expected in the evening.

It’ll be a blustery start to the week on top of that, with strong and gusty southeasterly winds, veering westerly as the day goes on.

Highest temperatures on Monday of 8 to 10 degrees. Showers will continue overnight, but become lighter and more scattered heading into Tuesday.

Young Galway filmmakers among winners at 10th ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards

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galway daily news reellife science film awards
Members of Galway City Foróige with ReelLIFE SCIENCE Director Dr Enda O’Connell, CÚRAM Director Professor Abhay Pandit and BT Young Scientist winners Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar. Pic - Andrew Downes, Exposure

Short science videos made by young Irish filmmakers have been celebrated at the 10th Annual ReelLIFE SCIENCE Awards in University of Galway.

The event took place last week, as part of Science Week 2022 and the 25th Galway Science and Technology Festival.

More than 400 short science films were entered into the competition by more than 3,000 young science enthusiasts.

It was a record level of engagement with the ReelLIFE Science competition with 140 schools and youth groups taking part across the island of Ireland.

Winning videos were selected by a panel of guest judges including aeronautical engineer and author Dr Norah Patten; ‘Superhero Scientist’ and author Dr Barry Fitzgerald; and the 2022 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition winners, Aditya Kumar and Aditya Joshi from Synge Street CBS in Dublin.

Third place in the Youth Organisation category went to Galway Foróige AV Club, directed by youth officer Erika King, for ‘How a Camera is like an Eye’

Físeán Gaeilge is Fearr by Gaelscoil Riabhach, Loughrea received a special category award.

The winning videos can be viewed here.

Addressing the young filmmakers at the awards ceremony, Dr. Barry Fitzgerald said: “I was delighted to be one of the judges for the ReelLIFE SCIENCE video competition for schools and youth organisations for 2022.

“The level of the videos was just incredible – I loved watching them.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who entered the competition and I encourage you to keep on making videos about science in the future.”

Weather warning issued for heavy rain in Galway

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Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain and possible flooding now in effect

A status yellow warning has been issued for Galway for heavy rainfall tonight and tomorrow (Monday).

Met Éireann said that saying heavy or thundery pulses of rain will lead to flooding in places.

The warning will come into effect at 3am on Monday morning and will expire at 8pm and affects all counties in the Republic.

Outbreaks of rain will continue across most places into Monday afternoon with the potential for further spot flooding.

Tesco completes rebrand of Joyce’s supermarkets with new Headford store

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galway daily news tesco tuam shopping centre logo

The new Tesco in Headford has officially opened for business, becoming the final store to launch in Galway following their takeover of Joyce’s Supermarkets earlier this year.

The Headford store is the ninth new Tesco to open in the county in recent months.

Tesco says that it promises customers a modern retail experience with access to a huge variety of quality fresh local and Irish produce.

More than 33 west of Ireland suppliers are now benefitting from product listings in the nine new supermarkets in Galway.

Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, said they thrilled to open the doors of the new Headford store.

He said customers can expect to find a wide variety of quality fresh Irish food and drink as well as wonderful produce from 33 local suppliers, who will feature on the shelves across the Galway stores.

“We are very impressed by the quality of the produce that is grown and made here in Galway, and we are proud to support local producers,” he said.

The new store was officially opened by experienced store manager, Stephen Corrigan.

Stephen, who is based in nearby Belclare, said that they have been “working really hard to ensure that the new store exceeds the expectations of the community in Headford.”

“We can’t wait to welcome our customers back, and we really look forward to engaging with them in the months and years ahead.” 

Why it’s important that every woman solo travels at least once in their lifetime 

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Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences anyone can achieve in their lifetime. Whether you have travelled as a female with friends, lovers and family, there is nothing quite like travelling alone. Travelling alone provides so many experiences, that it actually is a crime if you never have ventured as a solo traveller. While it can be scary to put yourself out into the unknown, once you do it once it becomes truly infectious. Many gateways of confidence flood in from the moment you do open the solo travel door, and while there are many reasons why you should open the door to solo travel at least once in your life, consider this a persuasive article on why you must!

The great thing about travelling is, you will often go packing pretty light-well real solo travellers do, to be able to move around easily and simply. CSGOPolygon however, is a gambling site that can be operated from your mobile phone. So regardless of where you are and what you are doing, it is always accessible to you, so that you can always entertain yourself as you move along. Coach, train or car, as long as you have a great internet connection, you are good to game away. And hey, it’s totally independent which speaks to independent women too!

You Get To Explore Your Adventurous Side

While life may often be planned with ambitions and goals, travelling solo really allows you to explore the adventure that awaits. Not knowing a language within a country means you need to muster a new part of you to survive. While it can be nerve wracking, it may also become one of the most adventurous experiences of your whole life. Just think, all the locations from your National Geographic are possible, no adventure is too far out of reach.

Meeting Strangers Increases Your Confidence

This most certainly would apply to people who are travelling abroad and using hostels as their route for overnight stays. The amount of like-minded people you will meet at hostels, for one, loving to travel too. When you travel you will be put under the limelight when it comes to talking to people you don’t know, this especially can really help increase self confidence, and expressing yourself beyond your comfort zone. As a woman, this is definitely important, finding your voice and not being afraid to use it-even with people you do not know.

You Can Be Selfish With Your Time

Going on vacation alone means that you can plan your trip without having to worry about pleasing anyone else but you. Group trips mean that you will need to appeal to everyone and what they want to see and do, but with solo trips, the planning of your journey is all yours, and you can do what you want, when you want!

You Will Be Tested To Overcome Your Mental Limits

Travelling alone will introduce you to your perceived limits and fears, and the great thing about solo travel is, you will be forced to push past these boundaries to survive. The resilience you gain from travelling alone is a new-found source of independence. Nothing will ever challenge you in the same way. However, the great thing about it is that, when you come back to your normal environment, nothing will look the same again, and you will be able to handle more challenges along the way after your solo travelling experience.

Galway Simon Community unveils sharp new football kit

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galway daily news galway smon community new football kit
L – R: Jason Craughwell (Galway Sports Partnership), John Dodd, Cllr. Clodagh Higgins, Mayor of Galway, Pat Mongan, Robert Johnson (Ambassador for Galway United), Emer Flatley (FAI). Photo: Aengus McMahon

Galway Simon Community has unveiled a brand new football kit which will allow the charity to take on other teams in one-off matches.

Galway Simon has been holding training sessions at Westside Astroturf Pitch every Wednesday for its volunteers, clients and staff, giving those involved an opportunity to stay active.

Launched by Mayor of Galway, Clodagh Higgins, the new blue and yellow kit was supported by Galway City Council in conjunction with Galway Sports Partnership.

Back Row L – R: Jason Craughwell (Galway Sports Partnership), Ollie Taheny, John Dodd, Dami Popoola, Kathleen Donoghue, Conor O’Keeffe (Galway United), Cllr. Clodagh Higgins, Mayor of Galway, Robert Johnson (Ambassador for Galway United), Jodi O’Donnell, Eva Janssens, Emer Flatley (FAI), Mary Glynn. Front Row L-R: Billy Owens, Martin O’Brien, Pat Mongan, Rachel Leonard, Raquel Tejero Martinez, Siobhán Kavanagh. Photo: Aengus McMahon

Other important supporters of the training sessions include Emer Flatley, FAI/Galway City Council Football Development Officer, Corrib Rangers FC and Galway United FC.

A representative for Galway Simon thanked Galway United which has been facilitating the training sessions.

“For our clients, football offers an opportunity for them to build their confidence, communication skills and team working skills, as well as have fun and work on their fitness,” they said.

“Through the application of these skills, our clients seek to explore and engage with volunteering/employment opportunities.”

Jason Craughwell of Galway Sports Partnership added that they are delighted to play a role in this initiative as it gives the participants the opportunity to get involved in physical activity.

“Hopefully they will have the opportunity to go on and play with one of the local teams in time.”

Galway Simon Community issues urgent Christmas appeal

Galway EuroMillions player scoops €50,000 in Ireland Only Raffle

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Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

A EuroMillions player from Galway woke up €50,000 richer this morning after scooping the Ireland Only Raffle prize along with nine others on Thursday.

Three players in Dublin, two players in Cork and one player in Clare, Kildare, Kilkenny and Tipperary also scooped the special raffle prize last night.

It was the second of twelve draws in the National Lottery’s ’12 Draws of Christmas’ promotion, and ten players will win €50,000 each in all EuroMillions draws every Tuesday and Friday until December 23.

The lucky local bought his ticket online, while seven of the ten winners bought their tickets in shops across the country.

Commenting on this exciting first draw of ‘12 Draws of Christmas’, a spokesperson for the National Lottery said that the third draw will take place on Tuesday (22 November) where ten more players are guaranteed to win the amazing prize.

“Not only will the special promotion see 120 players in Ireland win €50,000 over the six weeks, but all EuroMillions players in Ireland will also be in with a chance of becoming Ireland’s second EuroMillions jackpot winner of 2022.”

Emirates to visit Galway offering tax-free salary & free accommodation

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galway daily news emirates airline galway recruitment

The world’s largest airline Emirates is hosting an open day for new recruits in Galway next Wednesday, offering a tax-free salary and free accommodation in sunny Dubai.

Open days are taking place in Galway, Dublin and Limerick from next week as the airline looks to add to the hundreds of Irish people already working with the airline.

Those who have ever dreamed of travelling the world, waking up in the Big Apple, seeing the sights of Sydney or jetting away to the Maldives are urged to come along on Wednesday.

Concessions also include health benefits and worldwide travel concessions for family members.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 23 November at the Hardiman, Eyre Square from 9am.

Getting onboard

  • Arrive armed with your CV and a recent photograph
  • Be prepared to spend the full day at the venue
  • While not mandatory, candidates are invited to pre-register for a smoother experience here
  • Shortlisted candidates will be informed of timings for further assessments and interviews on the same day

Galway Simon Community issues urgent Christmas appeal

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galway daily news christmas appeal from galway simon community

Galway Simon Community has said that they are ‘deeply concerned’ at the record number of families experiencing homelessness in the West this winter.

The charity has issued an urgent appeal ahead of Christmas, asking people to support them to prevent the trauma of homelessness for families across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

In September, the west of Ireland saw a 39% increase on the previous year in the number of families in emergency accommodation.

According to the Department of Housing, there were 95 families with 209 children living in emergency accommodation in September, the highest number of families experiencing homelessness on record in the region.

Galway Simon Community supported 1,222 individuals in the first nine months of 2022, including 195 families with 420 children and the charity reports that the number of people seeking help is continuing to increase.

Single mother Megan and her six-year-old daughter Emily, are one of the families supported by Galway Simon’s Homelessness Prevention Services.

Megan has shared her story to highlight how the charity helped herself and her daughter.

When Megan came to Galway Simon she was deeply distressed after receiving yet another ‘notice to quit’.

Over the previous three years she had to move three times, and she was struggling to find any affordable accommodation.

The stress and worry Megan experienced was also impacting on her daughter Emily. All the uncertainty, all the moving around and having to change schools.

Emily really did not want to start another new school because it had been so hard to make new friends the last time they moved.

All Megan wanted was a place to live for herself and her daughter. Galway Simon supported Megan in completing the paperwork and understanding the system.

They also advocated on her behalf and this Christmas Megan and her daughter are settling into their new home, which offers greater security of tenure and eases their fear and uncertainty.

Megan is very grateful that she and Emily did not need to access emergency accommodation.

“I was desperately looking for a new place but there was no affordable accommodation available. Thankfully Galway Simon was there to help us.

“They helped me with all the paperwork and supported me in applying for housing. They were real lifesavers. Thanks to Galway Simon we are spending our first Christmas in our new home,” Megan said.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community says many other families, like Megan and Emily, are in need of their support.

“Galway Simon is facing huge challenges in providing supports to the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Karen.

“The impact of the current housing crisis, which has been further compounded by rising food and fuel poverty, is leading to an increase in the number of families facing the trauma of homelessness and coming to us for help.

“Our Christmas appeal is more important than ever to enable us to continue to prevent homelessness for families who coming to us in crisis.

“We are asking the people of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to please give whatever they can to help us to keep families here in the West in homes and out of Emergency Accommodation this Christmas.”

If you would like to help prevent the trauma of homelessness for families in our community this Christmas, please visit galwaysimon.ie or call 091 38 18 28 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today.