Galway family wins top prize at NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Award

-

September 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

Water outages and other supply issues may occur in multiple neighbourhoods in the Westside and Claddagh areas of the city today.

Irish Water is carrying out repair works on the water mains network in part of the city on Thursday, September 15.

During these works, people living in Highfield Park, Roasary Lane, Devon Park, Dalysford Road, Oaklands, Beach Court and Grattan Park may experience temporary water outages or low pressure.

The works are currently scheduled to last from 9am to 5pm on Thursday.

Typically, it takes two to three hours following restoration time for normal supply to be fully restored to all areas.

Speaking about the works, Rónan Daly of Irish Water said, “Irish Water understands that this type of work can be inconvenient.”

“Working in partnership with Galway City Council, we will make every effort to minimise the disruption that these necessary works may cause.”

After the water supply is restored, some people in the affected areas may also experience temporary discolouration of their water, or internal airlocks.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Hurling Club Championships – Weekend fixtures and ticketing

By

-

September 15, 2022

Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

Galway GAA have confirmed fixtures and ticketing details for the Senior and Intermediate hurling club championship games on this weekend.

This weekend, Saturday & Sunday September 17-18, will see Round 4 of the senior championship played out, as well as the Quarter Finals of the Intermediate Championship.

Tickets for the senior championship games cost €10, and are available to purchase online, while U16s go free and do not need a ticket.

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

Saturday, September 17

St. Thomas’ v Turloughmore, Kenny Park, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Loughrea v Cappataggle, Kenny Park, 5pm, buy tickets here

Sunday, September 18

Kilconieron v Gort, Loughrea, 12pm, buy tickets here
Clarinbridge v Castlegar, Pearse Stadium, 1:45pm, buy tickets here
Killimordaly v Sarsfields, Kenny Park, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Craughwell v Tommy Larkins, Kenny Park, 5pm, buy tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Saturday, September 17

Liam Mellows v Padraig Pearses, Loughrea, 2pm, buy tickets here
St Mary’s Athenry v Oranmore-Maree, Pearse Stadium, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Portumna v Mullagh, Duggan Park, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Kilnadeema-Leitrim v Moycullen, Pearse Stadium, 5pm, buy tickets here
Ardrahan v Ahascragh/Fohenagh, Duggan Park, 5pm, buy tickets here

Sunday, September 18

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry v Beagh, Loughrea, 1:45pm, buy tickets here

The Quarter-Finals of the Intermediate Hurling Club Championship, as well as two relegation Semi-Finals, will also take place this weekend.

Admission for the Quarter-Finals costs €15 if purchased in advance online, with students and seniors paying €10, and U16s going free.

Tickets for the relegation Semi-Finals cost €10 if purchased in advance online.

Intermediate Hurling Championship – Quarter Finals

Saturday, September 17

Rahoon-Newcastle v Craughwell, Gort, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Sylane v Kinvara, Gort, 5pm, buy tickets here

Sunday, September 18

Meelick-Eyrecourt v Abbeyknockmoy, Duggan Park, 12pm, buy tickets here
Killimor v Turloughmore, Duggan Park, 1:45pm, buy tickets here

Relegation Semi-Finals

Saturday: Clarinbridge v Kilbeacanty, Kinvara, 5pm, buy tickets here
Sunday: An Spidéal v Castlegar, Pearse Stadium, 12pm, buy tickets here

Croí gives 300 free stethoscope checks during Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week

By

-

September 14, 2022

GALWay daily news croí heart event in galway city — Pictured on Monday (from left to right) are Mr Ronan Kelly, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, University Hospital Galway, and Marguerite Naughton, accompanied by her daughter, Minister Hildegarde Naughton.

Croí provided over 300 free stethoscope checks at their event in Galway City on Monday as part of Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week.

The heart and stroke centre will also host a free webinar tomorrow Thursday, 15 September from 7pm to 8pm.

Pictured on Monday (from left to right) are Caroline Dermody, Croí Nurse, and Minister Hildegarde Naughton with her mum, Marguerite Naughton, who received a free stethoscope check

The webinar will focus on raising awareness of heart valve disease and is titled ‘Listen to Your Heart – Heart Valve Disease’.

For more information and to register for the webinar, visit croi.ie/valveweek.

Call for vacant home refurbishment scheme to be extended

By

-

September 14, 2022

galway daily news vacant home scheme galway ireland

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has called for the Department of Housing to extend the Croí Cónaithe scheme to rural areas with populations over 400.

The Croí Cónaithe scheme was introduced in July of this year and supports people who want to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their main residence.

The maximum grant available is €50,000, but the scheme is currently limited to properties in towns and villages with a population of more than 400 people.

Deputy Cannon said that he has received numerous queries about the scheme from people who live in rural areas, outside of towns and villages.

“In my time as a public representative I have rarely seen such a positive response to a government housing initiative as I have seen with the Croí Cónaithe scheme,” said the Fine Gael TD.

“It has prompted numerous calls to my office from people seeking additional information and advice on how they can secure the grant.”

But Deputy Cannon said the vast majority of these calls have been from people seeking to refurbish a vacant rural home, adding that he has found it difficult to explain to them that the scheme does not support the refurbishment of such homes.

“I’m at a loss to understand why the hundreds of vacant rural homes that we have across Ireland are not included in the scheme and I’m urging Minister O’Brien to reconsider the qualifying criteria of the scheme so that we can support the provision of additional housing in rural as well as urban Ireland.”

Free contraception scheme launched for women aged 17 to 25

By

-

September 14, 2022

Free contraception for women aged 17 to 25 will become available from today at primary care centres, GPs and pharmacists who sign up to provide services under the scheme.

The free contraception scheme was allocated funding of €9 million in last year’s Budget and was officially launched today by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

All consultations needed to access prescription contraception, fitting and removing Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARCs) will be free.

Service providers will be signing contracts with the HSE from today and over the coming weeks to provide services under the scheme.

Minister Donnelly said that women’s health is a top priority for the Government and was strongly supported in Budget 2022.

He said that today represents another big milestone in the delivery of our commitments, under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 – 2023 to improve all areas of women’s healthcare.

“Access to free contraception was a key recommendation accompanying the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution and is a key element of the Women’s Health Action Plan,” said Minister Donnelly.

“The scheme, a vital Programme for Government commitment, puts women aged 17–25 at its centre in providing a full suite of options for them to choose which form of contraception works best for them.

“We are removing any financial barriers to the age cohort for whom such barriers are most likely to be an issue.”

Conference to examine Irish Travellers’ experience over past century

By

-

September 14, 2022

galway daily news traveller experiences conference in galway university

A special conference will take place in Galway city this weekend to examine the experience of Irish Travellers/Mincéirs and the State from 1922 to 2022.

The two-day event, which is part of the Decade of Centenaries Programme, will be on the University of Galway campus on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 September.

The conference will examine Irish Travellers’ experience of discrimination since the foundation of the state, paying particular attention to the state’s role in perpetuating disadvantage.

It was proposed by Patrick Nevin and Elaine Martin and will be run in conjunction with the Irish Centre for the Histories of Labour and Class at the University of Galway.

Minister Catherine Martin said that she is pleased to support this important conference reflecting on the experiences of Irish Travellers/Mincéirs since the foundation of the State.

She said events such as this, grounded in original research and scholarship, have been welcomed by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations.

“The ethos of the Decade of Centenaries Programme is inclusive, authentic, meaningful and respectful commemoration and this provides a timely opportunity to include a community, often historically overlooked in the commemorative narrative.”

The conference agenda is multi-disciplinary and participative. It features 70 speakers, a play, a living exhibition, two further exhibitions and a number of performances, with presentations in a variety of formats and featuring local, national, and international perspectives.

There will be contributions from Traveller/Mincéir activists and advocates, historians, folklorists, psychologists, sociologists, artists, cultural theorists and others.

Contributors include Patrick Nevin, Elaine Martin, Rosaleen McDonagh, Mags Casey, Dr Sindy Joyce, Dr Aoife Bhreatnach, Vincent Browne, Owen Patrick Ward.

The conference will also involve the participation of members of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Experts on Roma and Traveller Issues, which is being hosted on campus to discuss policy issues around inclusion, women’s rights and education among other topics.

Helen Maher, Vice President for Equality Diversity and Inclusion at University of Galway, said that hosting such important engagement on the issues affecting the daily lives of Traveller and Roma communities today is hugely significant and symbolic for our University.

“It is also key that we are endeavouring to learn from the past and it show our commitment on the unfinished journey of embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in education and society.”

Owen Patrick Ward, University of Galway’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager – Race Equality, said: “This conference highlights the many social, economic, and cultural contributions made by Irish Travellers since the foundation of the Irish State; contributions, that for so long has been ignored and erased from public discourse.

“I want to commend all involved in this conference including the guest speakers and panellists but particularly to the University of Galway for continuing to play a leadership role in this area.”

For further information, see https://mooreinstitute.ie/event/irish-travellers-minceirs-the-state-1922-2022

Housing charity calls for tax relief in Budget 2023

By

-

September 14, 2022

students union galway tds ask GALWAY landlords to rent early in summer

National housing charity Threshold has called on the Government to introduce a tax relief on rents paid by private tenants in Budget 2023 to help ease pressures caused by the cost of living crisis.

It is one of several measures the charity wants to see in the budget to improve the private rental sector.

Threshold has previously welcomed increases in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and the extension of notice periods for tenancy terminations.

But the charity warned that immediate actions must be taken by the Government to protect against rising rent costs and energy bills which are pushing many private renters further into financial distress or into homelessness.

Threshold’s Chief Executive Officer, John-Mark McCafferty called for private renters to be a priority in this year’s Budget.

“Renters are one of the groups hit hardest by rising inflationand are at greater risk of poverty in comparison to owner occupiers having sustained unrelenting rent increases since 2014,” he said.

“Private renters are now facing extreme financial uncertainty as the cost of energy, heating, transport and food has increased rapidly over the last year. Some may be forced to choose between paying for rent, heat or food this winter.”

Threshold is calling for financial relief for private renters via tax relief, a €20 million Rent Arrears Fund to support renters experiencing financial difficulty, an increase in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) base rates and the creation of a Dedicated Homeless Prevention Budget, amounting to 20% of all homeless expenditure.

The charity also wants the Government to deliver measures to retain homes in the rental sector via relief on the Capital Gains Tax (CGT), to provide targeted measures to improve the energy efficiency of private rental homes, create a Deposit Protection Scheme as committed to in Housing For All, and allocate the necessary funds to hold a Referendum on the Right to Housing in 2023.

Threshold’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am- 9pm at 1800 454 454, with webchat at www.threshold.ie/advice/help for any renter in need of advice or support.

People urged to support Up the Hill for Jack and Jill this October

By

-

September 14, 2022

galway daily news up the hill for jack and jill 2022 — Pictured is Cathy Keighery, Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation liaison nurse manager for Galway, who is urging people to go Up the Hill for Jack and Jill during the month of October.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is urging people in Galway to climb or walk a local hill as part of the eighth annual Up the Hill for Jack and Jill fundraising challenge supported by Abbott.

This year, the children’s foundation is celebrating 25 years of funding and providing specialist in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound neurodevelopmental delay, up to the age of six.

This includes children who may have a brain injury, cerebral palsy, a genetic diagnosis or other undiagnosed condition.

Another key part of the service is end-of-life care at home for all children up to the age of six who require it, irrespective of diagnosis.

The nationwide charity has reached its own summit in 2022 by providing support to 412 children, the highest number in its 25-year history.

Jack and Jill has provided support to 183 Galway families since it was first established.

Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for Galway, Cathy Keighery, said that every parent needs a break, and that it is a privilege to be a part of the lives of Jack and Jill families.

“These are ordinary parents facing the extraordinary care needs of a child with a complex medical condition; a child who may not be able to walk or talk, who may be tube-fed or oxygen-dependent, requiring intensive, around-the-clock care, at home.

“But everyone needs a break, and that’s where we come in, literally, into the home, to give them relief and we are very proud to walk this care journey with them.”

3 simple steps to go up the hill for Jack and Jill

Register today for just €18 per person at JackandJill.ie, which will support one hour of specialist in-home nursing care for a local Jack and Jill family. Your pack will include a colourful, eco-friendly, Up the Hill banner

Choose your Hill. There’s a local hill around the corner to suit your fitness level and ability, and whether you go high or go low, it’s the taking part that keeps Jack and Jill on the go!

Grab some friends, family, neighbours or colleagues, pick a date that suits and make it a day out to remember. Bring a picnic to celebrate when you get to the top and remember to take a photo with your Up the Hill banner and tag Jack and Jill on social media with #UptheHill22 so everyone can see you!

For more information on Up the Hill for Jack and Jill 2022, visit www.jackandjill.ie or telephone Jack and Jill at 045 894538.

Connacht Rugby partners with FREE NOW for next three years

By

-

September 14, 2022

66connacht free now taxi — Connacht Rugby’s Nicole Fowley and Aoibheann Reilly with Former player Denis Fogarty, Free Nowat the launch of FREE NOW’s partnership with Connacht Rugby. Photo: Andrew Downes, XPOSURE

Connacht Rugby will be partnering with FREE NOW as its Official Mobility App Partner until 2025.

The new partnership will bring Connacht Rugby and the popular mobility app together for the 2022-23 season and over the next three years.

As part of the partnership, fans attending the upcoming matches will be able to participate in competitions for a chance to win FREE NOW vouchers.

Welcoming the news, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Connacht Rugby Philip Patterson said they are thrilled to be partnering with FREE NOW for the next three years.

“It is clear that both organisations share the same values and ethos, and this agreement will help both FREE NOW and Connacht Rugby continue to grow, as well as offering more transport solutions for our supporters and players,” he said.

The partnership builds on the mobility app’s commitment to support local communities and organisations across the country by giving people sustainable transport solutions.

Since launching its sustainable ECO booking (EV/hybrid) option on the app last year for passengers in Galway, the uptake of green journeys on the FREE NOW app has grown by 262% with 18% of the fleet in Galway being ECO.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership Regional Development Manager for FREE NOW, Denis Fogarty said: “We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Connacht Rugby for the next three years and as a former professional player for over 12 years, I am really excited about this new sponsorship and to see FREE NOW supporting sport in the Connacht region.

“FREE NOW has been providing public transport solutions for passengers here in Connacht for almost 10 years now and we look forward to expanding our offering further in the coming years, helping more people get from A to B thanks to our fleet of driver partners across the county.”

University of Galway receives more recognition for gender equality progress

By

-

September 14, 2022

galway daily news nuig uni of galway engineering school

University of Galway has again been recognised for advancing gender equality, with its School of Engineering receiving an Athena Swan Silver Award.

The Athena Swan Silver award is given for improvements in gender equality for both staff and students, and for creating cultural change within universities.

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris commended the School of Engineering’s strides in gender equality, noting it was a ‘fantastic achievement for University of Galway‘.

University of Galway Vice-President for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Helen Maher, said that everyone at University of Galway is sharing in the congratulations for the School of Engineering.

“We are greatly encouraged by the significant progress our university has made on gender equality, particularly in the College of Science and Engineering – which has secured 5 Athena SWAN awards.

“This latest award demonstrates that our efforts and our commitment on this ongoing journey are embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in our culture and our collective responsibilities.”

While the Athena Swan Silver Award represents the commitment to equality in the School of Engineering, it also highlights the progress that has been made including the steady increase in the number of female undergraduate students, as a result of extensive outreach activities, and increasing trends in the percentage of female academic staff, especially at Associate and Established Professor grades.

Professor Walter Gear, Dean of the College of Science and Engineering at University of Galway, said: “It is fantastic and a great recognition for Engineering to be the first school nationally to achieve Silver status, a process which also sets out our ambitions for the next four years.

“We are very proud of this achievement which is the first of many steps required to create an equal opportunity environment while embedding the University’s values across all science and engineering subjects that is externally recognised as such, and which builds a culture for a stronger intersectional approach where all our staff and students can fulfil their potential.”

Professor Edward Jones, Head of the School of Engineering at University of Galway, added that this Athena SWAN Silver award is the culmination of many years of effort through the development of a range of initiatives and action plans, and a wholehearted commitment and engagement by all our staff and students.

“This award is a significant endorsement of our efforts to date and of our future pans towards progressing gender equality.”

High speed fibre broadband available for 2,500 premises in Gort

By

-

September 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Almost 2,500 homes and businesses in Gort are now able to order or pre-order high speed fibre broadband.

This part of the continuing rollout of the National Broadband Plan, which is targeting a total of 40,000 premises in Galway.

With the addition of Gort, there are now over 5,000 premises in the county being served by the NBI network, with a further 8,000 in areas under construction.

Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce that premises in Gort can now order or pre-order broadband services through the NBI network.

“This will enable users to experience the life-changing benefits that high-speed broadband provides.”

“As an increasing number of homes and businesses are being connected, we are confident that the rollout will continue to gather pace as we look to connect thousands more homes and businesses.”

“We are acutely aware that people want access to high-speed broadband and our goal is to deliver that as quickly as possible.”

In Athenry and Loughrea, 2,477 and 2,393 premises have been surveyed to date with network designs completed to deliver the new Fibre to the Home (FTTH) network in these areas.

Work on both Athenry and Gort is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Mayor Higgins praises skill and achievement of All-Ireland Camogie Champions

By

-

September 13, 2022

Mayor Higgins praises skill and achievement of All-Ireland Camogie Champions

Mayor of Galway City Cllr Clodagh Higgins paid tribute to the skill, talent, and teamwork of the Galway Intermediate Camogie Team at an event this week.

A Mayoral Reception was held for the victorious Camogie team on Monday, celebrating their All-Ireland victory last month.

The Galway women claimed the title with a 0-13 to 0-11 victory over Cork in Croke Park.

Speaking about the significance of this achievement, Mayor Higgins commented, “Following in the footsteps of our ancestors 3,000 years ago, most of us in the room will have had a go of a camán and sliotar at some point in our childhoods”

She added that, “very many of us will soon have realised that it takes hours of practice, and innate natural athleticism, and sporting prowess to make that sliotar go where we want it to.”

“The Camogie team being honoured today have mastered this skill. They have also mastered teamwork and strategy, and shown determination and tenacity on the pitch.

“For every young girl in Galway running around a GAA pitch tonight – you are an inspiration.”

“When you ran onto the pitch in Croke Park, you showed them what can be achieved by the women of Galway in sport. You walked on to the national stage, played like champions, and were rewarded with victory.”

The Mayor recognised the achievements of the Manager Cathal Murray, and the management team who supported the team to victory, and thanked the families of the players for their support.

The Team Captain, Lisa Casserly; Cathal Murray, Team Manager, and Brian Griffin, Chairperson, Galway Camogie, also spoke on the day.

Public event on Special Olympics volunteering opportunities

By

-

September 13, 2022

Galway Daily sport Public event on Special Olympics volunteering opportunities

Special Olympics Ireland are hosting an event in Galway next to provide information on volunteering opportunities.

The event will take place at Menlo Park Hotel on Wednesday, September 21st from 7pm-8pm, for anyone that might be interested in hearing about local volunteering opportunities within the county.

There are various different volunteer roles on offer across clubs in the county and also upcoming events in the area.

The local club representatives will be there on the night to talk to anyone who may be interested in coming on board in a voluntary role.

Regional development officer Breffni Gorman says that they welcome anyone interested in volunteering, with no prior experience required.

“You don’t need to have a background in sport as we have lots of different volunteering opportunity types across a number of different clubs and events.”

“In September the Special Olympics regional swimming event takes place in Leisureland Galway and it’s a great opportunity for someone to come on board and get involved with Irelands largest volunteer led organisation”.

If you would like to hear more about how you can get involved come along to the event.

Alternatively if you are unable to make it on the night you can get more details on local opportunities by emailing Breffni.gorman@specialolympics.ie

Blue Teapot shine a light on debut playwright with Into the Dark Woods

By

-

September 13, 2022

Galway Daily theatre Blue Teapot shine a light on debut playwright with Into the Dark Woods — Into the Dark Woods, Charlene Kelly, Blue Tea Pot. Theatre Company .Photo: Andrew Downes xposure

West Of Ireland theatre company Blue Teapot will debut their co production with Abbey Theatre Into the Dark Woods this Wednesday in Galway.

Written by debut playwright Charlene Kelly, Into The Dark Woods is a story told through the lens of intellectual disability, drawing on archetypes found in fairytale and nature and features an inclusive cast.

lue Teapot have worked towards a strategic ambition to stage a theatre production written by an artist from within the company.

Charlene Kelly’s play emerged from a series of creative writing initiatives with dramaturg Eileen Gibbons, leading to collaboration with the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s national theatre, as co-producer.

Directed by Petal Pilley, the play tells the story of a Prince tired of being controlled by his father. Heartbroken he runs away, into the woods. Cold and alone he calls out for help.

A girl, also lost, is charmed into leaving a safe and familiar path. Hunted by darkness, their way out is uncertain.

Into The Dark Woods runs from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 of September in the Black Box Theatre, Galway.

The play will take play at 8pm each evening, with additional day time shows on Friday, September 16 at 11am, and Saturday, September 17 at 3pm. The show is suitable for adults and children aged 10+ years.

A Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture Commission. Tickets for Into The Dark Woods are available online via www.tht.ie and from Town Hall Theatre Box Office 091 569777.

The play will be supported by a Touch Tour, which is a first for this work. Touch Tours can be very beneficial to theatre patrons who are blind, visually impaired, on the autistic spectrum, non-verbal or have intellectual difficulties.

It enables those audiences a better theatre going experience and helps contextualise the stage and Charlene Kelly’s debut play, which is visually descriptive in written narrative.

Speaking about what patrons can expect, Mo Harte explained, “A Touch Tour is not only for visually impaired patrons but can also be beneficial for those who process differently.”

“It is a tactile exploration of the geography of a theatre space, the stage, selected props, costumes and furniture”.

Ahead of this tour, Mo Harte will prepare programme notes to describe the set and costumes, which will be available to read and listen to via Blue Teapot’s social media channels from Friday, September 16.

Plans to demolish former nursing home for housing shot down

By

-

September 13, 2022

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

Galway County Council has refused planning permission to demolish a former nursing home in Barna for a new housing development.

Plans were submitted to the county council for the demolition of the former Villa Maria nursing home at Truskey West.

In its place it was intended that 12 detached houses would be built, two of them reserved for social or affordable housing.

Planning permission was ultimately refused by the county council due to concerns about the design of the development, and road safety issues.

The council said that the scale and density of the development would be inappropriate, that the height and layout of the estate would be out of character with the area, and that the plans did not have enough public and private open space.

In terms of road safety the council said that the plans lack an appropriate connection to the existing footpath network, creating a safety risk for pedestrians.

Concerns were also raised about visibility on the access road to and from the site, as well the capacity of the site to cater for larger vehicles, and a lack of electric vehicle charging points.

Letter | Is it too much to ask?

By

-

September 13, 2022

galway daily news young person emigrating

Dear Editor,

Following the news from National Youth Council of Ireland that over 70% of 18-24 year olds are considering emigration, there has been a specific diminishing of young people’s concerns.

The assurance that this ‘has always been the case’ deserves a sincere rebuttal – why is this the case?

Why should young people be forced to look abroad for opportunities? Why should young people feel fearful of their futures, or have their mental health worsened due to the crises in Ireland?

Is it too much to ask that the place where I am born be an attractive and worthwhile place to grow old?

Is it too much to want to imagine owning a home, being able to have our own family, being able to live happily and without difficulty in making ends meet?

Recently, my grandmother passed away and I was incredibly thankful for myself and family that none of us had to travel across the world to be there for her funeral. In a time of grief, it was a small comfort.

I for one wish to remain here for good, to cherish my time with my parents, remaining grandparents, my girlfriend’s family, and all those I have come to call friends in my short 24 years.

Yours,
Criodán Ó Murchú
Postgraduate Representative, Údarás na hOllscoile, Ollscoill na Gaillimhe
Board Member, SpunOut.ie & Text50808

Five Galway community projects to receive €200,000

By

-

September 13, 2022

galway daily news killyan community field

The government has announced today that five more community projects in Co. Galway will receive funding totalling just over €200,000 under the CLÁR programme.

Seventy-four sports clubs, schools and community groups across the country will receive grants of up to €50,000 to develop a range of projects.

The successful projects include astroturf pitches, community gyms, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor pool tables, outdoor cinemas, walkways, public toilets and car park facilities.

Galway allocations

Galway	Galway County Council	Enhancements to the community playground in Portumna.	€36,472.50
Galway	Skehana Community Development (SCD)	Upgrade of the current car parking at the Skehana Community Facility.	€50,000.00
Galway	Killyan Community Field	Upgrades to include works on walkway and lighting around perimeter of pitches. Plans also include improvements to site drainage and installation of seating area.	€45,000.00
Galway	Collins Park Playground Committee	To enhance facilities at the community playground.	€18,904.34
Galway	Donaghpatrick National School	Development of a community walkway and small playground on the school grounds which will be accessible to the wider community.	€50,000.00

Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys said that sports clubs, schools and community groups are the lifeblood of rural Ireland.

“They are a focal point – places where people of all ages come together to socialise and meet up with friends,” said the Minister.

“This investment of over €2.75 million under the CLÁR Programme will support 74 diverse community projects the length and breadth of the country.

“It’s an investment that will improve the lives of our young people – providing them with facilities such as astroturf pitches, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts and even outdoor pool areas.”

Building works taking place at Portiuncula Hospital

By

-

September 13, 2022

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Portiuncula University Hospital is carrying out necessary building works over the coming weeks which will result in reduced capacity in the outpatient waiting area.

As part of the works, the hospital has relocated the Outpatient Department, meaning there will be less space in the outpatient waiting area for a number of weeks.

The hospital is asking patients to attend for their appointment alone where possible and only patients who require assistance should be accompanied.

James Keane, Hospital Manager, apologised for the inconvenience caused during these necessary works.

“I regret the disruption to patients caused during the renovations but this work is vital to improving facilities, providing additional single room accommodation and additional bed,” he said.

“I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this work.”

Japan’s finest young musicians to perform in Galway this week

By

-

September 13, 2022