Micil Distillery unveils new whiskey inspired by the past

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November 19, 2022

galway daily news tourism event in germany with kylemore abbey hotel — Tourism companies from Ireland, including Jessica Ridge, Kylemore Abbey (front, sixth left); with Nadine Lehmann (front, third left) and Siobhan McManamy (front, third right), both Tourism Ireland, at the ‘Ireland Meets Germany’ event in Frankfurt. Pic – Tourism Ireland

Kylemore Abbey was among 30 Irish tourism companies to be presented to German, Swiss and Austrian tour operators this week at a Tourism Ireland workshop in Frankfurt.

The ‘Ireland Meets Germany’ event allowed companies to meet with tour operators in one-to-one meetings and networking sessions.

They provided a valuable opportunity for Irish tourism businesses to ensure they’re featured in the tour operators’ programmes for 2023.

Germany is the third-largest source of visitors to the island of Ireland and one of the largest outbound travel markets in the world.

In 2019, Ireland welcomed 749,000 German visitors to its shores.

Nadine Lehmann, Tourism Ireland’s manager for Germany, said they are delighted that these key European tour operators are taking the time to come and meet with partners from Ireland in Frankfurt.

“Our aim is to highlight the many things to see and do in Ireland to the influential German, Swiss and Austrian tour operators and to help secure a greater share of their business in 2023 and beyond,” she said.

Man charged with violent threats and arson

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November 18, 2022

galway daily courts Man charged with violent threats and arson

A Loughrea man has been charged with making violent threats against two people, as well as alleged arson at a home in Moycullen.

Dylan Griffin (34), of Woodville Loughrea appeared before Galway District Court this week, where he was sent forward to trial for the sitting of the Circuit Court in December.

He has been charged with two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to a man and a woman on April 10 of this year.

Griffin has also been charged with criminal damage by arson at a home in Garraí Gabhainn, Moycullen on the same date.

Garda Sinéad Grant gave evidence to the district court that a book of evidence had been served on the accused man that morning.

Judge Mary Fahy ordered the case sent forward, and cautioned the accused man that if he wished to present an alibi, the state must be told of it in advance.

Galway Food Tours get crafty in 2023

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November 18, 2022

Galway Daily food & drink Galway Food Tours get crafty in 2023

The award-winning Galway Food Tours who guide people through the food scene of Galway have launched their craft and food tours gift vouchers.

The gift vouchers can be for one of their food and experiential tours or can be out towards joining their craft tours which they launched in November 2022.

Long after the festive season, you can enjoy a craft tour in Galway. This February 12, join Galway Food tours as they take you on a journey through the city like no other.

“People want experiences now, so we wanted to bring the best of fashion, craft, and food together,” said Sheena Dignam Owner of Galway Food Tours.

She added that they are incredibly fortunate to have these “incredible people, places, and resources” in the west to make such an experience.

“So, get your friends together or come on a date with us yourself, a brilliant day eating, chatting, a tipple or two and of course having conversations, getting creative and learning from the people that are around us. Perfection.”

The food odyssey starts in Galway’s westend, In Plámás where a coffee and sweet treat from Kai is the order of the day.

After that you’re heading up the town to hear and learn from the icon that is Anne O’Maille who runs O’Máille – The Original House of Style, founded in 1938 in the heart of Galway City.

Famous for their unique Hand Knitted Aran Sweaters. Proudly showcasing Top 100% Irish Weavers | Contemporary designs for Men, Women & Home in natural fiber.

Then it’s onto one the city’s most iconic restaurant spaces, Ard Bia where lunch is served.

The creative juices can then be awoken with a Weave workshop where you will make a St Bridget’s cross with Sarah Jenkins in the surroundings of the Galway City Gin Distillery and talk (and drink!) about Imbolc – Early Childhood with Claire Davey.

Tesco opens new Oughterard supermarket

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November 18, 2022

224oughteard tesco opening — Alan Coughlan, Area Manager West, Tesco, Patrica Duggan, Tesco Oughterard Gillian Joyce, Store Manager, Tesco Oughterard Martina Gormley, Tesco People Partner West and Eileen Gibbons, Tesco Oughterard as Tesco Ireland opens the doors to its latest store in Co Galway. Photo:- XPOSURE.ie

Tesco has recently opened its newly refurbished and rebranded supermarket in Oughterard.

The eight Tesco store to launch in Galway over recent months is part of the takeover of Joyce’s approved earlier this year.

At more than 4,000sqft, the new store promises customers a modern retail experience and a wide selection of quality fresh local and Irish produce.

Local suppliers Galway Bay Seafoods, Divilly’s Meats and Bacus Bhearna, are among a host of local producers who can be found on the shelves in Oughterard.

The new store was officially opened last week by the store manager, Gillian Joyce.

Gillian who is a former All-Ireland Ladies Football Winner with Galway said: “This is a big moment for us here in Tesco Oughterard.”

“We can’t wait to welcome our customers back, and we really look forward to actively engaging with the community.”

“We’re really looking forward to meeting local groups and projects who need our support through the Community Fund over the coming months.”

As part of its first Community Fund drive in Galway, the new Tesco will be supporting Oughterard Men’s Shed, Corrib Basketball Club and Oughterard Mental Health Services.

Through the food surplus redistribution programme, FoodCloud partners and OLIO Food Waste Heroes will be on hand to ensure no good food goes to waste.

The Oughterard team will also join Tesco’s continued efforts to support its charity partner, Children’s Health Foundation which supports all sick children in CHI at Crumlin, Connolly, Temple St, and Tallaght hospitals.

Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland said: “We’re very excited to open the doors of our new Oughterard store.”

“We have had such a warm welcome from all the communities where we are now based, and we are committed to ensuring that these new stores play a big part in local communities for many years to come.”

Sorcha confronts Greg about his betrayal in Ros na Rún

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November 18, 2022

Galway Daily television Sorcha confronts Greg about his betrayal in Ros na Rún

Sorcha confronts Greg about his betrayal, Sadie is keen to get to know Rory, and Bobbi Lee & Niall seek revenge in Ros na Rún.

Bobbi Lee and Niall, seeking revenge on Mack for ruining their wedding day, devise a plan to get him back. But will Mack fall for their ruse?

Sorcha confronts Greg about cashing Michelle’s cheque as the scheming pair pull apart; but will he admit it, or spin another lie?

Malachaí tries to keep Sadie and Rory apart, knowing how the latter feels about their relationship.

But she is keen to get to know him, and could this be the thing to bring them together as a family, or tear them further apart?

Réailtín’s birthday is today, and although she has to return to school, she intends on celebrating with some alcohol.

Hurt that Tony is seemingly avoiding her, Vera is excited to learn that his absence is due to a new girlfriend. Who could this be?

Catch up on all the latest in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Appeal lodged over 27 homes in Clifden

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November 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An appeal has been lodged against the rejection of a residential development of 27 houses and apartments in Clifden.

TML Properties Ltd sought approval to build a housing estate on an unused site on the north side of Clifden, off the N59.

The estate would comprise 5 three-bed, terraced houses; 8 ground floor, single level, one-bed houses for older people; 6 single-level, two-bed apartments; and 8 two-bed duplex units.

Planning permission was refused by Galway County Council in October of this year due to environmental concerns about surface water drainage.

The decision noted that the project is located next to a watercourse which drains into the Owenglin River, which is part of the designated Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex special area of conservation.

The drainage proposals included the discharge of surface water directly into that watercourse without pre-treatment.

Revised engineering drawings have been submitted as part of the appeal, with updated proposals for a hydrocarbon interceptor prior to water being drained into the watercourse.

The plans have also been amended to have the new gullies drain into the existing public storm sewer on the N59.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on this planning appeal by March 23 of next year.

Galway City Museum talks to explore story of Pádraic Ó Máille and Liam Mellows

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November 18, 2022

galway daily news liam mellows galway city museum talks

Galway City Museum will run a series of talks on the civil war story of Pádraic Ó Máille and Liam Mellows on Saturday 3 December.

The talks, in collaboration with Galway historians John Cunningham, Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh and Cormac Ó Comhraí, will take place in the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane at 1pm.

The series has been organised by Galway City Museum, as part of Galway City Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme 2022.

On 8 December 1922, Liam Mellows and three other prominent Republican leaders were executed in reprisal for an IRA attack on two politicians, Pádraic Ó Máille from Connemara and Seán Hales from Cork, in which the latter was killed.

Former military comrades and political allies, both men had represented Galway in the first and second Dáil Éireann, 1919–1922.

This event is free of charge but places are limited so advance booking is essential; call the Museum on (091) 532460 or email museum@galwaycity.ie

Please note that this event is being filmed for Galway City Museum for public dissemination and attendance implies consent to be recorded in the audience.

€593,000 announced for local community centres’ energy bills

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November 18, 2022

Over €593,000 in funding has been announced to support community and voluntary groups with their energy bills across Galway city and county.

The €10 million Community Support Fund will provide small grants to a wide and diverse range of local community groups across the country to help with their running costs.

Funding will be available to support parish halls, community centres, local development associations, social clubs, ICA groups, senior citizen groups, men’s sheds, women’s sheds and more.

The new scheme will support groups which may not have been deemed eligible for funding under previous Government schemes.

These include groups that operate from parish halls and who need support with running costs such as energy or insurance bills.

Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Heather Humphreys said that community groups are not immune from rising prices.

She said the new scheme is about supporting these groups with their costs whether it’s electricity bills, insurance costs or other overheads.

Aldi “extremely disappointed” with Ballybrit planning decision

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November 18, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála blocks plans for Aldi supermarket in Ballybrit

ALDI Ireland has described An Bord Pleanála’s decision to refuse planning permission for a store in Ballybrit as “extremely disappointing”.

The two-storey supermarket on Monivea Road would have 1,254m² of retail space, supporting 30 permanent jobs when opened.

In a statement, the regional managing director of ALDI Ireland, Colin Breslin, said that this “regrettable decision” means that the people of Galway will continue to pay more for their weekly shopping.

He said that they will also miss out on the jobs this project would have created – both in the construction phase and permanent in-store roles.

“The decision of An Bord Pleanála, which followed an appeal by Tesco and RGDATA (The Retail Grocery Dairy and Allied Trades Association), is particularly disappointing given the project was supported by local authority councillors who recognised the value that a new ALDI store could bring to their community,” said Mr Breslin.

“Regrettably, we have already been experiencing long delays in An Bord Pleanála’s approvals process, with a decision on this application originally due 37 weeks ago.

“These delays mean more communities are losing out on the benefits that ALDI brings to local economies when they are needed more than ever.”

Breslin said that the cost-of-living crisis is impacting every household and they are very aware what it means for their customers.

“While we remain committed in full to these expansion plans, we will have to review the implications of today’s decision in terms of what it means for Monivea Road.”

Weather warning for fog as road users urged to take care

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November 18, 2022

Galway Daily news Met Eireann issues Fog warning as motorists advised to exercise caution

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow warning for fog in Galway this morning.

The forecasters say some areas of dense fog may cause difficult travel conditions.

The warning, affecting all counties in the Republic, is expected to be lifted at 10am this morning.

When the fog lifts, there will be sunny spells with a chance of just a few isolated showers.

Highest temperatures will be between 8 and 10 degrees in moderate west to northwest breezes.

Tonight will start cold, dry and clear with just a few mist patches. Frost will develop in places as temperatures fall to between -1 and +3 degrees.

An Bord Pleanála blocks plans for Aldi supermarket in Ballybrit

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November 17, 2022

An Bord Pleanála has blocked plans for a new Aldi supermarket in Ballybrit, overturning the city council’s decision to grant it approval.

Planning permission was granted for the new store on the Monivea Road back in September of 2021.

The two storey supermarket would have a total of 1,254m² of retail space, and support 30 permanent jobs when opened.

The new supermarket would be served by 80 car parking spaces and 12 bicycle spaces, and feature four charging stations for electric vehicles.

However, appeals against the city council’s decision were lodged by Tesco Ireland and the Retail Grocery & Dairy Allied Trades Association (RGDATA) that October.

Tesco objected on the grounds that 60% of the site is zoned for commercial usage, while the rest is meant for industrial usage.

RGDATA said that it was “concerned with the proliferation of planned and permitted convenience stores in suburban locations throughout Galway City in recent years.”

Their object said that if this was allowed to continue, it could threaten the viability of the town centre.

In refusing planning permission, An Bord Pleanála focused on the zoning of the site, noting that it is reserved for ‘I’ industrial usage, or zoned ‘CI’ which provides for enterprise, light industry, and commercial uses other than those reserved for the city centre.

The decision further said that there is a specific objective in the city development plan to consider for this site.

This allows for, “only bulky goods retailing and local retailing needs and where there is an exception provided which would allow for food store development on specific sites at Briarhill”.

The bord said that allowing the development would contravene the city development plan, its Retail Hierarchy, and site zoning objectives.

Four Galway-based healthcare projects awarded over €19 million

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Four Galway-based healthcare projects awarded over €19 million

Four groundbreaking Galway-based healthcare research projects have been awarded almost €20 million in funding announced this week.

The government announced a total of €40 million in grant funding under the first tranche of the fourth round of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund.

The Galway projects are all in the area of advanced healthcare, either using medtech to improve surgical treatments, or modern data gathering and analysis for better treatment options.

The largest award is €7 million to a project led by Versono Medical Ltd and Integer Ireland to develop a non-invasive device to treat patients with chronic blockage of coronary arteries in their limbs.

FeelTect is leading the HealthIntel project, awarded €4.6 million, which will use data to improve the monitoring and measuring of compression therapy and wound care.

The LILAC-IntelliSense project by Luminate Medical Ltd has been awarded €4.4; This aims to develop a software solution that models a prognosis for chemotherapy induced nerve damage.

It is hoped that the system will lead to improved treatment outcomes for chemotherapy patients, while reducing long-term side effects.

And lastly, €3.4 million has been awarded for BioBlate, led by Xtremedy Medical, a non-invasive surgical device for treating diabetic foot ulcers.

University of Galway is also a partner on all four of these projects, while Armour Interactive is working on HealthIntel.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said of the awards under the DTIF, “Now more than ever we should look to the future and embrace innovation as a means of building our capacity to conquer the challenges we face.”

“Throughout the pandemic, the research community showed a commendable ability to adapt and rise to previously unthinkable challenges.”

“These and other successful projects have identified emerging areas of opportunity in future markets to help solve societal challenges by building on our regional economic and research strengths.”

DTIF places a large emphasis on SME participation, to utilise their potential as drivers of disruptive innovation.

The 11 successful consortia in this call have 40 partners, of which 58% are SMEs and 10 of which are leading their projects.

Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, who administer the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund, said that it encourages companies of all sizes to be ambitious.

“The investment offered through DTIF encourages Irish companies of all sizes, multinational companies and academic institutions to explore new opportunities by encouraging them to be more ambitious and pursue strategic research opportunities.”

“It helps clients target investment in innovations in areas of major importance, such as future medical technologies and digitalisation.”

Galway toll plaza prices going up by 10c from January

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway toll plaza prices going up by 10c from January

Toll prices at the N6/M6 toll plaza in Galway will be going up by 10c for most drivers from the start of next year.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced that from January 1, 2023, the toll price will go up from €1.00 to €1.10 for cars and motorcycles.

For buses, there will be a 30c increase in the toll price, going up to €3.80; Trucks will also see a 40c increase for LGVs and a 50c rise for three and four axle vehicles.

These price increases are the same for multiple motorways and national roads across the country.

The toll rates listed above will be in effect next January for the M1, M7/M8, M8, N6, N25WF, and N18-LT roads.

The M6 Galway to Ballinasloe motorway has its toll plaza at Cappataggle, and makes up part of the larger N6 national route.

Over the Edge open mic night on Thursday evening

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily arts Over the Edge open mic night on Thursday evening

The monthly Over the Edge open reading and open mic night for poetry and prose aficionados is on this evening in Galway City.

The Open Reading takes place at the usual venue of Galway City Library at 6pm, with featured readers Ryan Dennis, Monica Igoe, & Antoinette Lyons.

Antoinette Lyons, from Ennis, has been an avid reader since childhood but only started writing in the last few years, taking poetry and fiction writing classes with Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar DuMars.

Settling in West Clare, Loop Head, the sea, and the area’s soft landscape has found its way into her writing. Antoinette is surprised to be writing a coming of age book about two young boys.

She is still an avid reader. Her five guests at fantasy dinner would be John Banville, Jack Reacher, Enid Blyton, Haruki Murakami and Patti Smith.

Monica Igoe grew up in Wexford, and studied Communications at Dublin City University a long time ago. She lives in Galway with her husband and three sons.

She previously worked as a staff journalist in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and as a freelancer out of Sydney and Galway.

Monica is drawn to the short story format because it allows you inhabit so many different worlds, and just makes life so much more interesting.

Ryan Dennis is the author of the novel The Beasts They Turned Away, published by époque press.

In addition to being a Fulbright with a PhD in creative writing, he is a former writer-in-residence at Maynooth University and has taught at various institutions.

In 2020 he founded The Milk House, an initiative to showcase the work of those writing on rural subjects.

As usual there will be an open-mic after the Featured Readers have finished, and those interested should give their names to one of the Over The Edge volunteers at Galway City Library before the reading starts.

The evening will also be broadcast live via Over The Edge’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070193895521.

Galway named one of Europe’s most sustainable business cities

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily business Galway named one of Europe's most sustainable business cities — Galway City, Galway, delegates enjoying a city break. Failte Ireland Business Tourism Project Galway

Galway has been named one of the most green and sustainable cities in Europe and the world for business tourism and events.

The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index, ranked Galway 13th in Europe in its latest ratings for 2022.

The GDS Index is a global rating system designed to recognise responsible practices in the business tourism and events industry.

This year saw Galway’s score improve from 67.50 in 2021 to 73.16 for 2022, also placing the city 30th in global rankings.

Galway Convention Bureau, which led the city’s application, welcomed the news. Niamh Stack, of the Bureau, said that they are delighted to see their score on the index getting better each year.

“There were a lot more entrants in 2022 which is another positive step in ensuring that countries and this industry are not just playing lip service to the very real environmental problems we are facing.”

“We have a lot of work done but we still need to do more in the area of sustainability. But we can now confidently market Galway as a sustainable destination to the global events industry which may help secure future sustainable conference business to Galway.”

The rankings are designed to help MICE planners choose progressive destinations with top sustainability credentials.

The index is compiled by measuring and comparing the social, environmental, supplier and destination sustainability strategies, policies, and performance of participating cities around the world.

Under the Convention Bureaux of Ireland brand, Fáilte Ireland provides both strategic and operational direction as well as funding via service level agreements.

Niamh Stack said that it is hoped that Galway will crack the top 10 in Europe within the next two to three years.

“Working with our industry partners as a collaborative effort, and leading the way Galway can become a world leader and set the start for sustainable green business tourism.”

Ruairí Lehmann, Tourism Officer, added, “We are delighted to see Galway improve its scoring on the Global Destination Sustainability Index.”

“This index showcases the great work being done within the sector and we would encourage more businesses to engage with the Galway Convention Bureau on improving their sustainability credentials.”

The city council have a number of measures underway to improve sustainability in the city, she added, which can be best achieved by working with the business community.

County Senior Hurling Final – Throw-In time and Where to Watch

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily sport County Senior Hurling Final - Throw-In time and Where to Watch

The Galway County Senior Hurling Championship Final will take place this weekend, and here’s what you need to know if you want to watch.

Reigning champions St Thomas’ will face off against the challengers Loughrea this Sunday at Pearse Stadium.

It’ll be an early afternoon start to the game, with throw-in at 1:30pm on Sunday.

Tickets cost €20 for standard admission, with a €15 concession rate for students and seniors. U16s go free.

Buy your tickets ahead of time online here.

Where to Watch

For people who can’t make it to Pearse Stadium on Sunday, the hurling final will also be livestreamed on Galway GAATV.

You can purchase your €15 day pass to livestream the game here.

This game is shaping up to be a big one, as St. Thomas’s are looking to secure an elusive five consecutive county titles.

For their part, Loughrea will be hoping to break a 16 dry streak as they fight for the Tom Callanan cup on Sunday.

Galway Bar wins best Outdoor Space in Ireland at Irish Pub Awards

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily food & drink Galway Bar wins best Outdoor Space in Ireland at Irish Pub Awards

O’Connell’s Bar in Galway has achieved national recognition for its beloved beer garden, taking home the crown at the Irish Pub Awards.

O’Connell’s won the Best Outdoor Space category at the national finals of the Irish Pub Awards on Wednesday evening.

After being named as Connacht Regional winner in September, the Galway bar went on to represent the west nationally and last night took home gold.

The former Grocery Store that has been solely a pub since the 1970’s has become one of Galway’s most loved places to meet, have a drink and eat.

Outside, the beer garden has a charming set up in the look of a mock-street scape, with a covered and heated seating area suitable for all weather.

Diners can enjoy the award winning Dough Bros from the kitchen on site, and new addition to the garden Pratai Chips.

All this whilst enjoying the best of cocktails, pints of Guinness or sampling one of their many bottles of whiskey as well as live music.

A custom-built bar was installed as well as retro fit vintage neon signage to bring the garden beautifully from day to night.

Inside the bar, the décor has all original features including tiled floors, antique lighting, stained glass windows, solid wooden seating and a pressed tin ornate ceiling in the main bar.

Nostalgia fills every corner of this bar, now pushing half a century in business, with historic photos lining the walls.

The bar also released exclusively their Powers 12-year-old Single Cask Whiskey in 2021.

200 years of expertise means the people in Midleton know all there is to know about creating some of the best whiskey Ireland has.

With their help and guidance O’Connells have chosen a wonderful example of Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

This cask was originally laid down to mature on the grounds of Midleton in 2007, released and bottled in 2021 and now available in the bar.

Book of Condolences opened for Vicky Phelan

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November 17, 2022

Galway Daily news Book of Condolences opened for Vicky Phelan

A Book of Condolences has been opened by the city council in memory of Vicky Phelan.

Vicky Phelan, a tireless campaigner for the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal, passed away on Monday.

Her death came eight years after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, after a pap screen in 2011 failed to catch it.

She exposed this scandal to the public after opting to fight it out in the courts, despite warnings that she had little time left.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, opened a Book of Condolences yesterday for members of the public wishing to express messages of sympathy to Vicky Phelan’s family.

Mayor Higgins, shared a message of condolence, saying, “On behalf of Galway City Council, and the people of Galway, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Vicky Phelan, who passed away on the November 14, 2022.

“Vicky Phelan was a remarkable woman, and a courageous advocate for the women of Ireland. Her bravery, her dedication, and her commitment to challenge the status quo, has touched us all.”

“My thoughts are with Vicky’s children, husband, family and friends at this sad time. My condolences and sympathies to all – Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam”.

The Book of Condolences will be available in City Hall, during normal opening hours, until the December 18, 2022.

An online book will soon be available on the city council website.

Hometown Architect initiative to help rejuvinate town centres

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November 16, 2022