Show-stopping line-up announced for Gradam Ceoil 2022

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April 6, 2022

GALWAY DAILY NEWS CROÍ uhg collaboration for heart health — Pictured from left outside University Hospital Galway (UHG): Katie McCormack, Clinical Nurse Manager, Coronary Care Unit, UHG; Sarah Molloy, Senior Staff Nurse, Coronary Care Unit, UHG; Annie Costelloe, Croí Patient and Community Engagement Manager; Dr Lisa Hynes, Croí Head of Health Programmes; and Maeve Frawley, Croí Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist and Heartlink West Nurse Lead.

Croí has announced a special collaboration with the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) in University Hospital Galway as part of the charity’s Heartlink West support service for people living with cardiovascular disease.

Working with the team in the Heart Unit, the local heart and stroke charity produced a series of special videos for patients who are receiving care in the Hospital CCU.

Patients can now watch these informational videos on iPads donated by Croí, with videos covering a wide range of topics, including cardiac rehabilitation, diet and exercise post-cardiac event, emotional impact of a cardiac event or procedure, and advice on smoking cessation.

Croí’s Head of Health Programme, Dr Lisa Hynes, said that they are delighted to provide this new educational video support for patients in the CCU.

“These videos give patients more information and advice on life post-cardiac event or their heart procedure, and we hope this service will be a support to the incredible medical and nursing team in the CCU, which is such a busy environment,” she said.

Katie McCormack, CCU Clinical Nurse Manager, said the team at University Hospital Galway are also thrilled to collaborate with Croí on this project.

“In facilitating these informational videos, Croí’s Heartlink West service is supporting not just the patients, but also the CCU team to deliver the very best care to our patients,” said Katie McCormack.

“The great thing about this project is that these patients and their families can also follow up with Croí’s HeartLink West nurse when they go home with any further questions or concerns they might have.”

Croí plans to expand this support service later this year to more coronary care units in the west of Ireland, with additional video content being developed in the coming months.

Croí’s Heartlink West support service also offers a free telephone helpline, Monday to Friday from 9am – 5:30pm on 091-544310. Learn more about the work at Croí by visiting www.croi.ie.

Four migrants from Galway graduate from political and leadership programmes

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April 6, 2022

galway daily news migrant council ireland graduation event in dublin

Four Galway locals were among a number of migrants that have graduated from political and leadership programmes run by the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

The Galway graduates were presented with certificates by Joe O’Brien TD at an event which took place at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin.

Also in attendance were some of the political representatives who mentored migrant interns as part of the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme, including Mayor of Galway Colette Connolly and Dublin City Councillor Anne Feeney.

Graduates from two courses, the Migrant Leadership Academy and Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme, were celebrated at the ceremony.

Both courses are aimed at increasing migrant representation in politics and encouraging migrants to use their voice to enact change.

The four Galway graduates

Islammiyah Saudique-Kadejo, originally from Nigeria and now based in Galway city, graduated from the Migrant Leadership Academy;
Paul Chuka, originally from Nigeria and now living in Galway city, graduated from the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme;
Megan Flynn Dixon, originally from New Zealand, now living in Oranmore, graduated from the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme;
Esther Osayimwen, originally from Nigeria and now based in Galway city, graduated from the Migrant-Councillor Internship Scheme.

Speaking at the graduation, Immigrant Council of Ireland Integration Manager, Teresa Buczkowska, said that Ireland is an increasingly diverse society, with one in eight of us coming from a migrant background.

“The reality, however, is that us migrants don’t see ourselves represented in many key sectors of Irish society, including the social justice sector,” she said.

“Migrants in Ireland should be included in conversations on issues affecting us, from housing, education and discrimination to immigration policy reform and more.

“Both the Migrant Leadership Academy and the Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme equip participants with the skills to begin to use their voice to enact change.

“Many migrants and refugees are doing great work in their local communities championing issues and effecting positive change, but their hard work is often overlooked.

“We want to celebrate what the participants in both schemes have achieved during their time on the programmes and we wish them every success in the next step on their journey.”

Cancer Care West highlights importance of bowel cancer screening

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April 6, 2022

Cancer Care West has highlighted the importance of bowel cancer screening this month as part of bowel cancer awareness month.

The charity says early detection is key as 60% of all cancers diagnosed through screening were at stage one or two, according to a recent report by BowelScreen, meaning that they were found at a stage where treatment is likely to be successful.

Speaking about the importance of early detection, Prof. Maccon Keane, Consultant Oncologist at Galway University Hospital, urged all those eligible or with symptoms to seek screening.

“The treatments available for bowel cancer depend on the stage and the earlier the stage, the easier the treatment. If caught early enough, the treatment doesn’t require an operation and can be done through the colonoscope,” said Prof. Keane.

Describing the most common symptoms of the disease, Prof. Keane urged anyone with warning signs to seek advice from their GP.

“The most common symptom of bowel cancer is the passage of blood in the stool, if you have even one episode of blood in the stool you should bring it to the attention of your GP. If you notice a significant change in bowel habits that is persistent, then that should be brought to the attention of your GP as well.”

Alan Cheevers, a Galway City East Councillor, who is currently receiving treatment for bowel cancer, described his own experience with symptom diagnosis.

He said that he was suffering from the passing of blood and irregular bowel movements.

“That’s when I decided I needed to see my GP and have a colonoscopy to get it checked. That is where they found a tumor in my bowel and shortly after that, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer,” he said.

“The month of April is the month where bowel cancer awareness is highlighted, and it would be great to see as many people getting checked as possible. I think it is important, especially for men, that we have regular checks and take responsibility for our health.

Research has shown stark differences in figures which reveals poor uptake among men (49.3%), in comparison to 61.6% of women who avail of this potentially lifesaving cancer screening year on year.”

In Ireland, bowel cancer is the second most common newly diagnosed cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer death, claiming the lives of 1,000 Irish people annually.

Almost 2,500 new cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every year and this figure is set to increase significantly over the next 10 years, due mainly to an increasing and ageing population.

Diligent big winner at annual Galway Chamber awards

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April 6, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Chamber Business Awards 2021

Diligent was the big winner at the annual Galway Chamber awards held last week in the Salthill Hotel, picking up three awards including Overall Business of the Year 2021.

The leading modern governance company also received awards for Excellence in Innovation and Best Customer Service.

The Galway Chamber awards were originally scheduled for last December but postponed because of the pandemic.

A range of Galway’s business community and stakeholders attended the first awards held in person since before Covid when the 2019 celebration took place.

Business accessibility, employment, innovation and sustainability, as well as building towards the future, were the key themes of the 2021 awards.

Diligent, whose solutions are trusted by nearly 700,000 board directors and leaders, established their European hub in Galway in 2020.

The European hub is home to Diligent’s first cross-functional base in Ireland and already employs over 200 people across several business functions including customer support, customer success, finance and accounting, HR, product, and marketing to better service Diligent’s global customer base.

Aengus Burns, President of Galway Chamber said they were delighted to have such a positive and uplifting event which paid tribute to many of the fantastic businesses and companies who call Galway home.

“We have an impressive collection of businesses in Galway who all add not just to the local economy, but also to wider society and life across the region,” said Aengus Burns.

“We thought it was important to mark the contributions made by these Galway businesses last year, which was challenging for many but which also highlighted the strength, dynamism and agility of our local enterprises and the wider Galway business community.

“We are excited to see how those contributions grow and the further strides all those who received awards will take in the years ahead.”

AWARD WINNERS

Overall Business of the Year
Kindly sponsored by Shannon Group plc
WINNER: Diligent

The President’s Award Kindly Sponsored by PwC
Mary Rodgers CEO of PorterShed, received this year’s prestigious President’s Award.

The Category Winners of the Galway Chamber Business Awards 2021, in association with Shannon Group plc, were:

Dr. Chris Coughlan Award for Best Emerging Enterprise
Kindly sponsored by WestBIC/Galway Technology Centre
WINNER: Grá Chocolates

Best Small to Medium Enterprise
Kindly sponsored by AIB
WINNER: MKO

Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion Award
Kindly sponsored by Galway City Council
WINNER: ByoWave

Best Customer Service
Kindly sponsored by Permanent TSB
WINNER: Diligent

Sustainability Initiative Award
Kindly sponsored by Shannon Airport
WINNER: Kylemore Abbey & Gardens

Excellence in Innovation
Kindly sponsored by EY
WINNER: Diligent

Marketing Excellence
Kindly sponsored by Galway City Council
WINNER: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

Best Employer
Kindly sponsored by Noel Group
WINNER: Galway Bay Hotel

Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group added: “Shannon Group were delighted to join the Galway Chamber as main sponsor for the Business Awards once again this year.

“The awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge the innovation, talent and entrepreneurial spirit which is thriving in the Galway region.

“We’d like to congratulate this year’s award winners and all of those who took part.”

Hazardous conditions forecast this afternoon as weather warning issued

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April 6, 2022

Galway daily weather Met Eireann weather warning in force for Galway today

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Galway and four other counties in the west for this afternoon and evening.

The forecasters say very strong southwest winds veering northwest are expected today, with the strongest winds expected at the coast.

There will be some severe gusts along with a possibility of wave overtopping and Met Éireann says that hazardous driving conditions are expected in exposed areas.

The warning begins at 1pm and will be lifted at 9pm today, Wednesday.

Donegal, Mayo, Leitrim and Sligo are also affected by the status yellow wind warning.

Galway has one of the world’s first accredited Blueways

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April 5, 2022

galway daily news Galway has one of the world's first accredited Blueways

One of the first accredited Blueways in the world is located in Galway among the many trails of Lough Derg.

This is one of three blueways to achieve be officially accredited today, with the others located at the Suir and Boyne rivers in Tipperary and Meath.

The Lough Derg Blueway comprises a total of 160km of shoreline trails spread across Galway, Clare, and Tipperary.

Blueways are a brand-new outdoor recreation offering currently unique to Ireland.

They encourage the use of lakes, canals, rivers and costal environments for walking, cycling, swimming, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding, while engaging with nature and heritage.

The Blueway accreditation has been developed by Fáilte Ireland, Sport Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland.

The initiative was started to promote tourism with quality outdoor infrastructure close to water and nature.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said that they have long recognised the importance of promoting Ireland’s waterways for tourism activities.

“Opening up the outdoors is a key strategic priority for Fáilte Ireland, and these accredited Blueways are another outstanding addition to our portfolio of outdoor activity infrastructure.

“They will tap into domestic and international activity and leisure tourism markets, reaping economic benefits for Meath, Clare, Galway and Tipperary.”

Commenting on the launch, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin said “Under the Programme for Government, we committed to investing in and promoting Blueways and recreational trails for the benefit of local communities and tourists alike.”

“The newly accredited Blueways announced today, will open up Meath, Tipperary, Clare and Galway to water-based and water-side activities.”

“The Blueways partnership is an important cross-border initiative that will drive Blueway development and help position the island of Ireland as a world-class activities tourism destination for visitors.”

Stand Up for Ukraine – Charity comedy night supporting Red Cross appeal

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April 5, 2022

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

A special comedy night featuring some of Ireland’s funniest will take place this month to raise money for humanitarian relief to the Ukraine.

Stand Up For Ukraine is being organised by the folks at the Róisín Dubh, dab hands at comedy in Galway, and will take place on Thursday, April 27.

The gig will take place at Leisureland, with 100% of ticket sales going to support the Irish Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

The lineup includes Jason Byrne, Andrew Maxwell, Enya Martin (online sensation Giz A Laugh), Danny O’Brien, Sinead Quinlan, Karl Spain. Plus special guests TBA.

“As we can all see on our screens, countless lives in Ukraine are being torn apart by violence and insecurity. Displacement, trauma, and separation from loved ones will have devastating consequences on the people of Ukraine.

“Rather than just watch it all unravel on the news and move on with our lives, we all must do whatever we can to help.”

“The people at Róisín Dubh Comedy (like the Bob Geldof of comedy), have cajoled a plethora of comedy stars to perform in Galway’s Leisureland on April 28th, and all have agreed to waive their fees.”

“They’ve even convinced Galway City Council to give the hall for free, Murt Whelan’s PA company are supplying all the production & crew free and all C2 Security and Róisín Dubh box office & production staff have agreed to work free, too.”

“Thanks also to our friends at The Galmont Hotel who are supplying accommodation for the comedians.”

Tickets cost €30 and will go sale this Thursday, April 7.

New car sales in Galway jump in 2022

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April 5, 2022

The number of new cars being registered in Galway this year is significantly higher than in 2021.

Figures for the first three months of the year show that there were 2,272 new cars registered in Galway in that time.

These numbers, from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, are 13.2% higher than in the same period last year.

In fact Galway recorded the biggest increase in new care registrations compared with 2021 of any county in Ireland.

Nationwide, the 49,928 new cars registered in the first three months of the year, 4% higher than in 2021.

But the growth accelerated in the month of March, which saw registrations up 40.7% compared with last year.

Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI, said that despite this growth, new car sales are still behind pre-COVID levels.

“There is strong demand for new and used cars among consumers, although supply continues to remain a major challenge for the Industry, while the hire drive market continues to be well below pre-pandemic levels.”

The number of used car imports is 36% lower than last year, and 56% lower than in 2019, before the pandemic.

One area that has seen huge growth is the sale of electric vehicles, which are up 121% this year to date compared with 2021.

“This acceleration in EV sales is down to both the increase in the number of models now available for sale, and the SEAI Grants supporting their purchase,” Brian Cooke said.

“It is vital that Ireland delivers a modern agile charging infrastructure that keeps pace with both the increasing number of EVs and the ongoing improvements in charging technologies.

“By doing this, we can work together to build consumer confidence in the EV project.”

Water mains replacement to disrupt traffic

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April 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Traffic disruptions are expected in the Costelloe area for a number of weeks as Irish Water is carrying out works in the area.

Irish Water is replacing more 200m of old damaged water mains along the R343 between Casla and the Leitir Móir junction.

The works are due to get underway this week, and Irish Water says that they will be completed by June.

To facilitate these works, traffic management measures such as a Stop & Go system may be in use at times.

Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water said that these works will improve the reliability of the water supply for the local community.

“Irish Water is committed to providing a safe, secure and sustainable source of drinking water for our customers and this important project will have significant long-term benefits for the area.”

Some short-term water interruptions may also occur while works are taking place.

Ronnie O’Gorman awarded honourary doctorate by NUIG

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April 5, 2022

Ronnie O'Gorman awarded honourary doctorate by NUIG — Photo Credit: Andrew Downes

Ronnie O’Gorman, founder and owner of the Galway Advertiser, has been awarded an honourary doctorate by NUIG.

O’Gorman was conferred with a Doctor of Arts by NUI Galway during the two weeks of conferring at the University underway this week.

The Galway Advertiser is a free weekly newspaper, now more than half a century old, with a weekly circulation of 56,000 copies.

In the time since its founding, sister papers the Mayo and Athlone Advertisers have also been launched.

Ronnie O’Gorman was the also the paper’s editor for decades, before Declan Varley took over in 2000.

The other honourary doctorate recipients include Jean Kelly, retired Director of Medicine at UHG; Prof David Harper, international expert on palaeontology and evolution; and Evelyn O’Toole, founder and CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions.

Prof Hubert McDermott is a former Governing Authority member at NUIG; Dick Byrne, an architect and life-long contributor to the arts in Galway; Ailbhe Smith is an irish academic and artist; and last Bob Quinn, filmmaker, director, photographer, writer, editor and member of Aosdána.

Speaking ahead of the conferring ceremonies, NUI Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that each of the honourary degree recipients had made an “outstanding and distinctive” contribution to their field.

“NUI Galway is very pleased to be in a position to openly respect the excellence of these individuals.”

Public meeting to discuss a vision for Galway

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April 5, 2022

galway daily news a vision for galway public meeting

Galway City East Councillor Owen Hanley is hosting a public meeting on the draft City Development Plan 2023-2029 which is currently on public consultation.

The meeting will take place on Thursday, 7 April upstairs at the Mick Lally Theatre, and it will discuss public housing, the National Park City initiative, creating a 15-minute city, social inclusion, and supporting social enterprises.

Councillor Hanley said that it is vitally important that there is a vision for the economic, environmental and social future of Galway.

“We face significant challenges but we also have incredible opportunities to create better communities, develop a social economy, and plan for sustainable infrastructure,” said Cllr Hanley.

“It is against this backdrop that the draft City Development Plan must be interrogated and improved.”

New campaign aims to reduce single use coffee cups in Galway city

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April 5, 2022

Galway City Council and 2GoCup are launching a major new environmental campaign to dramatically reduce single use coffee cups in Galway city.

For a three-month trial period, nine cafés will not sell any drinks in single use cups and instead sell drinks exclusively in reusable 2GoCups.

In return, they will each receive a total of 1,400 cups free from Galway City Council and 2GoCup.

A customer will pay €1 to ‘borrow’ the deposit scheme cup and get it refunded when they return it or alternatively swap it for another 2GoCup for free at any of the participating businesses.

The cafés taking part in the trial are Mocha Beans, Salthill; Mocha Beans, Cross Street; Mocha Beans, Newcastle Road; Temple Café, St Augustine Street; The Creamery, Salthill; Rouge, Dominic Street; Ces’t la Vie, Terryland; Anton’s, Fr. Griffin Road; Greens & Co, Henry Street.

Speaking about the campaign, Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said every year in Ireland we dispose of 200 million coffee cups – a whopping 560,000 each day going to landfill or incineration.

“There are huge environmental consequences with this in terms of litter, waste and climate,” he said.

“Nine cafés in the City are leading the way in bringing about a local circular economy with coffee cups and are only selling drinks from the deposit scheme 2GoCups.

“This is the first time that it has been trialled on such a scale in an Irish City and we are looking forward to sharing our findings with other cafés and indeed other Local Authorities.’’

In addition, many cafés in the City have signed up to ‘Use your Mug!’ and are offering a 50 Cents discount to customers who bring in their own reusable mugs from the 8-15^th April.

From a recent survey completed by Galway City Council, four out of five respondents have a reusable cup but only one out of five use them regularly. A large green coffee cup called ‘Muggins’ will also be placed in various locations around the City.

Locals and tourists alike are being encouraged to take a selfie with Muggins and post it to Galway City Council’s social media accounts using the #useyourmug.

Dozens of Galway artists take part in Incognito 2022 for Jack and Jill Foundation

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April 5, 2022

galway daily news incognito art sale 2022 — Antoinette O'Mahony from Furbo is one of the 1,200 artists taking part in this year’s Incognito art sale

60 Galway artists have generously donated their art to Incognito 2022, Ireland’s largest online art sale, in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.

Now in its sixth year, Incognito is different to other art sales in that the buyer has no idea who the artist is until after the sale closes.

Among the Galway artists taking part this year are Janet Mercer from Cleggan, Antoinette O’Mahony from Furbo, Damien Glynn from Glenamaddy, Penny Cahill from Barna, Mary Louise Hynes from Bushypark, Lorraine Fletcher from Loughrea, and Adrienne M. Finnerty from Spiddal.

Artist Lorraine Fletcher from Loughrea is one of the 1,200 artists taking part in this year’s Incognito art sale

Funds raised from Incognito 2022 will help provide specialist home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for 26 children with highly complex medical and life-limiting conditions across the county.

The postcard-sized works of art are priced at €65 each, and not only will purchasers be supporting a great cause in Jack and Jill, they will secure a piece of art that they truly love, without knowing who the artist is, and that’s something really special.

The collection can now be viewed online at www.incognito.ie, where prospective purchasers are being urged to register and select their favourites ahead of the sale which takes place on Thursday April 21 from 9.30am.

Almost €1m allocated to rural roads and laneways in Galway

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April 5, 2022

Galway daily news Galway receives over €850,000 for local access roads maintenance

Funding of €958,831 has been announced for repairs and improvement works on rural roads and laneways in County Galway.

This funding, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), will improve non-public roads and lanes which are not normally maintained by the council.

A total of €11 has been allocated to these roads and lanes across the country.

The funding is an increase of €500,000 on the initial 2021 allocation, with all counties receiving an increase in their allocation.

Over €90 million has now been allocated to local authorities under the LIS since it was re-introduced 2017.

Announcing the allocations today, Minister Heather Humphreys said that local connectivity is vital for rural communities and that Our Rural Future clearly recognises this.

“The Local Improvement Scheme is an important source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes and farms or to amenities such as lakes, rivers and beaches,” said Minister Humphreys.

“Since the scheme was reintroduced in 2017, over, 3,000 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 13,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.

“I acknowledge that strong demand for this funding remains across the country. In some counties, local authorities have significant levels of applications on hand.

“My priority is to continue to fund the works on roads leading to agricultural holdings given their importance for farm families and our agriculture sector.”

Government must extend fuel allowance season says Galway TD

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April 5, 2022

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has urged the government to extend the Fuel Allowance before it is stopped this Friday.

Speaking yesterday, Deputy Kerrane said it is astonishing that the government would stop a vital support when workers and families are in the middle of a serious cost of living crisis.

She urged the government to extend the Fuel Allowance season by six weeks and then keep it under review.

“The government must also widen eligibility to include those in receipt of Working Family Payment,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“At a time when people are under huge financial pressures due to sky-high rents, energy bills, petrol, groceries and other costs, it is outrageous that the government would abandon people. The government simply doesn’t get how serious this cost of living crisis is.£

Deputy Kerrane said that people are struggling to stay on top of their bills and that many people are being forced to choose between heating and eating.

“This has to change,” she said. “The government must act.”

“Extending the Fuel Allowance by 6 weeks would be a vital lifeline to families who need it. The government must grasp the urgency of this crisis and act now without any more delays.”

GMIT team wins three categories at Irish Games Fleadh

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April 4, 2022

galway daily news gmit games awards — Picture: Alan Place/Fusionshooters

A GMIT team won three categories at the hotly contested Irish Games Fleadh 2022 hosted by the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Thurles Campus.

The popular all-island gaming competition returned after a one-year hiatus, with organisers opting to run a virtual competition this year while once again focusing on a social issue.

This year competitors were asked to concentrate on the UN Sustainable Development Goals by designing games around the theme Positive Action to Support Climate Change.

Teams from third level colleges competed for one of the 12 coveted titles, while Year 1 students also participated in Robocode as part of Games Fleadh 2022.

GMIT Games Fleadh 2022 wins

Highly Commended – Atmosphere for the game Lost Stars
Best Video Game Trailer
Best Game built using a Game Engine

Following the announcement of the winners, President of TUS Professor Vincent Cunnane said the 2022 Games Fleadh had once again recognised the skills and talents of the country’s best student game developers.

“A huge congratulations must go to all competitors who continued to develop their skills amid the challenges of the pandemic, and their teachers, who supported them so that they are ready to take their place in this ever growing €148.8 billion industry,” said Professor Cunnane.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support industry leaders have lent to this annual competition, which is indicative of TUS’s ethos of working with employers to ensure our students are at the cutting edge of this ever developing industry and therefore have the skill set to be work ready on graduation.”

Atlantic Technological University to become “powerhouse” for education

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April 4, 2022

Galway Daily news GMIT hosts European Hitel and catering School competition

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has today opened the new Atlantic Technological University, saying that it will become a ‘powerhouse’ for the region.

Atlantic TU, the fourth Technological University in the State, sees the dissolution of GMIT, IT Sligo, and Letterkenny IT.

Minister Harris said today is a significant occasion for higher education in the West and North West regions.

“I know today is a day of mixed emotions as we dissolve GMIT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT but it should be a day of immense pride too to the management, governing authorities and staff of the 3 institutions,” he said at the opening.

“Today is the start of a new journey. Together these institutions will merge to become ATU – a powerhouse working for the region, for investment in the region and its people.”

The first President of the new TU is Dr Orla Flynn, outgoing President of Galway-Mayo IT, and its chair is Maura McNally, chair of the Bar Council of Ireland.

Minister Harris said that both Orla and Maura bring exceptional experience to the roles.

“This is a landmark that I am particularly glad to see reached, and I would like to congratulate all involved,” he said.

Garda appeal for two brothers missing for over a week from Offaly

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April 4, 2022

galway daily news missing brothers offaly

Gardaí have appealed to the public to help locate two brothers, Patrick O’Brien (15) and John Brooklyn O’Brien (16), who are missing from their home in County Offaly.

Both teenagers left their home in Birr at around 5pm on Sunday afternoon, 27 March.

Patrick is described as being 5’ 11” in height, of medium build with short brown hair and brown eyes.

When Patrick was last seen he was wearing a black tracksuit top and tracksuit bottoms and black Nike runners.

John Brooklyn is described as being 6′ 2″ in height, of medium build and has black hair and brown eyes.

When last seen he was wearing a black tracksuit top and black tracksuit bottoms and green Nike runners

It is believed that the boys may be in the areas of Edenderry or Carbury. Gardaí and Patrick and John Brooklyn’s family are concerned for their welfare.

Anyone with information of the brothers’ whereabouts is asked to contact Birr Garda Station on (057) 9169710, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Deadline approaching for Draft Galway City Development Plan submissions

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April 4, 2022