Spotting and managing concussions in sport

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March 16, 2022

Gardaí are investigating an arson incident after a car was set on fire at an estate in Tuam.

In the early hours of Wednesday, March 9 last week, a car was set alight in the Cois na hAbhainn estate in Tuam.

Gardaí said that extensive damage was caused to the parked car, but that no injuries were reported.

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

Gardaí say that the investigation is ongoing.

Visiting restrictions tighten at UHG and Merlin Park due to outbreaks

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March 16, 2022

Tighter visiting restrictions are being brought in at Galway University Hospitals from today due to increasing numbers of COVID-19 and Influenza outbreaks.

University Hospital Galway is currently dealing with a flu outbreak impacting two wards with COVID-19 outbreaks on two further wards.

As of Tuesday evening there were 57 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported at University Hospital Galway, of which 16 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours.

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.

Visits to all other wards in both UHG and Merlin Park Hospital is restricted to one visit daily from 6pm to 7pm unless on compassionate grounds.

Visitor access is limited to one family member/nominated person per patient per day, and must be pre-arranged.

To arrange a visit contact the relevant ward or unit in advance. Visitors are requested to keep the time they spend in the hospital as short as possible.

Children should not visit the hospital at this time unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward manager.

Visiting restrictions due to the ongoing outbreaks were first imposed at UHG just under a week ago.

Chris Kane, General Manager of UHG said; “The hospital is facing significant pressure as a result of Covid and Flu infections.”

“While we acknowledge the difficulty visiting restrictions have on patients and families we must take all steps necessary to protect our vulnerable patients.”

“I want to thank the public for their ongoing support of our efforts to keep Covid and Flu out of our hospital.”

“We do not take these steps lightly and they will be kept under constant review,” she added.

Visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask and use the hand gel regularly during their visit to the hospital.

Anyone planning to visit the hospital is asked not to visit if they have any symptoms of COVID-19 or Influenza or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.

Each visitor will be asked at the entrance to the hospital / unit to fill out a COVID-19 questionnaire prior to their arranged visit.

There are separate arrangements in place for access to the Maternity Department for nominated support partners.

Green light for new nature park in Aughrim

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March 16, 2022

A green light has been given for the creation of a new park in Aughrim with walking trails, landscaping, and other picnic amenities.

Aughrim Community Development Company has received planning permission to create the Climate Action Park on a 1.7ha grassland site starting in the village centre.

The site is located in the area of the ruins of the Abbey of St. Conall, a protected historical monument.

This will include creating 1.6km of new pathways, mostly gravel but with some tarmac where there are “notable inclines and declines” to aid grip for wheelchairs according to the application.

A small boardwalk with handrails will be installed in one wetland area of the site.

Landscaping for the park will involve the planting of carbon-sequestering trees, shrubs, hedgerows, wildflowers, bulbs and grasses.

Other works will include signposting points of ecological, spiritual and archeological significance, as well as installing benches, picnic tables, and bins.

“The Climate Action Park will aim to bring to the attention of the local and wider community the issue of climate change and the associated threats to biodiversity,” the application states.

“It will aim to promote positive ecological action in the area. It will also aim to draw attention to major historical sites in the area, such as the ruins of the Abbey of St Conall”.

“We will also include a reflection point where visitors will be able to have a unique vantage point across parts of the site where the Battle of Aughrim took place”.

The site will be accessed via the existing car park next to the Holy Trinity Church and The Glebe National School.

A Natura Impact Statement was prepared and added to the planning application at the request of the county council.

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

A geophysical survey must be carried out as part of an archaeological assessment of the site.

This is to identify any surviving sub-surface remains of the Abbey, the full extent of which is unknown.

Further archaeological monitoring will take place during any ground works, and a buffer zone will be implemented around the protected monument.

Galway students win prestigious national Hospitality competition

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March 15, 2022

Galway students win prestigious national Hospitality competition — Irish Hospitality Institute Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

Students from the Galway International Hotel School at GMIT were chosen as the winners and runners up of the prestigious Irish Hospitality Institute (IHI) competition this year.

The team of five were selected as the winners of the 37th IHI National Hospitality Business Management Game, while another GMIT team placed second in the competition.

The winning team of Emer Leonard, Milltown, Co Galway, Skye Stagno Navarra, Ennis, Co Clare, Ellen Ryder, Strandhill, Co Sligo, and Julia Rodriguez de la Fuente, Toledo, Spain, scored top marks in the competition that attracted teams representing tourism and hospitality colleges around Ireland.

The second place team consisted of Angelica Wilcox, Sweden, Kerryn O’Sullivan, Ballymahon, Co Longford, Ronan Kingston, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, Shane Egan, Sligo town, and Éire Garvey, Dublin.

Winning team Captain Emer Leonard shared her excitement, saying that the competition was an “amazing experience”.

“We are ecstatic to have had the opportunity to represent GMIT and very proud to have walked away as the IHI Business Management Games winners.”

She added that the competition helped them acquire “lifelong skills” that will help with their careers, and thanked their tutor Jack Carty, and the support shown by GMIT.

The competition, supported by Fáilte Ireland, The Russell Partnership, and Irish Hotels Federation and Center Parcs, saw the teams complete three challenges,

These were designed to test the students’ business acumen and management skills in the areas of financial planning, human resources, and business development strategies.

Second place team captain Angelica Wilcox said that the competition was something they’d never forget.

“Going in to the IHI Business Management Game I did not know what to expect, but I can now say it has definitely developed our skillset in various ways.”

“We are all honoured to have represented GMIT, and we encourage all final-year students to participate next year, as it is an amazing opportunity and an unforgettable experience.”

Tutor to the teams, lecturer John Carty said that they are proud of the achievements of both teams.

“It was great to win back the title that we also won in 2021 and to have our other team place second.”

He added that the competition is a great chance for students to test themselves in a high pressure environment, and that it was particularly pleasing to see the collaboration across different courses.

Criminal Assets Bureau conducts searches targeting money laundering in the west

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March 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

The Criminal Assets Bureau and local Gardaí carried out multiple searches in the west of Ireland today, targeting alleged money laundering operations.

There were a total eight searches carried out in Sligo today, at five residential properties, one yard and shed, and two professional premises.

Documentation in relation to financial accounts, business activity and the ownership of assets was seized, along with electronic storage devices, and a small quantity of cannabis.

Gardaí say that more than €85,000 was frozen in financial accounts.

The operation involved the CAB, in conjunction with local Gardaí in the Sligo / Leitrim Division, and with the assistance of the Garda Dog Unit and the Revenue Custom Dog Unit.

The CAB investigation is focused on the assets and activities of persons believed to laundering money from criminal operations, and benefitting from them.

No arrests were made in connection with this operation, a statement from An Garda Síochána said.

Connacht Rugby continue to build out squad for the coming season

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March 15, 2022

Galway Daily sport Connacht squad named for Edinburgh trip — photo credit: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

Connacht Rugby has continued to build out its squad for the coming season, with multiple signing announcements in recent days.

In the past four days the club has announced the addition of New Zealand’s Shamus Hurley-Langton, Byron Ralston from Australia, as well as Leinster’s David Hawkshaw.

Byron Ralston is a former Australia U20 International, who joins Connacht from Western Force, where he has 14 Super Rugby appearance and scored five tries.

Prior to the Force’s move to Super Rugby he was also in brilliant form for the club in the National Rugby Championship, scoring seven tries in eight games as he helped them to win the 2019 Grand Final.

Ralston said that moving to Connacht is a “brilliant opportunity” for him, and that the province’s style of play “will suit me down to the ground”.

He was also excited about reconnecting with his Irish roots, saying that he’s well aware of the positive experiences that other Aussies have had after moving to Connacht.

Head Coach Andy Friend said that the 21 year old is a player of “great versatility” who will have the opportunity to continue his development with Connacht.

The 22 year old David Hawkshaw is making the move out west following eight appearances with Leinster, and an excellent international performance.

Hawkshaw was captain of the Ireland U20s who won a Grand Slam in the 2019 Six Nations, playing alongside his future teammates Niall Murray, Colm Reilly and Dylan Tierney-Martin.

He says that he “needs to start getting games under my belt” to improve his experience with the game.

“The chance to play with Connacht Rugby and to hopefully put my hand up for selection on a more consistent basis is all that I want and the rest is up to me.”

Andy Friend said that Hawkshaw showed his “leadership attributes” during his time captaining Ireland’s U20 team, and that he promises to be another exciting player for the province.

“He’s still young so will have the platform at Connacht to show what he can do, whether that be as an out-half or inside centre.”

Shamus Hurley-Langton has already earned significant acclaim in his two years with the Manawatu Turbos in New Zealand.

The 21 year old was has made 18 appearances for Manawatu across the Mitre 10 Cup and NPC in the last two years.

He earned significant plaudits for his performances with the New Zealand outfit and was named Rookie of the Year for 2020.

Friend said that Hurley-Langton is “extremely powerful” and opens up new options for the back row in the coming season.

For his part, Shamus said that he’s excited to move to Connacht after conversations with Andy and the coaching team.

“Connacht play a very attractive brand of rugby and the idea of relocating to the West of Ireland was one that appealed to me.”

Plans refused for older people’s housing development

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March 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Planning refused for older people's housing development in Gort

Planning permission has been refused for a housing development for older people in Gort.

Galway County Council has rejected plans by Mount Fuji Ltd to build 62 houses and apartments at Lavally, Gort off the Station Road.

The residential development, which was meant specifically for older people, would comprise 52 apartments and 10 houses, along with a tea room.

The estate plans included 34 car parking spaces, as well as 59 bicycle spaces.

Other works in the plans includes landscaping, and enhancements to the Station Road, including a new footpath.

The Gort River Walk pathway along the western edge of the western edge of the site was be retained and enhanced.

The county council gave seven reasons for refusing permission, noting that the almost entirely residential use was not suitable for lands zoned C1 Town Centre.

Concerns were also expressed about potential traffic hazard and risk of flooding, which could affect protected conservation areas, and whether the sewerage system could support the new development.

The council also said that the design of the estate was substandard and lacks “satisfactory animation” at street level.

This would “seriously injure the amenities, or depreciate the value of property in the vicinity, and therefore would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

Olympic heroes to lead St Patrick’s Day parade

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March 15, 2022

Galway Daily news Full programme announced for St Patrick's Day 2023 Festival Weekend — St. Patrick's Day Parade. Photo: Galway City Council

Galway’s olympic champions Fiona Murtagh & Aifric Keogh will lead the St Patrick’s Day parade through the city this week.

The St Patrick’s Day parade will be making a much welcomed return to the streets of Galway this Thursday, after being cancelled for two years.

Fiona Murtagh, from Moycullen, and Furbo native Aifric Keogh won the Bronze in the Womens Fours rowing at the Tokyo Olympics last September.

The will serve as the Grand Marshals for the 2022 parade, which is sure to draw spectacular crowds as people celebrate a return to public life.

Galway Daily sport Galway women headed to Olympics rowing finals — 24 July 2021; Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty of Ireland in action during the heats of the Women’s Four at the Sea Forest Waterway during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

They will be joined by the Macnas drummers, Galway Community Circus and many others in a community carnival of colour, music and spectacle.

The 2020 parade, first to be cancelled in the COVID pandemic, was supposed to celebrate special guest Frank Downes.

Over the course of 40 years this incredible man has raised more than €2 million in donations for the Irish Guide Dogs Association.

In a sign that good things do come to those who wait, Frank will be joining the two Olympian Marshals at this year’s parade.

The St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place at 11:30am this Thursday, starting at University Road, and wending its way through the city centre, before finishing at Bothar na mBan.

The parade route will take it from University Road, past the Cathedral and across the Salmon Weir Bridge, down Francis Street and Eglinton Street, across the top of Eyre Square and up Prospect Hill, before finishing at Bothar na mBan.

Two wheelchair accessible areas for viewing the parade will be available at Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square. Please contact candc@galwaycity.ie for more information.

There will be a host of music, sports, and arts events taking place across the city in the four day St Patrick’s Day festival this year.

The government has designated this Friday as a special public holiday so people can properly enjoy the festivities over the weekend.

RTÉ must do more for Irish language says Galway senator

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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