Galway Theatre Festival to welcome back audiences in April

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March 28, 2022

Galway Theatre Festival has presented Festival 2022 which will run from 29 April through to 7 May.

GTF features nine days of exciting theatre, circus, spectacle, and storytelling, showcasing the vibrant performance culture of Galway.

The festival seeks to bring an exciting and fresh programme of performances to the venues of Galway, sparking conversation and excitement amongst audiences.

Kicking off our festival season is Tart, a comedic, semi-autobiographical look at the development of a Contemporary Woman from ‘tart’ to wife. Tart is a co-production between writer Eimear Finan and Galway Theatre Festival.

Niamh Ryan’s Girl In A Cell is a humourous depiction of a teenager’s view of the Irish medical system and a tender and sensitive play about life, illness and resilience.

Paddy Goes to Petra is the tale of a proud Irish man whose lust for life vanished long ago, and follows a rural farmer as he seeks to rediscover his wonder for the world, overcome tragedy and begin an exciting love affair… with himself!

Adventure of a Nighttime is a playful exploration of the realm and myths of sleep for young audiences.

The Song Collector (a work-in-progress) invites adults and children to directly input into the work’s progression.

Equipped with his Field Recorder, the Song Collector and his trusty dog Lomax have collected traditional music from all over the world, from American prison-songs to Mongolian throat singing (and everything in between).

But there’s one song – a ‘special’ song – from the island of Ireland that he’s never been able to collect.

For those interested in circus and spectacle, Snach and Grab is a topical two woman punk circus from Belfast, performed by award winning performers, this show includes partner acrobatics, acro-dance, tumbling, juggling, bottle walking, comedy, spoken word, movement and household appliances.

Alternatively, TearAway sees Beligan aerialist Suzon Gheur jumps out of the frame – completely and literally. On the trapeze, she combines Breakdance, Vertical Dance and Zero Gravity in an unusual and unprecedented manner.

If installation is your calling, see Where Mountain Kisses the Sea; a site-specific work on Renvyle Beach.

Exploring the myths of our Celtic ancestors, the legends of the women who came before, and the resilience it takes for life to survive in the raw Connemara landscape, this work sees the audience exploring a section of Renvyle beach at the changing of the light.

Galway City Youth Reach shortlisted for CIF’s Build the Future Competition

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Michael Malone

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March 28, 2022

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galway daily news cif challenge — Minister Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Tom Parlon, Director General of the CIF, Malahide Community School student Daniel O’Reilly pose for photos as the short list for the CIF’s Building the Future’s Schools Challenge. Fennell Photography 2022

Galway City Youth Reach has been shortlisted for the Construction Industry Federation’s (CIF) Build a School Competition.

The Youth Reach was shortlisted for its proposed development of housing and apartments on Ballymoneen Road.

Eight schools in total will compete for three finalist spots at the awards ceremony on April 7.

As well as Galway, the shortlisted schools represent Tipperary, Wicklow, and Dublin.

“This year’s finalists further raise the standard from last year,” said Frank Kelly, President of the CIF.

“The standard across all the entries was exceptional, and the judging process was very challenging.

“We want to recognise and commend all the schools that entered. The finalists demonstrated creativity and innovation and look forward to naming the winners in April.”

Darragh O’Brien TD said that the competition plays a critical role in encouraging the next generation to consider a career in the construction sector, as it shows the diversity and variety of skills and roles within the industry.

“The sector will need 27,500 additional workers to achieve the housing targets set out in Housing for All, and we must do all we can to encourage younger people to consider a job in construction.

“A job in this sector offers huge growth potential and multiple entry points and skills that will allow you to work and develop a successful career anywhere.”

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) in association with Sherry FitzGerald has opened the competition, now in its second year, which is aimed at Senior cycle and Youthreach students.

The competition is a team-based project where students work together to design a residential housing development help address sustainability, climate change, solve the housing crisis and showcase innovation in construction.

Rabbitte welcomes over €2.5 million for improved homes for older people and people with a disability

By

Michael Malone

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March 28, 2022

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Galway Daily credit unions sport Television broadcast deal sidelines GAA fans says Rabbitte

Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte has welcomed the allocation of €2,645,500 for Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability.

Grants of up to €30,000 are available to assist people with a disability to carry out necessary works to make their home more suitable for their needs.

Grants of up to €8,000 are also available for older people to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out on their homes, and grants of up to €6,000 are available for mobility aids.

Commenting on the funding, Minister Rabbitte said that the allocation is an increase of over €300,000 compared to last year.

“As the Minister for Disability, I’m acutely aware of how important this funding is to families and individuals across Galway, and indeed the country,” said Minister Rabbitte.

“Home adaptations help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible and in other instances facilitate an early return from hospital, taking pressure off already over-burdened services.

“These grants have a huge impact on the quality of life of the many beneficiaries and play a vitally important role in helping people with a disability and people who are reaching an age in life when they are less mobile, to continue to live independently in their own homes.”

Minister Rabbitte criticised Galway County Council last year for being the only local authority that hadn’t drawn down any funds as of mid-year.

But she said that since then, the Council has ramped up its processing of applications, and hundreds of grants have been approved.

“The Council maxed out last year’s allocation and I’m positive that we’ll see similar a turnaround this year, which provides a major boost to people around Galway seeking to adapt their home,” said Minister Rabbitte.

The €81.25m fund announced today provides 80% exchequer funding through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with the remaining 20% in funding coming from the relevant local authority.

Public asked to play their part in red squirrel revival

By

Michael Malone

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March 28, 2022

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Researchers at NUI Galway have called for public support as the battle for the revival of the red squirrel moves to the streets, parks and gardens of cities across Ireland.

The Urban Squirrel Survey is on a quest to find out more about the urban squirrel population, both the native red species and its rival, the invasive grey squirrel.

The research is focusing on the seven largest urban areas on the island of Ireland – Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Derry, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

Since their introduction to Ireland in 1911, the grey squirrel has caused a number of problems for the red squirrel.

The larger greys, which out-compete the reds for food and pass on a fatal disease to them, began to displace the red squirrel in many parts of the country.

However, in some rural areas, the recovery of the pine marten, a native predator which predates on the larger, less vigilant grey squirrel, has contributed to the recovery of the red squirrel.

A number of surveys on squirrel species have been carried out since 2007 showing the recovery of the red squirrel, however recent studies suggest that urban areas may act as a refuge for the grey squirrel, which may hinder red squirrel re-establishment in towns, cities, and urban parks, and may act as a source for further grey squirrel spread in the future.

The survey will be carried out by NUI Galway PhD researcher Emma Roberts and Dr Colin Lawton, researcher with the Ryan Institute in NUI Galway and lecturer in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology in the University’s School of Natural Sciences.

“With the spread of urbanisation, parks and urban green spaces are becoming important habitats for squirrels. By understanding where both species occur in urban areas, we can plan conservation actions to protect our native red squirrel,” said Ms Roberts.

“Red squirrels need a woodland to live in, so it can be difficult for an urban area to accommodate these animals.

“By researching their distribution in urban areas across Ireland, we can investigate the likelihood of their continued survival in certain areas and reestablishment in others.”

Dr Lawton said that previously, surveys have been looking for squirrel records in all areas of Ireland, “but this year we are focusing on urban areas, to highlight the increasing importance of these habitats to our wildlife and to see if they will remain a stronghold of the invasive grey squirrel.”

“We rely on the help of the public, our Citizen Scientists to provide us with information from their local parks and gardens.”

During the course of 2022, The Urban Squirrel Survey’ is looking for information on squirrel sightings from urban areas across Ireland, in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Limerick, Derry, Galway, and Waterford.

More information can be found on the survey Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@urbansquirrelsurvey) pages or email urbansquirrelsurvey@gmail.com. The online survey can be found at www.biodiversityireland.ie.

New writing showcase returns for Cúirt festival

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Briain Kelly

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March 27, 2022

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Galway Daily arts The MC for the event will be regular Over The Edge host Susan Millar DuMars.

Since its inception in 2006 the New Writing Showcase at the Cúirt Literary Festival has grown to become one of the most important platforms for emerging writers in Ireland.

This year’s New Writing Showcase features three participants from the Over the Edge literary series in Galway, Sadhbh Goodwin, D’or Seifer, & Hannah Ward.

Also part of the lineup are Murphy and Siobhán Flynn, the winners of the Cúirt New Writing Prize 2022.

Also reading this year will be Flavia Simas who is chosen as part of the new Skylight 47 Open Window project which will, from now on, be an annual part of Cúirt.

Sadhbh Goodwin is a nineteen year old poet from Galway, who has published in the Wild Words anthology and Comhar Óg magazine.

They have been a featured poet at Lime Square Poets and Over the Edge, and write in both English and Gailege.

D’or Seifer regularly contributes her poetry to On the Nail, Filí an Tí Bháin, and Over the Edge.

Her works have recently been published in The Galway Advertister and Skylight 47, and she also co-runs Lime Square Poets, an online poetry gathering.

Hannah Ward produces her works of poetry while attending university. Her pieces have been published in the Galway Advertiser on their Vox Galvia creative writing page, and she has performed at Over the Edge reading events.

Flávia Simas was born and raised in Goiás, Brazil, where she completed her studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Linguistics.

Her work has appeared at the rabble.ie, Elephant Journal, and at the special edition of Skylight 47 published in 2019.

Shane Murphy won the fiction category for this year’s Cúirt New Writing Prize with his story ‘Welcome to the World’.

This year’s fiction judge Lisa McInerney wrote: “A character study that’s compassionate and raw, and a reflection on yearning and identity that was moving and surprising.”

Siobhán Flynn is the winner in the poetry category of the New Writing Prize, taking home the award with her poem “I’m Trying to Write a Poem About an Angel”.

Poetry judge Gail McConnell wrote: “Often the test of a true poem is the reader’s desire to return to it again and again.”

“I liked this poem when I read it first, but I noticed that I kept re-reading it, and each time I did, I noticed something new.”

The New Writing Showcase will take place at the Mick Lally Theatre on Tuesday, April 5 at 11am. Entry is pay what you can.

The MC for the event will be regular Over The Edge host Susan Millar DuMars. All are welcome.

Emergency services attend gorse fire in Connemara

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Briain Kelly

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March 27, 2022

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Galway Daily news Retained firefighters vote to accept WRC proposals to end industrial dispute

Fire services are dealing with a gorse fire in Connemara today.

Units from the Carraroe and Clifden services were dispatched to a gorse fire in the Carna area.

It is believed that the fire developed on Saturday and was monitored overnight, before services attended today

Hospital exhibition highlights staff experience of pandemic

By

Briain Kelly

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March 27, 2022

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A special exhibition is hanging at Galway University Hospitals to remember and commemorate the difficult experience of the pandemic for frontline staff.

Staff at UHG and Merlin Park Hospital contributed photographs, poetry, prose, and more that shared their thoughts and experiences of the pandemic.

The call for staff to share their personal and professional experiences came after the announcement in January of a national Day of Remembrance and Recognition.

Margaret Flannery, Saolta Arts Director was one of the staff involved in arranging the exhibition.

She said, “A call went out to colleagues to come forward with prose, poetry, photographs or whatever medium they would like to use to tell their story, of their experience of the pandemic.”

“What we received was eclectic, representing the genuine fear, fatigue and pride of hospital staff.”

“It is good to know that despite the trauma of the past two years there is also a little humour,” Margaret added.

The exhibition is on display in the Arts Corridors in UHG and in Merlin Park until the end of April.

While access to the hospital for visitors is limited at the moment, people attending the hospital for appointments are invited to stop for a few minutes and read a few of the thoughts staff have shared.

Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator at the hospital said that they asked staff to share some of their thoughts from the early days of the crisis, and beyond.

“Fear of the unknown, to the relief of vaccination, the highs and lows and the effect it had on themselves, their family and work colleagues.”

“It is fair to say that there are some staff who are not yet able to talk about their experience of the pandemic.”

All of the exhibits are displayed anonymously, so that the contributors feel freer to share, and viewers can connect with the sentiment, rather than the person.

Plans for 27m Claregalway mobile & broadband mast approved

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Briain Kelly

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March 27, 2022

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Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Planning permission has been granted for a new mobile tower to improve phone and broadband coverage in Claregalway.

Vantage Towers Limited has received approval to erect the 27m high lattice tower at Cathair Ghabhann, approximately 1km northeast of the town.

The development will consist of the lattice mast, with associated antennae, dishes, and ground equipment, enclosed by security fencing.

Four submissions objecting to the plans were received by the county council, including from An Taisce and Cllr Jim Cuddy.

The objections stated that the site is within 500m of the Riveroaks estate of the N83, and that a mobile mast should not be located so close to a residential area.

Other concerns stated that the land could be used to develop community amenities such as a walkway along the river Clare, and that this would negatively affect those plans.

Multiple submissions also said that the mast would affect sightlines around the historic structures of Claregalway Abbey and Claregalway Castle.

In the planning application, Vantage Towers said that this mast is necessary as mobile network operators have been asked to vacate a rooftop location in the town centre.

Planning permission was ultimately granted by the county council with a total of nine conditions attached.

Full effect of rising costs unlikely to be felt until Autumn

By

Briain Kelly

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March 27, 2022

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

The full effect of rising cost of living will not be felt until next Autumn, Galway TD Seán Canney warned recently.

Speaking in the Dáil this week, Deputy Canney said the carbon tax and excise duties need to be taken away in order to combat rising fuel and fertiliser costs, as well as extending PAYE tax credits.

“I also contend that we will not see the full effects of what we are talking about today until next autumn when the harvest comes in from our agricultural products.”

“I have spoken to builders providers, farm suppliers, farmers and agricultural contractors who all believe the effects of increasing costs and scarcity of fertiliser will not be properly seen until next autumn.”

“A building provider told me last night that he is not buying in any more fertiliser because the next pallet he buys will cost him €500 more than the one he bought last week,” Seán Canney said.

His comments came during a debate on a motion brought forward by Sinn Féin calling for additional financial supports to combat rising energy and fuel prices.

He said that energy independence and retrofitting homes to be more energy efficient are good medium term solutions, but that others measures need to be delivered “as a matter of urgency”.

Galway West TD Claire Kerrane, who proposed the motion, said that the government has “overemphasised” the fuel allowance in this crisis, as it is unavailable to many vulnerable people.

“A person out sick from work on illness benefit cannot get the fuel allowance. Someone who is on a low income and relying on the working family payment to top up that income cannot access the fuel allowance.”

“A couple or older person with a small occupational pension does not get the fuel allowance.”

She added that energy efficiency and retrofitting are of no use to people who cannot pay their bills today.

Move to new Ambulance Base delayed by industrial dispute

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Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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galway daily news Planning application submitted for long awaited Ambulance Base in Recess — Pic: Gregory Clarke

The move to a multi-million euro new ambulance base at Merlin Park Hospital has been delayed by an ongoing industrial dispute.

The ambulance service in Galway have been operating out of temporary facilities for a number of years, whether prefabs at Merlin Park, or another temporary facility at UHG.

A €4.9 million new base at Merlin Park Hospital has now been completed, and is ready to become operational.

However, in a written answer to a question by councillor John Connolly for this week’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum, it was said that no clear date could be given for when the base would be occupied.

This is due to an ongoing industrial dispute, with SIPTU advising that staff are seeking some form of compensation for the move.

This dispute has since been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission, which has held up the move to the new ambulance base.

Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant in Ros na Rún?

By

Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily television Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant in Ros na Rún?

Will Briain discover Berni is pregnant, is Laoise taking advantage of Máire, and can Tadgh exorcise Sonny from his life in Ros na Rún?

Berni and Tony have finally agreed to go ahead with their plan to publicly end their fake relationship.

But all of that changes when she sees that Briain is back in the village. Will he discover that Berni is pregnant?

Mack worries that Sonia is hoping to take their relationship to the next level. Is he right to be concerned?

Tadgh tries to rid the village of Sonny by spreading a rumour. But ultimately the matter will be decided when they have their day in court.

Vanessa thinks Laoise may be out to feather her own nest and is far from happy with her meddling in Máire’s affairs.

Catch up on all the latest in the village of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Tomás Kenny of Kennys fame shortlisted for best Bookseller

By

Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily arts Tomás Kenny of Kennys fame shortlisted for best Bookseller

Tomás Kenny of the renowned family owned Kennys Bookshop has been shortlisted for the top bookseller in all of Ireland and the UK.

The British Book Awards have shortlisted Kenny and seven others in Ireland and the UK for Individual Bookseller of the Year.

The category is one of 27 awards at this year’s British Book Awards, which will take place on May 23 in London and online.

Tomás Kenny is a third generation bookseller at Kennys Bookshop, where he has been working as a bookseller for nearly 25 years.

Kennys was also one of the finalists for the Irish nomination to the Independent Bookshop of the Year category.

Last year, the much loved independent store was named the best bookshop in Ireland at the An Post Irish book Awards.

Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery is situated in Liosbán Retail Park in Galway, where their retail bookshop and gallery is open Monday to Saturday and from where they run their online business.

The bookshops offers free delivery in Ireland, and also ships books worldwide.

€500,000 win for Euromillions player in the west

By

Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily news €500,000 win for Euromillions player in the west

One lucky lotto player in the west had a Friday night to remember, scooping the top prize in the Euromillions Plus Draw.

Euromillions players in the Claremorris area of Mayo are being urged to check their tickets for those €500,000 numbers.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold on the day of the draw at Centra Knock in Claremorris.

The winning numbers for Friday’s EuroMillions Plus draw were: 03, 19, 22, 33, 35.

The Mayo winner is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it safe.

They should make contact with the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.

Meanwhile, as there was no winner of last night’s astonishing €30,608,285 jackpot, Tuesday’s jackpot is set to roll to an estimated €40 million.

Galway dominate Camogie All-Stars awards

By

Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily sport Galway dominate Camogie All-Stars awards — Photo: INPHO

Galway dominated the Camogie All-Stars awards this week, where eight players came away with an award, as well as the top prize.

Half-Forward Aoife Donohoe was the winner of the Camogie Association/GPA Senior Players’ Player of the Year award.

In total, Galway are represented through goalkeeper Sarah Healy, defenders Shauna Healy and Sarah Dervan, midfielder Niamh Kilkenny and forwards Aoife Donohue, Siobhan Mc Grath, Orlaith Mc Grath and Ailish O’Reilly.

Along with the players’ success, manager Cathal Murray won the Manager of the Year award during the refixed All-Stars Awards banquet in the Osprey Hotel, Naas on Friday.

Galway are also featured in the Soaring Stars Award through forward Ava Lynskey.

The remaining All-Stars Awards went to Cork and Kilkenny respectively, with the Rebels earning three All-Stars Awards, and Kilkenny taking home four awards.

Speaking at the event, Uachtarán Hilda Breslin said, “It is wonderful to be back sharing this prestigious event with you all in person and celebrating our players for their high quality and thrilling performances last year.”

“Congratulations to all our winning players and to all our nominees on this wonderful recognition for your efforts in your county shirt last year.”

“It is a proud achievement to be recognised for your performances at the highest level and I hope tonight’s achievement inspires you all to continue lighting the way for the sport and for future generations.”

“I would like to thank the GPA for their joint sponsorship of the Player of the Year Awards, and congratulate Aoife Donohoe, Maeve Kelly and Chloe Cashe on their respective Camogie Association/GPA Player of the Year Awards.”

“My congratulations also go to Cathal Murray on being the 2021 Manager of the Year,” Hilda added.

“The action is very much underway for the new season and the excitement for what the summer months have lying in wait is palpable.”

The full list of this year’s Camogie All-Stars is:

Goalkeeper: Sarah Healy (Galway)

Corner-Back: Shauna Healy (Galway)

Full-Back: Sarah Dervan (Galway)

Corner-Back: Davina Tobin (Kilkenny)

Half-Back: Megan Farrell (Kilkenny)

Centre-Back: Laura Treacy (Cork)

Half-Back: Laura Hayes (Cork)

Midfield: Niamh Kilkenny (Galway)

Midfield: Hannah Looney (Cork)

Half-Forward: Aoife Donohoe (Galway)

Centre-Forward: Katie Nolan (Kilkenny)

Half-Forward: Denise Gaule (Kilkenny)

Corner-Forward: Siobhan McGrath (Galway)

Full-Forward: Orlaith McGrath (Galway)

Corner-Forward: Ailish O’ Reilly (Galway)

2022 Soaring Stars Team:

Goalkeeper: Catriona Graham (Antrim)

Corner-Back: Chloe Drain (Antrim)

Full-Back: Roisin Phelan (Kilkenny)

Corner-Back: Niamh Leahy (Kilkenny)

Half-Back: Sarah Crowley (Kilkenny)

Centre-Back: Leann Fennelly (Kilkenny)

Half-Back: Aideen Brennan (Wexford)

Midfield: Chloe Cashe (Wexford)

Midfield: Nicole O’ Neill (Antrim)

Half-Forward: Maeve Kelly (Antrim)

Centre-Half Forward: Ciara Banville (Wexford)

Half-Forward: Ava Lynskey (Galway)

Corner-Forward: Roisin McCormack (Antrim)

Full-Forward: Ciara Donnelly (Armagh)

Corner-Forward: Caitrin Dobbin (Antrim)

Camogie Association/GPA Senior Players’ Player of the Year: Aoife Donohue (Galway)

Camogie Association/GPA Intermediate Players’ Player of the Year: Maeve Kelly (Antrim)

Camogie Association/GPA Junior Players’ Player of the Year: Chloe Cashe (Wexford)

Manager of the Year: Cathal Murray (Galway)

Multi-million Corncrake conservation project launched

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Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily news First Corncrake sightings on the Aran Islands in over 25 years

a multi-million project to increase the Corncrake population along the west and northwest coast of Ireland was launched this week.

The Corncrake LIFE aims to revive the fortunes of the Corncrake in Galway, Mayo, and Donegal in coastal and island locations.

By the end of its five year period, the project aims to deliver a 20% boost to the bird’s population levels, which have decline dramatically.

Since the 1970s, the Corncrake population has fallen by as much as 85%, with a similar decrease in their habitat range, effectively confining them to Connacht and Donegal, including offshore islands.

Only 188 examples of calling males were recorded across Ireland in 2021, of which around 20 were in Connemara.

Dr. John Carey of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who manages the project, said that it will primarily focus on habitat creation and restoration, though some “new and innovative” conservation approaches will also be attempted.

“The project will be developing knowledge exchange groups with farmers and advisors to share information on how to create and maintain high quality corncrake habitats”.

It will also “ensure that landowners can maximise their potential to receive rewards under the results-based pilot scheme.”

The project will see the LIFE team working with farmers and landowners to improve the landscape for the highly endangered bird.

Measures will includes creating and maintaining areas of early and late cover, wildlife friendly mowing of grass, provision of refuge areas during meadow harvesting and incentivising later cutting dates.

Locally-based field officers will provide guidance, direction and support to landowners, and community engagement efforts will include targeted schools programmes.

The project was originally supposed to commence in January of 2020, after securing funding the previous December, shortly before the COVID pandemic hit.

The €5.9 million budget for the projects includes €4.3 million from the EU.

The project was launched on Friday by Ministers of State Malcolm Noonan and Pippa Hackett.

Minister Hackett said “I am delighted that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a key partner in the Corncrake LIFE project.”

“My Department’s involvement reflects our increasing awareness that we need a more a cooperative approach to agri-ecology in our landscape.”

The project is a collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, GMIT, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Fota Wildlife Park.

Tech solutions will explore innovations such as flushing bars fitted to tractors to scare birds away from mowers, thermal imaging drones to find nests, and passive acoustic monitoring using high-tech microphones in an attempt to help locate the highly elusive birds.

Galway football side for Roscommon game announced

By

Briain Kelly

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March 26, 2022

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

The Galway senior football team that will face against Roscommon this Sunday in the Allianz League has been announced.

Galway and Roscommon will meet on Sunday at Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon Town, with throw-in at 2pm.

Galway are currently riding high after six straight wins in the Allianz League, the most recent of which was a 4-11 to 0-12 triumph over Derry.

Match tickets for this weekend’s game can be bought online, and at selected Centra & SuperValu outlets.

This match will not be livestreamed.

The full Galway football squad is:

Conor Flaherty (Claregalway)
Seán Fitzgerald (Barna)
Kieran Molloy (Corofin)
Jack Glynn (Claregalway)
Tony Gill (Corofin)
Seán Kelly (C) (Moycullen)
Cathal Sweeney (Salthill-Knocknacarra)
Mathew Tierney (Oughterard)
Niall Daly (Kilconly)
Finnian Ó Laoí (Spiddal)
Paul Kelly (Moycullen)
Johnny Heaney (Killannin)
Dylan Canney (Corofin)
Eoin Finnerty (Mountbellew-Moylough)
Dessie Conneely (Moycullen)
Connor Gleeson (Dunmore-McHales)
Johnny McGrath (Caherlistrane)
Liam Silke (Corofin)
Dylan McHugh (Corofin)
Conor Campbell (Claregalway)
Jamie McLoughlin (Moycullen)
Liam Costello (Milltown)
Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin-Clonberne)
Owen Gallagher (Moycullen)
Tomo Culhane (Salthill-Knocknacarra)
Cormac McWalter (Tuam Stars)

Public consultation extended on long term East Galway water supply

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Briain Kelly

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March 25, 2022

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Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

A public consultation period on the long term future of the water supply for much of east Galway has been extended to include the first week of April.

Irish Water has been working on the draft Regional Water Resource Plan Eastern and Midlands (RWRP-EM), and associated environmental reports.

This are largely encompasses counties in the east and midlands, but also includes parts of east Galway county, including Ballinasloe and Ahascragh.

Galway Daily news Public consultation extended on long term East Galway water supply — Map of areas in the Regional Water Resource Plan Eastern and Midlands (RWRP-EM).

The plan seeks to ensure a sustainable for the region over the short, middle, and long term of the next 25 years.

Documents related to the draft plan can be downloaded from Irish Water’s website, and public submissions can be made up to April 8.

The plan for the area including east Galway estimated that leakage reduction targets could result in 343m³ of water being saved every day in the Ahascragh, Ballinasloe, Rahan, and Athlone area.

Interim solutions in the plan would include upgrades to the Ahascragh and Ballinasloe water treatment plants, with the Ahascragh borehole refurbished.

Meeting the long term demands for the area would involve drawing more water from the River Suck to supply Ballinasloe, and developing a new ground water source for Ahascragh.

High Court strikes down challenge to large Barna housing development

By

Briain Kelly

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March 25, 2022

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Galway Daily news High Court strikes down challenge to large Barna housing development

The High Court has cleared the way for a massive housing development of 121 houses and apartments in Barna, after rejecting a challenge to planning permission.

Burkeway secured approval from An Bord Pleanála for the €35 million housing development at Truskey East, Truskey West, Freeport and Ahaglugger in Barna in February, 2021.

The breakdown of housing in the plans consists of 52 houses, 37 of which are three-bed and 15 of which are four-bed houses; 36 duplex units across five blocks; and 33 apartments in four blocks.

The estate will also include a creche with outdoor play areas, footpath connectivity along the L-1321 road, communal open spaces, and a park along Truskey Stream.

A challenge to the board’s decision was brought to the High Court by Heather Hill management company, a representative body of Cnoc Fraoigh.

However, in a decision made last week and published online, the High Court rejected the issues raised in the challenge, which related to alleged flooding risk on the site, and potential impacts on protected sites.

The High Court had previously sided with Heather Hill in July 2019, overturning approval given to Burkeway for 197 homes in the same area.

Galway singers to receive highest highest accolades in Trad music at Gradam Ceoil

By

Briain Kelly

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March 25, 2022

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Galway Daily Galway singers at Gradam Ceoil awards — In photo L to R are Connie O Connell, Triona Ni Dhomhnaill, Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill, Sarah Ghriallias, Edwina Guckiam, Diarmuid O Meachair, Doirreann Ni Ghlacian.

Two Galway singers will receive the highest honours of traditional music at this year’s TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards.

The Gradam Ceoil 2022 will be taking place in Dublin for the first time in the awards’ history next month.

Sarah Ghriallais grew up Muiceanach Idir Dhá Sháile in the Conamara Gaeltacht, steeped in the tradition of sean-nós music.

She won Corn Uí Riada at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 1984, an award won eight times since by various members of the Griallais family; her sisters Nan and Nora and more recently, her son, Michael Frank Ó Confhaola and her niece Celia Ní Fhátharta.

Helping to keep this oral musical traditional alive, Sarah was appointed the Sean-Nós Singer in Residence at NUIG in 2017.

Her songs have been recorded by Cló Iar–Chonnacht and most recently ‘Idir Dhá Sháile 2’ by Gael Linn.

The most noted songs of her repertoire are ‘Táilliúr a’Mhagadh’, ‘Eileanóir na Rún’, ‘Póg Bhideog’ and ‘Amhrán Chamuis’.

She will be named the best Singer 2022 at the annual TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards, which pay homage to those who have helped to strengthen and preserve traditional music in Ireland.

Also on the night, Galway born singer and founding member of Dé Dannan Doleres Keane will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Delores is described as having one of the most “distinctive, soulful, and sweet” voices of our generation.

She was influenced growing up by the singing of her aunts Sarah and Rita, who raised her from the age of four.

She began her professional singing career with Dé Dannan in 1975 where her unique, soulful, and emotive voice was heard across the globe.

Delores’ work with John Faulkner brought new arrangements to the tradition that was to continue through the 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Her recordings with The Reel Union Band, ‘Solid Ground and ‘Lion in a Cage’ were ground-breaking.

She has collaborated with Emmylou Harris, The Chieftains, Paul Brady in song from the Irish tradition and other traditions.

The awards ceremony will air live on TG4 on Easter Sunday, April 17 at 9:30pm from the National Concert Hall.

The full list of TG4 Gradam Ceoil 2022 recipients reads as follows:

Ceoltóir /Musician – Paddy Glackin
Amhránaí /Singer – Sarah Ghriallais
Ceoltóir Óg/Young Musician – Diarmuid Ó Meachair
Gradam Saoil/Lifetime Achievement – Dolores Keane
Cumadóir / Composer – Connie O’Connell
Grúpa Ceoil/Music Group- Skara Brae
Gradam Comaoine/Outstanding Contribution – Edwina Guckian

Gorse fire warning in place amid dry weather

By

Briain Kelly

-

March 25, 2022

0

Galway Daily news Minister warns of risks from illegal land burning

A status orange fire warning issued by the Department of Agriculture is in place amid dry sunny weather this weekend.

The warning states that there is a high risk of fire this weekend in areas with hazardous fuels such as dead grass and shrubs like heather and gorse.

This arises from the current, high pressure dominated weather patterns the department said.

“An increase in fire risk can be expected through the coming weekend as these conditions persist.”

“Current ignition risks appear to be mainly associated burning of vegetation in upland areas,” the warning states.

This alert state will be in place until early next week, lasting to midday on Monday, March 28.

The public are advised not to light any fires in and around forests of open land, and to not attempt to interfere with any fires they find.

Forest owners and people who live in country areas are asked to be extra vigilant regarding any potential fires.

Localised graphs for the fire weather index can be found at Met Eireann here.

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