Club Hurling Championship Draws to take place this evening

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 15, 2022

0

Galway Daily sport Club Hurling Championship Draws to take place this evening

The Galway Club Hurling Championship Draws will take place in Loughrea this evening.

The Championship Draws will take place at the Lough Rea Hotel & Spa from 7:30pm.

The senior and intermediate draws will be broadcast live on Galway Bay FM.

The Division 1 Hurling League final between Loughrea and Turloughmore will also take place tomorrow evening at Kenny Park in Athenry.

The Division 1 Final was originally meant to take place last Sunday, and the Championship Draw on Monday.

Both events were postponed as a mark of respect following the passing of Phelim Murphy, a titan of Galway Hurling.

The funeral for the beloved Turloughmore man took place yesterday, after his passing last Friday.

Galway top destination in Ireland for people moving for remote working

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 15, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Coast Guard, RNLI, and Water Safety Ireland appeal for swimmers to stay safe this Christmas

Galway is the top destination in Ireland for people who are considering relocating due to the availability of remote working.

The National Remote Working Survey by NUI Galway and the Western Development Commission found that 10.1% of people who are considering relocating said that Galway is the place in Ireland that they would most like to move to.

Coastal counties were clearly people’s preferred destinations, as the next most sough after counties are Cork (9.2%), and Wicklow (5.9%).

But more even than moving to the coast, there are a large number of people who want to move out of Ireland altogether, with 16.8% saying that they would consider moving out of Ireland.

This is the third annual National Remote Working Survey carried out by the Western Development Commission, and NUI Galway’s Whitaker Institute.

Of the people who responded to the survey, some 10% said that they had already relocated due to the pandemic, and remote working.

“This supports anecdotal evidence and stories that are familiar to many of friends and colleagues that have moved to more regional and rural locations,” said Tomás Ó Síocháin, chief executive of the WDC.

“This trend highlights the importance of remote work in supporting balanced regional development and initiatives like the ConnectedHubs network and legislative support for remote work can sustain these trends into the future.”

Of those who have already moved, nearly two-thirds had left Dublin, while 7.4% had moved out of Galway.

Other findings from the analysis shows that those who have relocated have a higher level of formal education with 48% of those who have relocated having a masters or doctoral degree.

The survey also highlighted that more women than men have relocated and of those who already relocated because they can work remotely 46% rented their home, and 54% owned their home.

Approval sought for 44 houses in Ballinasloe

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 15, 2022

0

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 44 houses at Poolboy in Ballinasloe.

Two separate planning applications have been made by Crownbell Ltd to the County Council, one for 38 houses, and another for 6 homes.

Both are to be located on an infill site at the existing Cuil Na Canalacht estate on the south side of the town.

In total, the two developments would comprise 20 three-bed, semi-detached houses, and 24 three-bed townhouses.

A Natura Impact Assessment is to be submitted with these planning application.

A decision is due from Galway County Council on these two planning application by August 2 of this year.

Point Lonsdale needs to rediscover best form to shock Coroebus

By

Thomas O'Brien

-

June 15, 2022

0

Point Lonsdale enhanced his glowing reputation at Royal Ascot in 2021 with a brilliant performance at the Chesham Stakes.

Aidan O’Brien’s charge was seemingly a horse on the rise with the world at its feet, especially in Ireland, where he was downright dominant.

However, the first sign of an issue came in the Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at Curragh at the end of the campaign.

The Irish thoroughbred was considered the leading contender for the contest after reeling off five wins on the bounce, including one at Curragh earlier in the term. However, he was beaten out by Native Trail in the contest, losing out by a comfortable margin to Charlie Appleby’s charge.

Point Lonsdale has since suffered a further blow in the 2000 Guineas Stake when he placed down in 10th at Newbury Racecourse, leaving him with work ahead to salvage his reputation. A chance will come at the St. James’s Palace Stakes, where he is backed in the Royal Ascot betting odds at 14/1 to win the event, although it will take a monumental turnaround for O’Brien’s charge.

O’Brien was once the king of the St James’s Palace Stakes, winning the event six times between 2000 and 2009. And although he holds the record for the most victories by eight, the Irishman has only had two winners in the last 12 years, with Circus Maximus his last successful entry in 2019.

There are a lot of quality competitors that are scheduled to compete in one of the signature events of Royal Ascot, notably Coroebus, who dominated the field in the 2000 Guineas in May. Point Lonsdale was a strong contender at 11/2 for the crown, only a shade behind Coroebus in the minds of the bookmakers, although Native Trail was the favourite in the betting odds to win the first UK Classic of the season.

Coroebus laid down a pace in the final stretch that not even his stable-mate could match, while O’Brien’s was never in contention and finished seven-and-a-half lengths behind the winner. As a result, there is a big bridge to cross for the Irish thoroughbred if he is able to restore his reputation in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

O’Brien’s record in the event is in the favour of Point Lonsdale to return to winning ways, although the dominance of Native Trail and Coroebus out of Appleby’s yard is a concern.

Appleby has not won the St James’s Palace Stakes in his illustrious career and will be determined to get over the line for the first time. Pinatubo was his best shot at success in 2020 in the race, but he faced off against a quality competitor in the form of Palace Pier out of John Gosden’s yard and was beaten by a length.

It has not been a race where Godolphin have enjoyed a lot of success, despite the quality available to them. Barney Roy was their last successful charge in 2017 from Richard Hannon’s yard, and the demand for success will be high.

O’Brien may look to capitalise on their eagerness, although the odds are stacked in the favour of Coroebus and Native Trail ahead of Point Lonsdale. The Irish thoroughbred needs to flash the brilliance of last summer to cause a stir at Royal Ascot.

Award winning Galway composer Eímear Noone receives honourary doctorate

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 15, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Award winning Galway composer Eímear Noone receives honourary doctorate — Photo: Aengus McMahon

The award winning composer and Galway native Eímear Noone has been awarded an honorary doctorate by her alma mater, NUI Galway.

The award-winning artist and creator of scores for 26 film and video game titles was conferred a Doctor of Music honoris causa at the university’s summer conferring.

The honorary conferring took place at a special graduation celebration for more than 150 former students who completed studies in 2021 and whose winter conferring was postponed.

It was also a chance for graduates who completed studies in 2020, and were conferred in absentia due to public health restrictions, to get their day in the sun.

A world-renowned conductor and award-winning composer, Eímear Noone is based out of Los Angeles and Dublin.

Originally from Kilconnell, she made history in 2020 when she became the first woman to conduct the orchestra at the Academy Awards.

She said that she was delighted to receive the Honorary Doctorate of Music, and this this year was a special time for it.

“It’s particularly poignant that it’s the same year that the first students of the university’s Bachelor of Music are graduating from NUI Galway.”

“To be honoured in my own home county, in Galway, is so meaningful and overwhelming,” Eímear said.

“If I was to offer any advice to the graduates of today it’s this – take the ‘don’t be bold’ that we are told as kids, and turn it on its head, and go out there and be bold.”

One Galway name on latest tax defaulters list

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 14, 2022

0

galway daily news €3 million for funding community facilities in Galway

A orthodontic surgeon who underpaid income tax and VAT is the one Galway name on the latest list of tax defaulters from the Revenue Commissioners.

A total of nine settlements coming to €11.6 million are on the tax defaulters list published by the Revenue for the first three months of this year.

In Galway, orthodontic surgeon Hugh Gordan, of Dock Street in the city, reached a settlement of €250,218 with the Revenue, which has been fully paid.

This related to an audit case of €172,071 in under-declared Income Tax and VAT.

The largest settlement by far, almost all of the total so far published this year, was €9,984,534 by fuel wholesaler Glendalough Stores Limited.

The who sum of this settlement by the Drogheda company, which is now in liquidation, remained unpaid as of March 31.

There were also 44 people issued fines by the courts totaling €88,950 in the first three months of the year.

Galway men set off on 5,000km row across the ocean

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 14, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Galway men set off on 5,000km row across the ocean — Photo: @emjcamera

Two Galway men have set off on a 5,000km odyssey, attempting to break the world record as they row from New York to Galway.

Lifelong friends Damian Browne and Fergus Farrell are crossing the Atlantic in Project Empower, raising money for four local charities as they do.

Two two men set off from New York on Monday, and expect to hopefully arrive at the docks in just under eight weeks.

You can track their progress across the ocean at projectempower.ie, as they attempt to break the existing record.

The existing record for an unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean has been unbeaten for the past 120 years.

In total, there have been 52 such attempts, but only 18 of them even managed to complete the crossing.

Of these, six successful crossings have been made by pairs, another six by solo rowers, five by a group of four people, and one team of five.

The pairs world record is held by Norwegians George Harboe and Frank (Gabriel) Samuelsen who were the first pair to attempt the row.

They crossed from New York to the Scilly Isles in 1896 in a time of 55 days and 13 hours.

People can still donate to Project Empower to support the work of the Galway Simon Community, National Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, Ability West and Madra.

Five Connacht players named for Irish side on New Zealand tour

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 14, 2022

0

Galway Daily rugby Aki and Fryday named Guinness Rugby Writers Players Of The Year

The 40 man Ireland squad for the five game tour of New Zealand this summer has been named, and includes five Connacht players.

Andy Farrell, head coach for Connacht and the national squad, has included Bundee Aki, Mack Hansen, Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, and Cian Prendergast in the Irish side.

This is Ireland’s first tour of New Zealand since 2012, and the first chance the country has had to go on a full tour since before the pandemic.

Ireland will play three Test matches against New Zealand in Auckland, Dunedin and Wellington as well as two fixtures against the Māori All Blacks in Hamilton ahead of the first Test and in Wellington following the second Test.

There are five uncapped players included in the squad Ciaran Frawley, Joe McCarthy, Jimmy O’Brien (all Leinster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster) and Cian Prendergast (Connacht).

There are a further 12 players included who have won less than 10 caps for Ireland – Harry Byrne, Craig Casey, Gavin Coombes, Mack Hansen, James Hume, Michael Lowry, Ryan Baird, Dave Heffernan, Tom O’Toole, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney and Kieran Treadwell.

Robert Baloucoune, Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell and Ronan Kelleher have been ruled out of the tour through injury.

Andy Farrell said, “This is the start of our Rugby World Cup campaign and it is going to be a fantastic challenge for our group facing five massive tests across the three weeks.”

“Due to Covid we haven’t had an opportunity to tour and touring plays a massive role in teams gelling together and building cohesion on and off the field.”

“This group could also be the last to play a Test series in New Zealand which makes it even more special.”

We will learn so much about the players and the group as a whole as we have to front up for five incredibly tough fixtures, far from the comforts of home and in grounds where the home support will greatly outnumber travelling Irish fans.”

Connacht’s Senior Coach Peter Wilkins will also join the national coaching group for the duration of the tour to assist in team preparation.

Ireland 2022 Summer Tour Squad

Backs (18)
Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians) 37 caps
Harry Byrne (Leinster/Lansdowne) 2 caps
Joey Carbery (Munster/Clontarf) 32 caps
Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon) 5 caps
Keith Earls (Munster/Young Munster) 96 caps
Ciaran Frawley (Leinster/Skerries) uncapped
Jamison Gibson Park (Leinster) 17 caps
Mack Hansen (Connacht) 4 caps
Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers) 57 caps
James Hume (Ulster/Banbridge) 3 caps
Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD) 20 caps
Jordan Larmour (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 30 caps
James Lowe (Leinster) 12 caps
Michael Lowry (Ulster/Banbridge) 1 cap
Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen) 96 caps
Jimmy O’Brien (Leinster/Naas) uncapped
Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD) 42 caps
Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 105 caps CAPTAIN

Forwards (22)
Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University) 8 caps
Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers) 23 caps
Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne) 30 caps
Jack Conan (Leinster/Old Belvedere) 27 caps
Gavin Coombes (Munster/Young Munster) 2 caps
Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College) 17 caps
Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf) 57 caps
Cian Healy (Leinster/Clontarf) 116 caps
Dave Heffernan (Connacht/Buccaneers) 6 caps
Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy) 68 caps
Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 26 caps
Jeremy Loughman (Munster/Garryowen) uncapped
Joe McCarthy (Leinster/Dublin) uncapped
Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution) 84 caps
Tom O’Toole (Ulster/Ballynahinch) 2 caps
Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD) 43 caps
Cian Prendergast (Connacht) uncapped
James Ryan (Leinster/UCD) 43 caps
Dan Sheehan (Leinster/Lansdowne) 7 caps
Nick Timoney (Ulster/Banbridge) 2 caps
Kieran Treadwell (Ulster/Ballymena) 5 caps
Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD) 40 caps

Ireland 2022 Summer Tour Fixtures

Māori All Blacks v IRELAND
FMG Stadium, Hamilton, Wednesday 29th June, 2022 (KO: 8.05am)

New Zealand v IRELAND
Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 2nd July, 2022 (KO: 8.05am)

New Zealand v IRELAND
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Saturday 9th July, 2022 (KO: 8.05am)

Māori All Blacks v IRELAND
SKY Stadium, Wellington, Tuesday 12th July, 2022 (KO: 8.05am)

New Zealand v IRELAND
SKY Stadium, Wellington, Saturday 16th July, 2022 (KO: 8.05am)

Construction of 50 bed extension to Portiuncula Hospital starting this week

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 14, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Massive backlog after bone scanner at Portiuncula Hospital broken for 2 years

Construction on the new 50 bed ward at Portiuncula Hospital is due to get underway this week, a Galway TD has confirmed.

When completed the hospital extension will deliver a two-storey, 4,038sqm ward building with 50 beds, and a link corridor to the existing hospital.

Last November the county council granted an extension of planning permission for the project.

In seeking this, the HSE said that it is expected that the addition to Portiuncula Hospital will be completed by mid-2023.

Deputy Denis Naughten said that the COVID pandemic has delayed the project, the “failure of officials” to follow through on commitments has also been a factor.

“The reality of Covid-19 is that a new ward block is now more urgently required than ever to address the chaotic situation that many patients, and staff, have faced in the past in our local A&E Department.”

“This new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula will increase bed usage and can also provide additional beds in the hospital system, easing pressure in hospitals across the Midlands and West of Ireland.”

He added that the HSE has said that this block us designed in such a way as to enable an additional 50 bed extension to the hospital.

“I will now be pressing the current Government to move on this additional bed extension as soon as possible,” said Denis Naughten.

Concerns over possible spread of Pacific Salmon in Ireland

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 14, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Concern over presence of Pacific Pink Salmon in Irish waters

Inland Fisheries Ireland has expressed serious concerns that Pacific Pink Salmon may spread in Irish rivers, potentially harming their Atlantic counterparts.

The IFI is calling on anglers to be on the lookout for any Pacific Salmon, and report any they find in Ireland’s river systems.

The worry is that if they do establish themselves in Irish waterways, they could negatively impact on native species such as Atlantic Salmon, and Sea Trout.

Also known as humpback salmon, pink salmon are a migratory species native to river systems in the northern Pacific Ocean, and nearby regions of the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean.

Although a single specimen was first recorded in Ireland in 1973, until 2017 individuals had rarely been encountered here.

Since 2017, the fish has been increasingly detected in unprecedented numbers in river systems and coastal areas of the North Atlantic, including Ireland, albeit at relatively low levels here to date.

However, at a recent meeting of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), concerns were raised about an explosion in their numbers in the northernmost Norwegian rivers last year.

Francis O’Donnell CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland said, “We are appealing to anglers and the general public to remain vigilant and report the presence of any Pacific pink salmon encountered in Irish river systems.”

“The threat of pink salmon means that our already critically endangered Atlantic salmon are on the verge of a very serious ecological crisis.”

“The species is already under threat from declining water quality, loss of habitat, and the impacts of sea lice and salmon farm escapes on native stocks.”

“We will have to consider robust mitigation measures that may prove costly and labour intensive.”

As pink salmon predominantly have a two-year lifecycle, there is potential for the species to reappear in Irish rivers again in 2023 and every second so called ‘odd’ year thereafter.

However, they can also turn up in ‘even’ years and a single specimen was reported in the River Suir in 2018.

Dr Cathal Gallagher, Head of Research and Development at IFI, said that the growth of the their numbers in Norway last year, and sightings in Ireland in recent years, are of great concern.

“The presence of large numbers of pink salmon in Irish rivers could negatively impact some of our native species such as Atlantic salmon and sea trout as well as estuarine and coastal marine fish species and their associated ecosystems.”

He warned that, despite limited information at the moment, the climate and environmental conditions in Ireland are potentially suitable for them to get a foothold in our rivers.

IFI is appealing for anglers to report catches of Pacific Pink Salmon to their 24-hour confidential hotline number – 0818 34 74 24 or 0818 FISH 24, and follow the advice given.

Three free electronic waste collections in Galway this week

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Free electrical waste collection event in Galway this weekend

Three free collections of electronic waste for county householders will take place in Galway this week, over the space of two days.

The County Council is holding two free WEEE collections on Tuesday, with a third on Thursday, June 16.

The first two collections will take place in Kinvara and Woodford, in the morning and afternoon respectively, with Thursday’s collection in Portumna.

This is an opportunity for county households to get free recycling of anything with a plug or battery.

Any household waste electrical items, batteries, or energy saving lightbulbs will be accepted.

This extends to electronic waste of any size or shape, small items such as a phone or cables, or larger goods like a fridge or lawnmower.

The schedule of collections announced by the county council for this week is:

Kinvara – Tuesday 14th June 2022 at St. Colman’s Parish Church Car Park: 10am -1pm
Woodford – Tuesday 14th June 2022 at St. John the Baptist Church Car Park: 4pm -7pm
Portumna – Thursday 16th June 2022 at Portumna Co-operative Mart: 10am -4pm

Call for major safety improvements on Old Ballybane Road

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Call for major safety improvements on Old Ballybane Road

The City Council and NTA are being urged to apply for funding to carry out works to improve safety on the Old Ballybane Road.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that the area between Ballybane and Doughiska is in need of major improvements.

He described the lack of footpaths, motorists travelling at high speeds, as a serious health and safety issue.

“It’s a danger to pedestrians and motorists and needs to be addressed with urgency as it an accident waiting to happen,” Alan Cheevers said.

He expressed urgency over the need for better footpaths and other traffic calming measures, as the population in the area is only set to increase.

“We will see over 200 residential units being occupied on this road in next while, over a phased basis. This is more traffic, so I’m asking for this to be dealt with as soon as possible.”

€3,000 bursary for young musicians in the Galway Gaelteacht

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway daily news €3,000 bursary for young musicians in the Galway Gaelteacht

A €3,000 bursary will help support the education of young musicians in the Galway Gaeltacht this year.

Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta is one of 24 recipients coinfirmed for the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme in 2022, for an initiative in Galway.

The scheme has been allocated a total of €100,000 for bursaries this year, with just one recipient in Galway.

A nationwide organisation, Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta provides support, assistance and advice to families who are raising their children through Irish in the Gaeltacht or who wish to do so.

The Bursary Scheme provides a small cash grant to help initiatives that help cultivate the talent of young musicians.

The scheme is operated by the Department of Education, which put out a call for applications in March of this year.

“Bursaries available under this scheme will help organisations to provide resources they need to continue working with children and young people in community settings,” Minister Norma Foley said.

“Music is in our DNA and is an important way for people to express themselves and show their creativity.”

“I hope that these grants can enable community organisations to continue providing music tuition and classes for the remainder of this year and assist in the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on our children and young people.”

NUI Galway celebrates seven Fulbright awards

By

Michael Malone

-

June 13, 2022

0

galway daily news fulbright awards seven nui galway awardees — Front row, from left: Ciara Shortiss, Dr Sharon Glynn, Dr Jenny Mc Sharry, Aoibhín Sheedy, and Dr Ruth Melia. Back row, from left: Dr Eoin Whelan and Dara Kerins. Credit - Andres Poveda Photography.

Seven academics, researchers and graduates of NUI Galway have been named among the 40 Fulbright awardees in Ireland for 2022-2023.

Each year, the Fulbright programme awards grants to Irish citizens to study, research, or teach in the United States, and for US citizens to do the same in Ireland.

The seven NUI Galway Fulbright awardees are Dr Sharon Glynn, Dara Kerins, Dr Jenny Mc Sharry, Dr Ruth Melia, Aoibhín Sheedy, Ciara Shortiss and Dr Eoin Whelan.

NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh commended the seven awardees on their achievement.

“NUI Galway has a proud history of excellence in education and research, and the internationally-recognised Fulbright Awards are associated with excellence and prestige,” he said.

“We are proud to have them represent our university. Fulbright made a big difference to my academic, research career and, as a Fulbright alumnus, I wish our awardees the very best of success in the United States.”

The Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Joe Hackett and the Deputy Chief of Mission, Alexandra McKnight, announced the Fulbright awardees on behalf of US Ambassador to Ireland Clare Cronin.

About the awardees

Dr Sharon Glynn – Associate Professor in Pathology at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research at NUI Galway, and a Funded Investigator in CÚRAM. Dr Glynn’s Fulbright Scholar Award with be hosted at Houston Methodist Hospital Weill Cornell and is linked to breast cancer research. Dr Glynn will explore the use of multiplex spatial digital pathology to understand tumour microenvironment in patients with breast cancer responds to cancer therapy, and to identify factors that contribute to successful treatment response. She will also visit the Harper Cancer Center at Notre Dame University to build new collaborations.

Dara Kerins – Social scientist with a BSc (Applied Social Sciences) and Higher Diploma (Economic Science) from NUI Galway. Dara Kerrins has worked as a community development officer, a director/trustee of a marine conservation organisation, and an award-winning fundraiser for the humanitarian-aid organisation Concern, and has founded, and currently coordinates a sustainability initiative at NUI Galway entitled Glassary. Building upon his passion to help people through the development of a more safe, sustainable, and equitable world, he will use his Fulbright-EPA Award to undertake a Master’s programme in financial economics, before embarking upon a PhD in public policy in the years to come.

Dr Jenny Mc Sharry – Chartered Health Psychologist, lecturer in the School of Psychology and Assistant Director of the Health Behaviour Change Research Group at NUI Galway. As a Fulbright-HRB HealthImpact Scholar at City University New York, she will complete “Student Experiences of Health Psychology in the US (STEP-US): A mixed methods study with US Health Psychology doctoral students and programme leads”. The project will facilitate the development of international recommendations to support students from a diversity of backgrounds in training as Health Psychologists and to become the future leaders needed to address global healthcare challenges.

Dr Ruth Melia – Senior Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead at HSE Mid-West, and a researcher on the use of mobile health technology in suicide prevention at NUI Galway. She is Principal Investigator on the SafePlan trial, a National Office for Suicide Prevention-funded study of mobile-based safety planning within Irish mental health services. Ruth is an Adjunct Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at NUI Galway, and provides teaching and research supervision to psychologists across institutions. As a Fulbright-HRB HealthImpact Scholar, Ruth will further her work on the use of Artificial Intelligence in Suicide Prevention with researchers at the Joiner Lab, Florida State University.

Aoibhín Sheedy – PhD student in Biomedical Engineering and CÚRAM at NUI Galway. Her PhD is funded by the SFI LiFTETIME CDT Programme and investigates advanced immunotherapy and delivery strategies to treat ovarian cancer. As a Fulbright-Enterprise Ireland Awardee at the University of Minnesota, she will investigate the currently developed therapeutics at the Miller Lab through the device developed at the Dolan Lab in NUI Galway.

Ciara Shortiss – PhD student in the Anatomy Department and Regenerative Medicine Institute, NUI Galway. Funded by the Irish Research Council her research investigates viral gene therapy vectors to reduce the production of molecules in spinal cord injury scarring. The scar that forms after injury is one obstacle stopping nerve re-growth, preventing signals from being transmitted to and from the brain. Therapies that target multiple obstacles preventing regeneration show the most promise in treating spinal cord injury. As a Fulbright-Enterprise Ireland Awardee at the Neurobiology Lab, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, Ciara will investigate combining her gene therapy with a biomaterial scaffold developed in the Mayo Clinic to further promote nerve growth after spinal cord injury.

Dr Eoin Whelan – Professor of Business Analytics and Society at the J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics in the NUI Galway. He is also a visiting professor at the Institute d’Economie Scientifique et de Gestion, France, and a visiting researcher at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. His research explores the psychology underlying engagement with interactive digital media. As a Fulbright-TechImpact Scholar in the summer of 2023, he will work alongside colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder to determine if an abstinence from social media, commonly known as a digital detox, is an effective intervention strategy for promoting a healthy way of life for teenagers.

The next round of applications for Fulbright Irish Awards will open on August 31, 2022.

Welcome the dawn to support Galway Simon Community

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Welcome the dawn to support Galway Simon Community

If you’re an early riser, then grab your yoga mat, swimsuit and your friends and share a moment of serenity this summer solstice with Galway Simon.

The Galway Simon Community’s Dip at Dawn will take place at 4:20am on Tuesday, June 21 at Salthill Beach to raised funds for the charity’s homelessness services.

The event will start off with a rejuvenating yoga session, led by Yoga Shala co-owner, Laragh Cunningham and her team.

Sarah Lynch of Ebb and Flow will be on hand to lead an invigorating dip in the sea, while the Barista Bus will have hot beverages at the ready to warm participants after the swim.

Fintan Maher of Galway Simon explained how participating in Dip at Dawn can help to make a difference in the lives of those facing homelessness locally.

“The homelessness crisis in the West is at its worst point since Galway Simon Community was established over 40 years ago.”

“Far too many women, men, young adults and children are experiencing the trauma of homelessness.”

“That is why we are asking people to take action this year to help people in our community and the Dip at Dawn is the perfect way to do this”, Fintan said.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions it has been two years since the last Dip at Dawn, when over 140 people participated in the event.

Participants said that the event was “a great start to the day” and “the most fabulous thing”. One participant commented “It’s a beautiful thing to take time out of your day to help somebody with theirs.”

Galway Simon Community are looking forward to gathering as a community once more and to support those facing homelessness.

“By taking part in the Dip at Dawn, you are helping us to raise vital funds to support people in our local community who may have no place to call home or are facing the fear of homelessness,” explained Fintan.

We are asking people to take a short time out of their morning and take part in a fun event, to help others.”

Registration for the event is €30, and the first 200 people to register will receive an exclusive Dip at Dawn t-shirt.

To register and for more information visit here.

100% of proceeds will go directly to Galway Simon Community who provide support and accommodation services to those experiencing, or at risk of homelessness in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

Ballybane is Ireland’s worst urban litter blackspot

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Galway fails to crack 'Clean' list in latest litter survey

Ballybane is one of the most seriously littered places in the country, tumbling in the latest IBAL Litter Survey.

Ballybane sits squarely at the bottom of the latest survey of Irish towns and cities released by Irish Businesses Against Litter today.

It is one of only two places in the country deemed ‘Seriously Littered’ in the survey, along with Drogheda, getting worse since the last survey.

An Taisece, which conducts the surveys on behalf of IBAL, took note of the level of dumping in Ballybane, with a “all manner of Litter (and) a mountain of black sacks”.

The survey also took aim at the “incredible air of neglect” at Ballybane Indistrial Estate, which is used as a dumping ground.

However, Galway City Centre and Ballinasloe were both deemed ‘Clean to European Norms’, with the city centre climbing from 24th ace in last December’s survey, to 17th place now.

Overall, IBAL found that there has been a decline in the number of Litter blackspots compared with the end of last year.

One area if specific litter which is still a problem is disposable coffee cups, found at a quater of all locations.

IBAL said that the use of paper cups, even recyclable ones, must be disincentivised, as too many of them are ending up on the ground.

The business group said that a government move towards a levy on disposable cups makes sense considering this litter.

On a better note, the amount of COVID related rubbish has dropped sharply in recent months.

Discarded facemasks were found at 17% of sites surveyed, compared with 32% of locations in 2021.

There was also a fall-off in alcohol-related litter, which contributed to an improvement in the state of public parks, 80% of which were clean.

The survey suggests that Ireland is seeing a return to normality post-Covid.

Conor Horgan, IBAL spokesperson said, “With cleaning schedules back to normal, less PPE litter, and less alcohol consumption outdoors, litter levels have fallen.”

“However, despite improvements the centres of our main cities are still littered at a time when we are welcoming our peak tourist numbers.”

“For a high-cost destination, higher standards are required,” comments Mr Horgan.

Connemara student is first Irish winner of furniture design award

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Connemara student is first Irish winner of furniture design award

A student of Atlantic Technological University’s Connemara campus has become the first ever Irish winner of a furniture design competition.

Kevin O’Kennedy has just completed his final year on the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Furniture Design and Manufacture programme at ATU’s Connemara campus.

He was recently named the winner of the Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Furniture Design Prize, the first time it has gone to someone outside of the UK.

Kevin, who is from Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo took home the £1,000 prize for his chair design titled “An Chathaoir Oidhreachta (Legacy Chair)”.

The award was presented to him by trustee of the Foundation Mary V Mullin at the launch of Legacy, a special exhibition of graduate’s work at Interface Inagh, Connemara.

Kevin designed the chair to be used not only as a place to sit down but also to relax to a rocking motion.

The structure of the chair is made from oak and the cushions are made with a foam filling and a Foxford herringbone weave textile cover. The oak frame is finished in a natural Osmo oil.

The four bridle joints add a beautiful aesthetic to the piece with the contrasting grain formations. This chair is designed to be manufactured to stand the test of time so that it can become a legacy, passed down from generation to generation.

“It was an honour to have my chair design recognised as award worthy amongst such a talented group of designers.”

“Winning the award has been the highlight of my four years in ATU Connemara and I’d like to thank The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation for this opportunity.” says Kevin.

The project was launched in November 2021 by lecturers Jeremy Madden and Dr Susan Rogers for final year students of the Furniture Design course.

Throughout the year the students were supported by advisor to the project Alan Tilbury, award-winning furniture designer and educator.

Acknowledging his contribution to the project, Mary Mullin describes Alan as “a talented designer whose wide body of work ranges from the Cathedral Chair for the Archbishop of Canterbury to public park seating in Bristol.”

“He is a gifted and dedicated teacher who has shared his knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for detailed design with a generosity of spirit with the students who participated in this project.”

Established in 2012, The Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation preserves the legacy of the pioneering 20th century furniture and textile designers.

It aims to promote appreciation and understanding of design and provides opportunities for the general public and students to further their study of design.

The prize is one way in which the foundation supports this endeavor by making awards to students of design.

All ten designs were exhibited at Interface Inagh, Connemara from 19 to 21 May.

The winning design can also be viewed at the annual summer show which runs at the ATU Connemara campus in Letterfrack village from 21 June to 19 August 2022.

Explore the magic as a Film Fleadh volunteer

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 13, 2022

0

Galway Daily arts Explore the magic as a Film Fleadh volunteer

Galway Film Fleadh is returning next month, and if you want a chance to get up a look behind the curtain, the festival is looking for volunteers.

Volunteering at the Galway Film Fleadh offers an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the running of an annual film festival.

Become a part of the Film Fleadh team and gain a unique insight into an important aspect of the film industry.

Not to mention the fun to be had and friends to be made by working at one of Ireland’s premiere summer events.

For those fascinated by the world of film, volunteering with the fleadh also offers the opportunity to rub shoulders with industry leading producers, directors and screenwriters, as well as world famous actors.

Volunteers will assist with all facets of the festival, including workshops and industry events; transportation and guest registration; working with the publicity/marketing team; taking tickets; greeters; ushering; technical AV assistance or sales.

The festival is particularly interested in hearing from potential volunteer photographers.

If you would like to volunteer at this year’s festival, click here to sign up and fill out as many details as possible as to which area you’d like to be involved in.

This year’s Galway Film Fleadh will feature two world premieres among its amazing lineup of short and features films when it returns to the streets and screens in July.

The festival will open with feel-good film Joyride starring Olivia Colman, and midlands-set football drama Lakelands will also have its world premiere at this year’s festival.

Director of Programming William Fitzgerald said that the whole industry is looking forward to return to the first ‘proper Fleadh’ in three years.

“And we’re not going to disappoint with a record number of New Irish Film premieres in this year’s programme. Stay tuned for more to come,” he said.

Green light for ATMs at local Credit Union chain

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 12, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Green light for new ATMs at local Credit Union chain

Galway County Council has approved plans by a local credit union chain to install ATMs at three of its branches across the county.

St Jarlath’s Credit Union has been giving the green light to install ATMs at the facade of their branches in Glenamaddy, Dunmore, and Mountbellew.

St Jarlath’s is a large chain, with a head office in Tuam, and branches in ten other towns around the county.

First founded in 1967, St Jarlath’s now has over 53,000 members in Galway.

The county council approved the plans with three standard conditions attached.

Galway TD Seán Canney welcomed the plans by St Jarlath’s, saying that it was needed after the rural towns lost local banks.

“This is a progressive step by the Credit Union and will provide a much-needed facility for people to withdraw cash in their locality.”

“The three towns have seen the main retail banks close their doors and were left without any facility to withdraw cash.”

He added that all of the ATMs will be public facing, and facilitate all bank cards.

“I compliment the Credit Union in providing this service in local communities,” Seán Canney said.

Missing Glenamaddy woman found after massive search

By

Briain Kelly

-

June 12, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Missing Glenamaddy woman found after massive search — Photo Credit: Galway Dog Search and Rescue Unit via Facebook

A elderly woman who went missing from the Glenamaddy area yesterday has been found safe after a massive search.

Mary Keaveney, who is in her 90s and has dementia, was reported missing around 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

A massive search operation took place throughout the day, with more than 100 local volunteers working alongside Gardaí, Civil Defence Units, and the Coast Guard.

She was found at approximately 2am this morning, by search dogs Fionn and Roonie from the Galway Dog Search and Rescue Unit.

The search groups located the missing woman close to her home in the area.

She has been transferred to University Hospital Galway for assessment.

image/svg+xml

About the awardees

Most Popular

Latest

NEWS CATEGORIES

Popular Stories

QUICK LINKS

KEEP UP TO DATE