Olympic heroes to lead St Patrick’s Day parade

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March 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Galway Senator condemns "rotten, corrupt" saga at Inland Fisheries Ireland

Galway senator Seán Kyne has said that Seachtain na Gaeilge is the ideal time for RTÉ to demonstrate a renewed commitment to the Irish language.

Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Kyne said that as the national broadcaster, RTÉ has a responsibility to Irish speakers and to everyone who has an interest in the Irish language.

Kyne, who is Fine Gael’s Seanad spokesperson on the Irish language, said that notwithstanding the excellent work of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ is failing in other areas, such as television and online.

He said that at times, there appears to be an attitude that providing Irish language content is a job solely for TG4.

But Senator Kyne said that this is not the case, and RTÉ has a duty to everyone – Irish language speakers as well as English language speakers.

He added that RTÉ’s vision is ‘to champion Irish culture by captivating audiences with trusted, engaging and challenging content; celebrating our country’s rich diversity; and cultivating Ireland’s talent’.

“The Irish language is central to our culture and is part of our country’s rich diversity and therefore must be included in RTÉ’s vision,” he said.

“While there are longer-term changes needed at RTÉ, there’s also a number of concrete steps that RTÉ could take now to show its renewed commitment to Irish and to help increase its use and visibility in everyday life.

“Firstly, a link to the ‘nuacht’ page on RTE.ie needs to be placed directly alongside the link to the ‘news’ page. Similarly, on the RTÉ News app, the ‘nuacht’ landing page should be the option immediately after the ‘news’ landing page. At the moment, you have to swipe left seven times to reach it. That is not equality.

“Secondly, a small but impactful change could be made to the RTÉ News Now channel on TV by providing an hourly news update ‘as Gaeilge’.

“There are just two examples of the steps that RTÉ could take to demonstrate its commitment to the Irish language and in doing so better fulfil its role as a public service broadcaster.”

Oliver Callan to bring award-winning comedy show to Galway

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March 15, 2022

galway daily news oliver callan galway show — Photograph by Paul Doherty.

Impressionist Oliver Callan is bringing his award-winning Callan’s Kicks comedy show to life on stage for the first time in seven years.

Among his Irish tour dates is one at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway city on Sunday 3 April.

Aiken Promotions announced that the award-winning Callan’s Kicks Live will be in venues in April and May across the country, as he brings his huge cast of characters to the stage again.

It is set to be Callan’s most ambitious live show to the stage yet, with dozens of impressions, sketches and voices kicking our leaders and legends into the next decade.

It will also be his first show in the age of Micheál and Leo, Boris and Biden and, of course, Luke O’Neill.

Tickets are on sale now at https://www.olivercallan.com/live-shows-2020-1

Oliver Callan tour dates

Fri 1^st April 2022 – Roscommon Arts Centre

Sat 2^nd April 2022 – Tain, Dundalk

Fri 8^th April 2022 – Dunamaise, Portlaoise

Sat 9^th April 2022 – Visual Arts, Carlow

Sun 10^th April 2022 – Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge

Fri 22^nd April 2022 – Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny

Sat 23^rd April 2022 – Birr Arts Centre

Fri 29^th April 2022 – Cork Opera House

Sat 30^th April 2022 – Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick

Fri 6^th May 2022 – Town Hall, Westport

Sat 7^th May 2022 – Solstice Arts Centre, Navan

Sun 8^th May 2022 – Town Hall, Cavan

Fri 13^th & Sat 14^th May 2022 – Iontas, Castleblayney

Fri 20^th May 2022 – Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone

Sat 21^st May 2022 – Theatre Royal, Waterford

Fri 27^th May 2022 – Hawks Well, Sligo

Sat 28^th May 2022 – An Grianan, Letterkenny

Sun 29^th May 2022 – Bord Gais Energy Theatre, Dublin

Man dies following fatal M18 collision

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March 14, 2022

A motorcyclist in his late 30s has died following a collision on the M18 motorway on Monday afternoon.

The fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a car happened at around 4.05pm on the motorway in Shannon in Co. Clare.

The man’s body has been removed from the scene to University Hospital Limerick where a postmortem will take place.

The driver and four passengers of the car were uninjured and did not require medical attention.

The road is currently closed, and the Forensic Collision Investigators are at the scene. Local diversions are in place.

The road will remain closed tonight, and it is expected to open in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who were travelling in the area at this time and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Shannon Garda Station on (061) 365900, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

New Galway Lidl store to open doors to customers next week

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March 14, 2022

galway daily news new lidl in knocknacarrra sign

The new Lidl store in Knocknacarra will open its doors to customers next Thursday, 24 March.

The store in the Galway city suburb will create over 30 permanent jobs, and sees a local investment of more than €13 million.

The new Lidl has a 1,546sqm shop floor with high ceilings and wide aisles, as well as a large bakery area with freshly baked breads and pastries.

The Knocknacarra Lidl store manager Pauline McLoughlin said that they are looking forward to opening the doors next week.

“The store will offer customers an even better shopping experience with its spacious design, ample parking and sustainability features throughout,” said Pauline.

“The new store will be a positive addition to the local area of Knocknacarra making our fantastic range of top-quality produce available at the best possible prices. We look forward to welcoming customers next week.”

The new environmentally friendly Knocknacarra store, with roof mounted solar panels and will be powered by 100% green renewable electricity as part of its 50001 ISO certified energy management system.

It is an excellent example of Lidl’s leadership in the sustainable building field providing free EV charging points to customers.

Knocknacarra Lidl opening times

Lidl’s new Knocknacarra store will be open daily: Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 10:00pm, and Sunday 9:00am – 9:00pm.

Jobs and offers

For the latest in-store offers and career opportunities, visit www.lidl.ie

Night of classic hits in Galway city to raise funds for Ukraine

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Monroe's live venue closes temporarily

A 80s and 90s night will be held in Monroe’s Live in Galway city on March 24 to raise funds for the Red Cross which is providing aid to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Hosted by one of the country’s favourite DJs, Gareth O’Callaghan, An Evening for Ukraine kicks off at 8pm and those in attendance will enjoy a night of dancing to classic hits.

Tickets for the event are €20, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross Ukraine appeal to support children and their devastated families by providing food, water, shelter, hygiene supplies and medicine.

Millions have already been impacted by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, with the numbers of refugees continuing to grow daily.

Like many people across Ireland, Gareth O’Callaghan has been watching these heart-breaking images, and he decided to do something to help.

“I was at home watching all the devastating scenes, in particular the children, so I put out a tweet asking if anyone would be interested in providing a venue to host a night of dancing to raise money for Ukraine,” said Gareth.

“Gary Monroe, owner of Monroe’s Live in Galway, got in touch and now we have a fundraiser.”

Gary Monroe said that when he saw Gareth O’Callaghan’s tweet, it was a “no-brainer”.

“It is so hard to watch what is going on in Ukraine, I am delighted to be able to do something to help these families,” he said.

Doors open at 8pm on Thursday, March 24, and tickets are now on sale at https://monroes.ie/products/an-evening-for-ukraine

Emergency Department at UHG under severe pressure as flu and Covid outbreaks continue on 4 wards

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March 14, 2022

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today with many patients waiting on trolleys for long periods of time.

At 2pm this afternoon, 53 patients were on trolleys waiting for a bed at the hospital.

The shortage of beds has meant that a number of elective procedures are being postponed, and patients affected by this are being contacted directly.

The hospital says there has also been a ‘significant increase’ in Covid admissions and attendances, as well as high volumes of non-Covid patients.

A flu outbreak is currently impacting two wards at UHG and a Covid outbreak is affecting two further wards.

Visiting to the affected wards is limited to compassionate grounds only and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward.

Given the severe impact of both Covid and flu on patients, the hospital is appealing to the public not to visit the site if they have symptoms.

Flu is more severe in people aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and anyone with a long-term medical condition.

Anyone carrying the flu virus can spread it for one to two days before developing symptoms and up to five days after symptoms develop.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and has apologised for the inconvenience and distress caused. All available beds in the hospital are in use.

The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department. People who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.

For minor injuries, the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm every day to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

Group of Afghan refugees visit NUI Galway

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March 14, 2022

galway daily news afghan refugees visit nui galway

A group of 22 female Afghan refugees have been welcomed to NUI Galway to learn about the opportunities for higher education at the University.

The women fled their homeland less than five months ago following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban and have begun to make new lives in Galway and in the east of the country.

The group were hosted by NUI Galway’s University of Sanctuary initiative and were given the chance to learn about the University, the campus, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes on offer, entrance pathways and scholarships.

An Afghan and Irish cultural evening also took place in the Quadrangle with food and music bridging East and West for students, staff and visitors.

Welcoming the refugees to campus, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, president of NUI Galway, said that diversity in the university is a source of enrichment for students and staff alike.

“As an institution we not only teach, but we also learn from the diversity of our community.

“Two of the core values at NUI Galway are Openness and Respect – these are realised through our University of Sanctuary initiative and we are proud to play a role in supporting the continuation of education for refugees,” he said.

Galway East Fine Gael TD Ciarán Cannon also joined the visit, after supporting some of the group to settle in Galway and working with Government to ensure the women secured refugee status and PPS numbers.

Aidan Harte, NUI Galway’s University of Sanctuary Coordinator, said that an increasing number of conflicts around the world are causing a staggering rise in displaced communities.

“This affects not only the countries which neighbour the conflict zones but it affects us here in Ireland as well,” he said.

“Ireland has an international obligation to offer protection to those fleeing conflict, and NUI Galway, as a designated University of Sanctuary, will offer a welcoming environment as a beacon of hope for those seeking sanctuary.”

Professor Afshin Samali, Professor for Cancer Biology at NUI Galway, came to Ireland as a refugee in his late teens in 1985.

He was introduced to the Afghan group by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, last November and has since then supported and mentored them to navigate the education system in Ireland.

“The visit was a very special day for our community. It provided us with the opportunity to identify ways to help these young people reach their full potential.

“It also gave the group an insight into University life, and gave them something to aspire to,” said Prof Samali said:

Incredible public music festival for St Patrick’s Day weekend

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily music Incredible public music festival for St Patrick's Day weekend

Galway City will once again become a lively hub for the public music its renowned for this week, during a four day St Patrick’s Day festival.

Enjoy the return of live music, with four fun-filled days of concerts by local musicians and artists, who will capture the buzz of Galway’s musical heritage over the weekend in Eyre Square, in the festival village.

It’s been a rough two years, with many celebrations an festivals cancelled or moved to the digital realm.

This St Patrick’s Day is the first major public celebration we’ve got to enjoy since the lifting of restrictions, and Galway City Council has organised a wonderful return to public life.

The music will start on St Patrick’s Day itself, Thursday March 17, and continue to the end of the weekend.

This year, in recognition of the fact that we all deserve a bit of a break, the government has decided that this coming Friday will also be a public holiday.

The line-up includes performances by Irish singer-songwriter and guitarist, Ultan Conlon, a solo performance by critically acclaimed songwriter, Niamh Regan and the award-winning composer and performer Anna Mullarkey will weave electronics with piano and voice.

Get to the roots of Ska and Rock Steady music with nine-piece Galway outfit Big Jelly. And experience the spellbinding vocals of Tracy Bruen as she blends and bends folk and pop.

Galway’s “Super group”, BackWest will perform a lively set on St Patrick’s Day, which will open with the 5 piece multi-instrumentalist Indie/Folk band the Amazing Apples.

They will be followed by a performance of traditional Irish dancing by members of the renowned Hession School of Irish Dance.

A day of Jazz on March 20th will feature some of Galway’s favourites: Galway Bay Jazz Band, Galway’s most original act 4 Men and a Bass, and Aengus Hackett & Barbara Vulso.

Aengus is an acclaimed guitarist and one of Ireland’s leading jazz musicians, who will be joined on stage by Galway’s own Queen of Soul,

Completing the quartet will be a stellar rhythm section of Dan Bodwell, one of Ireland’s leading double bassists, and acclaimed USA drummer Matt McAllister.

Other acts include local folk group Rón, folk singer-songwriter Sonny Casey, and the iconic duo Katie O’ Connor & Steven Sharpe.

The acts announced so far for the four day celebration are:

March 17
15.00 – 16.00 | Amazing Apples
16.30 – 17.00 | Hession School of Irish Dance
17.30 – 18.30 | BackWest

March 18
14.30 – 15.30 | Rón
16.00 – 16.45 | Sonny Casey
17.00 – 18.00 | Niamh Regan
18.15 – 19.30 | Anna Mullarkey

March 19
14.30 – 15.15 | Katie O’ Connor & Steven Sharpe
15.30 – 16.30 | Tracy Bruen
16.45 – 17.45 | Big Jelly
18.00 – 19.00 | Ultan Conlon

March 20
14.30 – 15.30 | 4 Men & a Bass
16.00 – 17.00 | Aengus Hackett & Barbara Vulso
17.30 – 18.45 | Galway Bay Jazz Band

Galway hospitals have 76 patients on trolleys today

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today, with more than 50 patients on trolleys.

The INMO has reported at total of 52 patients at the emergency department at UHG this morning who are without beds.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 24 patients on trolleys today.

Of these, 12 are waiting in the emergency department, and another 12 are on trolleys in the wards.

The worst affected hospital nationwide today is, unsurprisingly, UH Limerick, where there are 91 patients without beds.

Nationwide, the INMO says that there are a total of 544 people admitted to hospital today, waiting for a bed.

Water outages reported in Glenamaddy area

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Water outages have been reported in the Glenamaddy area today due to a burst water mains.

Irish Water has said that a burst mains is affecting the supply to people in Glenamaddy, Kiltullagh, and on the Kilmascahill Group Water Scheme.

Repairs are underway, and it is currently expected that they will be completed by 3pm this afternoon.

It can take two to three hours after repairs are completed before water outages fully cease, as the network refills.

To ensure the safety of the public and crews carrying out the repairs to the burst, traffic management is currently in place.

Ronan Daly of Irish Water said “The repairs are being conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to the area.”

“Irish Water understands the inconvenience caused when bursts occur and thanks customers in advance for their patience while we continue with these repairs and work to restore normal water supply to impacted customers.”

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Connemara business representing Galway at National Enterprise Awards

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily business — John Nagle of Connemara Carpets. Photo: Martina Regan.

Bespoke rug and carpet maker Connemara Carpets will represent Galway at the National Enterprise Awards this year.

The Moyard based company will go forward to the national competition this June after winning the Galway County Enterprise Award for 2022.

Founded in 1970 by Denise and Willy McMurray, for half a century Connemara Carpets has been designing, hand-making, and manufacturing bespoke rugs, carpets and wall-hangings for both the domestic and international markets.

The business is steeped in heritage and pedigree, hand-making rugs and carpets using traditional hand-tufting skills for a client base that includes parliaments, palaces and presidential homes across the globe.

Customers never have to worry about boring mass-manufactured design’s from Connemara Carpets, as each rug, carpet, and wall-hanging is a one-off piece.

In most recent years, Connemara Carpets has rejuvenated its engagement strategy by expanding its in-house design team and an expansion of their capability.

This has been augmented by a complete overhaul of their branding, in parallel to the opening of a showroom to cater for better visibility and client accessibility.

They have also expanded their offer of product and can now offer rugs made from wools, silks, linens and any mixture of these new materials.

The company has just secured a new showroom facility on Merrion Square in Dublin from which they expect to significantly expand their engagement with Design Professionals.

In 2020 Connemara Carpets was bought by the Nagle family, who have continued to grow the storied business.

John Nagle will represent Galway alongside 30 other finalists at the national finals of the Enterprise Awards this summer.

Judging for the €35,000 prize fund will get underway in May, before the final taking place at the Mansion House this June 2.

ategories this year include ‘Best Export Business,’ ‘Best Start-Up’ and ‘Innovation,’ in addition to eight regional awards.

There are also two new National Enterprise Awards this year with a “One to Watch” award and a “Sustainability / Green” award.

Extra €125 Fuel Allowance payment being paid from today

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily new Extra €125 Fuel Allowance payment being paid from today

Recipients of the fuel allowance will receive a once-off bonus payment of €125 this week, starting from today.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said that 372,000 households will receive the extra payment on top of their regular fuel allowance.

The bonus payment is part of a €505 million package meant to tackle rising energy costs, which have been greatly exacerbated by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Announcing the payment, Minister Humphreys said that she is “acutely conscious” that families are concerned about the rising cost of living.

“We have all felt it in recent months – through our bills, at the petrol station and in the supermarket.”

“And unfortunately, the situation is not being helped by the horrific war unfolding in Ukraine.”

The Minister said that other measures in the €505m package include a reduction in people’s energy bills of €200, which will come into effect this month.

“Government also responded last week by cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel, which has become the source of considerable concern for motorists in recent months.”

The Fuel Allowance, which is a means-tested payment, is paid to 372,000 pensioners, widows, widowers, jobseekers, lone-parents and people with disabilities.

It is meant to assist financially vulnerable households with their winter heating costs.

The payment is made at the weekly rate of €33; or if preferred, by way of two lump sum payments; and is paid over the winter season.

Plans submitted for 64 houses in Claregalway

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March 14, 2022

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Planning permission is being sought from the county council for the construction of a residential estate with 64 houses in Claregalway.

Valcris Limited has submitted plans to build 32 three-bedroom, semi-detached houses; 27 three-bedroom terraced dwellings, and 5 three-bedroom detached houses at Lakeview, Claregalway.

The developer proposes that access to the new estate would be via the existing Lakeview Estate road, currently a cul-de-sac, as well as onto Churchview Road at the other end of the site.

The Design Statement for the development said that the layout of the housing estate has been arranged so that the houses overlook central public open space.

“The public open spaces are linked by pedestrian pathways to create a green network within the scheme and connecting to the existing residential development within the 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 have been a total of 14 objections received by the county council concerning this project, including one on behalf of the Lakeview Estate Residents Association.

The objections focus on three main areas of concern, increased traffic and road safety, claims that the site is prone to flooding, and that the scale of the development is out of character with the area.

Multiple objectors said that the local road which is proposed to connect the new estate to the N83 is not suitable for the level of increased traffic, and that it would pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Local residents also said that the site has flooded on multiple occasions, and that there would be a loss of residential amenity for existing homes.

A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by April 3 of this year.

Signify Health announces 125 new jobs in Galway

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March 14, 2022

Galway Daily business Signify Health announces 125 new jobs in Galway

The healthcare tech company Signify Health will create 125 jobs in Galway City with the opening of a new technology centre here.

The US based company announced today that it plans to open this Technology Centre in Galway, with the jobs to be created over the next two years.

“The team at our Galway technology centre will be designing solutions that solve some of U.S. healthcare’s most difficult and elusive problems,” said Josh Builder, Chief Technology Officer.

For its first phase of recruiting, Signify Health is seeking candidates to fill a range of roles in product management and software engineering as well as scrum masters.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade & Employment, Leo Varadkar TD said: “I’m really pleased Signify Health has chosen Galway City for its new Technology Centre.”

“This investment is a testament to all Galway has to offer and the company can expect to draw from a deep pool of talent and expertise when recruiting for these new jobs.”

Founded in 2017, Signify Health is a technology-enabled services company that aligns payors, providers and patients to achieve the best health outcomes for individuals.

The company currently employs more than 2,000 people in the United States, and has a national mobile network of approximately 10,000 credentialed physicians and nurse practitioners.

The Galway technology centre will drive technology innovation for Signify Health as it changes how US healthcare is paid for and delivered through its tech platform.

IDA Ireland Chief Executive Martin Shanahan said “Today’s announcement by Signify Health is a significant one for Ireland’s growing InsureTech sector and is an endorsement of the high quality of talent available in Galway and the West Region.”

“This announcement is an exemplar of IDA Ireland’s continued commitment to winning jobs and investment in regional locations. I wish Signify Health every success with this investment.”

Galway slow fashion brand launches pop up in Paris

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March 13, 2022

galway daily news mise tusa fashion paris

Galway slow fashion brand Mise Tusa has launched a pop-up at the iconic Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris in line with Paris Fashion week.

The mother-daughter duo behind the brand say that they hope it is the first of many, with Tokyo and New York also on their bucket list.

The pop-up will run from 28 February 2022 until 24 April and will also be showcasing designs from contemporary Irish Jeweler Rowena Sheen.

The designers will be in good company, sharing the Jardin du Palais Royal with internationally renowned labels including Manolo Blahnik and Sophie Hong.

Meritta and Bridget launched Mise Tusa in September 2021, and their pieces are designed and created in their west of Ireland studio on the Wild Atlantic Way, made with a strong environmental and ethical conscience.

It is their mission to nourish individuality in all women, and the brand embraces locally sourced wools and tweeds, luxury industry surplus which helps reduce waste within the fashion industry, organic, vintage and recycled materials, something they continue to build on each season.

Co-founder and human rights advocate Bridget, who studied the human rights impacts of fast fashion as part of her master’s degree in International Human rights law, said: “Paris has always been at the global centre of fashion, and we are thrilled to showcase Mise Tusa, and also pieces from contemporary Irish jeweller with Rowena Sheen at such an iconic location during Paris Fashion Week.

“It is our goal that through pop-up we can share with the world how innovative Irish fashion and design is.”

Co-founder and creative director Meritta, who has been designing and making clothes for over 35 years, added: “We are looking forward to sharing with Paris our unique designs.

“Each piece is carefully created by us in our West of Ireland studio and designed to last a lifetime. It’s time to buy less and buy better.”

You can visit the Pop-up at 15 Galerie Montpensier, Jardin du Palais Royal, 75001 from 28 Feb-24 April.

PBP to hold anti-war meeting in Galway city tomorrow

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March 13, 2022

People Before Profit will hold a public meeting entitled ‘No to Putin, No to NATO Escalation’ at Áras na nGael, Dominick Street tomorrow, Monday 14 March at 8pm.

The meeting will be chaired by People Before Profit Galway representative Adrian Curran and addressed by Prof. Kieran Allen, People Before Profit National Secretary and Associate Professor of Sociology at University College Dublin.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Adrian Curran said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is an outrageous act of aggression by an imperialist power on a former colony which harks back to the darkest days of Russian chauvinism and Stalinism.

“People Before Profit stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. We call for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces, for the abolition of Ukrainian debt, for opening the borders of the EU to all refugees from Ukraine regardless of colour or nationality, and for the sending of humanitarian aid to the people in Ukraine,” he said.

But Curran said that just as Putin is using militarism to bolster his despotic rule, NATO and the western powers are using the Ukrainian crisis to militarise the European Union, expand NATO eastward, increase its military presence and exercises in the region and more closely align Europe with US militarism.

“In this inter-imperialist conflict, People Before Profit is against both sides. While we support the Ukrainian people in their struggle against the Russian invasion, we oppose the sending of military aid by western forces to the Ukrainian state as it risks significant escalation and the drawing of the western camp into an actual hot war with Russia, which, by creating the possibility of nuclear war, threatens all humanity,” he said.

“While not a NATO member, Ireland is clearly situated in the western camp as is illustrated by the use of Shannon airport by the US military.

“We condemn the Irish government for its refusal to criticise NATO’s role in escalating tensions in central and eastern Europe and for using the current crisis to further erode Irish military neutrality and align Ireland with the EU/NATO project of European militarisation.

“We also oppose sanctions imposed by western forces on Russia as they will have humanitarian consequences for ordinary Russian people, have the potential to escalate the conflict, and are a tool on the part of the western camp to assert its hegemony.

“It is clearly hypocritical for NATO powers to call for immediate sanctions against Russia for its military aggression in Ukraine while they arm and support Israel, arm and support the brutal dictatorship in Saudi Arabia conducting a murderous war in Yemen, and those same powers led invasions and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that claimed the lives of millions of people,” he said.

HSE dementia awareness campaign marks International Brain Awareness Week

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March 13, 2022

1B. Maureen O'Hara who featured in the Dementia Understand Together TV advertisement campaign — Former physiotherapist Maureen O'Hara who featured in a Dementia Understand Together TV advertisement campaign

A campaign by the HSE is urging people across the country to take steps to protect their brain health and reduce their risk of dementia.

The Dementia: Understand Together campaign was launched to mark International Brain Awareness Week, which takes place this week from 14 to 20 March.

Prof Suzanne Timmons, Consultant Geriatrician, explained that people can take certain steps to minimise their risk of dementia.

“In taking steps like adopting a healthy lifestyle by having a balanced diet, not smoking and undertaking regular physical activity, we can all reduce our risk of dementia, not to mention many other diseases,” said Professor Timmoms.

“We want people in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s in particular to know that taking action now can reduce their risk in the future.

“We also want people to know that social interaction with others can make a difference to their brain health and this message couldn’t be more relevant now as we all start to enjoy meeting friends and family again post Covid restrictions.”

A Lancet study in 2020 identified 12 modifiable risk factors that could account for 40% of dementia worldwide and the HSE has highlighted a number of these factors, creating awareness of the link with dementia and how people in their midlife can reduce their risk.

According to a nationally representative Behaviour & Attitudes survey undertaken by the Dementia: Understand Together campaign in 2021, many people continue to be unaware of risk factors for dementia.

The survey found just 44% of people agreed that not doing physical exercise increases your risk and only 48% agreed that if you eat a healthy diet you are less likely to experience dementia.

Steps to Brain Health

Step 1. Be a good sport

Physical activity is very important for brain health. Go for a brisk walk for 30 minutes, five days a week; activities that get the body moving (aerobic) like walking, gardening or housework all count when it comes to boosting brain health.

Step 2. Eat well

Eating a wide variety of nourishing foods provides the energy and nutrients you need to keep your brain healthy. A balanced diet, like the Mediterranean diet, that is rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, and fish, and that is low in salt and sugar, is a good starting point.

Step 3. No Pressure!
Healthy adults above 40 years of age should have their blood pressure (BP) checked annually to see if it is within the healthy range – aiming for a systolic BP of 130 mmHg or less from around 40 years of age. There are many ways to decrease blood pressure such as through exercise, losing weight, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol and, of course, by taking medication if prescribed.

Step 4. Quit While You’re Ahead!
Quitting smoking may reduce your risk of developing dementia as well as your risk of developing cancers and heart disease. Stop smoking for 28 days and you’re five times more likely to stop for good. Why not sign up for a free, personalised quit plan, including face-to-face support? Visit www.quit.ie, text Quit to 50100, or call the QUIT line on 1800 201 203.

Step 5. Stay Social

Keeping socially engaged helps you to stay mentally sharp. Even just ten minutes of social

interaction can greatly increase your brain performance, so just calling a friend or family member for a quick chat can improve your brain health. Even better, have a walk and a chat together.

The HSE hsa said that anyone who is worried about dementia can speak to a dementia adviser at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland on Freephone 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm).

For more information on dementia and services in your county, visit www.understandtogether.ie.

Irish language film Doineann gets TV braodcast on TG4

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March 13, 2022

The first Irish language feature film shot entirely in the North of Ireland will broadcast on TG4 on Monday 21 March at 9.30pm.

Made by award-winning production company, DoubleBand Films, Doineann is the debut feature film from director Damian McCann.

The film was released in cinemas earlier this year, but this is the first chance the TG4 audience will get to savour the brooding thriller featuring a host of top Irish actors.

Doineann, meaning ‘stormy weather’, takes viewers on a tension-filled journey to a remote Irish island where a father, Tomás (Peter Coonan) returns home to find his baby son and wife (Clare Monnelly) have vanished.

In the film, it seems Tomás’ best hope of finding his family is to put his faith in the hands of the island’s retired policewoman, Labhaoise (Bríd Brennan), before a storm hits the island. A body is found on the beach, as is his wife’s abandoned car. But Labhaoise suspects there’s an undercurrent to this island mystery.

With the screenplay penned by Aislinn Clarke, Doineann stars Love/Hate actor Peter Coonan, Bríd Brennan (Calm With Horses, Brooklyn), Clare Monnelly (Moone Boy) and Seán T. Ó Meallaigh (Vikings).

“It’s wonderful for us now after a hugely exciting cinema run for Doineann, to be able to share our story with the TG4 audience,” said Dermot Lavery, Producer for DoubleBand Films.

“Doineann – the first Irish-language feature film of its kind here – was three years in the making during challenging times. We like to think it was worth it. I believe the TG4 audience will too.”

Máire Ní Chonláin, Commissioning Editor for TG4, added that she is grateful to the creative team behind Doineann.

“TG4 is very proud to support this special film in partnership with the ILBF and BBC Gaeilge under the Gealán scheme.

“It’s fantastic to see high-quality films in Irish that nurture new talent and that impact audiences at home and abroad.”

Doineann was filmed on location in Killyleagh and various locations around Strangford Lough in County Down.

It was produced under the Gealán scheme, supported by NI Screen’s Irish Language Broadcast Fund, TG4 and BBC Gaeilge.

Minister Rabbitte to commission research into gender-based violence against people with disabilities

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March 13, 2022