Motorcyclist dies following fatal crash in Galway city

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March 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Community clean up at Terryland Forest park this Saturday

Galway City Council has invited residents associations, community groups and allotment schemes to apply for the Local Amenity Grant Scheme 2022.

The scheme will provide assistance to groups who want to contribute to their local areas by carrying out improvement works, with a focus on litter clean-ups and litter pickers, graffiti removal and community workshops.

2021 was the first year that the application process moved online, with over 80 Residents Associations and groups availing of grants of between €150 and €450.

Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said that the online application has proven successful and he hopes even more groups will apply this year.

“In total, the funding for the Local Amenity Grants Scheme for 2022 is €26,000. It is a great resource for community groups to avail of and create some positive changes in their neighbourhoods.”

All applications for the 2022 scheme must be completed electronically by visiting www.galwaycity.ie/amenity-grants Paper application forms are no longer accepted.

Completed applications should be submitted no later than the closing date of 4:00pm Friday 15 April.

For more information email environment@galwaycity.ie or visit www.galwaycity.ie/amenity-grants

World-renowned soprano announces first Galway concert

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March 7, 2022

galway daily news celine byrne lets get taking concert

World-renowned Irish soprano Celine Byrne will perform her first ever Galway concert on Saturday 23 April, raising vital funds for mental health charity Let’s Get Talking.

Those in attendance at the Town Hall Theatre in Galway city will hear Celine sing popular arias from the world of opera and operetta as well as beautiful Irish melodies, film music, and songs from musicals.

Celine will be joined by her ensemble for a programme including the famous O Mio a Babbino Caro, Moon River, I could have danced all night, and themes from Schindler’s list.

Celine was announced as Let’s Get Talking’s Ambassador in 2021 and hopes the concert can raise enough funds to support the work of the organisation.

Speaking about the charity, she said: “What I love about Let’s Get Talking is no one is left behind.

“We all need support every now and again and I am looking forward to preforming in Galway and raising much-needed funds for this vital service.”

Tickets are €30 and are available now on the Town Hall Theatres website www.tht.ie with all proceeds going to Let’s Get Talking.

Second weather warning issued for Tuesday as motorists warned of dangerous conditions

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March 7, 2022

Met Éireann has issued another status yellow wind warning for tomorrow and motorists have been told to expect hazardous driving conditions on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

The second wind warning will come into effect at 10pm on Tuesday and remain in place until 3pm on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall on Tuesday night and Wednesday could turn wintry in places and this will be accompanied by strong to near gale force winds.

Met Éireann said that this will lead to hazardous driving conditions and localised flooding.

A wind warning will also begin in Galway at 4am on Tuesday morning, lasting until 3pm.

Researchers to investigate risk of infection from private wells

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March 7, 2022

galway daily news water well research to detect ecoli

Researchers at NUI Galway are to carry out a large-scale project that aims to protect private well owners from infection from dangerous bacteria.

A team based at the university was awarded funding by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the project will focus on pathogenic E. coli VTEC.

These bacteria are carried naturally and harmlessly in the gut of cattle and sheep, but can cause severe infection in humans.

Ireland has the highest incidence of VTEC infection in Europe with between 700 and 900 cases a year.

Most people recover fully, but in up to 10% of cases the infection can progress to the potentially fatal kidney disease Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which may lead to long-term health consequences.

The innovative research project will develop new, rapid, on-site detection methods, as well as risk models and open-source risk-management software to predict private drinking water contamination.

“Ireland represents the perfect storm for groundwater contamination with VTEC, as we have a lot of livestock and unfavourable geology, with often thin layers of soil and permeable underlying rock,” said Principal Investigator Dr Liam Burke.

“Our frequent heavy rainfall also helps move pathogens from dung and land spread slurry, and even from our domestic wastewater treatment systems, into surface and ground waters.”

The research will be an important step for Irish authorities in implementing risk-based ‘source to tap’ approach under the new European Drinking Water Directive.

Dr Burke added: “To protect well owners, we need to understand more about how VTEC is transported in natural water catchments.

“We want to identify the importance of factors such as climate and geology in order to be able to predict VTEC contamination under changing conditions.

“It’s also important that we can detect VTEC, and part of the project is focused on the development of rapid molecular tests that can be used on site.”

The researchers will use DNA sequencing methods to characterize the VTEC found in water and compare them to VTEC causing human infection and to those found in animals and food.

The project will begin in April 2022 and involves collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), Technological University Dublin (TUD) and Teagasc.

Once the study catchments are selected in summer 2022, the DERIVE team will engage with private well and private group scheme owners, farmers and local water groups to participate in the project.

Call for registration portal for people who wish to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees

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March 7, 2022

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

Ciarán Cannon TD has called for a registration portal for Irish people who want to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war.

The Galway East TD, who opened up his Galway home to Afghan refugees last year, said he has been contacted by families across Ireland looking to shelter Ukrainian people fleeing Vladimir Putin’s terror.

He urged the Government to establish a registration portal and in the shortest possible timeframe, so that people can help as part of a powerful national effort.

“I know that the Red Cross is already doing good work in this area, but they need support and our Government needs to step up here and provide it,” said Deputy Cannon. “The portal can immediately serve the needs of Ukrainians as they make their way to Ireland.”

“Rather than having to be housed in emergency accommodation, they can instead have access to a significant database of families, growing every day, who are willing to welcome them into an Irish home which has been vetted and checked by the relevant authorities.”

He said that ‘we can and should’ be seen as leaders in developing this model.

“Our Government should tap into our natural Irish empathy and generosity and lead the way in the European Union in developing a model that really works for all.

“This is a pivotal moment in our continent’s history. It’s the first time that that our generation is witnessing major forced migration across the EU.”

Deputy Cannon saif that in Ireland we have a deep understanding of what that means, of the trauma and fear associated with being uprooted from your home and family.

“That’s why so many Irish families are ready to open their hearts and their homes to those fleeing Ukraine, and it’s vital that we offer them an opportunity to register their interest in a very straightforward and seamless manner.”

Weather warning issued for Galway ahead of strong winds and heavy rain

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March 7, 2022

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

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning for Galway ahead of strong winds and heavy rain overnight and Tuesday.

The forecasters say winds will be near gale force on Tuesday morning and afternoon, and will be accompanied by heavy rain.

The status yellow warning will begin at 4am on Tuesday morning and remain in place until 3pm.

The rain will clear to squally showers through the afternoon, with hazardous driving conditions and localised flooding possible.

Met Éireann’s warning also affects Clare, Cork, Donegal, Kerry, Leitrim, Limerick, Mayo, Sligo and Waterford.

Kilrickle Water Supply scheme at final stages of delivery

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March 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

The tenders are closed for the long awaited Kilrickle Water Supply Scheme and the tender evaluation is now being carried out, a Galway TD has confirmed.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that the next stage in the process is for the council to prepare the tender report, and seek approval from the department to appoint the contractor.

The Independent TD said that it is now imperative that all households and farms sign up for connections to the scheme to ensure it is finally delivered for the community.

“For decades there has been a campaign to bring a water supply to the communities in Kilrickle,” he said.

“The major issue causing delays was the lack of a reliable water source. However, following intensive testing, the water source in Cappataggle was deemed suitable with adequate supply for the additional demand.”

Deputy Canney said that Cappataggle Group Water Supply acting in good faith and in a community spirited gesture agreed to share their water supply with the community of Kilrickle.

The project will also provide a new water supply to the community in Kilcooley including a supply to Kilcooley National School.

“The Department of Local Government approved the project for funding following a visit by the former Minister Eoghan Murphy TD to Kilrickle which I was in a position to organise on behalf of the committee.”

City Centre hotel gets green light for major expansion

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March 6, 2022

Galway daily news City Centre hotel gets green light for major expansion

An Bord Pleanála has approved plans for a massive expansion of a hotel in Galway City Centre.

Skeffington Arms Limited has received approval to demolish the DNA nightclub at Ballalley Lane, and build a new six storey extension to the Skeffington Arms Hotel in its place.

This after the city council refused planning permission for the development due to concerns about its design being out of character with the Eyre Square area, and the plot density.

The proposed extension would contain guest bedrooms, a reception, breakfast areas, and restaurant with outdoor seating area, and would be connected to the existing hotel building through a link corridor at the second floor.

The city council’s decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, disagreeing with the council’s assessment of its design and whether the density was a disqualifying factor.

The appeal argued that there are many modern buildings are visible within the skyline of the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area.

It also stated that more compact development is encouraged by the National Planning Framework, and that many buildings within the Eyre Square area exceed the plot ratios outlined in the City Development Plan.

The appeal argued that the originally proposed seven storey hotel development is reasonable for a city centre location, and that the nightclub building which is to be demolished is not an historical building.

The city council responded to the appeal with a submission to An Bord Pleanála reiterating many of the concerns in the original rejection.

It said that the proposal was substandard in its design and scale, and would overall have a negative impact on Eyre Square.

Planning permission was ultimately granted for the hotel extension with 16 conditions attached by An Bord Pleanála.

The Bord stipulated that the original plans for a seven storey development should be reduced to six storeys, with the set back restaurant retained as the top floor.

An archaeological appraisal of the site must also be carried out before any works take place there.

Public consultation underway on Galway-Oughterard greenway

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March 6, 2022

A public consultation is underway on developing a greenway between Galway City and Oughterard.

Once completed, the proposed route would form part of the Connemara Greenway between Galway and Clifden.

The project is being advanced by both Galway City and County Councils, in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Along with the local element, the route will also form part of the EuroVelo 1 (‘Atlantic Coast’) route, which is an 11,000km long-distance cycling route between Norway and Portugal.

The project has now entered Phase 2 (Option Selection) and the project team would now like to invite the residents of the local area, members of the public and other interested parties to participate in a non-statutory public consultation.

The Brochure and Area Drawing for the greenway project can both be found online.

The public consultation will run until Tuesday, March 22, with feedback to be submitted by post or email.

To have your say, email galwaytooughterardgreenway@aecom.com, or post your feedback to Connemara Greenway Project, NRPO Office, Galway County Council, Corporate House, City East Business Park, Ballybrit, Galway, H91 KT67.

Old Woodford courthouse to be redeveloped as community hub

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March 6, 2022

Galway Daily news Old Woodford courthouse to be redeveloped as community hub

Funding of €50,000 has been awarded toward the redevelopment of Woodford’s old cinema and courthouse into a community and tourism hub.

The money, which will enable pre-development works on the project, is part of €850,000 allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this week.

The rejuvenation of the old Woodford courthouse and cinema will progress to the construction stage at a later date, with the aid of further funding.

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon welcomed the announcement, saying that this is a “sound investment in an extraordinary community”.

A total of 19 projects were awarded €50k each, with the money under the Project Development Measure of the Scheme to help local authorities get projects to a shovel ready state, before applying for further funding.

Announcing the projects this week, Minister Heather Humphreys said that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is about combating the “scourge” of dereliction and vacancy in rural communities.

“It’s about creating Public Plazas, Green Spaces and Community Parks in the centres of our towns and villages – building on the objectives set out in our Town Centre First strategy.”

“But importantly, it’s also about taking old iconic buildings – the likes of old garda stations, train stations, old factories, cinemas and convents – and giving them a new lease of life.”

This funding is on top of €18.5 million for 99 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme announced last week.

West region to receive €18.9m investment in job creating projects

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March 6, 2022

Galway Daily news west region enterprise plan

An Enterprise Plan directing €18.9 million towards projects that will support job creation in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon has been published this week.

There have been a total of nine projects approved for funding in the West Regional Enterprise plan, which aim to support important and emerging sectors in the area.

The government has developed 9 Regional Enterprise Plans directing how up to €180 million in regional investment funds will be spent creating new jobs and helping companies grow.

The plan for Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon was launched by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar this week.

“The government is committed to balanced regional development, meaning we are constantly looking at ways to bring jobs and prosperity to every part of the country,” Leo Varadkar said.

“We’ve developed 9, region-specific plans, which will each look at how best to drive investment and create long-term, sustainable jobs in each of the areas they cover.”

He said that the plan for Galway examines strengthening existing sectors such as Life Sciences, AgTech and Food, as well as the cultural and creative sectors.

It will also look at how to realise the potential of new and emerging industries such as renewable energy.

“I believe the West has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse, fulfilling Ireland’s electricity needs and also some of Europe’s too,” the Tánaiste said.

The plans were developed by a steering committee chaired by a senior member of the private sector, and with representative of multiple state agencies, colleges, and others.

Evelyn O’Toole, Chair of the West Regional Steering Committee said that it resulted from “deep and engaged” consultation across the region.

“I am very proud of the finished product which is ambitious and inclusive of the variety of strengthens of the West.”

The West Regional Enterprise Plan to 2024 can be view online here.

The nine projects allocated €18.9 million in funding across the three counties are:

Project	REDF funding	RETS funding	Project description
BIA Innovator Campus CLG	€2,466,148	n/a	Workspace for a dynamic regional food and drink innovation center.
Galway City Innovation District CLG	€2,487,400	n/a	Co-working and event space for technology and MedTech scale-up companies.
Midc Páirc Na Mara	€2,000,000	n/a	Development of a Marine Innovation and Development Centre (MIDC).
The Burren Lowlands CLG	€182,786	n/a	An enterprise platform to provide a focal point to create and attract additional jobs to this area.
Comhoibriú CLG	€2,694,833	n/a	Centre of Excellence providing co-working space, incubation, accelerator programmes, training and outreach services to the creative sector
Galway City Innovation District (GCID)	€1,205,833	n/a	New space to help export oriented fast-growth tech companies.
Galway Technology Centre DAC	€4,023,400	n/a	Expansion of the Centre and to develop ‘Academy West’ to assist scaling enterprise across the West.
SCCUL Enterprises CLG	€1,239,408	n/a	Enterprise centre helping Start-ups, SMEs and Social Enterprise across the region including scaling and expanding their ‘Bizmentors’ programme.
Grow Remote CLG	€449,442	n/a	Fostering community chapters of remote workers using their ChangeX platform to provide education and assistance to hubs.
Galway City Innovation District (Bowling Green)	n/a	€285,858	Enhancements to the proposed development at the Warehouse building to mitigate the issues that COVID-19 has caused for shared workspaces. Additions include higher specification ventilation system, improved furniture and shared spaces as well as 2 additional employees. Funding was sought for a Return to Work Manager and a Technical Manager, Consultancy, Promotional expenses, Structural changes to improve access to the facility with COVID-19 in mind, including improved HVAC systems and ventilation, partitions and hot desk facilities.
Galway Technology Centre	n/a	€238,584	This development of the Cube provides the appropriate space within a section of the GTC for remote, hybrid and blended workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will assist existing and new tenants of the GTC. Funding is for Promotion, Consultancy to project manage the rapid build and for Renovation and fit out costs
BIA Innovator Campus CLG	n/a	€1,645,552	Funding for this project is mainly sought for Building and Equipment fit out works to expand the originally approved 1,008 sq.m. centre by 242 sq.m. For the existing centre funding is also sought to improve COVID-19 ventilation systems, enhanced systems, showcasing manufacturing 4.0 practices and additional entrepreneurship programmes and assistance. This funding will help the centre in its requirement to provide not only a COVID safe environment and best practice for its clients and a safe place from where to host its training programs.
Total	€16,729,249	€2,169,994	TOTAL FUNDING: €18,889,243

Minister opens cutting edge medical training facility at NUIG

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March 6, 2022

Galway Daily health Minister opens cutting edge medical training facility at NUIG — Minster for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D. with Philip Parackal Augusthinose, Simulation Nurse Educator (left), and medical student Shauna Moore-Davis at the official opening of the Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility at NUI Galway. Photo Martina Regan.

The Minister for Health has officially opened a state-of-the-art medical training facility at NUIG Galway this week.

The Clinical Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility was created by the university in partnership with the Saolta Hospital Group.

The facility spans more than 20 immersive learning rooms, fitted out to hospital standard, and simulating all aspects of a leading healthcare environment.

All training rooms are fitted with high-powered cameras and audio-visual equipment with remote and observation spaces for assessing and reviewing learning.

Patients are replaced by complex manikins with physiological characteristics that respond to medical treatments and procedures in safe and realistic environments.

Minister Stephen Donnelly said at the opening that this facility is “at the forefront” of delivering modern training for healthcare students and medical providers.

“Healthcare simulation brings the students and professionals together in a modern methodology for training.”

“Advances such as this have tangible benefits to the staff delivering quality care within our health service and this, of course, benefits patients.”

“This type of innovation and forward thinking is what will help to elevate the delivery of our world class health service and it is the cornerstone of the future of healthcare in Ireland.”

The new training facility includes:

Skills labs, operating theatres, ICU space, emergency bays, in-patient wards, outpatient consultation rooms, delivery suites.
Complex manikins range in age from premature infants to adults and maternity manikins simulate pregnancy and childbirth.
Audio-visual system for recording training, streaming and linking to all areas of Saolta University Health Care Group
Education and training for more than 600 medical students in clinical years and accessible space for more than 4,000 multi-professional clinical staff in Galway University Hospitals.
Observational rooms with one-way glass and multi-functional rooms with mobile furniture, easily switching from clinical to tutorial and debrief rooms.

Prof Dara Byrne of NUIG and the Saolta Hospital Group said “The old, apprentice-style of learning for healthcare students and clinicians is no longer considered acceptable because of the increasing concern for the quality of patient care and safety and change in health care systems.”

“As a result, there are fewer opportunities for the student to experience and build confidence dealing with a wide variety of diseases, traumas and treatment responses.”

Prof Byrne wrote the National Strategic Guide for using simulation in healthcare, which was also launched alongside this opening.

Lough Derg lifeboat rescues two aboard yacht stranded on rocks

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March 6, 2022

Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI helps family on boat run aground at night — Photo: RNLI/Eleanor Hooker

The Lough Derg RNLI lifeboat launched to come to the aid of two people stranded on a yacht after it ran aground yesterday.

The lifeboat was launched shortly after 3:30pm on Saturday at the request of the Valentia Coast Guard.

Two people had called for aid after their 37ft yacht ran aground in Church Bay, an area known for its rocky shoals.

The lifeboat launched with helm Owen Cavanagh, and crew Doireann Kennedy, Chris Parker and Tom Hayes on board

Winds were light, north-easterly, Force 1 at the time of launch, with very good visibility.

The crew headed to Church Bay, which is located approximately two miles west of the station on Lough Derg.

After rounding Hare Island close to the Clare shore, the casualty vessel came into sight.

The skipper of the yacht had kept his jib hoisted to help identify himself to the RNLI crew.

Due to the rocky shoals in the area, and given what had happened to the people they were coming to help, the lifeboat took a cautious approach and took depth soundings off the bow.

Once they made it alongside the stricken yacht, they ensured that everyone aboard was safe, unharmed and were wearing their lifejackets.

An RNLI volunteer was transferred to the casualty vessel to check that it was not holed and to help lower the jib.

The lifeboat made further soundings around the vessel and, given the isolated location, the helm made the decision to take the casualty off the rocks and into safe water, having first emptied the yacht’s ballast and water tanks to reduce the draft of the vessel.

When the lifeboat volunteers were satisfied there was no damage to the propellers or drives on the casualty vessel, it made way by motor to its home harbour in Dromineer.

Liam Maloney, Deputy Launching Authority at Lough Derg RNLI advises boat users to “study your charts when planning your passage and keep to the navigation routes”.

PorterShed opens new co-working hub in Bowling Green

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March 6, 2022

Galway Daily news PorterShed opens new co-working hub in Bowling Green

The PorterShed has officially unveiled its new premises on Bowling Green this week, where it has room for 130 entrepreneurs.

The state-of-the-art building, in Galway City centre, is the first of two new properties that will form part of the Galway City Innovation District’s expansion.

The second of these is nearby, with the repurposed Connacht Tribune building also set to be completed in late 2022.

The new PorterShed offices will have enough co-working spaces for 130 tech entrepreneurs and innovation-driven enterprises.

GCID’s chair and co-founder Maurice O’ Gorman spoke warmly of the community that has been created, and acknowledged the pivotal role played by so many in this latest expansion.

“Bowling Green symbolises a lot of hard work and dedication from a plethora of supporters and amazing leaders.”

“When we first started this endeavour, we wanted to provide a hub where businesses could grow and scale – now, we ourselves are expanding to accommodate that growth.”

The Bowling Green location will open to members – current and new – on Monday, March 7.

While this premises will be supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups in the early stage of development, it will work in tandem with the former Connacht Tribune site.

When that opens, it will be a hub for businesses that are scaling up to conduct their operations.

Minister of State for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Robert Troy said at the launch this week that tech hubs have a “significant impact” on the economy.

“Since its establishment, the GCID has supported the creation of more than 820 jobs and with the opening of the PorterShed, it will no doubt will be a launchpad for many more success stories from Galway and the wider West region.”

Galway Senator Seán Kyne said that it is a “great success story” for Galway, which will support job creation and the “entrepreneurial spirit” in the area.

Plans approved for new hotel & spa in Galway City

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March 5, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála overturns planning permission for Galway City hotel

Planning permission has been granted for a large new hotel and spa on the outskirts of Galway City.

Parosi Developments Ltd has received approval from the city council for the hotel in Briarhill Business Park, after the plans were initially rejected in October of 2020.

The plans submitted to the council were for an eight storey building over basement, with a total of 186 guest bedrooms

However, in granting approval, the council has ordered that one floor, the equivalent of 29 bedrooms, should be removed.

The ground floor of the hotel will contain the reception area, lounge area, a restaurant, a bar, a lobby, toilet facilities, and back of house rooms.

The first floor of the building will be given over to the spa facilities including a swimming pool, a whirlpool, a sauna/steam room, male and female changing rooms, and storage rooms.

Other spa facilities will include a treatment room, a studio, a gym, a lobby area, a storage area, and eight meeting rooms.

The development will be served by 157 car parking spaces, 28 bicycle spaces, and three set-down spaces by the entrance.

Three new vehicle entrances to the site from the west and north are to be created, and the existing entrance to the business park campus will be enhanced.

There were seven objections to the plans received by the city council, which concerned the CI land use zoning, the scale and height of the building, traffic and car parking.

Severe concern has also been expressed about the capacity of storm water drainage in the area

In total the city council attached 22 conditions to the grant of planning permission.

Among these, it was stipulated that the gym may only be used by guests, at least 10% of the parking spaces must be fitted with electric vehicle charging points.

Pedestrian links through the site must also be improved, and the developer is required to submit evidence of shuttle bus arrangements to transport guests.

Sonny hatches a underhand scheme in Ros na Rún

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March 5, 2022

Galway Daily television Sonny hatches a underhand scheme in Ros na Rún

Sonny has a scheme to help secure he land he wants, Colm is struggling with single parenting, and Sorcha wants to stop Michelle leaving Ros na Rún.

Sonny throws money at his land problem, first trying an underhanded scheme with Cóilí Jackie, and offering to pay off Tadhg. Where will these offers take him?

Colm, try as he might, is finding it difficult to juggle the burdens of being a single parent and work together. Noreen, seeing him struggle, comes up with a plan.

Briain, desperate for a character witness that he can use in court, comes begging to David. Will he help him out?

Sorcha is far from happy that Malachaí is dating her mother while also representing Briain in court, but is she right to be concerned.

At the same time, she’s also up to some sleuthing to try and find out who spilled Michelle’s secret in order to stop her from leaving Ros na Rún.

Catch up on all the latest twists and turns from this week’s episodes of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

Much loved Clifden pub reopens to local delight

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March 5, 2022

Galway Daily news Beloved clifden pub reopens

Locals are delighted with the news that a beloved Clifden pub that closed last year is back under new ownership.

Tom King’s Bar and Snug announced that it was closing last July with the retirement of its owner Tom King, after three generations in the family.

Locals were sad to see it go, and shared a wealth of happy memories in the storied pub.

But some good news came this week with the announcement by Alcock & Brown Hotel in Clifden that they had added it to their portfolio, and thrown open the doors once again.

“We are beyond excited to announce a new addition to our group as we open the doors of the wonderful Tom King’s Bar and Snug today,” the post on Friday said.

“Synonomus with Clifden, this cosy bar has been an integral part of the town for many decades”.

“we hope we can continue to provide the incredible service that the King family have offered both the locals and the tourists down through the years.”

“Kings now makes us a family of 4 along with our sister properties Hotel Newport and Hewetson Bros Bar in Mayo.”

The doors reopened at 5pm on Friday for the first time in months, just in time for a delightful weekend.

Can Epatante crush Irish dreams in the Champion Hurdle?

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Angela Mc Bride

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March 5, 2022

Epatante was one of the stars of Cheltenham Festival in 2020 with a brilliant performance in the Champion Hurdle to win the crown for Nicky Henderson. The French thoroughbred endured a torrid experience in 2019 in the festival where she flattered to deceive as the leading contender for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, finishing in ninth place. However, Epatante managed to find her form over the course of the 2019/20 National Hunt campaign and delivered an outstanding performance to triumph in one of the elite meets of the week.

The arrival of Honeysuckle on the scene in 2021 ended her dominance over hurdles as the British thoroughbred had too much pace for Henderson’s charge to handle. The two horses will lock horns once more in the Champion Hurdle, where Henry de Bromhead’s charge is the overwhelming favourite in the Champion Hurdle betting odds to win the event. Willie Mullins’ Appreciate It is also another contender to watch with outstanding pedigree and could provide drama in the contest by overhauling his rival in a much-anticipated duel.

Epatante should not be overlooked in the contest against the Irish-trained horses. Her performance may define the week for British-based trainers as they desperately attempt to close the gap to their rivals over the Irish Sea. After losing back-to-back races to Honeysuckle, suffering a defeat to close out the campaign in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Punchestown, Henderson’s charge has responded this term with strong performances in the National Hunt.

The French thoroughbred shared the Fighting Fifth Hurdle with Not So Sleepy after the race was called a dead heat at Newcastle Racecourse, the first such result in the history in the contest. The stakes were raised at Kempton Park on Boxing Day in the Christmas Hurdle, where Epatante was the favourite for the victory. On this occasion, she delivered on expectations with a brilliant performance to beat out the rest of the field by a comfortable margin.

Henderson and jockey Nico de Boinville know that they will need a flawless effort from their charge to beat out Honeysuckle for the Champion Hurdle. She has reeled off 14 wins on the bounce, including two over the course of the season in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and at Leopardstown in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle, where Honeysuckle defeated the rest of the field by a dominant six-and-a-half lengths. De Bromhead will feel rightly confident that his charge can prevail for a second year in a row, although both Honeysuckle and Epatante could be troubled by the unknown quantity of Appreciate It.

Mullins’ charge was nothing short of sensational in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle to win by 21 lengths last season, but has not competed since. The Irishman has kept his powder dry and could be ready to unleash Appreciate It on De Bromhead and Henderson without warning. The two past champions are not only in a battle with one another, but a new challenger on the block. Therefore, Epatante must deliver her best to reclaim her crown.

Galway TD calls for abolition of mandatory retirement

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March 5, 2022