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One jackpot winner in tonight’s must-win €19m Lotto draw!

By
Michael Malone
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Galway daily news galway syndicate claims 133,000 euro prize

One lucky lotto player is €19 million richer tonight after winning the jackpot in this evening’s must-win draw.

The jackpot prize had not been won since 9 June and was capped at €19.06 million in early October.

It is not yet known where the winning ticket was sold.

The numbers drawn in the main lotto were: 16, 9, 40, 30, 2, 37, and the bonus number was 23.

The Lotto Plus 1 numbers were: 41, 5, 16, 9, 33, 27, and the bonus ball was 12.

The Lotto Plus 2 numbers were: 44, 23, 19, 11, 26, 6 and the bonus was 16.

The National Lottery website crashed shortly before the 7.55pm must-win €19 million draw this evening, as high traffic volumes caused technical difficulties for the lotto website.

The National Lottery issued an apology to players who have been impacted.

Galway TD reminds people to claim tax back

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news €3 million for funding community facilities in Galway

East Galway TD Seán Canney has reminded people to go to Revenue.ie to claim their tax back this month.

The Independent TD said that January is ‘a good month to review your tax’ and claim back any money due to you in overpaid taxes.

He said that an average taxpayer could be entitled to hundreds of euros in back tax by claiming tax back on health expenses, dental expenses, tuition fees and other expenses such as remote working.

“I have contacted the Minister for Finance and asked how much money he believes Revenue received in overpaid taxes in 2020 and 2021 and what the Department is doing to inform people how best to claim back their overpaid taxes,” said Deputy Canney.

“I have also asked him what changes he intends to make to ensure that people working from home are properly recognised in the tax system in terms of the additional costs they incur for electricity, heat and broadband.

“This month is a good time to gather up your health and other expenses from 2021 and go on to revenue.ie to claim your tax back. If you have any queries in relation to this, I can be contacted in the office on (093) 26476.”

COVID-19: 14,555 PCR confirmed cases reported today

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

Health officials have this afternoon reported 14,555 new PCR confirmed cases of COVID-19 as well as 5,406 positive antigen tests.

The HSE portal to register positive antigen tests opened yesterday, Friday 14 January.

As of 8am today, 940 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom 89 are in ICU.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Galway rose by seven to 83 in the latest HSE figures.

Five of the patients with COVID at UHG are in the intensive care unit, while one of the 11 11 confirmed cases at Portiunucla Hospital are in ICU.

NUI Galway students to get free antigen tests

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news rapid antigen testing ireland

Tens of thousands of antigen test kits are being provided to students at NUI Galway as part of public health efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19.

From Monday, students will be able to collect packs at four locations across the University campus.

“Everyone attending campus needs to adhere to the basic public health measures in the first instance – including not coming to campus if you have symptoms and are supposed to be self-isolating or restricting movements,” said Professor Smyth, Chief Investigator of Project UniCoV and HSE West Director of Public Health.

“Being able to offer free antigen test kits on campus at NUI Galway and giving students the opportunity to take part in Project UniCov demonstrates how we can take a layered approach to public safety and the welfare of students and staff.”

Students can collect five tests at a time, and they are being advised to test twice a week, three days apart.

They are also being advised to self-isolate if they test positive or develop symptoms and to follow public health advice.

Students are also being encouraged to avail of the option for further free antigen and/or salvia PCR testing for 12 weeks in semester two. A special QR code is being made available to students to support the research.

NUI Galway students are also encouraged to get the vaccine booster, to continue to wear face coverings and sanitise hands.

The University saw high levels of compliance from students with public health guidelines during the academic year, and we thank them for that.

The distribution of free antigen test kits is funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

John Hannon, Director of Student Services at NUI Galway, said that there was huge demand for free antigen testing from students in semester one and there will be huge demand again.

“The distribution of the free kits is one of many key steps we are taking as a university to help minimise the spread of Covid and keep our community as safe as possible,” he said.

Silent walk for Ashling Murphy to take place in Galway city today

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news "Fear and anxiety" at anti-social behaviour in Eyre Square

A silent walk in memory of Ashling Murphy will take place in Galway city this afternoon, Saturday 15 January at 4pm.

The walk, which has been organised by NUI Galway Students’ Union, will start at Eyre Square, finishing at the Spanish Arch.

People are invited to gather at Eyre Square at 3.30pm, and bring lights or flowers to remember Ashling Murphy, who was murdered in Tullamore on Wednesday.

Gardaí have identified a new suspect in the murder investigation, and it is understood that the man is receiving treatment at a Dublin hospital for injuries.

The man will be interviewed by Gardaí when he is deemed well enough by medical professionals.

Former RTÉ Western News Correspondent dies aged 75

By
Michael Malone
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Galway daily news JIM FAHY rté dies 75

President Michael D. Higgins has led tributes today to RTÉ’s former Western Editor, Jim Fahy, who has died following a short illness.

Mr Fahy, 75, was the station’s longest serving regional correspondent when he retired in 2011.

President Higgins described the reporter as one of Ireland’s finest broadcasters, saying that for generations of people he was a familiar voice, associated with the reporting of events across the west of Ireland.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Mr Fahy’s “distinct voice and eye for a story uncovered every facet of life in the west of Ireland, as well as major international events like 9/11.”

Jim Fahy started his career with the Tuam Herald and made the leap to broadcasting in the early 70s.

His ‘Looking West’ radio series featured stories from people who had witnessed life in rural Ireland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

He also travelled further afield, reporting on the lives of those impacted by famine, war and poverty.

Mr Fahy retired on New Year’s Eve 2011 after 38 years as RTÉ’s first Western News Correspondent. He is survived by his wife Christina, their children and grandchildren.

The top football leagues Irish fans watch regularly

By
Thomas O'Brien
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Ireland is home to some of the most loyal and avid football fans and watchers globally. The fans enjoy watching matches featuring teams from different parts of the world. The football betting market in Ireland is also popular. Irish football fans can bet on football matches from different global leagues. Below are some of the top football leagues Irish fans watch regularly.

The League of Ireland

The League of Ireland is one of the main governing bodies that organize association football in Ireland. It was founded in 1921. The league features five divisions; the premier division, first division, U19, U17, and U13 division. Airtricity currently sponsors the divisions. For this reason, the league of Ireland is also known as the SSE Airtricity League. The League of Ireland is understandably popular among Irish football fans. It works closely with the Football Association of Ireland.

English Premier League

This football league started in 1981 as the Football league before it was rebranded as FA premier league in 1992. The English premier league is one of the best football leagues globally. The league is currently the world’s largest, brightest, and most dominant football league. The English premier league’s matches are televised in more than 210 countries. More than 4.7 billion people watch English Premier League matches, including Irish fans. About 90% of Irish football fans regularly watch English Premier League matches and also bet on it using some of the best Premier League tips. Therefore, it is one of the top football leagues among Irish fans.

Spanish La Liga

The Spanish La Liga football league is also quite popular. It is followed by many global fans, including Irish football lovers. The league is home to some of the world’s greatest soccer teams and players. It is also regarded as the best European soccer league. Spanish La Liga matches are usually watched by more than 76 million people globally. It is worth mentioning that this football league brought up the world’s greatest footballers, like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The two played for Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively. While their departure from the league affected its popularity, it is still one of the world’s most popular football leagues.

German Bundesliga

The German Bundesliga is also quite popular. It is arguably the best league that natures and produces the best talents in the football world. German Bundesliga was established in 1952 as a talent factory. It is also considered one of the toughest leagues. Like football fans in different parts of the world, Irish fans enjoy watching the tough competition between teams in the German Bundesliga. This league also boasts of the highest average attendance globally. Bayern Munich is the most popular team in the German Bundesliga. It is also a 30 time German Champion. This is a challenge as it indicates a lack of competition. The Bundesliga has one of the most passionate and crazy fans.

The Italian Seria A

This football league was established in 1898. The Italian Seria A football league has gained popularity since Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus. Cristiano’s participation in the league increased its viewership by millions. It is currently one of the world’s most exciting football leagues, with millions of Irish viewers. This can be attributed to the incredible football leagues with the most legendary players, like Diego Maradona, Nesta, Buffon, and Del Piero.

The Major League Soccer

The Major League Soccer is an American professional league founded in 1993. The league has recently witnessed tremendous expansion and growth getting millions of new views per game. The Major Premier League features 23 clubs. The clubs play 34 matches, and the champion gets the Supporter’s Shield. The regular season spans from March to October. The league also features some of the best players internationally, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and David Villa. These players have played a significant role in boosting the league’s quality, creativity, and experience.

UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League

The UEFA Champions League is one of the most popular football leagues globally. It features tens of millions of global viewers, including Irish football fans. It is also one of the most competitive football leagues, with clubs competing to get the Champions of Europe title. On the other hand, the EUEFA Europa League is junior to the Champions League. While it is not as popular as the EUEFA Champions League, it still enjoys tremendous global viewership. Players consider this league as the ticket to getting into the Champions League. The UEFA Europa League’s champions qualify for the next year’s Champions League.

The UEFA Nations League

This is an annual international football tournament between members of the UEFA association. The league was established in 2018, and it features 54 UEFA national teams. The teams are divided into four divisions. The teams play according to their international football ranking and can be promoted or relegated depending on their position at the table. Winners from each group qualify to the final National League. Despite being a relatively new league, it boasts millions of international viewers. Its popularity can be attributed to its inclusion of several teams. Irish football fans enjoy watching the UEFA national league because it features their favourite teams and players. It is also one of the most competitive leagues to arise recently. So far, Portugal and France have taken the championship titles.

Conclusion

One of the best things about Irish football fans is that they are open to watching matches featuring international clubs and players. Arguably, international football leagues are more popular than the local Ireland football league.

UHG bucks national trend as Covid cases rise at hospital

By
Angela Mc Bride
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The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Galway rose by seven to 83 in the latest HSE figures – despite hospitalisations falling nationally.

There were 907 people with the virus in Irish hospitals when the data was taken last night – with UHG recording the highest number of cases of any hospital in the State.

This has risen slightly to 940 today, but the figure is still a significant decrease since yesterday morning when 1,023 cases were hospitalised.

Five of the patients with COVID at UHG are in the intensive care unit, while one of the 11 11 confirmed cases at Portiunucla Hospital are in ICU.

Nationally, there are 89 people with the disease in intensive care units.

A further 17,065 confirmed cases of COVID-19 were reported by the Department of Health yesterday.

John Joe under suspicion, and taking lumps, in Ros na Rún

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily television John Joe under suspicion, and taking lumps, in Ros na Rún

Sorcha has second thoughts about getting all the land from Cóilí Jackie, and John Joe tries to allay suspicions of an affair in Ros na Rún.

John Joe is being hammered from multiple sides, as both Micheál and O’Shea believe he is having an affair with Laoise.

He tries to convince them both that there’s nothing going on, but just how long can this last?

Malachaí is keen to get the land Cóilí Jackie possesses signed over to Sadie and  Sorcha, as quickly as possible.

But Sorcha feels bad for bad for Cóilí Jackie and tries to get Sadie on board to reach a compromise with him over the land. Will this blow up in her face?

Berni is acutely aware that she will soon be visibly pregnant, and wants to hide the fact that Briain is the father. Just what is her plan to achieve this?

Rónán’s writing skills, or lack of them, is impacting on his work. Faced with losing his job, will he be able to face up to the fact that he has a problem?

Catch up on all the latest from this week’s episodes of Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday at 7:30pm.

Council refuses plans to double height of Gort mobile mast

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning refused again for Galway City mobile tower

Galway County Council has refused planning permission for a new mobile broadband mast in Gort that would be double the size of the existing one.

Vodafone Ireland sought planning permission to take down a 15.1m high mast at the Eir Exchange site on Barrack Street, Gort.

In its place they sought to erect a 30m high mobile mast carrying antennae and dishes, along with associated ground equipment, to support wireless data and broadband services.

Eir and Imagine Broadband both submitted letters with the application, stating that they would be interested in co-locating equipment on the new mast to improve their services in the area.

The planning application stated that the existing tower and foundations are not capable of supporting two new operators.

Concerns were raised by the council inspector about the visual impact from a mast of this height in the middle of the town, as well as the view from Gort River Walkway.

In refusing planning permission, the county council said that “notwithstanding the fact that the site is already occupied by a telecommunications support structure”, this proposal would have a “significantly increased” detrimental visual impact on the area.

It would therefore detract from the visual amenity of the area, and be contrary to proper planning and sustainable development.

COVID-19: A further 17,065 cases reported

By
Briain Kelly
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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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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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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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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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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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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:

  1. Conor Flatley (Baile Clár na Gaillimhe)
  2. Cillian McDaid (Muine Mheá/Mainistir)
  3. Seán Fitzgerald (Bearna)
  4. Liam Silke (Corafine)
  5. Dylan McHugh (Corafine)
  6. Seán Kelly (C) (Maigh Cuilinn)
  7. Johnny Heaney (Cill Ainnin)
  8. Paul Conroy (Naomh Séamus)
  9. Paul Kelly (Maigh Cuilinn)
  10. Cormac McWalter (Realta Thuama)
  11. Owen Gallagher (Maigh Cuilinn)
  12. Finnian Ó Laoí (An Spidéal)
  13. Patrick Kelly (An Creagán/Maigh Locha)
  14. Robert Finnerty (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrach)
  15. Dessie Conneely (Maigh Cuilinn)
  16. Connor Gleeson (Dún Mhór Mhic Eil)
  17. Jack Glynn (Baile Clár na Gaillimhe)
  18. Tony Gill (Corafine)
  19. Cathal Sweeney (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrac)
  20. Kieran Molloy (Corafine)
  21. Liam Costello (Baile An Mhuilinn)
  22. James McLoughlin (Maigh Cuilinn)
  23. Mathew Tierney (Uachtar Ard)
  24. Shane Walsh (Cill Choirín/Cluain Bheirn)
  25. Tomo Culhane (Bothar na Trá/Cnoc na Cathrach)
  26. Dylan Canny (Corafine)

Over 900 arrested for drink and drug driving over holidays

By
Briain Kelly
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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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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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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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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.

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