New research from NUI Galway has led to a breakthrough that could help with implantable insulin pumps for people with diabetes.
An implantable medical device that releases insulin into the body over longer periods of time could be game changer for treating diabetes without needing insulin injections or cannula insertions.
However, a major roadblock in this has been that the body’s immune system attacks implanted devices as a foreign body, forming a thick layer of scar tissue that causes them to fail early.
But a research team at NUI Galway at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new type of device, one that is designed to make small but regular movements within the body.
The research showed that just by moving the device every 12 hours, the device remained functional after eight weeks of implantation and was as good as a new one.
They also found that this movement changed how immune cells responded to the implanted medical device, extending its lifespan and efficiency.
NUI Galway’s Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineer Dr Eimear Dolan said: “We are very excited about the results of this study.”
“We believe our approach holds promise to improve the performance of a range of implantable drug delivery devices – from insulin to cancer therapy delivery.”
“It is a privilege to work with such a talented multi-disciplinary team and I look forward to continuing working together.”
In this study published in Nature Communications, the team applied their design to diabetes to see if that immunomodulatory effect could help improve drug delivery over eight weeks.
The team built a two-chambered device where one of the chambers acts as a drug reservoir, and the other acts as a soft, inflatable actuator.
They found that mechanical actuation clears away immune cells called neutrophils, the cells that initiate the process that leads to scar tissue formation, and it took much longer for scar tissue to develop around these devices.
When scar tissue did form, it was different than usual, with an alignment of fibres that might allow drugs to pass through it.
Professor Garry Duffy, Professor of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, NUI Galway said, “Soft robotics allow us to make the implants active and to influence how the immune system perceives medical device implants.”
He added that, “We will continue to translate this technology through to the clinic in the coming years.”
There will be disruption to rail travel on the line between Galway and Dublin this evening and on Sunday due to engineering works.
Irish Rail is carrying out works on the line between Sallins and Kildare today and tomorrow.
As a result of this, multiple regularly scheduled trains will be delayed, on an altered pass, running bus transfers, or cancelled.
Saturday, August 27
17:30 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers from Heuston to Tullamore and Athlone, second bus transfer from Heuston to Clara and Athlone, third bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore and Athlone, train at 19:45 from Athlone to Galway
18:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
19:35 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers direct from Heuston to Athlone, second bus transfer from Heuston to Tullamore and Athlone, third bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore and Athlone, train at 21:35 from Athlone to Galway
17:20 Galway to Heuston will operate to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Heuston, second bus transfer from Athlone to Portarlington and Heuston, third bus transfer from Athlone to Tullamore, Portarlington, Kildare, Newbridge and Heuston
19:20 Galway to Heuston will operate to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Heuston, second bus transfer from Athlone to Portarlington and Heuston, third bus transfer from Athlone to Clara, Tullamore, Portarlington and Heuston
Sunday, August 28
08:00 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers from Heuston to Kildare and Portarlington, train at 09:15 from Portarlington to Galway
11:00 Galway to Heuston is deferred to 11:25
Other disruptions will also take place on the western line between Dublin and Westport, Ballina, and Manulla Junction.
Further works which may affect rail services to Galway are expected in November.
For a full list of available services on your day of travel, please check Irish Rail’s Journey Planner.
Things grow and meet their demise. Eras begin and end. Inventions are made and discontinued. Tastes change. Interests peak and vanish. It is the way of the world.. Change is constant.
Every decade just about brings with it a new look that disrupts the way we perceive and use things and sets precedent for years to come. For instance, before the internet age, people who fancied a hand of cards went to casinos—physical buildings with croupiers and games and strangers. Nowadays, physical casinos are like tourist attractions. People want to be able to push a “Play now” button and access a casino and all its features. They can’t be bothered to visit a specific place to have their needs met. They want it brought to them.
Paper maps used to be the order of the day. People stocked hundreds of them for navigation when visiting new places. Currently, people don’t know where they are half the time. But you don’t see them whipping out a map and glancing around for landmarks. Instead, they pull out their electronic bricks and listen to a robot voice tell them where they are and how far away their objective is.
But what about two things with similar uses and specs existing at the same time? Like smartphones and tablets.
Tablets vs. Smartphones
At some point in our long, storied history, tablets were the pinnacle of technology. Weird, yes, but it’s true. These huge slabs of metal and plastic were top gadgets in their prime, with great portability and huge touch screens unlike anything so mobile. It did the expected: played movies on a big screen, blared out sounds, ran games, and connected to the internet. Tablets were the middle ground between bulky, supersized personal computers and small, compact phones.
And they were handy tools, too: easier to maintain than a PC, with the ease of use of a smartphone. Where could it go wrong?!
At the peak of their feverish buzz, tablets didn’t come cheap. But that didn’t stop sellers from peddling it as the device that marked the end for laptops. Everyone would move to the superior tablet, of course. It made sense. However, the reality of tablets today tells another story. Not only has popularity declined drastically, but we’re forced to question if they were ever really necessary.
With smartphones getting bigger by the years and companies dabbling in foldables, giving users the chance to take broader screens without compromising on compactness, tablets might just be obsolete in the current climate. Smartphones today are almost as big as tablets used to be, with more power and capabilities, so the need for tablets is almost eradicated.
How Tablets Fare in 2022
However, despite smartphones completely blowing tablets out of the water, we won’t be seeing a tombstone anytime soon. Tablets are still great sources of media consumption for any generation, whether it’s for reading, watching movies, playing games, or performing tasks on a big screen.
The current size of smartphones hasn’t exactly gone down well with all of the market, too. Consumers have decried the lack of compactness for years now, which has prompted manufacturers to look for new ways to increase screen size without creating huge, unusable slabs. We’ve seen smaller notches and chins on phones lately. Some have experimented with curved screens. But more recently, foldable smartphones have gone mainstream.
These instances show that our inclination towards bigger screens isn’t behind us. So, even though the tablet isn’t the groundbreaking invention we all thought it was, it isn’t entirely redundant in 2022. Besides, tablets have been developed from clunky slabs for mindless entertainment to high-end technological devices with great computing power comparable to laptops.
As time passes, many computing needs will likely be optimized for tablets, allowing for better transitions from PC to tablet. The journey has already begun, with many tablets receiving special docking stations and peripheral attachments.
The Galway Racing Festival may be behind us for another year but there a still plenty of festivals and events to come before we have to say goodbye to summer.
If you are considering a day trip to Galway or spending several days in the Tribal city to check out some of the cultural events for Heritage Week or the Galway Traditional Boat Festival and wondering what to wear then keep reading.
Irish weather can always be a struggle to dress for, we often need to be prepared for several seasons in one day. From the Estée Lauder cosmetics you need to the essentials to keep warm and dry, we’ve got you covered.
Start with the foundations
If you are heading to an event or enjoying an activity filled family day then you will want to look great all day. Begin with a long-lasting foundation that will stay put, even if the weather unexpectedly brings wind, rain or sunshine. Choose a foundation with a little SPF as it will keep your skin protected even on a cloudy day along the west coast of Ireland, Estée Lauder Double Wear is a great option.
Pack the basics
A pair of straight leg, raw hem jeans will look effortlessly cool and appropriate for every occasion for a day or weekend in Galway. Pair with a simple t-shirt or striped shirt and finish of with pretty jewellery. If you prefer a more feminine style a pretty summer dress will look great too. These are the kind of looks you can wear with a practical trainer during the day to look stylish and swap for heels for an evening out. During the summer months a basket bag is a great option for a seaside location like Galway. It will be useful to enjoy a packed lunch along the coast or while shopping.
Dress in layers
The Irish weather, especially along the Atlantic coast is nothing is not unpredictable. Therefore, it is always necessary to wear layers to keep warm and dry throughout the day. A cashmere jumper is a great option as it lightweight, crease resistant and chic. On cooler day, lean into the west of Ireland vibe and wear an Aran jumper or cardigan.
The final essential layer is a light waterproof jacket. But don’t allow it to be an afterthought, you still want to look stylish. A short trench or cape style will look effortless.
A great swimsuit
If you are brave enough to take a dip in the sea around Salthill or further out of the city in the beautiful surroundings of Spiddal, then you will want to look and feel confident in a great swimwear. The small bikinis we may wear in sunnier and warmer climes just won’t cut it in Ireland. Go for a swimsuit rather than a two-piece in a neutral colour, such as navy, black or even blue for a long longing style that you can wear for years.
Footwear
As mentioned earlier trainers really are the most comfortable when walking lots while sightseeing and being active with the family. But footwear than depend on your planned activities. Loafers are a stylish alternative for a stroll around Eyre Square and down Shop Street to one of the many bars or restaurants Galway has to offer.
Galway City Council spent less than half of the money allocated to it for cycling and walking projects last year.
The city council claimed €5,571,513 of its funding for walking and cycling measures last year, 47% of the total €11,856,000 allocation, leaving €6,293,487 unspent.
These figures were from Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly, who added that the city council applied for one of the lowest allocations in the country this year.
In 2022, Galway City Council has an allocation of just €7,875,000 for cycling and walking projects, lower than any other city in the country.
As of May 20 of this year, just €72,194 of this year’s total had been claimed by the city council.
Senator O’Reilly, who used to be a member of the city council, said “Some Councillors spend their time complaining about the public instead of doing their jobs.”
Galway County Council claimed €4,547,001 of the €6,193,000 allocated to it last year, almost 75% of the total.
For 2022 the county council has been allocated the same amount as Galway City, but this represents an increase on last year, rather than a decline. No figures were available for how much of this has been claimed to date.
Senator O’Reilly said that cars are being overwhelming used in urban and rural areas, due to a long history of putting the focus on them.
“As a result of decades prioritising cars in Ireland, many people in both rural and urban areas feel they have no option but to drive, even for short journeys.”
She said that since the Green Party has joined the government, total investment in walking and cycling has gone up from €45 million in 2019, to €289 million nationally this year.
“Revenge is a dish best served cold” and the loyal fans of the TG4 drama series Ros na Rún are holding their breath for just how this will play out in the coming season.
Season 27 of Ros na Rún will return to the screen on TG4 on September 6, with dark questions awaiting answers on just what dish will be served up to or by Briain and Tadhg.
Briain, the psychotic narcissist, will stop at nothing to get what he wants, that is, control of Berni and his baby daughter. Berni is petrified and for once she’s going to be relatively happy to have her extreme, crazy and often estranged brother in her corner.
Will Berni get any peace in the days ahead? Will she get to breath and focus on her newborn baby girl without looking over her shoulder wondering what Briain’s next move is? Will Garda Tony and Sargent O Shea have another murder on their hands?
It’s another busy season in the village of secrets, as viewers are sure to experience more intense story lines as the wrath of Briain’s and Andy’s twisted minds play out in the fictional Gaeltacht village.
As well as dramatic and thrilling storylines, Ros na Rún is never without romance and laughter and the village’s true romantic Bobbi Lee was in quite the state at the end of last season.
The beautiful bridezilla in her bridal gown but without her groom, the lovely Niall, will they finally get to tie the knot this season? Bobbi Lee goes in search of the love of her life but what state will she find Niall in and will it be happy ever after for them?
Viewers will find out in the opening episode and Mack won’t be living without some regrets either! Will there be more nuptials in season 27 and will Michael get to place his engagement ring on Laoise’s finger?
This season will bring to the fore the core of loyalty in friendships and relationships as the fractures of last season between Bobbi Lee and Berni continue to mount with the revelation of who the father of Berni’s baby girl is which rocks Bobbi Lee.
After all that’s gone on between them and with Andy and Briain, is the girls friendship broken completely and can they trust each other again?
Tadhg Ó Direáin will be up to his neck in devious and cunning tactics yet again in season 27 and he’s eager to be rid of Crystal and Sonny.
Their enterprising and confident nature is not sitting well with Tadhg, not to mention the acute matter of his land. Crystal’s glamour and flirtatious ways are way too sweet to be wholesome for Mr. Ros na Rún, Tadhg Ó Direáin.
What conniving plan is he about to launch on Sonny Boy and the beautiful Crystal – Tadhg’s Crystal Maze will unfold in season 27!
Ceannfort O’Shea’s stress will not be all confined to the Garda Station as her ex-husband Eric pays Caoilfhionn an unexpected visit which is sure to throw up plenty of drama for both ladies.
“We had a phenomenal response to last seasons story lines,” says series producer Marion Ní Loingsigh. “this season will be no different and our actors and story writers have worked tirelessly to grip our core audience and keep them both enthralled and entertained.”
“From Bobbi Lee and Niall’s wedding disaster to Berni’s trauma with Briain, Andy and Tony, we’ve kept our audience on an emotional rollarcoaster and we’ve lots more to bring to the screen from September which is sure to satisfy TG4 audiences”.
A young Galway mother has spoken about the challenges of daily life after having both of her legs amputated this year.
Eilís Ní Chonghaile from Indreabhán spoke on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Friday about how she does not yet have any home care assistance due to personnel shortages.
The mother of two, now living in An Spidéal, had suffered from back pain and sciatica for four years, but suddenly the feeling in her legs went in February.
She was unable to stand, and she was rushed to hospital.
“I was afraid, but still I thought it was the disk in my back gone, I never thought it was anything more,” she said.
“I was only in hospital about an hour and a half when they told me they were getting a vascular surgeon down to talk to me.
“I didn’t understand that, I came in with back pain and sciatica, and wasn’t that for your heart? The surgeon came and she was prodding my legs, but I couldn’t feel anything.”
Eilís said there were people all around her, coming and going, doing blood tests, taking all kinds of tests, and putting machines on her legs.
“The consultant came and said that they were bringing me to surgery. It all happened that fast. But still, I didn’t think anything of it. I never thought it was going to be serious.”
In the interview on RnaG on Friday, Eilís explained that the problem was blood clots right down through her legs, but unfortunately the initial surgery to fix the pressure in her legs was unsuccessful.
In the end there was no choice but to amputate both legs.
Eilís doesn’t remember much about it, except that the surgeon had spoken to her after the initial surgery and that she had to sign a form.
“When I came back from the first surgery, when they made a cut on each side of my legs to ease the pressure, he said that it hadn’t worked and that he was afraid that he might have to [amputate] – that’s all I remember. I had to sign something to say that was OK.
“I remember saying to him, I don’t care what you have to do, but make sure I wake up again for my children, that’s all I said to him, and I don’t remember anything else until I woke up with my Mam and my daughter standing over me and that was a few days later.”
Eilís had been through several surgeries by then – and after the operation, she said she was glad to have it over with.
“I had woken up – that’s all I cared about, that I would be there for my children.”
“That’s all I had asked the consultant. He came to me when I had recovered a bit and he had tears in his eyes and he said he was sorry. I asked him what he was sorry for, and he said that he couldn’t save the legs.
“I said, ‘did you do what I asked you to?’ and he asked me what that was, and I said that I would wake up afterwards. I said that he had done that and that was all I asked. I didn’t care what he had to take from me.
“People say I’m strong – I’m not strong, if it weren’t for my two children at home I wouldn’t be here … I knew they were here and I had to fight for them. That’s the reason I’m here now.”
Returning home in recent days has been challenging for Eilís, particularly because she has received no home care assistance as yet.
“The day is long, it’s hard,” she said. “You are relying on other people to do everything for you.”
Eilís has home help hours to be filled, but can’t get them at the moment because of the personnel shortage.
“I’m depending on Mam and Dad and the kids to do things for me,” she explained. “There’s a waiting list, and because I can do some things, like wash myself and that, I’m not high priority. If I needed help with those things, maybe I’d have help by now.”
Eilís said she was very grateful for all the help and support of her family.
“If it weren’t for them, I’d be lost, truly. I’m not the only one who’s been through this. I went through the pain, but they went through everything too.
“There wasn’t a day that they missed coming in to me. I was in pain, but they suffered too.”
Eilís is hoping to get a prosthetic leg, and possibly two. Her family has started a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs, and you can support it at gofund.me/ee73b116
The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat came to aid of a family of four after their boat ran aground on Thursday night.
The Coast Guard called on the lake’s RNLI station shortly before 9pm on Thursday to help a family on a 40ft cruiser aground at the Goat Road at navigation Marker E.
The lifeboat, Jean Spier, already afloat on exercise, launched with helm Steve Smyth, Tom Hayes, Chris Parker and Ciara Moylan on board.
Winds were southwesterly Force 3, visibility was reduced with nightfall.
At 9.03pm the lifeboat arrived on scene. All four people on board were safe and unharmed and wearing their lifejackets. An engineer from the cruiser company was also on scene.
The engineer and an RNLI volunteer transferred across to the casualty vessel to check that there no damage to the hull.
Given the late hour and location, the helm decided to take the vessel off the shoal and out into safe water.
At 9.43pm the lifeboat had the vessel off the Goat Road and under tow to safe water where the drives and propeller were checked and found to be in good working order.
Under its own power and with an RNLI volunteer remaining on board, the cruiser followed the lifeboat to Rossmore Harbour where it was safely tied alongside at 10.10pm.
Christine O’Malley, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to, “plan your passage so that you arrive at safe harbour before nightfall.”
“Anticipate each navigation buoy on your route and keep a lookout visually and on your lake charts”.
The IRFU has announced the appointment of Darragh Sheridan as the Head of High Performance Coach Development.
Sheridan will be responsible for the education and development of rugby coaches at all levels within Ireland with a particular focus on IRFU High Performance coaches.
The former professional footballer represented Galway United and Longford Town as well as Aston Villa, and was a research lead at the University of Stirling delivering the GAA’s Play to Stay Research Programme.
Have you ever thought about trying freelance work to earn money? Even if it’s only getting you income on the side while you keep your full-time job or studies. The idea sounds great.
The problem is that traditional freelancing usually demands specific skills or knowledge. You have to be proficient in a particular skill before earning anything. But what if there was another way to start earning on the side?
In case you haven’t heard, micro jobs are becoming increasingly popular. There is also a new micro freelancing platform, JumpTask, claiming to provide a more beginner-friendly approach to the gig economy.
Let’s see what this platform is all about and if you should try it! We will also look at whether it has any advantages over traditional freelancing platforms.
What Is JumpTask?
JumpTask provides simple tasks to gig workers globally. Anyone can complete all jobs without significant time commitments. The platform also offers a unique payment system using its own cryptocurrency – JumpToken (JMPT).
Although the platform is still new, it has already started to gain attention. JumpTask was launched in 2022 and right now has 1M+ active users globally. Let’s see how to get started in earning money for tasks.
How To Get Started?
Getting started is easy: you only need one thing to start. You will need a crypto wallet to create an account, for example, WalletConnect. Don’t have one? No stress – a new wallet is created automatically when you use social logins. After that, you can start earning JumpTokens. These can be later exchanged into fiat currency if you wish.
The registration process of JumpTask is straightforward, which is helpful. However, the website could use some updating, specifically the web design and navigation. Nevertheless, JumpTask shared on Twitter that their team is currently working on website updates.
What Tasks Can I Do?
JumpTask offers multiple ways to earn JMPT for beginner freelancers. More advanced gig workers might miss more complicated projects with higher rewards. However, as mentioned in their whitepaper, JumpTask will add more earning types in the future.
One way to earn money on JumpTask is by sharing internet bandwidth. That’s right. First, you can download Honeygain, which is a passive income app partnering with JumpTask. Next, let it run in the background of your smartphone or laptop. And that’s it – you are now collecting JMPT.
Another way to get paid in crypto – Offerwalls – involves completing simple micro tasks. These include watching exciting videos, downloading and trying the latest apps, and solving puzzles. Offerwalls is another interesting way to boost your JumpToken earnings.
One more option for you to try is called Surveys. The name of the earning type is self-explanatory: you get paid for sharing your opinion! You will be asked some pre-qualifying questions before completing surveys, but the method is something you would want to try.
How to Earn More?
There are ways to get JMPT beyond completing tasks. In truth, you won’t become a crypto millionaire with micro tasks. Thankfully, JumpTask does not make such empty promises. You can certainly earn $50 or more per month, but that depends on the number of tasks completed.
Increasing your income on JumpTask is possible with crypto staking. Not sure what that is? It works like your regular savings account in a bank: you receive interest for your deposit. In our case, you collect JumpToken rewards for your existing JMPT holdings. This is another passive income option to maximize your returns on JumpTask.
JumpTask Versus Traditional Freelancing
You might have heard about established freelancing platforms like Fiverr, which offer various gigs. However, JumpTask has several advantages over traditional players.
First, JumpTask provides micro jobs that are easy to complete. Therefore, people can manage their time on JumpTask with other commitments such as work or studying. This is different from traditional freelancing, where significant time investment is required.
Second, micro freelancers save a lot of money due to crypto payments in JMPT. The transaction fees are minimal as JumpTask is based on a blockchain. That is not the case on traditional platforms, where freelancers lose money on fund transfers using PayPal or other providers.
Final Words
After reviewing JumpTask, we can say that the platform offers a unique approach to freelancing. It focuses on micro tasks and crypto payments, which bring flexibility and cost-efficiency to gig workers.
There is room for improvement in their website user experience and task offers. Nevertheless, JumpTask is still new, and the project is constantly being upgraded.
All in all, JumpTask is an option worth checking if you are looking for your first step into freelancing.
People Before Profit’s Galway representative Adrian Curran has hit out at Galway’s landlord TDs, who he says have a significant conflict of interest.
His comments come after the resignation of Minister Robert Troy amid mounting pressure over his failure to properly declare his property interests.
Curran said that to amass 11 properties in 20 years is something most people could not even imagine, and that people are struggling to afford their rents, apply for mortgages, or even find places to live.
“This will continue to worsen in the coming weeks in Galway as thousands of students still have to return for the new academic year,” he said.
The PBP rep said that the housing crisis and cost of living crisis are being exacerbated by those in power for financial gain.
“With around 80 TDs and Senators as declared landlords, it should be no surprise that successive governments have refused to provide public housing and instead allowed obscene profits to be made from people’s housing misery.
“It is easy to see why opposition attempts to ease the housing crisis, like People Before Profit’s Rent Reduction Bill, are shot down.
“It’s important to note that in Galway a number of our TDs including Seán Canney and Noel Grealish own multiple properties and are self-confessed landlords.
“How anyone can say that there isn’t a significant conflict of interest here is beyond me. There should be no landlord TDs and no landlords full stop.”
The Board of Arrabawn Co-Op has voted to sell its liquid milk sales book to Aurivo which will impact 140 employees.
Local TD Denis Naughten said that the transition will be a huge blow to those employees as well as the local community.
It is understood that potential redundancy or re-deployment will be offered to the 140 employees.
But Deputy Naughten said that this is a ‘significant blow’ to local liquid milk suppliers who have invested significantly in their dairy farms to ensure that the Kilconnell plant was provided with milk supplies 365 days per year.
“Over recent years there has been significant investment in the plant which handles the liquid milk operations for Arrabawn Dairies who supply own brand milk to many retailers throughout the country and the loss of this competitor will also have a longer-term impact on consumer milk prices.”
Following a meeting with local councillors Tim Broderick and Evelyn Parsons yesterday on the threat to the Kilconnell plant, Deputy Naughten has asked for a meeting with Minister Charlie McConalogue.
“It is imperative not only that all possible steps are taken to bring replacement jobs to Kilconnell, but we also need to see the Tánaiste and IDA bring new investment to the underdeveloped IDA park at Creagh in Ballinasloe.
“There is something fundamentally wrong when we have companies in Athlone and Galway talking of the need for additional capacity while we have over 50 acres of State land lying idle just a short journey over the road in Ballinasloe.”
The long-awaited replacement CT scanner has arrived at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe and will soon be installed and available for use.
The scanner will be fully commissioned in the coming months in a newly constructed expansion of the Radiology department.
County councillor Evelyn Parsons welcomed the arrival of the replacement CT, saying that it is a “great step forward for Portiuncula University Hospital to support reliable provision of quality services and highest standards of patient care.”
Cllr Parsons said that as a member of the Regional Health Forum, she has repeatedly raised the need for a replacement CT scanner.
“I’m delighted the replacement CT scanner has arrived, for the many patients from a wide catchment of over 400,000 attending Portiuncula University Hospital and for staff who will have new and reliable equipment to help diagnose and clinically manage patients in our area,” said the Independent councillor.
“It is a state of the art 128 Slice Siemens CT Scanner and I understand that it’s expected to be up and running in October.
“As a next step I would like to see further provision of a second new CT scanner as the census population growth and crucial need for diagnostic services to tackle long waiting lists post Covid is very evident.
“The replacement CT scanner represents a great investment in PUB which employs over 800 staff in the Ballinasloe area. It is a great step forward to improve the patient experience, support staff, but most importantly to maintain and provide the highest quality standards of diagnosis and clinical care for patients in Portiuncula University Hospital.”
There’s nothing better than playing games. Everyone loves a good game – whether you’re an old school board gamer or you love to play online slots, there’s a game for all interests. You can play with friends or alone if you like to play games to unwind after a long day.
Even though gaming has been popular for centuries, it was technology that took the gaming industry and completely revitalized it. From new, improved graphics, there are so many ways that technology has advanced our gaming options.
But first, let’s take a look at where the beloved game of bingo came from and how its changed over the years.
History of bingo
It turns out, the bingo we know, and love today hasn’t experienced that many changes over its centuries of entertainment. The earliest similar game can be found in Italy all the way back in 1530.
Back then, it was called Il Gioco del Lotto d’Italia and is also similar to the lottery that we know and love today. This game still continues on today and has been played every week, almost without any lapses since the 16th century. It is so huge that the budget it brings in makes it critical to the Italian government.
As the years went on this game became more popular before coming to France in the late 1700s. The French has put their own spin on this popular game by developing a playing card that had three horizontal lines and nine vertical columns.
Each of the squares then have a number between 1 and 90 randomly placed on them. Numbers between 1 and 90 are then selected at random and whoever has that number on the card crosses it off – exactly the same as the way we play today!
Before it was called bingo, it was called housey-housey in the UK. This is probably down to the winner having to call house when they’d filled in all their numbers. Bingo became hugely popular, especially after the Betting and Gaming Act of 1960 creating the demand for bingo halls.
Rise of online gaming
But ever since 2005, the number of bingo halls have been in decline. But that’s not to do with the game’s popularity! It’s because online gaming had started to become more widespread and prevalent.
As internet access became a normality for most people, the rise in online gaming started. And it hasn’t shown any sign of stopping ever since! There are so many benefits to playing bingo online, let’s take a look at a few.
Benefits of playing bingo online
Easy access
One of the biggest benefits to playing bingo online is that it’s so easily accessible. Although it can be fun to go on a night out to a bingo hall, it can be annoying if that’s the only way you can play. A night out to a bingo hall can be a treat to enjoy with friends but playing bingo online or on a bingo app is a lot more convenient.
Bonuses and offers
Another great benefit to playing bingo online is all the offers and bonuses that are up for grabs. With so many sites and apps, there’s always stiff competition. Players can now access some of the best mobile bingo offers when playing bingo games on their smartphones. These bonuses typically allow the player to receive free bingo credits.
No need to travel anywhere
A big part of that convenience is that you don’t have to travel anyway! Whether you drive or take public transport, having to leave your home can feel like a huge chore. So not having to take time out of your day or fork out for extra costs is a real bonus and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Bingo chatrooms
Playing bingo in your own home does not have to be alone! One of the best things about online bingo is the chat rooms. Bingo chat rooms bring the best social aspect of the bingo halls and puts it right in your living room. You can still have a bingo night with your pals even if you’re not in the same city – or even country!
How online gaming influenced bingo games
Ever since smartphones started to become popular, everything we use has been made into a mobile friendly version. We now have an app for everything we need – banking, commuting, social interactions.
And mobile gaming is no different! Developers saw the potential that mobile gaming had and now we’re able to play all our favorite games on our phones as well as on a PC or other similar device.
This movement online also attracted a new generation of players. The days of a stale community center being used for bingo games is over! And with the shiny new draw of a bingo app or bingo site, younger audiences were drawn in.
Pair that with the fact that it’s now more convenient to play and all the bonuses up for grabs, it should come as no surprise that the internet had a positive effect on bingo gaming.
So, what are you waiting for? Go and check out the best bingo games out there and take full advantage. Invite your friends so you can take full advantage of the bingo chat rooms and enjoy the worlds favorite game.
Docudrama Íospartaigh na Lochlannach. Produced by Abú Media
TG4 has this week launched the programme for its Autumn schedule, with a packed lineup of stellar drama, documentaries, culture, sport and more.
This season’s launch celebrates Closeness,Creativity and Connection with a schedule featuring compelling factual programming, arts and culture, a true ‘súil eile’ on Ireland’s sports, new drama for young people and world-class Irish language films in cinemas across the globe.
Director General of TG4 Alan Esslemont said, “The content of this year’s autumn launch demonstrates the confidence and ambition of TG4‘s Post-Covid Vision.”
TG4 welcomes the publication of the Future of Media Commission Report which recommends the establishment of a commission on Irish language media.
“While TG4 welcomes this proposal, it should not be used as an excuse to delay investment in existing Irish language media.”
TG4 launches Autumn schedule
He added that Ireland should be a champion of minority languages in Europe, or it risks being seen as “a half-hearted laggard, some might say a hoaxer”.
“In our own area of media, the Welsh and Basque language broadcasters each receive double the public funding of TG4.”
He also mentioned the 100th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins, saying that he recognised the damage done to the Irish language.
“Collins wrote that the normalisation of Irish in Ireland would be “the biggest task” for the fledgling state.”
“I appeal to this present government on September’s Budget Day to honour the vision of Michael Collins and bring full-hearted vigour and investment to their strategies for the Irish language.”
Autumn Programming schedule
To mark the anniversary of the death of Michael Collins, Theo Dorgan uncovers the story of ‘The Laughing Boy’, a song written by Brendan Behan in memory of Michael Collins in a new documentary An Buachaill Gealgháireach directed by Alan Gilsenan.
Ar Lorg na Fírinne follows the families of the victims of the troubles as they seek the truth about the death of their loved ones.
Docudrama Íospartaigh na Lochlannach explores the Viking slave trade through the eyes of two Irish slaves, Findan and Melkorka.
Docudrama Íospartaigh na Lochlannach. Produced by Abú Media
A new investigative current affairs series Iniúchadh TG4 presented by Kevin Magee will feature political stories, social issues, and analysis from all over Ireland.
Three Female-led documentaries will explore the three ages of womanhood and the related effects on women at different stages of life.
Gráinne Seoige takes us on a no-holds barred journey into one of the final taboos in today’s world – the menopause in Meanapás: Meon Nua with the goal of driving awareness around the change of life and a push for a campaign for a national menopause policy.
Mary Kennedy tackles every element of the aging process for women head on including loneliness, concerns about physical and mental health as well as addressing taboos around what it means to age in Ireland in Mary Kennedy: Fad Saoil.
Síomha Ní Ruairc examines the relationship that young women have with body image, waging a war on social media, filters, and body shaming to ensure that young women, including herself adopt a more accepting body image in Síomha: Idir Anam‘s Chorp.
Hector returns to his travels taking on an amazing trip from the Balkans of Eastern Europe to the Baltics of the North in Hector Balkans go Baltics.
Hector with the Bogaturs in Bulgaria.
Musicians and Father and son, Breanndán and Cormac Ó Beaglaoich are on a musical journey together in their beloved campervan, Beauty travelling from Cork to Wicklow in Slí namBeaglaoich.
Doireann Ní Ghlacáin heads off with her fiddle on her back, to find out what is happening at the heart of the traditional Irish music scene in four different areas around Ireland in new series Ceolaireacht.
Broadcaster Máirtín Tom Sheáinín is on a mission to find out where faith healing is practised around the country in Cneasaithe.
A year in the West Waterford Gaeltacht of An Rinn and An Seanphobal is observed in new four-part series Ceithre Raithe sna Déise.
Bailte returns visiting the townlands of Tír an Fhia in Connnemara, Rann na Feirste in Co. Donegal, Béal Áth an Ghaorthaidh in Cork, and An Baile Riabhach on the Dingle Peninsula.
Ireland’s landscape, history, and architecture are very different when seen from above. Rúin ón Spéir reveals the secrets of Ireland in new and unexpected ways.
Sand Artist – Streedagh Beach – Sligo. Rúin ón Spéir produced by Tile Films
CoisMóire reveals the secrets of Munster’s Blackwater River following the footsteps of Annraoi Ó Liatháin’s guidebook.
Arts series, Imeall is back this season on TG4. Beginning on Culture Night, Imeall provides a wonderful insight into the work of our leading arts practitioners.
Live coverage of the United Rugby Championship begins on September 17 on Rugbaí Beo with over 40 live games this season including exclusive terrestrial coverage of the URC Final.
Gráinne McElwain learns more about GAA silverware around the country in new series Scéalta na gCorn.
Underdogs is back with the clash of the ash this season. The management team of John Allen; Claire O’Connor and Jamie Wall are looking for squad with enough drive, skill and passion to take on one of the greatest hurling teams. The best GAA action all year round continues on GAA Beo.
Junior Eurovision takes place in Armenia this year and for the first time ever, the public will have their say in choosing Ireland’s young contestant.
Loyal fans of Ros na Rún eagerly await to see what will happen to Briain when the next season begins on September 6th. A new drama series for young people SaolElla portrays the life of Ella a thirteen-year-old girl with a wish-list for the summer, to find a potential suitor and more importantly, to have her first kiss.
Treas (Neans Nic Dhonnchadha – left) agus Ella (Ciara Cox -Right) in Saol Ella
TG4 is expanding upon its TG4 Gach Áit strategy again this season with a focus on prominence of Irish-language content.
Róise & Frank an Irish-language feature film from the Cine4 scheme by TG4, Screen Ireland and BAI, will have a cinema release nationwide from September 16.
An Cailín Ciúin, recently selected by IFTA as Ireland’s entry for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the 95th Academy Awards. The Best International Film contenders will be shortlisted from approximately 100 films to 15 international finalists on December 21.
Inscéal, the production company behind the film is on the verge of a US distribution deal which will see An Cailín Ciúin released in cinemas across America.
Two other films from the Cine4 scheme, Arracht and Foscadh will have their television premieres on TG4 this autumn.
TG4 will be available on Sky Glass which has launched in Ireland this week. Exclusive drama boxsets from Norway, Sweden and Iceland will launch this season on the TG4 Player, available worldwide on IOS, Android and on Smart TVs.
Liam Ó Maonlaí in Snugcheol
A digital-first music series Snugcheol will see and hear tunes from some of our favourite traditional musicians in some of the most famous and quirky snugs in the country.
MOLSCÉAL will continue to tell the stories of the Gaeltacht and Irish language communities on social media, and BLOC will give a new insight into the lives of young people in the Gaeltacht with a new series Óg sa nGaeltacht starting soon.
The Connacht side has been named for Friday’s pre-season friendly against the Sale Sharks, with a completely separate lineup from yesterday.
While one team went to France for Wednesday’s game against Castres, a different starting XV remained at home in Ireland
There are starts for new arrivals Peter Dooley and Josh Murphy, while Jarrad Butler captains the side from the back row alongside Conor Oliver and Paul Boyle.
Gavin Thornbury partners Murphy in the second row, while Dooley has Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier for company in the front row.
Kieran Marmion and Conor Fitzgerald make up the 9/10 combo, while Shayne Bolton and Tom Farrell make up the centre partnership.
The team is completed by a back three of wingers John Porch and Diarmuid Kilgallen, and full-back Tiernan O’Halloran.
Among the 11 replacements there is just one change from the players that travelled to France, with Jordan Duggan coming in as replacement loose-head.
CONNACHT RUGBY SQUAD V SALE SHARKS
Friday 26th August @ Dubarry Park, Athlone (k/o 19:00)
15. Tiernan O’Halloran
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen
13. Tom Farrell
12. Shayne Bolton
11. John Porch
10. Conor Fitzgerald
9. Kieran Marmion
1. Peter Dooley
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin
3. Jack Aungier
4. Josh Murphy
5. Gavin Thornbury
6. Jarrad Butler (c)
7. Conor Oliver
8. Paul Boyle
16. Eoin de Buitléar
17. Jordan Duggan
18. Sam Illo
19. Darragh Murray
20. Oisín McCormack
21. Colm Reilly
22. Shane Jennings
23. Josh O’Connor
24. Charlie Ward
25. Bart Vermeulen
26. Donnacha Byrne
