A new statutory body focused on improving community safety in County Galway held its first meeting at Áras an Chontae on Tuesday, marking the formal end of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) model.

The Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) has been set up under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 as part of a national shift towards wider and more inclusive planning.

Its members include up to 30 people from Galway County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla and local organisations representing youth, social inclusion, education, business and community groups.

Over the next three years, the Partnership will draw up a safety plan for the county, coordinate new initiatives, engage with residents and feed into the work of the National Office for Community Safety.

The National Office will offer training and support and will oversee the Community Safety Fund, which uses proceeds of crime to back local projects.

During the first meeting, Cllr Andrew Reddington was elected Chair for a three-year term, and Aodán McDonogh was chosen as Vice Chair.

Cllr Reddington commented, “Each area of County Galway has its own specific safety and community issues that no single organisation can solve alone.”

“Real progress depends on various agencies working together, from policing to local government and health services, as well as community groups.”

“We aim to unite these perspectives so local people can help guide how safety improves in County Galway.”

Vice Chairperson Aodán McDonogh emphasised that the Partnership strongly prioritises collaboration and places local voices at the heart of decision-making.

Membership from the community and voluntary sector was confirmed through a nomination process led by the Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

This was reviewed by the National Office and approved by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan TD.

Welcoming members to the first meeting of the LCSP, Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the Partnership replaces the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) model and represents a new approach to local community safety.

“The LCSP brings all the key agencies together to look at the safety issues affecting our communities and to agree practical actions to address them,” he said.

“It gives local people a stronger voice in identifying priorities and helps ensure that services work in a more joined-up way.”

“Galway County Council looks forward to working with other agencies in developing and overseeing a new Community Safety Plan for the county, focused on prevention, collaboration and improving quality of life for everyone who lives here.”

The Partnership will meet at least six times a year. One of the meetings will be open to the public, while another will be for elected representatives from the Oireachtas and Galway County Council.

It will also collaborate with neighbouring partnerships and existing local structures, including the Local Community Development Committee, Galway County Public Participation Network, and youth groups such as Comhairle na nÓg and the Children and Young People’s Services Committee. The LCSP will not address individual criminal investigations, State security matters, or confidential Garda operations.

University of Galway is to take a major international role in supporting the media ecosystem and democratic development in Ukraine with a new cooperation agreement with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government.

The Memorandum of Cooperation was signed at a meeting in Dublin today, which was hosted by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska.

The agreement between University of Galway and the Government of Ukraine sets out joint work on democracy, media and public communication as the country continues to defend itself from the Russian invasion and sustained Russian disinformation efforts aimed at weakening European democracy and public trust.

The agreement confirms the University as a partner in the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, an international initiative coordinated by the Office of the President of Ukraine to strengthen academic cooperation and counter the effects of the ongoing war and the wider information threats facing Europe.

President of the University of Galway, Professor David Burn, and Associate Professor Tom Felle attended on behalf of the University.

The agreement establishes a structured programme of cooperation on media literacy, democratic resilience and the rule of law.

It reflects the University’s growing role in European debates on democracy and public communication and supports Ukraine as it continues to defend its sovereignty and progress towards European Union membership.

Professor Burn said, “Ukraine’s defence of democracy and European identity goes to the heart of our mission as a university for the public good. Galway has become a leading academic centre for work on media, democracy, digital governance and human rights, and our researchers influence policy discussions across Europe.”

“This Memorandum strengthens that work in partnership with Ukraine at a moment of sustained pressure on democratic institutions and the information environment. It sets out the kind of contribution a university of our scale and ambition should make in Europe today.”

Professor Felle added, “Democracy relies on informed citizens and a resilient media system. Ukraine’s journalists, educators and students continue to work under extreme conditions.”

“This agreement allows us to support them and to deepen academic cooperation while ensuring our own students engage directly with the realities of a country defending its freedoms.”

“Galway is committed to playing a constructive role in this partnership and to working with institutions that share a commitment to democratic principles.”

University of Galway currently hosts more than 50 Ukrainian students across a wide range of disciplines.

They include Vladyslav Piatin Ponomarenko, whose documentary ‘Imagine War, 75 Days of Survival in Mariupol’ won the Film Documentary of the Year award at the 2025 National Student Media Awards.

University of Galway is recognised internationally for its work on democracy, media and digital governance. Research at the University addresses disinformation, platform regulation, information integrity and the role of independent journalism in democratic life.

It also contributes to European policy discussions on the Digital Services Act and the European Media Freedom Act and is known internationally for rigorous teaching and research in journalism and global media.

The partnership includes future cooperation with leading institutions in Kyiv, including the Mohyla School of Journalism at the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy and the Faculty of Journalism at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv.

Future planned activity includes joint teaching, guest lectures, shared research and opportunities for Ukrainian scholars and students to work with colleagues in Galway.

The agreement will also embed Ukrainian case studies and expertise across media and democracy teaching at the University.

Five innovative Galway-based companies, BeoBio, Heptagon Houses, IOT DigitalData, Megafab, and Red Belt, were among 20 innovative businesses from across Ireland that took part in InterTradeIreland’s two-day Cross-Border Trade Mission to Northern Ireland.

Running from November 25 – 27, the Trade Mission formed part of InterTradeIreland’s ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative – a programme designed to help businesses fast-track export opportunities and accelerate sales growth in the cross-border market.

Over the two days, the participating companies took part in pre-arranged sales meetings and networking sessions with potential buyers and partners in Northern Ireland, supported by InterTradeIreland’s trade experts.

Red Belt is a family run business which manufactures and repairs conveyors and agri belts for industrial and agricultural clients.

Declan Hamilton, Managing Director of Red Belt said, “We’ve been working in Northern Ireland for years with the quarry and industrial side of things, so this trade mission was the obvious next step for us.”

“We want to build on that and bring our agri belts and services to farmers and agri-machinery businesses across the whole island.”

Born out of a strong farming heritage and decades of manufacturing experience, Megafab designs practical, durable plastic products that help make everyday farm work simpler and more efficient.

Michael Egan, Managing Director of Megafab, said, “The Trade Mission gave us exposure to new markets and customers. It helped us get an understanding of problems farmers have in Northern Ireland, which may lead to a new product idea.”

Also participating in the mission were Heptagon Houses, a family-run business producing sustainable timber-framed greenhouses and outdoor structures, BeoBio Teoranta, a group of seaweed farmers, scientists and entrepreneurs developing agricultural products from hand harvested seaweed, and IOT DigitalData, which develops smart monitoring and software solutions that help farmers and food producers improve efficiency through real-time data.

Anne-Marie McAteer, Trade Manager at InterTradeIreland, said, “The Agri-Tech and Manufacturing sectors are vital for the all-island economy, with innovation and sustainability at their core.”

“Our ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative is designed to give businesses the platform, contacts and confidence to take their next steps into new markets. Cross-border trade and collaboration continues to be one of the most effective ways to scale and sustain growth.”

The ‘Trade Missions @Home’ initiative helps businesses build cross-border connections, access specialist mentoring and create new sales opportunities.

Galway’s participation reflects the innovation, expertise, and entrepreneurial drive powering the West’s Agri-Tech and Manufacturing sectors.

This Trade Mission was part of InterTradeIreland’s ongoing commitment to helping businesses across the island grow through cross-border trade, innovation, and collaboration.

InterTradeIreland has supported over 60,000 businesses and contributed to over €1.95bn in business development value to date.

Volunteers at the Galway RNLI have been taking part in training exercises for dealing with severe trauma victims.

Twenty volunteer crew took part in the training exercise at the University of Galway Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at UHG last month.

The training exercise was based on a call out to an injured jet-skier on a remote beach and had been designed by the Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation (ICAPSS) staff to replicate a real-life situation which played out in real time.

Philip Parackal, Clinical Nurse Manager, CNM 3, ICAPSS said, “We have state-of-the-art simulation facilities here in Galway, which is an accredited centre and the recipient of an ASPIRE award.”

“We provide training and education for all levels of medical and clinical staff from students to experienced clinical teams.”

“We use full-body manikins which are programmed by our simulation technicians to show different physiological changes and address differing learning needs.”

“In the case of the exercise with the RNLI crew, we wanted to allow the crew to apply their casualty care training along with using the first aid equipment they carry on the lifeboat while adapting to the environment of the rescue”.

“In our scenario, we had a multi trauma male casualty who sustained injuries during a jet ski accident on the bay. The extensive injuries were simulated by our team using moulage, or SFX makeup.”

“The casualty’s condition deteriorated, and the simulation replicated a cardiac arrest which the crew had to treat actively. The injuries and how the patient would deteriorate was not shared with the crew in advance.”

“One of the benefits of the simulation centre is that all of the crew could observe the simulation on a big screen from another lecture room while four crew actively participated in the simulator.”

“This is a benefit in terms of observing and gaining valuable experience in areas such as communication, teamwork, situational awareness, treatment, use of the casualty care check cards and timely transport.”

Brian Niland, volunteer crew with Galway RNLI, took part in the simulation exercise, said, “The full-body manikin we treated was very realistic and was able to talk, bleed, had a pulse and all the human reactions you would expect.”

“When the casualty deteriorated, we were able to practise resuscitation techniques on the manikin, which was programmed to simulate the very specific conditions that casualties we rescue are exposed to, such as water and cold.”

“We also had to simulate transporting a casualty with a traumatic leg injury, head injury and who had been in cardiac arrest. All of our casualty care training and equipment was put into use.”

Nurse Olivia Byrne is also a volunteer RNLI crew member, and leads out on first aid exercises at the lifeboat station.

“The simulation exercise was part of ongoing engagement between the University of Galway’s School of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and the RNLI crew.”

“The facility enables us to put our crew in a very realistic multi trauma scenario and practise skills such as assessment of the casualty through the use of check cards, communication skills and procedures for handover to the paramedic service.”

“As a crew we found the debrief following the simulation in particular to be very positive from Philip and his colleagues, and reiterates the wonderful facility the ICAPSS centre is and the role it plays in patient care and promoting patient safety.”

A Galway man with two years’ rowing experience is to take on the Atlantic Ocean in a mammoth fundraising challenge for two charities.

Daragh MacLoughlin flew to the Canary Islands on Sunday as the countdown begins for a 4,800km solo row to Antigua in the Caribbean.

Departing on December 12, the race will see the Clarinbridge man spend Christmas, the New Year, and much of January at sea.

And while the Galway businessman has invested a huge effort into the World’s Toughest Row, he is deeply conscious of the potential hazards.

“Once you’re in the middle of the ocean, you can’t ring a helicopter to pick you up,” said the father-of-two.

“You’re calling a Mayday, and you might be boarding a 300-metre tanker going to Angola, which is where you’re going, too.

“I’m not making that call. I’m a guy who believes he can do this.”

Daragh, one of the few solo rowers taking part in the challenge, says his motivation was to push the boundaries of life – but also to help charities which he believes do not get enough State support.

On his fundraising page, he wants to raise up to €10,000 for Debra, the national charity supporting those living with ‘Butterfly Skin’ disease EB, and for Irish Dogs for the Disabled.

“Thankfully, in our family, we have no-one afflicted by a life-altering condition.

“We support charities which are small enough to retain that fighting passion but big enough to make a difference.

“The ones fighting tooth and nail for their people are the ones that really deserve support.”

The 42-year-old, who is self-financing his participation, took up rowing just two years ago, setting his sights on the World’s Toughest Row as the ultimate personal challenge.

Being self-employed at his website building and management company webhero.ie, has allowed him the time to prepare – and he will need every ounce of the mental and physical strength banked so far.

Powering through seas which can turn dangerously hostile, he will row for around 18 hours a day, consuming 7,000 calories daily, mostly freeze-dried food including seeds and nuts, and sea water fit for drinking thanks to an onboard desalinator.

His Dutch-made boat, a seven-metre carbon fibre vessel weighing 400kg when fully loaded, is waiting for him in La Gomera.

“When you’re out there and your body hurts, you’re sleep deprived, your cabin is like a sauna, you have to be very mentally strong to put yourself in a position to row,” he said.

“You will be looking for every excuse to get out of it.

“Some people, when they find out you’re doing it, can be a bit negative and unimpressed, because of the risks involved.”

That’s why the unwavering support of his wife Suzanne and the couple’s two daughters Maeve and Saoirse, has carried him through.

“Over the course of the training, it becomes very clear what you got yourself into.

“There’s no way I want to be in the mid-Atlantic wondering why I hadn’t done more.”

Daragh asks the public to make donations, to be split between both charities, at: idonate.ie/fundraiser/thejasper

Alejandra Livschitz of Debra said Daragh’s “incredibly brave” challenge will be appreciated by everyone who lives with EB in Ireland, and the families caring for them.

As the Christmas period approaches, An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority are appealing to all road users to stay safe and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

To date this year, 166 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

Over the Christmas and New Year period, there is an increase in the use of the roads for recreational purposes and the risk of fatal or serious injury road traffic collisions is increased.

An Garda Síochána is conducting a dedicated road traffic enforcement operation throughout the Christmas period, which began at 7:00am this morning, Monday 1st December 2025 and continues until 7:00am on Monday 5th January 2026.

Every member of An Garda Síochána on duty will be out conducting road traffic enforcement activity.

We will have an increased presence on the roads to detect drink and drug drivers and also to deter key risk behaviours such as speeding, mobile phone use and non-wearing of seat belts.

According to a new survey from the Road Safety Authority, 12% of drivers admitted to having driven after consuming alcohol in the past 12 months.

The survey found that the most common scenario for a driver to be on the road while potentially over the legal alcohol limit is after drinking in a pub/restaurant, or at home, and then driving on a rural road, with a slightly higher likelihood of this occurring over a weekend.

A smaller percentage of drivers (4%) admit to having driven after using illicit drugs over the past 12 months.

To date, An Garda Síochána has detected nearly 8,000 drivers this year under the Influence of drugs or alcohol, and carried out over 93,000 checkpoints.

Assistant Commissioner Catharina Gunne, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said, “We are appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention and never, ever drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs.”

“Members of An Garda Síochána will be out day and night across the country as part of our enforcement campaign. We will intercept drink and drug drivers. If convicted, you will lose your licence. Please don’t be one of them.”

“166 people have lost their lives on our roads so far this year. No Garda wants to be calling to your family’s door this Christmas.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Road Safety, Seán Canney T.D., said, “I welcome An Garda Síochána’s plans over the busy Christmas period. Gardaí will be out in force testing drivers and can test for drink and drugs at the roadside.”

“My absolute priority as Minister for Road Safety is to see a reduction in the number of deaths on our roads. My message is simple: be safe this Christmas. Do not drive while intoxicated, do not speed, wear your seatbelt, and do not drive while distracted.”

“Do not put your life or the lives of others at risk. Don’t let friends or family drink and drive. If you plan to socialise – plan how you are to get home safely, and if you have been out the night before, think before you start the car.”

“Alcohol and drugs can remain in your system longer than you think. The consequences are real and tragically, can be fatal.”

Sam Waide, Chief Executive Officer, Road Safety Authority, said, “Christmas should be a time of joy, not loss. Our research has shown that over a third of drivers killed between 2016 and 2020 had a positive toxicology for alcohol.”

“These decisions leave empty seats at family tables, and communities devastated. I’m urging everyone: if you’re drinking or using drugs, don’t drive – ever.”

“Plan your journey, use alternative transport, and look out for one another. Together, we can prevent tragedy on our roads this Christmas.”

One Galway farmer has been honoured by Teagasc for his commitment to sustainability and soil health in agriculture.

Farming 125 hectares at Kilmurry, Tynagh, Loughrea, Conor O’Brien milks a herd of 144 high EBI Holstein cows and carries a dairy-beef enterprise in partnership with his father, Vincent, and mother, Mary.

Recently recognised as the ‘Improving Soil Health Category Winner’ of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards, Conor’s journey into farming was greatly aided by the trust bestowed in him by his parents.

Elaborating on this, Conor explained, “My father gave me the opportunity at a youngish enough age to make my own decisions. He transferred one of the out blocks to me for my suckler enterprise, that was more a part-time hobby at the time.”

“It would have been easier for him to keep it himself, but he took the chance on me. If he and my mother didn’t give me the chance to learn and develop together with them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

From this beginning, Conor has seen the family’s farm grow, all the while focused on being technically efficient, profitable and environmentally sustainable.

Supplying Arrabawn Tipperary Co-op and guided by Signpost Programme Advisor Liam Quinn and local Teagasc advisor, Tom Murphy, cows on the farm are on track to produce 470kg of milk solids each year, carried at a stocking rate of 2.4LU/ha.

Grass utilisation reached 8.7 tonnes DM/ha in 2024, while herd genetics continue to improve, with an EBI of €251 and Dairy Beef Index (DBI) of €74, supporting profitability and a carbon footprint of 0.9 kg CO₂eq per kg FPCM.

Nutrient management is central. In 2024, 132 kg N/ha was applied, 66% as protected urea. All slurry is spread with low-emission slurry spreading (LESS), and nutrient management planning informs applications.

Soil fertility has improved as a result, 34% of soils are now optimum, up from 26%, while AgNav records a nitrogen surplus of 125kg N/ha.

Conor engages actively in sustainability programmes. As a Waters EIP participant, he has installed fencing, solar pumps, rainwater management and planted 135 metres of hedgerow.

As a Signpost Demonstration Farmer, he increased protected urea use to 66%, boosted clover to 37% of the milking platform, and grows 14 acres of red clover silage.

Future plans include a new slatted shed, solar panels, and continued genetic progress, highlighted by three bulls sold to AI stations with EBIs of €343 to €358.

Galway County Council is hosting a free public webinar at 1pm and 7pm on Thursday December 4, to explain how the Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme works.

It follows a Council survey earlier this year in which almost a third of respondents said they were not familiar with the scheme. The survey highlighted the need for clearer information about the support available to households seeking to buy a home.

The webinar will set out how the scheme works, who can apply, what documentation is required, how prices are set and how the Help to Buy Scheme run by Revenue can support first-time buyers.

The information session comes as Galway County Council continues to assess new sites for affordable housing in towns across the county.

Seventeen homes have been completed at Garraí na Gaoithe, Baile Chláir, with a further 16 due by the end of 2025 and 28 scheduled for Quarter 1, 2026.

Construction is advancing on 66 homes at Droim na Gaoithe, Baile Chláir, while 44 homes are planned for Raheen and Páirc na hAbhainn, Athenry.

Both projects are expected to be delivered between 2026 and early 2027. The Council is also exploring additional opportunities on its own lands and through Part V.

Surveys carried out in September and October indicate strong demand for affordable homes. Further targeted surveys are planned to assess demand across the county.

Registration for the webinar is available at www.tinyurl.com/galwaywebinar.

Funding of €634,922 has been approved for upgrades and maintenance of community and sports facilities across Galway.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has confirmed funding for 10 projects under the CLÁR programme in Galway.

Cllr David Collins, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, praised the community groups and organisations for their dedication to finding new ways to improve their local areas.

He added, “Their commitment is reflected in the thought and care put into their project ideas and in their efforts to raise the match funding needed to bring these projects to life.”

“I also wish to acknowledge the staff of the Council’s Rural, Community and Tourism Development department for working with the community groups in preparing the funding applications.”

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said CLÁR is a vitally important scheme for rural counties like Galway, where small-scale infrastructural projects can bring new life to local communities.

“This year’s funding provides a strong return for the county, he said, supporting community groups and sporting clubs right across Galway.”

“The Council is committed to working with all funding recipients to ensure their projects are delivered successfully and make a real difference for their communities.”

The largest award of €100,000 went to Portumna Chamber of Commerce and Galway County Council for a County Pilot initiative featuring facilities for persons with additional needs and a Changing Places Toilet.

Seven other projects each received €65,000, including upgrades to the community pitch and facilities at Lawrencetown Community Development, an outdoor gym and parking facilities at Killimordaly GAA Club, Astro and MUGA developments at Kiltartan National School and Glenamaddy.

An extended walkway and accessible parking will be built at St Thomas GAA, and accessibility enhancements and carpark works at Meelick Eyrecourt GAA and Skehana Community Development have also been funded.

Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club received €54,900 for parking improvements and Pairc Spraoi Iorras Aithneach Cill Cháirain was awarded €25,022 for the development of a playground sensory area.

Nationally, the Government is investing €12.3 million to support the development of sports and outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, running tracks, astro turf pitches and spectator stands, as well as community buildings.

One man was arrested in connection with the seizure of cannabis valued at €115,000 in Co. Clare on Friday.

Gardaí from the Clare Divisional Drugs Unit have conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting the sale and supply of drugs in Co. Clare yesterday.

A property in the east of Clare was searched by Gardaí, during which 5kg of cannabis with an estimated value of €100,000 was found.

Following a further search of a second property in east Clare, a quantity of suspected cannabis with an estimated value of €15,00 was seized.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996 at a Garda Station in Co. Clare.

The seized drugs will be sent to Forensic Science Ireland for analysis. Gardaí have said that investigations are ongoing.

COPE Galway supported more than 3,000 people experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse, isolation, and more last year.

COPE published its annual report for 2024 this week, highlighting an increased demand for services last year.

The charity supported a total of 3,184 people through a wide range of issues such as:

• 1,010 older people supported through community activities and social supports, including Meals4Health, a social enterprise of COPE Galway, who produced and delivered 98,954 meals.
• 837 women and children who are subjected to domestic abuse – supported with safe refuge, 1,519 outreach appointments, and other professional supports, such as 214 court accompaniments.
• 1,337 people who are experiencing homelessness – including 164 families with 351 children and 748 single adults – supported with specific emergency, community-based and family responses.

Commenting on the report, CEO Michael Smyth noted, “Many people in our community are experiencing significant challenges in their lives. Our teams are doing extraordinary work to keep people safe and help rebuild lives. Our staff are operating in increasingly difficult contexts, responding to complex needs.”

“At times in 2024, it felt like we were ‘running to stand still’, yet our staff stayed proactive and adaptable, finding creative ways to support people and ease the hopelessness and uncertainty too many faced in their lives.”

Child and youth-focused preventative supports

COPE Galway continued to strengthen child and youth focused preventative supports during 2024.

Solas Óg – the organisation’s therapeutic support service for children and young people affected by domestic abuse – strengthened the self-esteem, resilience and mental health of their clients through 618 private one-to-one sessions last year.

COPE Galway’s Helping Kids First Programme addressed the serious impact of homelessness on children and their parents by supporting the physical, emotional, social and educational development needs of children living in emergency accommodation, working with an average of 120 families at any one time.

Acknowledging the wider cost-of-living pressures, Mr Smyth continued, “We see the devastating impact of poverty and isolation every day. More than ever before, our teams are meeting essential needs, from providing food and clothing to laundry access, alongside crisis support.”

“In 2024, we supported 2,227 people most at risk of food poverty. When it comes to a parent having to choose between buying their child a warm winter coat or a week’s groceries, we do everything we can to make sure the family’s needs are met.”

Transformative supports

COPE Galway also focused on small but transformative supports that counter isolation and trauma.

Mr Smyth noted that the report highlights simple but creative ways the organisation tailored support to clients’ individual and evolving needs.

Throughout the year, they worked closely with clients to design small initiatives that made a meaningful difference, including:

• Creating sensory-friendly spaces within the domestic abuse service.
• Supporting clients living in emergency and temporary accommodations to enhance their gardens, building pride and enjoyment for residents.
• Developing calm spaces where clients could take a break from crisis and feel grounded.
• Early interventions for older people.

COPE Galway also supported older people through a range of early-stage interventions focused on physical activity, social connection, and developing new skills. In 2024:

284 older people took part in community activities such as lunch clubs, coffee mornings, technology workshops, and enjoyed Zumba and other classes at The Bungalow in Mervue.

Sonas Social Centre continued to welcome people who depend on daily drop-ins for connection and support.

Senior Support Service carried out 216 home-befriending visits, with trained volunteers offering companionship and helping older people remain living independently at home.

The report also reveals exceptional volunteer engagement in 2024, with 164 new volunteers recruited, making up a total of 253 volunteers in over 30 roles.

Reflecting on the organisation’s work during a challenging year, Mr Smyth said, “I want to thank our almost 200 dedicated professionals, who meet and connect with each person without judgement, tailoring supports to their unique circumstances.” I also want to pay tribute to the courage and resilience of the people we worked with in 2024, some of whose stories are generously shared in this report.”

“For 60 years, COPE Galway has held on to the hope of the people who turn to us, walking alongside them and supporting them at their most difficult moments,” he said.

“Going forward, we remain determined to meet the challenges ahead, grounded in the support and strengths of our staff, volunteers, supporters and community, who remain at the heart of our ability to respond.”

“As we continue shaping our services around lived experience and aspirations, we are ready for the road ahead. We invite you to learn more in our 2024 Annual Report.”

One of the country’s most established newspapers, The Tuam Herald, is to change ownership.

The Directors of The Herald Printing & Publishing Co. have announced the proposed sale of the newspaper title and related assets to Celtic Media Group.

The proposed sale of The Tuam Herald, founded in 1837, is contingent on approval from the competition authorities and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport.

Colleagues working in the title were briefed by the Directors, David Burke and Mary Burke earlier today on the decision to transfer ownership to Celtic Media Group (CMG).

David Burke, Managing Director of The Tuam Herald said that CMG, with six established brands and over 400,000 social media followers, has the scale and digital expertise to secure and grow the title.

CMG have been business service partners to The Tuam Herald for over a decade, providing graphic design, digital and management consultancy.

All 12 staff will transfer to CMG, once the proposed sale is approved. The Dublin Road, Tuam, office premises are not part of the transaction and the sale price has not been disclosed. Publishing continues as normal.

Mr Burke said he and his fellow director “wished to exit the business, having gone far beyond normal retirement age”.

“Our family has had a very proud stewardship of The Tuam Herald, with three generations of the Burke family responsible for managing the title for almost a century and I was very proud to have taken on the baton from my father, Jarlath,” he said.

“The time has now come to hand over to a company which can best position the title for the challenges and opportunities to come.”

Frank Mulrennan, CEO of Celtic Media Group, said: “We have been business partners of The Tuam Herald for many years and know and respect the quality of the brand and its readership loyalty in Galway.

“We look forward to working with editor, Siobhán Holliman, and the team, once this transaction is completed, early in the New Year.”

Celtic Media Group (CMNL Limited) was formed in 2012 from a management buy-out, led by its CEO, Frank Mulrennan.

The group employs 72 colleagues and publishes such local titles as Meath Chronicle, The Anglo Celt, Westmeath Examiner, Westmeath Independent, Offaly Independent and The Connaught Telegraph.

CMG operates a graphic design and digital hub in Mullingar providing publishing services to its own titles and a range of peer local titles and commercial outlets, including The Tuam Herald.