Campaign launched highlighting signs and dangers of ‘spiking’

-

December 15, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

Families and individuals could save almost €2,000 per year by switching utility and service providers, a Galway Fine Gael senator has said.

Senators Aisling Dolan found that savings can be made on a range of costs including electricity, phone, broadband, health and motor insurance, by taking some time to secure better offers from other providers.

Senator Dolan, who lives in rented accommodation in Galway, found making the switch to other service providers will benefit her by roughly €800 this year.

She said that working from home has become a way of life for most people since the start of the pandemic.

“Most companies have a Virtual Private Network to access their own systems and that can use additional bandwidth, so quality broadband is in high demand,” said Senator Dolan.

“If you’re in a commercial zone you can have a choice of a number of providers, however the situation might be different for people in rural Ireland.

“Most providers give a 12-month discount for new customers; with one provider I could save €372 for broadband by paying €349.87 for a plan normally worth €721.87.”

On the Health Insurance Authority’s price comparison tool, Senator Dolan found she could save almost €200 per year for the same plan that she currently has with a different health insurer.

“I currently pay €770 for car insurance for a comprehensive policy, but I could get the same policy for €200 less including a €40 bonus for buying online, with a different company,” she said.

“With a little effort and perseverance, you can make your money go further so I would encourage people to make the switch today as better deals and offers are a mouse-click away.”

First show for Connemara arts venue features in RnaG Christmas schedule

By

-

December 15, 2021

galway daily news raidio na gaeltachta an cosan draiochta

The radio premiere of a Connemara arts venue’s first production will be broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta as part of the stations Christmas schedule.

An Cosán Draíochta, a production by the a new arts and music venue in An Spidéal Stiúideo Cuan,, will feature on RnaG on Christmas Day.

Connemara box player Johnny Óg Connolly was commissioned by Stiúideo Cuan to write An Cosán Draíochta, and the work honours the memory of his father, legendary melodeon player Johnny Connolly, who died in 2019.

It was first performed on stage in November, and a live recording of the performance will be aired on Christmas Day at 3.00pm with musicians including Johnny Óg, Clíodhna Ní Choisdealbha (banjo), Ciara Ní Bhriain (fiddle), Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill (guitar), Jim Higgins (percussion), Seosamh Ó Neachtain (dance) and the talented singer Bríd Treasa Ní Ghaothín.

On St Stephen’s Day, Spórt an Lae will feature an interview with Galway hurling legend John Connolly, who was on the county’s All-Ireland winning team in 1980.

John was also a member of the brilliant Castlegar teams that won six county finals between 1967 and 1980, and of course the Hurling Club Championship too in 1980. He takes a walk down memory lane with Gearóidín Nic an Iomaire on the programme.

Ó Chonamara go Crimea will be broadcast on Tuesday 28 December at 5.05 pm and tells the story of a young man from Connemara, Pádraig Ó Gionnáin, who was born just before the Famine, and enlisted in the Connaught Rangers and went to fight in the Crimean War in 1854 and 1855.

In the programme, funded by the BAI and presented by Mícheál Ó Gionnáin, listeners will hear a description of life in Conamara at the time, and the central role of the Connaught Rangers in the community.

Seán Bán Breathnach will be keeping listeners entertained every weekday morning throughout the Christmas period from 9 am to 11 am with interviews, music and a bit of craic on SBB ar Maidin.

If you’re at home on New Year’s Eve and fancy some good company, tune in to Slán le 2021, where Jó Ní Chéide and Séamus Ó Scanláin will help you to see out the old year and welcome 2022.

Seaweed harvesting has changed a lot in the last few years, and in Ag Saothrú na Feamainne on Tuesday 4 January at 2 pm, Treasa Bhreathnach examines some of those changes, and learns about the seaweed industry in the west today with interviews with Murchadh Ó Cuanaí, a Connemara seaweed harvester, Pádraic Mac Diarmada, manager of The Seaweed Centre in Leitir Mealláin, and scientist Iarfhlaith Ó Connalláin from Cartron Point Shellfish in Co. Clare.

Music Editor Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha will bring us a series of great concerts as part of the Christmas schedule too, including a concert to honour Johnny Connolly from 2016 which featured legends such as Joe Burke and Máirtín O’Connor, and there’ll be plenty more good reasons to tune in.

Full details of the schedule are available at www.rte.ie/rnag

COVID-19: Further decrease in Galway hospital numbers

By

-

December 15, 2021

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

The number of people with COVID-19 receiving care at Galway’s public hospitals has decreased again in the latest HSE data.

There are now 13 people diagnosed with COVID at University Hospital Galway, while the number of people with the disease at Portiuncula Hospital has fallen to just four.

As of 8pm on Tuesday evening, one of the COVID-19 patients at UHG is in intensive care and two of the four confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital are also in ICU.

Nationally, there were 457 people with the virus in hospitals nationally. Of those, 109 were in intensive care units.

The Department of Health reported 3,887 further cases of COVID-19 in the State yesterday evening.

Dr Tony Holohan said that the results suggest that approximately 14% of the cases are due to the Omicron variant.

Galway home could be crowned ‘Ireland’s Most Christmassy Home’

By

-

December 15, 2021

galway daily news irelands most christmassy home

A home in Galway is in the running to be crowned the ‘most Christmassy’ home in the country after being shortlisted in Energia’s annual festive house awards.

James Carrick’s home in Galway City is shortlisted alongside five others and he is in with a chance of scooping a €6,000 prize which he can donate to a charity of his choice.

Voting Energia’s Most Christmassy Home awards closes at midnight on Sunday 19 and the winners will be announced the following day.

Portiuncula Hospital manager issues visiting update

By

-

December 15, 2021

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

The hospital manager at Portiuncula University Hospital has issued an update for visitors following new national guidance on visiting restrictions.

Visitors to all hospitals are now being asked to show their EU COVID Cert or HSE Vaccination Record, or other proof of immunity, at the entrance.

Hospital Manager James Keane said that he is aware how important it is for patients to have a visitor every day – but that this must be balanced with the need to reduce the footfall in the hospital.

He said that access to visitors is limited to one person per patient each day between 3.00pm and 4.30pm.

“We ask that the nominated support person (visitor) telephones the relevant ward in advance to book a visit.”

Mr Keane said that the contact details for the ward are given to the patient when they are admitted.

“There are separate arrangements in place for access to the maternity department for nominated support partners,” he added.

“Children may not visit the hospital unless agreed in advance, on compassionate grounds, with the ward / unit manager.

“If you are a nominated support person (visitor) for a patient in the hospital, we ask that you do not visit the hospital if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 or are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.”

Mr Keane said that staff at the hospital are grateful to the public for their ongoing co-operation in ensuring we can facilitate visiting in a safe manner to protect both patients and visitors.

COVID-19: 3,887 new cases as Holohan warns of Omicron rise

By

-

December 14, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 3,887 further cases of COVID-19 in the State today.

As of 8am today, 493 people with COVID-19 are hospitalised nationally, of whom 109 are in intensive care units.

Dr Tony Holohan, the chief medical officer, said that the results today suggest that approximately 14% of the cases are due to the Omicron variant.

“In line with the experience of many other countries, we can expect this proportion to rise rapidly over the coming days,” said Dr Holohan.

“The goal now is to limit the spread of COVID-19 through our tried and tested preventive measures. These measures can protect us and our families and will allow time for the booster vaccination programme to take effect.

“This means that as we move closer to Christmas, we must try to reduce the number of people we meet, avoid crowds and work from home unless it is essential to attend in person.

“I encourage anyone eligible for a booster vaccination to take that opportunity. Boosters are proven to be effective in restoring protection against all variants of COVID-19.”

People urged to #BeSound in pubs over Christmas

By

-

December 14, 2021

galway daily news pubs reopening on july 5th in ireland

People heading to their favourite pubs and venues during the Christmas holidays are being asked to #BeSound, in a campaign launched by Drinks Ireland at the weekend.

The #BeSound campaign is encouraging customers to respect the guidelines that are in place in pubs over the festive period.

Drinks Ireland says that the measures are in place to keep these venues safe and open, and patrons are being asked to wash their hands, use hand sanitiser, stick to their table and wear a mask while walking around.

People are also reminded to be patient and respect the staff as they are working hard to keep everyone safe, and ensure we have a great time this festive season.

Finally, everyone is reminded to respect each other, having regard for other customers so that everyone can enjoy themselves.

“Ireland’s pubs are a vital part of the country’s social fabric, especially at Christmastime, said Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland.

“Our #BeSound campaign is asking customers to continue to act respectfully, so we can all enjoy a safe Christmas as we socialise.”

Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association said: “Irish hospitality venues have worked hard throughout the pandemic when they have been open to keep everyone safe, with a number of restrictions in place.

“While we continue to operate with these COVID-19 measures, we’re asking customers to remember to #BeSound, so we can all keep each other safe.”

Remember to #BeSound this Christmas…

Everyone is reminded to Respect Each Other in the pub, having regard for other customers so everyone can enjoy themselves. @LVADublinPubs @VFIpubs https://t.co/0qqFtQAY4i pic.twitter.com/HRpFBbulZb

— Drinks Ireland (@DrinksIreland) December 13, 2021

Padraig Cribben CEO of the Vintners Federation of Ireland said that Christmas is a vital trading period for Ireland’s pubs.

“Hospitality venues across the country are gearing up to welcome customers in safely, connecting friends, families and colleagues over a drink, a meal and some great conversation,” he said.

Galway named Ireland’s most generous county – again!

By

-

December 14, 2021

Galway Daily business VAT refund changes threaten Galway's tourism and retail report claims

Ireland has topped GoFundMe’s global generosity charts for the third year in a row, according to the website’s annual giving report for 2021.

And Galway once again came out on top for being the most generous county Ireland, with more donations per capita than any other county.

Over 800,000 donations were made in Ireland throughout 2021 and globally one donation was made every second to help people across the globe.

After Ireland the most generous countries in the world on GoFundMe are; the US, Canada, Great Britain and Australia.

GoFundMe CEO Tim Cadogan said: “We saw again in 2021 that people want to help each other, as communities around the world turned to GoFundMe as the easiest, safest and most effective place to take action and make an impact.

“This year, we saw an overwhelming display of gratitude on the platform. More than 15 million thank you messages were sent to the GoFundMe community, reiterating that these donations are so much more than a transaction, they are profoundly important acts of support and hope.”

As the Covid-19 pandemic continued and its impact was felt around the world, people continued to donate to support campaigns helping those worst affected as well as other causes – campaigns for newlyweds, animals and the environment were the fastest growing categories over the last twelve months.

The Mark Dalton Recovery Fund raised over €318,000 to help the secondary school student and Waterford Minor Hurler on his rehabilitation journey after a devastating car crash at the end of last year.

The Help us provide a home for Shelly and her girls campaign raised over €280,000 to help Shelly and her family build their home after her husband was tragically killed in a workplace accident.

The young family had been living in a mobile home on the site they intended to build on while they saved when the tragic accident occurred.

The Johnny Hasset campaign, started by The Breeze-up Consignors Association earlier this year, was set up to help pay for Johnny’s cancer treatment and has raised €277,180.

COVID-19: Slight decrease in cases at UHG

By

-

December 14, 2021

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 has decreased slightly in the latest data from the HSE.

There are 12 people with the disease at University Hospital Galway and eight at Portiuncula Hospital Galway in Ballinasloe as of Monday evening.

Two COVID-19 patients at each hospital are in intensive care, while nationally there are 108 people with the virus in ICU.

Over a third of patients receiving critical care in Irish hospitals have been diagnosed with COVID-19.

When the HSE data was taken on Monday evening, 481 people with the virus were hospitalised across the country – down from 518 12 hours earlier.

Galway businesswoman wins big in new programme for entrepreneurs

By

-

December 14, 2021

Galway-based HidraMed Solutions has been named among the winners at Visa’s inaugural She’s Next Grant Programme today.

HidraMed Solutions, founded by Suzanne Moloney, was chosen from hundreds of entrants as the winner in the Innovation category of the programme.

The ‘She’s Next’ programme sees five women business-owners in Ireland receive a grant of €5,000 and one-year business coaching through IFundWomen.

HidraMed Solutions is the company behind HidraWear, which has revolutionised wound care for those suffering from the incurable and debilitating skin disease, Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS).

As someone diagnosed with HS, Suzanne wanted to find a better way to manage her medical condition and care for her wounds daily.

Suzanne created HidraWear – a patented range of adhesive-free dressings that fit into specially created underwear to help to alleviate the burden of HS. HidraWear is listed on the national health reimbursement schemes in four markets, including Ireland, with a view to expanding into the US in 2022.

Speaking about her win, Suzanne said that the last few years have seen HidraMed transition from a fun start-up to a fully operational organisation.

“The mentoring opportunity through the She’s Next Grant Programme is timely as it will help me through this transition, particularly as the business expands into new markets,” she said.

“As we grow, we are developing new products, and the funding will contribute to tooling costs related to a new dressing design we are working on at the moment, aimed to launch in 2022.”

The programme received over 200 entries from Ireland’s women entrepreneurs with representation from multiple sectors including technology, education, retail and culture.

The judges were particularly impressed by the ingenuity, the passion for their business and entrepreneurial spirit of the five winning recipients.

“We were blown away by the response to Ireland’s inaugural programme and it’s clear from the calibre of entries that entrepreneurship among women in Ireland is flourishing” said Dominic White, country manager, Visa Ireland.

“But the feedback we have received from entrants is that women need more support and can benefit hugely from coaching and the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs.

“We warmly congratulate the five fantastic winners and look forward to seeing them take the next step in growing their businesses.”

TG4 to broadcast musical celebration of Joe Burke on Christmas Day

By

-

December 14, 2021

galway daily news joe burke tg4 musician

TG4 will broadcast a musical celebration in memory of Galway musician Joe Burke on Christmas Day.

The special programme will see performances from some of the most influential Irish musical figures including his wife Ann, who is also a phenomenal accordion player.

Joe Burke, who was a giant of traditional music and accordion, died in February this year and the show will be a special night of celebration with family and friends.

TG4 will celebrate the man who lifted many hearts with his wit and storytelling as well as influencing countless musicians all over the world.

Some of these musicians will feature in the programme, with performances from Ann Conroy Burke, Mary Conroy, Frankie Gavin, Charlie Lennon, Eileen O’Brien, Máire Ní Chathasaigh, Liz & Yvonne Keane, Jackie Daly, Dermot Byrne, Máire Ní Chathasaigh agus Conchubhar Ó Luasa.

Lad O’Beirne, Aggie White, Paddy Killoran and Andy McGann are just some of the most famous musical names of the 20^th century and they were all close friends and musical collaborators of Joe Burke.

Viewers will get an insight into the long musical life of this musician while he was over in America and later upon return to his native Galway.

Joe Burke undoubtably influenced the progress of accordion music in Ireland especially that which is played in B/C tuning and he is recognised as one of the most influential figures of Irish music of the last 100 years and that is especially true for young emerging talent.

He’s a man who left a rich archive of recordings in his wake, not only of his own unique playing but also invaluable recordings of some of the early 20^th century musicians, most notably never before heard tracks of the legendary Michael Coleman.

As Burke himself said,‘You don’t just play music for life. Music becomes your life.’

Joe wore many hats as a musician, teacher and archivist and we’ll get an emotive insight into these aspects of his life in this loving energetic tribute to a special man.

Joe Burke – Ceiliúradh airs on Christmas Day at 10.20pm and worldwide on the TG4 Player.

Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

By

-

December 14, 2021

galway daily news Vaccine booster clinic continuing today for people in their 50s

Walk-in vaccination clinics for people in their 50s to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster are continuing in Galway City today.

The vaccination centre at Ballybrit Racecourse will be open for people aged 50-59 to get their booster shot without needing an appointment from 2pm to 8pm today.

This is available for people who got their second dose on or before July 17, or have gone at least three months since getting the single dose Janssen vaccine.

There were no major delays reported at a similar clinic on Monday morning, where close to 1,000 people got their shot.

Frank Harburn, Saolta General Manager for the rollout of the vaccination programme said “It is difficult to anticipate how many people will arrive at the same time to a walk-in clinic and people may have to queue.”

“Please bear with us. Staff will be working hard to keep the queue moving and reduce the waiting time.”

Along with these clinics, people can also get their booster shot from participating pharmacies, details of which are available on the HSE’s website.

Anyone who has had COVID-19 since their previous vaccination should wait to get their booster dose at least 6 months after the positive test result.

People coming to a walk-in clinic for their booster vaccine should bring their PPS number and a photo ID. If the photo ID doesn’t include date of birth, please bring proof of DOB (e.g. birth cert).

Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

By

-

December 14, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

Galway County Council has granted more time to finish construction of an estate of 113 houses in Moycullen.

Solemia Unlimited Company has been granted a two year extension of planning permission for a housing development at Kylebroughlan, Moycullen.

When completed, it will comprise 24 five-bed detached dwellings, 4 four-bed detached dwellings, 24 four-bed semi detached dwellings, 48 three-bed semi-detached dwellings, and 13 three-bed terrace dwellings, along with a creche.

There have been 30 houses completed, sold, and occupied to date, and another 19 are due to be done by the end of this year.

Other works which have been finished include significant portions of internal roads, the landscaping and open space at Coill Ard. Work has also commenced on ground works to prepare for another 30 houses.

Outline planning permission was first granted for the housing development in 2006, and the council has approved two extensions of it since then.

The planning permission was due to expire this December 31, and the developer said in the EOD application that the builder expects construction to be completed by the end of 2022.

However, due to the “huge delays with the delivery and sourcing of materials and labour” in the construction industry right now, the maximum two years was sought.

Galway County Council granted the extension of planning permission without any conditions.

Weather Warning: Caution advised as fog to develop overnight

By

-

December 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Met Eireann issues Fog warning as motorists advised to exercise caution

Motorists should take care on the road tonight, as visibility is set to plummet with fog rolling in from Monday evening to Tuesday morning.

A status yellow weather warning for fog across all of Ireland has been issued by Met Eireann, which will be in effect from 7pm tonight to 9am on Tuesday.

“Fog developing in some areas with reduced visibility leading to difficult travel conditions.”

Temperatures in Galway will drop as low as 0 in some place tonight, though they will remain higher in coastal areas, as high as 7-8 degrees at times.

Southwesterly winds will pick up strength tonight, becoming strong in coastal and persisting into Wednesday.

Conditions will remain overcast but mostly dry tonight and into Tuesday, with some clear spells as well.

In fact, after a vicious hammering by Storm Barra last week, Met Eireann is forecasting a mild turn in the weather for the remainder the week.

It is expected to remain dry for the most part, though the sun is not expected to make any prolonged appearances, and temperatures will remain in the region of 8 to 10 degrees until the weekend.

€14,000 raised for charity by Galway Lidl shoppers

By

-

December 13, 2021

galway daily news tolly dash lidl gort — Lidl Gort customer, Joanne Brannigan of Shaneaglish managed to grab 246 worth of goodies making for a Merry Lidl Christmas with Lidl Gort store manager Mariusz . Photo: Xposure

Over €13,990 has been raised in Galway through Lidl’s annual Trolley Dash fundraiser for JIGSAW, the national centre for youth mental health.

The festive fundraiser raised over €280,000 across Ireland in support of the charity, receiving fantastic support from generous customers across Lidl’s stores.

Trolley Dash tickets were sold in Lidl stores nationwide in November for just €1, offering customers the chance to win a supermarket sweep style dash around their local nearest Lidl store.

The winning customers took to the aisles over the past week to scoop their Christmas shopping as part of the festive fundraiser and bagged over 170 trolley loads of groceries just in time for Christmas.

Over the past seven years, Trolley Dash fundraisers have raised over €2million for the supermarkets charity partners and given away trolley loads of Christmas groceries to the lucky winners.

Speaking about the success of this year’s Trolley Dash, Lidl Ireland Head of CSR, Owen Keogh said that it’s an incredible milestone to have raised over €280,000 in this year’s Trolley Dash, and that it’s a fun and festive way to mobilise efforts in support of a super charity.

“With restrictions over the past two years, looking after local community’s big and small is more important than ever, he said.

“The whole team at Lidl Ireland are heartened by the generosity and that so many customers wanted to contribute to a cause that has a real impact for those looking for support in times of need.”

After receiving the charity donation, Jigsaw CEO Joseph Duffy said: “We continue to see a significant increase in the demand for our services and supports across Ireland and it is so important that young people, their families, teachers and communities know that we are here to support them.

“Thank you so much to Lidl Ireland for this incredible donation from Trolley Dash, made possible by your generous customers – Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and contributed in raising these vital funds, which will enable us to be there to support young people, when and where they need us.”

Trolley Dash is one of many initiatives by Lidl Ireland to fundraise for Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health and engage customers and local communities with various activities.

A special Lidl Elf Factory pop up event was also held in Oranmore, Ballyvolane in Cork and Tallaght where children were invited to stuff and name their own elf toy, create a special Christmas decoration and write and post their letter to Santa.

Galway schools awarded €4 million minor works funding

By

-

December 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Almost 1,000 Ukrainian pupils enrolled in Galway schools

Galway has been awarded €4.04 million for minor maintenance and improvement works in schools, as well as COVID-19 mitigations.

The Department of Education has announced that €45 million is being paid to primary and special schools under the Minor Works programme.

At the same time, a further €17.5 million has been confirmed for post primary schools to carry put once-off COVID-19 minor works

Minister for Education Norma Foley said that this funding will allow schools to perform regular minor works, as well as addressing “small-scale ventilation improvements” as a “sort term mitigation measure” for the pandemic.

“Minor works funding is important in terms of supporting the operation of schools generally and particularly within a Covid-19 environment.”

“Schools may also apply for emergency works grant assistance to address larger-scale issues on a permanent basis,” Minister Foley said.

“This funding also provides an opportunity for schools to enhance their outdoor learning environments for use as the weather permits.”

The works that can be undertaken under the primary minor works scheme include maintenance and small-scale improvements to buildings and grounds.

The grants can also be used for replacing mechanical or electrical services, buying furniture and physical education equipment, floor and window coverings, and IT related equipment.

At the primary level, the funding consists of a flat grant of €5,500, and additional funding based on their enrollment, up to €14,750 total.

For the post-primary level, the Covid-19 Minor Works Grant is for €20,000 – €35,000 based on enrollment.

Public seminar on promoting equality and human rights in Galway City

By

-

December 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Public seminar on promoting equality and human rights in Galway City

Galway City Community Network is holding a public meeting online this week on the implementation of equality and human rights in the public sector.

The online seminar this Friday will outline how civil society groups and those with lived experience of discrimination, inequality and a denial of human rights are in the best position to help public bodies eliminate them in Galway.

The event will also include the launch of the Equality and Rights in Action Galway Project video and community resources for this ongoing effort.

Ann Irwin, GCCN Co-Ordinator said that they are delighted to showcase the work done by the Galway City Civil Society Panel as part of that project.

She added that it has made Galway City a “frontrunner” in implementing the public sector duty to, “eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and treatment for their staff and service users, and protect the human rights of their employees, customers, service users.”

The Civil Society Panel is the first of its kind in the country, and draws members from communities in Galway City that are protected by equality legislation.

Marian Maloney from Access for All, a partnership of disability organisations and individuals, said that the panel members use their expertise to help public bodies be compliant with the law.

By acting as partners with public bodies they can also “highlight equality and human rights issues” when public bodies fail to protect those rights in the communities they work with.

The Galway City Community Network represents more than 150 voluntary, environmental, and community organisations in the city.

It serves as a bridge between these groups, and the communities they represent and work on behalf of, and Galway City Council.

Further information about this online seminar and the Equality and Rights in Action Project can be found on the GCCN website.

Christmas on call with the lifesaving Aran Islands RNLI

By

-

December 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Long weekend for Aran Islands RNLI with multiple rescues in rough seas — Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat. Photo: RNLI/Nicholas Leach

Christmas is right around the corner, and people are no doubt looking forward to some time off to spend with their families.

But not everyone will be totally relaxed this Christmas, such as the two new members of the Aran Islands RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew, who will be spending their first Christmas on call, ready for any emergency.

With over 1,500 volunteers around Ireland, each RNLI crew member signs up to save anyone and everyone from drowning – the charity’s mission since 1824.

Along with Galway and Clifden lifeboat crews, the crew on the Aran Islands are on call throughout the year, ready to drop everything and launch to help people in trouble at sea.

The Aran Islands crew also has the added duty of serving as a medical transport to the mainland, where the call for an emergency can come at any time of the day or night.

Fisherman and father of five Georgie Gillan, along with NUIG student Shane Crawford are the most recent recruits to join the lifeboat crew, and they are asking people to consider supporting the RNLI this Christmas.

Georgie Gillan is an experienced fisherman and a father of five young children. Working on a prawn trawler he has been aware of the work of the RNLI for as long as he can remember.

He decided it made sense that he would join the lifeboat crew as a member of the fishing community and for a way to give back to those to his community.

“I’ve grown up around the sea and I’ve seen its power and its potential. I’m enjoying the training, and learning a different set of skills, all based around search and rescue and saving others,” Georgie said of his decision.

“Being out on the lifeboat, you’re part of a team, the feeling of giving back is a great one. The standard of the kit and the training is so high and the support we get to do this job is amazing. I’m grateful to the people who support the work of the lifeboats and keep them at sea all year round.”

Shane Crawford, a first year Arts student, studying in NUIG Galway, knew from an early age that he would wear a lifeboat pager, as helping others is in his DNA.

His mother is the local community Nurse and his father served with the local Fire service for many years. Shane’s older brother, Colum is also a member of the Aran Islands lifeboat crew, and currently studying to become a paramedic.

Shane said that it has been a dream of his to be on a lifeboat crew since he was young, and that he feels “very at home” there, even though he’s new to the job.

“The communication between the crew when we are out at sea is incredible and you can see the training and commitment of everyone involved. Every piece of kit has a purpose, and the RNLI are always looking to evolve and improve the equipment.

“It’s maintained to the highest standard and we are aware of the responsibility that comes with that. When the pagers goes, no lifeboat volunteer hesitates to answer the call.”

He added that this would not be possible without the donations people make to support the RNLI.

For more information on the RNLI’s Christmas appeal, or to make a donation, visit RNLI.org/Xmas.

COVID-19: Little change in Galway hospital numbers

By

-

December 13, 2021