Most Galway areas record COVID rates below national average

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December 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Parents advised to keep on top of school immunisation programme

The schedule for Ireland’s booster vaccination programme has been accelerated once again, and will be open to all in the new year.

People of all age groups will be eligible to receive a booster vaccine from January 10 the Minister for Health has announced.

This will happen in parallel with children aged 5 -11 years being offered a primary vaccination dose.

From Wednesday, December 29 next week, people aged 30 – 39 will be able to get their booster shot in vaccination centres and pharmacies.

People aged 16 to 29 who received the Janssen vaccine will also be offered a booster from this date through GPs and pharmacies, with vaccination clinics opening to them the following week.

From Monday, January 3 children aged 5 – 11 who have an underlying health condition or live with an at risk person will be able to get jabbed at vaccination centres.

All children in this age group will be eligible for their initial vaccination from Saturday, January 8.

On the following Monday, January 10 booster does will be available to young people aged 16 – 29.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said “As we face into a challenging period, it is important that all groups have the opportunity to be vaccinated with a booster to offer protection to as many people as possible.”

“For most children COVID-19 is a mild illness which will resolve. However, a small minority of children will have more serious disease, and some may experience long-term consequences of COVID-19.”

“As pointed out by NIAC, the potential benefits of vaccination are most obvious for children with underlying conditions, and this is way we are prioritising vaccination for them.”

“COVID-19 has had a significant, negative impact on the lives of all of us, particularly the educational and social lives of our children.”

“The necessary public health measures have disrupted the various developmental opportunities that our children engage in with their peers.”

“All of these factors have informed this decision to accelerate Ireland’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.”

COVID-19: 7,411 new cases as figures expected to rocket in coming days

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

Health officials have reported 7,411 further cases of COVID-19 today as the less deadly Omicron variant now accounts for almost 75% of cases in Ireland.

As of this morning, 390 people with the virus are hospitalised across the State, of whom 98 are in intensive care units.

Dr Tony Holohan said that today’s high number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is not unexpected, and “we expect to see a rapid increase in case figures over the coming short period of time.”

The number of new cases here is expected to rocket over the coming days, with Italy, France and the UK all reporting record high numbers of new cases today due to the ultra-contagious Omicron variant.

“It is imperative that all of us, to the greatest extent possible, make every effort we can in the next two to three weeks to only meet with members of our own households,” said Dr Holohan.

“Consider you plans over the Christmas period and into the early part of the New Year and try to keep your contacts as low as possible.

“If someone in the household receives a “detected” or “positive” test result either via a PCR test or an antigen test, then all members of the household should restrict their movements and not attend work or socialise with others.”

Suspended sentence for man who sent sexual message to teenager

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A man in his 40s who sent sexually explicit messages to a 16 year old girl over facebook has received a two year suspended sentence.

Tom O’Malley (44), of Na Clocha Rua, Carraroe had his sentence finalised at Galway Circuit Court this month, after entering a plea in July of last year.

He pleaded guilty to a single count of the use of information and communication technology to facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child.

The widower and father of two had over 1,300 friends on Facebook, the Circuit Court heard on a previous date last December, the majority of whom were underage girls.

This offence occurred on November 10 of 2018. Garda Aidan Coughlan told the court on the last occasion that Gardaí had received a report five days after this from a then 16 year old girl who said that a man had sent her explicit messages through Facebook Messenger.

The man had sent her a friend request, and she accepted when she saw that they had several mutual friends.

The conversation started out innocently, but O’Malley then sent her a message saying “Great to be riding” followed by heart emojis.

The girl felt extremely embarrassed and stupid, but she “played dumb” and asked him if he had a horse. He responded with smiley face emojis and said no.

The girl felt extremely uncomfortable because she had never had a conversation like this before, and blocked him. A complaint was then made to the Gardaí.

When O’Malley was psychologically assessed by the probation services he admitted that he had hundreds of similar “flirtatious” conversations with young girls.

He felt that it was only meant “jokingly”, and that he was just messing around on his phone.

Judge Rory McCabe indicated at that time that he was considering a two year sentence, but put back finalising it so that O’Malley could come under the supervision of the probation services.

This month the judge imposed the two year sentence, but suspended it in its entirety for two years.

Christmas message from Mayor of Galway City

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Christmas message from Mayor of Galway City

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Colette Connolly is wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas this year in a holiday message from the council.

Mayor Connolly said that it is more important that ever to reach out to family members at a time when people are so isolated from one another.

This is the second Christmas running which has been deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people unable to meet up as they had planned due to the virus.

Mayor Connolly’s full Christmas message for the city is:

“As Mayor of Galway City, I would like to take this opportunity as we approach the end of 2021, to wish you a happy, peaceful and safe Christmas.

“I would like to acknowledge that we are still living in tremendously difficult times as individuals and communities. I deeply understand the effects the restrictions have had on our lives and above all the loss of loved ones and the grieving families and friends left behind.

“Now more than ever, it is important to reach out to family, neighbours and friends to offer support and understanding and strengthen our communities. I sincerely hope the new year will be better for you all.

!I wish you a New Year filled with love, hope, friendship and good health.

Record numbers to take part in Christmas GOAL Mile

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December 23, 2021

galway daily news goal christmas mile run — Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

A record number of people are expected to take part in Ireland’s popular Christmas fundraiser, the GOAL Mile, which will take place in 150 locations across the country over the Christmas period.

This year marks the first time that both in-person and virtual GOAL Miles are taking place following the move online in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The annual event sees people across the country gather over the Christmas holidays to run, jog or walk a mile in support of vulnerable communities across 14 countries where GOAL works in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

First held in 1977, this year’s GOAL Mile is supported by AIB as part of an exciting new three-year partnership.

The GOAL Mile is steeped in tradition, with families and communities running a GOAL Mile as part of their Christmas routine.

Last year Irish humanitarian aid agency GOAL reached more than 14 million people in need in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

GOAL’s work includes supporting those displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria; running nutrition programmes saving the lives of infants in Ethiopia and providing ongoing emergency response to thousands of people affected by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

GOAL’s Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Eamon Sharkey, sees the option of physical or virtual GOAL Miles as an opportunity to connect even more people with their communities, the Irish diaspora and GOAL’s work this Christmas.

“We are so excited to re-connect with people in-person this Christmas. For many, it will have been two years since they were last with family, friends and neighbours, and we hope the GOAL Mile can play a part in bringing people together as we come out of such a challenging period.”

“Of course, there are many people around the world who still can’t be at home or take part in physical events this Christmas.”

“That is why we are delighted to also be encouraging virtual GOAL Miles once again. Last year people from every corner of the world took part to make it a truly global event, and we would love to see that become a part of the longstanding tradition of the GOAL Mile.”

Mobile mast plans for Renmore housing estate rejected

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning granted for new mobile telecoms mast in Headford — Photo: Steve Kazella via Wikimedia Commons

An Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for a mobile mast in a public space attached to a housing estate in Galway City.

Cignal Infrastructure Ireland sought approval to erect a 15m high mast at Renmore Park, to the south west of the Bon Secours Hospital.

Galway City Council had refused planning permission for the mobile mast as it would “seriously injure the streetscape, visual and residential amenities of the area”, with its prominence in an open area.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, with the appeal stating that the visual impact would largely be obscured by existing development in the area.

The appeal also said that the green space affected is at the lower end of the scale of importance of public areas in the city, and that the mobile mast would quickly become just another part of the streetscape.

In upholding the city council’s original decision, An Bord Pleanála cited the location of the development within an open space in a residential area.

“It is considered that insufficient evidence has been provided in respect of alternative sites to support the location of the development”.

Granting planning permission would therefore “negatively impact on the general amenity of the area, including the value of this public space which includes an area of outdoor dining space associated with the adjacent café.”

This would be in conflict with government policy seeking to direct such developments away from residential areas, the Bord’s decision said.

Green light for new Gort recycling centre

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for new Gort recycling centre

Galway County Council has received planning permission for a new civic amenity site / recycling centre in Gort.

Plans have been approved by An Bord Pleanála for the recycling centre on the Kinincha Road to the north of the town centre.

It’s expected that construction will take approximately four months to complete, and the facility will also require a Certificate of Registration from the EPA.

When open it will be able to handle 700 tonnes of recyclable waste per annum. No processing of waste will take place on site.

This will replace an existing bottle bank facility closer to town along the Kinincha Road.

Three public submissions were made concerning this development, all of which welcomed the plans, and their potential to reduce illegal dumping.

Some concerns were raised in the submissions about widening the access road, and potential impacts on its amenity value as a result, and the potential risk from increased traffic.

The Bord inspector’s report said there will be an estimated 43 vehicles per day on the road, which will not have a significant impact.

It also said that the works which the council intends to carry out on the road are minor in nature, and will not significantly change its rural nature.

A Natura Impact Statement, Flood Risk Assessment, and a Bat Survey were prepared and submitted as part of this application process.

Planning permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála with eight conditions attached.

Among those, the perimeter of the site must be planted with native trees and shrubs.

Call for urgent installation of X-ray facility at Tuam Medical Centre

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Criticism levelled at slow delivery of Tuam X-Ray facilities

East Galway TD Sean Canney has called on the HSE to get on with the installation of the X-ray facility at the Tuam Primary Medical Centre as a matter of urgency.

The Independent TD said that he secured €700,000 for the facility in November 2017 through the then Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, but the x-ray service is still not in place.

He said that the HSE has been carrying out feasibility studies, appointed a design team and have prepared costing, but still no progress is being made in over four years.

The proposed diagnostic services is being developed in conjunction with Portiuncula Hospital and it is estimated that 200 x-rays weekly could be carried out resulting in 10,000 visits less to Galway.

“It is my understanding that the delay revolves around the type of contract which is in place and the protracted process involved in changing the structural layout of the building under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Contract,” said Deputy Canney.

“The Primary Care Centre model was designed to provided services locally and keep the hospitals free for acute and emergency services. The x-ray service is fundamental to achieving a successful model for Tuam and North Galway.”

Galway Flying Club circles the landing zone for 75th anniversary

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway Flying Club circles the landing zone for 75th anniversary

The Galway Flying Club is marking an important milestone in the history of Irish aviation this year with its 75th anniversary.

Founded in 1946 in Oranmore, it is the longest-operating flying club in the country.

While the present COVID situation is preventing them from properly celebrating this occasion right now, the club has said that they hope to mark it at a more suitable time in the coming months.

J O’Donnell at Galway Flying Club in 1931

In 1974, the club was invited to move to Galway Airport at Carnmore by the then owners, and has been operating from there ever since.

Today it is made up of approximately 100 members from all walks of life, bound together by a shared love of this uncommon pastime.

Today, their planes have become a common sight buzzing through the skies over Galway County.

Though not a professional flight school, the dedicated voluntary ethos at the club means that it provides training up to Private Pilot Licence level.

more recently it was awarded Approved Training Organisation (ATO) status by the Irish Aviation Authority, allowing it to train pilots to the level of Flight Instructor.

Galway Flying Club’s status as an ATO – one of just a few in the country – is testament to the quality of the Club’s instructors and the systems and procedures they implement.

The success of the Club is recognised on a national platform, having twice been awarded the General & Sport Aviation Award by the aviation industry.

Most recently, RTE’s Nationwide has completed filming the story of Galway Flying Club, which is due to air early next year.

Finlay Bealham signs up for two more years with Connacht

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December 23, 2021

Galway Daily rugby Finlay Bealham 200th appearance — Finlay Bealham. Photo Credit: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Connacht Rugby have announced that Irish International star Finlay Bealham will be staying with the province for another two years.

The versatile forward has committed to a contract extension that will see him stay with Connacht until the end of the 2023/24 season.

Bealham has had a 10-year association with the province, first moving to the West in 2011 to join the Connacht Sub-Academy.

He made his senior debut in February 2014 and signed his first professional contract in the summer of that year.

In those years he has been incredibly prolific with the province, making a total of 167 appearances for Connacht.

Commenting on the announcement, Finlay Bealham said that he is “buzzing” to be staying with Connacht for two more years.

He said that Galway quickly became his home after moving here as a teenager, and that the club have given him incredible opportunities.

“Connacht have given me every opportunity to play at the highest level and we are continuing to evolve and grow in the West.”

Bealham has also made an impact on the international scene with 18 caps for the Irish international side.

He has scored two tries and played in Ireland’s wins over New Zealand both in Chicago in 2016, and more recently at the Aviva Stadium last month.

His extension is a further boost for the club, with new contracts for Jack Carty, Oisín Dowling and Jack Aungier already confirmed and more to be announced in the weeks ahead.

Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend added “Your tighthead prop is the foundation of your scrum and one of the heartbeats of your team, so to have a top shelf bloke”.

“An International prop like Finlay agreeing to stay with us for another two seasons is really really pleasing.”

“He knows Connacht inside out having worked his way through our ranks from our Academy, and he epitomises what hard work and self-belief can achieve.”

“He’s also a huge personality and is very popular with the players, staff and supporters alike. We’re all looking forward to seeing him wear the green of Connacht and hopefully Ireland for many years ahead.”

COVID-19: 6,307 further cases reported today

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December 22, 2021

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

The Department of Health has today reported 6,307 further cases of COVID-19 in the State.

As of 8am today, 429 people with COVID are hospitalised across the country, of whom 100 are in intensive care units.

There has been a total of 5,890 deaths related to the virus notified in the Republic, including 55 deaths newly notified since last Wednesday.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that recent research has shown that many people have reviewed their plans for Christmas, reduced their social contacts and changed or postponed plans in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

“This is a big sacrifice that many have made and will do much to protect all of us over the festive period,” he said.

“It is important that we remember that COVID-19 will still be circulating at a high level after Christmas and into the New Year, and even though it is a difficult message to hear, we must all continue to keep our social contacts low and do all we can to continue to adhere to the public health advice.”

Holohan said that young people are making a “really big effort” to act responsibly and to follow the public health advice.

“It is really important that we all remember there is no one person or group or thing to blame for the situation we find ourselves in, other than the COVID-19 virus.”

Documentary on well-known Galway family of mariners – Na Jimmys

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December 22, 2021

A new documentary on TG4 will focus on Clann Johnny Jimmy Pheaitín – a well-known family of mariners in Connemara.

In Bádóirí- Na Jimmy’s, viewers will get to know brothers Pádraig, Jimmy and Seáinín better, and some of the other relatives who have brought glory to Inse Mhic Cionnaith island and the town of An Cheathrú Rua.

Even though their Galway Hooker, An Mhaighdean Mhara, has been anchored for much of this season, the lads are kept busy sprucing up their Hooker and calling into their relatives who are building new boats.

The trio are not sailing ‘An Mhaighdean Mhara’ this year, they are to be found by the shores of Greatman’s Bay working on the Hooker, or visiting their relations who have their own maritime projects.

Shipwright Pat Michael is coming close to finishing his Galway Hooker, a piece of art being built in the shed next door to home, and the Jimmys’ uncle, Johnny Jimmy, tells how he and his two brothers were the best rowers in Ireland and in England in the 1960s!

John Darba introduces us to the island where he was raised, Inis Mhic Cionaith recalling those days long ago when he used to listen to the wonderful stories of ‘Jimmy an Oileáin’.

Johnny Healion reminisces about a time when the Mhaighdean Mhara was still hauling peat to the Aran Islands, as he now prepares to launch his most newly built Hooker.

Intertwined throughout this programme, the three brothers, Pádraig, Jimmy, and Seáinín, tell the wonderful life they have had by the coast and at sea in the last half a century.

Gardaí investigating after two vehicles torched outside house in the night

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December 22, 2021

Gardaí are appealing for witness after two vehicles were torched outside a house in Galway City over the weekend in an act of apparent arson.

Two vehicles were set on fire in the early hours of the morning of Sunday, December 19 as they sat in the driveway of a house at Inishannagh Park, Newcastle.

The apparent arson took place at approximately 3:30am, and both vehicles sustained significant damage.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that no-one was injured in this incident.

“Gardaí are treating this incident as malicious and are anxious to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the fire, and who may have information.”

“In particular, An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who may have video footage, including dash cam footage, covering a time from 3am to 4am in the Inishannagh Park area.”

“An Garda Síochána is also interested in speaking with any taxi drivers, motorists or residents who may have been in the locality that morning and who may have information.”

Anyone who has information is asked to make contact with Galway Garda Station on 091-538000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Plans for apartment building on vacant site in Rahoon

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December 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

Plans have been submitted to Galway City Council to demolish a vacant bungalow in Rahoon to make way for an apartment building.

Belville Building & Construction is seeking planning permission for a three storey apartment building on the Rahoon Road in Galway City.

This will comprise 14 units in total, 4 one-bedroom apartments, 9 two-bedroom apartments, and 1 three-bedroom apartment.

A new entry point for vehicles and pedestrians onto the Rahoon Road will also be created.

Currently there is a large bungalow, a shed, and a small outbuilding on the site, which have been uninhabited for several years according to the application.

“At the time of the site visit there was some evidence of anti-social behaviour around the site, with empty beverage containers and loose rubbish visible,” the design statement stated.

These are to be demolished to make way for the apartment building on the 0.186 site at Mincloon, Rahoon.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by January

Rare Loggerhead Turtle found stranded in Connemara dies

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December 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Rare Loggerhead Turtle found stranded in Connemara dies

An endangered Loggerhead Turtle who washed up comatose on the shores of Connemara has tragically died despite the best efforts of Galway Atlantaquaria and other specialists to save her.

The 50kg turtle, native to warmer climates, was found by a couple out walking on the beach near Carna last week, and is believed to have been blown off course by Storm Barra.

The couple contacted the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group about what to do, and the unconscious turtle was brought to Galway Atlantaquaria.

When she arrived there the turtle was in a comatose state brought on by cold shock, and aquarium staff have been working these past few days to try and raise her temperature slowly.

Sadly, she never regained consciousness, and the Aquarium said yesterday that the turtle had died.

“We are deeply saddened to share the news that the adult female loggerhead turtle, brought to the aquarium last week has passed away,” Galway Atlantaquaria said in an update on facebook.

“Though every effort was made to save her life, she never regained consciousness. A full post-mortem will take place in the coming weeks.”

“We would like to thank all those involved in her care. Special thanks to Dr. Rita Gately, Dr. Linsey Cox from Gorteen Acre Vets & all the staff at Ark Vets Galway Knocknacarra.”

“We would also like to thank everyone for their kind messages of support over the last week.

Another Connacht player scoops €500k Euromillions prize

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December 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Another Connacht player scoops €500k Euromillions prize

It’s been a lucky week for lotto players in Connacht, as yet another has won €500,000 in the Euromillions Plus Draw.

A player in the Castlerea area of Roscommon was the winner of the top prize in Tuesday night’s EuroMillions Plus draw, claiming the same prize as another player last Friday.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Sunday, December 19 at the Corrib Oil Service Station on St. Patrick’s Street in Castlerea.

Keith Gallagher, Manager of the Corrib Oil station was thrilled at the news, saying that it couldn’t come at a better time.

“One of our customers certainly has had the ultimate early Christmas present this week. With all the talk of restrictions and uncertainty, it’s just lovely to get a good news story like this.”

“All of our staff are delighted with the win and excited that one of our customers has come into such good luck.”

“Hopefully the winner checks their ticket soon and realizes just how much it’s worth before Christmas. The whole team wishes them all the very best with their win!”

The winning numbers in Tuesday night’s EuroMillions Plus draw were: 18, 22, 29, 34, 50.

The lucky player is advised to sign the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place.

The winner should contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prize.

As there was no winner of the astonishing €52,678,478 jackpot on offer last night, Friday night’s jackpot is now set to roll to an estimated €70 million.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses to brazen Eyre Square assault

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December 22, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a brazen assault in Eyre Square, which occurred with large numbers of people nearby.

Last Friday, December 17 a man was walking along the top of Eyre Square when it is alleged he was assaulted by another man.

The attacker is described as a man in his 20s, who was wearing all dark clothing clothing during the assault.

In a statement to Galway Daily Gardaí said “There were a large number of people in Eyre Square area at the time at the Christmas Market and Gardaí are anxious to speak with anyone may have witnesses the altercation between the males or the alleged assault taking place.”

“We are further appealing to any motorists particularly taxi drivers who may have been in the area and may have captured the incident on dash-cam to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.”

Anyone with any information is asked is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091-538000.

Shocking arson at Ballybane playground

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December 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Shocking arson at Ballybane playground

A newly installed bit of equipment at a playground in Ballybane was only there a few days when it was destroyed in an act of mindless vandalism.

The basket swing at the playground in Coillte Mhuirlinne, Ballybane was installed last Friday, but hardly lasted more than two days before falling victim to apparent arson.

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Galway City Council said that the swing was found burned last Sunday, December 19.

“It is the children alone that lose out on a safe way to play outdoors at Christmas because of this mindless act,” the city council said on facebook.

“Please help to protect and respect public amenities by being vigilant and reporting such acts if witnessed.”

No COVID patients in Intensive Care in Galway

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December 22, 2021