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Arrieta Announces MLB Retirement

By
Thomas O'Brien
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Jake Arrieta has announced that he is retiring from Major League Baseball, ending a career that was one of the most remarkable in MLB history. There was a time when every single Arrieta start provided a great betting opportunity when doing any sort of online sports betting. 

Arrieta, 36, put together one of the most dominant seasons in MLB history back in 2015, and that run actually extended into 2016 as well. There was a brief time when Arrieta was the best pitcher in baseball and he was putting up numbers that were in line with the top pitchers in MLB history. 

The former Chicago Cubs pitcher announced his retirement from baseball on “Pardon My Take,” which is a podcast under the Barstool Sports Network. Arrieta has not yet signed any retirement papers, but he has no intentions of ever suiting up again. 

Arrieta wraps up his career with a record of 115-93 and pitched to an ERA of 3.98. Those numbers don’t even come close to representing how dominant the right-hander was during the height of his career. 

After beginning his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Arrieta was acquired by the Chicago Cubs in one of the most lopsided trades in MLB history. It was with the Cubs in which Arrieta developed a new pitching style and turned into a nearly unhittable pitcher on the mound. 

Not only was Arrieta a dominant pitcher during his prime, but he was also someone that took great care of his body. His warmup and stretching routine became legendary in Chicago, and this was often performed on the field prior to the game. 

The 2021 season was not good for Arrieta, and it actually began in a Cubs uniform. Chicago brought him back in hopes of rekindling the magic from the earlier years, but things did not go as planned. 

In 2021, Arrieta went 5-14 with a 7.39 ERA in time spent with both the Cubs and the San Diego Padres. It was a sad end to a terrific career, and the final year proved to be a sign for the right hander to give it up. 

2015: A Year to Remember

There was about a four-year stretch in which Arrieta was considered among the best in baseball, but his best season came in 2015. Arrieta was named the Cy Young in the National League that year, and his stats were absolutely ridiculous. 

Something started to click for Arrieta around the mid-way point of the 2015 season and he was nearly unhittable after the All-Star Break. Arrieta set a new MLB record by posting a 0.75 ERA after the All-Star break that season. 

During the 2015 season, Arrieta started 33 games, and he went a remarkable 22-6 during those starts. The ERA for the year was 1.77 and he easily won the Cy Young Award that season. 

Jon Lester was brought to Chicago prior to the 2015 season to be the ace of the staff, but Arrieta quickly proved that he was the real leader. It was almost a given that Arrieta was going to take the ball and go at least seven innings for the Cubs in every single start. 

The Cubs decided to let Arrieta go at one point and he eventually landed with the Philadelphia Phillies. The hard-throwing right-hander never seemed to regain his same dominance, and injuries started to catch up to him. 

Career Highlights

Arrieta pitched for 12 years in Major League Baseball, but nearly all of his postseason accomplishments came during a two-year stretch in 2015-16. This was the same time in which the Cubs were establishing their dominance over the National League.

In a year full of memorable moments for the Cubs, it was Arrieta’s no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers that was the highlight of the season. Arrieta struck out 12 batters in that win and dominated one of the best teams in the National League. 

Arrieta followed up his no-hitter in 2015 with another one in 2016 in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The biggest win for the right-hander in a Cubs uniform came against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2015 NL Wild Card Game in Pittsburgh. 

Getting to know Galway with Walking Festival 2022

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily tourism Galway named one of the Top 10 cities in the world by renowned travel magazine

Often you can live in a city for years, thinking you know the place, only to be surprised by hidden gems around every corner, and history that you never knew of.

Galway is no exception to this, but one advantage the City of the Tribes has, is that you only need your own two feet to explore it.

Galway Walking Festival returns this month for its second summer of pounding the pavements, with over a week of free tours.

This initiative to ‘Get Galway Going’, is supported by Galway City Council, and follows the success of last year’s Festival.

From April 15 – 24 there will be up to three, totally free, walking tours a day, for a total of 30 over the course of the festival.

These will explore different points in its history, the architecture and heritage of neighbourhoods, the music and literature originating here, and links with other countries.

Check out the schedule of free walking tours in the brochure below.

 As well as English, different tours are available in Irish, French, Italian and German.

Booking is either online through the Galway Walking Festival website at: www.galwaywalkingfestival.ie.

Here’s a little bit more about the different tours on offer, and the people who will be taking you on them.

All tours start in Eyre Square unless specified otherwise.

Brendan J. Hynes –NUI Galway Campus Walking Tour

Come on a walking tour of one the most beautiful University Campus in Ireland which was founded in 1847. See the famous quad, the concourse from the 1970’s and the Alice Perry Engineering Building. Discover the famous past alumni from Michael O Shaughnessy to Martin Sheen.  Let master guide Brendan J. Hynes take you on a journey of discovery.

www.brendanjhynes.com

Kathleen Reid – The Story of Galway City 

Discover how it all began for the City of the Tribes.

This tour is all about the history and heritage of the city.  We will walk through the medieval streets and see how the city has managed to retain much of its grandeur and character from its medieval past

Ger Considine – Heritage and Culture

Discover Galway’s rich heritage and lively culture

Patrizia Interlandi – Italy and Galway: A Shared History

Hear tales of the links between Italy and Ireland through the centuries – a walking tour for all ages with an Italian guide who has made Ireland her home

A leisurely loop walk from St Nicholas Collegiate Church to the Rowing Club while you are listening to fascinating stories of Italians who came to Ireland and of Irish people who ended up in Italy.

Medieval bankers, sought-after craftspeople, the Italian king of Irish roads, the mysterious whereabouts of Daniel O’Connell’s heart and much more…

Bilingual with Italian.

Gabrielle Campbell – 14 Tribes

A walk through the city and the centuries, concentrating on the 14 tribes that made Galway a great city.  Starting at Eyre Square,  finishing at the cathedral,  approx 90 minutes duration.  Bilingual in French.

James Walsh – The Claddagh

The Claddagh region had its own unique culture and heritage as most of the men were fishermen and great sailors who plied their trade since the sixth century.

But before Nimmo’s Pier was built they were subject to winds and storms that arrived in the Spring and damaged boats.

This Pier was built between 1820 and 1830 and opened up the fishing to other vessels. The main boat used by them was the Galway Hooker with its famous red sails and great control.

One of these is on show at the Museum and so we will start the Walk at the Museum where there is more information about those boats.

There are many treasures of song and music to be had on this walk not least a visit to Kate’s Cottage along the return journey which is a wonderful restored cottage from the thatched cottage era, pre-1926  and has many artifacts of great interest to the connoisseur of heritage items associated with that era and collected or made by the owner.

Derek Spillane – Discover Galway City from the Latin Quarter to the River Corrib.

Discover Galway City Centre on a meander from the Latin Quarter to the River Corrib. The tour covers 800 years of history with many tales, some fun, some gruesome.

Karen O’Leary – Wonderful Walks Tour

Colour, beauty and inspiration are added to the side streets by locally and internationally acclaimed street artists, including Finbar 247, Sufek_west, Danleo, Emma Blake and Shane O’Malley.

This maybe the most Instagrammable tour that you have ever been on.

Tour duration, 60 to 90 minutes. All welcome. Bilingual in German.

Meet at Hughes Opticians, Wood Quay at 12:00 and finish at Wolfe Tone Bridge.

Jim Ward – Galway 1916 – 23 Revolutionary period           

Although Galway County had the largest uprising outside of Dublin in 1916, Galway City was relatively quiet with mixed loyalties.

The subsequent Tan War and Civil War did bring some activity to the City. In Jim’s walk, the local sites associated with the period are toured in the context of the ideology and times.

Meet at Tourist kiosk in Eyre Square

Jim Ward – Salthill walk

Jim is a native of Salthill’s ‘The Village’. In this relaxing walk, the history and character of this colourful resort are toured with tales galore of this mid-point of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Meet at the Aquarium, Salthill

Anne Burke – Architecture Tour of Galway City Centre

On the tour you will see many outstanding examples of Galway’s built heritage dating from the 12th to the 20th century while walking in the footsteps of its Medieval citizenry, the street layout of the city having remained much the same for the last few hundred years. “

The tour lasts one and a half to two hours.

Billy Murray – Galway through Literature and Film

Tour of the city taking in the cultural interests with both buildings and statues such as Padraig O Conaire and Oscar Wilde, buildings such as the Savoy cinema, Town hall, Taibhdhearc, Druid, Kirwans Lane theatre, the Arts Centre, Bowling green etc.

Discover what makes Galway a UNESCO city of film and creativity with poet and writer, Billy Murray.

Child seriously injured following Ballinasloe crash

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a crash after a child was seriously injured after being struck by a minibus in Ballinasloe today.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a road traffic collision at Dunlo Quay, near the L4602, in Ballinasloe around midday today.

The collision occurred at approximately 12.10pm and involved a mini-bus and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, a female child was later taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe where she is currently receiving treatment for serious injuries.

No other injuries have been reported as a result of this crash.

The road is currently closed with diversions in place. A forensic collision examination has been scheduled.

Gardaí are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who were travelling near the Dunlo roundabout and the L4602 between 12.05pm and 12.20pm and who has camera (including dash cam) footage, is asked to make this available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information can contact Ballinasloe Garda Station at 090 963 1890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

TII gives grim outlook for Galway Ring Road to Oireachtas Committee

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news City and County Galway allocated over €45 million for major roads and greenways projects

Transport Infrastructure Ireland gave a grim outlook for the delivery of the N6 Galway Ring Road this week in an update for the Oireachtas, predicting long delays due to judicial reviews.

Peter Walsh, Chief Executive of TII, appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications this week.

He addressed the current status of the N6 Galway Ring Road, along with other projects, and potential improvements to the civil engineering public works process in Ireland.

In his opening statement Peter Walsh said that any progress on the road awaits the outcome of three separate judicial reviews.

“In TII’s experience, judicial reviews cause very lengthy delays to project delivery. Accordingly, it seems likely, at this stage, that delivery of the Ring Road will be significantly delayed.”

Peter Walsh said in his statement to the Joint Committee that the planning process is currently “highly complex and time-consuming”, with delays of “years, not months” when judicial reviews are sought of approved projects.

Judicial reviews of the N6 Galway Ring Road have been sought by the Friends of the Irish Environment, Galway Race Committee, and Brooks Timber & Building Supplies Limited.

The €600 million project was granted planning approval by An Bord Pleanála in December of last year, several years after the application was made

FIE argues that the board failed to comply with enhanced environmental obligations, citing greater carbon emissions targets set by the government, as well as the Habitats Directive.]

Galway Race Committee’s complaint centres on a 240m tunnel which will be built north of the racecourse in Ballybrit.

They will lose their main stables as a result of this, and claim that the board failed to provide adequate reasoning for excluding the acquisition of land for new stables from the decision, against the inspector’s recommendation.

Peter Walsh added in his statement that TII does not object to “public scrutiny or judicial supervision”, but that bodies associated with granting approval need resources to function within reasonable periods of time.

“TII also suggests that the State ensures adequate levels of judicial resourcing so that challenges to vital public infrastructure can be determined in months rather than years.”

Renewed focus in search for missing Stephen Cunningham after shoes & socks found

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news renewed focus in searches for missing Stephen Cunningham

The family of missing Galway man Stephen Cunningham are appealing for people to join renewed searches this weekend.

The 32 year old man has been missing since November of last year, and searches have been ongoing ever since.

More recently, the searches have focused in the Maam Cross area since his car was found at Bunnakill.

Last weekend there was a development in the search, as shoes and socks believed to belong to Stephen were found in an area between a small lake and Maam Cross on Sunday.

Stephen’s family posted an update through the Dunmore McHales GAA facebook page, saying that this has brought a renewed focus to the searches for the missing man.

They are seeking people to join searches which will take place this Saturday and Sunday, starting from Maam Cross.

“The Gardaí and their teams have been quick to react to our finding and the last couple of days has seen the operation ramp up around the area where his shoes were found.”

“We are looking for anyone and everyone willing to search this very marshy forest bogland this weekend as we plan extensive searching of the area on Saturday and Sunday.”

“We will be meeting at the car park in Maam Cross on both days at 9.30am.”

“We would like to thank everyone that has supported so far and anyone that can come either day would be greatly appreciated. Wellies, rain gear, high vis and warm clothing is essential.”

2022 TidyTowns competition launched this week

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news claddagh ring poem on quay street in galway city

The 2022 TidyTowns competition was launched this week by Minister Heather Humphreys.

In place since 1958, the competition continues to grow from strength to strength

This year’s competition is again administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development and sponsored by SuperValu.

Speaking at the launch of the competition in Ennis yesterday, Minister Humphreys said that seeing the competition back to its normal cycle is very welcome news and no doubt thousands of TidyTowns volunteers across the country are thrilled to see the competition back in full swing.

“TidyTowns groups have shown great strength in recent times and have continued to put their shoulder to the wheel in keeping our towns and villages and indeed the country, looking its best, when we needed it most,” she said.

“My Department strives to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland, and TidyTowns is a great way to get involved in community life.

I would encourage young and old to get involved in your local TidyTowns groups. You might be surprised at how much you will benefit as well as your community.”

Irish Traveller student society at NUIG secures national award

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news irish travellers win award nuig
L to R - Michelle Whyte BICS Vice Chairperson, Owen Ward NUI Galway Traveller Education Officer, NUI Galway Mincéirs Whiden Society Committee Members Luke Silke , Aurora Gifford, Rebecca Sherlock, Jason Sherlock, Ríona Hughes, NUI Galway Societies Officer & BICS Strategid Development Officer and David Cuddihy BICS Chairperson. Winning Best Society at the BICS National Awards.

The NUI Galway Mincéirs Whiden Society has been named Best Cultural, Academic, and Social Society at this year’s National Board of Irish College Societies annual awards.

This is the first time that a university society for Irish Travellers has won the prestigious award.

Mincéirs Whiden means Travellers talking in the Cant language spoken by the Irish Traveller community, and the society was co-founded by Traveller students at NUIG in 2019.

The award was secured at a special ceremony in Wexford town.

“It was fitting that our Mincéirs Whiden Society secured the award on the eve of International Traveller and Roma Day which is celebrated today, April 8,” said Riona Hughes, Societies Officer at NUI Galway.

“Respect and openness are core values at NUI Galway and it is evident that it is these values that guide the ongoing work of the society, its committee, and its members. We are very proud of all its accomplishments.”

The Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) judging panel were impressed by the exemplary standard set by the society, the dedication and pride of its representatives and by its sense of community.

Founder member and NUI Galway alumnus Jason Sherlock said: “Every university and college should have a Traveller student society and we will support anyone to achieve this outcome.

“The key to our success is the strong relationship between the Traveller students and our allies within both higher education and the wider community. We want to personally thank everyone for their ongoing support.”

The Board of Irish College Societies (BICS) is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of student led societies on the island of Ireland.

NUI Galway’s Taveller Education Officer Owen Ward said: “The Mincéirs Whiden society has played a key role in creating a safe space for Traveller students on campus and acts as a model for good practice to ensuring Traveller inclusivity in education.

“This has empowered us all to continue to work together to create a more inclusive and diverse campus for all students.”

Awards won by NUI Galway societies at this year’s BICS ceremony

Medical Society – Best Departmental Society and Best Promotional Campaign for 100 Miles with Medsoc

Energy Society – Best Green initiative for Anti Fast Fashion Week

India Society – Best Photo

Musical Society – Best Poster

US multinational acquires Aran Biomedical in Spiddal

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news biomedical integer aran

A Gaeltacht-based company has announced that it has been acquired by Integer – one of the largest medical device outsource (MDO) manufacturers in the world.

Aran Biomedical, an Údarás na Gaeltachta client company located in An Spidéal, specialises in the custom design, development and manufacturing of medical implants.

The amalgamation of the companies will allow Integer to better serve its customers and continue significant growth in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

Operations will be maintained at the facility in An Spidéal where the combined company will be able to accelerate growth.

With a rich history of innovation that dates back to the 1940s, Integer is a world leader in advanced medical device design and outsourcing serving cardiac rhythm, cardio and vascular health, neuromodulation devices, and custom medical battery packs and chargers for global OEMs.

The company currently employs 1,300 people at its facilities in Parkmore, Galway and Wexford and has a global workforce of 9,000 through its sites in Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East and Asia.

Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, welcomed the acquisition.

“On behalf of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta I would like to congratulate Aran Biomedical on this exciting development and extend a warm ‘Céad Míle Fáilte’ to Integer,” said Anna Ní Ghallachair.

“Aran Biomedical has witnessed many advances since its arrival in An Spidéal and this will undoubtedly be a very exciting and worthwhile development.”

Peter Mulrooney, Aran Biomedical CEO, added: “We are very excited and proud to be joining Integer, one of the largest medical devices outsource manufacturers in the world.

“Combining Aran Biomedical’s proprietary biomaterial implant technologies with Integer’s world class delivery systems will lead to a more highly differentiated service offering to the medical device industry.”

Air quality in Galway City is ‘effectively poisoning’ us – PBP

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news air quality galway city

Galway’s newly-installed air quality sensor shows that there is a huge amount of work to be done, People Before Profit Galway representative Adrian Curran has said.

The local rep said that anyone sitting in Eyre Square, working in the area, or even passing through, is being “effectively poisoned”.

Since the installation of the sensor in January, over 80% of days have exceeded the World Health Organisation limit for daily NO2 emissions.

“The levels of pollution in Galway City show the prioritisation of private vehicles over people,” said Mr Curran.

“Air pollution can affect human health by exacerbating asthma and may lead to heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and lower birth weights.”

Curran said we need to move towards free public transport, as well as facilitating active travel – that means more pedestrianisation, more cycleways, and less car demand.

“This will benefit not just us immediately but also future generations.”

Delays to Galway-Claregalway bus corridor criticised

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Delays to Galway-Claregalway bus corridor criticised

A Galway TD has criticised the National Transport Authority for further delays to developing a bus corridor between the City and Claregalway on the N83.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the NTA informed him that the proposed bus lane is now awaiting the design outcome of the Bus Connects Network for the city.

“It is unbelievable that there is now another review when everyone knows that the bus lane is imperative if we are to take cars off the roads.”

He said that the bus corridor project has been “pushed around” for years, despite land being available.

Workers travelling to the city need to know that public transport will be reliable, the Independent TD added.

“More money is being spent on reports, reviews, feasibility studies and now another report,” Seán Canney said.

“If we are serious about public transport, we need to spend public money on projects that are achievable, can be delivered and will offer faster services for commuters”

The latest development in the development of Galway City Bus Connects came with proposals for a Cross-City Link put before An Bord Pleanála for consultation last November.

Public information event on Clifden Flood Relief Scheme

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Public information event on Clifden Flood Relief Scheme

A public information day will be held later this month to provide information on the Clifden Flood Relief Scheme under development.

Jacobs Engineering Ireland have been appointed by the county council and OPW to devise a flood relief scheme for Clifden.

The project is currently at Stage 1: Scheme Assessment, Development, and Design.

The town has repeatedly been affected by heavy flooding. The most serious recent event came in September of 2020, when heavy rain caused the Owenglen River to burst its banks.

A Public Information Day event on the will be held on April 20 between 1pm and 7pm in the Clifden Station House Hotel.

Galway County Council is inviting feedback from members of the public and interested stakeholders on the development of a flood relief scheme.

Comments and feedback can be submitted at the Public Information Day to project representatives or through a feedback form provided at the information day.

Plans for 64 houses in Claregalway rejected

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway County Council has granted planning permission for a housing development in Headford

Plans for a residential development of 64 houses in Claregalway have been rejected by the county council.

Valcris Limited have failed to achieve planning permission for a housing estate at Lakeview Claregalway.

The estate would have comprised 32 three-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 27 three-bedroom terraced dwellings, and 5 three-bedroom detached houses.

Galway County Council cited multiple reasons for refusing planning permission, including flood risk, access issues, design issues, and concerns about water and sewerage infrastructure.

The council said that the site is identified as a flood risk area, and has flooded in the past, adding that there are concerns this could adversely affect special conservation areas nearby.

The decision also said that the council was not satisfied that the developer had sufficient legal interest in the access road through the existing Lakeview estate, which is not a public road.

It was also argued that the proposal was “substandard in its design and layout”, lacked sufficient high quality open spaces, and that the developer had not shown there was sufficient water and sewerage infrastructure in the area.

A Design Statement for the application had argued that the estate was designed so that the houses overlooked a central public area.

Further to this, pedestrian pathways would link open spaces to create a “green network” within the scheme, and connect it to the neighbouring estate.

“Seating areas will be incorporated together with designated bicycle stands. A pedestrian priority area is incorporated within the centre of the site,” the design statement says.

There were a total of 20 public submissions received by the county council concerning this project, the majority of which were objections.

Local residents expressed concerns about the history of flooding on the site, and about pedestrian safety.

Multiple submissions stated that the Lakeview estate access road, and Church View road on the far side of the site, do not have the capacity for the increased traffic, and would create a road safety hazard.

The council also cited a lack of information on safe pedestrian connectivity from the estate to Church View road, and Claregalway itself, in refusing planning permission.

Connacht squad named for historic Champions Cup game

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily sport 50th Test Cap for Bundee Aki this weekend against the Springboks

The Connacht squad has been named for tomorrow’s historic Heineken Champions Cup games against Leinster at the Sportsground.

Friday’s game will be Connacht first ever appearance in the knockout stages of the Champions Cup, and a massive home crowd is expected for the game.

In another welcome boost alongside the home supporters, Head Coach Andy Friend has the benefit of a number of players returning to action.

British & Irish Lion Bundee Aki returns for his first appearance since before the Six Nations.

There’s also a first start of the season for Gavin Thornbury after an impressive cameo off the bench last weekend following an 11 month absence.

The third and final change is the inclusion of club captain Jarrad Butler after missing the win over Benetton through injury.

He forms a back row with flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver, while Leva Fifita partners Thornbury.

The front row of Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham is unchanged.

Match captain Jack Carty starts at 10 beside Kieran Marmion, while Aki will have Tom Farrell for company at outside centre.

A back three of full-back Tiernan O’Halloran and wingers Mack Hansen and John Porch completes the side.

Connacht will need to do better than their recent home ground defeat by Leinster in the URC two weeks ago.

Despite having the home field advantage, Connacht finished with a disappointing 45 – 8 loss, after playing most of the game down a man.

Commenting on the coming game, Andy Friend said that there is a huge feeling of excitement among the players and management.

“These are the type of games you want to be involved in, and with a capacity crowd behind us it’s going to be a great occasion and one we firmly believe we can win.”

“We have over 45 players training between our Pros and integrated Academy players so that’s a great place to be at this stage of the season, and it’s given the coaches some headaches for our squad selection as well.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS LEINSTER RUGBY
Friday 8th April, 20:00 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps
15. Tiernan O’Halloran (203)
14. John Porch (54)
13. Tom Farrell (75)
12. Bundee Aki (115)
11. Mack Hansen (10)
10. Jack Carty (175) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (204)
1. Matthew Burke (36)
2. Dave Heffernan (160)
3. Finlay Bealham (170)
4. Gavin Thornbury (59)
5. Leva Fifita (11)
6. Cian Prendergast (26)
7. Conor Oliver (37)
8. Jarrad Butler (91)

Replacements
16. Dylan Tierney-Martin (2)
17. Tietie Tuimauga (9)
18. Jack Aungier (27)
19. Oisín Dowling (21)
20. Abraham Papali’i (22)
21. Caolin Blade (146)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (48)
23. Sammy Arnold (35)

Galway students’ business acumen raises €4,000 for charity

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business Galway students' business acumen raises €4,000 for charity

A group of Galway students managed to secure €4,000 for COPE through their business acumen at a national investment competition.

The team of nine students from Atlantic Technological University in Galway City placed second at the Goodbody Student Managed Fund National Final last week.

William Figueras, Ikechukwu Ogbuchi, Frederick Kee, Arlene McGrath, Hans-Magnus Rüdinger, Ross Severs, Nessan Leahy, Connal Reilly and Zara Feeley competed against teams from some of the most prestigious universities in the country.

As the runners-up prize, they received €4,000 for the charity of their choice, and donated the money to COPE Galway.

Team captain William Figueras won best overall speaker at the event on March 31, the last day before GMIT transitioned to its new university status.

William, the fund’s CEO, said that the competition was a great experience for everyone on the team.

“To be able to represent GMIT on the eve of Atlantic TU’s birth and give back to our community is a memory none of us will ever forget.”

“I truly couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to share this experience with.”

He added that the mission of COPE Galway, looking after people who are homeless, older, or the victims of domestic abuse, resonated with their desire to give something back to the community.

The Goodbody Student Managed Fund Programme is an education initiative where staff from financial services firm Goodbody volunteer their time to help undergraduate students to get hands-on experience of managing equity funds.

Students are exposed to a variety of disciplines, including research, asset allocation and portfolio management, before competing with other teams.

While the ATU Galway City Student Managed Fund is driven and managed by students from the Bachelor of Business in Finance and Economics in the ATU School of Business, it involves students from all disciplines.

This year, the fund included students from the Computing and Digital Media degree, Event Management degree, and Masters in Computing.

Announcement on Aran Islands air services expected within weeks

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily transport Announcement on Aran Islands air services expected within weeks

An announcement on the long term future of air services to the Aran Islands is expected in the coming weeks.

Aer Arann is currently operating flights to and from the Aran Islands under an interim contract, while a procurement process is underway for a new contract.

Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív asked in the Dáil this week, what improvements are in the pipeline for transport links to the Aran Islands and Inishbofin, and when the current contracts will expire.

“I say this because they do need improvements,” Deputy Ó Cuív said. “They were brought forward about ten or 15 years ago.”

“However, they have remained static or, in case of the Aer Arann service, regressed terribly in the last ten years.”

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said that the public service obligation (PSO) status of air travel to the islands lapsed years ago, but that the department is now correcting this

“The procurement process is currently under way for the new contract,” Minister Humphreys said. “Once completed, it will bring long-term certainty of service to the island communities.”

The existing interim contract will remain in place during the procurement process, she added, to ensure there is no break in air services to the islands.

“I am confident that a successful operator for the service will be announced in the coming weeks and that the island communities will have a better air service over the next four years.”

Deputy Ó Cuív also asked if air travel to the Aran Islands will benefit from the 20% in reduction in fares for all subsidised public transport which rolled out this month.

“As the Minister knows, they pay some of the most expensive fares. They have no option but to take public transport to get in and out of the islands.”

However, Minister Humphreys said that this cut applies to PSO bus and rail services managed by the National Transport Authority.

It does not extend to transport services to offshore islands funded by the her department, though the Minister said that the department is not opposed to such a scheme.

There are concerns that retroactively applying a fare reduction to public procured contracts might create issues, Minister Humphreys added, and she has written to the Attorney General seeking legal advice, which is expected in the coming weeks.

Water restrictions imposed as reservoir levels drop on Inis Oírr

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Nightly water restrictions are being brought in on Inis Oírr from tonight due to a recent drop in reservoir levels.

Irish Water are appealing for people on the Aran Island to conserve water as much as possible to protect its supply.

The water restrictions will be in place nightly from 11pm to 7am, starting from Thursday, April 7.

Rónan Daly, Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead for Galway is mindful of the impact that these restrictions can have on customers but stresses their importance.

“These restrictions are necessary to ensure a continuous daily water supply is available for residents and businesses on Inis Oírr.”

However, he added that time timing of the restrictions will result in “minimal disruption” to people living on the island.

“We are asking customers to be mindful of how they use water. However it is important to continue to follow the HSE COVID-19 guidance on hand washing.”

“While handwashing remains a priority, simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply.”

He added that simple methods such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving can save up to six litres of water a minute.

Last year, residents of Inis Oírr had to deal with nightly water restrictions for almost six months, from May to October.

Keeping the island supplied over the summer necessitated tankering water over from the mainland.

Gardaí investigating another car set alight in Tuam

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Gardaí investigating another car set alight in Tuam

Gardaí are investigating after a car was set on fire in Tuam in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

In an incident, which is being treated as criminal damage, a car was set alight on Liam Mellows Street in Tuam shortly before 1am.

No arrests have been made in connection with this incident as of yet.

A Garda spokesperson told Galway Daily “Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred on Liam Mellows Street, Tuam, shortly  before 1am, Wednesday 6th April 2022.”

“No arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing.”

This is the third car fire reported in the Tuam area in the past month.

On Friday, March 18 emergency services attended a car on fire in the Parkmore estate in Tuam, in what was believed to be an arson attack.

Less than two weeks prior, a car had been set on fire outside a house in Cois na hAbhainn in the early hours of Wednesday, March 9.

An Bord Pleanála refuses permission for Seapoint redevelopment

By
Briain Kelly
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Plans approved for commercial and residential development around Seapoint casino

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a commercial and residential development around the Seapoint building in Salthill.

Oldside Enterprises planned to demolish multiple buildings on the Upper Salthill Road, including extensions to the leisure centre itself.

This would have involved completely demolishing two buildings on the Upper Salthill Road, numbers 183 and 185, one two-storey and one three-storey, next to Seapoint.

In its place they planned a new three storey building, with the ground floor given over to an extension of Seapoint, and with seven apartments on the top two floors.

To the south and east of the main Seapoint building, a single storey annex facing onto the Salthill Promenade was also to be demolished.

There Oldside planned to build a four storey structure, with retail units on the ground flood, a café upstairs, and a five-bedroom duplex unit above that.

Galway City Council refused planning permission for the development in October of last year, saying that it would be a “discordant prominent feature” in the Salthill setting due to its bulky nature and poor streetscape assimilation.

The council also said that it would negatively impact the goal of enhancing the public area next to the site, and criticised the increased plot density compared to what is presently there.

Oldside appealed this decision to An Bord Pleanála, arguing that the buildings being demolished do not make good use of the space.

The appeal states that the extended shopfront would have continuity with the existing Seapoint façade, and that the new elevations are in keeping with what is present on the Salthill Road.

It argues that it is not clear why the city council was not satisfied with the design of the proposal.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the city council’s original decision, refusing planning permission.

“It is considered that the proposed development would provide a poor standard of design in the context of the character of the surrounding built environment and public realm amenity areas,” the decision stated.

This resulting from its “scale, mass and form, including a lack of coherence provided by the projecting and setback elements and opening to the west and south elevations, and the continuous horizontal design emphasis adjacent to number 183 Upper Salthill Road and the adjoining properties”.

The board said that the design wouldn’t respect the existing character of the adjoining properties on Upper Salthill, or contribute to improving the public realm at such a visually prominent location.

Galway pencil case: Cúirt calls for stolen giant pencil to be returned sharpish

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Michael Malone
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galway daily news stolen pencil galway city

Gardaí are on the hunt for a giant pencil which was stolen from outside a pub in Galway city last night.

Two pencils, which are part of Cúirt Festival of Literature, were stolen from outside Carroll’s Bar on Dominick Street on Tuesday night.

One of the pencils was since found, but the festival has called for the other to be returned sharpish, amusingly offering the culprit a free drink in the pub as a reward.

The Cúirt Festival of Literature continues until 10 April.

Galway students set for Student Enterprise Programme final

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Michael Malone
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galway daily news colaiste eidne

Teenage entrepreneurs from four Galway schools will represent the county at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final.

Local Enterprise Office Galway announced that winning entrepreneurs from Holy Rosary College, Coláiste Éinde, Merlin College and Coláiste an Chreagáin will compete against around 80 student enterprises across Ireland.

The top 15 shortlisted teams will make it to a live event on Wednesday 18 May at The Helix in Dublin.

This year’s live final will be the first in-person event since 2019, and it also marks the 20th anniversary of the Student Enterprise Programme.

An estimated 1,100 students from 29 schools took part in the annual programme locally.

In the Intermediate Category, Tane Noel, Daniel Deliv, Harry Faherty, Laoise McHugh, Colin O’Connor, Luke O’Cualain, Ruari O’Conghaile, Louise McDonagh, Jack Walsh, Mikey Mullery from ‘Pocket Dynamo’ at Coláiste Éinde will be representing the county at the national Final.

In the Senior Category of the competition, James Donohue and Paul Mannion from ‘Know Your Phone’ at Holy Rosary College will represent the county at the National Final.

In the “My Entrepreneurial Journey” category open to junior and intermediate students, Béibhínn Maher from Coláiste an Chreagáin will represent Galway at the National Final.

And in the “Most Creative Business Idea” section, Luis Rauner from Merlin College came out on top.

His idea called ‘Heat The Feet’ would utilise outdoor gyms to produce electricity to a central charging point. This electricity will be used to heat electric sleeping bags for homeless people.

This will improve one’s fitness and wellbeing as well as improve the wellbeing of homeless people.

Special guests at the County Final last week included Galway City Mayor Collette Connolly, Gráinne Mullins, founder of Grá Chocolates, Valerie Kelly, LEO Development Officer, Basil Fenton, Student Enterprise Adjudicator and P.J. Mullin, Student Enterprise  Coordinator from WhizzKids Training.

2021 was a very successful year for Galway, as ‘Go Green Now’ from Salerno Secondary School won the Junior category and Louis Thomas from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir won the Creative Business Idea competition with his idea, ‘The Pocket Mask Cleaner’

Speaking at the county final, Valerie Kelly of Local Enterprise Office Galway congratulated the students, saying there is a very successful student enterprise programme in Galway, with over 1,100 students from 29 local schools taking part this year.

“Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme and we wish them the very best of luck in the National Final 2022,” she said.

“In what has been a particularly challenging couple of years for students the programme has offered them an outlet outside of the usual school demands.

“What our students are learning from the programme is that with the right supports and encouragement, they can take an idea from the classroom and develop it into a real-life business.

“The skills they learn along the way, such as business planning, market research, selling and team-work, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers”.

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