Grant scheme open for community festivals in the city

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June 12, 2022

Galway Daily news Fireworks display causes false alarm for Aran Islands lifeboat — RNLI/Aran Islands

The Aran Islands RNLI were on the lookout for for a boat in distress last week, but it turned out that a fireworks display caused a false alarm.

The Aran Islands lifeboat was called out in the early hours of the morning of Saturday, June 5, shortly before 1am, at the request of the Coast Guard.

There had been a reported sighting of red flares in the vicinity of Skerd Rock to the northwest of Inis Mór.

The lifeboat launched with a full crew, arriving in the area around 1:30am that morning.

On arriving, the search was called off when it was discovered that a local gathering had lit of some fireworks, which got mistaken for flares.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain in charge Declan Brannigan said, “This transpired to be a false alarm with good intent”.

“But we would like to commend the member of the public who raised the alarm as we would always much rather launch and find that all is well than not launch at all.”

Galway v Dublin Quarter-Final: Team lineup and where to watch

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June 12, 2022

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

Galway GAA have named their team for the Minor Football Championship Quarter-Final against Dublin taking place this afternoon.

The Galway and Dublin minor footballers will meet at O’Connor Park in Tullamore today, with the match starting at 12:30pm.

You can watch the match live on TG4 Sport’s YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p5gOSZdlCk.

Match tickets are also still available to purchase online.

The Galway squad’s lineup is:

Kyle Gilmore (Cortoon Shamrocks)
Tomás Farthing (Spiddal)
Ryan Flaherty (Claregalway)
Vinny Hill (Corofin)
Mark Mannion (Salthill Knocknacarra)
Cillian Trayers (Claregalway)
Ross Coen (Corofin)
Jack Lonergan (Claregalway)
Shay McGlinchey (Tuam Stars)
Seán Dunne (CLG Barna)
Owen Morgan (Claregalway)
Stephen Curley (Annaghdown)
Éanna Monaghan (Claregalway)
Charlie Cox (Moycullen)
Colm Costello (Dunmore McHales)
James Kelly (Salthill Knocknacarra)
Adam Colleran (Mountbellew Moylough)
Padraic McNeela (Moycullen)
Harry Duffy (Oranmore Maree)
Cian Dolan (Monivea Abbey)
James Summerville (St Michaels’)
Fionn O’Connor (Spiddal)
Olan Kelly (Annaghdown)
Luke Carr (Killannin)

Extended Panel Members

Seán O’Connor (Moycullen)
Aaron Doyle (Oranmore Maree)
Cian Molloy (Caherlistrane)
Eoin Geraghty (Claregalway)
Liam Gormally (Menlough)
Gavin Kelly (Corofin)
Brian Mitchell (Killannin)

Tributes paid on passing Galway hurling giant Phelim Murphy

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June 12, 2022

Tributes have been paid to the late Phelim Murphy, who dedicated almost all of his life to supporting hurling in Galway.

The Turloughmore man passed away on Friday at the age of 91, after a lifetime of service to his local community, county, and province.

Born in 1931, he played hurling in the 50s, but the real impact he had came as an administrator, when, in 1956, he was instrumental in founding Turloughmore Hurling Club from local parish teams.

He went on to chair that club for 21 years, and during his time in charge, saw Turloughmore win six back to back Senior Hurling Club Championships from 1961 to 1966.

At the county level, Phelim was part of the County Hurling Board from the day it was set up in 1971, and went on to serve as its Secretary for 23 years from 1982 onwards.

During his time in office, Galway achieved some its greatest hurling triumphs in history, most notably, back to back All-Ireland Senior Hurling victories in 1987 and 1988.

Galway achieved many more great successes at the Minor and U21 level during his time in office, where he also periodically served as a Selector.

He also served for three years as President of the Connacht Council, and also became Vice-President of the GAA.

Phelim left a lasting legacy by playing an important role in overseeing the development of Kenny Park in Athenry.

His home club, Turloughmore, said “Everyone in the Turloughmore Hurling and Camogie Clubs would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Nellie and all the Murphy family on their sad loss.

“We will never see his likes again. May Phelim Rest in Peace.”

Galway GAA also played tribute to the giant, saying that he will be sadly missed by family, friend, and “the whole Galway GAA community”.

He is survived by a large family, including his wife Nellie, sons PJ, Tony, Jody, Phelim, Martin and Brendan, daughters Marina, Dolly, Patricia, Cassie, Helen, Majella, Sally, Ruth and Christine, along with many more grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

As a mark of respect, the Division 1 Hurling Final between Loughrea and Turloughmore has been postponed, as have the Club Championship draws.

New dates and times for both will be announced after they are confirmed by Galway GAA.

Galway arts programme Samhlú 2020 wins big at Celtic Media Festival

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June 11, 2022

Galway arts programme Samhlú 2020 wins big at Celtic Media Festival

At this week’s Celtic Media Festival awards the Torc for Arts Programme went to Tommy Tiernan’s magical Samhlú 2020 in Galway.

This arts programme on TG4, and produced by Fibin Media, saw Roundstone come alive with a celebration of togetherness inspired by the artistic ventures of 2020, a year like no other in memory.

Led by Tommy Tiernan, a bringer of light and storyteller, with new music by Bill Whelan, the town erupted into performances from every artform, where doorsteps, piers and chipper vans become stages.

TG4 Ardstiúrthóir Alan Esslemont congratulated the winning entry saying that, “As well as meeting the needs of the domestic audience, TG4 content is now accessible globally.”

“It is particularly rewarding to see our content stand up to competition from the best programmes from our peers in the Celtic media industries.”

The Celtic Media Festival (CMF) is one of the most prestigious and long-established in these islands and is held each year, rotating between venues in the various Celtic nations and regions.

It combines a three-day media conference that attracts broadcasters, producers, media and students with a competition across the full range of Film, TV, Radio and new media content genres.

This year’s Festival is taking place in Quimper in France. Samhlú 2020 is available to view on TG4’s player here: https://nasc.tg4.tv/Samhlú2020

Sonny gets an unexpected visitor in Ros na Rún

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June 11, 2022

Galway Daily television Sonny gets an unexpected visitor in Ros na Rún

Sonny gets an unexpected visitor, Bobbi Lee is trying to hide her money woes, and Berni is under pressure from two sides in Ros na Rún.

Sonny is under pressure, with his health, and investors calling him morning noon and night. But his mood soon changes when an unexpected visitor arrives at the B&B.

Berni is under pressure from both Andy and Briain. Asked to help Andy, she does some digging to see if he’s telling the truth.

Meanwhile, Briain is questioning her about why she attended the hospital, worried that something has happened to the child. Will he find out why she really went?

Bobbi Lee goes to extreme measures to hide her money woes from Niall. But will she succeed in doing so?

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

Pedestrianising of city streets referred to An Bord Pleanála

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June 11, 2022

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Galway City Council’s move to pedestrianise six streets this summer to encourage outdoor dining has been referred to An Bord Pleanala.

The City Council has decided to emulate last year’s practice of closing multiple streets in the city to encourage outdoor dining in the summer.

Small Crane, Ravens Terrace, Dominic Street Upper, William Street West, Forster Street and part of Woodquay are to be closed either in the evenings, or 24/7, for the duration of the summer.

This move is meant to give more space for bars and restaurants to place tables and chairs outside, to help the recovering hospitality sector.

That move this year has now been referred to An Bord Pleanála by an individiual, to determine whether or not it is a development, or an exempted development.

If the Bord rules that the street closures are a development, then they would fall under the umbrella of planning laws.

However, even then, they could also be ruled an exempted development, which are specific categories of developments which do not require planning permission.

The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by September 5 of this year.

Generosity lighting up the community

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June 11, 2022

Galway Daily arts Generosity lighting up the community

Two businesses in Galway have come together to light up a prized feature of the community, quite literally in this case.

Peter Curran Electric and Botown came together to supply and fund new LED lighting for the much loved Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Blue Teapot is a multi award winning theatre company, performing arts school and outreach project for people with intellectual disabilities.

Their home on Munster Avenue was assessed as part of the Green Business Program and a lighting fixture upgraded was deemed as an absolute necessity.

“The difference it’s made on site to the visibility for everyone in Blue Teapot is just incredible and also to lowering the electricity bill, we are just over the moon.”

“We are so grateful to Tommy, David and the westend community for this support,” explained Hillary Kavanagh of Blue Teapot.

This came about after Galways Westend Traders Association’s Lisa Regan approached Pter Curran about donating the materials for the upgrade works.

After he agreed to it, Botown on Dominick Street owner David Fitzpatrick came up trumps with the offer to cover all labour costs for the upgrade works.

“Proper lighting and reducing the environmental and billing output would be a massive help,” explained Lisa Regan of Galways Westend.

“And it has proved the case, small steps do make a big difference, these two Galway local businesses have helped to make a big difference in the lives of everyone at Blue Teapot.”

Memorial mass for families who have lost a child

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June 11, 2022

galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

University Hospital Galway is holding a remembrance mass for families who have experienced the loss a child next week.

The mass for people to remember their loved one will take place on Sunday, June 19 in the Holy Family Church, Mervue at 3pm.

The theme for this year’s Mass is “Enduring Love”, and Cathy Quinn a Midwife specialising in Perinatal Bereavement will reflect on this theme as guest speaker.

Over the last two years the Children’s Remembrance Mass was celebrated but subject to COVID-19 related restrictions.

This year, the committee are looking forward to meeting with families and remembering their loved ones together again as a community.

Families coming to the Mass will be invited to participate in a procession and will be given a small keepsake to bring home.

Books of Remembrance, with the names of children for whom the Mass is offered, can once again be viewed after the service.

Chairperson of the Children’s Remembrance Day Committee, Maura Mannion, said; “As a committee we are delighted that the Mass which is such a meaningful way to celebrate the life of each child can go ahead in a more relaxed manner this year.”

“We look forward to meeting with families next weekend and encourage anyone who has experienced the death of child to come along.”

For those who cannot attend in person the Children’s Remembrance Mass will be live streamed at www.churchtv.ie/mervue.

First Phase of €30 million Sportsground redevelopment underway

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June 11, 2022

Galway Daily sports First Phase of €30 million Sportsground redevelopment underway — Photo: INPHO/Ben Brady

Work has begun on the first phase of the long awaited, multi-million euro redevelopment of the Connacht Rugby Sportsground.

Connacht Rugby have said that a full excavation of the pitch at the Sportsground is now underway, to allow a new artificial playing surface for the coming season.

Other works in this first phase of the project will include installing a new LED floodlight system for the pitch.

Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the redevelopment will soon be entering the procurement phase leading to the construction of a state-of-the-art High Performance Centre and the construction of a new North Stand to follow thereafter.

Willie Ruane, CEO of Connacht Rugby, said that this is an historic occasion for the club, one they’ve been working towards for many years, and that “Facilities to match our ambition” has been a key pillar of Connacht’s strategy.

“There are many advantages to an artificial surface, not least that it enables us to remain in The Sportsground as both our training and playing base.”

“The additional capacity that this surface provides will also give boys and girls across the province greater opportunities to play at the home of Connacht Rugby, and act as a beacon that future generations of players and supporters can be proud of.”

Planning permission for the €30 million project was awarded to Connacht Rugby in May of 2019.

The government committed to providing €20 million of that cost the following January, under the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund, and an additional allocation.

Only €10 million was allocated under the LSSIF, the same amount awarded to the RDS, but another €10 million was secured following intervention from multiple parties.

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that this was due to the economic significance of the stadium to the west of Ireland.

Connacht Rugby Pitch Re-Surfacing, The Sportsground. Photo Credit: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

“Needless to say The Sportsground holds an emotional attachment for all of us and any change can be difficult,” Willie Ruane said.

“These works however represent a new phase in the life of The Sportsground and one that will secure its future as a fit-for-purpose facility for many years to come.”

He added that the redeveloping the Sportsground is the start of an exciting time for the club, with long term benefits for players and supports alike.

“The new High Performance Centre will give all our squads state-of-the-art facilities that will help them prepare to their fullest potential and to perform at the highest level.”

“The new North Stand will also transform the club in terms of the facilities we can offer our fans and players and in the commercial and financial benefits that accrue with that.”

Willie Ruane finished by thanking the government for the financial support that made this possible, and everyone else who has backed the project.

Hughes’ SuperValu in Claregalway unveils new look after €1.2 million refurb

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June 10, 2022

Galway Daily business Hughes' SuperValu in Claregalway unveils new look after €1.2 million refurb

Hughes’ SuperValu in Claregalway has unveiled its new look today after a €1.2 million investment in the revamped supermarket.

The Hughes are a fixture of life in Claregalway, catering to the needs of the community for four generations now.

n 1929, Mary (Egan) Hughes took over Claregalway Post Office, which later expanded into a local shop which grew steadily with the community adding homeware, hardware and bicycles in the 1980s.

In the 2000s, Eva and Mary Hughes become the fourth generation to join the business alongside Martin and Jimmy.

Together they hope this latest investment will ensure that Hughes’ SuperValu will be around for many more years to come.

Hughes’ SuperValu Claregalway will employ more than 80 people and is set to offer an extended range of top-quality produce across a new premium delicatessen, along with a new cheesemonger counter, new look deli, meat counter and Off Licence.

The store will also have an enhanced fresh food offering with a new focus on convenience foods, quality meat, organic produce, plant based options including a new Happy Pear section and a Taste of Local area to continue to support local suppliers.

Commenting on the launch of the new store, owner Eva Hughes said, “My great-grandmother opened this store 93 years ago and we are so proud to be able to build on her legacy.”

“We are delighted to be opening our new-look store today after significant investment and much hard work from the team.”

“The new state-of-the-art store will offer our customers lots of new ranges including new, excellent quality convenience meal solutions for busy individuals and families, an expanded produce department with lots more choice at great prices and of course our top quality meat and prepared by our butcher ranges in its new look home.”

The revamp of the store has included extensive investment in environmentally conscious improvements that will reduce energy consumption.

This has included €300,000 spent on 519 LED lighting fixtures, and ten new refrigeration units with lower carbon emissions.

Eva Hughes said, “We believe in making communities better by caring for our environment, so we are particularly proud of all the sustainable technologies implemented throughout the new store and more to come.”

“As a community retailer we take great pride in making a lasting positive impact in the local community.”

“We are incredibly grateful to all of our loyal customers who continue to support us, and we are really looking forward to sharing our new-look store.”

In addition to the goods already available, the new store will place a strong emphasis on fresh produce from local suppliers with 75 per cent of goods being sourced in Ireland.

Warning notices for Grattan and Ballyloughane beaches this weekend

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June 10, 2022

Galway Daily news Swimming ban at Ballyloughane Beach due to E. Coli

Galway City Council has issued prior warning notices for Grattan and Ballyloughane beaches due to anticipated bacteria levels.

Increased rain forecast for the coming days, and the possibility of storm overflows being activated, could lead to elevated bacteria levels.

The tail end of tropical storm Alex is expected to bring heavy wind and rain over the weekend, though no weather warnings have been issued by Met Eireann as of yet.

Warning notices have been erected at both beaches as of today, and the warning is expected to last until Monday, June 13.

The city council has said that an update will be provided next Wednesday evening, after the results of further water sample tests are received.

In the meantime, anyone visiting Grattan and Ballyloughane beaches is advised to avoid splashing or swallowing any water.

People should also avoid swimming if they have any open wounds, or are pregnant, and to wash their hands before preparing food if they have been in the water.

Data shows 329 Galway homes reserved for individual buyers

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June 10, 2022

Galway daily news Planning refused for huge housing development on Galway City outskirts

There are 329 houses in Galway which have been granted planning permission, with a condition banning bulk sales.

In May of last year, the government issued new guidance for An Bord Pleanála and local authorities, seeking the a condition be added to planning permission for housing developments ring-fencing the sale of houses to individual purchasers.

As May 18 of this year, that condition has been applied to just under 16,000 homes granted planning permission in the state according to CSO data.

Of these, there are 204 homes approved in Galway City that may not be sold to corporate entities, or in bulk sales to an individual, with another 125 such houses in Galway County.

Commenting on the data, the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien said, “The government is committed to supporting homeownership.”

“These data demonstrate that we are making the right interventions and delivering for those who wish get to get on the property ladder.”

“Through our plan, Housing for All, we are taking every possible measure to increase supply and provider greater access to homeownership for those who want it.”

When this condition is applied, all houses and duplexes must be exclusively for sale and occupation by separate, individual households for two years after their completion.

Houses earmarked for social or affordable housing are exempt from this condition, and it will lapse if they have not sold after two years, if the local authority is satisfied that reasonable efforts have been made to sell the houses.

This measure notably does not apply to apartments, which can be a big deal in large scale mixed developments, or ones which are exclusively apartments.

Eight people killed on the road over Bank Holiday weekend

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June 10, 2022

Galway Daily news Road safety appeal after five deaths on last Bank Holiday weekend

Eight people died in road traffic collisions over the June Bank Holiday Weekend, and more than 180 were arrested for drink or drug driving.

Gardaí conducted a major road traffic operation over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend, lasting from 7am on Thursday, June 2, through to 7am the following Tuesday.

There were eight deaths on the roads resulting from six fatal crashes over the course of the long weekend.

Three of those deaths occurred in the west of Ireland in the space of just over seven hours from Sunday evening, to early Monday.

On the evening of Sunday, June 5, shortly after 5pm, two men were killed in a three car collision in Sligo on the N15.

Then, at approximately 12:30am on Monday morning, another man aged in his 20s was killed at Ballyneety, Co. Limerick following a single vehicle collision.

To date, there have been 79 people killed on Ireland’s roads this year, 32 more than in the same period last year.

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said, “This not just a number, these are people, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, friends, colleagues.”

“There is one simple thing that every driver can do to help stop this carnage, one simple message, ‘Slow Down’.”

That Bank Holiday operation also saw 182 people arrested for driving under the influence, 69 for alleged drunk driving, and 113 for alleged drink driving.

In addition 311 Vehicles were detained under section 41 Road Traffic Act for offences such as not having a driving licence, driving without insurance, and no NCT.

Two new €10.5m operating theatres open at Merlin Park Hospital

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June 10, 2022

Galway Daily news Two new €10.5m operating theatres open at Merlin Park Hospital

Two new replacement orthopaedic operating theatres at Merlin Park Hospital have opened for use today, after almost five years of issues.

The two new theatres, which cost €10.57 million to design and build, are to replace the theatre which first closed in September 2017 due to a leaking roof.

The two new replacement theatres are required to restore full elective orthopaedic procedures in Merlin Park University Hospital and address orthopaedic waiting lists.

Construction of the 620m² theatre building began in March 2021 following a public procurement tendering for a main contractor.

The build consists of two operating theatres, two anaesthesia rooms, a recovery area and other ancillary accommodation to support the theatre suites.

The theatre building is connected to the main hospital block by a link corridor which is the access point for patients and staff.

Mr Aiden Devitt, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon said that the new operating theatres are a “major enhancement” for Merlin Park Hospital, and orthopaedic services across the west of Ireland.

“We now have a state of the art theatre suite which will double our capacity for surgical procedures and will reduce waiting times for patients.”

“Our orthopaedic patients will be treated in a modern, spacious and technologically advanced facility and I am delighted to be commencing procedures in the new theatres this week.”

The hospital has been providing 10 theatre sessions per week; which will increase to 20 sessions per week when two fully functional theatres are in place.

This will enable some 4,000 elective surgeries to be carried out each year, as the demand for orthopaedic services continues to increase each year.

Ms Chris Kane, Hospital Manager said, “This is a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the people living along the western seaboard who come to Galway for their surgery.”

“The theatres have been built and equipped to a very high specification to enable us to deliver the best possible care to our patients”.

€15,000 fund available for local city festivals and events over coming months

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June 10, 2022

galway daily news city festival grants 2022

Local communities planning events in their areas in Galway city in the coming months can now apply for a small scale grant under a scheme for local festivals.

Galway City Council is supporting festivals or events which are organised and run by local residents, to celebrate participation in neighbourhoods across the city.

A total fund of €15,000 is available under the Local Community Festivals Grant Scheme for 2022 and interested local communities are invited to apply over the next few weeks.

The closing date for applications online is Friday, 1 July 2022 at 4.00pm.

Applications can be completed online at https://www.galwaycity.ie/lcf

For any queries in relation to the above, email Emma Johnston at candc@galwaycity.ie

Castlehackett 8K returns this weekend for annual run

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June 10, 2022

Galway daily news belclare national school 8k run tshirt

The Balclare National School run will return this Sunday for the seventh time, raising funds for amenities for the school and local community.

Money raised in previous Castlehackett 8k events were put towards a running track and astroturf playing surface – and the next stage of their plan is to cover the running track with an astro surface.

The run has grown from strength to strength over the years, and over 400 participants from across the county and beyond completed the last live event.

People can register at https://www.castlehackett8k.com, or they can register on the day.

There will be a free technical shirt for all participants, cash prizes for the first three male and female runners, fantastic raffle prizes and refreshments provided.

Participants can get more information at https://castlehackett8k.com

Fyffes fitness visits to return to Galway schools in September

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June 9, 2022

galway daily news fyffes fit squad galway school — Irish Olympic athletes Phil Healy and David Gillick, have the enthusiastic support of young fitness fans Juneau (10) and Casey (7) Conroy, as they announce that Fyffes is to resume its children’s fitness programme of live school visits in September following a two year break during Covid.

Schools in Galway have been invited to register for Fyffes’ programme of fitness visits which will return to schools in September after two years of being online.

Since launching just four years ago, over 1,260 pupils in Galway were introduced to the Fit Squad programme before the pandemic forced Fyffes to take its message online.

Delivered by Irish health and fitness expert Tom Dalton, each 45-minute visit includes an active workout designed to improve children’s general fitness through engagement and fun-filled activities, supported by talks and tips on healthy eating.

The upcoming programme will see 7,500 pupils from schools across the country participate in an interactive Fit Squad session between September and March.

Schools interested in participating can register at www.fyffesfitsquad.ie/register

Elderly woman found dead on Galway city street as Gardaí appeal for witnesses

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June 9, 2022

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí in Galway city are investigating the death of a woman in her 80s whose body was discovered on High Street this morning.

It is believed that the woman may have fallen from the upper floor of a building before her body was found on the street just before 9am.

The body of the woman has been removed to University Hospital Galway where a post-mortem is due to take place.

The road has now reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who were in the High Street area between 8.45 and 9.05am this morning – and who may have camera footage, including dash cam.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station at 091 538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Galway Film Fleadh teases 34th lineup with two world premieres

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June 9, 2022