INMO calls on HSE to take extra measures to protect nurses

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January 8, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

The trial surrounding the events of the Oireachtas Golf Society ‘golfgate’ dinner will conclude in early February.

The prosecution had yet to conclude presenting its case after two days of hearing before a specially convened sitting of Galway District Court this week.

Galway TD Noel Grealish, former Senator Donie Cassidy, and hoteliers John and James Sweeney are charged with organising or allowing to be organised an event that breached health regulations at the Station House Hotel on August 19, 2020.

Judge Mary Fahy said that the next block of dates available to her are on February 3-4, when the case will resume.

Eoghan Cole BL for the state said that he expects that there will be lengthy legal presentations made to the court after the prosecution concludes its case.

The court ended on Friday during the evidence of Inspector Peter Conlon, who oversaw the investigation as the then Acting Superintendent for the Salthill-Clifden area.

He had yet to finish presenting his evidence, and Mr Cole said that it is also expected that there will be significant cross-examination once he does so.

He said that he became aware of the event of the golf society event on August 21, and heard that it may have been in breach of COVID regulations.

Two other Gardaí had attended the Station House Hotel and received information about the event from John and James Sweeney.

Inspector Conlon said that he sought further information about the event from them, but that the response was that, based on legal advice, they would not be providing further information.

He also wrote to Noel Grealish and Donie Cassidy in September seeking further information regarding potential breaches of the Health Act.

Mr Cassidy wrote back to Inspector Conlon on October 15 outlining the events of the evening. He said that he had met with the hotel management before that the event, and contacted the Irish Hotels Federation to clarify the regulations.

A week prior to the event he and Noel Grealish had travelled to the hotel to view the venue to ensure it was suitable, he said in the correspondence.

The correspondence with Inspector Conlon also included lengthy information about the tightening of restrictions on gatherings while this event was ongoing, and advice issued by the IHF regarding it.

This broadly stated that due to the time-lag between government announcements and the proper introduction of new restrictions, the protocol with the department of tourism was that the status quo should remain until updated guidance is issued.

Mr. Cole said that there was no suggestion that the reduced capacity of six people in at gatherings applied to this event.

Mr. Grealish made a statement to Gardaí saying that he had been the outgoing captain of the club when he travelled with Mr. Cassidy to Ballyconneely to plan his captain’s day event.

Afterwards he said that the two of them went to the Station House hotel, where Cassidy planned to hold his president’s day event.

Mr. Grealish said in his statement that he had no responsibility in relation to organising this event, and had no dealings with hotel management.

On the morning of August 19 he said that he raised concerns with Mr Cassidy about the newly announced restrictions.

Mr. Cassidy spoke with the IHF, and informed him that the current measures remained in place until new restrictions have been properly introduced and guidance issued.

Earlier in the day the court heard from Supreme Court Justice Séamus Woulfe, who spoke at length about “ambiguities” in the hastily put together regulations, for which guidelines went into detail.

Fine Gael Senator Gerry Buttimer and former Senator Lorraine Higgins also gave evidence. The court also heard from multiple staff at the Station House hotel about the events of that evening.

Galway United re-signs Ronan Manning for 2022

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January 8, 2022

galway daily news galway united ronan manning

Galway United have announced that Ronan Manning has re-signed for the 2022 season, after a promising start to last season was cut short due to injury.

Manning, who has now fully recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, said that he is delighted to be resigning at Eamon Deacy Park.

Speaking to Galway United’s media team, Manning said: “Obviously last year didn’t go the way I wanted to go with injury and stuff like that.

“I just got through the rehab and surgery went well, I’m looking forward to getting back into it next year.”

The creative number 10 originally signed for Galway United in 2017, joining the Academy U19s.

He then joined Athlone Town for the 2019 season and 2020 was Ronan’s breakthrough season, contributing goals and assists for Athlone before returning home to Galway United for the 2021 season.

Watch Ronan Manning’s interview with Galway United TV below

COVID-19: 26,122 cases reported this afternoon

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January 8, 2022

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

Health officials have reported 26,122 further cases of COVID-19 in the Republic – the highest number of daily cases since the start of the pandemic.

As of 8am today, 917 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised, of whom 83 are in intensive care units.

There were six fewer confirmed COVID cases receiving treatment at Galway’s public hospitals on Friday evening compared to Thursday, the latest HSE data shows.

The number of people with the virus at University Hospital Galway stood at 48 on Friday at 8pm (-5), while Portiuncula Hospital had seven confirmed cases (-1).

Seven patients were receiving treatment in intensive care units in Galway – five at UHG and two at Portiuncula Hospital.

The Department of Health says that given the current high incidence, the daily case number is based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day and that these data are provisional.

Rising inflation having major impact on families, says Galway TD

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January 8, 2022

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Rising inflation at record levels is having a major impact on workers and families, a Galway TD had warned.

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane was commenting on figures released this week which showed inflation across the euro area rising to 5% in December.

Deputy Kerrane said that in the Cost of Living survey she published in November, the majority (55%) of the 14,500 respondents were working full time and struggling to cover basic essentials.

“Many households have also seen their income drop due to Covid-19 while outgoings remained the same. This is putting huge pressure on people’s finances,” the Sinn Féin TD said.

“We have seen little urgency from the Government to support households. I had brought forward a Dáil Motion last February, almost a year ago, seeking action on household utility debt yet, it took the Government until December last to take action on the energy costs crisis.”

Deputy Kerrane said that in that time, the situation has ‘spiralled out of control for households’, and said there were over 35 price hikes from energy providers last year alone.

She said that Government inaction is not good enough, and that It’s time to deliver “the change that ordinary workers and families need to get a break from spiralling costs.”

Decrease in Covid-19 cases at Galway hospitals

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January 8, 2022

There were six fewer confirmed COVID cases receiving treatment at Galway’s public hospitals on Friday evening compared to Thursday, the latest HSE data shows.

The number of people with the virus at University Hospital Galway stood at 48 on Friday at 8pm (-5), while Portiuncula Hospital had seven confirmed cases (-1).

Seven patients were receiving treatment in intensive care units in Galway – five at UHG and two at Portiuncula Hospital.

The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 nationally also decreased on Friday, from 936 at 8am to 865 at 8am.

The ICU figures for Ireland went from 89 on Thursday evening to 83 on Friday.

Health officials reported 21,926 further confirmed cases of COVID-19 yesterday afternoon.

Government must get serious about safety in schools – PBP

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January 8, 2022

A People Before Profit representative in Galway has said the Government ‘must get serious’ about safety in schools – so that they can remain open.

Adrian Curran said children need to be in school and that education is vital to a child’s development.

He said that the long periods of time that our schools have been shut has put a huge strain on families and has taken a toll on young people who are missing out on this most important cornerstone of their development.

“So why then does our government not do all they can to ensure that schools can remain open?” asked Mr Curran.

“Since the start of this pandemic, parents, pupils and teachers have been calling on the government to put the safety measures in place that would allow the schools to operate safely and remain open, so that students can continue their education with minimum disruption.”

He said that one of the key calls has been for HEPA filters to be provided for every classroom – a relatively inexpensive measure that nonetheless provides considerable protection against transmission of COVID-19.

“But the government has failed to do even this. Instead, schools have been forced to either buy their own filters or leave windows and doors wide open, resulting in students and teachers working in freezing conditions.

“Hardly conducive to a young person’s education, not to mention the teachers and other school staff.

“Other basic measures that have repeatedly been requested include contact tracing in schools carried out by the HSE, serial screening and testing for students and staff, full vaccination made available (on an opt-in basis) for 5-12 year olds before returning to school, boosters offered immediately to 12-18 year olds, and remote learning made available to give medically vulnerable children and families a choice.”

Curran said that if the government was really serious about keeping schools open, they would put these measures in place.

“But instead, they are letting the situation get wildly out of control – all but ensuring the schools will eventually have to close,” he said.

“Many vulnerable families and children have had no choice but to keep their kids at home, due to the total lack of safety in schools.

“These children have been completely isolated from their peers, and deprived by this government of their basic human right to an education. It is unforgivable.”

COVID-19: 21,926 cases reported today

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January 7, 2022

There have been a further 21,926 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 936 people hospitalised with the disease in Ireland, a slight decline on the same time yesterday.

Of these patients 84 have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan have encouraged parents and guardians to have their children vaccinated.

From Saturday, January 8 all children aged 5 to 11 years old will be able to get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Over the Christmas period we reported the highest daily numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases,” Minister Donnelly said.

“As we wait for more evidence to emerge on the severity of infection with the Omicron variant, it is important that we continue to encourage all of those eligible for vaccination to come forward.”

He added that that vaccination offers and extra level of protection for everyone, and that it is important that parents discuss the vaccine with their children.

“As a parent of children in this age group myself, I know that children have many questions about COVID-19 and about this vaccine, and it is important to ensure they can access the information material the HSE have made available.”

Dr Holohan added that while most children in this age group infected will only get a mild form of the disease, some may become severely ill.

“Vaccines are doing an excellent job of preventing severe illness and disease in those who are fully vaccinated. This is good news.”

Getting a child vaccinated is a decision between parents and children, Dr Holohan said, and encouraged to engage with the health advice on the HSE website.

The COVID-19 data hub provides information about the disease in the community, including details on the booster vaccine campaign.

All visiting restricted at Portiuncula Hospital due to COVID-19

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January 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

All visiting at Portiuncula University Hospital is being restricted from today, Friday, due to a rising number of COVID-19 infections in the community.

Visiting will be only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, on compassionate grounds, and visits must be arranged in advance by calling the nurse in charge of the ward.

The nominated support person or visitor must complete a COVID-19 screening checklist and follow the public health guidance, including wearing a FFP2 surgical face mask (when requested) or surgical face mask and performing good hand hygiene regularly.

In line with national guidance on visiting, visitors will be asked to produce their EU Digital COVID Certificate or HSE COVID-19 Vaccination Record – or other proof of immunity – when they arrive.

There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners, in line with national guidance.

Setback for 250 bed Westside student accommodation plans

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January 7, 2022

Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

Plans for a large student accommodation development in the Westside area of Galway City have been set back.

Westside Shopping Centre Limited is seeking approval for a student accommodation development with 250 bed spaces.

The development was put to An Bord Pleanála last August under the Strategic Housing Development consultation process.

During the consultation, the board and city council will consult the initial plans to determine if they are sufficient for a full SHD application to be made.

The development would be located at: A site at Westside Shopping Centre, 2 Seamus Quirke Road.

In a decision on December 6, the board ruled that the plans require further consideration/amendment, and that a full planning application could not yet be made.

The Strategic Housing Development process, which allowed housing and student accommodation development above a certain size to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála, was ended late last year.

Over 50 COVID patients at University Hospital Galway

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January 7, 2022

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

There are more than 50 patients with COVID-19 at University Hospital Galway in the latest figures from the HSE.

As of Thursday evening there were 53 confirmed cases at UHG, and another eight at Portiuncula Hospital.

This represents an increase of ten cases at UHG over the past 24 hours, but three fewer cases in Ballinasloe.

Seven of these patients are being treated in the intensive care units, five at UHG and two at Portiuncula, unchanged from the previous day.

Nationwide there were 884 confirmed cases in Irish hospitals as of yesterday evening, of whom 89 are in the ICU.

The Saolta Group announced today that it is postponing outpatient appointments and elective surgeries from next Monday at Galway University Hospitals, due to the pressure of COVID.

Rising cases and staff absences due to the disease mean that staff need to be reallocated to essential emergency care.

Séamus Woulfe gives evidence to court over golf society dinner

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January 7, 2022

Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

Supreme Court Judge Séamus Woulfe told Galway District Court that there were ambiguities in the regulations on gatherings due to the time pressure involved in drawing them up.

The former Attorney General was giving evidence at the second day of the trial on the Oireachtas Golf Society event in Clifden last year, as one of the guests at said event.

Galway TD Noel Grealish, former Senator Donie Cassidy, and father and son hoteliers John and James Sweeney have been charged in connection with the dinner at the Golf Society event at the Station House hotel in Clifden on August 19, 2020.

Mr Justice Woulfe served as the Attorney General of Ireland from June 2017 to June 2020, and as such was involved in drawing up the Covid regulations at the start of the pandemic.

He told the court that around May or June of 2020 he bumped into Noel Grealish, who asked him if he would be attending the event later that year.

He said that his wife thought that he was “a bit mad” to drive from Donegal to Clifden for the event. he added.

Mr Justice Woulfe said that he queried former Senator Paul Coughlan about the event when he arrived on the evening of August 18, who told him that Mr Cassidy had consulted with authorities and was assured it was compliant.

He said that he was reassured that there was an experienced hotelier like Cassidy involved in the event.

It was only on the day after playing golf when he received a ticket that he learned that it was going to be a group dinner, he said.

Mr Justice Woulfe told the court that he was aware that there were detailed guidelines on the operation of the 50 person rule.

He had not seen the text personally, but knew from his time as Attorney General that there were “a pile of guidelines” fleshing out Covid rules.

There was some “ambiguity” about what exactly a gathering meant, he said, whether it referred to 50 people in a room, a single building, or the whole premises of a hotel. This was because of the time pressure involved in drafting regulations.

It was significant, he told the court, that the government of Ireland harp is found on the front page of those guidelines.

In a previous statement to Gardaí after the event, Mr Justice Woulfe had said that he was aware that the rules in the statutory instruments adopted by the government were “fleshed out in more granular detail” through protocols adopted with sectoral interests.

He said that there was a conscious view towards allowing multiple gatherings in venues, provided that specific conditions were met.

This was a policy applying to all hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in the state, he added.

Mr Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, said that the guidelines allow multiple gatherings so long as they are separate events, with Mr Woulfe responding “separate spaces”.

At the dinner he was in the front portion of the room without about 40 people, and a “white wall” at his back, which he said he didn’t pay much attention to.

When questioned by Edward Walsh SC, he said that the Department of the Taoiseach was central to issuing protocols for different sectors, and agreed that it was a “serious matter” to have the government of Ireland logo on them.

Ms Constance Cassidy SC asked him if he saw anything that night which caused him concern, to which he said “no”.

Other witnesses who have so far given evidence today include Senator Jerry Buttimer and former Senator Lorraine Higgins.

The case continues at Galway District Court.

Connacht GAA moves Indoors

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Angela Mc Bride

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January 7, 2022

History was made earlier this month when the first ever indoor inter-county GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) match was staged between Sligo and Leitrim.

It took place at the Connacht GAA air dome, the largest indoor sports facility of its kind in the world, and provides a glimpse into the future not only for GAA but all types of sport across Ireland.

In a country where, especially in the winter months, climactic conditions can play a significant outcome on the results of a match, or even if it takes at all, there it seems there is now the perfect answer.

And whilst some may argue that weather adds to the unpredictability of the sport, there are others who believe that it can make too much like the games of chance which feature in this online casino guide, Playstival.ie.

Now thanks to the expertise of Slovenia firm DBS Engineering, and a number of local Irish companies, all that is a thing of the past.

The new facility is essentially a full GAA AstroTurf pitch which is covered by an inflated air dome. It also features a fully-equipped gym and a running track.

There is scope for a matchday crowd of up to 2,000 spectators – although current Covid restrictions in Ireland mean that all matches must take place behind closed doors.

And to demonstrate its versatility, when not in use for sporting events, the air dome can be used to host conferences, corporate events, or concerts, accommodating up o 10,000, allowing for a mix of standing and sitting patrons.

The dome has a roof height of 26 meters – twice the height of the goalposts – which means there is no danger of either a football or sliotar hitting the ceiling, although Connacht GAA have offered a prize for anybody who succeeds in managing it.

The new facility, which is located in the West of Ireland between Knock and Ballyhaunis, has not come cheap. It has cost €3.1 million to build, and that is before the daily maintenance costs on top. However, thanks to its multi-purpose nature and the fact that it can be used 24/7 all year round, it is hoped that it will more than pay for itself.

Sligo won the game itself, just edging out their opponents who, having trailed at half-time, came back strongly towards then end of the match. However, all the players enjoyed the experience of playing in the new environment, even if some did admit that it took a little getting used to at first.

Research has shown that GAA has overtaken football to become the most popular sport in Ireland in recent years, with rugby, tennis, golf and swimming trailing behind them.

In terms of individual athletes though, it is boxing champion Katie Taylor who consistently tops polls as the most popular. A two-weight world champion, she is the current undisputed lightweight champion, having held the world title since 2017.

In 2019 she became one of only eight boxers – male or female – to have held all four major titles – WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO – at the same time.

Water outages in Galway City Centre due to burst mains

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January 7, 2022

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

Multiple areas in Galway City area experiencing water outages due to a burst mains today.

Irish Water reported a burst mains in the city centre shortly before 11am this morning.

This is causing outages to Newcastle Road, Canal Road, Presentation Road, Nun’s Island, Willow Park, Mill Street, Bridge Street, Dominick Street, Shop Street, Mainguard Street, Market Street, Lombard Street, Williams Street, Williamsgate Street, Mary Street, Newtownsmith, Woodquay and surrounding areas.

Repairs are underway, and are currently expected to be completed by 2pm on Friday afternoon.

People experiencing water outages are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after works are completed before their full water supply is restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Five months of water mains laying to improve Galway City supply

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January 7, 2022

Galway Daily news Water main replacement

A significant number of homes and businesses in Galway City will benefit from an improved water supply when mains replacement works begin shortly.

Irish Water and Galway City Council will be installing more than three quarters of a kilometre of new mains to improve the reliability of the water supply from from Terryland Water Treatment Plant to Clifton Hill Reservoir

The project will also reduce the high level of leakage in the area from the old water mains.

Gerry O’Donnell of Irish Water explained “This initial phase of works will involve the construction of approximately 400m of new water mains in Moyola Park,”

These will facilitate a new trunk water main from Terryland Water Treatment Plant to Clifton Hill Reservoir, to supplement the existing network.

“To minimise disruption the works will be completed in a phased approach between January and May 2022,” Gerry O’Donnell said.

“The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water interruptions.”

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause.”

The infrastructure works will be carried out by Ward & Burke Construction on behalf of Irish Water.

Worst December on record for trolleys at Portiuncula Hospital

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January 7, 2022

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

Portiuncula Hospital had its worst December on record last month for the number of patients on trolleys, almost four times worse than 2020.

There were 267 patients on trolleys or without a bed at Portiuncula University Hospital last month, compared with 69 in the same period in 2020, where overcrowding was depressed by the pandemic.

This is also a step up from the previous worst year on record in 2019, when there were 242 patients without a bed in Ballinasloe in December.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has been keeping track of the number of patients without a bed in emergency departments and wards since 2016.

The extent to which the trolley crisis has escalated even outside of major urban areas can be seen in the fact that last month figures were five times higher than when records began.

The past four months have all been the worst on record for overcrowding at the Ballinasloe Hospital.

University Hospital Galway fared better than Portiuncula in comparison to recent years last month.

While the 378 patients on trolleys in Galway last month is above the atypically low numbers of 2020, it is lower than the December figures for 2014-2019, when numbers had increased year on year.

Nationwide there were 7,493 patients without a bed in Irish hospitals last month, a 72 percent increase on 2020, but 25 percent lower than in 2019.

Galway University Hospitals postponing surgeries and outpatient appointments

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January 7, 2022

Outpatients appointments and routine surgeries are being postponed at Galway University Hospitals from next week due to COVID pressure.

In a statement issued this morning the Saolta Group said that rising COVID cases, along with related staff absences, are having a significant impact on hospital services in Galway.

A number of outpatients appointments at UHG and Merlin Park Hospital will be postponed starting from Monday, January 10 as a result.

This is to allow the hospitals to redeploy staff to support essential emergency care.

“Ambulatory gynaecology, some endoscopy and other non-theatre day cases are proceeding but remain under review.”

“Patients should confirm that their case is proceeding on the day before it is scheduled using the contact details provided on their appointment notification.”

“All routine inpatient surgeries scheduled have also been postponed. Time sensitive, urgent cases will proceed when it is safe to do them and patients will be contacted if they are to attend.”

The Saolta Group said that this situation is being kept under constant review.

Argument over guidelines dominates first day of golf dinner trial

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January 7, 2022

Galway Daily courts Argument over guidelines dominates first day of golf dinner trial

Intense argument over the nature and value of guidelines for the operation of the hospitality industry dominated much of the first day of the ‘golfgate’ trial at Galway District Court.

Galway TD Noel Grealish and former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy, along with hoteliers James and John Sweeney appeared before a special sitting of the court for the opening of the trial on Thursday.

They have all been charged with organising or allowing to be organised an event that contravened COVID regulations at the Oireachtas Golf Society dinner at the Station House Hotel in Clifden on August 19, 2020.

Prosecutor Eoghan Cole BL said that the state contends that they organised an event with more than 50 people in violation of public health regulations in force at the time, and did not take all reasonable steps to ensure it wouldn’t exceed the legal limit..

Colm Smyth SC, counsel for Donie Cassidy of Castlepollard, Westmeath came out swinging by saying that his clients actions were based on guidelines published by Fáilte Ireland, which the “entire hotel sector” relied on.

He said that these guidelines were created by Fáilte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation in concert with the government, and bore its stamp.

These guidelines allow for more than one gathering to take place indoors, he said, which is why the dinner was separated by a moveable partition wall.

Mr Cole said that it would be a “distortion of reality” to say that there were multiple gatherings, and later reiterated that the guidelines do not have the force of law.

Edward Walsh SC for John Sweeney said that the context of the guidelines need to be clarified, and that they were created by the state liaising with the industry.

He said that the state now appears to be trying to disassociate itself from those guidelines.

Michael McDowell SC for Mr Grealish, of Carnmore, Co. Galway, emphasised that this was a two day event, and that his client only organised the Captain’s competition on August 18, a golf event.

He had no role in organising the President’s dinner which took place on the 19th, Mr McDowell said, which is the subject of the charge.

Ms Constance Cassidy SC, for James Sweeney, said that it is strange that the company of which her client and his father are directors is not being prosecuted, but they are.

During the second half of the day the court heard from numerous witnesses who were also at the event.

Among those, Senator Aidan Davitt said that he stayed at the Station House from August 17 – 19 and thought the hotel staff were extremely professional.

He said they were “on top of their game, particularly in relation to Covid”, and that James Sweeney met him as he arrived and impressed the need for mask wearing.

He said that during the dinner he was sitting in the back room, with maybe 30 people spread across four or five tables.

There was no mixing between tables, which was taken extremely seriously, he said, and the barman behind him insisted he had to order from the waitress.

“I haven’t been at an event before or after in Covid times that has been as well regulated,” Senator Davitt said.

Former Captain of the Guard at Leinster House John Flaherty gave evidence that he satisfied himself that the event was compliant with public health guidelines before attending.

He said that he called the hotel himself on two occasions, and staff assured him that all precautions were being taken. He also spoke with Donie Cassidy about the dinner.

During the dinner he was in the front room, with approximately 45 people spread across six tables, he said. The two suites were separated by a floor to ceiling partition

He said the dinner was followed by a short set of speeches and a prize giving ceremony, which lasted for about 20 minutes, after which everyone “dispersed in a very civilised manner” and didn’t hang around.

When questioned by Mr McDowell he said that Noel Grealish was a “stand-in” captain for the golf event.

Mr Flaherty also said that the owner and general manager of the hotel, Mr Sweeney Jr & Sr were very hands on in ensuring people were complying with Covid requirements.

He said that he saw nothing at the Station House which concerned him, and that he was satisfied the day was Covid compliant.

Towards the end of the day, the written statements of a number of witnesses were read into the court record.

The case continues this morning before the court.

Galway Lotto player is over €300,000 richer!

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January 7, 2022

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

One lucky Lotto player in Galway was one of three who each won €305,478 in Wednesday night’s draw.

Three players in Galway, Mayo, and Offaly split the topped Match 5 + Bonus prize of €916,434.

The €19,060,800 Lotto jackpot remains up for grabs this weekend after there was no overall winner in last night’s draw.

As no additional funds were added to the jackpot as it remains capped, the funds that would usually go to the jackpot were instead distributed to the next prize tier at which there was a winner.

The Galway winner purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket on Tuesday 4th January at Londis in Tí Cloch Mhíle on the Dublin Road in Galway City.

The winning numbers for Wednesday night’s (5th January) Lotto draw were: 08, 24, 36, 38, 41, 45 and the bonus was 16.

The Mayo winner purchased their Quick Pick ticket on Tuesday 4th January at Mulherne’s Applegreen Filling Station and Gala Shop on Ballina Street in Crossmolina.

Business owner Ciaran Mulherne, who runs Mulherne’s Filling Station with his daughter Laura, was thrilled to hear the good news.

“We have a team of 16 working here in-store and there has been a great buzz around the place today.”

“We have been telling all of our customers to check their tickets quickly as one lucky person is over €300,000 better off now.”

“It certainly is nice to get good news and even nicer to start the year off with it – we wish the winner all the very best!”

The Offaly winner purchased their Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw online at www.lottery.ie.

The National Lottery has confirmed that a notification to the user’s online account and a separate email has now been sent to the lucky Offaly ticket holder. The Galway and Mayo winners are advised to sign the back of their tickets and to keep them safe.

All three winners should make contact with the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prizes.

The 5 Stages of Small Business Growth

By

Thomas O'Brien

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January 7, 2022