Friends! The Musical Parody coming to Galway city in May

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April 24, 2022

galway daily news friends the musical parody tour in ireland — Mikey Wooster, Lara Sas, Thomas Mitchells, Max Cadman, Elena Christie, Jonathan Walker Gilland and Amelia Adams from Friends! The Musical Parody Ireland tour. Photo credit : Robert C Kelly

A musical parody of Friends will be brought to Town Hall Theatre in Galway city in May in a hilarious production by Robert C. Kelly and Theatre Mogul.

Friends! The Musical Parody celebrates the crazy misadventures of the group of pals from the hit TV show as they navigate the pitfalls of work, life and love in 90s Manhattan.

The musical is a hilarious good-hearted romp through some favourite moments from the hit TV show in a hilarious, fast-paced, music-filled production.

The much-anticipated Irish tour will include 10 Irish dates, including Galway on 8 May.

It is the first Irish tour of the hilarious off-Broadway and Las Vegas hit musical that lovingly lampoons the popular TV sitcom.

It starts as a typical day at New York’s only coffee shop, Central Perk, until an unexpected runaway bride enters the picture and kicks the whole gang out of second gear!

Huge restaurant discounts continue until Thursday during Dining Week

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Michael Malone

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April 24, 2022

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Restaurant goers are still able to enjoy a 25% discount on their food bill this week if they book via www.diningweek.ie as Dining Week continues across the county.

As well as giving a much-needed boost to local restaurants, the ten-day promotion is also a celebration of a return to normality after years of lockdowns.

Dining Week is a perfect excuse to gather with friends or family and bookings are available for between two and eight people.

Dining Week is supported by the Restaurants Association of Ireland and Fáilte Ireland, and sponsored by WorldPay from FIS, with over 200 restaurants expected to take part.

EarlyTable, the platform hosting Dining Week, expects to reach up to one million customers through its upcoming media campaign and this should result in thousands of people seizing the opportunity to socialise and save.

James Lenehan, the entrepreneur behind the new EarlyTable dining platform, said that it has been a long and difficult two years for the hospitality industry.

“A small booking fee is required on the EarlyTable platform, but for DiningWeek, we decided to donate the fee to St Vincent de Paul given the great work they are doing to support the hosting of Ukrainian refugees”.

Spiddal based writer receives special mention at EU literature awards

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Michael Malone

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April 23, 2022

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galway daily arts & culture Skylight 47 launch at Over the Edge open reading

An Spidéal based writer Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin’s novel MADAME LAZARE has been awarded a ‘Special Mention’ by the European Union Prize for Literature Awards.

The novel, published by Connemara’s Barzaz, was one of 14 shortlisted titles from across Europe at a ceremony in Paris on Friday.

It is the first ever novel written in Irish to represent Ireland at the European Prize for Literature.

Madame Lazare tells the story of Levana whose grandmother, Hana Lazare, is succumbing to old age.

Revelations of familial secrets emerge which prompt Levana to delve into her family’s secret history, on a quest that brings her across Europe from Paris to London to the Aran Islands on the edge of Ireland’s Atlantic Coast.

The book won the An Post Best Irish Language Book Award 2021.

Reacting to the award, Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin said: “It’s a great privilege for me, firstly, to represent Ireland on a European stage and now to be included among the six books awarded Special Mention at the 2022 EU Prize for Literature.

“One of the core aims of the Prize is to promote the translation of books so that they reach new audiences beyond the country and language in which they were written. It will be a dream come true to see that happen with Madame Lazare.”

Barzaz and Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin thanked Literature Ireland, the nominating organisation in Ireland, and the jury of the European Union Prize for Literature.

They also congratulated all fourteen shortlisted authors, fellow Special Mention honourees, Gaea Schoeters of Belgium; Slađana Nina Perković of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jacobo Bergareche of Spain and Eugenia Kuznetsova of Ukraine, and especially the overall winner of the European Union Prize for Literature, Iva Pezuashvili of Georgia for his book ‘A Garbage Chute’.

Madame Lazare is available nationwide in all good bookshops.

Ukrainians now able to exchange driving licence for Irish licence

By

Michael Malone

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April 23, 2022

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Galway Daily news RTE preserving longwave radio

Ukrainians fleeing their country can now exchange their Ukrainian driving licence for an Irish driving licence, making it easier for them to drive to work, school and other public services.

Minister Eamon Ryan signed an Order to allow those temporarily resident in Ireland because of the war to drive their cars here if they exchange their Ukrainian driving licence.

This follows an announcement earlier this week that there will be increased and enhanced public transport services rolled out to support Ukrainians in more rural locations.

“After providing housing and shelter, one of the most important things we can do for our Ukrainian guests is to give them with the ability to move around easily, where they are located first, and then throughout the country, where they may have family and friends,” said Minister Eamon Ryan.

“This Order allows Ukrainians to exchange their Ukrainian driving licences for an Irish licence on a temporary basis.”

He explained that it operates much like renting a car if we are in another country, for example, and comes with the same warnings that users must be acutely aware of the rules of the road in that country.

“I strongly urge anyone applying for an Irish licence to take time to familiarise themselves with the Irish road system.”

Businesses target Nordic tourists for Galway!

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Michael Malone

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April 23, 2022

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galway daily news tourism ireland nordic workshop — Aine McLoughlin, Aran Island Ferries; Sofie Lopez Wegger Højsteen, Deal.dk; and Emer Mac Diarmada, Tourism Ireland, at Tourism Ireland’s Nordic trade workshop.. Pic – Josefine Amalie

Galway companies have been promoted to more than 50 top tour operators and travel agents from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland at a trade workshop in Denmark this week.

Moycullen-based North & West Coast Links Golf Ireland and Aran Island Ferries took part along with 23 other businesses at Tourism Ireland’s 2022 Nordic trade workshop in Copenhagen.

At the event, Irish businesses met with Nordic travel professionals, to encourage them to extend their Ireland offering, or to include Ireland for the first time in their brochures and programmes.

The key message was that Ireland is open for business again, and cannot wait to welcome back Nordic visitors.

Emer Mac Diarmada, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for the Nordic Region, said: “We’re really pleased that so many key Nordic travel professionals have taken the time to come and meet with our partners from Ireland in Copenhagen this week.

“As overseas tourism restarts and the participating Nordic tour operators prepare to sign contracts for 2022 and beyond, we very much welcome the business and networking opportunities our workshop presented.

“Our aim is to increase awareness of Ireland among these influential Nordic travel professionals and to help Ireland and our tourism partners secure a greater share of their business.”

Tourism Ireland is rolling out its Green Button campaign in the Nordics right now – urging Nordic travellers to ‘press the Green Button’ and book their trip to Ireland this year.

Local communties’ response to Ukraine crisis ‘can only make you proud’

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Michael Malone

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April 23, 2022

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

Groups and individuals across Galway have been praised for their response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis over the past number of weeks.

Groups in local communities have been “so responsive” – from welcome committees to culture nights, according to CEO of Galway Rural Development (GRD) Steve Dolan.

GRD has been involved in resettling refugees, spending recent weeks supporting initiatives from sorting donations to providing direct supports to centres in the county.

Last week, the GRD team was busy moving donated items across the county, to and from some of the main centres.

Senior Manager of GRD’s SICAP team, Anne Cassidy, said that they are organising donation drives for items into their offices for nearby centres, and recently they have received approval to redirect SICAP funding.

“It’s a huge challenge for the team, and we intend on hiring a Ukrainian to work with us and help with translations and in terms of explaining rights, entitlements, etc,” she said.

Ms Cassidy also highlighted the wider county response.

“The Galway public continue to be very charitable. The local businesses and business owners we’ve contacted asking for targeted aid have been enormously generous, and indeed we’ve also already found several Ukrainians work, mainly in retail.

“The extent to which the county has responded has been remarkable.”

Steve Dolan added that as well as people in local communities, he can only praise the work of the DSP, the HSE, and other organisations.

“At our end, we’ve hired a full-time Outreach Officer seconded to and funded by the HSE which links-in with our own SICAP and Tús-RSS teams,” he said.

“We’ve also taken our proposal for a Ukrainian-specific Tús programme directly to the Minister. These people need ‘purpose’ and are so keen to contribute.

“We are hopeful – given the benefits in terms of education and training, the contribution to mental and physical health, and especially in terms of integration and breaking language and cultural barriers – that our request will be granted.

“So many Ukrainians want to play a role in their new communities and we should support them in doing so.”

SF announces Dáil motion to scrap ban on selling turf

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Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news turf ban galway ireland

Sinn Féin has announced it will bring forward a motion in the Dáil next week to scrap the upcoming ban on selling turf.

The ban is due to come into effect from this September and the party argues it would hit rural communities with no other heating options.

Speaking today as she announced the motion, Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane said the ban is ‘unfair, unworkable and will punish rural communities’.

“There is a cost of living crisis across the country, as energy bills have sky-rocketed and put real pressure on people’s pockets,” said Deputy Kerrane.

“Turf has been one of the only forms of heating not to see prices spiral in recent months.

“The Government’s proposed plan punishes communities who rely on turf, instead of introducing measures to support communities in transitioning away from this form of heating in a way that is fair and sustainable.

“Our motion would end this unfair ban and ensure rural communities are treated fairly. I am calling on all TDs to back our motion next week.”

Patterson among select few chosen as USFL’s No. 1 pick

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Thomas O'Brien

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April 22, 2022

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Shea Patterson’s debut performance as Michigan Panthers quarterback left a lot to be desired. The former Michigan Wolverine and Ole Miss Rebel were chosen as the No. 1 selection in the rebooted USFL’s draft. During his debut performance, Patterson was benched after having issues with fumbles early in the game.

Much like NASCAR betting odds, Patterson’s performance saw its up-and-downs during a 17-12 loss to the Houston Gamblers on April 17 in Birmingham. After returning when backup quarterback Paxton Lynch also had his issues with fumbles, Patterson nearly lead Michigan to a come-from-behind victory. He would finish 17-of-24 passing yards for 192 yards and a touchdown. Patterson also fumbled three times, losing one.

While this version of the USFL has little to do with the first version, Patterson would have to do a lot to match the football carers many of the No. 1 picks in the first version of the USFL, which had much more ambition than the current iteration, accomplished. It is notable that three of the players selected No. 1 in the USFL draft in the 1980s never played in the league.

Ace Ventura’s assistant

University of Pittsburgh standout Dan Marino was chosen by the Los Angeles Express with the No. 1 pick in the 1983 NFL draft. Marino went to Los Angeles and flirted with becoming the first major college player to jump to the upstart league, but ultimately used the situation as leverage in his contract negotiations with the Miami Dolphins.

While Marino would never win a Super Bowl, he had a Hall-of-Fame career that stretched from 1983 to 1999 in Miami. He would be named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1984 and finished his career with 61,361 yards passing. He was an eight-time All-Pro selection and five times led the league in passing yards.

Heisman hype

Mike Rozier, selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Maulers in 1984, was the only No. 1 pick to ever actually suit up for the USFL. His — and the franchise’s — time in Pittsburgh was a failure for the league. Rozier was stuck on a team that finished 3-15 before folding and was limited to 792 rushing yards and averaged 3.6 yards per carry.

In Rozier’s second season with the Jacksonville Bulls, he piled up 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns. But this would be the highlight of Rozier’s professional career. He played with the Houston Oilers from 1985 to 1989 and Atlanta from 1990 to 1991. In the NFL, he would only rush for more than 1,000 yards once when he finished with 1,002 in 1988.

Some guy from Mississippi Valley State

Future Hall of Fame Jerry Rice wasn’t selected until the 18th pick of the NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. However, the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions selected Rice as their top selection. At that point, the USFL was struggling to stay above water and Rice decided to join the 49ers and their burgeoning dynasty.

Rice finished his career with San Francisco by compiling 22,895 receiving yards and 197 touchdowns. Rice, a three-time Super Bowl champion, still holds the NFL record for total touchdowns (208), career receiving touchdowns (197), and career receptions (1,549). Rice was also named Super Bowl XXIII MVP. He hauled in 11 catches for 215 yards and a score in San Francisco’s 20-16 win over the Bengals.

Rice’s career is marked by his longevity. Once he moved on from San Francisco in 2000, Rice had several productive years with the Oakland Raiders from 2001 to 2004. Pairing with fellow veteran Tim Brown, Rice had a large role in leaving Oakland for an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Orlando wanted to build in the trenches

The Orlando Renegades selected Iowa tackle, Mike Haight, as the top choice in the 1986 draft. Haight, who was the Big 10 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1985, never had a chance to sign with the USFL because the league folded shortly after.

Haight, who was the No. 22 pick in the 1986 NFL Draft, never made waves in the big league. Haight played for the New York Jets from 1986 to 1991 and finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1992. Haight was never chosen for All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors.

Protest to say No new fossil fuel plants in Galway

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Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news "Cruel and perverse" to cut PUP with new restrictions introduced

A protest will be held on Thursday against Galway County Council’s approval of a gas-powered plant in Tynagh near Loughrea.

The demonstration, organised by People Before Profit, will take place on Thursday, April 28 at 6pm at the Galway County Council building on Prospect Hill.

Speaking ahead of the demo, local PBP representative Adrian Curran said that the science tells us that in order to keep to 1.5 degrees warming, we have got to stop any new fossil fuel infrastructure.

“Galway County Council’s approval of the Tynagh gas plant shows that they are either deliberately ignoring people’s rightful environmental concerns or are completely ignorant about the scale of the crisis facing people,” said Mr Curran.

“Opposing all new fossil fuel infrastructure is not a fringe or controversial position to take. Just two weeks ago, the UN Secretary General António Guterres said ‘Investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure is moral and economic madness’.

He said that we need to reduce our energy demand by doing things like retrofitting homes, providing cleaner energy options and not building data centres.

“We have the solutions right in front of us, they don’t include fossil fuels,” he said.

Largest jobs fair in West of Ireland returns to Galway tomorrow

By

Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news jobs sigmar covid-19 vacancy

The largest employment fair in the West of Ireland returns to Galway this weekend, featuring hundreds of active job opportunities.

Jobs Expo will be held at Leisureland Events Centre tomorrow, Saturday, 23 April from 10am to 4pm and is free for attendees.

The expo is aimed at those eager to advance their careers or looking for CV evaluation and professional advice from career counsellors.

Attendees can meet with employers and educators from Eurofins, Logic 360 Group, Servisource Workforce Solutions, Irish Prison Service, Irish Defence Forces, National Ambulance Service, Kelly Services, Comfort Keepers, Nortev Ltd, JFC Group, Transitions Optical, Nua Healthcare, CEC, Resilience, NUI Galway, Innopharma Education, FIT, The Teaching Council, Recruit.ie, Nightcourses.com and many more!

IMRO award-winning broadcast journalist, Fionnuala Corbett, will be compère on the Agenda Stage, presenting the full day of talks and seminars.

Topics that will be featured

• Returning to Work or Changing Careers: The key skills and qualities employers are looking for
• Positive Psychology at Work
• Navigating The Lifelong Learning Landscape – Choosing The Right Course For You
• What the Servisource team can do for YOU today!
• Everything you wanted to know about career change but were too afraid to ask
• Systems Approach to Careers – ‘The Matrix’ Field Guide
• Upskilling for the Digital Transformation era that’s underway – futureproof your Career
• Become a Tech Apprentice: The Fast Track to IT
• Careers and Opportunities in the Irish Navy
• An Introduction to the Irish Prison Service

The ‘Career Clinic’ is perfect for attendees looking for one on one advice and will also offer the opportunity to meet with professional development coaches who can help candidates with crucial issues such as interview skills, CV presentation and changing career direction.

Jobseekers can register for free admission by visiting https://www.jobsexpo.ie/register/

2022 Toyota Yaris up for grabs in Galway Hospice car raffle

By

Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news car raffle for galway hospice

Galway Hospice has launched this year’s car raffle to raise vital funds to keep services running at the hospice.

The Hospice says that getting involved in the raffle is a fun and meaningful way to support those that rely on the care of its doctors, nurses, carers and therapists.

First prize is a 2022 Toyota Yaris supplied by Parsons Garage Tuam, while 2nd prize is a family holiday to France for four sponsored by Kelair Campotel.

Third prize in the hospice raffle is afternoon tea for two people at the G Hotel in Galway.

People can enter the car raffle at raffle.galwayhospice.ie or by calling its fundraising team on 091 770868.

Galway weather looks promising for weekend and into next week

By

Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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Galway Daily weather Sunny spells bookened by showers this weekend

The forecast for this weekend across Galway is looking promising, with plenty of sunshine expected accompanied by dry conditions.

Friday night will mostly dry, with long clear spells and lowest temperatures of 3 to 6 degrees in moderate northeasterly winds.

Met Éireann says that Saturday will be another day without rain, with a mix of cloud and sunny spells across the West.

Highest temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees are forecast in moderate to fresh northeasterly winds.

The weather forecasters say that while there may be a few stray showers at times over the coming week, there will generally be a lot of dry weather with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid-teens.

Saturday night will bring clear spells and lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees in moderate northeasterly winds.

And it will be much the same on Sunday, – dry with sunny spells in most areas but it will be a little cloudier in the southwest of Ireland.

Monday looks like it will be another dry day, but it will be cloudier overall with occasional sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 11 to 15 degrees are expected in light easterly breezes.

Local foodies launch exciting new lunchtime service in Galway city

By

Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news new bangin food lunch in city

A new delivery lunch service for office workers in Galway City has been launched by Bangin Food Group, which will be available from Monday 25 April.

The group says that it plans to offer a unique lunchtime service, using the best local ingredients.

They will be operating from 12pm – 2pm Monday to Friday, delivering directly to workplaces as well as having a collection option from their shopfront at 15 St Augustine Street.

The manager of Bangin Food Group, Evan O’Ceallaigh, said that he is excited with the launch.

“I have been really influenced by a direct to consumer business model that I saw in London and New York which I wanted to bring to Galway,” he said.

“We have created what we believe is a really top quality lunch offering using great ingredients, but we are also committed to offering good value for money, which really is not easy in these times of inflation and high food costs, but we are going to do our very best to offer an affordably priced lunch.”

O’Ceallaigh said that they wanted to bring something more than the usual sandwich offering and something a bit new to Galway.

For that reason they decided on a Vietnamese-inspired menu consisting of Bahn Mi sandwiches, fragrant crunchy salads, spicy soups, fresh spring rolls and a small selection of fresh juices and smoothies.

“Using the finest of ingredients we can source locally and cooking everything from scratch in our commercial kitchen in the city,” he added.

Workers in the city that wish to avail of the service can order on the website, by simply booking a time slot, selecting either delivery or collection, and then choosing their order.

Ordering for delivery and collection can be done on the Bangin Food Group website, and their app will be launching soon.

World-class Galway United training centre plans submitted

By

Michael Malone

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April 22, 2022

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galway daily news galway united fc training grounds in athenry plans comer group

Planning permission has been submitted for a world-class training facility in Athenry, which would be “far superior” to a top English Premier League club’s training grounds.

If planning permission is granted, ‘Mountain South’ in Athenry would be a base for Galway United, shared with Connacht Hockey.

The plans include a full-sized GAA pitch which could also cater for rugby and football training, along with two hockey fields and spaces for sports such as tennis and volleyball.

“This is a joint development with Connacht Hockey, which will provide for all the current and future needs to develop all young players in the west of Ireland to reach the highest levels of their sports,” a spokesperson for Galway United said.

Speaking to GUFC’s Media Officer Jonathan Higgins this week, Luke Comer added: “It’s going to be a really state-of-the-art facility for Galway United.

“I own a farm in Shenley in London… And at the bottom of that is the Arsenal Training Grounds, this will be far superior to it.”

Tuam Cortoon LGFA club wins top fundraising prize with support from local shoppers

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Michael Malone

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April 21, 2022

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galway daily news lidl ireland fundraiser for tuam lgfa club — Photo:xposure

Tuam Cortoon LGFA Club has been awarded a top prize of €20,000 in Lidl Ireland’s club fundraising initiative which took place earlier this year.

The initiative called on communities to support their local clubs by scanning their Lidl Plus app at the checkout in their local store.

Almost €65,000 has been awarded to LGFA clubs across Galway throughout the course of the initiative.

Tuam-Cortoon LGFA club is one of four – one from each province – to pick up the top prize.

In total, Lidl has rewarded more than 383 LGFA clubs throughout Ireland, benefitting from new jerseys and up to €20,000 in funding each.

The innovative initiative is part of Lidl’s campaign, Level the Playing Field, that called on communities to get behind their local club.

Commenting on the initiative, Padraic Meenaghan, Chairperson of Tuam Cortoon LGFA club said they were absolutely delighted to have come out on top in Connacht and win the €20,000 top prize.

“A huge thank you to all members of the club and the local community who collected stamps for Tuam Cortoon LGFA club and to the wonderful staff at Lidl Tuam for all their help,” he said.

“The funding will have a huge impact on developing our grass roots players and helping to encourage new members to join our great club.”

Vitaljis Gasenko, Store Manager of local store, Lidl Tuam said: “It’s been incredible to see the community come together to really get behind the club to raise some very necessary funds at grassroots level.

“The community has demonstrated their dedication to raising awareness for women in sport as well as helping to encourage young girls to get involved in sport from a very early age and it has truly been incredible to watch.”

Galway start-ups encouraged to enter €300,000 Seedcorn competition

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Michael Malone

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April 21, 2022

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galway daily news start ups competition promotional picture from seedcorn — Pictured at the launch of the 2022 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition are Conor Sweeney, InterTradeIreland (right); Shana Chu, Tailr, 2021 ‘Best New Start’ winner and Vincent Forde, Gasgon Medical, 2021 Overall winner. Pic: Brian Lougheed

Start-ups and early-stage companies in Galway are being encouraged to enter Ireland’s biggest investor readiness competition.

The InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition has a top prize of €100,000, and gives companies a chance to become ‘investor ready’ with feedback on business plans and pitches along with increased exposure to investors.

The largest business competition of its kind on the island of Ireland, Seedcorn boasts an overall prize fund of €300,000.

For the second year, a €20,000 prize is also up for grabs for best investment proposal from a company operating in the low carbon/green sector.

Connor Sweeney, Seedcorn Programme Manager at InterTradeIreland, welcomed entrants for this year’s competition.

“Since its inception in 2003, Seedcorn has been instrumental to some of the island of Ireland’s biggest start-up success stories,” he said.

“The benefits of entering go well beyond the cash prize. As well as competing for a share of the €300,000 prize fund, all entrants will win by accessing new investor networks, receiving invaluable feedback on their business plans and pitches from real-world investors, as well as boosting the profile of their business along the way.”

Conor Sweeney said that they are hosting a series of free information sharing sessions in the coming weeks to help companies with their entries, and encouraged all innovative young businesses to take part.

Previous winners have spanned a wide range of sectors, and hailed from across the island of Ireland. The overall winner of the 2021 Seedcorn competition was Cork-based med-tech firm, Gasgon Medical.

Last year’s winner in the ‘Best New Start’ category was Waterford-based Tailr, previously known as STYL.wrap, picking up a cash prize of €50,000.

The closing date for entries is 1pm on 27 May.

Hospitals to receive ‘Menu of Poems’ selected by Galway poet

By

Michael Malone

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April 21, 2022

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galway daily news menu of poems editor rita ann higgins

A ‘Menu of Poems’ will be given to hospital wards, waiting rooms and other healthcare settings next Thursday to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland.

The poetry was selected by Galway poet Rita Ann Higgins, who was also asked to include a poem of her own.

Menu of Poems is distributed every year to healthcare users in a range of healthcare settings, including UHG, Merlin Park Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital.

The anthology includes poems by Catherine Ann Cullen (children’s poem ‘Eliza Analyser’), Martina Evans’ poem ‘Gazebo’, Imelda May’s poem ‘Stargazer’, and Rita Ann Higgins’ poem ‘Lucky Mrs Higgins’.

Rita Ann Higgins said that it is not unusual to reach for poems at a time of crisis or distress, and sometimes poems are all we have to get us over the tough times.

“Selecting poems for this project was a great pleasure, she said.

“It made me take down the books I had not read for a while. It was like meeting old friends. In the end the selection made me feel warm and grateful for the powerful voices of Cullen, Evans and May, may the creative force stay with them.”

The poets involved have also recorded the poetry, and it will be available at https://saoltaarts.com/stories/menu-of-poems/

The Menu of Poems is also available to anyone working in a healthcare facility to print and distribute in their own locations.

Deadline apporaching for astrophotography competition entries

By

Michael Malone

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April 21, 2022

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galway daily news dias astrophotography competition leo varadkar — Pictured at DIAS Dunsink Observatory in last year were Tánaiste Leo Varadkar; Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS; and Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS.

The deadline is approaching for entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition, organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS).

The competition is looking for the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland from 1 April 2021 to 30 April 2022.

Photography and astronomy fans from Galway must submit their images before the final closing date for entries on Saturday, 30 April 2022.

Speaking about the upcoming deadline, Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS said, said that the competition is all about encouraging people to look up, and appreciate the wonder and beauty of space.

“You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take part, you don’t need to own a telescope – we just ask that you follow the competition guidelines carefully to ensure your images meet the criteria,” said Dr Meehan.

“I would really encourage people in Galway to get out with their cameras or phones over the next week, before the closing date.

“There are a number of exciting opportunities for people to capture quality images in the coming weeks, including a meteor shower due to peak at the end of this week.”

Competition Details

Entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition will be judged by Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director at Alice PR & Events.

The competition has two categories and entrants may submit up to two images in each of the following categories:

Out of this World: Images depicting scenes / features or elements of astronomical interest. For example, deep space images or images of the solar system.
Back on Earth: Astro-landscape images that depict a feature or element of astronomical interest and capture elements such as nature, cityscapes, buildings or monuments, land, or water.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Saturday, 30 April.

Prize Package

The winning photographers in the two main categories, as selected by the judging panel, will receive a prize package that includes:

Publication of their images on the DIAS and Irish Times websites;
A VIP tour of DIAS Dunsink Observatory – with the opportunity to peer through Ireland’s largest refractor telescope.
One pass for up to four guests for ‘Race to Space’, a fully immersive escape room experience, hosted at DIAS Dunsink Observatory.
A €500 voucher for photographic / telescopic equipment; and
A 12-month Premium Digital subscription to The Irish Times.

Two runners-up in each category will also be selected by the judges, and will each receive a €200 voucher for photographic / telescopic equipment. The winner of the Public Choice category, as voted for by the public, will also receive voucher to the value of €150 for photographic / telescopic equipment.

“The standard of entries to the competition so far has been really encouraging – and it’s great to see so many people from across the country showing an interest in astronomy,” added Dr Meehan.

“DIAS is a leader in space research, and it’s important that while we continue to build on this legacy, we inspire, excite, and inform the wider public about astronomy and encourage them to develop an interest in space.

“The Reach for the Stars competition has given us an opportunity to do this, and it’s fantastic to see people from all corners of Ireland taking part.”

Lough Cutra Castle gears up for thrilling triathlon and multisport weekend

By

Michael Malone

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April 21, 2022

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galway daily news Lough Cutra Castle triathlon event

Athletes across the country are gearing up for Lough Cutra Castle Triathlon and Multisport Festival at the end of next month.

Part of the Castle Race Series, the busy weekend of racing will take place on May 28 and 29.

The event will see athletes swim in Europe’s largest privately owned lake, cycle the stunning scenery of the region, and then return to run on the tracks, trails and woodland of the castle estate.

There will be a number of races for adults and children taking place on the grounds of the castle.

Athletes can embrace their choice of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and aquabike races and enjoy the fun festival atmosphere.

The stunning castle which is nestled on the edge of the Burren is a perfect location for the race, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

There are swim-only and run-only events also on offer throughout the weekend ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Find out more about the individual races and sign up to your chosen distance on www.castleraceseries.com.

Foster care allowance must be increased says local TD

By

Michael Malone

-

April 21, 2022

0

galway daily news foster care allowance increase

A Galway East TD has called for an increase in the allowance that is paid to foster carers to meet the needs of foster children.

Deputy Seán Canney received confirmation from the Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman that the allowance has not been increased since January 2009.

The allowance is paid to all foster carers to meet the child’s daily living needs, including food, clothing, basic travel, education cost and hobbies.

But Deputy Canney said that it is unfair that it has not been increased in the past 13 years.

“The Consumer Price Index (CPI) slows that the change in consumer prices in the intervening time is 11.17%,” he said.

“There is now additional price inflation in recent months which also need to be taken into account.”

The Independent TD said that it is wrong to expect foster carers to be out of pocket as they provide a safe haven for children and save the State by providing the service.

“I am asking the Minister to put the foster care allowance in line with inflation as a matter of urgency and also to index link future rises increases in the allowance with the Consumer Price Index which should be done annually.”

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