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Galway Races announces new partnership with a special connection

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galway daily news galway races has a new sponsor - grá chocolates
Sinéad Cassidy, Sales and Marketing Manager Galway Races with Gráinne Mullins of Grá Chocolates. Photo Sean Lydon

The Galway Races has announced that Grá Chocolates will sponsor the fifth race on Saturday, 30 July this year as part of a new two-year partnership with the company.

Galway-based Grá Chocolates was founded by award-winning pastry chef Gráinne Mullins, the granddaughter of former Manager of the track Captain Luke Mullins.

To celebrate the partnership, the luxurious chocolate company has created a limited-edition box of Galway Races inspired chocolates, inspired by Gráinne’s memories of attending the races every year with her grandfather.

Each individual chocolate is carefully hand painted and there are five flavours to choose from – all using the best quality Irish ingredients.

Commenting on her company’s new two-year partnership, Gráinne Mullins said that the Galway Races has always had a special place in her heart.

“It’s a place to gather and celebrate, a week that makes the city come alive and showcases the best of Galway,” she said.

“I grew up attending the Galway Races with my grandfather, Captain Luke Mullins so to be able to be a part of it with Grá Chocolates is really an honour.

“Creating the bespoke box of Grá Chocolates for the Galway Races made so many of my childhood memories come alive and I hope visitors to the Galway Races enjoy them as much as I enjoyed making them.”

Chief Executive of Galway Racecourse Michael Moloney said that they are delighted to welcome Grá Chocolates to the race week programme.

“Gráinne and the Mullins family have a deep connection with the Galway Races so it’s extra special,” he said.

“The quality of Grainne’s business, her expertise and growth has been phenomenal and a real testimony to her hard work and ambition. This sponsorship deal is a great synergy and we’re excited to have a new and delicious brand like Grá Chocolates as part of our Summer Festival.”

The Galway Races will welcome race goers back to Ballybrit again this year from 25 to 31 July.

To book your ticket for this year’s Galway Races, check out galwayraces.com 

Sunshine forecast this weekend as temperatures set to rise to 20°

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Galway Daily weather Sunny spells bookened by showers this weekend

A dry weekend is in store for Galway with temperatures set to rise to 20° Celsius – but the more pleasant spring weather will be short-lived.

Long spells of warm sunshine are expected in Galway on Sunday, with temperatures rising to around 20° in the afternoon.

As for tomorrow, Friday, it will start cloudy, but sunny spells will develop across the West during the day.

Met Éireann say high temperatures will be 15 to 18 degrees with fresh southwest winds easing by evening.

Saturday will begin misty but low cloud will clear as the day goes on, making way for some brighter conditions in the afternoon and evening.

It will be another dry day, with maximum temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees. Long clear spells are forecast for Saturday night, with a few fog patches forming in light breezes.

But on Monday, rain in the southwest will extend quickly northwards over the country, turning heavy in places with some thundery downpours possible.

Early indications are that Tuesday will be another damp and humid day, with outbreaks of rain and gusty southerly winds. Highest temperatures of 16 to 19 degrees are expected.

Dutch reality TV show showcases Galway to 3 million people

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galway daily news dutch reality tv show in filming in clifden galway

Around 3 million people in the Netherlands were treated to the stunning scenery of Galway and Connemara this week when an episode of a reality TV dating show aired on NPO 1, the oldest national Dutch TV station.

A TV crew arrived in Ireland in November as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland to film an episode of Boer zoekt Vrouw (The Farmer Wants a Wife), one of the most popular Dutch TV programmes.

The show is all about single farmers meeting a number of potential partners. The farmer and his ‘favourite’ partner then go on a dream date to an overseas location.

Boer zoekt Vrouw is one of the top reality TV shows in the Netherlands, attracting around 3.2 million viewers each week.

Viewers saw the couple – Hans De Roover and Annette Verschuure – enjoying dinner on their ‘dream date’ at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden.

During their date they also joined local fisherman John O’Toole for some lobster fishing, took in a putting lesson at Connemara Championship Golf Links and enjoyed live music in Lowry’s Bar in Clifden. 

Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Northern Europe, said that Boer zoekt Vrouw is really popular in the Netherlands – “so this was a fun and different way to showcase Galway and Ireland, and some of the many things to see and do here, to a huge audience of potential Dutch holidaymakers.”

“TV and film are strong influencers on prospective holidaymakers and Tourism Ireland regularly works with TV and production companies around the world, to facilitate the making of travel and lifestyle programmes and films around Ireland.

“It’s a really effective way to get positive exposure for the destination.”

Galway Community Circus presents Mayhem Youth Circus Festival this month

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GALWAY DAILY NEWS Galway Community Circus is holding its annual presentation of the Mayhem Youth  Circus Festival from 16 to 22 May.

Galway Community Circus is holding its annual presentation of the Mayhem Youth  Circus Festival from 16 to 22 May.

The festival includes three public events including performances and an open circus workshop day – and all events are free for the public.  

Galway Community Circus is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and this year’s festival will be the is the third Mayhem Youth Circus.

Executive Creative Director, Galway Community Circus, Ulla Hokkanen said she hopes the community comes out to experience what the circus has to offer.

She said that there are some wonderful, free performances lined up as well as a fun and free day of circus workshops for all ages in the new big top tent.

Events that are open to the public include Scratch Night on Friday, 20 May at 7.30pm,  ‘Believe’, a performance by Arts Alive Galway, on Saturday 21 May at 8pm, and Circus in  the Park on Sunday, 22 May 12 to 3pm.  

Scratch Night is an informal circus show where anyone aged 14+ is invited to perform any act of  their choice.

It offers a safe and welcoming atmosphere for those who want to grow and experiment with the art of performance and is a fun way to make friends and learn about the magic of circus.  

‘Believe’, performed by Galway Community Circus partner Arts Alive Galway, is a circus  performance that takes the audience on a journey through a world of wonder, curiosity and awe.

Circus in the Park will feature a mix of taster workshops for all circus lovers including  introductory circus activities where participants will play fun games and learn tips to improve their circus skills while making new friends, all in their new big top tent.  

All events are offered entirely free of charge, thanks to support from funding partners Arts  Council Ireland, Erasmus+ and Galway City Council.

Full Mayhem Youth Circus Festival Schedule 

Scratch Night  

Friday, 20 May at 7:30pm 

FREE | All ages 

Open to the public 

In the Circus Hall at St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla 

Duration: 1 hour 

“Believe” – a performance by Arts Alive Galway  

Saturday, 21 May at 8pm 

FREE | All ages 

Open to the public 

In the Circus Hall at St. Joseph’s Community Centre, Shantalla 

Duration: 55 minutes, no interval 

Circus in the Park  

Sunday, 22 May 

12-3PM 

FREE | All ages 

Open to the public 

Millennium Park

For more information, visit www.galwaycommunitycircus.com.  

Cosmo Off-Licence: Clarification

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On 10 May Galway Daily published a report after a statement from the FSAI welcomed prosecutions brought by the HSE against three people relating to the sale or supply of alcohol.

The article reported the sentencing of Mr Aiden Cummins, of the Front Room in Tuam, on five charges, after a significant quantity of counterfeit Smirnoff Red Label Vodka was found on the premises.

The article wrongly suggested that Mr Joe Cummins and Ms Rachel Cummins of Cosmo Off-Licence in Tuam supplied these counterfit spirits to Mr Aiden Cummins.

Neither Mr Joe Cummins nor Ms Rachel Cummins is related to Aiden Cummins. The prosecutions taken by the HSE against Mr Joe Cummins and Ms Rachel Cummins were separate to those taken against Mr Aiden Cummins.

Mr Joe Cummins entered a guilty plea to charges of failing to maintain records of the supplier of Smirnoff Red Label vodka and failure to maintain records of the dates of transactions/delivery in respect of Smirnoff Red Label vodka supplied to him from a third party.

Ms Rachel Cummins entered a guilty plea to a charge of failing to notify the official agency of an establishment under her control with a view to registration.

We apologise for any confusion as a result of the article and we are happy to clarify the position.

Funding approved for community centre refurbishment plans

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Galway Daily news Galway allocated €9 million for LEADER programme 2023-2027

Good news for the Gaeltacht area as grant funding has been approved to progress refurbishment of a Community Centre in Connemara

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers announced that a grant of €21,000 has been approved for Coiste Ionad Pobail na Minna.

This grant, which is 80% of the total cost, will enable the group to appoint a consultant for the refurbishment of the Community Centre.

The grant has been approved under the Department’s Community and Language Supports Programme.

Minister Chambers said that the renovation of the community centre will “further enhance” work to encourage Irish under the language planning process in the area.

This will be “ultimately for the benefit of the Gaeltacht and Irish language communities,” the Minister added.

Mack Hansen commits to longer run with Connacht

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Galway Daily sport Mack Hansen ruled out of Six Nations 2024 due to surgery
Mack Hansen. Photo: INPHO

Connacht newcomer Mack Hansen has committed to the long run with the club, extending his contract to 2025.

The back has had an impressive debut with Connacht Rugby in his first season, scoring six tries across 14 matches.

His performances earned him a first call-up to the Ireland squad for the November internationals, and he then became a mainstay in matchday 23 for the Guinness Six Nations, starting in four of Ireland’s five games and scoring a famous try against France in Paris.

Hansen still has 12 months left on his contract, and was one of the squad of 44 announced for the coming season by the club already this week, along with those departing.

However, he has now agreed to extend his time with Connacht Rugby by a further two years beyond that.

Speaking about his decision to commit to years more with Connacht, Hansen said that it was a no-brainer.

“Ever since I arrived in Ireland I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and my teammates who have made me feel right at home.”

“Personally I’m pleased with how my first season has gone and now I want to do everything I can to help the club achieve success for the next three seasons.”

He added that the possibility of getting to play in the new stadium and performance centre was a “major attraction” for him.

Head Coach Andy Friend also welcomed the news, saying that Mack has made an “immeasurable impact” since arriving.

“He’s a popular character with the players, staff and supporters and it’s been really pleasing to see him take to rugby in Ireland like a duck to water.”

“For him to commit the next three years of his career to Connacht when he’ll only get better is a really strong show of faith in where we’re going as a club on and off the field.”

At this week’s Connacht Rugby Awards, Hansen has been nominated for both the Players’ Player and Fans’ Player of the Year Awards.

Work beginning this week on upgrade to Galway City water supply

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Galway Daily news Water network improvements for Inverin as old mains being replaced

Work is due to get underway this week on part of a major upgrade project for Galway City’s water supply.

A new rising main is being installed that will connect Terryland Water Treatment Plant with Clifton Hill reservoir.

This is meant to supplement the existing lines to the reservoir, providing a more reliable supply to a large part of the city and beyond to the west.

Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water said “This phase of works will involve the construction of approximately 1.9km of a new ductile iron water main in the area of Laurel Park.”

“To minimise disruption the works will be completed in a phased approach. The next phase of these works will involve laying approximately 440m of water mains along Siobhan McKenna Road and Laurel Park.”

“There will be traffic management in place however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.”

Part of this project which has already been completed involved the installation of just under half  kilometre of new mains in the Moyola Park area.

These works will be performed by Ward & Burke Construction on behalf of Irish Water and Galway City Council.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.”

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause,” Gerry O’Donnell said.

The Online Casino Landscape in Ireland

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Gambling is one of the most prominent hobbies and pastimes in Ireland. In fact, the Irish people are so fond of various forms of gambling like sports betting, horse racing, greyhound racing, and casino games just to name a few. That’s why the gambling industry in Ireland is one of the most vibrant and most lucrative national markets in the world. However, there’s one particular global trend in gambling that the Irish population and government are still slowly adapting—online gambling. While there has been much advancement in the world of online gambling, Ireland is drastically trying to catch up to stay relevant in the industry.

A Short History

In Ireland, gambling has been legalized and regulated since the 1800s. That’s why the Irish population is no stranger to the idea of betting and gambling. Unlike some other countries, Ireland doesn’t have a dedicated authoritative or regulatory body that handles gambling specifically. The Irish people are merely free to gamble wherever they want as long as the establishment providing the services has a proper license from various bodies that are recognized by the Irish government.

The earliest law surrounding gambling in Ireland was the Betting Act of 1854. This made Ireland a relatively progressive nation when it came to gambling legislation. They then updated the Act in 1931 before they also passed the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956. In 2013, the Irish government introduced the Gambling Control Bill. The legislation sought to regulate the online gambling industry in the country so that Ireland would have updated laws surrounding emerging technologies. However, the bill has yet to be passed. In 2015, another bill was introduced that was designed to revise the Betting Act of 1931. This was then signed into law later that year. The specific provision stated that any gambling operator from Irish nationals in Ireland is required to attain an Irish license. Aside from that, gambling operators are also required to hold one out of the three licenses recognized by the Irish government. The most relevant and most recent law surrounding gambling in Ireland is The Gaming and Lotteries Act of 2019. Ultimately, this updated version of the law sought to expand on existing rules concerning lotteries and sports betting.

So What’s Legal?

Well, online gambling in Ireland is legal. That means Irish nationals are free to play online slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette. However, Irish nationals are only limited to sites that have a proper license from a reputable regulatory body like the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gaming Authority. The platforms that are found on sites like Casinofy are fully licensed by reputable gambling authorities and are used by people from all over the world.

While poker is legal in Ireland, there’s no specific piece of legislation that’s regulating its activities. However, it’s generally encouraged that Irish player’s only play poker on reputable platforms with the appropriate licenses. Other gambling activities like online sports betting and online bingo are also legal thanks to the Betting Amendment Act of 2015 and the Lotteries Act of 1956 respectively. This is definitely welcome news as the Irish population is incredibly fond of betting on games like horse racing and football.

The Future of Gambling in Ireland

As it stands, the Irish gambling market is continuing to rise. And this is consistent with the trend that gambling has always been a popular pastime among the Irish population. That’s why there’s so much pressure on the Irish government to come out with more relevant and updated laws surrounding the various developments that are being made in the field of online gambling. Ireland is like many other countries in the sense that they are trying very hard to push against unlicensed casino platforms and fraudulent websites that are looking to take advantage of gullible casino players. However, the Irish government has already articulated its commitment to modernizing the country’s gambling regulations and operations.

While Ireland is looking to update its laws surrounding online gambling, various operators and software developers are continually innovating the industry as it punishes forward. This is consistent with the consumer pattern of online gambling. Even after the pandemic, many people still prefer to gamble via their mobile devices and desktop computers. 

Hospitals mark International Day of the Nurse with thanks for pandemic service

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Galway Daily news Hospitals mark International Day of the Nurse with thanks for pandemic service
Nurses in Claddagh Ward at UHG. L-R: Filsy Chirammel, Staff Nurse; Sandra McMahon, Staff Nurse; Danielle Ni Dhonnacha; Staff Nurse and Deirdre O’Halloran, CNM2

Today marks the International Day of the Nurse, and hospitals in the west of Ireland are thanking nurses for their service during the pandemic.

The Saolta Hospital Group, which includes UHG, Merlin Park, and Portiuncula Hospital, said that it wants to acknowledge the “tireless work and dedication” of nursing staff.

Chief Director of Nursing for Saolta, Paul Hooton, took the opportunity to thank nursing teams who have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our nurses are our best asset and I am grateful to work with such wonderful teams right across our seven sites.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of our nursing staff for all their dedication and commitment to their roles.”

Filsy Chirammel, Staff Nurse at UHG said that nursing is one of the “most wonderful and most satisfying” professions there is.

“We learn so much from our colleagues and our patients every day. Being able to provide care to all those in need and help people is amazing and very rewarding, it’s humanity.”

International Day of the Nurse is celebrated each year on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale.

Olive who has spent the majority of her career in cancer services, said she felt privileged to journey with patients during a very difficult time in their lives.

“supporting them, guiding them and providing the best evidence-based, compassionate nursing care I can, each and every time.”

“A career in nursing is not without its challenges but I can honestly say that I have never regretted my career choice and have taken every opportunity that has come my way,” she added.”

Galway Races partner with local chocolate prodigy

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Galway Daily sport Galway Races partner with local chocolate prodigy

Galway Races have made another announcement about a much loved local business coming aboard in the run up to the summer festival.

The decadent Galway based Grá Chocolates, founded by Head Chocolatier and award-winning Pastry Chef Gráinne Mullins, are the latest sponsors of the race week programme.

Gráinne, grand-daughter of former track manager Captain Luke Mullins, has signed a two-year sponsorship deal for the fifth race on Saturday, July 30, ‘The Grá Chocolate’s Maiden’.

Speaking about her company’s new deal, Gráinne Mullins said that the races have always had a special place in her heart.

“It’s a place to gather and celebrate, a week that makes the city come alive and showcases the best of Galway.”

“I grew up attending the Galway Races with my grandfather, Captain Luke Mullins so to be able to be a part of it with Grá Chocolates is really an honour.”

Along with the race sponsorship, Grá Chocolates have also created a limited edition range inspired by the Galway Races, with each chocolate individually hand painted to match its them: The Track, The Hurdle, Ladies Day, Killanin, and The Galway Plate.

Gráinne Mullins is a pastry chef with over 10 years’ experience in high level, fine dining establishments and the current holder of the Eurotoques Young Chef of the Year title.

Cooking was a big part of her childhood as she grew up in Galway respecting good food.

Her path as a professional chef has seen her work in the pastry section of five-star hotels, as well as two years in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Returning home to work in pastry in many of Ireland’s leading kitchens, the self-taught chef was the winner of the prestigious 2019 Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year.

Channelling the skills, artistry and joy she has learned from some of the country’s most talented chefs, Gráinne founded Grá Chocolates in her hometown of Kilchreest in 2020.

Chief Executive of Galway Racecourse Michael Moloney said that partnering with Gráinne is special because of her family’s “deep connection” with the races.

“The quality of Grainne’s business, her expertise and growth has been phenomenal and a real testimony to her hard work and ambition.”

“This sponsorship deal is a great synergy and we’re excited to have a new and delicious brand like Grá Chocolates as part of our Summer Festival”.

The Galway Races Summer Festival is storming back into action this July in Ballybrit, welcoming spectators back to the racecourse after two challenging years.

Man faces trial for allegedly pulling knife after being chased by Gardaí

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Galway Daily courts

A man faces trial at the Circuit Court for allegedly pulling a knife after being chased by Gardaí, and threatening a Garda.

Judge John King refused jurisdiction at Galway District Court when Dominic Downes (26), of no fixed abode, appeared this week.

It is alleged that back in February, Downes pulled a hunting knife after being pursued by Gardaí when he fled an earlier interaction.

Gardaí had been speaking with a group of men who were reportedly causing a disturbance outside a store on Shop Street before Downes ran, it is alleged.

He has been charged with assault or obstruction of a police officer under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

Downes also faces charges of possession of a weapon, and producing said weapon capable of causing serious injury while committing or about to commit an offence.

The DPP had directed that the case should be dealt with summarily at the District Court.

But, Judge King refused jurisdiction after hearing an outline of the allegations.

Downes was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the end of the month for further directions from the DPP.

He has also faces two other, separate charges of possession of a weapon in relation to a screwdriver found on him in two incidents last December.

Green light for popular restaurant owners to convert vacant building

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Galway Daily news Green light for popular restaurant owners to convert vacant building

The owners of the popular Cava Bodega, Tartare, and Aniar restaurants have been given the green light to open a new restaurant and guesthouse in the city.

Cava Restaurant Ltd, owned by JP McMahon and Drigin Gaffey, have received planning permission to convert the vacant unit at 54 Dominick Street Lower.

Their plans are to convert the three storey terraced building, formerly a bookshop, to a restaurant on the ground and part of the first floor, with a gueshouse on the remainder of the upper floors.

The developer also clarified at the council’s request, that the six bedroom guesthouse will be run as a Bed & Breakfast in conjunction with the restaurant.

Internal refurbishments were redesigned at the council’s request, including moving the replacement stairway on the ground floor.

This is to reduce the impact it will have on the original built fabric of the building, which is a protected structure within an Architectural Conservation area.

Timber sliding sash windows on the upper floors are to be reinstated, and repair and upgrade works will be needed on the roof and rainwater goods.

Several light fittings on the shopfront facade, including the two spotlights below the roof, will be removed to improve its appearance.

The development also includes plans to demolish and replace existing single and two storey extensions to the building.

The planning application states that finding an “economically viable function” for the protected structure will result in its “long-term maintenance and survival” instead of being left vacant.

“The reintroduction of timber sliding sash windows at the first floor level will enhance the appearance of the building both internally and from the street and will be more in keeping with the original character.”

Planning permission for the new restaurant and guesthouse was granted by the city council with 14 conditions attached.

Westside sports facility closing for five weeks

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Galway Daily news More time granted to complete Ballinasloe Tennis Club courts

The public tennis courts on the westside sports ground will be out of action for a period of five weeks.

Galway City Council has said that upgrade works are being carried out at Westside Tennis Courts.

The works will start next Monday, May 16, and last for approximately five weeks.

“The tennis courts will not be available during the construction period,” the city council said.

“All users are kindly requested to follow temporary pedestrian traffic management measures put in place during works.”

“Enquires in relation to these works may be directed to Recreation & Amenity Section telephone number 091-536400 or by email parks@galwaycity.ie”

Two arrested after secret drugs bunker discovered

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Galway daily news Two arrested after secret drugs bunker discovered

Two people have been arrested in connection with a seizure of drugs concealed in an underground bunker in Galway.

Gardaí attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit seized cannabis worth over €70,000 and arrested two people following a search in Dunmore on Tuesday.

While Gardaí were searching a property under warrant, they discovered an underground bunker on the premises.

Inside the bunker Gardaí found cannabis plants worth €52,800 and cannabis herb valued at €11,500, which were seized.

A woman (60s) and man (30s) were both arrested at the scene. They are currently detained at Galway Divisional Headquarters under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1996.

A follow up search was carried out in Galway city later in the evening, and a further €6,000 in cannabis herb was discovered.

A Garda spokesperson said that the drugs are being sent for analysis, and that the investigation is ongoing.

Clifden Lifeboat coming home with 10,000 memories

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A new lifeboat will arrive at the Clifden RNLI station this week, bearing the memories of 10,000 people who have passed.

The Shannon Class all-weather lifeboat is a special one in the Irish fleet as it carries the names of over 10,000 people onboard.

They were put there by members of the public through the ‘Launch a Memory’ fundraising initiative which was run by the search and rescue charity back in 2020.

Through the ‘Launch a Memory’ campaign, people were able to record a loved one’s name on the lifeboat by making a donation to the RNLI and submitting a loved one’s name to be recorded onboard.

The name of each person features within the lifeboat’s letters (RNLI) and numbers of the lifeboat.

The lifeboat is making its journey from the RNLI’s own construction centre in Poole, Dorset to the west coast of Ireland this week.

Commenting on the arrival, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager John Brittain said, “We have been working towards this day for a long time.”

“It is an honour for us to carry these 10,000 names onboard our new lifeboat the St Christopher. Every time we launch, they will accompany the lifeboat crew on its lifesaving mission.”

The boat will stop over in Plymouth, Penlee, Ballycotton, Kinsale and Valentia before arriving in Clifden this weekend.

It is due to arrive on Saturday afternoon around 2:30pm, where the boat will be accompanied into the harbour by a local flotilla.

The following day the public are being invited to view the new lifeboat on Clifden beach at low tide from 9.30am until 12.30pm.

John Brittain invited people to come and see the boat this weekend, and if they have a name on it, to see where it is recorded.

“I know there are many incredibly moving stories behind each name and we hope to do them all proud.”

Help pick the most popular swimming areas in Galway City

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Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

Galway City Council is holding a public consultation for the next month on what should be the designated swimming areas in the city environs this year.

Under Irish and EU law, local authorities must identify their chosen swimming areas each year, so that their water quality can be properly monitored.

These laws also require that the local authority prepares detailed descriptions or profiles for each location, and potential sources of pollution in the wider catchment area.

In some cases, the official swimming areas are also the areas where local authorities focus their resources providing lifeguards during the summer season.

To help with this process, Galway City Council are asking people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to tell them if they think they should maintain existing areas, or designate other areas that are commonly used for swimming.

If you are a regular swimmer and want to help your Council decide which bathing areas should be classified as such, it might be helpful to consider the following:

  • How your swimming area has been used up to now;
  • How many people use the site
  • What facilities exist at the site and how accessible it is
  • Any safety issues.

The deadline for public submissions to the city council on swimming areas is June 9 of 2022.

If you wish to propose your favourite beach/river etc as a new bathing water site or comment on an existing site please email the Recreation & Amenity Department at parks@galwaycity.ie.  Please include “Bathing Water” in the subject line.

Submissions can also be made via post. These should be addressed to Recreation & Amenity Department, Galway City Council, College Rd, Galway.

Connacht Rugby confirm 12 players leaving at season’s end

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Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Connacht Rugby has confirmed the twelve players who will be departing the clubs at the end of this season.

A number of these have been known for some time. Ultan Dillane, Sammy Arnold, Abraham Papali’i and Tietie Tuimauga will leave the club at the end of their contracts to play in France.

All-time top try scorer for the province Matt Healy also announced last week that he is retiring from professional rugby at the end of the season.

Centurion Eoghan Masterson will move on after a 9-year spell at the club, as does centre Peter Robb who featured in the 2016 PRO12 Grand Final.

Also leaving the club are Greg McGrath, Jonny Murphy, Ben O’Donnell, Dominic Robertson-McCoy and Peter Sullivan.

Head Coach Andy Friend has paid tribute to the departing players “I’d like to thank all the players who have each contributed to Connacht Rugby in their own way.”

“Comings and goings are part and parcel of professional rugby and I wish them every success in the future.”

“As is tradition we will thank them in front of our supporters at the end of our final game of the season against Zebre.”

Connacht Rugby have also confirmed that a 44 man squad has been finalised for the 2022/23 season.

Forwards (24)

Jack Aungier

Finlay Bealham

Ciaran Booth

Paul Boyle

Denis Buckley

Matthew Burke

Jarrad Butler

Shane Delahunt

Peter Dooley

Oisín Dowling

Jordan Duggan

Leva Fifita

Dave Heffernan

Shamus Hurley-Langton

Sam Illo

Seán Masterson

Oisín McCormack

Josh Murphy

Darragh Murray

Niall Murray

Conor Oliver

Cian Prendergast

Gavin Thornbury

Dylan Tierney-Martin

Backs (20)

Bundee Aki

Caolin Blade

Shayne Bolton

Adam Byrne

Jack Carty

Tom Daly

Tom Farrell

Conor Fitzgerald

Cathal Forde

Mack Hansen

David Hawkshaw

Shane Jennings

Diarmuid Kilgallen

Kieran Marmion

Oran McNulty

Tiernan O’Halloran

John Porch

Byron Ralston

Colm Reilly

Alex Wootton

UHG sees sharp decline in COVID cases

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Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 patients on trolleys at UHG in February

The number of COVID-19 patients at University Hospital Galway has declined rapidly over the past week.

As of Monday night there were just six confirmed cases at UHG, down from 21 cases a week ago.

Three of the COVID patients at University Hospital Galway are being treated in the intensive care unit, just one fewer than last week.

UHG, Cork UH, and St. James all have the same number of ICU patients being treated for the virus, the highest number in the country.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, there are four confirmed cases, one fewer than the previous day, but up from two a week before.

One of the patients at Portiuncula is in the intensive care unit, which has remained unchanged in recent days.

Nationwide there were just 261 COVID-19 cases being treated in Irish hospitals as of Monday evening, of whom 28 are in the ICU.

Gardaí investigating arson after three cars set on fire in one night

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Gardaí investigating arson after three cars set on fire in one night
A car set on fire in an arson attack in Doughiska. Photo: Alan Cheevers

Gardaí are investigating extremely serious suspected arson after multiple cars were burned out overnight in the Doughiska area of Galway City.

Three cars were set alight in the Garran Ard estate in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

City Concillor Alan Cheevers said that he’s deeply concerned about this incident, which has also proved worrying for locals.

Families living in the area are also shocked and frightened that this could happen in a “quiet residential estate”.

Fire damage from the arson incident. Photo: Alan Cheevers

In a statement to Galway Daily, Gardaí said that they are investigating the incident, with no arrests yet made.

“Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at Garran Ard, Doughiska, County Galway at approximately 2am on Monday 10th of May 2022.

“A number of vehicles were damaged during this incident. No arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing.”

This is the second arson attack at Garran Ard in as many months, after a car and house were both damaged in a fire at the end of January.

Another car in the same estate was also set ablaze last October, one of two attacks in the city in the same night.

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