Most Galway beaches pass bathing waters report with flying colours

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May 13, 2022

galway daily new children medical conditions to display art in galway city — Artist Sarah Fuller at the official launch of Helium Arts’ Summer 2022 Art Showcase. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure.

Artworks created by children living with medical conditions will go on display in Westside Library in Galway city this summer.

Details of the exhibition have been announced by Helium Arts, a charity that works to transform the healthcare experience of young people through art and creative interventions.

The exhibition, with the theme of ‘Puppet Making: Transforming the Everyday into Something Extraordinary’, will run from 29 June to 9 July, and it is being facilitated by artist Co. Clare based artist Sarah Fuller.

It will feature artwork by Helium workshop participants aged nine to 12 to showcase collaborations between professional artists and young participants in the programmes run by Helium in hospital and community healthcare settings.

Heléne Hugel, CEO of Helium Arts, said that in Ireland, 11% of children live with a long-term health condition or disability and approximately 1% of all children – about 13,000 children – are seriously inhibited in their day-to-day lives.

“This can lead to significant social and emotional challenges for them,” she said.

“At Helium, we work with young people in healthcare and community settings to offer them art and other creative experiences with a view to improving their wellbeing and mental health.

“We are delighted to be launching a series of summer exhibitions today, which will celebrate the creative work of the children and artists involved while also highlighting the value of creativity for wellbeing.”

In addition to the exhibition, a ‘family sharing day’ will take place on Saturday, 2 July, with family friendly activities including creative clay work, stencil making, exploring cabinets of curiosity, animations and more.

The exhibition and associated event are open to the public, free of charge.

Rental crisis in West at crisis point says charity

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May 13, 2022

Galway daily news Galway County social housing tenants

National housing charity Threshold has said that yesterday’s Daft report shows that the levels of increase in western counties has reached a crisis point.

The charity blamed the rent increases reported in yesterday’s report on successive governments’ overreliance on the private sector to provide housing.

In a statement, Threshold said that private renters and those seeking a home in the West and Northwest are particularly affected by ongoing rent increases.

They said that while the government’s 10-year housing plan may bring relief in the long-term, more immediate action is needed to relieve the burden on renters.

“Yearly increases of up to 25% simply cannot be borne by renters,” said the statement.

“It is encouraging to see the Housing Commission begin its work, in particular its recent conference considering the insertion of the right to housing in the Constitution.

“However more immediate action is required from the Government to address the increased costs facing private renters, compounded by the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living.”

New guide launched on European opportunities for young people

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May 12, 2022

Galway Daily business Coronavirus: EU approves Ireland's €200m business support scheme

A new guide on the opportunities and supports available to young people as EU citizens was launched this week to coincide with Europe Day.

Launched in partnership with Euroguidance Ireland during the 2022 European Year of Youth, the ‘Europe is open to you!’ guide provides clear guidance on how to access career opportunities in EU institutions.

It also has information about over one million jobs and recruitment events open to young people in Galway, thanks to the single market.

The guide provides up-to-date information on how to access study, travel and volunteering opportunities in Ireland and Europe.

Eurodesk Ireland Coordinator, Malgorzata Fiedot-Davies, said that our European community has experienced unprecedented challenges over the past few years and, with the invasion of Ukraine, very real threats to European unity.

“As an initiative which seeks to create stronger connections between young people in Europe, we believe it’s more important than ever to empower young people in Galway to grow up with a strong sense of their European identity and an understanding of all the opportunities available to them as EU citizens,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Euroguidance, David Cullen, Communications Officer at the National Centre for Guidance in Education (NCGE), added: “It is time again for young people to embrace all that Europe has to offer them.

“And as citizens of the EU, it is also important that they feel equipped to take advantage of the single labour market we belong to and where possible, to seize the opportunity to represent Ireland and positively influence the future of our European Union.

The ‘Europe is open to you’ guide was developed with contributions from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), EURES, Europass/QQI, Crosscare, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The guide is available here.

Met Éireann issues status yellow warning for blight

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May 12, 2022

Galway Daily news blight warning for galway

Met Éireann has issued a 7-day status yellow warning for blight in Galway and across the country.

The forecasters say that conditions conducive to the spread of potato blight will develop in many parts of the country from Monday.

They said that there will be opportunities for spraying over the weekend.

The warning was issued at 3.05pm this afternoon, Thursday, and it will remain in place until next Wednesday, 18 May at 1pm.

Carna Community Café raises €1,000 for Red Cross Ukraine Appeal

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May 12, 2022

galway daily news carna community cafe volunteers — Pictured are, from L-R, Mark South, Michele Dunckel, Siobhán Kennedy, Máire Ní Domhnaill, Kate Mulkerrins, Tom Lane, and Máirín Ní Churraion.

The recently launched Community Café in Carna has donated €1,000 to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal thanks to the village’s love of tea, cake, and a good old chat.

Set up by a group of sea-swimming enthusiasts in the area, the weekly café started just before Easter as a way for people to start socialising again after the lifting of Covid restrictions.

Looking to simply cover costs, charging just €1 for a cup of tea or a piece of cake, the café’s volunteer bakers and servers decided that any excess income would be donated to charity.

Just five weeks later, they passed on €1,000 to the Red Cross. The Ukraine appeal was also fitting given the location of the Café in the dining room of the Carna Bay Hotel – now providing accommodation to those who have fled the country.

Máirín Ní Churraoin, who runs the local Post Office, explained that initially, the aim wasn’t to raise money.

“We just wanted to provide a friendly, welcoming and affordable place where people could come and have a chat and see each other again,” she said.

“But it’s been proving more popular than we could have imagined, so we decided that any income generated has to go to a good cause – for this first donation we all felt the Red Cross Ukraine appeal was an obvious choice.”

Karl Rogers from the Carna Bay Hotel said they are delighted to be able to support the initiative.

“It’s just brilliant to see people coming out and socialising over a bit of cake again. And with the tea, musicians and chat, it’s a great way for our guests from Ukraine to meet local people and experience Irish culture first-hand.”

Pictured are (L-R) Máirín Ní Churraion, Kate Mulkerrins, Siobhán Kennedy, Niall O’Meachair (Conamara Area Director, Irish Red Cross), Tom Lane, and Máire Ní Domhnaill.

At the most recent event on Saturday, May 7, Irish Red Cross Conamara Area Director, Niall O’Meachair was on hand to collect a cheque for €1,000.

“We’re absolutely delighted to receive this money from the Community Café in Carna, and through the work of the Red Cross we’ll make sure it goes to helping people affected by this awful, awful conflict,” he said.

The Community Café is held every Saturday in the Carna Bay Hotel, 10am to 12.30pm.

Rents rise again across Galway as crisis worsens across city and county

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May 12, 2022

Galway Daily news House prices in Galway City fell in first three months of 2023

Rents in Galway city and county have risen yet again as the housing crisis continues to wreak havoc across Ireland.

The latest Daft.ie report shows that rents in Galway county in the first three months of 2022 were 18.1% higher than last year, now averaging €1,176.

In Galway City the increase was 13.8%, with the average rent rising to €1,585.

The grim report revealed that there were just 64 homes to rent across the cities of Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.

The rent for a single room in Galway city centre increased to €569 – almost 20% higher than last year. The average rent for a double room was €580.

A similar picture was found in the city’s suburbs where a single bedroom in Q1 averaged €469 and €546 for a double room.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Galway city was €1,057 in Q1, and €791 in Galway county.

In Galway City, a two-bedroom house is now €1,233, while a three-bedroom house averages €1,437.

In the county a one-bed apartment will set people back €922 per month, rising to €1,059 for a house with two bedrooms.

The average rent for a three-bedroom house is now €1,437 and €1,184 in Galway city and county respectively.

Commenting on the report, Professor of Economics at TDC Ronan Lyons said that in some ways, for Ireland’s rental sector, it’s like the pandemic never happened.

“As COVID-19 moves from a shock that brought daily life to a standstill, to something more like part of daily life, pre-existing patterns and pressures are re-emerging in the rental market,” he said.

“The figures in this latest Daft.ie Rental Report confirm, for example, that for prospective tenants of new leases ‐ ‘movers’ ‐ things have, as best we can tell, never been so grim.”

He said that one of the most obvious ways to come to that conclusion is to look at the level and change in listed market rents, i.e. what someone would pay if they were to move into a newly rented home currently.

“The average market rent, per month, rose just over €1,400 a year ago to €1,567 in the first quarter of 2022. This level of rents is over twice the low of €765 per month, seen just over a decade ago in late 2011.

“It is also more than 50% higher than the Celtic Tiger peak of €1,030 per month, seen in the first quarter of 2008.”

Galway Races announces new partnership with a special connection

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May 12, 2022

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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May 12, 2022

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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May 12, 2022

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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May 12, 2022

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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Galway Daily

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May 12, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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Angela Mc Bride

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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022

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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May 11, 2022