€850,000 announced for local groups and community centres

-

October 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Shannon Airport must be supported Galway TDs says

Tourism Ireland has welcomed the announcement that United Airlines will reinstate its service between Chicago and Shannon Airport in time for summer 2023.

The daily service will begin in May 2023, helping to boost tourism from the US market to the West of Ireland.

Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said they were really pleased to hear that United Airlines will reinstate its service between Chicago and Shannon Airport next May.

He said that Tourism Ireland is looking forward to working closely with United, to maximise the promotion of this service.

“As an island, direct, convenient and competitive access services are critical to restoring growth in inbound tourism,” said Mr Gibbons.

“Tourism Ireland is committed to working with United, Shannon Airport and other tourism interests to drive demand for this new service, and all other services to the island of Ireland, and help maintain our vital network of routes and services.

“The United States remains an extremely important market for tourism to the island of Ireland. In 2019, we welcomed 1.7 million American visitors, whose visits delivered €1.6 billion for the economy.”

Galway named one of the Top 10 cities in the world by renowned travel magazine

By

-

October 12, 2022

Galway Daily tourism Galway named one of the Top 10 cities in the world by renowned travel magazine

Galway has been voted one of the best cities in the world to visit by readers of the popular Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

In the annual Reader’s Choice Awards, Galway placed at #7 on the list of The Best Small Cities in the World 2022.

“A popular home base for day trips to the Aran Islands or the Cliffs of Moher, Galway is a worthy destination in its own right.”

“The bustling university town in Western Ireland blends the historic—you’ll see remnants of medieval stone walls weaving through downtown—with the contemporary, and its thriving art and music communities earned the city the title of European Capital of Culture in 2020.”

“Its vibrant food scene spans from pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, with plenty of fresh seafood thanks to the city’s location between the River Corrib and Galway Bay, and its wide range of lodging options includes cozy B&Bs and the avant-garde g Hotel and Spa.”

Galway was the only Irish city to make the cut on either of the lists of 10 Big & Small Cities beloved by tourists across the world.

Newtownsmith to remain closed to late December

By

-

October 12, 2022

Galway daily news Seven week road closure in downtown Galway City

Newtownsmith Road in Galway City centre will remain closed until the end of December while the Salmon Weir Pedestrian & Cycling Bridge is being built.

Galway City Council has confirmed an order extending the road closure until December 22.

The section of road closed to allow construction work to take place is from the junction with the R863 to entrance to the Mercy Convent car park.

Temporary diversion routes will remain in place via Mary Street (L-5096) and St. Francis Street (R866).

Part of the Gaol Link Road on the far side of the river will also be closed from October 29 to December 22 to allow for the assembly and installation of the bridge.

Vigil for victims of Creeslough tragedy at University of Galway

By

-

October 12, 2022

galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

University of Galway will be holding a vigil of remembrance for the people who died at Creeslough on Wednesday evening.

Ten people lost their lives in a horrific tragedy at Creeslough, Co. Donegal after an explosion at a petrol station and apartment building on Friday, October 7.

Funerals have been taking place this week for the victims of the tragedy, and sympathies have poured in from around the country.

The vigil will take place in the Chapel of St Columbanus at University of Galway campus at 7pm on Wednesday evening.

A Book of Condolence for all those who died will also be open at the chapel.

Another candlelit vigil was held in Eyre Square on Tuesday evening, with crowds gathering to share their sympathy and solidarity.

The city council has also opened a book of condolences at city hall, also available online, for people to express their sympathy.

Lifeboat comes to the aid of lone sailor stranded for hours

By

-

October 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Lifeboat comes to the aid of lone sailor stranded for hours — RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat came to the aid of a stranded sailor on a yacht run aground in poor weather on Tuesday.

Shortly before 5pm on Friday, the lifeboat was called out in response to a 36ft yacht stuck on the rocks at Bonaveen Point at the northwestern shore of Lough Derg.

Winds were southerly Force 4/5 and gusting at the time of the launch, with good visibility.

The casualty vessel was aground at Fowler Island, north of Bonaveen Point, with the skipper aground for roughly three hours at that point.

Two local people, in their lake boat standing off in safe water, were the ones who called for assistance after damaging their boat’s propeller on rocks extending out from the island.

Valentia Coast Guard offered an airlift for the casualty but the RNLI volunteers felt that an airlift would prove difficult due to the location and the height of the mast on the yacht.

After plotting a course, the lifeboat made its way to the stricken yacht around 5:40pm, and brought its skipper aboard.

Once in safe water, RNLI volunteers assessed the casualty for any injuries. The casualty was feeling cold but otherwise well.

Catherine Gleeson, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to, “carry a means of communication and let someone know your destination and your planned time of arrival”.

Ros na Rún stars take on The Kube in aid of Galway Hospice

By

-

October 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Hospice being redesignated for financial stability

Stars of TG4’s prime time, drama series Ros na Rún take on the challenge of the fast paced Kube to support Galway Hospice.

The Kube, a fun-filled, action-packed version of the popular ITV gameshow, is coming to Galway’s Clayton Hotel this Friday, October 14 at 7pm.

The Kube challenges contestants to complete simple physical and mental tasks inside a Perspex cube, with only the best and fastest progressing to the next round.

Along with Ros na Rún’s actors Pól Ó Gríofa and Caitriona Ní Dhomhnaill will be members of Galway Hospice staff, Rose Kelly, IPU and Aisling Kearney, Medical Social work.

Staff at Galway Hospice will be out in force to support Rose and Aisling and all those who have signed up to take part and attempt beating The Kube.

“As fans of the television show will know, The Kube is a fun, fast-paced game that tests the wits of contestants and the nerves of the audience!”

“It is guaranteed to be a fun night out for all” says Charlene Hurley, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Galway Hospice.

Both Ros na Rún stars are avid fans of the Kube, “I’m a big fan of the Kube and am always keen to support Galway Hospice and to take on a challenge with my co-star Pól Ó Gríofa, let’s see who comes out on top” says Caitriona Ní Dhomhnaill who plays Sorcha in the popular TG4 drama series.

Pól Ó Gríofa who’s stared in the Irish Language TV drama Ros na Rún since its early series went on to say, “At Ros na Rún, we’re always keen to support local charities especially Galway Hospice which delivers a key community service across Galway City and County including Connemara”.

“Plus the challenge of the Kube is great fun too and I’m always ready for a bit of fun both on and off the TV screen,” he added.

The event was originally due to take place in 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. All funds raised from The Kube at The Clayton Hotel go to local Hospice services.

If you would like to attend this fundraiser in aid of Galway Hospice, and support the Ros na Rún contestants, you can get your tickets online at galwayhospice.ie/shop or call 091 770868.

University of Galway climbs in latest world university rankings

By

-

October 12, 2022

University of Galway has climbed in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings for 2023.

In the 2023 rankings, University of Galway has climbed into 301-350 category, up from the 351-400 category last year.

Ollscoil na Gaillimhe’s greatest strengths were in the areas of International Outlook, where it scored 82.8, and Citations, with a score of 71.2.

The lowest score given to the university was in the area of teaching, where it scored 29.7, but this has gone up consistently over the past decade.

The most highly placed university in Ireland remains Trinity College Dublin, which dropped 16 places to 161st in the newest rankings.

Government approves Mother and Baby Home redress scheme

By

-

October 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Redress Scheme for Tuam Mother and Baby Home survivors opening March 20

The government has given its approval to legislation that will create a redress scheme for Mother and Baby Home survivors.

It’s expected that roughly 34,000 people will be eligible for payments under the provisions of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill.

It is also expected that some 19,000 people will be eligible for an enhanced medical card as part of the scheme.

The scheme is expected to open to applicants next year, after the legislation is passed, with an estimated total cost of €800 million.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman said “With Government having now approved the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill, I am committed to bringing this very important legislation through the Houses over the coming months.”

“Intensive work is also underway in my department to establish the Office to deal with applications which will open as soon as possible after the legislation is passed.”

The Payment Scheme will operate as follows:

all mothers who spent time in a Mother and Baby Institution will be eligible for a payment, with the amount increasing based on their length of stay
all children who spent 6 months or more in an institution will be eligible for payment based on their length of stay
there will also be an additional, work-related payment for women who were resident in certain institutions for more than three months and who undertook what might be termed commercial work
an enhanced medical card will be available to everybody who was resident in a Mother and Baby or County Home Institution for 6 months or more

Applicants to the scheme will qualify based on proof of residency, and it allows for temporary absences of up to 180 days when calculating how long a person spent in a Mother and Baby Home.

Survivors living abroad will receive the same payment as those in Ireland, and will get to choose between an enhanced medical card, or a once-off payment of €3,000 for their health needs.

Minister O’Gorman said that the scheme represents a, “significant milestone in the State’s acknowledgment of its past failures and of the needless suffering experienced by so many of its citizens.”

Book of Condolences opened at city hall in memory of Creeslough victims

By

-

October 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

A Book of Condolences has been opened at City Hall and online in memory of the victims of the unfathomable tragedy in Creeslough.

The book was opened by Mayor of Galway City Clodagh Higgins on Monday, and is available for people who wish to share their sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who died in Creeslough last Friday.

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 sympathies to the families and loved ones of the ten victims who passed away as a result of the tragic event in Creeslough.”

She added that the people of Galway share their “sadness and shock” during this very sad time for Creeslough.

“Our hearts go out to all those in your community, who will no doubt rally around you, and support you in your time of immense loss and grief.”

“To the families and loved ones of Catherine O’Donnell, James Monaghan, Jessica Gallagher, Robert Garwe, Shauna Flanagan Garwe, Martina Martin, Hugh Kelly, Martin McGill, Leona Harper and James O’Flaherty – Mothers, Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, children – your loss is immense and devastating.”

“On behalf of the people of Galway, I extend my condolences and sympathies to you – you are in our thoughts and hearts at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha”.

The Book of Condolences will be available in City Hall, during normal opening hours, until November 11, or online here.

Connemara company Innill Dóiteáin Teoranta bought by English firm

By

-

October 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Two Galway women appointed to Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta

The Spiddal based company Innill Dóiteáin Teoranta has been bought out by English firm Innovative Gas Products Ltd.

The new owners have said that the company will continue to operate as normal, and that its employees are secure.

Innill Dóiteáin Teoranta have been operating in Spiddal since 1983, and currently employ over 25 people.

A client of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Innill Dóiteáin Teoranta manufacturers and supplies a wide range of metal products and frames for companies in the electronic and medical device industry in Ireland and Europe.

Innovative Gas Products have been their customers for many years, and have bought the Connemara company to support growth in Europe, and to meet the challenges of Brexit.

Based in England, they develop metal products as well as gas and bio-ethanol heaters.

“We have known IGP Limited for many years as customers and we look forward to continuing the excellent work that the team has done here to grow the company,” said Marian Ní Nuadháin of Innill Dóiteáin Teoranta.

“We have been here for forty years and it is gives us great pleasure to be able to make a new start and continue to grow and develop and to provide more employment in the Gaeltacht.”

“Even with challenging circumstances at the moment, it is an opportunity for us to be confident that investment will be made in the company in the coming years.”

Joshef Hacohen, CEO of Innovative Gas Products Ltd added that they are delighted to be deepening their longstanding relationship.

A Tiny Mutiny taking over Ros Muc

By

-

October 11, 2022

Galway Daily arts A Tiny Mutiny taking over Ros Muc

The children are taking over Ros Muc this weekend, as Baboró’s Tiny Mutiny is coming to Connemara in this celebration of children’s art.

Baboró commission, Tiny Mutiny/An Ceannairc Beag Bídeach, will celebrate children as artists in their own right as they create colourful, boisterous protest performances in both Ros Muc and Galway city.

Two youth ensembles will proclaim the need for a child-led cultural space in the West of Ireland, having created their visions and proclamations in response to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The first of these exciting site-specific events will take place at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc on Saturday 15 October at 6:30pm, with rebellious children from Connemara.

As evening falls on Saturday, the Tiny Mutiny will take their protest to Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh, lit by sun guns and a visual projection on the cottage’s gable end.

The second mutiny will be led by children from Galway city and will take place at the Spanish Arch at 6:30pm on Saturday 22 October.

Working with local artists Jojo Hynes, Midie Corcoran, Róisín Seoige, Laura Angell & Atmos Collective, each ensemble will share their vision through protest performances accompanied by colourful banners, rebellious songs and digital projections.

The exciting site-specific events take place at Ionad Cultúrtha an Phiarsaigh and in Galway City. If you are Galway City based, the Tiny Mutiny will be on the Spanish Arch at 6:30pm on Saturday 22 October.

For more information check out www.baboro.ie. This is a free, family friendly event. Please dress for the weather!

Kinvara GAA seeks approval for new pitches

By

-

October 11, 2022

Galway Daily sport Kinvara GAA gets approval for two new all-weather pitches

Kinvara GAA is planning to expand their facilities with the the addition of two new all-weather pitches, and new floodlighting.

The club is seeking planning permission from the county council for two all-weather training pitches totaling 2,615m² with floodlights.

They also wish to erect six new 21.34m high floodlights around the existing grass pitch at the club on the Moy Road.

“The development will allow for increased usage hours of the sports facility during the winter months,” a cover letter for the application states.

The lights would be shut off by 10pm each night, and the club says that additional parking is not needed.

The application states that a light analysis shows there will be minimal light spillage onto the Moy Road.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by October 26.

TULCA Festival to take place across city in November

By

-

October 11, 2022

The 20th edition of TULCA Festival of Visual Arts will take place in venues across Galway City from 4 to 20 November.

TULCA will feature a programme of multi-venue exhibitions and events including seminars, workshops and an Education Programme with artist talks and gallery tours that focus on looking at and responding to contemporary visual art.

Exhibition galleries will be held at the TULCA Gallery, Galway Arts Centre, 126 Artist-Run Gallery and Columban Hall. The Artist Talks Series will take place at Pálás Cinema in partnership with ATU.

Every year TULCA commissions an Irish curator to develop a concept for the festival. Through a process of open call and invitation the curator selects national and international artists to respond to the theme.

This year’s festival is curated by Clare Gormley, Director of Programmes & Curator at the Belfast Photo Festival and Co-Founder and Director of the Northern Irish Art Network.

The 2022 festival programme is titled The World Was All Before Them, with a theme that addresses the notion of futurity and asks, in this moment of global change, upheaval and uncertainty – what the political potentials might be in imagining new futures and envisioning new ways of being in this world.

The festival title comes from the final lines of John Milton’s epic poem, Paradise Lost, which recounts Adam and Eve’s journey out of Eden and into a new, unknown world.

This edition of TULCA seeks to take stock of our current moment and imagine what lies ahead, as we find ourselves on a precipice of ecological destruction, humanitarian crisis, mass migration, global pandemics, wars and technological over-saturation.

There has never been such an urgent time to challenge the structures of our current existence, and to seek out visions of future worlds worth living in.

Curator Clare Gormley said: “I’m very excited to be working with the TULCA team on an edition of the festival that both takes stock of our current moment and, hopefully, also provides a glimpse of the way forward as we reckon with the myriad challenges—ecological, societal, political and cultural—posed by our rapidly changing world.

“I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the work of artists, who are adept at problem-solving, world-making and asking questions about the future of our society, to see what they might have to offer us in this unprecedented moment.”

This year’s contributors to the festival are artists, filmmakers, writers and poets, including Anouk Kruithof, Becca Albee, Berte & Harmey, Caroline Jane Harris, Chloe Cooper, Christopher Steenson, Elise Rasmussen, Emily Speed, Esmeralda Conde Ruiz, Judith Dean, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Michael Hanna, Nicoline van Harskamp, Quentin Lacombe, Tabitha Soren, Tadhg Ó Cuirrín and The Lifeboat.

Call for history of Ireland’s Institutions to be taught in schools

By

-

October 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway universities awarded over €2 million for new research equipment

Academics at University of Galway have called for the history of Ireland’s Institutions to be taught in post-primary schools.

The call has been made ahead of a conference on Saturday 15 October organised by the Irish Centre for Human Rights at the University.

The one-day event, titled Teaching the Dark History of Ireland’s Institutions: Engaging Educators and Policymakers, will take place on Saturday from 10.30am to 4pm.

Focusing on why this history should be taught in schools and how it may be implemented for students in Transition Year, the conference will draw upon lesson plans designed and implemented in schools over the past two years.

It was created as part of a project which aims to create different educational strategies to ensure that the history of Ireland’s institutions is not forgotten.

It is led by Mary Harney, and supervised by Judit Villena, both PhD candidates at the Irish Centre for Human Rights, in conjunction with LLM graduates and has been active since 2019.

Shauna Joyce, a recent graduate of the LLM in International Human Rights Law at University of Galway and co-organiser of the project, said: “As a new generation of Irish citizens, we believe that it is incumbent on us to take up the mantle from those older survivors to ensure that past abuses are not only remembered, but to ensure that through education they are not repeated.”

The teaching of the history of institutions was a recommendation made by the report of the Mother and Baby Homes Collaborative Forum.

The conference is hosted in partnership with a cross-sectional group of academics, activists and teachers from the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway and Waterford Institute of Technology.

Speakers and topics

Dr Philomena Mullen, Trinity College Dublin, Association of Mixed Race Irish – The exclusion of the mixed race child from the narrative of the institutions

Noelle Brown, actor, playwright, survivor – Theatre as a Platform for Change

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley, University of Galway – Teaching the History of Ireland’s Institutions: From the Foundling Institutions to the Mother and Baby Institutions

To register for the conference, click here.

Swim in Pink for breast cancer research this Halloween

By

-

October 11, 2022

galway daily news swim in pink 2022 — Attending the launch of ‘Swim in Pink’ in association with Blackrock Beachwear in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute were; Breast cancer survivor Faith Fahy, Ethelle Fahy National Breast Cancer Research Galway fundraising committee, Owner of Blackrock Swimwear, Louise Griffin and Avril Horan-Kyne PRO Blackrock Swimwear. The fundraising event takes place from 9:30am at Ladies Beach, The Prom, Salthill. Registration is just €20 with all of the monies raised going to the charity. Sign up at www.swiminpink.ie and get a FREE swimming cap. Photo: Sean Lydon

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is asking as many people as possible to ‘Swim in Pink’ on Bank Holiday Monday, October 31 to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research.

This is the second year of the event which was a huge success for the charity last year rising over €30,000 nationwide.

It is hoped the event will be even bigger this October with the Galway event taking place from 9.30am at Ladies Beach, The Prom, Salthill on the last day of the month.

One in seven women Irish women will develop breast cancer before they reach 75 with over 3,500 cases diagnosed annually.

Based at the Lambe Institute at University of Galway, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute funded researchers are currently working on major national and international projects to improve the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

To help the fundraising efforts, Galway-based company Blackrock Swimwear have created two stunning ‘Swim in Pink’ swimsuits – long and short-sleeved – and beach shorts.

Unfortunately, pre-orders are now closed, and any orders placed will not be received in time for the ‘Swim in Pink’ event on October 31.

However, those who would still like to purchase one of these specially commissioned swimsuits and shorts at any time, can go to www.blackrockbeachwear.ie with all the profits going to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Registration for Swim in Pink is just €20 with all funds raised going to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

To register go to www.swiminpink.ie and you will receive a FREE Swim in Pink swimming cap.

Food Works programme invites ambitious start-ups to apply

By

-

October 11, 2022

galway daily news food works programme participants 2021 — Niamh and Ruairi Dooley, Biasol, Conor Sweeny, Leamhain and Gráinne Mullins, GRÁ Chocolates are all currently taking part in Food Works, Ireland’s leading accelerator programme for early-stage food and drink companies delivered by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc. Niamh and Ruairi Dooley, Biasol, Conor Sweeny, Leamhain and Gráinne Mullins, GRÁ Chocolates are all currently taking part in Food Works, Ireland’s leading accelerator programme for early-stage food and drink companies delivered by Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc. Photo: Chris Bellew, Fennells

Early-stage food and drink companies from Galway are being encouraged to apply for Food Works 2023, Ireland’s leading programme for start-ups in the sector.

Food Works has helped raise over €6.5m in funding for participants over the last 10 years by combining the resources of Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc.

The programme is now looking for applications from ambitious start-up food and drink businesses to take part in 2023.

Among the companies from Galway who have previously taken part are Grá Chocolates, Salthill; Nua Naturals, Furboghgarve; and Micil Distillery, Connemara.

Food Works was established in 2012 and since then has welcomed over 100 companies through the programme.

These include hugely successful food and drink brands such as Wicklow Wolf; Nobó, Lismore Food Company, Fiid and Thanks Plants.

Successful applicants can receive feasibility grant funding of up to €35,000.

In addition, since the programme began, 19 participants have successfully secured High-Potential Start-Up investments and 17 companies have received Competitive Start-Up Funding.

Food Works 2023

Food Works runs annually over 10 months from February to December. Participating start-ups are supported to get investor ready by developing a comprehensive business plan focussed on scaling internationally.

Successful applicants take part in workshops with national and international industry experts across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, product development and marketing.

They also receive customised support from business advisors, facilitated peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities across the industry – at home and abroad.

The closing date for applications for the 2023 programme is 2 December 2022. Full details and an application form are available at FoodWorksIreland.ie

Climate Action Week launched at University of Galway

By

-

October 10, 2022

galway daily news green flag awarded to university of galway

Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has launched Ireland’s Climate Action Week at University of Galway today.

The event coincided with the University being awarded Green Campus status for a second time by An Taisce and the raising of the Green Flag at a special ceremony.

The ceremony was attended by Energy Performance Officers from each of Ireland’s universities, along with government representatives.

President Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh welcomed guests to the launch of Climate Action Week and the Green Flag ceremony in the Quadrangle today.

He said that the university puts values of respect, excellence, openness and sustainability at the core of its teaching, learning and research, and also in the operations of the busy campus.

He said that they will continue to push forward to respond to global challenges as part of their central mission to serve the public good.

Climate Action Week, which runs from October 10-16, offers a range of online and in-person events which aim to inform citizens, increase awareness and highlight the need for urgent climate action by all sectors of society.

University of Galway was awarded the prestigious Green Flag by An Taisce and the International Foundation of Environmental Education for three years for the quality of its campus and the environment and sustainability drive.

The Green Flag is a visual sign of the commitment made in reducing the environmental footprint associated with campus operations.

University of Galway Environmental, Health & Safety Manager in Buildings & Estates, Lorraine Rushe, said the Green Flag is the result of many years of hard work by staff and students,

“It recognises the engagement by students and staff and the vast effort and hard work that is ongoing in the areas of energy, waste, water, travel and biodiversity.”

Candlelight vigil in Galway for Creeslough tragedy victims

By

-

October 10, 2022

A candlelight vigil will be held at Eyre Square in Galway city tomorrow, Tuesday at 7pm in memory of those who tragically lost their lives in Creeslough on Friday.

Dozens of vigils took place across Donegal over the weekend in memory of the victims of the tragedy, and vigils were held as far away as Australia.

Ten people died in an explosion at the only shop in Creeslough after 3pm on Friday afternoon, and one man remains in a critical condition in St. James’s Hospital in Dublin.

The local community is now preparing for the funerals of those who tragically died in what will be a difficult week for those in the village and the wider community.

Shauna Flanagan Garwe, who was only five years old, was the youngest of the ten victims. Her mother Áine lost her partner and only child in the tragic incident.

The body 24-year-old Jessica Gallagher, a young fashion designer, was the first to return to Creeslough last night.

She was visiting her boyfriend in the village when the tragedy happened, and was getting ready to start a new job in Belfast this week.

Jessica will be buried in Creeslough tomorrow, Tuesday.

Pope Francis expressed his condolences on Sunday to all those suffering following the explosion.

In a message to the Bishop of Raphoe, he said he was saddened to learn of the loss of life and the destruction caused by the explosion on Friday.

“His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the loss of life and destruction caused by the explosion in Creeslough and he expresses his spiritual closeness to all those suffering in the aftermath of this tragedy,” a statement from the Vatican read.

“While entrusting the deceased to the merciful love of almighty god, His Holiness implores the divine blessings of consolation and healing upon the injured, the displaced and the families coping with pain of loss.

“As a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord, the Holy Father sends his blessing to all the people of Ireland.”

The ten people who died were named on Sunday as Catherine O’Donnell, 39, and her 13-year-old son James Monaghan; Robert Garwe, 50, and his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe; 14-year-old Leona Harper; Jessica Gallagher, 24; James O’Flaherty, 48; Martin McGill, 49; Martina Martin, 49, and 59-year-old Hugh Kelly.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

Ceremony at UHG to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

By

-

October 10, 2022