ATU Galway-Mayo celebrates 50 years in Galway City

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September 22, 2022

A Do Not Consume notice remains in place for thousands of homes in the Spiddal area, but Irish Water says that progress has been made.

The utility provider said that remedial works carried out to date have shown an improvement in the water quality of the area, and that they will continue.

Last week Irish Water told approximately 5,676 premises on the Spiddal Public Water Supply not to drink water from the mains.

This was due to elevated manganese levels in the water posing a risk to public health.

Tankered water has since been made available for the public at:

Furbo Beach at Pàdraicíns Seafood Bar & Restaurant;
Spiddal Car Park, beside bottle bank;
Inverin Church;
Colàiste Chamuis (Across from An Pota and Tg4);
Community Centre Rossaveal.

These water supplies will be replenished daily until the notice is lifted. People are advised to bring their own containers when getting water.

Anthony Skeffington, Regional Operations Manager with Irish Water said that the company is, “aware of the impact a Do Not Consume Notice has on the community in Spiddal and would like to reassure impacted customers that we are working hard to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible.”

“The remedial works carried out have shown improvement in the water quality and we are continuing to flush the network and monitor samples to ensure that manganese levels have returned to acceptable levels.”

Tap water should not be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, or preparing uncooked food. It can, however, still be used for showering and bathing.

Irish Water has emphasised that it is especially important that water from the mains not be given to any bottle fed infants.

A similar Do Not Consume Notice was issued for Inis Oírr on the same day, but has since been lifted by Irish Water.

However, people living on Inishbofin have been unable to drink the public water supply since the start of September, though Irish Water has admitted it may have been contaminated earlier than that.

Football Club Championship – Fixtures and where to watch

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September 22, 2022

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

Round five of the Senior Football Club Championship is on this weekend, as well as the Intermediate Championship Quarter Finals.

Galway GAA has confirmed all the fixtures for the weekend, as well as livestreaming details for games that will be showcased online.

Tickets for the senior games cost €10 if purchased online, while the Quarter Final tickets cost €15 for general admission, or €10 for students and seniors.

U16s go free to all games and do not require a ticket for admission to the stadium.

Senior Football Championship

Saturday, September 24

Mountbellew/Moylough v St James, Kenny Park, 3:15pm, buy tickets here
Milltown v Claregalway, Kenny Park, 5pm, buy tickets here
St Michael’s v Monivea-Abbey, Tuam Stadium, 5pm, buy tickets here
Killannin v Caherlistrane, Pearse Stadium, 5pm, buy tickets here

Sunday, September 25

Oughterard v An Spidéal, Pearse Stadium, 3pm, buy tickets here
Maigh Cuilinn v Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir, Ros Muc, 3pm, buy tickets here
Corofin v Tuam Stars, Tuam Stadium, 4:45pm, buy tickets here
Annaghdown v Bearna, Pearse Stadium, 4:45pm, buy tickets here
Salthill-Knocknacarra v An Cheathrú Rua, Indreabhán, 4:45pm, buy tickets here

Intermediate Club Championship

Along with the four Quarter Finals, the two intermediate relegation play-offs will also take place on Sunday

Saturday, September 24

St Brendan’s v Corofin, Menlough, 5pm, buy tickets here
Dunmore McHales v Kilkerrin-Clonberne, Tuam Stadium, 3pm, buy tickets here
Oileáin Árann v Mícheál Breathnach, Pearse Stadium, 3pm, buy tickets here

Sunday, September 25

Glenamaddy v Kilconly, Tuam Stadium, 3pm, buy tickets here

Relegation play-offs:

Headford v Oranmore-Maree , Corofin, 1pm, buy tickets here
Williamstown v Killererin, Milltown, 1pm, buy tickets here

Where to Watch

Four of this weekend’s games will be livestreamed, two each on Saturday and Sunday. With two senior and intermediate games each on the schedule.

Day passes for the games cost €10, and allow you to watch both games on that day, while a full season pass costs €120.

Passes can be bought online from the Galway GAATV livestreaming homepage.

Saturday

Senior: Killannin v Caherlistrane, 5pm
Intermediate: Oileáin Árann v Mícheál Breathnach, 3pm

Sunday

Senior: Corofin v Tuam Stars, 4:45pm
Intermediate: Glenamaddy v Kilconly, 3pm

Public patients can wait more than a year for an echocardiogram Croí finds

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September 22, 2022

Galway Daily health Public patients can wait more than a year for an echocardiogram Croí finds

Four our of five public hospital do not offer GPs direct access to echocardiograms, Galway based heart and stroke charity Croí has found.

Echocardiograms are an essential diagnostic test for heart patients, and those in the public system can wait a long time for their results.

Patients referred for an echocardiogram through a private provider wait, on average, up to one month for their test, Croí found.

Waiting times for those referred for the same test through the publicly-funded health system must wait at least six months and, in many cases, have a wait time of over one year.

Neil Johnson, Croí Chief Executive said that their research shows “glaring inequalities” in the services provided to Irish patients.

“The echocardiogram can now be performed on increasingly portable equipment which is not overly expensive.”

“This non-invasive and, from a patient view point, relatively straight forward test can detect a range of heart conditions but a delayed diagnosis can result in deterioration which limits treatment options or can even prove fatal.”

He added that there is a lack of awareness of this issue, and called on the HSE and Minister for Health to take action.

“Greater access to echocardiography tests and improved workforce planning must be part of a renewed, cohesive national cardiovascular strategy.”

Part of the problem, Croí found, is a lack of trained personnel and streamlined referral pathways.

The problem could yet get even worse, the study warned, with few cardiac physiologist graduates entering the workforce, and up to 20% already working in some hospitals set to retire in the next five years.

Echocardiography describes a test which uses sound waves (ultrasound) to take a moving picture of the heart.

It is routinely used in the diagnosis and management of a range of heart conditions, in particular heart valve disease, but also conditions such as heart failure and in non-cardiac disciplines, such as oncology.

The most common way a patient receives an echocardiogram is through GP referral, going to a private healthcare provider or public outpatient clinic depending on if they have insurance.

Speaking at the report launch, Galway-based Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director, Croi Prof Jim Crowley said, “This report demonstrates that the wait-times for echocardiography in the public system are unacceptably long.”

“Ultimately, this can only be reduced by addressing the workforce deficiencies outlined. Plans for GP access to Echocardiography are very welcome, but to be successful, proactive workforce development needs to be undertaken urgently”.

Former Miss Ireland Pamela Uba turning a love of fashion into a profession

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September 22, 2022

It’s been a fast paced few years for fashion and lifestyle lover Pamela Uba, who has gone from indulging in the world of fashion as a sheer hobby, to a national icon as Miss Galway and Miss Ireland.

The world of fashion and lifestyle is known for rapidly changing trends, but there has been a titanic shift in recent years, with social media providing greater choice and opportunity on both sides of the camera.

Whether they are sharing their own fashion tips and statements, or finding icons they can relate to, it is easier than ever for people to search for creators that better represent them and their interests.

Pamela is turning her own love of fashion and beauty from a hobby into a living as part of Meta’s Creators of Tomorrow campaign.

Pamela found the time to speak with Galway Daily between her job with Google, and her part in the new ‘Creators of Tomorrow’, which aims to shine a spotlight on up and coming content creators in Ireland, and the communities they are building.

She talked about her love of the world of fashion and beauty, and how that has grown over time, while also proudly using that platform to address more serious topics.

For her, she said that her use of social media, and sharing her love of fashion, started as just a way to show all sides of herself to people.

“It just became a platform for me to have an opinion and be heard. I wanted to share the fact that I was a woman in STEM. I really wanted to share that side of me, as well as the fact that while I was in this serious job, I still also loved all things beauty and fashion.”

No more than a year ago, Pamela remembers that she had only in the region of a thousand followers on Instagram, and how that has grown so rapidly.

It was when she began her journey to Miss Galway, and Miss Ireland after that, that she really began interacting with people on her page, on simple and serious topics.

“I started doing this series Real Talk where I would bring people on, or even just pick a topic, or ask my audience to pick a topic. And I would talk about things such as mental health, growing up in direct provision.”

Pamela spent her childhood in direct provision, along with her mother and three sisters, after her family came to Ireland from Johannesburg when she was seven.

She used her platform as Miss Galway and Miss Ireland to open conversations about the lives of people in direct provision, as well as getting tablets for special needs assistants in schools.

There she found a huge community of people online willing and able to help out in these efforts.

“The people from the west of Ireland, they’re so, so supportive. I had the most incredible time being Miss Galway, everyone wanted to help in whatever way they could.”

“I remember when I did my first fundraiser for educational equipment for kids, it was just through getting a voucher for dinner at a restaurant in town, or for a beauty treatment.”

“That’s what I mean by this community that we’ve created online. I may not have met some of these people face to face, but we were a community in the digital space.”

Today she is a well known personality in Galway, sharing her fashion tips and stylish outfits online, or looking spectacular at the Galway Races, as well as continuing to talk about more serious topics such as her work as a children’s ambassador.

While some people might take to social media like a duck to water, Pamela said that working on engaging with her fans is something that she had to teach herself.

“I never was Instagram savvy to begin with. It’s something that I definitely learned along the way, and I’m still learning,” she explained, adding that going onto her stories to talk with people was, “something I had to coax myself into doing.”

She says that it is hugely important for young people to see someone that looks like them to let them know that success

“Just having somebody out there that is like me, I think that’s important. And I felt that was probably something that was missing in society for me, and it ended up that I had to be that person that I wanted to see.”

Pamela spoke about wanting to show her pride in more than her modelling and fashion work.

After spending 10 years in a direct provision centre in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, she graduated as a medical scientist from NUI Galway, and was on the front lines of the pandemic at University Hospital Galway.

This year she received her Masters of Science in Clinical Chemistry from Trinity, and now works in Google.

“I love everything that I do. I’m probably the first person in my family to have worked in a really good profession, whether Google or the hospital, to have completed a Masters. That’s important to show as well.”

Whether sharing fashion and beauty tips, or talking about more serious topics, what she has found most important to building an audience is to engage with people to ensure that they leave her page with a smile on their face.

“I think the key thing is to always continue to engage with your audience, and talk to them. At the end of the day it’s about creating this positive community where people can share their experience together.”

“At the end of the day, I want to ensure that when people come on my page, they get the best experience they can possibly get.”

She said that taking something that started off as just a personal hobby, and turning it into a profession is a big change, but one that she has welcomed.

“It’s a huge step, but it’s a great direction. Not many people can say that they turned a passion into their profession at the same time. So I do feel quite lucky that I can do that.”

Being part of Meta’s Creators of Tomorrow campaign has been a great help to her, she said, both for the tips she has received, and being in the company of so many other talented content creators to learn from.

“It just goes to show you, when you get out of your own way and put yourself out there, what you can achieve. So I’m really delighted to be a part of it. Not only that, but to be amongst so many amazing creative women.”

An Bord Pleanála overturns approval for 248 apartments in urban village

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September 22, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála overturns approval for 248 apartments in Galway City

An Bord Pleanála has overturned planning permission for 248 apartments, along with a hotel, leisure centre, and office blocks on the outskirts of Galway City.

Planning permission was granted to Strategic Land Investments LTD in August, 2021 for a large-scale commercial and residential development at City North Business Park on the Tuam Road.

This would have consisted of eight blocks of apartments, ranging from two to eight storeys tall, as well as four office blocks between four and five storeys in height, with a total floor space of 25,527sqm.

The project also included a 222 bedroom hotel, along with a leisure centre with an indoor swimming pool and gym.

For public open space, the developer has inserted a central park area where one block of housing was omitted, and landscaped green areas will also be created along the eastern and western boundaries of the site.

Access to the site for vehicles was to be from a new signalised junction onto the N83 Tuam Road, with additional pedestrian and cycling links at other locations.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which ultimately overturned the city council’s approval based on the land zoning, and the likelihood of high car traffic.

The board noted that the site is zoned C1 for ‘enterprise, light industry, and commercial’ uses other than reserved for the city centre, and that it is located in an ‘outer suburb’ area which lacks accessible and frequent public transport.

In refusing planning permission, An Bord Pleanála said that the project would “materially contravene the zoning objective of the site”, and be contrary to the development policy of the city.

It also stated that the development would, “result in dependency on unsustainable commuter-driven trip generation by private car on the N83 and national road network”.

This would be in conflict with the relevant guidelines issued by the Department of the Environment, Community, and Local Government in 2012.

“The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Full event programme for Culture Night 2022 in Galway city

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September 22, 2022

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/a-local-documentary-visibility-for-disability-tickets-411849191017

Galway News - What's On - Culture Night 2018

The full listings for Culture Night 2022 in Galway have been released with dozens of events organised across the city on Friday 22 September.

Two hundred artists are participating in a diverse programme of visual arts, music, film and storytelling at locations across the city.

Culture Night 2022 full listings

4:00pm – 6:00pm VISIBILITY FOR DISABILITY

Launch of a documentary film produced and directed by members of Access for All, an award-winning community network of groups and individuals in Galway. A unique cultural perspective with an enlightening look at the lives of people living in Galway with disabilities. Film followed by Panel discussion.

Westside Resource Centre

https://culturenight.ie/event/visibility-for-disability-documentary/

4:00pm – 6:00pm Galway Soapbox Science 2022

Soapbox Science is a novel public outreach platform for promoting women and non-binary scientists and the science they do. Remarkable women and non-binary scientists who are there to amaze you with their latest discoveries. Look out for bat simulators, interactive experiments or giant pictures of volcanoes.

Spanish Arch

https://culturenight.ie/event/galway-soapbox-science-2022/

4:00pm – 5:00pm Teen Clay Pumpkin decorating workshop.

The teen workshops are directed at students from first to third year secondary School students.

The teen workshops are being organised with Aoife Natsumi Frehan in liaison with Direct provision. They won’t be open to the public and will be run from the direct provision centre in salthill.

4:00pm – 9:00pm Refracted Masters in Creative Practice, Graduate Showcase 2022

Presenting the work of Johnathan Connolly, Shane Joseph Curry, Dawid Janek, Vanessa Jordan, Kacper Krysinski, Teresa Lavina, Gavin Lennon and Paul Rowland.

ATU School of Design & Creative Arts, Wellpark, Galway

https://culturenight.ie/event/refracted/

4:00pm – 12:00am JOLLY CREATIONS

A display of new sculptures made from recycled material by local artist James Fleming.

This sculpture will be on display in the window of Tigh Neachtain

Tigh Neachtain

https://culturenight.ie/event/jolly-creations/

5:00 – 8:00pm Multinational Food Event

United Women Galway will celebrate “Authentic Food” from a minimum of 8 Nationalities. Traditional music will be played from different countries.

OLBC Hall, Sea Road, Galway, Ireland https://culturenight.ie/event/multinational-food-event/

5:00pm – 6:00pm Reading and Talk by Margaretta D’Arcy

Reading from Margaretta’s father Joseph D’Arcy’s letters from when he was an IRA prisoner in Mountjoy Prison during The Irish Civil War 1922 to his mother. Plus other extracts from her autobiography about him and an historical over view of the Irish Civil War and mounted Art Work. Followed by a discussion. With help and support from his grand son Finn Arden

10 St Bridget’s Place Lower Woodquay Galway. H91 P9TC https://culturenight.ie/event/letters-from-my-father/

5:00pm – 7:00pm Exploring your Inner Creativity

This workshop “Exploring Your Inner Creativity”aim to connect with our inner artist. The workshop is open to everyone, for those creatives who want to deepen and explore their vision of their creativity and for those who consider that creativity has been lost along the way.

Ah sure, look it. Gift shop. https://www.eventbrite.es/e/entradas-workshop-exploring-your-inner-creativity-410458220587

https://culturenight.ie/event/exploring-your-inner-creativity/

5.00 go dtí 7.00 Taispeántas Stuaim Láimhe le Máirtín Davy

Sa Taispeántas Stuaim Láimhe seo léirítear Módh Déanta an Taispeántais ón mbunábhar go críoch an phíosa chómh maith leis na céimeanna éagsúla ó tús go deire agus an fhoclaíocht dhá-theangach a théann leis. Freisin taispeántar bealaigh éagsúla leis an píosa a críochnú. Westside Resource Centre

https://culturenight.ie/event/taispeantas-stuaim-laimhe-le-mairtin-davy/

5:00pm -11:00pm The Super-Silent-Disko-Marathon

Super-Silent-Disko-Marathon throughout the entirety of the evening. Playlists will be determined by the contributions of the community in advance. Headphones provided on the night.” Commercial Boat Club

https://culturenight.ie/event/the-super-silent-disko-marathon/

5:00pm – 7:00pm Lig le do chruthaitheacht linn | Connect with your creativity!

Celebrate Culture Night at Just Art It and have fun connecting your creativity with hands-on print demonstrations led by visual artist and printmaker Elena Santos in the studio.

Just Art it, Dominic Street

https://culturenight.ie/event/lig-le-do-chruthaitheacht-linn-connect-with-your-creativity-with-us/

5:00pm – 8:00pm THALASSA – Sounds of the Sea

A night of music and marine life, in the deep ocean depths of Galway Atlantaquaria. Featuring Francis Heery, Galway Ukers, and Eugene Lambe, it promises to be an eclectic mix of sea and sound.

https://nationalaquarium.checkout.roller.app/products/culturenight2022?date=20220923#/sessions

https://culturenight.ie/event/thalassa-sounds-of-the-sea/

5:00pm – 7:00pm Do You Speak Sound?

An interactive walkabout piece from Galway’s own Sovereign Shaman-in-Residence, The Curly Organ. Keep your eyes peeled on the streets for bobble-hatted man offering you a set of headphones.

Cross Street

https://culturenight.ie/event/do-you-speak-sound/

5:00pm – 7:00pm The Road to Nature

An evening of music and drama as a cultural response to threats against our natural world.” Merlin Woods Community Garden, Doughiska Road, Galway, Ireland https://culturenight.ie/event/the-road-to-nature/

From 6:00pm GUIDED TOURS AT THE GALWAY MUSEUM (CULTURE NIGHT)

6:00pm to 6:30pm Revolution in Galway, 1913–1923 Join Brendan McGowan, Education & Outreach Officer, for a guided tour of the Museum’s Revolution in Galway, 1913–1923
6.30pm to 7pm Keepers of the Gael Join Damien Donnellan, Education & Exhibitions Assistant, for a guided tour of the Museum’s Keepers of the Gael exhibition
7pm to 7.30pm Join Eithne Verling, Director, for a guided tour of the Museum’s MONUMENT exhibition.

Booking Email museum@galwaycity.ie or call (091) 532460.

6:00pm – 7.30pm and 8:00 – 9.30pm Pumpkins and Prosecco

Forge Artists Aoife Natsumi Frehan and Emma O’ Toole will deliver two Pumpkins and Prosecco workshops. The workshops will be a fun and inclusive introduction to ceramics.

Get a chance to experience what it feels like to create in a shared artists studio space.

Forge Clay Studios

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/culture-night-2022-pumpkins-and-prosecco-tickets-406099122407

https://culturenight.ie/event/pumpkins-and-prosecco/

6:00pm – 8:00pm Galway Cartoon Festival Programme Launch

Galway cartoon festival will present a Culture Night event at the Galway Distillery premises featuring the opening of our exhibition “Moon Cartoons” and the launch of the 2022 Festival Programme with cartoonists on hand for caricatures and live drawing sessions and a range of drawing materials for visitors to join in the fun!

The Galway Distillery

https://culturenight.ie/event/galway-cartoon-festival-programme-launch/

6:00pm – 8:00pm Culture Night at the Galway City Library

Readings of poetry and fiction from writers: Jimi McDonnell, Aoibheann McCann, Sacha White & Simon Costello. Followed by the performance of a short play written by Anthony Daly. Galway City Library

https://culturenight.ie/event/culture-night-at-the-galway-city-library/

6:00pm – 7.30pm Pictiúir Daite D’Árann Ársa – Old Aran In Colour

Dr Sarah-Anne Buckley present a colourised collection of photographs taken on the three Aran Islands are coming to the University of Galway’s Arts Millennium Building for Culture Nigh. Breslin and Buckley have collaborated with Inis Oírr-based composer MacDara Ó Conaola to co-create a soundtrack around the exhibition photographs. The launch of this exhibition will be preceded by a talk by Breslin and Buckley, with accompanying live music by Ó Conaola for the occasion.

Arts Millennium Building https://culturenight.ie/event/pictiuir-daite-darann-arsa-old-aran-in-colour/

6:00pm – 7:00pm Storytelling by Eddie Lenihan: Galway Arts Centre at Nuns Island Theatre

A very special storytelling event by master storyteller, seanchaí and author Eddie Lenihan. Sharing Irish heritage and history for over 50 years, Eddie Lenihan has dedicated his life to collecting Irish oral histories and stories and publishing over 17 books. Expect some spine-tingling scary stories for older children and adults!

Nun’s Island Theatre https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/culture-night-2022-storytelling-by-eddie-lenihan-tickets-404705042677?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete

6:00pm – 9:00pm Creativity is Life

A collaborative visual art exhibition by the newly formed West End Art Collective, a wide range of styles provoked by a range of themes from Nature to Mental health.

2 Dominick st upper

https://culturenight.ie/event/creativity-is-life/

6:00pm – 11:00pm 4’33’’ and Walking with Your Ears

To mark the 70th anniversary of John Cage’s masterpiece 4’33’’ Eugene McKeown will hold a short presentation on Quiet Spaces and how to Soundwalk The event will repeat every half hour from 6pm to 9pm at the river walk off Bridge Street and will include a performance of 4’33’’ by all participating.

Bridge Street, Galway, Ireland https://culturenight.ie/event/433-and-walking-with-your-ears/

6:00pm – 10:00pm “Concrete x Canvas” Group Exhibition

Outset Gallery, Middle Street, Galway, Ireland https://culturenight.ie/event/concrete-x-canvas-group-exhibition/

6:00pm – 10:00pm MART Galway Open Studio

MART’s members will be on site to open their studios up and chat with the public.

MART Gallery & Studios is an artist-led arts organisation based in Dublin and Galway founded MART Studios Fr Griffin Rd Galway, 5 Father Griffin Road, Galway, H91 VX06 https://culturenight.ie/event/mart-galway-open-studios/

6:00pm – 8:00pm The Fixers

An evening of live outdoor music by the band The Fixers. Including special guest musician, singer and dancer Paul Moran. This event is suitable for all ages. Traditional Irish music outside in the square of the ‘small crane’, weather permitting. Hosted by Mick Crehan and Crane Bar staff, patrons can look forward to an evening of music, song and dance.

The Crane Bar

https://culturenight.ie/event/the-fixers/

6:00pm – 9:00pm Charlie Byrne’s Annual Reading from Newly-Published Galway Authors

The Iconic Galway city centre bookshop hosts the now traditional Culture Night literary gathering which invites readings by every author living in Galway who has had a book published in the 12 months since the last Culture Night. It is what could be called a carousel

event as audiences can come and go at intervals over the course of the evening as writers read a short selection from their published books which feature fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop https://culturenight.ie/event/charlie-byrnes-annual-reading-from-newly-published-galway-authors

7:00pm – 8.30pm Stardom – A rehearsed reading

Eva’s Echo Theatre company will perform a rehearsed reading of a new play Stardom at Palas Cinema as part of Culture Night 2022. This new dark comedy explores the glitzy and disorientating world of reality TV. By taking a look behind the curtain these artists are examining why humiliation makes “good TV” and how the media we consume affects our view of reality.

The performance will be followed by an optional Q & A.”

Pálás Cinema

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/stardom-a-rehearsed-reading-tickets-411276357657

https://culturenight.ie/event/stardom-a-rehearsed-reading/

7:00pm – 9:00pm Making Community Radio – A Glimpse behind the Mic

Residents of Galway Cheshire House will join Seamus Gallagher from Kinvara Community Radio to host an evening of informative interviews with inspirational characters. Refreshments will be provided and an opportunity to meet and mingle with the Residents of Galway Cheshire House & get an insight into Galway Cheshire House. Due to the nature of this Disability Service, places will be limited to ensure Covid-19 safety. All attendees will be required to wear a mask for the event, and adhere to Covid-19 safety protocols.

Galway Cheshire House

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/410370317667

https://culturenight.ie/event/making-community-radio-a-glimpse-behind-the-mic/

7:00pm – 9:00pm Reading at Engage Studios

Join Engage Art Studios for a special event where acclaimed author Claire-Louise Bennett will read from her celebrated recent novel Checkout 19, with Q&A. To accompany this, artist Ruby Wallis will exhibit a selection of collage works from their collaborative project I Know, But Only Just.

Engage Art Studios

https://culturenight.ie/event/engage-studios-host-a-special-event-claire-louise-bennett-reading-from-checkout-19/

7:00pm – 7.15pm & 8;00pm- 8.15pm Galway Rape Crisis Centre

Galway Rape Crisis Centre are opening their doors on Culture Night so that the community they serve can come in and meet the people within the organisation. The Active Consent programme based at the University of Galway is partnering with Galway Rape Crisis Centre to present an

excerpt from their original play The Kinds of Sex You Might Have at College. GRCC will be providing a Creative Response room in which individuals can respond creatively to the content presented on Culture Night.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre https://culturenight.ie/event/galway-rape-crisis-centre-opening-doors-on-culture-night-2022/

7:00 – 9:00pm Bring to Life: The Human Puppetry Drama Workshop

Combining Movement, Drama Exercises, and the fundamental elements of Puppetry, participants will explore the human form within the performance space. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Email galwaytheatrefestival@gmail.com

Studio 1 O’Donoghue Centre

https://culturenight.ie/event/bring-to-life-the-human-puppetry-drama-workshop/

7:00pm – 9:00pm The ad hoc choir singing workshop

This workshop will give people a chance to sing in a group, learn some voice exercises to get ready for singing, learn simple songs and experience singing without judgement. All ages and abilities are welcome, although adults will have to accompany children.

Knocknacarra Community Centre, Liosmór https://culturenight.ie/event/the-ad-hoc-choir-singing-workshop/

7:00pm – 9:00pm The Claddagh Basin Session @ Raven Terrace

After a summer of sailing Bádóirí an Chladaigh return to the Claddagh Basin as hosts and lighted backdrop to present BackWest, Galway’s ” Trad Super group”, Róisín Mulliez, a jazz vocalist, accompanied by Jimmy Fitz (Fitzgerald) guitarist, music producer and music teacher. With very special guests the 16 piece Sonics Strings Youth Orchestra of Coole Music under the artistic direction of Katharina Baker.

Claddagh Basin, Canal Road Upper, Galway, Ireland https://culturenight.ie/event/the-claddagh-basin-session-raven-terrace/

3 showings: 7.30pm, 8.30pm and 9.30pm (30-40min each) Misleór Illuminated

A stunning outdoor visual experience, featuring images from nomadic artists, cultures and communities. Showcasing the local Traveller community, Tibetan nomads, the Bajau (sea nomads) and more.

Ballybane Community Resource Centre

8.30pm: Westside Library, Seamus Quirke Rd, Galway

9.30pm: Claddagh Basin (Galway Hookers)

https://culturenight.ie/event/misleor-illuminated-claddagh-basin/

https://culturenight.ie/event/misleor-illuminated-westside-library/

https://culturenight.ie/event/misleor-illuminated-ballybane/

7.30pm – 11.30pm Strange Brew : Culture Night showcase

Strange Brew presents a dazzling array of musicians performing at the Roisin Dubh as part of Culture Night 2022. Tracy Bruen, Paddy Hanna, Eoin Dolan, Bríd Kenny, Stevie Healy, Bees & Sawdust will all be featured on the night.

Róisin Dubh

https://culturenight.ie/event/strange-brew-culture-night-showcase/

7.30pm – 9:00pm Choir Culture Galway With the IGNITE gospel Choir and the VILLAGE Community choir Salthill

A night of great uplifting singing from 2 of Galway’s finest choirs. The IGNITE gospel choir singing gospel greats and the VILLAGE Choir performing modern contemporary music. Sing-a-long encouraged!

St Jospeh’s Church

https://culturenight.ie/event/choir-culture-galway-with-the-ignite-gospel-choir-and-the-village-community-choir-salthill/

7.30 – 9:00pm GOCOM Culture Café and Screening of ‘Our Words, One Voice.GOCOM Radio is Ireland’s first ethnic minority interest and multilingual online community radio, we want to celebrate diversity and richness of our cultures as a community. In collaboration with ARD Family Resource Centre, the Centre will be premiering a short film, ‘Our Words, One Voice’, directed by Mia Mullarkey. GOCOM Radio will be interviewing the casts, crew and guests; playing music, bringing in a music Act, and food.

ARD Family Resource Centre

https://culturenight.ie/event/gocom-culture-cafe-and-screening-of-our-words-one-voice/

7.30pm – 8.15pm Scout Campfire of songs and sketches

Scout campfires are a mix of songs, stories and sketches around an open fire. 14th Galway Scout Group is the largest Scout Group in Galway and provides an active outdoor first scout programme to our membership from 6 to 21. All campfires end with the traditional s’more (a roasted marshmallow between two chocolate biscuits) and hot chocolate.

St. Joseph’s Community Centre

https://culturenight.ie/event/scout-campfire-of-songs-and-sketches/

8:00pm – 12:00am Gaeltacht in the City (Gaeltacht na Cathrach)

Fíbín sa Taibhdhearc will transform Middle Street into a dreamlike pop-up Gaelteacht. Led by a brass band, audiences will be dazzled by a series of surreal performance art pieces erupting on every corner of the street. Fiachra Davoren, Sibéal Davitt, Julie Feeney, Kate Finnegan, Galvian Way, Grooviculous, Macmathúna, and the 424 Route Brass Band.Gaeltacht in the City (Gaeltacht na Cathrach)

Middle Street

https://culturenight.ie/event/gaeltacht-in-the-city-gaeltacht-na-cathrach/

8:00pm – 9.30pm The Women of the 1916 Easter Rising

The stories of the women of the 1916 Easter Rising as told by their relatives and historians. This documentary tells how a cross section of women in society were represented in one of the most famous weeks in Irish history.

https://culturenight.ie/event/the-women-of-the-1916-easter-rising/

8:00pm – 10:00pm Culture Night – Eyre Square Screening with Galway City of Film

Galway City of Film facilitated by Ardán, and with the support of Galway City Council, will be celebrating Culture Night with a special public screening in Eyre Square. The programme will include films from short Documentary Scheme, the 48 Hour Challenge, and the Misleór Bursary and will show different examples of the amazing filmmaking going on in Galway City.

Eyre Square

https://culturenight.ie/event/eyre-square-screening-with-galway-city-of-film/

8:00pm – 8:30pm, 8:45-9:15pm and 9:30-10pm Galway Deaf Culture

An insight into Deaf culture and the Galway Deaf Centre. Three 30 minute sessions. Each session will have a mini Irish sign language class, handing out the ABC in Irish Sign Language. An introduction to equipment that Deaf people use to access everyday life. Culture night coincides with International day of Sign Languages. https://wfdeaf.org/iwdeaf2022/ part of International week of the Deaf (19 to 25 September 2022). It’s timely to celebrate Deaf culture as part of Culture night.

Galway Mechanics Institute https://culturenight.ie/event/galway-deaf-culture-an-insight-and-overview/

8:00pm – 11:00pm Cogar Cois Cladaigh- “Whispers by the Claddagh”

Cogar Cois Cladaigh -“Whispers by the Claddagh” recounts the story of how the Claddagh ring came into being. Mesmerised by the lore, animation and ambience, the audience will experience an interactive storytelling event in the heart of mediaeval Galway city.

The experience will be shared online. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/cogar-cois-cladaigh-mesmerising-lore-animation-and-ambience-tickets-413773847717

https://culturenight.ie/event/cogar-cois-cladaigh/

8:00pm to 9:00pm The Galway Baytones with Special Guest Gerry Hanberry

An informal evening of song hosted by Galway’s premier male a capella vocal group, The Galway Baytones. Gerry Hanberry, whose unique blend of poetry and song has entertained Galway audiences for many years.

St. Nicholas Collegiate Church

https://culturenight.ie/event/the-galway-baytones-with-special-guest-gerry-hanberry/

8:00pm – 12:00am (Main Audiovisual Show from 22:00 – 23:00) Sensorial Displacement An Audiovisual

Soundscapes and Live Video Mapping by marQu v. Featuring a Musical collaboration with marQu vr and Grooviculous in front of the Mayoralty House on Cross Street. Bassist Doctor Broonstone and his associate Professor Spicebag on percussion.

Mayoralty House, Merchants Road https://culturenight.ie/event/sensorial-displacement-an-audiovisual-journey-presented-by-marqu-vr/

9:00pm – 10.30pm David Larkin Sings Percy French

David brings the legacy of Percy French right back into the limelight. Using his unique singing style and performative abilities with superb accompaniment he rejuvenates some of the best known French ballads, his rousing interpretations emphasising the theatrical shenanigans, humour, rhythmic delight and narrative of the songs.

The Crane Bar

https://culturenight.ie/event/david-larkin-sings-percy-french/

9:00pm – 10:00pm Array Collective in Conversation: Galway Arts Centre

Join the artists of the Array Collective in a lively chat and Q&A about their Turner Prize winning work The Druthaib’s Ball currently on exhibit in Galway Arts Centre.

47 Dominick Street https://culturenight.ie/event/array-collective-in-conversation-galway-arts-centre-47-dominick-street/

10:00pm – 12:00am Traditional Irish Music Session as part of The Druthaib’s Ball: Galway Arts Centre @ Nuns Island Theatre

Ceol agus craic in the unique setting of the immersive installation of The Druthaib’s Ball with traditional Irish musicians Ciarán de Burca + Cairde in this open trad session! Expect traditional Irish music, singing and chat and the invitation to join in a sing song! All taking place in the centre of a unique and immersive Turner Prize winning artists installation!

Presented in partnership with Áras na nGael.

No booking required, but first come, first serve due to limited capacity.

Nun’s Island Theatre https://culturenight.ie/event/traditional-irish-music-session-as-part-of-the-druthaibs-ball-galway-arts-centre-nuns-island-theatre/

10:00pm – 12:00am Beyond The Gate

The Black Gate presents BEYOND THE GATE, a hybrid evening of literature and music curated by The Black Gate and featuring some of Galway’s finest and most prolific writers and performers. Alan McMonagle, Eva Bourke and Anna Mullarkey

The Mick Lally Theatre

https://culturenight.ie/event/beyond-the-gate/

Thousands expected at national cost of living protest on Saturday

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September 22, 2022

Members of the Galway branch of the Cost of Living Coalition (COLC) will join thousands of people from across Ireland on Saturday at a major demonstration in Dublin.

The demonstration will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square at 2.30pm before marching to the Dáil.

The COLC is a broad coalition of political parties, community groups and trade unions that have come together to organise and demand action from the government to deal with the cost of living crisis.

With the government set to announce the budget shortly, the organisers say this is an opportunity for people to put pressure on them to bring in budget measures to address the cost of living crisis.

The Coalition has four key demands to address the cost of living crisis. It is calling for price caps on energy to reduce people’s bills for electricity and fuel, a windfall tax on energy corporations, a ban on evictions and a freeze on and reduction of rents.

To offset the higher cost of living, the coalition is also calling for higher wages, benefits and pensions to ensure people have enough money to live on.

The national demo on Saturday is the first major national event of the coalition and it will be followed by local actions around the country.

Those interested in getting involved can contact the Galway coalition on social media or at colcgalway@gmail.com

WiSTEM2D programme launched at University of Galway

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September 21, 2022

Johnson & Johnson has launched its WiSTEM²D programme at University of Galway for this year which aims to inspire and support more women to pursue a career in STEM after university.

The WiSTEM²D programme awards and sponsors girls and women at critical points in their educational experience and their careers, in STEM disciplines.

It was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016 and since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork and University of Galway, supporting more than 300 female students over the last six years.

This year, the programme will include Munster Technological University (MTU) for the first time.

Anna Rafferty, Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM²D University Lead, said that they are firm believers in working with their educational partners to create a talent pipeline for the future.

“We recognise that we have a part to play in ensuring a fairer representation for women in STEM fields,” she said.

“This is why we have developed the WiSTEM²D programme, to build a diverse STEM community that reflects the great diverse aspects of society, by supporting and nurturing women studying in STEM.”

Associate Professor Mary Dempsey said that University of Galway is delighted to partner with Johnson & Johnson and offer the WiSTEM2D programme for a second year.

“Support for underrepresented students in STEM is at the core of many of the College of Science and Engineering strategic initiatives to realise our values of openness and excellence.

“We are confident that this initiative will empower our female student scientists, mathematicians and engineers to be ambitious and build confidence in their career planning.”

Thalyra Costa, a Biomedical Engineering student at University of Galway, was a participant in the WiSTEM2D programme last year.

Speaking about its impact, she said it helps young women like her gain confidence in their ability to bring innovation to the future of biomedical engineering.

“I have had the chance to expand my network and share knowledge with experienced and inspiring engineers,” said Thalyra.

“The programme has been an enlightening and insightful experience into the world of biomedical engineering, and it has helped me to decide on what career path I wish to pursue.”

Application for the Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM²D programme is open to female students of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design subjects entering their second, third or fourth year of studies 2022/2023 within University of Galway.

Eligible students are asked to submit their application by Friday, 14 October 2022.

More funding urgently needed for school bus places says senator

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September 21, 2022

A local senator has called for additional funding for school bus places for students who have not been able to avail of the scheme this year.

Senator Aisling Dolan is among a number of Fine Gael senators calling for extra capacity to be made available so that all families who have submitted applications can benefit from the School Transport Scheme.

Senator Dolan said that parents guardians are rightly frustrated that their children have been left without a school place as they may narrowly miss out on the criteria set by the Department of Education and rely on concessionary tickets.

She said that waiving fees is welcome to reduce cost of living pressures, but some students have missed out due to shortage of capacity and there have also been delays in issuing tickets due to higher numbers qualifying for the service.

“In my constituency, there is a major issue for families who have no way to bring children to secondary schools in Ballinasloe, Mountbellew, Ballygar, Athlone, and it seems secondary school students particularly in rural areas are affected by the shortfall,” she said.

“I have had several meetings with parents who are angry and frustrated and now face additional costs and pressure to find their own means of getting their children to school safely. They have had to give up jobs extra costs and more stress for parents and children.”

The Fine Gael senator welcomed Minister Foley’s comments that she will seek additional funding to help the cohort of students reliant on concessionary bus tickets.

“We need to work with Bus Éireann and private contractors to increase services in areas where there is already full capacity on buses.

“We need to know what the additional cost is for the estimated 6,000 students and we need a commitment that the budget will be allocated to students going to school this year.”

“Increasing public transport options reduces thousands of car journeys each day with a follow on impact on mitigating cost of living and environment through reducing air pollution and emissions.

“It will also make our roads safer especially at busy country roads at pick-up and drop-off times.”

Galway Hospice Coffee Morning taking place tomorrow

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September 21, 2022

Galway Daily news Green light for new café in Galway City Centre

Galway Hospice is hosting its first on-site Coffee Morning since 2019 tomorrow, Thursday.

The Coffee Morning will be taking place outside the Hospice on the Dublin Road, Renmore from 10am until 12noon and all are welcome to attend.

There will be a bake-off which is open to everyone, and entries must be in by 9.30am sharp.

The categories are Best Decorated Cake, Best Healthy Choice Cake, Best Chocolate Cake, and Best Traditional Cake.

There will be also live demos, coffee, tea and treats, at the event.

People can still sign up to become a Hospice Coffee Morning host and receive a free Bewley’s Coffee Morning pack by registering here or by calling Fundraising on 091-770868.

All funds raised go towards providing hospice care for patients and families.

WHY DO PEOPLE IN GALWAY CHOOSE TO BET ON SPORTS ONLINE?

By

Angela Mc Bride

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September 21, 2022

Thanks to the regulation of betting in Ireland, sports bettors in Galway have been having a field day. And how could they not? After all, the favorable gambling environment has led to an increase in sports betting sites Ireland which has afforded punters a variety of options. Most have ditched their physical bookies and opted to place their bets online. Why has this change occurred, and what benefits await those who follow suit?

Benefits of Online Gaming

People cite different reasons relating to their preference for online gaming. Some are happy to do away with physical bookies who often cut a huge commission from their winnings. Others cannot believe gambling can be this easy and fun and are enthralled with the convenience of it all. Let’s consider some of the most mentioned perks:

1. It Is Convenient

Think about what gambling was like back in the day before the internet was as big as it is now. People had to rely on physical bookies to place wagers. And, of course, that had various limitations regarding time, location, payouts, etc. Online betting solves all these issues in the following ways:

It is available from your smart device: Bookies have optimized their websites to load on desktops, mobile phones, and tablets. So, all you need is an internet connection, and you can place wagers without involving a third party. Some sites now have mobile apps, which significantly eases the staking process.
It is accessible 24/7: You possibly could not wake up at 3 pm and call your bookie to place a bet. They would likely be sound asleep, and you would need to wait till the next day to act on your hunch. But with online betting, you can place a stake anytime you wish before the game starts. And if the website offers live betting, you can place a wager as the game ensues.
It is fast: It takes seconds to place a wager. All you need is to have enough money in your account. Once you make your picks and confirm your selection, the system automatically accepts your wager. That is much more convenient than waiting in line to talk to a bookie about your prospective bets.
You get paid online: Most websites feature many payment methods. While some primarily deal with card payments, most have evolved to accept e-wallet payments, and some even accept crypto as a payment method. It has eased the deposit and withdrawal options by reducing the time spent and cutting back on the costs incurred.

Let’s not also forget that the location is also ideal. While some people would have had trouble accessing bookies in the past because they lived far from the bookies, that is no longer an issue. You can instantly access tens of bookies with a phone and internet connection!

2. It Is Cheap

Have you ever noticed how cheap online bets are? Online bookies do not incur much in the way of overheads. Once they have their systems up and running, a team to deal with queries, and an IT team, they are good to go. And this translates to various monetary rewards for the punters as follows:

Rewards and Promotions: The sports betting industry has attracted many bookies and punters to the scene. And the more bookies available, the more choices punters have. Bookies are now trying to gain traction in the industry by offering rewards to anyone who plays with them. Examples include no-deposit bonuses, deposit bonuses, loyalty bonuses, etc. Under these schemes, punters can place bets for free or get additional cash to use in their wagers. And this results in lower capital investment and a higher profit margin.
Low Buy-Ins: Bookies try to access people at all income levels. So, they accept all sorts of bets from as low as one Euro. Thus, a punter can build a good bankroll having started with a small amount, as low capital investment is no longer an impediment to success.
No Commute Costs: Besides internet costs, punters don’t need to pay for other expenses related to placing wagers. That has dramatically reduced the betting cost burden for most people who now opt to place bets online solely.

If you are an avid bettor, look for sites that offer loyalty bonuses. That will help you get extra cash to play with over time.

3. It Is Extensive

If you use a physical bookie, you will have no option but to bet on the events they cover. Most bookies are only willing to cover major games like football. But with online betting, you can access various sports and different markets, which allows you to maximize the profitability of your wagers. For example, you can bet on a tennis match in Australia when you are in Galway. Or you can place a bet on a basketball game taking place in Nicaragua.

The sports world is vast and online bookies have played their part in enabling punters to access markets they did not know existed. Besides, the odds online are much better than what you would get offline. So, it’s much easier to build your bankroll as you can make higher profits with each correct prediction.

Per the gambling laws in Ireland, bookies operating in the region should have the relevant licenses to offer their services. While you can still access sites that don’t have such permits, doing so can be to your detriment. It’s always advisable to rely on bookies with some oversight as they will hardly ever infringe on your rights.

Brand new Tesco store opens in Tuam

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September 21, 2022

Pictured is Rory Tierney, Store Manager, Tesco, Tuam Shopping Centre alongside colleagues Nora Burke (left) and Margaret Concannon as Tesco Ireland opens the doors to its 155 th store in Ireland in Tuam, Co Galway. Photo:- EXPOSURE.IE / NO FEE

The brand-new Tesco store at Tuam Shopping Centre has opened its doors to customers today after a rebrand and major renovations were carried out on the former Joyce’s Supermarket.

The new store was officially opened by store manager Rory Tierney who welcomed the first customers into the almost 14,000 square foot store.

The supermarket, which has 39 staff members, is the first of nine new Tesco stores in the Galway area after the takeover of Joyce’s Supermarkets.

Chief Operating Officer of Tesco Ireland, Geoff Byrne, said they are very excited to open the doors of the new Tuam store as it joins a 154-store network across the country.

“As we celebrate 25 years in Ireland, we are delighted to open this first store of nine in the Galway area,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring that these new stores play a big part in local communities and we’re looking forward to serving the Galway community for many years to come.”

Store manager Rory Tierney added that it is great to see customers coming through the doors already.

“A lot of work has gone into opening today and I am excited to get to know the local community in the coming days and weeks. The team and I are looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into our store.”

The Tuam Store Community Fund will support the local area with donations to three local causes, Tuam Stars GAA Club, Tuam Juvenile Athletics Club, and Gardenfield National School, benefiting from the store’s first campaign.

Galway EuroMillions raffle winner reveals plans for dream trip

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September 21, 2022

A lucky EuroMillions player in Galway has revealed plans for a dream trip to Elvis Presley’s homeland of Graceland, Memphis after claiming their winnings of over €1 million this afternoon.

The player, who wishes to remain private, said that it took weeks for them to realise they had the winning EuroMillions Ireland Only Raffle ticket worth a staggering €1,005,000.

The lucky local was looking at the ticket which did not have any of the EuroMillions numbers, so they threw it somewhere in their car.

“I completely forgot to check the raffle code on the bottom of the ticket,” they said.

“A few weeks later I decided to do a clear out of the car and I found the ticket wedged down the side of the seat.

“I scanned the ticket on the app and called the National Lottery Claims Team and that’s when they told me I was a millionaire! I couldn’t speak, I was in such complete and utter shock.

“I had a plan to surprise my wife for her birthday by putting the cheque in the card, but my great plan lasted all of one hour, I just had to tell her, I couldn’t keep it a secret any longer!”

The Galway player purchased the winning EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 on the day of the draw, Friday 19 August, in Costcutter, Bealadangan.

“We’ve always wanted to go to Graceland in Memphis to visit the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll himself,” they added.

“That’s all we have in mind for the moment, we’re still letting it all sink in.”

Also claiming their prize in Lottery HQ today was a player from Kilkenny who took home the EuroMillions top prize worth €500,000.

The winning Normal Play ticket was sold on the 25th of August at Caulfield’s SuperValu store in Loughboy, on the outskirts of Kilkenny city.

New remote work hub in Loughrea to recevie €167,000 grant

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September 21, 2022

galway daily news enterprise hub loughrea — Jonathan Madden of Comworks and Frank Keane of GRD at the LEADER contract signing in Loughrea

A new enterprise hub for remote workers and entrepreneurs in Loughrea will receive a LEADER grant from Galway Rural Development of €167,800.

Comworks will be located in the centre of Loughrea town in a 6,500 square foot facility – at the former Corrys ‘Railway House’ building.

Headed by entrepreneur Jonathan Madden, the hub will provide high quality workspaces, high-speed 24/7 internet access with permanent desks or hot desks, meeting facilities and more.

Those interested in working from the hub can now complete a survey available on the Comworks website and share their thoughts.

The Loughrea Hub is just one of a number of major projects in east Galway to receive LEADER approval from GRD this year, with more than €1 million provided in development grants.

CEO of GRD Steve Dolan said the state-of-the-art hub will provide many opportunities for Loughrea and has praised the initiative of the Comworks team.

Senior Manager of GRD’s LEADER team Conor Carty also praised the enterprise.

“This hub will provide opportunities for young workers to realise their career potential within their own communities – and without the need to move to the likes of Dublin to take up a job. And there will be opportunities for small and medium enterprises to create a more motivated workforce and do so without the need to rent office space,” he said.

Conor said that facilities like these will give employees the option to work a day or two in their local digital hub and forms part of the government’s Our Rural Future Policy.

“In essence, the Comworks Hub will offer remote working space for both the local community and the seasonal / tourist community. The hub will provide co-working spaces as well as a meeting room and teleconferencing facilities.”

UHG is the country’s second most overcrowded hospital today

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September 21, 2022

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in Ireland today, with 60 patients waiting on trolleys.

INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures show 56 patients without a bed at the UHG emergency department this morning, and another four in the wards.

The only hospital more overcrowded today is Cork UH, where there are 70 patients on trolleys.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is doing better, with two patients in the wards who do not have a bed.

Nationwide, there are 476 people in Irish hospitals who are waiting on trolleys today.

Galway’s first Oyster Bar opening in Woodquay

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September 21, 2022

Galway Daily food & drink Galway’s first Oyster Bar opens in Woodquay — McSwiggans cracks open Oyster Bar ahead of International Oyster Festival

One of Galway’s best loved bars is celebrating the Oyster in true style by officially launching Galway’s first Oyster bar this week.

The launch is to mark their involvement on the Seafood Trail as part of the Galway International Oyster Festival 2022.

The festival kicks off this Friday, September 23, with The McSwiggans Oyster bar being shucked open at 4pm.

The Oyster bar will be fully stocked with Dooncastle Oysters over ice and customers will be able to enjoy Oysters as is or with a mignonette dressing.

Dooncastle Oysters are the main Oyster supplier for McSwiggans and will be on hand all weekend as part of the Seafood trail. Pair the oysters with a creamy pint of Guinness or choose from the McSwiggans extensive wine cellar.

The launching of the Oyster Bar downstairs in McSwiggans is to celebrate seafood and to offer people in Galway the opportunity to enjoy Oysters in a very casual setting.

Pop in for one or six, enjoy on a high stool or seated throughout the bar where suits you.

Irish Seafood will be king this weekend with a crock of Mussels served with the twice cooked skin on fries or a plank of prawns served with the very traditional Marie rose sauce.

The menu will also include fish and chips as well as Seafood Chowder and their home made brown bread.

The landmark bar and restaurant has been a part of Galway life for over 30 years, evolving from a lively country store trading potatoes in the iconic Woodquay Market to now being a welcoming place to eat the best of what Ireland has to offer on a plate.

Working with local suppliers and producers like Dooncastle Oysters is why McSwiggans has held its place on the very reputable Galway food scene map.

“I began as an assistant to oyster farmers, learning how to maintain and care for stock,” explained John McHugh Owner of Dooncastle Oysters.

“In each farm I worked in I was taught something new and from this I developed my own technique. I decided rather than mass producing I would bring quality to the market, through this my oysters acquired their unique flavour.”

McSwiggans Oyster Bar will be open from 4pm this Friday, September 23 and will be a feature within the bar post festival.

Maldron Hotel Oranmore up for sale for €13 million

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September 21, 2022

Galway Daily business Maldron Hotel in Oranmore sold to private purchaser

The Maldron Hotel in Oranmore has been put up for sale, with an guide price of €13 million.

The sale of the four star hotel is being handled by Savills Ireland, which says that it represents an outstanding investment.

Operated by Dalata Ireland, the 113 bedroom Maldron Oranmore currently has a rental income of €900,000.

The property has had upwards only rent reviews to date, with the next review in January of 2023.

The hotel also operates the Q Bar and Grain & Grill Restaurant, along with conference facilities, and a leisure centre with a gym, 20m pool, sauna, steam rooms, and more.

Property agent Tom Barrett described this as a, “Superb opportunity to acquire the freehold interest in this long income hotel investment property”.

Community sector workers holding one day strike

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September 21, 2022

Galway Daily news community disability services strike

Community sector workers in Galway and Mayo working with disabilities will be holding a one day strike tomorrow as part of a pay and conditions dispute.

Fórsa and SIPTU workers at Ability West and Western Care will be engaging in a strike action on Thursday, September 22.

This will be followed by further strikes at Enable Ireland Cork and Kerry on Friday as part of the ICTU-led Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign.

The strikes are part of the Valuing Care, Valuing Community campaign which is supported by the ICTU, SIPTU, Fórsa and the INMO.

This campaign aims to achieve better pay and conditions for for social care professionals and other staff employed in agencies funded by the HSE.

Research published last year by Fórsa trade union shows that up to a third of staff in these agencies are leaving their jobs each year to seek better employment in similar work elsewhere.

Fórsa national secretary Ashley Connolly said: “Government is failing to grasp the link between its chronic underfunding of the services we’re talking about and the failure to meet the HSE’s recruitment targets in, for example, disability services.

“The outgoing head of the HSE has acknowledged they’re having problems meeting targets for disability services nationally, including unfilled roles in 18 organisations funded by the State.”

This has led to growing waiting lists and issues with delivering disability services, she added.

SIPTU Public Administration and Community Organiser, Adrian Kane said, “These workers have not had a pay rise since 2008.”

“Unlike trade union members in the public or private sector they currently have no way of negotiating a pay increase.”

“Their wages can only be increased by the Government agreeing to increase funding to the organisations which employ them.”

“We need the Government to do as it did prior to 2008 which was provide increases in funding to Section 39 care and community organisations so these vital workers can continue to provide the services they do.”

Workers the Irish Wheelchair Association, St. Joseph’s Foundation and EmployAbility went on strike in Cork yesterday.

The final group of workers in this wave of action to go on strike will be in Enable Ireland in counties Cork and Kerry on Friday, September 23.

Update: This article has been updated to indicate that it was not just Forsa union workers involved in this strike.

Medical devices company creating 100 Galway jobs

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September 21, 2022