Galway weather: Mixed forecast over bank holiday weekend

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July 29, 2022

galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

The HSE has asked the public to help protect hospitals and emergency services over the August bank holiday weekend.

People are being asked to consider other options before attending emergency departments (EDs) or calling for an ambulance with hospitals reporting record numbers of patients attending for care and treatment.

This includes a sharp increase in the number of patients who are seen and treated in the ED and then discharged without requiring admission to hospital.

The HSE says that many of these patients could have been treated at other healthcare services such as Injury Units, GP and GP Out of Hours services and pharmacies.

Patients who attend EDs for routine and non-urgent treatment are being advised that they will experience very long waiting times over the coming weekend and into early next week.

People are also being asked to bear in mind that the National Ambulance Service (NAS) is extremely busy at present.

NAS prioritises calls so the most seriously ill or injured receive the quickest response.

The HSE is also encouraging people to heed advice from An Garda Síochána and slow down this bank holiday weekend.

They added that if you or someone else is seriously ill or needs urgent emergency care, do not delay going to ED or dialling 999/112 for help.

Garda operation targeting anti-social behaviour on trains

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July 29, 2022

Gardaí are conducting high visibility patrols of Galway intercity rail services today as part of an operation against anti-social behaviour.

Operation Twin Tracks is a day of action targeting anti-social behaviour on the DART, Luas, and intercity rail services.

As part of this Gardaí are patrolling eight intercity routes today in partnership with Irish Rail.

The Galway Divisional route incorporates Galway City, Oranmore, Athenry, Attymon, Woodlawn, Ballinsloe and South from Athenry, Craigwell, Ardrahan and Gort.

High visibility patrolling will operate between the hours of 3pm and 11pm on rail services in Galway and elsewhere today.

The focus is on pro engagement and a high level of visibility on the rail networks and at train stations nationwide.

A crime prevention stand will also be set up at Ceannt Station from 3pm to 8pm today, staffed Divisional Crime Prevention Officers assisted by Community Policing Units/Uniform members of An Garda Síochána.

UHG has the highest number of patients on trolleys in Ireland today

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July 29, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is the most overcrowded in the country today, with 55 patients waiting on trolleys this morning.

There were 53 people on trolleys at the UHG emergency department this morning, and another three in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe things are better, with two patients admitted without a bed today.

Figures from the INMO Trolley/Ward Watch show that there are a total of 388 patients on trolleys in Ireland’s hospitals today.

After UHG, the worst affected are St Vincent’s (39) and St James’ (33), while UH Limerick is having an unusually quiet day, with just 32 patients going without a bed.

UHG also still has the highest number of COVID patients in Ireland, tied with Beaumont at 43 cases as of Thursday evening.

More seriously, UHG also has the most COVID patients in the ICU, with four people receiving intensive care.

Portiuncula Hospital had seven COVID-19 cases as of yesterday, of whom two are being treated in the ICU.

Three arrested after €82,765 in cocaine and cash seized in Galway

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July 29, 2022

Galway Daily crime Three arrested after €82,765 in cocaine and cash seized in Galway

Three people have been arrested in connection with the seizure of €82,000 worth of cocaine and cash in Galway yesterday.

On Thursday, Gardaí from the Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in the Headford Road area of Galway City.

During the course of this search €9,500 cocaine and €10,265 cash was seized.

A woman in her 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at the North Western Regional HQ.

A second search was conducted at a residence in Menlo, Galway, where cocaine worth €63,000 was recovered.

A man and a woman, both in their 20s, were arrested in relation to this seizure.

They are detained at North Western Regional HQ under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking Act) 1996.

The drugs and cash seized will be sent for analysis. Gardaí say that the investigation is ongoing.

Extra scholarships announced for disadvantaged students

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July 29, 2022

Galway Daily news 30 percent of University of Galway graduates got first class honours this year

Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has today announced financial supports for students seeking to access higher education.

The €2 million funding announcement includes 50 bursaries of €5,000 for the most disadvantaged students including those with a disability, mature students and lone parents.

It will also include funding to support Traveller and Roma participation in higher education, and allow those on certain existing scholarships to retain the funding for additional courses including graduate entry medicine.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said that one of my key priorities since becoming Minister is to promote access to education.

He said that the Government has placed a relentless focus on promoting inclusion – but that there remains significant cohorts not represented in higher education.

“That is why we intend to launch a new National Access Plan to ensure we change the conversation about higher education and ensure it is available to all who wish to access it,” he said.

“We also must ensure we help diversify our professions too. That is why I am particularly pleased that we are allowing certain scholarship holders to continue their bursaries for graduate entry medicine courses.”

Serious assault in Galway city last night leaves young man in hospital

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July 29, 2022

Galway daily news Galway had Ireland's third highest number of road deaths in 2021

A man in his early 20s has been taken to University Hospital Galway after a serious assault in the city centre last night.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the incident at Prospect Hill near TK Maxx, just off Eyre Square, in the early hours of this morning.

The young man suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries in the assault.

So far no arrests have been made as investigations continue.

Farmers express concerns following emissions deal

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July 29, 2022

Galway Daily news Farmers stabbed in the back with TB risk letters - Fitzmaurice

The Government’s decision yesterday to demand of a reduction of 25% in greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector by 2030 has been described as a ‘potentially devastating blow’ for Irish farming and the rural economy.

The Irish Farmers Association heavily criticised the announcement, saying the deal between the three government parties is about their survival rather than the survival of rural Ireland.

The association’s president Tim Cullinan said that the Government agreed to a target without any pathway to get there or any budget to assist farmers to reduce emissions.

He said that they have ‘no idea of the economic and social impact’ of the decision on the farming sector or rural Ireland.

“Farmers across the country will be rightly worried about what this means for their future,” he said.

“The implementation plan to achieve the target will be vital. I want to make it clear that any attempt to undermine farmers livelihoods or the viability of sector, in order to achieve these targets, will be opposed vigorously by the IFA.”

Mr Cullinan said that the Government will have to come forward with real proposals and proper funding to support climate measures including on-farm renewable energy and ensure that farmers get full credit for this.

“We are still strongly of the view that the Government has not complied with the requirements in the Climate Act in relation to carbon leakage and the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane. These will have to be taken on board by the Government.”

Winners crowned for Galway Races Ladies Day Best Dressed Competition

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July 28, 2022

winner best dressed — Sandra Faller, winner of the Galway Races Best Dressed Lady sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

The stylish winner of the Galway Races Best Dressed event on Ladies Day of the Galway Races today was announced as Sandra Faller, a Front Officer Manager from Galway.

Noted for her unique style and beautiful elegance, Sandra has walked away with an amazing cash prize of €10,000 for the Best Dressed Award, sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group.

Sandra Faller, winner of the Galway Races Best Dressed Lady sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group
Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

Ladies Day is a showcase for the very best of Irish and international design and Ballybrit was once again no exception.

Wearing a stunning trouser suit by Rosin Linnane, shoes from Premoli and a hat by Laura Hanlon she was unanimously agreed as the esteemed judging panels’ favourite amid 24 other incredibly fashionable finalists.

Catherine O’Connor was crowned ‘Best Hat” winner also sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group, as she wowed in a stunning hat from Liz in Marc Milliner,

Catherine picked up a cash prize of €3,000 on the day after dazzling with her headpiece.

Catherine O’Connor, winner of the Galway Races Best Hat sponsored by the Connacht Hospitality Group

Judging the Best Dressed Lady competitions on the day was Head Judge and well-known stylist Mandy Maher who was joined by fellow judge Kieran O’Malley Connacht Hospitality Group and Jennifer Wyrnne, award winning Irish Hat Designer.

Head Judge Mandy Maher of the Best Dressed Lady competition. Photo: Andrew Downes, xposure

The Connacht Hospitality Group who sponsored the Best Dressed Lady competition is a family run Galway business that comprises of multiple extremely popular bars and hotels around Galway.

Eveanna Ryan, Director and Sales and Marketing for the Connacht Hospitality Group said, “for us at the Connacht Hospitality Group this was such an exciting partnership, the winners Sandra Faller and Catherine O’Connor immediately stood for their daring personal style.”

“We are so grateful to all those that have supported the Connacht Hospitality Group today and we would like to thank everyone who took part in this year’s Her Best Dressed, the whole team at Galway Races as well as the fabulous judges.”

Here are just a few of the other stylish looks and headpieces that wowed the crowds at the Galway Races Ladies Day today.

1 of 4

Widespread water outages in Galway City

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Water outages and low pressure problems are occurring in multiple areas on the west side of Galway City today following a serious burst water main.

Repairs crews are currently at work on the water main which burst at the playing pitches on Seamus Quirke Road this morning.

Irish Water and Galway City Council have said that efforts are being made to redirect water where possible to maintain the water supply to homes and businesses.

But this is causing water outages and pressure issues in Salthill, the Claddagh, and parts of lower Knocknacarra including the Westside, Kingston Road, and areas South of Western Distributor Road and Circular Road.

Galway Daily — Map of areas affected. Credit: Galway City Council

Speaking about the repair works Shay Walsh Irish Water said: “The repairs on the burst watermain on Circular Road, Westside Park are being conducted as quickly as possible to minimise disruption to the community and restore water for all customers.”

“We understand the inconvenience unplanned outages can have on customers and we appreciate their patience as we work to repair the burst and return the water supply.”

Irish Water has said that repairs are currently scheduled to continue until 9pm tonight, and are expected to be completed by this evening.

It typically takes 2-3 hours after such repairs are completed before people see their full water supply restored.

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

Wetherspoons submits plan for new pub in former Carbon nightclub

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily news Wetherspoons submits plan for conversion of former Carbon nightclub

Wetherspoons have submitted plans to the city council to convert the former Carbon nightclub to a pub and restaurant.

Planning permission is being sought by the UK pub chain for works including demolition and refurbishment works at ground floor level including the front elevation at Eglinton Street.

The plans also include an extension to first floor level to include a roof terrace, customer toilets and staff facilities.

Modifications will be made to the existing beer garden on the ground floor, and a second one will be added on the roof terrace upstairs.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by September 15 of this year.

Wetherspoons purchased the former Carbon nightclub in late 2019 as part of its ongoing expansion plans in Ireland.

Wetherspoon already runs seven pubs and two hotels in Ireland: the Three Tun Tavern (Blackrock), The Forty Foot (Dun Laoghaire), The Great Wood (Blanchardstown), The Linen Weaver (Cork), The Old Borough (Swords) including hotel, Keaven’s Port Hotel (Dublin), The Tullow Gate (Carlow) and The Silver Penny (Dublin).

Connacht Rugby URC fixtures announced

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily rugby Connacht squad named for South Africa trip in URC Semi-Final

Connacht Rugby have learned their fixtures for the 2022/23 United Rugby Championship today, kicking off the season against Ulster.

Connacht’s first match of the season will be an away game in Belfast on Friday, September 16, with the rest of the month taken up by two trips to South Africa.

The second away game of the URC season we take on DHL Stormers in Cape Town before making the trip North to take on the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria.

After starting off the season away from home, Connacht’s next three matches will take place on the brand new pitch in the Sportsground.

They will face off first against the two remaining Irish provinces, followed by a visit from the Scarlets, before heading over to Wales to play the Ospreys.

Dates, times and TV coverage are to be confirmed.

Connacht Rugby season ticket memberships are on sale now online here, guaranteeing entry into every home game, plus a range of great benefits.

Connacht Rugby 2022-23 FIXTURES

SEPTEMBER

Sep 16 v Ulster (A)
Sep 23 v DHL Stormers (A)
Sep 30 v Vodacom Bulls (A)

OCTOBER

Oct 7 v Munster (H)
Oct 14 v Leinster (H)
Oct 21 v Scarlets (H)
Oct 28 v Ospreys (A)

NOVEMBER

Nov 25 v Munster (A)

DECEMBER

Dec 2 v Benetton (H)
Challenge Cup Dec 9 v Newcastle Falcons (H)
Challenge Cup Dec 16 v CA Brive (A)
Dec 23 v Ulster (H)
Dec 30 v Leinster (A)

JANUARY

Jan 6 v Cell C Sharks (H)
Challenge Cup Jan 13 v CA Brive (H)
Challenge Cup Jan 20 v Newcastle Falcons (A)
Jan 27 v Emirates Lions (H)

FEBRUARY

Feb 17 v Zebre (A)

MARCH

Mar 3 v Dragons (A)
Mar 24 v Edinburgh (H)

APRIL

Apr 14 v Cardiff (H)
Apr 21 v Glasgow Warriors (A)

Cappataggle GAA launch biggest ever fundraiser in memory of club stalwart

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily sport Cappataggle GAA launching biggest ever fundraiser in memory of club stalwart

Cappataggle GAA have launched their annual fundraiser to support the club, and two worthy local charities.

The ‘Seán’s Stairway to Heaven’ fundraising climb will take place this August in aid of Galway Hospice and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre

These two charities were chosen in memory of club stalwart Sean Stankard who sadly passed away in March of this year.

“Sean was a great servant to the club and the wider community in Cappataggle and raised thousands of euros for local charities and the club over the years,” a club spokesperson said.

“Both the Galway Hospice and the East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support Centre were of huge support to Sean in his final months and continue to provide help and support to hundreds of families from all over the west of Ireland.”

This will be Cappataggle GAA’s biggest ever fundraising endeavour and it hopes to raise over €100,000.

It’s hoped that hundreds of people from the parish and beyond will take part in the ‘Sean’s Stairway to Heaven’ climb in August in the Cuilcagh Mountain Park in Co Fermanagh.

Each team will hold different fundraising events in the lead up to their climb, so please keep an eye on Cappataggle GAA’s social media channels for updates on how to support.

Anyone who wants to support this drive can also donate online at www.idonate.ie/cappatagglehurlingclub.

The fundraising drive will close with a day of celebration on August 28th, with a great day of events to be organised in Cappataggle Sportsfield.

There will be music in the marquee and entertainment on the day, with everything from sheep racing, sheaf throwing, turf footing and a game of hurling involving some ‘Masters’ from local hurling clubs. Plus, lots more. A great day out is guaranteed.

The club is asking anyone that can to please support the teams taking part in the weeks ahead as they raise funds, in any way, big or small.

Government approves independent office for Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation

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July 28, 2022

galway daily news Advisory Board members sought for Tuam Mother and Baby Home excavation

The government has approved plans to establish an independent office to oversee the excavation of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home site.

Minister Roderic O’Gorman’s plans to establish an Office of Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam were approved by the government on Wednesday.

The independent Director will oversee the excavation, exhumation, and analysis, and final reburial of the Mother and Baby Home site and human remains.

This comes after the Institutional Burials Act 2022 was signed into law this month.

The matter will now be brought before the Oireachtas when it reconvenes in Autumn, seeking a resolution approving the appointment.

The Minister said of the matter, “These are the final steps necessary in order to appoint a Director and start the excavation in Tuam.”

“Affected families and, indeed, the people of Ireland have waited a long time for this,” Roderic O’Gorman said.

“If approved by the Houses I will appoint a Director in the Autumn with a view to starting the excavation as soon as possible.”

UHG has highest number of COVID patients in Ireland

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July 28, 2022

University Hospital Galway currently has the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country, and the most in the ICU.

There were 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UHG as of Wednesday evening, with nine new cases admitted in the previous 24 hours.

Of these cases, five patients are being treated in the intensive care unit at UHG, more than in any other hospital.

There were no intensive care beds vacant for new patients at University Hospital Galway as of yesterday according to the HSE.

At Portiuncula hospital in Ballinasloe there are just four confirmed COVID cases, but two of those patients are in serious condition in the ICU.

The figures in Galway, while particularly high at UHG, are still down from a peak at the start of this month, when there there were 57 cases in Galway, and seven in Ballinasloe.

But the intensive care figures this morning are notably higher than at the start of July, when UHG had just three cases in intensive care, along with one at Portiuncula.

As of yesterday evening there were a total of 493 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland according to HSE figures, of whom 34 have been admitted to intensive care.

City Council hosts Californian business delegation

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily business City Council hosts Californian business delegation

Galway City Council recently played host to a delegation of Californian Industrialists and elected Assembly members, showcasing the business opportunities in the city.

The visit last week was part of high profile visit to Ireland by the Californian delegation, and coincided with Galway International Arts Festival.

The group was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard, who spoke about Galway’s role in driving the development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

Cllr Cubbard welcomed the group to Galway, and invited them to stay a while, and enjoy the city, and most importantly, to return again.

The delegation also heard from Brian Barrett, Director of Services, Gary McMahon, Arts Officer, and Ruairi Lehmann, Tourism Officer, all with the city council, who touted the many advantages of Galway.

Prof Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, also spoke about the close relationship of the United States and Ireland, with the group having visited the University the previous evening.

Speaking about the event, Brian Barrett said, “Galway City Council welcomes the delegation from California, and the opportunity to reignite the traditional strong Irish-American relationship.”

“This meeting was an opportunity to showcase Galway, as a diverse city of enterprise and learning with a rich cultural heritage, immersed in a stunning natural environment.”

“We look forward to welcoming more such delegations to our city in future, and supporting further direct investment by our visitors in Galway City”.

Ticketing details for Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships

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July 28, 2022

Galway Daily GAA Ticketing details for Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships

The Galway GAA Senior & Intermediate Hurling Club Championships get underway this weekend.

Details of all the fixtures for Friday through Monday, along with ticketing information for the Brooks Group Championships have been released by Galway GAA.

Match tickets cost €10 if purchased ahead of time, or €15 if you’re buying at the gate. Under 16s go free.

If the game forms part of a double header the Match Ticket is valid for both games at the venue.

Galway GAA have said that livestreaming details for the matches will be announced ahead of time.

Friday, July 29

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

Craughwell v Kilconieron, Loughrea, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

St. Mary’s Athenry v Moycullen, Kenny Park, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Padraig Pearses v Mullagh, Duggan Park, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Sylane v An Spidéal, Pearse Stadium, 7.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Saturday, July 30:

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

Gort v Cappataggle, Loughrea, 5.15 PM, purchase match tickets here

Clarinbridge v Killimordaly, Kenny Park, 5.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Castlegar v Turloughmore, Pearse Stadium, 5.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Loughrea v Tommy Larkins, Duggan Park, 7.30 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Portumna v Ahascragh/Fohenagh, Duggan Park 6 PM, purchase match tickets here

Liam Mellows v Ardrahan, Kenny Park, 4 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Kilbeacanty v Meelick-Eyrecourt, Loughrea, 3.30 PM, purchase match tickets here

Kinvara v Rahoon-Newcastle, Pearse Stadium 4 PM, purchase match tickets here

Sunday, July 31:

Brooks Senior A Hurling Championship

St Thomas v Sarsfields, Kenny Park, 2.00 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry v Kilnadeema-Leitrim, Kenny Park, 3.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Brooks Intermediate Hurling Championship

Castlegar v Killimor, Gort, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Kiltormer v Abbeyknockmoy, Duggan Park, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Annaghdown v Clarinbridge, Pearse Stadium, 12 PM, purchase match tickets here

Turloughmore v Ballinderreen, Gort, 1.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Carnmore v Craughwell, Pearse Stadium, 1.45 PM, purchase match tickets here

Monday, August 1:

Brooks Senior B Hurling Championship

Beagh v Oranmore-Maree, Kenny Park, 5PM, purchase match tickets here

€400 monthly payment now available for hosts of Ukrainian refugees

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July 27, 2022

galway daily news University of Galway signs partnership with government of Ukraine

Irish households hosting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine can now apply for a €400 payment to cover expenses.

The scheme opened for applications yesterday and the payments can be backdated to 4 March 2022 where accommodation has been provided since that date.

The tax-free payments are available to people who are providing, or have provided, accommodation to at least one person who has arrived in Ireland under an EU Directive which grants Ukrainians temporary protection.

Those applying for the scheme must meet accommodation standards and they are required to confirm this as part of their application

The scheme was set up to recognise the contribution of people who have offered up accommodation, whether in its entirety or a room, at their own expense.

A person providing accommodation to temporary protection beneficiaries on a commercial basis is ineligible to participate in the scheme.

It is available however to those who have made the hosting arrangement privately or through the Irish Red Cross pledge process.

More than 700 Galway people on Jobseekers’ for over 10 years

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July 27, 2022

galway daily news jobseekers building in galway city

Over 700 people in Galway have been on the Jobseekers’ Allowance (JA) for at least ten years.

The Department of Social Protection figures obtained by Newstalk under Freedom of Information show that 15,000 people nationally have been on JA for over 10 years.

Some 4,037 of those are in Dublin, while Galway, Donegal, Cork Louth and Wexford all have at least 700.

Bríd O’Brien from the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed told Newstalk that there are many reasons people can find themselves long-term unemployed.

“The longer you’re out of work, the more difficult it can be to get in work, which is why then good advice and support is critical,” she said.

“People may need to reskill, retrain. Even just getting the advice – getting a job is a job in itself.

“The majority of us aren’t great at it so people do need good pointers and advice around how to secure a job, how to apply for a job, how to present yourself.”

UHG is the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

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July 27, 2022