Music for Galway lunchtime concerts return in October

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September 25, 2022

galway daily news battery champion ireland — TV host Mairead Ronan is challenging schools and students across Ireland to become battery recycling champions as part of a nationwide initiative, which will also help raise funds for children’s hospice LauraLynn. Picture: Conor McCabe Photography.

Schools and students across Ireland are being challenged to become battery recycling champions as part of a nationwide initiative which will also help children with life-limiting illnesses.

The WEEE Ireland Schools Battery Recycling Competition is offering schools the chance to win one of six €2,000 sports equipment vouchers.

Running from October 1 to March 31, it is open to all primary and secondary schools which collect at least 10 full 5 kg battery boxes in WEEE Ireland Battery Recycling counties.

TV host Mairead Ronan was on hand to urge schools to get plugged into the countrywide drive, which helps raise funds for children’s hospice LauraLynn.

“This helps raise funds and awareness for LauraLynn and all the wonderful children and families who rely on their services and support,” she said at the launch of the initiative in Dublin.

“It’s heart-warming to see school children getting involved in projects like this and helping other children while doing so. Best of luck and well done to all the schools taking part across the country.”

The long-running competition has a following of over 2,000 schools nationwide and encourages the involvement of teachers, families and wider communities to help students collect as many end-of-life batteries as possible.

When the competition last ran, schools across the country collectively diverted from landfill the equivalent of almost 1 million AA batteries.

Every battery recycled by WEEE Ireland goes towards a donation fund for the charity.

“Many still don’t realise that binning batteries leads to a loss of really valuable resources that are increasingly in short supply as well as causing harm to the environment,” said Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland.

“We are delighted to be able to return with this really important programme and expect a great response from students, teachers and the wider community, while encouraging some healthy competition.”

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, said that it is great to see this campaign back in schools.

“There’s something so special about children helping children and this campaign is all about that,” said

“The funds that we have received through our partnership with WEEE Ireland over the last 11 years have had such a positive impact on the children and families who avail of LauraLynn’s care and specialised supports.

“We recently reached the €500,000 mark, which is just incredible, and we are so grateful to WEEE for this partnership.”

Interested schools can visit weeeireland.ie for more information on the competition and to order WEEE Ireland Blue Battery boxes.

Architecture at the Edge returns to Galway for sixth edition

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September 25, 2022

galway daily news architecture at the edge festival in galway

The annual Architecture at the Edge (AATE) Festival will return for its sixth edition from the 1st to the 9th of October.

AATE is a not-for-profit organisation based in the west of Ireland that explores architecture and design in our social, political and cultural contexts.

Over 40 events are happening across Galway city and county featuring a series of contributors including architects, artists and academics.

The official launch at Kylemore Abbey on 1 October opens the exhibition ‘Interpreting Landscape – Tim Robinson and the west of Ireland’, which will run right through Spring 2023.

Other highlights include a tour of the House on Sky Road with A2 Architects, in partnership with the Architecture Association of Ireland (AAI).

People can drop by Nuns Island Theatre on Saturday 1 October to experience the amazing 2021 Turner Prize winning ‘The Druthaib’s Ball’ installation created by the Array Collective, and to reflect on the concept of ‘belonging’.

This will be followed by a ‘word workshop’ in Áras na nGael, Dominick Street, where attendees will be invited to create a provocative placard.

GROUNDWORK, a solo exhibition by young architect Dominic Daly will run in Ballinasloe. It responds to the theme of ‘repair’ by addressing the crisis faced by the rural Irish town today.

Through the media of drawing, objects, photographs and writing, a dispersed exhibition is set within the townscape of Ballinasloe, against the backdrop of the ancient October Horse Fair.

An exhibition ‘Broken Stones’ by Artists – Emily Jones & David Hurley (Réal) will run at the Mick Lally Theatre, with a separate installation at the Martin Tea House Folly, at Dangan grounds, University of Galway.

Through exploring architecture and its narrative potential as a means to reconcile our identity with land, the exhibition meditates on how built forms and materials take on meaning in the contemporary world.

Take a tour with the ‘Three Castle Project’, beginning with a presentation of the conservation repair and consolidation works carried out at Menlough, Tirellan and Merlin castles by Fergal Mc Namara, 7L Architects at the MicK Lally Theatre, followed by walking tour to Tirellan Castle (Terryland) led by Dr. Jim Higgins, Heritage and Conservation Officer, Galway City Council.

Speaking about this year’s theme of ‘repair’, AATE Festival Director, Frank Monahan, said that all architecture is about remaking.

He said that it is fundamental for architecture today to rethink the construction and production of how we build.

“We need a working guide to the repair of our towns and cities, our homes, and our social relations and I hope that events during the festival can bring people together to be a part of that process.”

Other tours include Ashford Castle, Sos Seotoireachta, Ros An Mhil / Rossaveel Small Craft Harbour and Féin-thógáil an Spidéil.

The 2022 programme also includes workshops, film screenings and talks. For full programme details visit ArchitectureAtTheEdge.com

Galway represented at largest travel exhibition in France

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September 24, 2022

galway daily news galway hotel reps at french travel fair — Patrick Harty, Tourism Ireland; and Ailbhe Stevens, MHL Collection – representing the Galmont Hotel and Glenlo Abbey, at IFTM Top Resa in Paris. Pic – Tourism Ireland

The MHL Collection representing the Galmont Hotel & Spa, Glenlo Abbey and the Harbour Hotel 14 Irish tourism companies attending the international travel market IFTM Top Resa in France this week.

The MHL Collection joined Tourism Ireland in Paris at what is the largest travel trade exhibition in France, attracting more than 34,000 visitors.

These include influential tour operators and travel agents, as well as business tourism decision-makers and leading French travel journalists.

The three-day event provided a valuable opportunity for the participating companies from Ireland to meet and do business with key players in the French travel trade.

Monica MacLaverty, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Southern Europe, said: “Our presence at IFTM provides a valuable opportunity for our partners from Galway and elsewhere around the island of Ireland to showcase their product and connect with leading French travel trade contacts, to negotiate inclusion in their 2023 programmes.

“France is one of the top four markets for tourism to the island of Ireland and Tourism Ireland is rolling out a busy programme of promotions in France this autumn – aimed at boosting late season travel and positioning us well for 2023.”

Thousands more young people seeking mental health support

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September 24, 2022

galway daily news jigsaw report on mental health

A leading youth mental health charity is warning that Ireland’s mental health support services are more stretched than ever before due to the double-whammy of Covid and the cost-of-living crisis.

Jigsaw’s latest Annual Report shows that 2021 saw the charity offer an increasing number of appointments to young people, while it also received its highest ever number of referrals.

Referrals to its community-based services were up by 24% year-on-year, and there was an increase of 54% on appointments offered.

Additionally, Jigsaw saw a 104% increase in demand for its online Live Chat service, and a 144% increase in demand for its email support.

The charity has said that worryingly, this is part of a trend reflected across Ireland’s mental health support services.

Jigsaw’s research has shown that young people were already facing considerable increases in anxiety, low self-esteem, feelings of isolation and low mood before the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

And recent analysis from the ERSI has shown the stark impact of Covid, with 40% of young men and 55% of young women classified as depressed.

This is up from two years previously when 22% of men and 31% of women were depressed.

Sarah Cullinan, Director of Services at Jigsaw, said that the message is loud and clear that many of Ireland’s young people are in real distress.

She said there is no doubt that the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis are taking a toll on their mental health and wellbeing.

“Every day at Jigsaw we hear from more and more young people who are feeling isolated, fearful and anxious about the future,” said Sarah.

“The fact that they often struggle to get the support they need and deserve only adds to their anxiety and distress.”

Sam Kelly, a second year at Trinity College Dublin and one of Jigsaw’s volunteer Youth Advocates, said: “At the end of 2019, I remember being so excited for the year ahead. I was going to finish my Leaving Cert, and have my first year in college.”

“Two years later, it’s hard to keep track of all the missed milestones – no school graduation; a debs restricted to 30 people; and a first year of college spent in my parents’ house doing classes…”

“I can see the stress that Covid and now the cost-of-living is putting on the people I know, and the worry and hardship it’s causing.

As young people, if we need help today and ask for it, it’s no good to find ourselves waiting. That’s just another stress. If we are looking for support today, it’s because we need it today. Not in six or whatever months’ time, that is just too late.”

In response, Jigsaw has pledged to continue to expand and look for new ways to offer its mental health supports.

The last twelve months have seen the charity open a fourteenth community-based service in Tipperary, launch its Jigsaw Schools Hub offering online resources to schools, offer its One Good School™ initiative to even more schools, and continue delivering a growing amount of information and support online through its website, jigsaw.ie

Jigsaw is calling for the government to act on its warning, and ensure that there is enough funding and the plans in place for the mental health services and supports that our young people need and deserve.

Galway man takes on Dublin Marathon for Parkinson’s association after wife’s diagnosis

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September 24, 2022

Galway man Declan Connolly is set to take on the Dublin City Marathon at the end of October in aid of the MSA Trust and Galway Parkinson’s Association after his wife Debbie’s diagnosis in 2020.

Debbie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease/ Parkinsonism in January 2020, but as additional symptoms appeared, her diagnosis was this year changed to Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).

MSA is a rare, incurable, progressive neurological disorder affecting the body’s movement, balance, speech and swallow and autonomic functions, including blood pressure, temperature, cardio and respiratory control.

Declan says that the disease is ‘cruel and unforgiving’.

On the fundraising page on GoFundMe, where over €4,400 has been raised so far, Declan says that this time three years ago, Debbie was walking, hiking, cycling and swimming – doing all the things we all take for granted.

Today, she mostly uses a wheelchair to get about, with speech and swallow becoming increasingly difficult, and she requires assistance with most daily activities.

But despite all of this, he says Debbie still retains an incredible zest for life and smiles and laughs daily.

“Since Debbie was diagnosed with MSA, these two organisations have been enormously helpful.

“These two charities both run entirely off donations, so we want to be able to do our little bit to help these charities to continue helping those affected by MSA and, hopefully, in the process, create some awareness about Multiple System Atrophy.

“Any contribution of any amount will be greatly appreciated, with all the donations to be split 50/50 between The MSA Trust UK & Ireland and Galway Parkinson’s Association.”

To donate to the fundraiser, click here.

Galway Food Tours launches winter tour program

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September 24, 2022

galway daily news people tasting food on Galway food tours — Julia Dunin Photography

The award-winning Galway Food Tours which guides people through the food scene of Galway have added to their offering this winter with a new program of tours that will combine food, fashion and craft through a vibrant tour of Galway city.

On Saturday 26 November, guests on the tour will discover some of Galway’s eco-conscious businesses and get the opportunity to meet some local entrepreneurs whilst taking in some of Galway’s best known and secret food haunts.

The tour begins in Plámás in Galway’s Westend, where a coffee and sweet treat from Kai is the order of the day before guests head up Henry Street to The Tweed Project studio to meet one of its founders Aoibheann McNamara.

The Tweed Project creates handmade, one-off pieces that combine Irish fabrics with modern tailoring for an authentic expression of Irish design.

Operating from a small Atelier in Galway, the collection is hand made from specially selected cuts of premium Donegal Tweed and Irish Linen.

Then it’s time to cross the river to one the city’s most iconic restaurant spaces, Ard Bia where a two-course lunch with wine will be served.

From there those on the tour will go to Merchants Road to Galway City Distillery where Grace O’Connell owner and designer at Carve will lead guests through a fun and creative silver ring making workshop.

Here people will be able to design and sculpt their own unique ring out of jeweller’s wax, that will then be cast in silver for them to have forever. This activity will be paired with a Gin Cocktail.

Sheena Dignam, owner of Galway Food Tours, said that people want experiences now, so we wanted to bring the best of fashion, craft and food together.

“We are so lucky in the west to have all these incredible people, places and resources. So, get your friends together or come on a date with us yourself, a brilliant day eating, chatting, a tipple or two and of course having conversations, getting creative and learning from the people that are around us. Perfection.”

Tickets for this tour are €125 per person and people can reserve their spot with Sheena on 086-7332885 or galwayfoodtours@gmail.com.

National Symphony Orchestra returns to the West

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September 24, 2022

The National Symphony Orchestra will make a long-awaited return to Galway on Thursday 6 of October in Leisureland at 8.00pm.

The event will see Finghin Collins, who is the pianist and artistic director of Music for Galway, join the National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Kenneth Montgomery.

Commissioned by soloist Finghin Collins and Music for Galway in celebration of its 40th anniversary, Jane O’Leary’s unfolding soundscapes for piano and orchestra will be given its world premiere, revealing a work of ‘quiet energy’.

The evening also includes two giants of symphonic music: Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings and Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony.

Few hymns to the natural world are as hypnotically persuasive as this work, a thrilling blend of the sylvan and the elemental.

Tickets cost €30 / €27 concession. There is a reduced price for full-time students and school-going children of €10 and MfG Friends pay €26.

To book or find out about how to join as MfG Friend, visit our website musicforgalway.ie or phone 091 705962.

Local TD raises concerns about rising levels of rural poverty

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September 24, 2022

Galway Daily news Lack of Island specific group in LEADER programme criticised

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has raised concerns about the levels of rural poverty in the state following a research study spearheaded by Clare Public Partnership Network (PPN).

The study involved testimonies gathered over nine months from the groups that represent people experiencing poverty and social exclusion in Co. Clare.

Deputy Kerrane said the report highlighted poverty levels in rural areas, including the disconnect between government policy decisions and people’s lived experiences.

The Sinn Féin TD said families and workers in rural areas face significant threat of poverty and deprivation, and that this is not unique to Co. Clare.

“The report found that a person’s location in the state matters, with basic services, infrastructure and opportunities unavailable in some rural areas,” she said.

There are stark findings regarding a lack of availability of housing supports and inequality in health services than in other parts of the state.”

Deputy Kerrane said that as well as this, there has been a diminishing of services and supports available to marginalised groups.

“A finding that stuck out to me was the disparity between government policy to tackle and prevent poverty and the experiences of those living in rural areas.

“The report states that those experiencing socio-economic exclusion in County Clare are being poorly served by policy-makers, which I have no doubt will be a similar experience across other rural communities.

“We know that policy decisions made by the Government are not necessarily made with rural communities in mind. This is exactly why I have repeatedly called for a rural-proofing mechanism to be implemented and have introduced legislation on this matter.”

Deputy Kerrane added that the report also points to key failures at national and local level in measuring poverty in rural areas.

“As the report states, ‘what you can’t measure you can’t address’. It is crucial that rural poverty levels are measured, monitored and that appropriate strategies are developed to tackle deprivation and exclusion in these communities.

“We also need to see movement on the introduction of rural-proofing which has been long promised by government.”

CÚRAM launches ‘Science Advocacy in MedTech’ White Paper

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September 24, 2022

galway daily news CURAM white paper launch in galway — At the launch of the ‘Science Advocacy in MedTech’ White Paper were (L-R): Denis Naughten TD, Oireachtas Friends of Science & Technology; Leonora Harty, Evidence for Policy Unit, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; University of Galway Vice President Research and Innovation, Professor Jim Livesey; CÚRAM Scientific Director Professor Abhay Pandit; and White Paper authors Dr Brendan Dolan, Postdoctoral Researcher at CÚRAM, and Dr Caroline McGregor, Professor at the School of Political Science and Sociology, University of Galway. Credit: Aengus McMahon.

CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices has launched its ‘Science Advocacy in MedTech’ White Paper at a public event entitled Pathways to Policy.

Key recommendations include the need for more training support for researchers in effectively communicating and engaging with policy audiences, raising awareness of the policymaking process in Ireland and internationally.

It also highlighted a need for providing networking and knowledge exchange opportunities for researchers and policy audiences.

The White Paper was developed through a collaboration between CÚRAM and the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre at University of Galway.

Emanating from six years of research at CÚRAM, the White Paper takes lessons learned in other countries and other research fields with more experience connecting their research to policy and practice, e.g. environmental science and social sciences.

Lead author, Dr Brendan Dolan said: “One of our underlying drivers when developing this White Paper was to look to see how other fields, ones with perhaps more obvious links to policy development, work to connect their work with policy audiences, including political representatives, civil servants and community organisations. To this end, the project’s interdisciplinary nature has proven incredibly beneficial.

“We see Science Advocacy as active support of science, technology, engineering and maths, with researchers directly informing policy audiences about their research and engaging with the policymaking process.

“To this end, we focus more on individual researchers’ role in advocating for their research.”

The launch event brought together leading researchers and policymakers for keynote talks and a panel discussion on creating more effective research-policy interactions and collaborations.

The event was hosted by Professor Abhay Pandit, CÚRAM Scientific Director.

Speaking at the event, University of Galway President, Professor Ciaran Ó hÓgartaigh said: “It is increasingly important that public policy be evidence-based and that our researchers are empowered to have a positive policy impact on society.

“True to our values of openness and excellence, our researchers will continue to break down barriers and connect with non-academic audiences so we can help create a better informed and engaged society.”

Also speaking at the event, Professor Abhay Pandit said: “National centres such as CÚRAM can begin to embed and develop a culture of science advocacy through providing training, networking and knowledge brokerage opportunities with policy audiences, incentives for science advocacy efforts, even simply through highlighting the work already carried out by their researchers in this realm.

“The research-policy ecosystem needs more pathways to policy for researchers, but efforts are being made to bridge this gap.”

The full White Paper and a two-page infographic summary are now available here.

Galway events to mark 100th anniversary of An Garda Síochána

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway events to mark 100th anniversary of An Garda Síochána

A day of event will take place in Galway City this Sunday to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána.

The ceremony will commence in Eyre Square at 1pm with a re-enactment of the arrival of the first Gardaí to Galway, on 25th September 1922.

At 2pm there will an unveiling of a plaque in memory of Sergeant Patrick Forde, Garda Michael Joseph Kennelly, Margaret Lafferty and Martin Keane who died in 1934.

There will be an ecumenical service in Galway Cathedral at 3pm, before the event concludes with a post event reception in the Galway Garda Club at 4pm.

Members of the public are being invited to come and take part in this centenary event.

Local diversions will be in place to facilitate this centenary event.

New footpaths being built at Roscam and Doughiska junctions

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily transport New footpaths being built at Roscam and Doughiska junctions

New footpaths are being built connecting the Roscam and Doughiska junctions to the Galway Clinic.

Galway City Councillor said that these works are welcome, both for the safety of local residents, and for people accessing Galway Clinic.

The new footpaths are part of the conversion of the Martin Roundabout to a signalised junction.

He said that they will link up with a new pedestrian crossing and junction, making walking safer for residents of Roscam and Doughiska.

This was a serious health and safety issue before, Alan Cheevers added.

The conversion of the Martin Roundabout, which began in spring and was supposed to be completed by early August, has faced significant delays.

It is now expected that the project will not be completed until the end of November, and there have been calls for a full report into the cause of the delays, and any additional costs as a result.

The work will convert the existing Martin roundabout to a 4-arm traffic light controlled junction, along with other upgrades.

These will include the provision of cycle lanes, bus priority measures, footpaths and associated landscaping.

What’s a knife between friends in Ros an Rún

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily television What's a knife between friends in Ros an Rún

David hides a knife for Andy, Berni is afraid to be alone, and Greg finds out his dad is in trouble with moneylenders in Ros na Rún.

David goes to hide the knife that Andy used to threaten Briain. But to his horror, it get found anyways, and now O’Shea wants to talk to him.

What questions does she have for David about the day Briain was attacked, and will he crack under the pressure?

Berni, not wanting to be alone, for fear Briain will break into the flat, pleads with David to stay with her. How will Annnette feel about this?

Áine deeply misses her mom on the two year anniversary of her death, feeling devastated that everyone seems to have forgotten her. Tadgh remembers what O’Shea said, but will he share that with Áine.

Greg, on learning that his dad is in trouble with moneylenders, and has nowhere to stay, comes to his aid.

Catch up on the latest drama from Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday at 7:30pm.

Galway company MartEye wins national award at Ploughing Championship

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway company MartEye wins national award at Ploughing Championship

The Galway software company MartEye won a national enterprise award at the National Ploughing Championships this week.

MartEye won the Farm Software Award at the 2022 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena Awards at the Championships.

Founded at the Portershed in 2020, MartEye is a virtual auction platform for livestock and machinery in Ireland and the UK.

Needless to say, this was a huge boon to farmers during the pandemic, when COVID lockdowns made it impossible to buy and sell in person.

The awards, which showcase the future of agri-tech in Ireland, were presented at an international networking event ahead of the championship this week.

Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy said that a strong farming heritage has made Ireland a global centre for agri-tech innovation.

“By focusing on greater efficiency across every aspect of modern agriculture, Irish agri-tech businesses are delivering forward-thinking solutions to address some of the industry’s greatest challenges and changing demands.”

“The positive impacts that these solutions will have on future global agriculture, particularly in relation to environmental, sustainability and digitalisation, are inspiring.”

National Ploughing Association Managing Director Anna May McHugh said, “We’re delighted to collaborate once again with Enterprise Ireland on the Innovation Arena at the National Ploughing Championships”.

She added that it, provides an excellent opportunity for budding entrepreneurs and innovators in the agri-tech and agri-engineering space to showcase their product at Europe’s largest outdoor event.”

Connacht lineup named for DHL Stormers away game

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily sport Connacht lineup named for DHL Stormers away game

The Connacht Rugby squad lineup has been named ahead of this weekend’s away game against DHL Stormers in South Africa.

Connacht will play the reigning champions of the URC on Saturday at Stellenbosch, with kick-off at 1:30pm Irish time.

Nine changes have been made to the side that faced Ulster in the URC opening round last week, with the bulk of the swaps among the forwards.

There’s a new front row of Denis Buckley, Dylan Tierney-Martin and Finlay Bealham, and a new second row partnership of Niall Murray and Josh Murphy who moves from blindside flanker.

Cian Prendergast and captain for the day Jarrad Butler come onto the flanks with Paul Boyle retained at number 8.

Caolin Blade is named at scrum-half with out-half Conor Fitzgerald for company, while the back line includes starts for Mack Hansen and Oran McNulty.

Hansen starts on the left wing with John Porch on the opposite wing and McNulty at full-back, while the centre partnership consists of Tom Farrell and Byron Ralston.

Director of Rugby Andy Friend said, “I don’t believe that our performance against Ulster was reflective of all the hard work we’d put in during pre-season, and I’m very confident that we’ll deliver a much improved performance on Saturday against last year’s champions.”

The Irishmen have been in South Africa since the midweek, arriving in Cape Town on Tuesday.

After Saturday’s game, they will remain at Stellenbosch until next Thursday, before flying to Pretoria ahead of next week’s game against Vodacom Bulls.

Andy Friend added that Connacht have had a positive week of training since arriving in South Africa.

“After arriving on Tuesday, we’ve managed to get the required training done and we’re in a good space heading into our game against the Stormers.”

Connacht Rugby v DHL Stormers matchday squad:

Saturday 24th September 2022, 13:30 Irish time / 14:30 South Africa time @ Danie Craven Stadium

Number/Name/Caps ( * denotes uncapped)
15. Oran McNulty (9)
14. John Porch (60)
13. Byron Ralston (1)
12. Tom Farrell (80)
11. Mack Hansen (14)
10. Conor Fitzgerald (54)
9. Caolin Blade (151)
1. Denis Buckley (209)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (7)
3. Finlay Bealham (174)
4. Josh Murphy (1)
5. Niall Murray (36)
6. Cian Prendergast (31)
7. Jarrad Butler (95)
8. Paul Boyle (74)

16. Dave Heffernan (166)
17. Peter Dooley (1)
18. Jack Aungier (32)
19. Oisín Dowling (25)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (1)
21. Kieran Marmion (210)
22. Bundee Aki (118)
23. David Hawkshaw (1)

Loughrea Day Care service reopening next week

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily news Loughrea Day care service reopening Monday

The St. Brendan’s Day Care Service in Loughrea will reopen on a four day a week basis starting from next Monday, it has been confirmed.

Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon said that he has been informed by the HSE that the service will be reopening at the Loughrea Hotel on Monday, September 26.

The service was suspended during the pandemic, and later a HIQA inspection of the hospital saw the Seven Springs Day Care facility at St. Brendan’s reassigned for permanent residents usage.

The day care service will now be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a capacity to care for 86 older people.

Ciarán Cannon said that everyone was disappointed when the day care service was suspended, and that this is welcome news, especially as it keeps the service local.

“We all have neighbours and friends who use the service and this was a vital lifeline for them, allowing them to socialise with others, to have a lovely meal together and to have any minor medical issues dealt with.”

“We’re delighted that a suitable premises has been found in Loughrea town, which has been the traditional location for the service and also offers users a chance to avail of other services in our local town.”

“The Loughrea Hotel is the perfect location with all of the necessary services on site and is easily accessed by the service users.”

Deputy Cannon added that the HSE also plans to repurpose a building on the campus of St, Brendan’s as a new permanent home

Almost 70 people on trolleys in Galway hospitals today

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September 23, 2022

There are almost 70 patients on trolleys in Galway today, amid high overcrowding at both public hospitals.

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in the country again today, with 57 patients without a bed.

The bulk of these, 53 people, are on trolleys in the emergency department, and another four are in the wards.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is also busier than usual, with 12 patients in the ED without a bed today.

Figures from the INMO’s Trolley/Ward Watch show a total of 426 patients in Irish hospitals who are on trolleys today.

Of those, the worst affected hospitals are Cork UH (62), UHG (57), and University Hospital Limerick (53).

Musical traditions of Connemara through the generations

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September 23, 2022

Galway Daily television Musical traditions of Connemara through the generations

The musical traditions of Connemara, passed down through generations, will be on fine display in a new series of TG4’s Ceol ón Chlann.

The fourth series starting this weekend explores six famous Irish musical families who have brought their music to the four corners of the world.

The series gives an insight into the musical journey that each family has taken and the influence of previous generations on their family’s musical heritage.

First up this Sunday are Muintir Uí Cheannabáin, natives of An Aird Thoir, Carna in an area known as Iorras Aithneach in the Conamara Gaeltacht, probably the richest area in Ireland for sean-nós songs and singers.

Their father was the well-known singer Michael Mháire an Ghabha and they inherited most of their songs from him and his mother before him, Máire Ghabha.

Caitríona, her mother Nora and brother Paul

Caitríona Ní Cheannabháín was just 12 years old when she recorded her first song with her late dad.

He’d been asked by Cló-Iar Chonnachta to record an album, and all he wanted was for his daughter to join him in the experience.

Later, as a sean-nós singer of her own renown, Caitríona won the women’s competition in Oireachtas na Gaeilge three times.

She’s shared the stage with Daniel O’Donnell on his Opry series for TG4 as well as with Mick Flavin and Derek Ryan.

Pól Ó Ceannabháin, her brother, gained national recognition for his singing when he won the coveted men’s sean-nós singing competition at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 2005 at the age of 19.

He went on to greater success after winning the most prestigious of all sean-nós competitions, Corn Uí Riada at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 2012, and was also awarded TG4 Gradam Ceoil Singer of the Year in 2016.

He is a regular broadcaster who can turn his hand to acting and presenting with natural ease.

He has presented and appeared in films and TV shows such as, Cúl an Tí, Opry an Iúir, Abair Amhrán, Fonnadóirí na hAirde, Tobar an Cheoil, Song of Granite, Murder Mám Trasna and Opry an Iúir to mention but a few.

Each story is presented through rare footage from the archives of BBC, ITV, TG4 and RTÉ, and previously unseen private family footage.

Featuring musical performances and exclusive interviews with family members, contemporary musicians and well-known broadcasters offering unique perspectives throughout the series on the families.

“This documentary series offers a fresh insight into the heritage of these unique Irish families, their legacy and their continuing significance in modern Ireland’s musical tapestry,” said executive producer Feilimí O’Connor.

Catch Ceol ón Chlann this Sunday, September 25 on TG4 to hear the story of the Cheannabáin family.

Maree Oranmore FC planning new all weather pitches

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September 23, 2022

Maree Oranmore FC is planning to build two new smaller sized all weather pitches for use during the winter.

The club is seeking planning permission from the county council for 9-a-side and 5-a-side all weather pitches, next to those already present.

The club is requesting to be allowed lighting for the pitches until 10pm, stating that there is no surrounding housing.

A Cover Letter for the application also states that the having such facilities in a fast growing community will help counteract anti-social behaviour.”

“To cater for all in our community and for our local schools we hope to build a small cage and 9 a side astro adjacent to the existing Maree Community pitches.

“Free access will be provided for our local Maree National School which is beside the proposed facility.

“These facilities will primarily be used in winter time when grass surfaces are unplayable and there is little or no other sporting activities on as GAA sports are confined to Spring/Summer time.”

The cover letter also states that the pitches will be available to all sports and community members.

A decision is due from Galway County Council on this planning application by November 10.

Young people holding climate rally in Eyre Square

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September 23, 2022