Salthill Cycleway trial cancelled after city council vote

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February 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Woman (80s) dies following car crash two weeks ago

The search for missing Dublin man Dean McCann has ended after a body was recovered in the Dangan area.

The 28-year-old went missing from his home in Dublin on 5 February and he was last sighted at Eyre Square in Galway city.

Gardaí said that after the discovery of a body yesterday, Sunday, the search has now been stood down.

An Garda Síochána thanked the public for their assistance.

Galway Simon Community supported more people than ever before in 2021

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February 14, 2022

galway daily news Galway Simon gets approval to build apartments for older people

Galway Simon Community has revealed it supported 814 households across the West in 2021 who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The local homelessness and housing charity reported this as being more households than it has ever supported before, and that it represented an increase of 26% on the previous year.

The households, Galway Simon says, were made up of 948 adults and 563 children who received support from their Homelessness Prevention and Housing services.

Throughout 2021, the charity says that the situation remained “extremely challenging” for their frontline services as more and more people continued to turn to them for help.

At the same time, the number of people in Emergency Accommodation in the West of Ireland also continued to grow, jumping from 377 people in January 2021 to 504 people in December.

Galway Simon Community continues to highlight that the national Emergency Accommodation figures do not represent the true extent of the homelessness crisis.

The charity says the figures only include a very small portion of the people they support and that the true extent of the crisis is much worse as those sleeping rough and in hidden homelessness are not counted.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community, explained that the organisation continues to be there for people in crisis.

“A lot of incredible work was done by our staff and volunteer teams throughout the year to support people experiencing homelessness, or the threat of homelessness, in extremely challenging circumstances,” she said.

“We supported 641 households to prevent them from becoming homeless, and we provided accommodation and housing to a further 173 households who had no place to call home. In total, we worked with 1,511 individuals across our Homelessness Prevention and Housing Services.”

Karen Golden said that many people who came to Galway Simon for support during the year were living in the private rental sector or were involuntarily sharing, so they are continuing to see the effects of the lack of social and affordable housing in the West of Ireland.

“Covid-19 also continued to have a major impact on peoples’ lives throughout the year as we dealt with lockdowns, further restrictions and many being unable to work,” Karen said.

Despite the increased demand on Galway Simon Community’s services, the charity had very positive outcomes for those who turned to them for help.

“It’s no surprise that there were many challenges faced by our teams in trying to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in 2021. However, our staff and volunteers are incredible at navigating challenging situations,” added Karen.

At the end of 2021, Galway Simon Community was working with hundreds of people. During the year, we helped to resettle 131 households into homes of their own and we successfully prevented 109 households from having to leave their own homes.

“As we start 2022, Galway Simon Community is committed to helping as many people as possible throughout the West who need our support. Our focus continues to be on preventing homelessness before it happens, and in providing housing led solutions to those experiencing homelessness.”

Showing respect and care for women with epilepsy on World Epilepsy Day

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Lorraine Lally

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February 14, 2022

galway daily news world epilepsy day 2022

As a woman with epilepsy and a patient advocate, I would like to raise awareness of a special website that I assisted and supported in setting up at WomenAndEpilepsy.org.

I was a premature baby that arrived two months early much to the horror and disbelief of my parents. This is part of the reason that I was inspired to get involved as a patient advocate. My epilepsy was not obvious when I was born because there was a lot of focus on other medical issues.

As a child being diagnosed with epilepsy the consultant showed me the EEG and then the MRI Scan showing the defects in the structure of my brain. As a child the electrical storm in my brain was a frightening reality. The medical practitioners took excellent care of me, but I did not transition from the Paediatrics department to the adult department due to travelling to third level in a different city.

There was not a focus on the issues that faced me as a woman. I went off the University and was delightful unaware of the issues facing me around contraception and the risks to an unborn child of certain medications.

For International Women’s Day there is a desire this year to break down bias. I feel no shame as a woman in discussing my rights to have control over my body. Control to a person with epilepsy is precious.

With this special website for women with epilepsy, I am so proud to see the recognition of the concern and requirement for clear and adequate information. This may seem basic and some people have asked me the reason for a safe and secure website.

For answers to questions such as:

Why is epilepsy different for women?
What are hormones and how do they affect epilepsy?
How does puberty affect epilepsy?
Will epilepsy affect my sex life?
Epilepsy and contraception
Epilepsy and valproate
Accidental or unplanned pregnancy
What you need to know to have the healthiest pregnancy possible
Risks to the foetus of an unmanaged pregnancy in a woman with epilepsy
Questions for your doctor

We have done active work to include all women.

For me I am not even thinking about it – even if you don’t plan to get pregnant any time soon, there are things that are vital to understand.

For my friend who is planning and thinking about having a baby – as a woman with epilepsy, you need to plan well ahead of any potential pregnancy, so that you can have a healthy pregnancy.

For my friend Emma, who is pregnant! – being pregnant is a time of wonder, but if you have epilepsy, you will need to be mindful of certain issues.

For my friend Anna, who is already a mother – this is an exciting time for new parents. But it is also a time full of questions and, often, worries.

There is also a section for medical professionals. WomenAndEpilepsy.org has been developed by the International Bureau for Epilepsy (ibe-epilepsy.org) as part of its Epilepsy & Pregnancy Project. The campaign has been developed with financial support from Sanofi. Sanofi has had no editorial control over the content of the materials.

We welcome all feedback please email: info@ibe-epilepsy.org

City Centre street closing for two weeks

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February 14, 2022

A street in Galway City Centre will be closing daily for two weeks next month due to gas works taking place.

Gas Main reinforcement works will be carried out in Bowling Green from March 7 – 20.

In order to facilitate these works, the road will be closed from 8am to 6pm each day, from the Market Street junction to the Mary Street junction.

Temporary diversion routes will be in place via Market Street and Abbeygate Street Upper .

Localised access will be maintained at all times.

Weather warning issued as Storm Dudley to hammer west of Ireland

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February 14, 2022

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for Galway as Storm Dudley is set to bring fierce winds to the west of Ireland this week.

A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for Galway, Mayo, Clare, and Donegal from noon Wednesday to the same time Thursday.

Westerly winds associated with Storm Dudley will reach mean speeds of 50 – 65km/hr during this time.

Damaging gusts of up to 110km/hr are also predicted by Met Eireann, with stronger winds still on exposed coasts and on high ground.

A combination of high tide and strong winds will lead to some coastal flooding.

This warning will be updated on Tuesday morning as Met Eireann continues to track Storm Dudley.

Donegal is likely to see the worst effects of the storm, with a status orange wind warning issued for the northwestern county for Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

A Gale warning has also been issued for all Irish coastal waters during Storm Dudley, with southwesterly winds, veering westerly, reaching gale force 8 or strong gale force 9 on Wednesday and Thursday.

Met Éireann meteorologist, Emer Flood said: “It’s been a fairly quiet year so far but that’s all going to change this week as an active jet stream steers several low-pressure systems across Ireland and the UK.”

“On Wednesday Storm Dudley will bring strong winds to mainly northern and western areas, these strong winds in combination with high tides will lead to large coastal waves and some coastal flooding.”

Unfortunately, Dudley is only the first half of a very unsettled week ahead, as it will be followed by Storm Eunice on Friday, which will bring more widespread strong winds, along with spells of heavy rain & possibly snow.

“As Storm Dudley clears eastwards on Thursday morning winds will ease for a time, before picking up again on Friday morning as Storm Eunice approaches,” Emer Flood said.

“We’re keeping a close eye on this Storm as there is the potential for more widespread strong winds across Ireland which may lead to some disruption and damage.”

“Along with strong winds, Eunice is expected to bring spells of heavy rain and potentially some snow.”

“We’re advising the public to keep a close eye on the weather forecast as the week progresses as further weather warnings are likely to be issued.”

GMIT purchases Galwegians RFC grounds in €9m deal

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February 14, 2022

Galway Daily news GMIT purchases Galwegians RFC grounds in €9m deal

GMIT has announced the purchase of the grounds of Galwegians Rugby Club on the Old Dublin Road for €8.95 million today.

The 9.75 acre Crowley Grounds site is just a minutes walk away from the GMIT campus in the city.

Galwegians RFC voted last year to sell the site to GMIT, while the club is in the process of developing a new base in the city.

The existing grounds will continue to be used by the rugby club under licence in the interim.

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris visited the site today while in Galway, saying that this land will be an important part of developing the new Atlantic Technological University.

“I really want to welcome the purchase of this land to facilitate future expansion, which has long been an ambition for GMIT.”

“The site will now enable the new Atlantic Technological University to expand and develop facilities beside its existing Galway campus, as demand for higher education continues to rise.”

The purchase of the site was funded to the tune of €6.45 million by the Higher Education Authority.

President of GMIT Dr Orla Flynn said that this is a significant development for the Atlantic Technological University, which is due to come into being at the start of April.

“Acquiring these lands will enable a safe expansion and development of Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway City for the years ahead and facilitate projected growth in student numbers.”

“ATU will have a strong footprint across the eastern side of Galway City, and we look forward to continued good relations with all our neighbouring community partners, including Galwegians RFC.”

“For now the site will continue to be used for sports purposes. As part of the sale agreement GMIT has granted a license to Galwegians to share the sports facilities with the institute for a number of years.”

“I want to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly over the years to bring this process to a very satisfactory conclusion.”

Ireland needs a living wage Galway TD says

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February 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Respite services at Merlin Park to be restored by August

A substantial part of the over €20 billion social welfare budget is going to support employed people receiving “inadequate” wages Galway TD Catherine Connolly has said.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Connolly said that there is “no escaping” the fact that Ireland needs to bring in a living wage.

The Independent TD asked Tániaste Leo Varadkar if the government has received a report from the Low Pay Commission, which itself has commissioned research from NUI Maynooth on moving to a living wage in Ireland.

“Workers in this country could not survive without the benefit of the State through social welfare, which is €21 billion or €22 billion per year, a substantial proportion of which goes to back up inadequate wages.”

“It is essential we comply with what was set out in the programme for Government, which is a minimum wage. People cannot survive without it.”

Tánaiste Varadkar said that the government is committed to “progressing a living wage” in the lifetime of this government.

However, he added that many small businesses have been badly affected by the pandemic, and are already struggling to pay their existing wages.

“We need to make sure we proceed in a way that does not cause jobs to be lost in terms of numbers of people employed or that would see employees having their hours cut, as to do so would be counterproductive.”

The Low Pay Commission was asked to examine this prospect last year, and commissioned a team of researchers at NUI Maynooth to look at the “policy, social and economic implications” of moving to a loving wage.

“The research will examine international evidence on living wages, examining different calculation methods, examining the policy implications and outlining options for moving to a living wage in Ireland,” Leo Varadkar said.

The Tánaiste said that this research was delivered to the Low Pay Commission in January, and he is expecting a report “perhaps in the next month” on their evaluation.

Deputy Connolly asked if the a more precise time could be given for when that report will be ready, as well as if and when it will be published.

“I understand many small employers cannot pay enough because there are many restraints on them, but there is no escaping the fact we need a living wage.”

“It has certainly become much more difficult to provide it because of the way we have given free rein to the market.”

The Tánaiste said that the report and research will be published, but that he cannot give a definitive timeline, as the commission is not under his control.

“It has a new chairman and a number of new members in addition to other ongoing work. My officials tell me we expect to get the report next month, which will be March.”

If that happens, it is hoped that proposals can be brought before the government in April or May he added, with the goal of implementing a plan in 2023.

IBM creating 200 jobs in Galway, Cork, and Dublin

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February 14, 2022

IBM Ireland has today announced they intend to create 200 new jobs across Galway, Dublin, and Cork.

The recruitment across IBM’s Irish operations are across a range of positions from research, development, and innovation (RD&I) roles to digital sales.

The recruitment has already commenced for these new positions, and it is expected that it will be completed in the coming months.

Welcoming the new investment by IBM, An Tánaiste and Minister for Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar said that it builds on a “long and fruitful” relationship the company has had in Ireland.

“These high-quality jobs will be a further boost to the company’s activities here in Ireland and drive its very strong position in the Irish ICT sector.”

Deborah Threadgold, Country General Manager, IBM Ireland said that IBM is synonymous with “the fabric of business” in Ireland.

“As someone who joined IBM Ireland in 1997, I can personally testify that joining IBM brings a wealth of opportunities to develop both your technical and business skills as we continue to push the boundaries of technology for businesses both in Ireland and internationally.”

“I am very proud of IBM’s purpose – to be the catalyst that makes the world work better, and that requires a highly skilled workforce and an inclusive culture that enables people from all backgrounds to thrive.”

Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland, said that in more than 65 years operating in Ireland, IBM has constantly evolved to suit its clients’ needs.

“This announcement demonstrates the company’s continued confidence in the availability of a highly skilled and talented workforce to further support its evolution. The depth and spread of the roles is a testament to this. ”

He added that IBM’s commitment to Ireland over the years has played a significant role in the development of the tech sector here.

Council rejects converting city centre apartments to apart-hotel

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February 14, 2022

Galway Daily news An Bord Pleanála overrules own Inspector to approve converting city centre apartments to apart-hotel

Planning permission has been refused to convert an apartment building in Galway City Centre to a self-catering hotel.

Cornacloy Property Holdings Limited sought approval to convert the 17 apartments in the CityPoint building to an apart-hotel usage.

The 17 apartments are currently part of a mixed-use development, occupied by TK Maxx at the ground level, along with other businesses.

The residential units are located on the third to fifth floors of the building.

Galway City Council rejected the plans, saying in its decision that it was “unacceptable” for the apartments to be converted to short term tourist accommodation.

This would be “contrary to the housing strategy, the housing policy, and the neighbourhood concept as outlined in the Galway City Development Plan 2017-2023”, and contrary to proper planning.

Converting the apartments to hotel usage would “reduce the supply and availability of long term accommodation in the city”, where there is a high demand, the council further said.

Galway medical devices firm creating 30 jobs with €50m investment

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February 14, 2022

Galway Daily news Hospital laboratory scientists continuing strike action this week

The Galway based medical devices firm CERENOVUS will be increasing its workforce by a third from a €50 million investment announced today.

CERENOVUS, an emerging leader in neurovascular care, is part of Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies.

Minister for Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris, will attend the announcement of the investment in CERENOVUS Galway this morning.

“This is a significant investment in Galway and a signal of Johnson & Johnson’s continued commitment to our growing research, development and Innovation system here,” Minister Harris said.

“Galway is now one of Europe’s premier MedTech hubs with one of the highest concentrations of medical technology companies in Europe.”

“New, innovative technologies and treatments like the ones that are being developed at CERENOVUS will make it possible to deliver better clinical outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients.”

CERENOVUS Galway is a world-leading research site for stroke and is at the forefront of developing a broad portfolio of innovative medical devices to treat this debilitating condition.

In Ireland, approximately 7,500 people have a stroke each year, and it is the biggest cause of acquired disability in the country, and the third highest cause of death.

Over 30 new specialised roles are expected to be created at CERENOVUS Galway as a result of this investment, adding to the workforce of 90 already employed at the Ballybrit site.

Michael Gilvarry, General Manager of CERENOVUS Galway, said, “Stroke can be a devastating event for patients and their loved ones, and recovery depends on physicians having options to treat patients effectively and efficiently in the hours after their stroke.”

“Our work at CERENOVUS is focused on providing devices that change the trajectory of stroke, to protect patients from stroke-related disabilities.”

“We work closely with universities and academics, including strong collaborations locally with GMIT and NUI Galway.”

“We are committed to developing differentiated solutions based on physicians’ real-world experience of unmet medical needs.”

Ministers jetting off on Paddy’s Day trips is not the normal we should go back to – PBP

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February 13, 2022

Galway Daily news flight cancellation cancelled Government backs credit note refund for Irish travel agent and tour operator holidays

A local People Before Profit representative has described the government’s decision to send 33 Ministers, Junior Ministers and the Attorney General on St. Patrick’s Day ‘junkets’ as the type of normal ‘we should not go back to’.

St. Patrick’s Day trips for Ministers have been scaled back due to the pandemic for the past two years – but this year Galway TDs and Ministers of State Hildegarde Naughton and Anne Rabbitte are among those who will jet off in March.

Hildergarde Naughton will visit New Zealand and Australia, while Anne Rabbitte is bound for Romania.

Adrian Curran, PBP representative in Galway, said that it has to be asked if these trips are in the public interest.

“In reality, the Ministers are going abroad to sell Ireland as a low-pay tax haven in which to do business,” said Mr Curran.

“The European commission, all the serious tax academics, and all the tax justice organisations agree that Ireland is a tax haven.

“A report from 2018 showed through statistics that Ireland was the biggest tax haven in the world in 2015, it had more tax evasion and avoidance than all the Caribbean islands put together. This is what attracts foreign capital here.”

“Furthermore, in a time when it is vital we drastically reduce carbon emissions, sending Ministers around the globe on unnecessary long-haul flights sends entirely the wrong message.”

Sporting Memories Handbook aims to improve wellbeing of those with dementia

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February 13, 2022

galway daily news sporting memories handbook for dementia

A new Sporting Memories Handbook has been developed to support local sports organisations in setting up Sporting Memories groups.

An initiative of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Sporting Memories groups are intended to provide a forum for people with dementia, families, supporters and friends to reminisce and talk about bygone sporting days as well as encourage participation in physical activity.

The booklet, which is supported by the Dementia: Understand Together campaign, aims to help improve the health and well-being of people with dementia, as well as older people in general.

The handbook is part of the wider rollout of the Sporting Memories programme in communities across Ireland.

The initiative hopes to inspire and encourage local sporting clubs and organisations to organise regular Sporting Memories groups within their localities.

The groups bring people together to reminisce about their lives through the medium of sport, using images, video footage, memorabilia, quizzes, and guest talks to spark memories and encourage social engagement.

By using sporting cues, the purpose is to stimulate memory, improve communication and social skills, as well as create a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

The ultimate objective of the programme is to tackle dementia, depression, and loneliness through safe, friendly sessions, led by people with a passion for sport and a desire to help people stay engaged in their communities.

The booklet is a “how-to” guide for the development of Sporting Memories groups, and includes information on dementia, how to set up groups and organise different activities, as well as offering communication tips, ways to create a supportive environment, and details of how to access group resources.

By meeting at the local sports grounds, or visiting a clubhouse, groups can help to conjure up fantastic memories of past experiences and events. Physical activity is also a key part of the programme with light exercises built into each session.

There are an estimated 3,553 people living with dementia in GALWAY and each year more than 11,000 people develop the disease across the country – that’s approximately 30 people every day.

There are many forms of dementia, with the most common being Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, mixed Alzheimer’s Disease/vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body disease.

Speaking about the publication of the new handbook, Donal Murphy, Operations Project Manager, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, said: “We know that sport plays a key part in the lives of many people. From GAA to rugby, football to golf, people are immersed in sport from an early age as players, as club members, and as spectators.

“Sport gives us so much pleasure and often punctuates our lives with golden sporting moments of joy and ecstasy. Allegiance to club, county, and country, gives us a sense of identity that binds us together like nothing else, creating memories that last a lifetime.

“We also know that for people with dementia, remembering past events often comes more readily than recent events. Through this programme, we want to use the power of sport to help bring people together, and to re-establish that connection between people with dementia and the communities in which they live.

“By wearing the county jersey or team colours, and by using memorabilia such as match programmes, posters, and tickets, we want to be able to trigger exciting memories and take people on a trip down memory lane.

“With it, we hope to evoke stories of chance encounters with childhood sporting heroes, of flasks of tea and packed sandwiches on match days, of lining the streets to welcome home sporting champions.”

For more information on the Sporting Memories programme, or to access the handbook, visit www.alzheimer.ie or www.understandtogether.ie. To order a copy of the handbook, go to www.healthpromotion.ie

Hundreds to take part in Salthill Community Cycle today

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February 13, 2022

galway daily news big red community cycle

Hundreds of people will take part in the ‘Big Red Community Cycle’ on Sunday morning to support the proposed Salthill Temporary Cycleway.

Over 250 people of all ages and abilities are expected, including members of a number of cycling groups in the city and beyond.

Participants will be wearing red to ‘show the love’ for better road safety in Galway.

The cycle will start at Claddagh Hall at Nimmo’s Pier to Grattan Road. It will then follow the coast along the R336 Prom to Seapoint, past Ladies Beach to Blackrock diving tower.

The route then returns along the Prom to end at the Aquarium at Salthill village.

Mayor Colette Connolly and Deputy Mayor Martina O’Connor will lead the cycle, while Catherine Connolly TD, Ciaran Cannon TD and Senator Pauline O’Reilly will also be participating.

Councillors Mike Crowe and Owen Hanley will also be in attendance.

Martina Callanan, deputy chair of Galway Cycling Campaign, said that families ‘know Galway’s coast road is treacherous’.

“They do not feel safe, so they do not cycle. The Salthill Cycleway is not for the minority that do cycle that road, the Salthill Cycleway is for those thousands that don’t,” she said.

“Feeling safe comes from protection, so at Community Cycles, you do see families cycling along the Prom because there is safety in numbers, plus the relief of a Garda escort. This Sunday’s event is set to be the biggest community cycling event in the city.”

Additional funding for Tuam stadium welcomed

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February 13, 2022

galway daily news tuam stadium gets funding

A Galway East TD has welcomed the announcement of additional funding for Tuam Stadium under the Capital Sports Grants Scheme.

A total of €297,073 was announced for the stadium on Friday under the scheme which will see over 100 groups and clubs across Galway receive funding for a range of projects.

This funding is the third tranche under the Capital Sports Grants Scheme for the stadium.

The works to be carried out include facilitating additional access and upgrades of the old changing rooms in addition to the proposal to replace the old roof on the stand.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Seán Canney said: “This project is well advanced, and I acknowledge the generosity of the late Joe O’Toole in providing funding for this project.

“Tuam Stadium has seen many improvements and I expect that following the works now planned we will provide a modern sports facility in Tuam which is the heart of Galway football.”

Adventurers wanted! New youth club to launch in Athenry

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February 12, 2022

galway daily news athenry adventurers youth club

A new youth club for teenagers is launching in Athenry on Tuesday, 1 March.

Athenry Adventurers RPG Club will offer weekly Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) games and more, to teenagers in Athenry and the surrounding areas.

The club is affiliated with Youth Work Ireland Galway and is being run by a group of volunteers from the area, all of whom are keen D&D enthusiasts.

D&D has grown immensely in popularity in the past few years and has featured in TV shows like The Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.

D&D involves drama, improv, role playing, teamwork, planning, puzzle solving, thieving, fighting, dungeon crawling, looting and levelling up.

Athenry Adventurers RPG Club will see a group of young people gather around a table and create their own heroic characters.

The Youth Club leaders will assume the role of Game Masters, guiding these adventurers through quests to defeat monstruous foes, find treasure and to explore the mysteries of a fantasy world, all through the medium of co-operative story telling and the rolling of dice.

The club will be run weekly throughout the school term on Tuesdays from 7.15pm- 9.15pm at Athenry Community Hall, Clarke Street.

Athenry Adventurers RPG Club is suitable for 13 to 18-year-olds, the first session is free, and new and experienced players are welcome.

Register your interest to secure your place, spaces are limited. Contact the organisers at athenryadventurers@gmail.com for more information and follow them on social media @AthenryAdventurers. Adventure awaits!

NUIG Students’ Union to host first ever Consent Week

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February 12, 2022

A series of events will be hosted by NUI Galway Students’ Union during its first ever Consent Week, which begins on Monday, 14 February.

In partnership with Active* Consent, the events will look at key issues impacting on the sexual health and wellbeing of students including consent, image based sexual abuse, period poverty and STI awareness.

The workshop on Image Based Sexual Abuse will explore what “revenge porn” is, and why we need to rename it, legislation, and how to support victims emotionally and practically.

This is an issue that is on the rise rapidly in Ireland, and the Students’ Union says that there is a need to work to ensure people understand that this act can have very damaging consequences.

Active* Consent workshops will also provide a safe space to explore the nuances of sexual intimacy and consent so if people choose to be intimate with others it will be mutually consensual, mutually enjoyable and done safely.

The workshops will be interactive, informative, based on understandings of the context in which young people are exploring their sexuality, and share practical skills relevant for their own relationships.

The Active* Consent programme recently launched an online consent hub, www.consenthub.ie, which provides a range of resources and tools for young people, parents, student leaders and educators to raise awareness and knowledge on sexual consent.

Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer Cora Clarke said that there are some great workshops and events coming up this week for Consent Week.

“Students’ Unions and Universities need to take a strong lead in ending the culture of victim blaming as sexual violence and harassment are still prevalent issues in today’s world,” said Cora.

“Consent is Ongoing, Mutual and Freely Given – this is the core message of the NUIG Active* Consent programme.”

Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn added: “We hope that our Consent week events will encourage our students to take a responsible attitude to sexual health and healthy relationships.

“We still have a long way to go in Irish society in terms of breaking down the taboo of talking about sex. We want our students to be educated about their sexual rights.”

Co-lead of the Active* Consent programme Dr Charlotte McIvor said that they are delighted to partner with the Students’ Union to for the series of events.

“Active* Consent remains committed to working directly with students to create and deliver consent education programming that is needed to where it is needed through events like Consent Week,”said Dr McIvor.

“It is important that if someone does decide to become intimate with others that the experience is a positive one for all involved.”

Winning €31 million EuroMillions ticket sold in Co. Clare!

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February 12, 2022

The National Lottery has revealed that the lucky jackpot winning ticket in last night’s Euromillions draw was sold in Co. Clare.

The jackpot was €30.9 million and the numbers drawn were: 13, 18, 38, 42 and 45 and the lucky stars were 7 and 11.

The National Lottery has said that people should check their tickets, sign them and keep them in a safe place if they have won the big prize.

They said that whoever has the lucky ticket should make contact with their claims team so that they can collect their winnings.

More details will be released about the location of the win, and the shop that the ticket was sold in, in the coming days.

City pizzeria offers Valentine’s pizza boxes for romantic couples this weekend!

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February 12, 2022

galway daily news deliveroo pizza romance valentine's day — Deliveroo - Gabriela Szeplaki Food Photography

Deliveroo has teamed up with Woozza Pizza in Galway city and Irish illustrator Fuschia MacAree to turn humble pizza boxes into Valentine’s Day cards over this weekend.

The distinctive design features two lovebirds enjoying a romantic night and even comes complete with a pun that is much cheesier than the pizza inside.

The quirky Valentine’s card pizzas are available exclusively through Deliveroo from today, Saturday 12th until Valentine’s Day on Monday.

Couples can nab themselves the limited edition collaboration by simply ordering from the pizza maestros at Woozza Wood Fired Pizza in Galway through the Deliveroo app.

They just need to request their pizza in one of the boxes by adding it as a free item to their basket.

To make this Valentine’s treat even more heartwarming, Deliveroo will be donating €5 to Helium Arts for every pizza sold.

Helium Arts empowers children living with medical conditions through creativity and the arts, giving them an opportunity for connection, belonging, imagination and joy.

Fuchsia MacAree, renowned Irish Illustrator, said that it has been great fun collaborating with Deliveroo this Valentine’s Day.

“I know first-hand how cathartic art can be, so am delighted this unique spin on a Valentine’s Day card will help support the amazing work Helium Arts does throughout Ireland,” said Fushia.

Arabella Jenkins, Spokesperson for Deliveroo Ireland: “We are extremely proud to support the fantastic work Helium Arts do with this creative collaboration.

“Fuchsia MacAree is such a talent and really brought this concept to life with her one-of-a-kind illustration that is sure to make your Valentine’s day pizza that extra bit ‘Roomantic’!”

Helene Hugel, CEO at Helium Arts explained that the participatory arts programmes Helium Arts provides help children and teenagers across Ireland that are living with the long-term effects of chronic illness.

“Through our programmes they develop their confidence, talent and independence, while we foster creative healthy environments around them so they have better outcomes.

“We’re delighted to see Deliveroo and Fuchsia shine a spotlight on the work we do and hope it encourages even more people to get involved.”

Concerns raised about ‘alarming levels of horrendous domestic violence’

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February 12, 2022