Football, parades and cake – Range of events organised for Bike Week!

-

May 5, 2022

An online meeting on active travel within the city and county will be held on Monday 9 May at 6pm.

The meeting, hosted by Galway City Community Network and the Galway County PPN, aims to bring together groups and individuals who are passionate about creating a Galway which is accessible for all active travel.

The groups envisage a place where everyone in the county can all move with ease and be treated with respect.

They say that universally accessible active travel and public transport that will benefit all residents is a vital part of a just transition and a people-centred place to live work and visit.

Brian Doherty, GCCN Development worker, welcomed this opportunity to collaborate with Galway County PPN and those who are passionate about active travel in Galway.

“It is imperative that Galway is an accessible place for everybody, and we are delighted to facilitate a collective voice for active travel and public transport users,” he said.

“It is important that a diverse range of active travel users have their voices heard in the decision-making process and this meeting can be a catalyst for that.”

Those who wish to register for the meeting can contact Brian at development@gccn.ie. Further information is available on the GCCN website – www.galwaycitycommunitynetwork.ie.

Progress being made on new footbridge in Athenry

By

-

May 5, 2022

galway daily news clarin college athenry

Progress on the initial works on the site of the new footbridge in Athenry has been welcomed by Galway County Councillor Shelly Herterich Quinn.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that the works at Clarin College will take around eight weeks to complete.

The bridge, together with new paths and crossings, will ‘transform the user experience around the town’, she said.

“Ensuring Safe Routes to Schools is a large part of the work I have been involved in locally both in Athenry and Oranmore since my election.

“Good quality paths and road infrastructure are crucial to busy developing towns.”

Cllr Herterich Quinn said that since the Government’s introduction of Active Travel Funding, council staff in the Athenry/ Oranmore area have been working diligently to spend the allocated monies which in total amounts to approximately €6 million.

“The long-awaited footbridge for the latest secondary school in Athenry was part of the initial planning application for the Clarin College and it was previously expected to be delivered ahead of the previous school term.”

Four Galway city streets to be pedestrianised each evening from today

By

-

May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Four streets in Galway city are set to become pedestrianised during certain evening hours from today until October to allow for outdoor dining during the summer months.

Dominick Street Upper, William Street West and Raven Terrace will all be closed to traffic from 6pm until 11pm every day until 2 October.

Small Crane, from New Street West to William Street West, will be closed to motorists 24/7 throughout the summer.

Galway City Council introduced a similar measure last year as a result of the pandemic, and it proved hugely popular with locals and tourists, as well as the hospitality sector.

Last year’s temporary pedestrianisations did not begin until 7 June because of COVID restrictions imposed on bars and restaurants.

Localised access will be maintained at all times and Galway City Council will install diversion signage for motorists.

Galway children invited to take part in Creative Schools Week

By

-

May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Children across Galway are invited to let their imaginations soar and be part of a special week which celebrates creativity in young people.

The theme of this year’s national celebration is Creativity Lives Here!, recognising that schools are ‘truly creative places, filled with very creative people’.

Creative Schools Week focuses on fun, festivities, imagination and innovation and this year will take place next week, from 9 to 13 May.

Speaking about Creative Schools Week, Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly said it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the many ways in which schools and school communities embrace creativity every day.

“I encourage everyone, no matter what stage of life you are at, to take a few minutes this week to consider where creativity lives for you,” she said.

This year the theme of creative schools encourages school communities to pause and reflect on where creativity is evident in our lives, in every class, in every school and in the experience of every student.

But schools do not have to be part of the Creative Schools programme to take part in next week’s celebration.

All Creative schools have received a digital school pack full of ideas, information and inspiration. Those not already involved can contact creativeschools@artscouncil.ie to receive more practical ideas and tips to help you participate in Creative Schools week.

Applications for the next round of Creative Schools are now open. Full details on how to apply are here.The closing date for applications is 17:30pm, 2nd June 2022.

City primary school takes home national mental health award

By

-

May 5, 2022

galway daily news st pats winner mission possible

St Patrick’s primary school in Galway city has won a mental health award for an action plan which aimed to make a difference in the mental health of their pupils.

Five schools won Mission Possible awards from Walk in My Shoes, with each of the winning schools receiving €600.

St Pat’s, which took home the Best Programme Activity award, ran several initiatives and events from Christmas concerts and gardening initiatives to performing on Shop Street live on national television.

They hosted kindness awards and set up a Music Shelter as a place where students can sit and sing – even when it is raining.

The Mission Possible awards opened for entry in January, with applications closing in March.

A judging panel reviewed all the shortlisted entries, taking the goals and outcomes of the different initiatives into consideration.

Judges included Amanda McArdle, WIMS Campaign Manager; Paul Gilligan, Chief Executive Officer of St Patrick’s Mental Health Services (SPMHS); and Maire Brid Ni Chonghaile, Guidance Counsellor and WIMS Advisory Panel member.

Amanda McArdle said that there is a deep understanding in schools across Ireland of the importance of mental health.

“The challenges we have all faced over the last two years and the role schools have played in helping children and young people to deal with them has really underlined this.

“The entries we received to this year’s Mission Possible awards blew me away with the skill, inventiveness and passion of teachers and students show in making mental health and wellbeing a real priority.”

€200,000 ‘wasted’ on Salthill cycleway plans says PBP

By

-

May 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Oranmore active travel

People Before Profit Galway has hit out at Galway City Council for spending €200,000 despite failing to deliver the Salthill Cycleway.

Local party representative Adrian Curran said that taxpayer’s money has been wasted in an exercise of ‘fear-mongering’.

€1 million was provided to the council for the construction of a temporary cycleway in Salthill, but plans fell through earlier this year when councillors voted 13 to 4 to revoke the plans.

Curran said that it would have been a safe, accessible route for cyclists, and that it would have increased space for pedestrians.

“Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing people around the world, and it will impact Galway in the years to come,” he said.

“What’s more, people have been struggling with the cost of living more than ever this year. To hear that €200,000 has been wasted to do nothing is a kick in the teeth for struggling families.”

We must investigate what went wrong in Nursing Homes during pandemic says Galway TD

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

Galway East TD Seán Canney has co-signed the Commission of Investigation (Nursing Homes) Bill 2022 along with Catherine Connolly TD and Peadar Tobin TD.

Deputy Canney said that an investigation must take place into “what went wrong in nursing homes during the pandemic” and to put proper procedures and supports in place.

The Independent TD said that the proposed Bill requires the government to make an order establishing the required Commission of Investigation, not later than two months after the passing of the Bill.

“It provides for the procedure for establishing this Commission. The Bill also governs the terms of the order establishing the Commission, which is to carry out an investigation into, and prepare one or more reports on, the matter of significant public concern,” he said.

The Bill will now proceed to second stage reading in private members’ time.

“It is essential that the significant public concern which the Commission is to investigate and report on are put on a legal footing,” added Deputy Canney.

Almost €4,000 raised for Ukraine during 24-hour Galway trad session

By

-

May 4, 2022

galway daily news 24-hour trad session for ukraine in lackagh galway

Almost €4,000 was raised for the Irish Red Cross and the Association of Ukrainians in the Republic of Ireland during an impressive 24-hour traditional music session in Lackagh in April.

The flutes, fiddles, banjos and whistles were tuned and ready to go at Lackagh Parish Centre 3pm on Saturday 9 April, and the trad musicians played throughout the day and night until 3pm on Sunday.

Event organiser and musician Eoghan Gallagher was overjoyed with the level of support from the traditional music family, saying it was wonderful to contribute in a small way to the awful ongoing plight of the Ukrainian people.

“We have all been astounded by the shocking and distressing scenes coming from Ukraine. Irish people have responded with customary and widely recognised goodwill, by opening up our homes and wallets to welcome refugees here,” said Eoghan.

“Communities and businesses have pulled together, as done so during the outbreak of COVID-19, to prepare and warmly welcome refugees into Ireland.”

Eoghan said that he was blown away by the support of local people for the event, and those who travelled from across Galway to attend.

“There was no shortage of energy throughout the night as we had plenty of tunes, songs, and dance,” he said.

“I want to sincerely thank anyone who came down, played, and donated. The event couldn’t have happened without the assistance of the Parish Centre, the parish priest, Treat Café, Supervalu Flynns of Lackagh, and the wider community.”

The €3,820 that was raised will be sent to both aid organisations, supporting the humanitarian situation on the ground in Ukraine, as well as Ukrainian refugees in Ireland.

Four Galway groups to receive BoI Begin Together funding

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway daily news bank of ireland funding for four galway community groups — Pictured at an English class at the Together-Razem Centre, Cork, Laura Lynch (CMO, Bank of Ireland) hears about some of the work taking place at the Centre to support Ukrainians who have recently arrived in Ireland, from Agnieszka Wozniak (Together-Razem) and Olha Davydenko and Oleksandra Avtomieienko. Pic: Naoise Culhane Photography

Four community groups in Galway have been chosen to receive funding from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together programme in 2022.

A total of €500,000 is being allocated to 68 groups across the island of Ireland this year, delivered in partnership with the Community Foundation for Ireland.

COPE Galway, ARD Family Resource Centre, Lurga National School and Croí na Gaillimhe – A Resource Centre of SVP will all receive a share of the financial support.

The Fund is one strand of the Bank of Ireland Begin Together programme, a three-year, €4 million initiative for community groups, local enterprise and the arts across Ireland.

The Community Fund supports initiatives that are improving the financial, mental, or physical wellbeing with initiatives receiving up to €20,000 each.

The projects span financial literacy and wellbeing, mental health, disability, inclusion and diversity and social isolation.

Laura Lynch, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of Ireland, said: “We’re immensely proud to support a wide range of community groups, charities, and social enterprises working across Ireland. What they do unites, supports and protects local communities and the most vulnerable in society.

“Communities across Ireland still face many challenges. At this time, we are acutely aware of the pressure on resources of community groups, and notably those supporting migrant groups, like Together-Razem, who, along with their existing range of counselling and educational supports, are providing urgent assistance to Ukrainian refugees.

“It’s our hope that support from the Begin Together Fund will help them continue to provide the practical financial counselling and education that is vital to the wellbeing of the communities that they support.”

Together-Razem – provides financial counselling, education and supports in native languages for Polish, Romanian and Ukrainian immigrants – have been recipients of the Begin Together Community Fund since its inception.

The 2022 Begin Together grant will benefit a new financial education project taking place over 14 weeks.

Agnieszka Wozniak of Together-Razem said: “At Together-Razem, our primary objective is to improve the quality of life of the Polish and other Eastern European migrants in Ireland.

“Our approach is culturally sensitive and we provide a wide range of services within four key areas: Education, mental health, integration and advice.

“We have been working tirelessly for over 15 years helping those who struggle with such issues as poverty, exclusion, exploitation, loneliness or mental health.

“None of this would be possible without support from organisations such as The Community Foundation for Ireland and initiatives like Begin Together.

“It is absolutely invaluable especially now that we are heavily involved in helping the Ukrainian people.”

Renewed appeal for info on murder of man “gagged and left to die over 5 days”

By

-

May 4, 2022

galway daily news murder of eddie fitzmaurice 1998 in mayo

Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information in relation to the 1998 murder of 83-year-old Eddie Fitzmaurice in Mayo.

Eddie’s body was found in a bedroom of his home in Bellaghy, Charlestown at 6.45pm on Tuesday 5 May 1998 after being tied up, gagged and left to die over five days.

It was established that sometime between 8.20pm on Friday 1 May and Saturday morning 2 May 1998, Eddie was assaulted following a burglary.

Eddie Fitzmaurice lived alone and ran his own drapery shop for many years. Gardaí say he was a very popular member of the community who went about his business in a quiet and gentle manner.

The investigation into the murder of Eddie Fitzmaurice is being coordinated by Gardaí from Claremorris Community Engagement and Mayo Crime Functional Areas.

The murder investigation has remained ongoing for the past 24 years. During this period of time it has been reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal for the public’s help, and they believe that with the passage of time and a change in circumstances people who have information may now be in a position to come forward.

The family of Eddie Fitzmaurice are elderly and Gardaí would urge people with information to come forward and bring the Fitzmaurice family closure.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Gardaí at Claremorris at 094 9372080 or email mayo.crime@garda.ie, the Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or Crimestoppers 1 800 250 025.

Galway Senator welcomes SUSI grant increases

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway Daily news Double SUSI grant payment this December welcomed

A Galway Senator has said that changes made to the SUSI grant scheme will result in “significant improvements” for third level students.

Applications are now open for people in, or going into, third level education in

There have been a number of changes made to qualifying criteria for the elements of the grant scheme, and the money available this year.

The income thresholds for grant payments have been increased by €1,000 this year. The deduction of €4,500 maximum earned outside of term-time remains unchanged.

The annual maintenance grant is going up by €200, and the qualifying distance for the higher ‘non-adjacent’ maintenance rate is decreasing from 45km to 30km.

“These changes to student supports will make a difference to students and their families tackling the costs of going to college,” Senator Aisling Dolan said.

Senator Dolan said that the reduced distance to qualify for the higher maintenance grant will make a “substantial difference” for many living in Galway.

She added, that these measures are “real and tangible changes which will help students and families”, and are in line with the review of SUSI which is due before the government in the coming months.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris TD said, “We will continue to make changes to assist students.”

“We strongly believe there is a need to reduce the cost of education for families and we are working with Government colleagues to outline our priorities on how we can help people with these significant costs.”

The Minister also advised students experiencing difficulties to make use of the Student Assistance Fund through their college access office.

Kraken coming to the beach in Galway

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway Dail news Kraken coming to the beach in Galway — The Marine Institute's Explorers team around the country are planning a Kraken Family Day on the beach for European Maritime Day on the 21st May. Photo: Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Camden Education

Release the Kraken on the beaches of Galway this summer, but in a way that’s fun for the whole family.

Galway’s Marine Institute is hosting five Kraken beach events for families on seashores around the country this month, with scary tales and a sand sculpture competition.

The Institute’s Explorers Education Programme will hear stories about the largest mythical sea monsters known as the Kraken which according to legend are found in the deepest parts of the ocean, while taking part in fun events.

The day will feature beach walks and talks, litter pick ups, and myologically enthused sand sculpting competition, where young people will craft the largest and scariest of sea monsters.

The Kraken is a legendary sea monster, gigantic in size, that is said to exist off the coasts of Norway and Greenland,” explained Dr Noirin Burke, of the Explorers Education Programme.

“It is believed that the Kraken will be swimming past Ireland in May and the Explorers team are on the look-out, to see if it might land on one of the local seashores.”

“Spot prizes funded will be provided to children for creating the best Kraken sand sculptures,” Dr Burke added.

In Galway the Explorers Kraken Family Day will take place on Grattan Beach at 12pm on Saturday, May 21. The event is fully free, and places can be booked online here.

The Family Day events will take place in Galway, Mayo, Kerry, Waterford and Dublin to mark European Maritime Day.

European Maritime Day takes place all around Europe and aims to raise awareness and engage people in learning about our ocean.

Double bank holiday medical evacuation for Aran Islands RNLI

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway Daily news Aran Islands RNLI carries out medical evacuation off Inis Meáin — Photo: Aran Islands RNLI

Not everyone had a relaxing bank holiday weekend, as the Aran Islands lifeboat was called out for a double medical evacuation from Inis Mór.

Shortly after 2pm on Sunday, the RNLI were called out by the Coast Guard in response to two people in need of medical attention.

Both of the casualties were visitors to the island, one had taken ill while the other had sustained an injury in a biking accident.

Both patients were transferred safely aboard the lifeboat at the pontoon at Kilronan Harbour, by the volunteer lifeboat crew and the local fire brigade crew.

Once all were safely aboard the lifeboat, it launched under Coxswain Tommy Dirrane and a full volunteer crew and headed straight for Rossaveal Harbour and the waiting ambulance.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were good, with calm seas, good visibility and a light westerly breeze.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Tommy Dirrane said, “The volunteer crew, on a Bank Holiday weekend showed up without hesitation. We wish both patients a speedy recovery.”

“As we head into the summer months, we would encourage anyone planning a trip to sea, to please heed all safety advice when heading to the coast.”

Connacht’s all-time top try scorer Matt Healy retiring

By

-

May 4, 2022

Connacht Rugby’s top try scorer of all time Matt Healy has announced that he is retiring from professional rugby.

Healy, who has scored 58 tries for Coonacht since joining the club a decade ago, said that henhas been privileged to be a part of professional rugby, but that now is the time to retire.

Writing on Instagram, he praised the west of Ireland as a, “incredible part of the world” which is filled with special people.

The winger has appeared for the Irish International side during the South Africa tour in 2016, and that same year was part of Connacht’s PRO12 victory.

“It has been a privilege to call myself a professional rugby player for the past 10 years, but now is the time to go.:

“It was a different time when I arrived in Galway back in 2012 and I never dreamed of what @connachtrugby could achieve. The west of Ireland is an incredible part of the world, filled with special people who have captured the hearts of those closest to me over the years. I am immensely proud of the part I have played in giving them a progressive club of which they can be proud.”

“My journey began @lansdownefc and I will always be grateful to those who encouraged me to follow this path. They know who they are. Their influence propelled me into a career that has exposed me to some of best and unique experiences this career can offer.”

“Behind the scenes, my family have been an unbelievable support over the years. I’ll always cherish the moments we shared on the sidelines together. Whether it was celebrating famous wins in Edinburgh or in providing comfort after the losses too, they were always right there with me.”

“Above all, my wife Rachael has made immense sacrifices so that I could do what I do. It is her commitment to being a good person, and a great mother to our girls that I will continue to admire.”

“The last year hasn’t played out the way I would have hoped, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Rugby can be ruthless. It was never going to last forever. But the memories will ✌“

Gardaí seize €30,000 worth of drugs in Galway City

By

-

May 4, 2022

Galway Daily news Gardaí seize €30,000 worth of drugs in Galway City

Gardaí seized €30,000 worth of drugs during the search of a house in Galway City on Tuesday, May 3.

As part of Operation Tara, Gardaí attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in the Knocknacarra area of Galway on foot of a search warrant.

Cannabis herb worth approximately €30,000 (analysis pending) was found in the course of the search.

A man in his 50s was arrested at the scene and detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 for questioning.

He has since been released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The drugs will be sent to FSI for analysis. A Garda spokesperson said that the investigation is ongoing.

Large scale safety & sustainability projects planned for Knock Airport

By

-

May 3, 2022

Galway Daily news Large scale safety & sustainability projects planned for Knock Airport

A number of safety and sustainability improvements are planned for Ireland West Airport at Knock with the funding announced last month.

In April, Galway TD and Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton announced that Knock would receive €4.76 million under the Regional Airports Programme this year.

Knock Airport plans to use this funding for critical safety and security projects, as well as support a push towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

One of the key projects towards achieving this goal is a major upgrade of the airport’s electrical infrastructure across its entire campus.

Other projects supported by this funding will include construction of a new fire training centre and buying a new fire truck.

Upgrade works will also take place on the safety are at the runway’s end.

To match the €4.76 million from the Exchequer, the airport also plans to invest €1 million of its own money in this projects.

Arthur French, Chairman of Ireland West Airport said that the government funding would help them with “critically important” works this year.

“This funding will support the latest phase of our airport transformation programme aimed at both futureproofing the airport and ensuring our facilities meet the needs of our customers”.

This comes as they are expecting a “significant increase” in the demand for international travel this summer, and for the remainder of the year.

Match tickets on sale for Connacht Football semi-final

By

-

May 3, 2022

Galway Daily sport Galway v Armagh: All-Ireland Final on the Big Screen in Pearse Stadium

Match tickets have gone on sale today for the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final this weekend.

Connacht will play Leitrim in the provincial football semi-final this Sunday at 3:30pm.

Advance tickets for the match are available for sale online, or in selected Supervalu and Centra stores.

Galway came away with the much desired prize of a triumph over Mayo the Sunday before last.

After holding off a desperate Mayo comeback run in the final minutes, Galway managed to triumph 1-14 to 0-16 at MacHale Park.

Hopefully the hurlers left some of their own good fortunate at Pearse Stadium, after a close victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship on Sunday.

Primary schools limbering up for Active School Week 2022

By

-

May 3, 2022

Galway Daily news Primary schools limbering up for Active School Week 2022

Primary Schools are encouraged to Get Active this week, in the annual event to promote physical health and wellbeing in schoolkids.

Tuesday, May 3 through to Friday, May 6 marks Active School Week 2022, a chance for schools to stretch their muscles, and build ties with local sports clubs and other physical activity groups.

This year schools are encouraged to look to their local communities for a local (or national) physical activity role model.

They can then invite this local hero to set a physical activity challenge for students and staff during the week.

Minister for Education Norma Foley said that this initiative is an opportunity for schools to “work together with children, parents and the broader community” to become more physically active.

The will benefit “overall wellbeing as well as teaching and learning” in our schools, the Minister added.

The #ASW22 is the flagship event of Active School Flag (ASF), an initiative by the Department of Education which is supported by Healthy Ireland.

The aim of the programme is to get ‘More Schools. More Active. More Often’, with 678 primary schools around the country taking part.

Once awarded to a school, the Active School Flag remains valid for three years.

The ASF process for post-primary schools commenced in September 2021, with a phased roll-out.

Other activities promoted this year include the Active Every Day Challenge, where parents and schools are encouraged to work with children to have more time active every day.

Teachers are encouraged to find ways to teach subjects in a more physically active way and, where possible, to bring learning outdoors.

The Irish Heart Foundation has created interactive Bizzy Breaks especially for #ASW22 to help schools integrate short physical activity breaks into the school day.

This year Cycling Ireland are encouraging schools to create a cycling obstacle course on their school grounds.

Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing & the National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan said that it is “vitally important” to encourage young people to get in the habit of being physically active.

Achieving this from a young age is something that will “benefit them for the rest of their lives” he added.

“The Active School Flag has been a key component of our wider Healthy Ireland goals in terms of improving children’s activity levels and wider health and wellbeing; it has been great to see it go from strength to strength and to expand its reach.”

Galway doctor Maitiú Ó Tuathail explores the untold stories of Ireland’s past epidemics

By

-

May 3, 2022