COVID-19: A further 17,065 cases reported

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

There have been a further 17,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 1,023 COVID patients hospitalised with the disease in Ireland.

But the intensive care numbers have remained steady at 83 patients nationwide in the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that there have been “exceptional levels” of vaccine uptake here.

In Ireland, 59% of the adult population have gotten their booster dose to date, compared with a 32% average across Europe.

He added that the “primary purpose” of vaccination has always been to prevent serious illness and death, which it is continuing to do.

“COVID-19 vaccines continue to prove remarkably effective in this regard and have provided significant protection to the most vulnerable and to our health system in recent weeks”

The booster dose is bringing protection against severe cases of the disease back up to 90%, Tony Holohan said, contrasting that just 20% of cases in the ICU have received their booster.

“In addition, we know that those who have been boosted are less susceptible to infection and, if infected, are less infectious to others, compared with those who have not been boosted.”

“It is important that those who have not yet availed of a booster vaccine now do so; appointments are available through vaccination centres, GPs and pharmacies.”

The COVID-19 data hub provides detailed information about the disease in the community, including the rollout of the booster campaign.

Newly sworn Gardaí allocated to North-western region

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily news Just 12 Gardaí allocated to Northwestern region from class of 165

There have been 16 new Gardaí have have been allocated to the north-western region headquartered in Galway.

A total of 122 Gardaí have been attested as sworn members today, with a further 26 recruits expected to join the force in the coming weeks.

Commissioner Drew Harris said, “These new Gardaí were willing to come forward to pursue a career in An Garda Síochána at a critical time during a global pandemic, and very quickly adjusted to a model of hybrid learning.”

“So from the very outset they have shown their ability and commitment to protecting the public.”

“Our new Gardaí will help implement community policing initiatives, crime detection and prevention, and supporting the vulnerable, particularly during the ongoing pandemic.”

Of these new officers, 73 percent are male and 27 percent are female, roughly the same as the gender breakdown in the existing strength of 14,411 sworn officers and Garda reserves.

Commissioner Harris said that Ireland is “above the European average” for the number of female police officers, and that it is hoped to increase this in the years ahead.

“An Garda Síochána is a growing organisation. Along with the new Gardaí today, we have 235 currently in training.”

“We will also shortly launch our recruitment campaign with 800 recruit Gardaí to commence training this year. In addition, we are continuing to reassign Gardaí from administrative duties to operational duties.”

Since the end of November there have been 839 Gardaí reassigned from administrative duties to front line services due to the hiring of new civilian staff.

Among the 3,388 civilian staff working with An Garda Síochána, the gender ratio is flipped 72 percent female and 28 percent male.

Of the new officers sworn today, and those due to be attested shortly, 67 have been allocated to the Dublin region, 39 to the East, 26 to the south, and 16 to the north-west.

There are also 235 Garda recruits in training, and An Garda Síochána has today announced its intention to recruit another 800 officers this year.

“I wish to congratulate each Garda, and their families on their attestation today. It is a very proud day for you all, and you are most welcome to An Garda Síochána. I look forward to us working together to keep people safe,” concluded Commissioner Harris.

Book of Condolences opened for Ashling Murphy

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily news Memorial service Portiuncula Hospital

An online Book of Condolences has been opened for the people of Galway to leave their condolences for the late Ashling Murphy.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Cllr Peter Keaveney opened the online Book of Condolences today.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil for the late Ashling Murphy in Eyre Square on Thursday evening, and other memorial events are planned for the days ahead.

The 23 year old teacher was killed while out for a run along the Grand Canal in Tullamore on Wednesday.

She was well-known in the local community and was involved in the arts, playing traditional music.

The council has created a book of condolences via Microsoft Forms, which can be accessed at https://forms.office.com/r/DwrKbstGx0.

Five players renew contracts with Connacht Rugby

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily sport Four Connacht players named for Ireland ‘A’ Match Day Squad

Connacht Rugby have gotten a big boost this week with the confirmation that five pro players have renewed their contracts with the province.

Caolin Blade and Dylan Tierney-Martin have both signed one year extensions, while Tom Farrell, Conor Oliver, and Oran McNulty have each committed to another two years with the province.

Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said that this is another positive step for the club, and that he is very pleased the five of them have agreed to extend their time at the Sportsground.

“They’re each at different stages of their careers – Caolin is a Connacht native who has come through the system to become a centurion which is a testament to the type of player he is”.

“Tom and Conor are heading into the prime of their careers and will keep getting better, and Oran and Dylan are still starting out on their journeys and will continue to develop and grow.”

Monivea native Caolin Blade is an old hand with Connacht, having appeared 139 times for the province since his debut in 2014.

Having previously been called up to a number of Ireland squads, the scrum-half then made his international debut against USA during the 2021 Summer Internationals.

Tom Farrell joined Connacht in January 2017 and has become a fan favourite with his exciting style of rugby from outside centre across, scoring 16 tries in his 67 appearances.

Conor Oliver has made a big splash by already racking up 30 appearances since joining in 2020, including starting in eight of ten games this season.

Full-back Oran McNulty came up through the Connacht Academy, which he first joined in 2018.

An Ireland U20 international, McNulty has played five times for the province and scored his first senior try against Ospreys last November.

Dylan Tierney-Martin is another local lad who’s a product of the Connacht pathway system, having played his club & school rugby with The Bish and Galway Corinthians RFC.

The announcement is further good news for the club, on the back of contract extensions for five other players before Christmas.

Andy Friend said that they are “building something really positive” at the club, and to expect further announcements surrounding contracts in the coming weeks.

Three changes to Connacht lineup for Leicester home game

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Three changes have been made to the Connacht side that will face off against the Leicester Tigers at home this Saturday.

Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend said that the similarities in play style that Leicester share with Munster have prepared them for the coming game.

Connacht secured a 10-8 victory over Munster in their last United Rugby Championship outing on New Year’s Day. No doubt it’s hoped this will be valuable experience to reverse the scoreline of their last 29-23 loss to the English side.

Three changes have been made to the side that face Munster, with two in the tight five and one new face in the back row.

Shane Delahunt is starting at hooker and Niall Murray comes into the second row. Props Matthew Burke and Finlay Bealham and lock Oisín Dowling retain their places.

Jarrad Butler is at number 8 with flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver alongside him, while Jack Carty captains the side beside scrum-half Kieran Marmion. Bundee Aki and Sammy Arnold start at 12 and 13 respectively.

The final change will see all-time record try scorer for Connacht Matt Healy making his first appearance of the season, starting on the wing with John Porch on the opposite wing and Tiernan O’Halloran at full-back.

Among the replacements is Paul Boyle who has recovered from injury to return to the matchday 23 for the first time since the end of November.

“This is a huge game and a huge opportunity for the club, but we’ve been treating this like any other game that we want to win,” Andy Friend said.

“We’ve grown as a group even in the last month since we visited Leicester, so now it’s all about executing and playing as well as I know we’re capable of.”

“We’ll no doubt miss the few extra thousand supporters who would’ve been at The Sportsground without the current restrictions, but I’m sure those lucky enough to have a ticket will make their voices heard.”

Connacht and Leicester will meet at the Sportsground this Saturday, with kick-off at 3:45pm.

The full Connacht squad for the game is:

15. Tiernan O’Halloran (197)
14. John Porch (47)
13. Sammy Arnold (26)
12. Bundee Aki (114)
11. Matt Healy (150)
10. Jack Carty (169) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (196)
1. Matthew Burke (33)
2. Shane Delahunt (110)
3. Finlay Bealham (168)
4. Oisín Dowling (14)
5. Niall Murray (24)
6. Cian Prendergast (18)
7. Conor Oliver (30)
8. Jarrad Butler (83)

Replacements
16. Dave Heffernan (153)
17. Tietie Tuimauga (2)
18. Jack Aungier (22)
19. Ultan Dillane (123)
20. Paul Boyle (63)
21. Caolin Blade (139)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (44)
23. Tom Farrell (67)

Where to watch the Galway v Roscommon FBD final live

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

The full Galway senior football team to face Roscommon in the FBD final this evening has been confirmed, with live coverage on TG4 Youtube.

Galway and Roscommon will meet at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome this Friday at 5:45pm.

With restrictions still in place for attending sports events, this will be the first televised indoor GAA match.

Follow the game live on YouTube TG4 to keep up with events as they happen, or catch up on the deferred television coverage on TG4 at 7:45pm.

The full Galway side for today’s FBD football final is:

Conor Flatley (Baile Clár na Gaillimhe)
Cillian McDaid (Muine Mheá/Mainistir)
Seán Fitzgerald (Bearna)
Liam Silke (Corafine)
Dylan McHugh (Corafine)
Seán Kelly (C) (Maigh Cuilinn)
Johnny Heaney (Cill Ainnin)
Paul Conroy (Naomh Séamus)
Paul Kelly (Maigh Cuilinn)
Cormac McWalter (Realta Thuama)
Owen Gallagher (Maigh Cuilinn)
Finnian Ó Laoí (An Spidéal)
Patrick Kelly (An Creagán/Maigh Locha)
Robert Finnerty (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrach)
Dessie Conneely (Maigh Cuilinn)
Connor Gleeson (Dún Mhór Mhic Eil)
Jack Glynn (Baile Clár na Gaillimhe)
Tony Gill (Corafine)
Cathal Sweeney (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrac)
Kieran Molloy (Corafine)
Liam Costello (Baile An Mhuilinn)
James McLoughlin (Maigh Cuilinn)
Mathew Tierney (Uachtar Ard)
Shane Walsh (Cill Choirín/Cluain Bheirn)
Tomo Culhane (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrach)
Dylan Canny (Corafine)

Over 900 arrested for drink and drug driving over holidays

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily news Road safety appeal after five deaths on last Bank Holiday weekend

Over 900 people were arrested for drink and drug driving over the Christmas and New Year’s period in Ireland this year.

The annual Garda road safety campaign for the holiday period ran from Friday, November 26 through to Tuesday, January 4.

There were 35 people arrested for driving while intoxicated on New Year’s Day alone, out of 914 arrests over the course of the campaign.

Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman said “These ongoing detections demonstrate that some road users continue to ignore road safety advice putting themselves and other road users at risk.”

“I would appeal to all road users to modify their behaviour, to heed road safety advice in order to reduce collisions, avoid unnecessary deaths and to ensure that our roads are safer in 2022.”

There were 134 people killed on Ireland’s roads last year, and 19 total deaths from November 26 – January 4, compared with just ten in the same period last year.

Galway suffered twelve road traffic fatalities up to December 21 last year, the third highest level in the country.

Along with drink driving, the holiday campaign also focused on speeding, non-wearing of seatbelts, mobile phone use by drivers, in addition to checking on unaccompanied drivers driving on learner permits.

There were 13,959 people caught speeding, along with fixed charge notices issued to 1,269 people for using a phone while driving, 310 for not wearing a seatbelt, and 525 for unaccompanied learner drivers.

Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the Road Safety Authority said that it is “astonishing” to see the number of people who continue to drink, or take drugs, and drive.

He also highlighted that 28% of all drivers and passengers killed on the roads in 2021 were not wearing a seatbelt, saying that such behaviours lead to “death and serious injuries” on the roads.

“I am asking those people who continue to break the rules to reconsider your behaviour, as there is a high likelihood you will be caught, face the prospect of being fined, receive penalty points, or lose your licence”.

Aldi to create over 80 Galway jobs this year

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily business Aldi to create over 80 Galway jobs this year — Photo Credit: Simon Hadley. Simon Hadley Photography.

Aldi has announced that it will be creating over 80 jobs in Galway this year as part of a nationwide recruitment drive.

The supermarket chain will be hiring up to 82 new store employees in Galway in 2022, out of more than 600 nationwide.

Niall O’Connor, Aldi Group Managing Director said that they are delighted to create these new jobs in Galway

“Our store teams are dynamic and fast-paced, offering plenty of exciting new challenges every day.”

“Our amazing colleagues are central to everything we do at Aldi and remain one of the key factors in our success, and we’re looking forward to hiring new members for our team to provide an even better in-store experience for our customers.”

Aldi has also said that its hourly pay rates for store employees will be increasing from February 1 this year.

Entry level pay will now be €12.90 an hour, matching the Living Wage Technical Group’s recommended Living Wage rate, with store assistants able to earn up to €14.90 an hour.

Aldi currently employs more than 4,650 people across its 149 supermarkets around Ireland.

There are currently nine existing stores in Galway including in Ballinasloe, Clifden, Gort, Knocknacarra, Loughrea, Oranmore, Portumna, and Headford Rd and West City Retail Park.

There are also three more Aldi stores either already under construction, or in the pipeline in Tuam, Athenry, and Ballybrit.

Locations of winning €33,181 lotto tickets revealed

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway Daily news Galway Lotto player scoops €54,583 in midweek madness

Two lotto players in Galway were among an even two dozen prize winners who each won €33,181 in last weekend’s draw.

There were 24 winners of the boosted Match 5 prize in last Saturday night’s Lotto draw, spread across thirteen counties.

The two winning tickets in Galway were bought at Ballinderreen Service Station, Ballinderreen, and Ryans Daybreak in Milltown.

There was no winner of the main jackpot, or the Match 5 + Bonus prize last weekend.

The largest share of the winning tickets were sold in Dublin, where there are five prize winners, followed by four in Cork, and two each in four counties including Galway.

The National Lottery is now holding a must-win draw this Saturday, January 15 for the €19.06 million jackpot which has rolled over for months.

If the record setting Lotto jackpot is not won outright this weekend, then the full value will roll down to the winner or winners of the next prize tier.

This prize fund has been rolling over since June of last year, and has been capped at the record setting amount of €19.06 million since October.

Since then, the National Lottery says that an additional €23.9 million has boosted winners in the Match 5 + Bonus and Match 5 tiers.

Call for further accounting of Galway 2020 finances

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Calls have been made for the leadership of Galway 2020 to give further accounting of how public money was spent on the project.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that he has written to Mayor Colette Connolly to ask that the Chairman and Chief Executive of Galway 2020 appear before the city council.

Councillor Cheevers said that there was a “vast amount” of taxpayer money involved in the Capital of Culture, and a detailed breakdown of costs is needed.

“I believe as the company was wound down at the end of last year, now is the time to get into the details of real cost of this project,” Alan Cheevers said.

He specifically raised the issues of how much was paid out to programme directors who left the company, or whose contracts were severed.

Other areas where transparency is required include the cost of the cancelled opening ceremony for Galway 2020.

The opening ceremony, which was meant to be a spectacular affair at South Park in the Claddagh in February 2020, was cancelled due to a weather warning.

The Galway 2020 Capital of Culture Financial Monitoring Report 2017-2021 shows that, over the lifetime of the project, it received just under €21 million in public funding from Ireland.

This comprised €14 million in national funding, €3,683,991 from the city council, and €2,946,475 from the county council, which altogether made up 87% of the total budget for the project.

Taking place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, private sector funding did not nearly approach what was envisaged in the bid book.

Of the €6.75 million which was projected to come from the private sector, just over €1.1 million was raised in the end.

Over the lifetime of the project €14.97 million was spent on the Cultural Programme according to the report, two-thirds of all expenditure.

A further €3.35 million (15%) went towards Staff Support Costs, and €1.27m (6%) was for Office & Finance Costs.

There was €1.87m spent on Promotion & Marketing, €800,000 on Programme Management, and €421,000 on Professional Services.

May starting date for Galway in U20 hurling championship

By

Briain Kelly

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January 14, 2022

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Galway will have their first game of the U20 Hurling Championship this year at the start of May.

Galway and Dublin will each play the winners of the Leinster Quarter Finals on May 2 this year.

The Leinster final will take place on Tuesday, May 10, followed by the All-Ireland final on the weekend of May 21/22.

The draw details of the Leinster U20 Hurling Championship have been announced this week, with a long wait before the Galway side see any action.

Round 1 of the championship will take place on the weekend of April 2, with three games set: Meath v Kildare, Carlow v Westmeath, and Antrim/Down v Laois.

In Round 2 Wexford will play the winner of Carlow and Westmeath, and the other match up will see Antrim/Down/Laois v Meath/Kildare.

One of the Quarter Final fixtures has also already been set, with Kilkenny and Offaly to face off on April 19.

Ashling represented the best of modern Ireland, says Taoiseach

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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Galway Daily news Ashling Murphy funeral

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has joined thousands of people this afternoon in paying tribute to Ashling Murphy, saying that she “represented the best of modern Ireland”.

“The entire country is devastated and shocked by the violent and barbaric killing of Ashling Murphy, a young woman in the prime of her life,” said the Taoiseach.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her parents, family, friends, club, and community in Tullamore, Offaly.”

The Taoiseach also acknowledged the enormous trauma being experienced by the children she taught at Durrow National School.

He said that as a teacher, musician and sportsperson, Ashling represented the very best of modern Ireland.

“She gave everything to life, moulding young people for the future and sharing her talent for music and sport,” he said.

“Her death is a devastating blow to her family and community.”

He added that violence, particularly violence against women, ‘cannot and will not be tolerated’.

“The safety and security of women is at the core of our society’s values,” he said. “I would urge anyone with any information about this killing to bring it to the attention of Gardaí.”

18,904 further COVID cases reported today

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

The Department of Health has reported 18,904 further cases of COVID-19 today.

As of 8am today, 1,011 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised across the State, with 92 of those cases in intensive care units.

Dr Tony Holohan said that it is important to note that the latest public health advice around self-isolation and restriction of movement places an increased emphasis on the use by cases and close contacts of higher-grade face masks, as opposed to cloth masks.

“Other protective measures including strict limiting of social contacts are also advised for the full 10 days following a confirmed COVID-19 infection or close contact,” he said.

“These combined measures are intended to offset any increase in risk of transmission that may result from the reduction and or removal of the requirement to self-isolate or restrict movements.”

Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Fhlatharta to perform at TradFest Temple Bar

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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galway daily news temple bar tradfest Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Fhlatharta — Séamus Ó Flatharta and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta

Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Fhlatharta from Connemara are set to perform at TradFest Temple Bar, which will be one of the world’s first trad-folk festivals to welcome audiences back in person.

Deeply immersed in traditional Irish music from a young age, the siblings have become accomplished multi-instrumentalists, singers and dancers.

They are particularly noted for their unique arrangements of well-known standards, offering interesting vocal arrangements and harmonisations.

Both Séamus and Caoimhe are multi All-Ireland winning performers who keep their language and heritage at the heart of all their musical endeavours.

The siblings will be performing in Collins Barracks at 1pm on Thursday 27 January.

TradFest audiences will be able to enjoy many intimate musical experiences across Dublin City Centre for five days, with safety measures including hospital grade air disinfection equipment.

Those in attendance will be required to present either a Covid-19 vaccination or recovery certificate and concerts will now finish by 8pm due to Government restrictions.

The festival has expanded, embracing different large spacious venues across Dublin to allow for easier social distancing and better ventilation, including The National Stadium, historical and spiritual home of music in Dublin, as a vibrant hub of trad and folk music in the 1970s and 1980s.

TradFest Temple Bar will also use new spaces such as Collins Barracks, as well as old favourites such as Dublin Castle, The Pepper Canister Church, The Button Factory & Lost Lane. In addition, the ever-popular Smithwick Sessions will return to the pubs of Temple Bar.

TradFest Temple Bar 2022 artists will include: Actor Stephen Rea hosting a night of poetry & music with Natalya O’Flaherty, Sasha Terfous, Louise & Michelle Mulcahy & Neill Martin, Fairport Convention, Peggy Seeger, Aoife Scott & Wallis Bird, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Bog Bodies, Boxing Banjo, Dervish & Altan & 4 Men and a Dog, The Dublin Legends (formerly The Dubliners) & Stocktons Wing & Ralph McTell, Kíla, ANÚNA & M’ANAM, Seamus Begley, Oisín Mac Diarmada & Samantha Harvey, Martin and Eliza Carthy, The Lost Brothers, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Joe & Steve Wall (the Stunning), Cór Cúil Aodha & Seán Ó Sé, Karan Casey, Niamh Ní Charra, Thomas McCarthy, The Remedy Club, Brídín, Laoise Kelly, Brenda Castles, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Tim Edey, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin & Ultan O’Brien.

Tickets on sale now at tradfesttemplebar.com

The TradFest Temple Bar 2022 Lineup

Wednesday 26th January

Niamh Ní Charra, 1pm in Collins Barracks

Thomas McCarthy, 6.30pm in Castle Hall

Tribute to Joe Burke with Frankie Gavin, Daithí Gormley and Catherine McHugh, 6.30pm pm in The Pepper Canister Church

The Remedy Club, 6.30pm in Lost Lane

Women of Note with Aoife Scott, Peggy Seeger and Wallis Bird, 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral

Thursday 27th January

Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, 1pm in Collins Barracks

Seamus Begley and Oisín Mac Diarmada with Samantha Harvey, 6.30pm in Castle Hall

The Dublin Legends, Ralph McTell and Stockton’s Wing, 6.00pm pm in The National Stadium

ANÚNA & M’ANAM, 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral

Bog Bodies, 6.30pm in Lost Lane

Friday 28th January

Brídín,1pm in Collins Barracks

Laoise Kelly, 6.30pm in Castle Hall

A Night of Poetry and Music with Actor & Festival Patron Stephen Rea, 6.30pm in The Pepper Canister Church

Kíla & Friends, 6pm in The National Stadium

Steve & Joe Wall (The Stunning), 6.30pm in The Button Factory

Boxing Banjo, 6.30pm in The Grand Social

Saturday 29th January

Brenda Castles, 1pm in Collins Barracks

Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, 6.30pm in Castle Hall

Tim Edey, 12pm in The Pepper Canister Church

Martin and Eliza Carthy, 3pm in The Pepper Canister Church

The Lost Brothers, 6.30pm in The Pepper Canister Church

Dervish Four Men & a Dog and Altan, 6pm in The National Stadium

Fairport Convention, 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Cathedral

Maria Doyle Kennedy, 6.30pm in The Button Factory

Sunday 30th January

Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin and Ultan O’Brien, 1pm in Collins Barracks

Cór Cúil Aodha and Seán Ó Sé, 2:30pm in The Pepper Canister Church

Karan Casey with Niall Vallely, Niamh Dunne and Sean Óg Graham, 6.30pm in The Pepper Canister Church

Update: Gardaí investigsting Ashling Murphy murder appeal for info on distinctive bike

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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Gardaí investigating the fatal assault of Ashling Murphy are appealing for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike.

The bike has straight handlebars and distinctive yellow-green front forks.

A 40-year-old man who was arrested yesterday is still detained at Garda station in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

A postmortem has been completed, but Gardaí have said the results are not being released for operational reasons.

A man in his 40s remains detained at Tullamore Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

Gardaí are appealing for any person with any information on the fatal assault to come forward.

Gardaí continue to appeal to any persons that were in the Cappincur/Canal walk area of Tullamore before 4pm, yesterday afternoon Wednesday, 12 January, to make contact with them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Increase of 550 people receiving PUP in Galway this week

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

A total of 3,836 people have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment this week in Galway – an increase of over 550 on last week.

Weekly payments valued at €19.3 million were paid to 75,648 people this week, which represents an increase of 8,743 on last week’s figure.

These figures are in addition to the 164,626 people who were on the Live Register at the end of November.

Over €9 billion has been paid in Pandemic Unemployment Payments since the start of the pandemic.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that the increasing number of people receiving the Enhanced Illness Benefit demonstrates “just how easily this virus can spread.”

“This financial support is there for any employee or the self-employed person who cannot work because they have been diagnosed with the virus or they have to self-isolate,” said Minister Humphreys.

“My Department is processing the applications for this payment as quickly as possible. The quickest and easiest way to apply for this payment is online through www.MyWelfare.ie.”

Eyre Square vigil for Ashling Murphy organised for this evening

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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A vigil will take place at Eyre Square this evening for Ashling Murphy and against gender-based violence.

The candle lit vigil, organised by NUI Galway Students’ Union, will take place at 6pm and people are invited to bring along tea lights or flowers.

22-year-old Ashling Murphy was out for a run yesterday afternoon in Tullamore, Co. Offaly when she was murdered.

From the Blueball area of Tullamore, Aisling was a school teacher in Durrow National School.

She was well-known in the local community and was involved in the arts, playing traditional music.

A full scale murder investigation was launched by Gardaí yesterday, and the scene was sealed off.

Gardaí say that at this stage there is no information that the killer was known to Aisling.

A 40-year-old man was arrested and is currently detained at Tullamore Garda Station.

Galway TD raises concerns about underspending of Government capital funding

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

East Galway TD Seán Canney has raised concerns about the €830 million underspend of capital funding in 2021 in vital infrastructure.

Deputy Canney said that some of this underspend has been carried over to 2022, with over €580 million underspent and returned to the exchequer.

He said that €161 million was earmarked for transport, while there were underspends of €276 million in housing and €104 million in health.

“It is concerning that infrastructure development is falling behind targets. I am calling on the Government to use the underspend to target projects that are shovel ready for construction. A good example in transport is Phase 2 of the Western Rail Corridor,” said Deputy Canney.

“This project can commence construction with a matter of months as it does not require planning or any other statutory consents.”

Deputy Canney also requested that the Government re-allocate some of the unspent money to Departments which can spend money and deliver projects quickly for the benefit of communities.

“I believe that unspent money can easily be used to top up the Leader Programme which remains underfunded for the next five years,” he said.

“Likewise, in the Department of Transport money could be allocated to the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) to supplement the scheme run by the Department of Rural and Community Development as there is a huge demand for roads to be upgraded in rural areas which are not in charge of the Council.

“There are no shortage of projects, and we need to keep providing the necessary infrastructure.”

40-year-old man remains in custody following murder of young woman

By

Michael Malone

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January 13, 2022

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Update: The man has since been released and cleared as a suspect in the investigation.

A 40-year-old man remains in custody today following the murder of a young woman in Co. Offaly yesterday afternoon.

Ashling Murphy, who was 22, was out jogging along the Grand Canal Way in Tullaghmore yesterday when she was attacked.

From the Blueball area of Tullamore, Ashling was a school teacher in Durrow National School.

She was well-known in the local community and was involved in the arts, playing traditional music.

A full scale murder investigation was launched by Gardaí yesterday, and the scene was sealed off. The Garda Technical Bureau are currently conducting a detailed forensic examination of the scene.

The services of the state pathologist have been provided and the results of a postmortem examination are awaited.

Gardaí say that at this stage there is no information that the killer was known to Ashling.

They believe this crime was committed by one man who acted alone.

Gardaí arrested a 40-year-old man who is currently detained at Tullamore Garda Station.

Superintendent Eamonn Curley appealed to anyone who has not yet come forward who was on the Grand Canal Way yesterday, Wednesday 12 January 2022 between 3pm and 5pm.

“We would like to speak to you. We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen any person who was behaving unusual in that area,” he said.

“Any information you have however insignificant you may think it may be we need to hear from you. Were you on the Grand Canal way between 3pm and 5pm yesterday or have you any information about this incident.”

People are urged to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 0579327600 or any Garda Station, or if you wish the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111.

“I would like to reassure the public that all any information received will be treated in the strictest confidence,” added Superintendent Curley.

An Bord Pleanála approves enlargement of Loughrea housing plans

By

Briain Kelly

-

January 13, 2022

0

An Bord Pleanála has given the go ahead for plans to enlarge a previously approved housing estate on the outskirts of Loughrea.

Bilberrylane Ltd appealed to the board for planning permission to build 32 houses and apartments on a site at Caheronaun, Loughrea.

The housing will consist of a mix of detached and terraced houses, along with apartments and duplex units, on a 0.9ha site off the Caheronaun Park Road.

This is an expansion of the 23 residential dwellings approved by the county council for the site in 2019.

The new plans are for a higher density of one, two, and three bed units, in place of the smaller number of three and four bed units previously approved.

The county council had denied permission for the expansion of the estate plans, citing deficiencies in the pedestrian connectivity, and concerns about the proposed layout of the development.

In the appeal against this decision, Bilberrylane Ltd said that the new proposal has more enhanced pedestrian connectivity with the Caheronaun Park Road compared with the approved development, and has better pedestrian safety measures.

The appeal also argued the the design and layout of the estate is an improvement on the original design, with living spaces in excess of the relevant standards, and no concerns about privacy or overlooking.

An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the new plans with eighteen conditions attached.

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