Croí calls for people to have cholesterol level checked

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November 16, 2022

University of Galway has announced the four recipients of Honorary Degrees at the 2022 Winter Conferring ceremonies.

Margaretta D’Arcy, Lelia Doolan, Ronan Scully and Dr Jerry Cowley will be conferred with Honorary Degrees during the celebrations between Wednesday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 29.

The Honorary Degree awardees will join more than 3,600 students graduating over the five days, as well as renowned trad musician Máirtín O’Connor and award-winning poet Mary O’Malley, who were unable to receive their Honorary Degrees last year.

Margaretta D’Arcy is an activist, actress, playwright and writer, and member of Aosdána, while Lelia Doolan is a film director, producer and writer.

Dr Jerry Cowley is a medical doctor, barrister, and public representative, and Ronan Scully is a humanitarian, volunteer and charity fund-raiser.

Speaking ahead of the conferring ceremonies, President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said he is delighted to be in a position to recognise this group of extraordinary individuals on behalf of the university.

“Each one has made an excellent and distinctive contribution to public life, the betterment of society and the interests of humanity, leaving the world in a better place than we found it, which is the responsibility of us all,” he said.

“It is also great to be able to mark the achievements of our outstanding graduates and those being conferred with an honorary award for the first time under our new name and our new identity and celebrate everything that Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway stands for, whether it’s through our values, our work for the public good and being in and of our place.”

Galway fairytale books make the perfect Christmas gifts

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November 16, 2022

galway daily news merlin galway fairy book for children 2022 christmas

Author Martha Begley Schade has published a second series of children’s stories following the success of her Merlin Woods Series.

With children’s issues at the heart of the Merlin Fairy Series, these books address difficult topics and bring them to the fore through the experiences of fairies in the woods.

The new books touch on the importance of apologising, the limits to playing pranks, the benefits of including others who are different to ourselves, family breakups, and ideas on coping with anxiety.

The first series, the Merlin Woods series dealt with topics such as bullying, friendship, kindness, teamwork, finding good guidance in life, and depression.

Suitable as educational material, these beautiful books, crafted, written and printed in Ireland, also make a lovely gift.

Ideally suited for children aged five years and upwards – and adults like them just as much.

Martha said that it is wonderful to meet grandmothers who have done Mamó sessions with these books.

“One lady told me how she invited her grandchildren from different households to come to her home on five consecutive Tuesdays at 7pm,” she said.

“No devices were allowed but they would get chicken nuggets, cocktail sausages or whatever their hearts desire. Then they all sat down to do a storytelling session and chat afterwards.

“Golden Memories were made. Who would have thought that encouraging storytelling sessions was something novel? It was the way I was brought up.”

Martha comes from a long line of traditional storytellers. Originally from Croom, County Limerick, she came to Galway in the 80s where she gained her degree in physics and maths.

Later years saw her join so many others in emigrating. Her path took her to Germany. After 22 years she returned to her beloved town of Galway to settle with her children.

It was during these years that she cemented her love for Merlin Woods in Galway and the power of supporting children’s development through storytelling.

The books are available as individual books or compilation books in all good stores or can be ordered online, where you can read more about them: galwayfairytales.com

Oughterard RFC teams up with IT company in new sponsorship

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November 16, 2022

galway daily news oughterard RFC sponsored by Sleepless

Galway-based IT company Sleepless has announced a sponsorship deal with Oughterard Rugby Football Club.

Fans of the club will see the team lining out in a brand-new training kit sporting the Sleepless logo.

The brand will also adorn the recently added pop-up Coffee at the Pitch Café, serving warming beverages and tasty treats on the club grounds throughout the autumn and winter.

The vibrant club, located on Clifden Road, is having an outstanding season.

The formidable senior team are enjoying success with two wins in a row against Claremorris RFC and Galway city club, OLBC.

Flourishing junior teams and a very promising minis section, catering for children as young as 2 years of age, are coming up the ranks.

Daragh Naughton, Managing Director of Sleepless, was invited to the game with Claremorris, to present senior team manager, Niall Walsh and merchandise manager, Ian Fogerty with the new match day kit on October 16.

Daragh said they are massive rugby fans at Sleepless and they have been absorbed by the success of Oughterard Rugby Football Club across its divisions in recent years.

“The determination of the athlete is commendable and resonates with our team. The club has a bright and exciting future. Sleepless is proud to be part of its story.”

Niall Walsh, Chairman of Oughterard Rugby Football Club said that the club is delighted and thankful to Daragh and Sleepless for their most generous sponsorship.

“Without the commitment from companies like Sleepless clubs would struggle to provide the proper foundations for all these teams to perform to their potential.

“We welcome the opportunity to give exposure to this very progressive company in any way we can. For a team to perform well on a pitch they need the support of so many good people behind the scenes just like Sleepless.”

Sleepless is an IT and cybersecurity company based in Galway. It specialises in assisting organizations with everyday business problems using cutting-edge technology.

Its motto is to solve everyday business problems and protect customers with the best in IT solutions.

Film about Galway writer Doireann Ní Ghríofa coming to Pálás

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November 16, 2022

galway daily news Doireann Ní Ghríofa film pálás cinema in galway city poster

Galway writer and poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa is the focus of a new film which will be released this Friday in Pálás Cinema.

The film, Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries, is an intimate exploration of the acclaimed writer’s world and creative process.

It is a film about memories, motherhood and the mysterious nature of creativity.

Doireann Ní Ghríofa was catapulted into the international literary spotlight in 2020 with the publication of her debut novel A Ghost in the Throat.

Lauded by critics from the New York Times to the Guardian, it went on to win the Irish Book of the Year.

Captured through intimate performances of her own work and in-depth interviews, the film reveals Ní Ghríofa’s creative impulses and journeys with her to the heart of her inspiration, her home place in Co Clare.

Produced as part of the Ildána scheme with support from TG4 and The Arts Council of Ireland, Aisling Trí Néallaibh: Clouded Reveries is directed by Ciara Nic Chormaic and produced by Sharon Whooley.

Director of Photography on the project was Colm Hogan, with John Brennan handling sound, Genevieve Murphy as editor, and music from John Daly. Aisling Trí Néallaibh had its premiere last Friday in the IFI, Dublin.

The film will be released this Friday, 18 November.

New delivery-only vegan restaurant to open in Galway city

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November 16, 2022

galway daily news vegan club galway city delivery deliveroo

A new delivery-only vegan brand has been launched by Bangin Food Group in Galway City with the new kitchen opening this Friday, 18 November.

Vegan Club, the group’s third virtual restaurant, will offer rice bowls, dumplings, a range of sides and their popular bao boxes.

The menu will also feature a selection of vegan cocktails, wine and beers.

Vegan Club joins the Sticky Rice and Bao Box concepts which Bangin Food Group launched in June 2022.

The group underwent a rebrand in May 2022 which included a change from what used to be standalone restaurant Bangin Noodles as they ventured into the ghost kitchen space.

“We’re excited to introduce a fully plant-based concept to our group,” said Bangin Food Group manager Evan O’Ceallaigh.

“The driving force behind Bangin Food Group is to bring innovate new food concepts to the market so this is a step in a new growing space for us.

“The vegan market is still very small in Ireland at around 2%, however the real goal for Vegan Club is to bring an exciting and delicious offering to the market that everyone can enjoy.”

The bowls start at €12.55, and customers can pay extra for upgrades such as plant-based meat, roasted sweet potato and candied jalapeños.

Selections include the chilli mince bowl, Korean fried bites bowl and vegan katsu curry bowls.

The brand is exclusively available on the delivery platform Deliveroo for now, but will expand its offering across other platforms in the new year as well as being available for collection on St Augustine Street.

Oughterard event today to encourage people to ‘Buy Social’

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November 16, 2022

GALWAY daily news oughterard #BuySocialIRL events poster

Ireland’s first #BuySocialIRL week is taking place this week, with the headline event for the west of Ireland taking place in Oughterard Courthouse this morning from 11am.

Galway Rural Development and Galway City Partnership are partnering with the Irish Social Enterprise Network to organise the gathering, with similar events taking place nationwide.

Some of the local social enterprises providing products and services being highlighted in Galway include An Meitheal Rothar which take bikes sent for scrap and repair them, and Venture Out which delivers nature-based therapeutic programmes.

Athenry Arts & Heritage Centre, which runs a range of arts and seasonal activities, will also be showcased, as well as Meals 4 Health which supports older people to live independently in their own community by providing and delivering fresh meals.

In advance of today’s gathering, Irish Social Enterprise Network CEO Chris Gordon said this week celebrates the best of social enterprises across Ireland.

He said that social enterprises are businesses for good, so when you purchase from them, you are helping employ people that might not have had a job otherwise and you are supporting local community initiatives.

“Throughout this week, we are asking the public to consider buying something from a local social enterprise,” said Mr Gordon.

CEO of Galway Rural Development Steve Dolan said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for Galwegians to come along to Oughterard and to meet some of the city and county Social Enterprises that create local employment, sell products, provide services, and who reinvest their profits back into these communities.

“We are delighted to work with Galway City Partnership and the Irish Social Enterprise Network to showcase the county’s terrific social enterprises.”

Bikers Ride Out to the Neonatal Unit at University Hospital Galway

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November 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Bikers Ride Out to the Neonatal Unit at University Hospital Galway — L:R - Mark O’Shaughnessy, ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’; Irene Glynn Clinical Nurse Manager 2, NICU; Maeve O Brien, Staff Nurse NICU; Debbie Mooney, Clinical Nurse Manager 1 NICU; Anne Marie Grealish, Assistant Director of Midwifery; Donough Donovan, Consultant Neonatologist; Rob Corcoran, ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’ and John Maher ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’ with his sons Billy and Oisín.

Bikers have come roaring to the aid of the neonatal intensive care unit at University Hospital Galway.

‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’, a voluntary charity organisation that raises money to purchase medical equipment for neonatal units and hospitals for sick children recently donated €1000 worth of hotel vouchers to the NICU at the hospital.

The ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’ was set up by the Blue Daos Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Banner and to date have provided hospitals around the country with almost €600,000 worth of equipment.

Dr Johannes Letshwiti, Consultant Neonatologist at UHG said, “As a referral centre for the West of Ireland we care for very premature babies from a huge geographical area.”

“Unfortunately one of biggest barriers for families is the lack of accommodation on or near the neonatal unit.”

“This can be a huge challenge resulting in potentially huge expenses for parents and breast feeding mothers.”

“This generous donation of hotel vouchers will not only help parents financially but will give them the opportunity to spend more time with their baby and be there to support baby’s care through skin to skin and breastfeeding which has proven to improve the health of premature and sick babies.”

Billy Maher from County Offaly was born at University Hospital Galway on 13 December 2011 at jst 24 weeks, weighing a tiny 1lb 12oz.

His father John recalls how anxious he and his wife Suzanne were, and how improbablke it seemed that their son would survive.

“When Billy was born we were told that his organs were under developed and that he probably wouldn’t survive.”

Things got even worse for the family when Billy developed septicaemia and meningitis, and they feared the worst.

Billy Maher born at 24 weeks’ gestation on December 13, 2011 at the Neonatal Unit, University Hospital Galway.

“But miraculously he turned a corner and after four months in the neonatal unit Billy finally came home. Today we are blessed that we have a very happy and healthy 11 year old boy.”

“During his time in the neonatal unit Billy received exceptional care from an incredible team of medical professionals. I wanted to do something, give something back in appreciation.”

“I got involved with the ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’ after I saw a poster about their charitable organisation and I knew instantly this was something I had to be a part of.”

John joined the charity in 2012 and he’s been working with them to support hospitals and vulnerable children ever since.

Irene Glynn, Clinical Nurse Manager 2 at the Neonatal Unit said, “We are so grateful to the ‘Bikers Ride Out For Prems’ for this donation.”

“Each year we have around 400 admissions into the neonatal unit and over half of those admitted in the last few years were born premature and had to stay longer in the NICU.”

World Prematurity Day takes place each year on November 17, both to celebrate these children who overcome all the odds, and to highlight the challenges they face.

It’s an opportunity to thank staff for the incredible work they do keeping children alive, and to raise awareness that more needs to be done about this issue.

Man charged with masturbating in public in Galway City

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November 15, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A man has appeared before court charged with masturbating in public in Galway City.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons at this time, appeared before Galway District Court this week.

He has been charged with masturbating in a public space in the city late last year.

The DPP has directed that the case should be dealt with at the district court level.

Judge Fahy granted the man bail with conditions, and awarded free legal aid for a solicitor.

A condition of the bail was that the accused man must not have any contact with any witnesses, and to stay away from the area where the offence is alleged to have occurred.

Judge Fahy also ordered restrictions on reporting the name of the accused, pending further orders from the court.

30 percent of University of Galway graduates got first class honours this year

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November 15, 2022

Galway Daily news 30 percent of University of Galway graduates got first class honours this year

Nearly a third of University of Galway graduates got first class honours this year, as the state watchdog plans to investigate grade inflation.

It is reported in the Irish Times that 30% of students who graduated from University of Galway did so with first class honours this year.

Nationwide that figures stands at more than a quarter, up from 21% the previous year, and 16% in 2015.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland is planning to investigate the trend of grade inflation, and its causes.

QQI is the state watchdog with the responsibility for providing external quality assurance for higher education and training in Ireland.

The watchdog is planning to hold a conference with higher education institutes on the topic of grade inflation next year.

ISAs, why only the 5% of Brits got one?

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Angela Mc Bride

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November 15, 2022

Historically, investing in stocks and shares has ensured greater returns over the long term than any other type of investment, which is why it continues to be one of the most popular forms of investment worldwide.

An ISA, that’s to say an Individual Savings Account, gives the chance to save money in a savings account that allows tax-free management. ISAs represent a very well-established form of investment but only 5% of Britons have so far decided to join them.

First of all would be important to understand what an ISA really is and how it works. To get a better idea and more information, you can also take a look at the Moneyfarm ISA.

What ISAs are

ISA stands for Active Individual Savings Account in the UK. It is essentially a savings or investment account on which you can never pay taxes – and this is one of the reasons chosen by investors to secure one. However, there are strict limits set by the UK government on the amounts that can be allocated to each individual in savings or investment funds for each individual year.

Then there are two main macro-areas made available mainly by banks, construction companies, post offices, insurers, stockbrokers and peer-to-peer credit institutions: ISAs for adults and Junior ISAs, which respectively allow maximum annual payments of £ 20,000 for adults and an allowance of £ 9,000 for all under 18. Even if not strictly suggested, it is quite important to remember that it is allowed to withdraw funds from both cash and investment ISAs without incurring a penalty.

Stats, how ISAs are working in UK

A figure that certainly catches the eye when examining the ISA statistics made available by the UK government on tax-free investment is that only 5% of the inhabitants of the United Kingdom own one despite the fact that the average annual rate of return for ISAs of stocks and shares taking into account a time frame ranging from April 1999 to April 2020 was 5.14%.

More than 2.4 million adult accounts were opened between 2018 and 2019. 286,000 are for junior accounts. The average invested in the adult fund for ISA shares is £9,331. That of junior accounts is £1,465. A total that tracks £22.6 billion in adult shares and ISA shares and £419 million for junior accounts. So why did only 5% of Britons decide to join this form of investment?

Why ISAs are increasing slowly?

ISAs stocks and shares have been spreading widely over the past few years. Only over the last 14 years (2008-2009) their subscription has increased by 133%: one of the forms of investment that has grown most in the British economic context.

One of the reasons behind an important but still limited growth certainly (5% of Brits) lies in the investment conditions according to which the value of the investments itself can decrease or increase, also assuming the risk for the investor to recover less than he had previously invested. Past performance for these forms of investment is no guarantee of positive future results.

Who decide to choose an ISA?

Although the new generations are the ones most attentive to the forms of investment and to the world in which the stock market is constantly evolving, thanks also to the forms of online trading that have brought the youngest to these specific investments, older generations are far more likely to put money in stocks and shares ISAs. There is indeed almost the same amount of people +65 with a stocks and shares ISA than those under 45 (740.000 vs 777.000).

What makes a great hurler? – The Science of Hurling

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November 15, 2022

Maybe the fastest game played on the grass, it takes a lot to truly excel at hurling, but what is that makes up a great hurler?

This week, as part of Galway Science & Technology Festival, The Science of Hurling is going to try and answer that question with the help of those who would know best.

Passing, blocking, running, tackling – the main physical actions of Hurling and Camogie illustrate some fundamental concepts in physics, biomechanics and math.

The GAA are continuing to embrace new technologies in Smart Sliotars, Goal Line Technology and 5G pitches making the game of Hurling faster, smarter and as powerful and entertaining as ever.

The Science of Hurling willl discuss new technologies, sports stamina and psychology and the use of artificial intelligence in the game as it continues to develop.

The talk will be presented by Darren Frehill of RTÉ sports, who will be heading up a panel of experts from multiple disciplines.

This includes Sports psychologist Tony Óg Regan; Professor Kieran Collins, Director, Gaelic Sports Research Centre at TU Dublin; Niamh Mallon, Performance Nutrition Scientist at Orreco; Des Ryan, Director of Coaching and Performance at Setanta College and Professor Eamon O’Shea, Professor of Economics and former Tipperary hurling team manager and coach.

The Science of Hurling is happening at the Black Box Theatre, on Wednesday, November 16 at 8pm. Suitable for ages 12+ . Tickets are just €15 at tht.ie

Gardaí warn of burglaries on the rise in long winter nights

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November 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway sees decline in burglaries over the past year

Gardaí are warning of a greater risk of burglaries during the long hours of darkness in the winter months, advising people to secure their homes.

Gardaí continue to advise people to ‘close the door on burglars’ as analysis show that approximately one third of all burglaries are through the front door with most burglars using their own body to gain entry.

Making sure that you’ve locked up your home is also important, as one in five burglars gain access through an unsecured window or door.

During the winter months, nearly half of all burglaries occur between 5pm and 11pm at night, with the longer darkness providing greater opportunities for burglars.

Gardaí are also warning homeowners to beware of ‘bogus callers’, with an increase in this type of fraud this year.

There have been increased reports of conmen impersonating Gardaí and calling to people’s houses.

They will try things like requesting to check cash held by the injured party as a result of an increase in counterfeit cash circulating in the area, or that the need to check the security of the house due to a spate of burglaries.

“An Garda Síochána will not cold call to a house and request to do either of these,” a Garda statement said.

“An Garda Síochána wish to remind the public that any Garda member calling to your door will have identification.”

“Should you have any concerns about the person at the door, you should not answer the door even if they are purporting to be a Garda.”

“Genuine Gardaí will always provide details to allow you to confirm their identity with the local Garda Station and will be patient while you choose to so.”

Some simple steps can help protect your home, so whether you are at home or going out remember:

• Turn on some lights, LED bulbs are more energy efficient than traditional bulbs.
• Use timer switches/ motion detectors/ smart lights to turn on lights via phone
• Use motion detector/sensor lights outside, make sure they cover the door and not just the area near the door.
• Lock all doors and windows as part of your regular routine
• Use an alarm – get it serviced and ensure battery pack is working
• Store keys away from windows
• Don’t keep large amounts of cash or jewellery in the house

Based on an analysis of burglaries from January to October 2022, jewellery and cash remain the most common objects stolen.
Speaking today, Sergeant Graham Kavanagh of the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit stated, “Burglaries traditionally rise during the longer winter nights.”

“Locking up and lighting up over the coming months could be the difference between making your home safe and making your home vulnerable. It’s as simple as that.”

“As the days get shorter, simple steps have been proven to deter burglars, such as using an alarm, using timer switches to turn on lights, storing keys away from windows and letterboxes as well as having a lock up routine for all doors and windows.”

Earth Prize competition opens for submissions from Galway students

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November 15, 2022

galway daily news earth prize students in kildare — Pictured are 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students from Naas CBS with Peter McGarry. Pic Orla Murray/Coalesce

The Earth Prize has returned for its second year with young people aged between 13 and 19 across Galway being urged to sign up.

The initiative was created by The Earth Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, founded by Kildare native Peter McGarry.

The father of four was inspired by his own children’s enthusiasm for the environment, in particular seeing his daughter taking part in the school strikes for climate.

Combining this passion with his experience in global financial markets McGarry established The Earth Prize to create a force for positive environmental change.

The competition rewards teams whose projects have potential to address the environmental problems facing societies across the globe, with the winning team receiving a €100,000 prize to be split between the team members and their school, while the three runner-up teams receive €25,000.

The competition also provides students with access to 40 mentors from top universities, and with exclusive video-based learning content covering key environmental topics and featuring nine young international environmental entrepreneurs.

Teachers are also in with a chance to be recognized as the Educator of the Year with an award of €10,000.

Speaking about the inspiration for The Earth Prize, Peter McGarry, Founder of The Earth Foundation said it can be easy to feel a sense of resignation about climate change and that there is nothing we can do, especially for young people who can have so little control over the decisions being made around them.

But he said that he saw the passion young people have for the environment during the school strikes and in talking to his own daughter.

“I knew that through mentoring and access to the right resources, we could take that enthusiasm and channel it to come up with sustainability solutions that can make a difference.

“The Earth Prize is all about giving young people access to those resources so they can have a positive impact on the world around them.”

Last year, 516 schools across 114 countries and territories took part in the competition.

The winning team in Vietnam came up with a fully biodegradable sanitary pad made out of dragon fruit peels – the ‘Adorbsy pad’ – which should degrade in only 6 to 8 months, as opposed to the widely used plastic ones which take up to 800 years to decompose.

Students in Ireland have until 30 November to sign up at theearthprize.org.

National Pink Training event to be held in Galway this weekend

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November 15, 2022

galway daily news pink training students union

The national Pink Training student conference will be hosted by University of Galway Students’ Union this weekend.

The weekend will include talks, workshops and plenary sessions run by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).

Pink Training is Europe’s largest LGBT+ Conference, which sees over 300 student delegates attend a weekend of residential training.

During the weekend University of Galway SU will be re-launching An Foclóir Aiteach (The Queer Dictionary).

The updated dictionary is filled with LGBT+ terminology as Gaeilge to reflect developments in Irish society and language.

The Students’ Union Vice President for the Irish Language Barry Ó Siochrú has been spearheading this initiative.

Students’ Union President Sai Gujulla explained that Pink Training is about all things LGBT+, as well as activism, mental health, campaigning, leadership, and the diversity of our community.

He said that they are excited to be hosting Pink Training for the USI again this year in Galway.

“The weekend promotes inclusivity and is also a huge amount of fun – we are really looking forward to it,” he said.

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer said that An Foclóir Aiteach is a great resource for all students to make them feel included and seen as Gaeilge.

“This is another way of breaking down barriers and promoting diversity which is a key message of Pink training and indeed the student movement.”

Galway City seeks to become European Net Zero Pilot City

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November 15, 2022

galway daily news net zero galway city councillors — Left to Right (at front) Councillor Clodagh Higgins, Mayor of Galway City, Patricia Philbin, Director of Service, Galway City Council Left to Right (at back) Patrick Greene, Director of Service, Galway City Council; Kieran Cunnane, Galway Energy Co operative; James Coyne, Westside resource Centre; Damien Redington, Acting Senior Executive Engineer, Galway City Council; Shane Garvey, Galway Harbour Company; Jimmy Fahy, Atlantic Technological Institute Galway-Mayo; John Daly, Northern & Western Regional Assembly

Galway City Council has launched an application to the European Commission to become a Net Zero Pilot City – bringing €1.5million in funding to reduce carbon emissions.

If successful, Galway will be one of 30 ‘Pilot Cities’ in Europe, working to reduce carbon across a two-year pilot programme.

The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021 commits Ireland to reach a legally binding target of net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and a cut of 51% by 2030.

The city council’s goal as part of the Pilot Cities application is to vastly reduce carbon emissions, focusing on the built environment, and specifically on the retrofit of buildings.

The pilot will focus on addressing barriers to rapid retrofitting in Galway, including lack of skilled contractors; high upfront cost of retrofitting; lack of awareness of existing incentives; long administrative & bureaucratic processes; and apathy of residents to retrofit.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Galway, Cllr Clodagh Higgins, said the key goal of the pilot project in Galway City is to increase the number of retrofitted buildings.

“The pilot proposes a ‘Retrofit Accelerator Programme’ to upskill contractors, incorporate learnings from post-retrofit performance management, and support behavioural change to increase people’s engagement around retrofitting,” said Mayor Higgins.

Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said that in the Baseline Emissions Inventory (BEI) carried out by the Council, emissions from residential buildings constituted 34% of the overall emissions in Galway City in 2018.

“In response to this, Galway is already taking part in the National Building Retrofit Pathfinder Programme and has partnered with SEAI to provide various funding schemes to facilitate retrofit implementation,” he said.

“However, this pilot project would help us accelerate this work, and to place Galway in a leadership role on the path to decarbonisation.

“It will also mean more efficient homes, and lower costs for householders.”

Damian Browne launches inaugural Galway Sick Kids Foundation Gala Ball

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November 15, 2022

galway daily news galway sick kids gala ball — Galway Sick Kids Foundation committee members Yvonne Carpenter, Deirdre Bennett, Therese Allen, Colm Kennelly, Mayor of Galway Cllr Clodagh Higgins, extreme adventurer Damien Browne, Nyree Hill, John Reilly, chairman, Knocknacarra Football Club with Emma Barry, Iarla Bourke, Daithi O'Flaherty, Tiernan Bourke, Ruby and Ben Meaney from Knocknacarra Football Club. Photo: Brian Harding.

Record-breaking rower Damian Browne has officially launched a new event to raise vital funds for the paediatric unit at University Hospital Galway.

The adventurer, who was the first person to row from New York to Galway, showed his support at the launch of the first Galway Sick Kids Foundation Gala Ball.

The ball will take place at the Galway Bay Hotel on Saturday, 4 February next year.

With his feet firmly back on solid ground after his voyage across the Atlantic for Project Empower, Damian Browne said he was ‘delighted to support such a worthy cause’.

At 6ft 5in, the former rugby player joked that he was happy to share his ‘considerable weight’ to launch the event.

“The organisers work selflessly and tirelessly for the community,” he said.

“They work to support children who are in such a vulnerable situation. This is such a worthy cause, and I am delighted to be able to support it.”

The Galway Sick Kids Foundation supports children and their families from Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, and North Clare who are attending the paediatric unit of UHG.

Among their recent initiatives is the installation of a self-contained cubbie sensory hub, providing a calm and relaxing environment for children with sensory issues.

And they provided a wheelchair friendly swing in the playground by Galway company, Creative Solutions.

Chairperson of the Galway Sick Kids Foundation, Colm Kennelly, said that the first gala ball is an important chance to raise vital funds and to showcase the work of the charity.

“We are a small committee and together have raised over €100,000 since the charity began five years ago,” he said.

“One of our greatest achievements to date has been the installation of the cubbie sensory hub at the hospital.

“It has been described as a gamechanger by the medical team as it is a sanctuary for children, especially those with sensory issues, where they can relax and feel calm.”

For John Reilly, Chairperson of the Knocknacarra Football Club, the Galway Sick Kids Foundation is the perfect partnership for the organisation, given their shared focus on community.

Speaking at the launch of the gala ball, Mr Reilly explained how it is a ‘natural fit based on our ethos to serve the people and children of the locality’.

He noted how the reach of the charity goes far beyond the boundaries of the county.

“The paediatric unit serves everyone from Doolin to Donegal,” he said. “It’s not just for Galway, it is for the west and northwest of Ireland.

“We have 1,200 children in our club, and what I love about this charity, is the immediacy with which any funds raised go straight to the unit.

“These are personal items that really make a difference to the children and to the running of the unit. We feel very privileged to be a partnered with the charity. And we are all looking forward to the ball in 2023.”

Also at the launch, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Clodagh Higgins praised the work undertaken by the charity which ‘touches the hearts of so many homes’.

The inaugural Galway Sick Kids Foundation Gala Ball takes place on Saturday, February 4 at the Galway Bay Hotel.

MCs on the night will be Galway Bay FM’s Mollie and Ollie, with music from the Ignite Gospel Choir, rousing classic hits and covers from Galway band Pyramid and late-night entertainment from DJ Doc.

Tickets cost €85 and include a four-course meal and wine.

Tickets can be purchased at Colm’s Life Pharmacy, Salthill, and the Treasure Chest on Shop Street Galway.

Tickets can also be purchased by phoning Michelle on 087 9550841.

University of Galway presents Tarpey scholarships to two students

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November 14, 2022

GALWAY DAILY news tarpey bursary at nui galway

University of Galway recently presented the Tarpey Scholarships to students, Sara Hontz and Tara Lavelle.

The scholarships are part of the Hazel and Tanya Memorial Fund, which was set up by the Tarpey family in memory of their daughters who tragically died from a rare genetic autoimmune disease.

The Tarpey family have honoured the memory of their daughters by establishing a scholarship that presents two annual research student scholarships in University of Galway, one each in the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing and Midwifery.

Pictured above at the presentation of the scholarships were (back row left to right) Nicola Rees – University of Galway Foundation; Professor Sean Dinneen – School of Medicine, University of Galway; Dr Patricia Healy, School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Galway; (front row left to right) Tim Tarpey, Sara Hontz, School of Medicine Award winner, Tara Lavelle, School of Nursing & Midwifery Award winner and Ruth Tarpey.

UHG welcomes world-renowned surgeon

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November 14, 2022

galway daily news surgeons at university hospital galway — Dr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Professor Diego González Rivas

World pioneering surgeon, Professor Diego González Rivas, was welcomed to University Hospital Galway last week.

During his visit, Professor González Rivas delivered a lecture to colleagues across the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery entitled ‘The Journey of Uniportal Thoracic Surgery from VATS to Robotics’.

He also performed two complex cases alongside the cardiothoracic team in UHG.

Prof González Rivas is a world-renowned surgeon who has pioneered multiple innovative techniques over the years.

He was the first surgeon in the world to perform the single-port VATS technique. The single-port VATS surgical technique is innovative at world level, since it enables the removal of more complex tumours through a single incision.

He also has over 15 years’ experience in performing major single-port lung surgery in patients without intubation and with spontaneous breathing.

He is the creator of the minimally invasive thoracic surgery unit in A Coruña, Galicia, Spain, and is the director of the uniportal VATS training programme at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital which is the biggest thoracic centre in the world.

He is also a leader in the field of robotic surgery, performing single-port resections using an articulated robotic arm, without the need of an assistant and has developed single port robotic lung resection surgery (URATS) performing the first case in September 2021.

Speaking about his visit to UHG, Prof González Rivas said he really enjoyed the hospitality of the Galway team.

He said there is an excellent team performing excellent surgery and he would like to be back for further collaboration.

Welcoming the surgeon to the hospital, Mr Alan Soo, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Clinical Lead for the Saolta University Health Care Group said they were delighted to host Prof González Rivas at UHG.

“Events such as these give us the opportunity to showcase the surgical capabilities of the unit.

“It also promotes collaboration and exchange of technique/ideas not limited to just surgery but anesthesia and nursing. These events promote shared learning among teams and inspire people to work together to develop a better health service.”

SHAG Week launched by University of Galway SU

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November 14, 2022