The back gate at Merlin Park Hospital has been permanently closed to public traffic starting from today.

Barriers are being installed at the back gate (off Merlin Lane) to manage traffic volumes on the Merlin Park University Hospital site.

Access to the hospital for the public, patients and visitors remains via the front entrance only.

Access via the back gate, once the barriers have been installed, will be restricted to HSE staff and essential service delivery vehicles, with strict access control in place.

The shuttle bus service for staff and patients between Merlin Park University Hospital and University Hospital Galway will operate as normal.

Local residents have complained for years now of people using Merlin Lane and the hospital campus as a rat run to avoid traffic on the old Dublin Road.

This has created a safety and traffic hazard for people living in the estates around the road, local have said.

Two public meetings on water quality in Connemara are being held by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) later this month.

The two community information meetings on water quality and water related issues will take place in Furbo (Na Forbacha) and Letterfrack.

Under the Water Action Plan 2024 – A River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, LAWPRO carries out work in areas identified as having poor water quality called Priority Areas for Action (PAAs) to support targeted water quality improvements by state bodies and local authorities.

The two community information meetings are being held to increase awareness about water quality work in the area and to encourage as much engagement as possible with all stakeholders right across the community including key agencies, special interest groups, voluntary, public and private sectors.

Details of the meetings are as follows:

• Connemara South 24th of April 7.30pm. Location, Connemara Coast Hotel, Na Forbacha, Co. Galway, H91 KX27.

• Connemara North 29th of April 7.30ppm. Location, Ellis Hall, Connemara West plc, Connemara West Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 AH5K

Since 2018 LAWPRO has been working in Connemara North as part of delivery under the River Basin Management Plan for Ireland 2018 to 2021 (2nd cycle). At these meetings LAWPRO catchment scientists will go through the work that has been carried out and what is being planned under the 3rd cycle Water Action Plan 2024, including expanding into Connemara South.

There will also be opportunities for the public to ask questions and talk to members of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) programme and the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project.

Ahead of the community information meeting, Dr Bernie White, Regional Coordinator with LAWPRO said, “As we are coming to the end of 2nd cycle work in Connemara and expanding our plans for further work in the area under the Water Action Plan, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the public to come along and find out more about what’s happening in their local waterbodies.”

“We hope to engage as many people as possible at the two meetings as public participation is key to helping make water quality improvements.”

“We would also like to thank all those whether in a voluntary or paid capacity who work in their local areas and help to make a difference to their natural waters and the biodiversity that lives in and around them.”

HSE West and North West welcomes over €103 million in Capital Funding which has been approved in counties Galway and Roscommon under the HSE Capital Fund 2025.

The funding was announced by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and will enable the progression of a number of key health infrastructure projects spanning both community and acute healthcare services.

A number of projects in Galway Roscommon set to benefit under the HSE’s Capital Development Programme include:

• Allocations for OPD and Surgical Hub on the Merlin Park site
• The commencement of the Knocknacarra Primary Care Centre and Integrated Care Hub project
• A number of projects on the UHG site to enhance bed capacity, cancer services, laboratory and Emergency Department services
• A replacement adult mental health unit in Roscommon
• The expansion of emergency department accommodation in PUH
• The development of the central sterile services department to provide the necessary capacity to support surgical activity in Portiuncula and Roscommon hospitals.
• A replacement of the Community Nursing Unit at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon
  The replacement of Clifden and Merlin Park Community Nursing Units

Ann Cosgrove, HSE IHA Manager Galway Roscommon said “I’m delighted to welcome this funding under the HSE Capital Fund 2025 which will drive improvements in both community and acute healthcare in Galway and Roscommon.”

“Many projects will progress across Galway and Roscommon with the support of this funding, enhancing our services in our hospitals and within our communities.”

“These include the commencement of the Knocknacarra Primary Care Centre and Integrated Care Hub project, which will greatly improve access to specialist clinical services in Galway city.

“In Clifden and in Merlin Park, both Community Nursing Units will be replaced under the allocation, allowing for the best care for our older persons state of the art purpose built facilities.

“In Roscommon, the replacement of a 50 bed community nursing Unit in Sacred Heart Hospital is well underway and will provide modern, fit for purpose accommodation for older people in the region.”

“Funding for the replacement of the Adult Mental Health Unit (AMHU) for Roscommon further demonstrates the HSE’s commitment to improved mental health services for the region,” she said.

A major requirement for healthcare in Galway is the provision of protected Emergency Care, Elective Scheduled Care and Cancer Care.

HSE West and North West has developed a masterplan for the future development of GUH which encompasses a number of projects of significant scale. This funding announcement will further support the progression of this masterplan.

Emphasis has been given to the progression of multiple projects on the Galway University Hospitals campuses to ensure that it remains a future proofed, Model 4 hospital.

These include a inpatient ward, new ED, new laboratory, an Ambulatory Cancer Centre, a new Women and Children’s Department, Theatres and Critical Care.

“The new surgical hub and elective hospital on the Merlin Park Campus are crucial developments, which facilitate high volume, low complexity cases such as elective, day surgery and ambulatory care on the MPUH campus.”

“This will allow complex acute care, urgent and emergency, inpatients and day cases, cancer, maternity and paediatric inpatient care will remain in UHG.”

“Overall, this funding marks another step in ensuring we provide the best health services for our population from the young to the old in Galway and Roscommon,” she added.

The University of Galway has announced the eight winners of their 2025 Alumni Awards who will be recognised at a gala event this summer.

The University’s Alumni Awards celebrate outstanding individuals among the 133,000 alumni, recognising their remarkable accomplishments across various fields on a local, national and international level.

The winners of the 2025 University of Galway Alumni Awards are:

• Alumni Award for Arts, Literature and Celtic Studies: Deirdre Sullivan, award winning novelist
• Alumni Award for Business and Commerce – Sponsored by Bank of Ireland: Anne O’Riordan, former Group Director of Digital at Jardine Matheson Limited
• Gradam Alumni don Ghaeilge: Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Media Development Commissioner, Coimisiún na Meán
• Alumni Award for Law, Public Policy and Society – Sponsored by RDJ: Geoffrey Shannon, Circuit Court Judge
• Alumni Award for Engineering, Science and Technology: Dr Fiona Grant, Head of International Programmes at the Marine Institute
• Alumni Award for Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences – Sponsored by Medtronic: Dr Elizabeth Whalen, Medical Director of the Office for Public Health for the State of New York
• Alumni Award for Contribution to Sport: Kevin Dinneen, Chair of Third Level Rugby and the IRFU Appeals Board
• Alumni Award for Emerging Leaders: Dr Ríona Ní Ghriallais, co-founder of ProVerum

These eight recipients are to be recognised at a gala awards night on Friday May 23, 2025.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “It is a privilege to honour the accomplishments of these eight remarkable individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields at home and abroad.”

“Each one of them are making a great impact in their own way and I hope their achievements serve as an inspiration to our current students and our graduates. I look forward to welcoming them back to their alma mater in May.”

Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar at University of Galway, added, “Our Alumni Awards and our awards night on campus are a wonderful opportunity to recognise University of Galway graduates and to inspire our current students by showcasing some of the many different ways their predecessors have made a positive mark on the World.”

“This year’s winners join an impressive roll call of 113 people from all walks of life who we have had the pleasure of helping to educate and, importantly, the pleasure of recognising and celebrating for their outstanding achievements since the awards began in the year 2000.”

Irish Olympian David Gillick marked the finale of the Ballinasloe Marathon Kids by joining 250 primary school children from the East Galway town in the final leg of their journey.

David Gillick, who competed in the 400 metres and 4×400 metres relay at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, led the Marathon Kids participants through a series of exercises and stretches before they embarked on the final run of the series at the Dunlo Running Track today.

Funded through the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub under the Sport Ireland Dormant Account Fund, the Marathon Kids programme targets 5th and 6th class students who learn the health benefits of physical activity and perform four running sessions per week.

The children ran 26.2 miles over the course of the eight-week programme to complete their first marathon.

Speaking following the event, David Gillick said, “It is fantastic to see so many young people on the track, having fun, and being active. I hope this event has inspired them to keep running and to stay active in the years to come.”

Cllr Martina Kinnane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, commented, “It is truly inspiring to see these young children pushing themselves to achieve such a great goal.”

“The Marathon Kids event promotes not only physical activity but also discipline and perseverance, which are values that will serve these children well in all aspects of their lives.”

The children who participated in Ballinasloe Marathon Kids were drawn from four local schools, namely Scoil Uí Cheithearnaigh, Newtown National School, Scoil an Chroí Naofa, and Creagh National School.

Cllr Mike Cubbard, Chairperson of Galway Sports Partnership, congratulated everyone on their Marathon Kids journey, adding, “There was a positive atmosphere and a great sense of achievement at the event.”

Andrew McBride, Coordinator of Galway Sports Partnership, stated, “Galway Sports Partnership was delighted to facilitate this programme and give primary school children the opportunity to keep active.”

“We would like to thank all the teachers for their support and congratulate the children on their achievement of running 26.2 miles over the last eight weeks.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, noted the importance of encouraging young people to get involved in physical activity and develop a healthy lifestyle.

“Events like Marathon Kids are a great way to do this, and I’m delighted to see so many young people taking part in Galway,” he said.

“The event was a huge success with children and teachers praising the initiative and the opportunity it provided for young people to stay active and healthy.”

Galway University Hospitals have recently adopted advanced high-precision radiotherapy technology, eliminating the need for permanent skin marks (tattoos) for radiotherapy patients.

The new Surface-Guided Radiotherapy Technology (SGRT) offers a tattoo-free alternative to traditional radiotherapy positioning.

It uses real-time 3D surface tracking for accurate patient alignment, potentially improving accuracy, efficiency, and patient experience.

Using over twenty thousand reference points on the patient’s skin surface, the technology can track and detect motion with sub-millimetre accuracy and will stop treatment if the patient moves.

It enables precise and timely radiation treatment without the need for permanent ink marking.

Patients undergoing radiotherapy need to be positioned in a stable comfortable position for their CT reference planning scan.

This position must then be consistently and accurately replicated during treatment sessions to ensure precise and effective delivery of radiation therapy.

Previously, this was achieved by marking the patient’s skin with three or four tattooed dots during the CT scan.

These tattoos served as reference points, allowing radiographers to accurately align the patient in the same position for each treatment session.

Stephen Coyne, Radiotherapy Services Manager at the hospital, said, “This new technology represents a significant advancement for our radiotherapy patients. It enhances safety, comfort, and treatment accuracy while minimizing side effects and potentially improving outcomes.”

“Additionally, patients will no longer have permanent ink marks on their skin, which some find distressing, eliminating an unnecessary source of stress during their treatment journey.”

The primary objective of radiotherapy is to deliver the highest possible radiation dose to the cancerous area or tumour while safeguarding healthy tissue to minimize side effects.

SGRT enhances this process by reducing overall treatment time, minimizing imaging dose, and enabling more precise positioning.

It is used to treat various cancer types while minimizing radiation exposure to critical organs and is most commonly used in breast, prostate, lung, and rectal cancer treatments.

For head and neck cancers, it is utilized with open-faced masks. Additionally, SGRT plays a crucial role in advanced radiation treatments, like stereotactic brain treatment.

Chris Kane Hospital Manager stated, “Our radiotherapy team is committed to constantly improving the care and treatment we provide to patients. This innovative technology will further enhance the delivery of radiotherapy treatment and elevate patient care.”

Galway based schools Clarin College and Coláiste na bPiarsach, and Youthreach Galway City received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark recognising their work over an 18-month period to foster LGBTQ+ wellbeing and inclusion for their students.

The schools and centre were presented with their awards at an event in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin which was attended by over 350 staff and student representatives, including those from Galway and hosted by social media influencer and TV presenter James Kavanagh.

The 44 schools presented with their LGBTQ+ Quality Mark represent 17 counties and 26,000 post primary school students across the country.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark

The accreditation initiative was developed by Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland in 2022. That year, the School Climate Survey by Columbia University revealed that 76% of LGBTQ+ young people in Galway and across Ireland do not feel safe in post-primary schools.

Since the pilot programme, over 100 schools and Youthreach centres have embarked on the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark journey to improve the lives and experiences of their LGBTQ+ students.

The initiative draws on national and international best practice to create an environment where students feel safe and welcome regardless of who they are.

This is done through a host of practical, proactive actions such establishing an LGBTQ+ and Allies Club for students, training whole-staff teams on supporting LGBTQ+ students and promoting the representation of LGBTQ+ families and identities in classroom teaching.

The School Climate Survey 2022, showed that an action as simple as including LGBTQ+ related topics in the curriculum resulted in young people:

• 22% more likely to feel like they belong at school
• 11% more likely to feel accepted by the student body
• 8% less likely to miss days of school due to feeling unsafe

LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school

Speaking about the awards today, Moninne Griffith (she/her), CEO of Belong To, said, “Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia remain a significant challenge for LGBTQ+ students in Galway and across the country.”

“The School Climate Survey 2022 conducted by Columbia University has shown that in Ireland, compared to the general youth population, LGBTQ+ students are four times more likely to suffer verbal harassment and five times more likely to be physically harassed.”

“It’s no surprise then that 76% of LGBTQ+ second-level students feel unsafe at school,” she added.

“It is in this context that we say how proud we are at Belong To to have been working with this brilliant cohort of schools and Youthreach centres to make positive change and create safe spaces.”

“Across the board, every principal, coordinator, teacher and staff member has shown a huge level of commitment to fostering a truly inclusive environment in their school and to supporting all students in their care.”

“I want to congratulate all for the actions that they have taken throughout the process and hope that they feel extremely proud to stand with the students and young people from their school or centre today, knowing what a huge impact their work has had and will continue to have on the lives of so many Galway young people.”

Also speaking today at the event was Leanne O’Connor, Coordinator at Youthreach Galway City who commented, “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“Through comprehensive training, awareness programs, and ongoing support, we strive to create a school culture where everyone feels valued and respected.”

“This honour highlights our dedication to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every student can thrive authentically and confidently in their educational journey with us.”

The triumphs and endeavours of athletes, sports clubs and coaches have been celebrated at the 40^th University of Galway Sports Awards.

Among the winners were Under-23 World Rowing Champion Donnacha Keeley, senior international cross country athlete Fiona Everard and the University Women’s Hockey Club.

Donnacha Keeley won sports person of the year, while Caitlin Hughes from the Athletics Club won individual performance of the year for her contribution to the Irish Under-20 European Cross Country team.

Some other winners on the night were Kate Ní Ghacháin (Unsung Hero award), Tiffanie Fitzgerald, for her contribution to University of Galway Camogie over her four years as an undergraduate student, and the Swimming and Waterpolo clubs for hosting the best event.

The awards ceremony was held at the Radisson Red Hotel in Galway and hosted by RTÉ Sport’s Darren Frehill.

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, University of Galway, said: “Our Sports Awards are a celebration of Sport in the University of Galway. They recognise our dual aspiration of achieving High Performance and Sport for All. The awards recognise the performances, achievements and hard work of our athletes, players, teams, coaches, committee members and volunteers. Our mission in the University of Galway Sports Unit is to be the most progressive and caring University sports programme on the island of Ireland. All the nominees and award winners are helping us on that mission.

“Everyone involved in our Clubs bring honour, often glory, and also enjoyment, in no small amount, to University of Galway.

“Many of the awardees will with certainty go on to achieve greatness in their chosen sport and all have and will continue to contribute great social capital to our environment and their future environments. For us in the Sports Unit, it is an honour and a pleasure to work with them and to get to know such talented individuals and to support all those involved in Clubs. We look forward to bright futures for all of our sporting community and take this opportunity of the awards to recognise all those who have greatly contributed to sport in the University of Galway.”

Ciara Meehan, Dean of Students, University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to each of the awardees and a special word of thanks to all those who promote our university values of respect, openness and excellence through our Clubs.

“Our annual sports awards reflect not only the excellence of our students in terms of preparation, performance and competing, but also the contribution they and their clubs make to promoting wellbeing and belonging in our community.”

The University of Galway Sports Awards recognise performance, leadership and participation, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the Clubs. They also celebrate remarkable final year individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to sport; shown an impeccable example of sportsmanship and a high level of performance and achievement; been an excellent ambassador within the University and for student sport; and competed at a regional level or above.

University of Galway is now home to 40 plus active sports clubs, which are student-led and organised, with approximately 6,000 students participating in sport and activity daily at the University.

2025 Sports Award Winners

Best Event of the Year

• The Relay Gala – Swimming and Waterpolo

Club Captain of the Year

• Eoin Kenny (Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow) Boxing

Club of the Year

• Rowing Club

Coach of the Year

• Sebastian Locteau (Craughwell Co. Galway/France) Swimming and Waterpolo

Most Improved Club

• Camogie Club

Fundraising of the Year

• Fundraising Achievements 2024-2025 – Hockey Club

Individual Performance of the Year

• Caitlin Hughes (Swinford, Co. Mayo) Athletics

University Honours

• Fiona Everard, (Enniskeane, Co. Cork) Athletics
• Kara McCleane (Roscahill, Co. Galway) Basketball
• Tiffanie Fitzgerald (Gowran, Co. Kilkenny) Camogie
• Lauren Murray (Killiney, Co. Dublin) Sailing
• Thomas McStay (Claregalway, Co. Galway) Athletics

Sports Person of the Year

• Donnacha Keeley (Clonmel, Co. Tipperary) Rowing

Unsung Hero

• Kate Ní Ghacháin (Foxford, Co. Mayo) Kayak

Team of the Year

• Women’s Senior 4 National Champions – Rowing

Student’s Union Club Captains Choice – Female

• Dimana Nedeva, (Galway City/Sofia, Bulgaria) Badminton

Student’s Union Club Captains Choice – Male

• Oisín Mc Laughlin (Moville, Inishowen, Co. Donegal) Pool and Snooker

Dean of Student Award

• Adam Mullins (Clonmany, Inishowen, Co. Donegal) Mountaineering
• Sarah Hontz (Galway City/USA) Lacrosse
• Subacqua Club
• Muireann O’Reilly (Castlegar, Co. Galway) Camogie
• Surf Club
• Boxing Club
• Róise Ní Mhurchú (Belmullet, Co. Mayo) Surf
• Anna Sheehy (Tralee, Co. Kerry) parkrun
• Volleyball

Director of Sports Award

• Mohammed Zajeer Ahmed (India/Galway) Cricket
• Swimming and Waterpolo
• Men’s Soccer
• Athletics
• Hockey and Mixed Hockey
• Colm O’Riordan (Furbo, Co. Galway) Judo
• Louise O’Connor (Moycullen, Co. Galway) Camogie
• Dave Daly (Gaelcarraig, Galway City) Men’s Soccer
• Martin Hughes (Corrandulla, Co. Galway) Hockey
• Sean Byrne (Carlow town) Rowing
• Tom Keal (Crosshaven, Co. Cork) – Student’s Union Clubs Captain 2024-2025

Gradam Gaelach Award

Swimming and Waterpolo

One lucky lotto player in Galway is definitely enjoying their weekend after winning nearly €50k in Saturday night’s lotto draw.

The Galwegian secured themselves a handsome prize of €45,758 after matching five numbers plus the bonus in the main Lotto draw.

In a rain of good fortune, another 80 players won €13,000 each in the topped up the Lotto Plus Raffle, which had an additional €1 million added.

The Galway player purchased their quick pick ticket on Friday, 4th April, from Sharkey’s Spar Express, Bishop St, Tuam, Co. Galway.

The numbers for last night’s Lotto were: 8, 14, 18, 28, 38, 40 and the Bonus was 42.
The winning Lotto Plus Raffle number was: 1743.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot, in total, over 81,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws, including our Galway Match 5 + Bonus prize and 80 winners of the special Lotto Plus Raffle prize.

The National Lottery is urging Galway players to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning Match 5 + Bonus ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

The Lotto Plus Raffle winners are advised to sign the back of their tickets and check www.lottery.ie for details of their nearest An Post Prize Claim Centre where prizes up to €14,999 can be claimed. Online players will receive details of the process for claiming their prizes.

Emma Monaghan, National Lottery Spokesperson said “What a night of wins for our players! We’re now urging everyone to check their tickets very carefully.”

“If you’re holding a winning ticket, please sign the back of it and keep it somewhere safe. And if you’re our Galway winner, make sure to contact our Prize Claims team as soon as possible!”

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.

In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2023 alone, €227.9 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

A six year old girl ha died following a traffic collision involving  a truck in Galway City today.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a collision between a truck and a girl on a bicycle at the Headford Road shortly after midday Saturday.

The collision took place at the junction of the Headford Road and Sandyvale Lawn.

The young girl died from her injuries in the collision at the scene.

Her body was removed from the scene to University Hospital Galway and a post mortem will take place in due course.

The male driver of the truck, aged in his 30s was uninjured.

The road was closed and a technical examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators has taken place. The road has now reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area of the Headford Road (N84) between Coolough Road/Headford Road junction and the entrance to Tirellan Heights/Headford Road junction in Galway city between 11:45am and 12:15pm today Saturday 5th April 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway City Council has recently installed two shelters at Ballyloughane Beach, with spectacular murals painted by local artist, Ró (Ronan J Connor).

The murals portray the sun setting in Galway Bay in blues and yellows – complimenting views of the Bay and the beach.

Ballyloughan Beach is a popular location for swimming, walking, windsurfing, kite surfing – and building sandcastles, especially as the summer months approach!

Other facilities at Ballyloughane Beach include toilets, picnic tables, cycle parking, car parking, ramp access to the beach, and a biodiversity-rich walking loop at the headland, where the Buaile Bó cows graze over winter.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to ensure that swimmers are kept safe as they enjoy the sun and surf we’re hoping for.

The purchase and installation of the shelters were supported by Councillor Terry O’Flaherty’s Local Improvement Scheme allocation.