Fundraiser for Santa to get to children at Galway Women’s Refuge

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December 4, 2021

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

There have been a further 5,622 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning the number of people hospitalised with COVID had dropped back below 500 once again.

There are 487 patients with the virus in Irish hospitals, of whom 114 are being treated in ICUs.

These daily case numbers may change in the future after data is validated and reviewed.

TG4 releases fantastic line-up of films over Christmas

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December 4, 2021

TG4 has released its much-anticipated line-up of films to be shown over Christmas, with classic films at 10am and lunchtime from December 23, as well as a daily family and primetime film.

Highlights this year include the Irish film Sing Street on Christmas Day, 80’s classic La Bamba on December 28 and Good Morning, Vietnam on December 30.

For families this year, an Irish language version of Sherlock Gnomes will air for the first time on Christmas Day, an Irish version of Dr. Seuss the Lorax on Christmas Eve, and families around the country will get to enjoy The Karate Kid on December 30.

Scent of a Woman, 18th December @ 9:30pm
(1992, Drama) Starring Al Pacino, Chris O’Donnell and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Martin Brest. A prep school student needing money agrees to “babysit” a blind man, but the job is not at all what he anticipated.

Pulp Fiction, 20th December @ 9:30pm
(1994, Drama) Starring John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson. Directed by Quentin Tarantino. The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.

Notting Hill, Christmas Eve @ 9:20pm
(1999, Comedy) Starring Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant and Richard McCabe. Directed by Roger Michell. The life of a simple bookshop owner changes when he meets the most famous film star in the world.

Sing Street, Christmas Day @ 11:15pm
(2016, Comedy) Starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Aidan Gillen and Maria Doyle Kennedy. Directed by John Carney. Aiming to win the heart of the über-cool and beautiful Raphina, 14-year-old Conor forms a band with a few lads, and the group pours their heart into writing lyrics and shooting videos in 1980s Dublin.

O Brother Where Art Thou, St. Stephen’s Day @ 10:35pm
(2000, Comedy) Starring George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson. Directed by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen. In the deep south during the 1930s, three escaped convicts search for hidden treasure while a relentless lawman goes after them.

Bridesmaids December 27th @ 9:20pm
(2011, Comedy) Starring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Rose Byrne. Directed by Paul Feig. Competition between the maid of honour and a bridesmaid, over who is the bride’s best friend, threatens to upend the life of an out-of-work pastry chef.

La Bamba December 28th @ 10:40pm
(1987, Biography) Starring Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales and Rosanna DeSoto. Directed by Luis Valdez. Biographical story of the rise from nowhere of early rock and roll singer Ritchie Valens who died at age 17 in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper.

Withnail & I December 29th @ 00:45am
(1987, Comedy) Starring Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths. Directed by Bruce Robinson. In 1969, two substance-abusing, unemployed actors retreat to the countryside for a holiday that proves disastrous.

Good Morning, Vietnam December 30th @ 10:20pm
(1988, Biography) Starring Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker and Tom. T. Tan. Directed by Barry Levinson. In 1965, an unorthodox and irreverent DJ named Adrian Cronauer begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the U.S. Armed Services radio station in Vietnam.

Veronica Guerin New Year’s Day @ 9:30pm
2003, Biography) Starring Cate Blanchett, Colin Farrell and Brenda Fricker. Directed by Joel Schumacher. An Irish journalist writes a series of stories about drug dealers.

Moulin Rouge 2nd January @ 11:10pm
(2001, Musical) Starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor and John Leguizamo. Directed by Baz Luhrman. A poor Bohemian poet in 1890s Paris falls for a beautiful courtesan and nightclub star whom a jealous duke covets.

Calendar Girls 3rd January @ 9:15pm
2003, Comedy) Starring Helen Mirren, Julie Walters and Penelope Wilton. Directed by Nigel Cole. A Women’s Institute chapter’s fundraising effort for a local hospital by posing nude for a calendar becomes a media sensation.

For the Family

Dr. Seuss The Lorax, Christmas Eve @5:20pm (Irish language version) & New Year’s Eve @ 5:20pm (English Version)
2012, Animation) Ted, a 12-year-old boy, sets out to search the long-extinct Truffula tree to impress the girl of his dreams. However, in his journey, he has to overcome a number of obstacles.

Into the West, Christmas Day 6:45pm
(1992, Adventure) Starring Gabriel Byrne, Ellen Barkin and Ciarán Fitzgearld. Directed by Mike Newell. Grandpa Ward gives a horse he found to his grandchildren, who keep it in their tower-block flat in Dublin. The horse is stolen from them, and the two young boys set out to find it and flee on it.

Sherlock Gnomes, Irish Language Version Christmas Day @ 2:50pm, English version, St. Stephen’s Day @ 1pm
(2018, Animation) When Gnomeo and Juliet first arrive in London with their friends and family, their biggest concern is getting a new garden ready for spring. When everyone in the garden suddenly goes missing – there’s only one gnome to call – Sherlock Gnomes.

A Dennis the Menace Christmas, December 28th 5:25pm
(2007, Comedy) Starring Maxwell Perry Cotto, Robert Wagner and Louise Fletcher. Directed by Ron Oliver. To make sure that his beloved neighbour, Mr Wilson, has the perfect Christmas, the neighbourhood’s lively six-year-old, Dennis Mitchell, makes a long list of things one needs to make it work; however, will the old man ever change?

Paper Planes, December 29th 5:10pm
(2014, Drama) Starring Sam Worthington, Ed Oxenbould and Deborah Mailman. Directed by Robert Connolly. An imaginative children’s film about a young Australian boy’s passion for flight and his challenge to compete in the World Paper Plane Championships in Japan.

The Karate Kid December 30th @ 4:40pm
(1984, Action) Starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue. Directed by John G. Avildsen. A martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.

Goals Gym Galway to host charity event for COPE Galway & Irish Cancer Society

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Katherine Gannon

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December 4, 2021

Goals Gym Galway are hosting Charity event TRAINFOR12 to benefit Cope Galway and the Irish Cancer Society.

This Sunday, December 5, at Goals Gym, Terryland a bunch of friends, gym members, and staff members will train for 12 hours straight, in the hope of raising money for two very important causes.

Owners Grainne Twomey and Ross Norton have been keen to give back to the community this Christmas and have been massively supported by members of their gym, including Maria Carey who is one of the event organisers.

Maria said: “We all know Christmas can be a stressful time for everyone but unfortunately it can be a lot worse on some than others.

“Grainne and Ross have created a gym that really feels like a family so doing a charity event like this really just shows how much they care about this community,” added Maria.

The gym will be open to the public to come in from 9-5 pm on the day. They have a full line up of classes for people of all levels to get involved in with a DJ to keep everyone motivated, and a fantastic raffle with amazing spot prizes all generously donated by local Galway businesses.

Maria, who previously worked with COPE, said: “We will be stopping only for fuel and perhaps a change of clothes or 2. We expect it to be a great day for everyone to enjoy and hope to do as much as we can to raise much-needed funds for these amazing charities, which are very close to the hearts of those at Goals Gym.”

“I chose cope Galway because I have worked with charities over the years that get amazing help from them.”

“They really are here to help everyone in Galway that needs it and the work they do goes so far beyond what most people see,” added Maria.

Owner Grainne Twomey also has personal reasons for choosing The Irish Cancer society, as her beloved father passed away before Christmas last year.

“I chose the Irish Cancer Society to raise much needed funds after losing my dad to cancer this time last year,” said Grainne.

“They do so much to help so many families like mine and so I wanted to give back.”

“It’s so nice to able to do something like this with our community of members and staff at Goals to help raise much needed awareness and funds in Galway.”

“We are also blown away by the generosity from local businesses who have donated some amazing Spot Prizes for our Raffle on the day do we’d like to say a huge thank you.”

Spot prizes for the raffle include tickets to see The Black Eyed Peas, food and drink vouchers, salon vouchers, hampers along with many more prizes.

If you cannot attend on the day, you can still support the 12-hour-trainers online via their Idonate page.

Galway Arts Centre announces December programme

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December 4, 2021

galway daily news galway arts cente exhibitions

Three solo exhibitions will launch at the Galway Arts Centre next week – Lúthchleasa by Mícheál Ó Catháin, Currency Exchange by Kevin Gaynor, and Black Milk by Japanese artist Miho Ohtsubo.

Lúthchleasa is an exhibition of new generative artwork by Mícheál Ó Catháin, showcasing his process of engaging with the early Irish harp tradition.

For over a decade Mícheál has been discovering the shapes and sounds offered to human touch by the metal and wood of the harp, and the lúthchleasa patterns encoded in the notes penned by a young Edward Bunting at the 1792 Belfast Harp Meeting.

The exhibition runs until December 22 in Galway Arts Centre, Gallery 1, culminating with a solo concert on harp, voice and electronics by Mícheál on Saturday 18 December at Galway Arts Centre’s Nuns Island Theatre. Tickets are available via eventbrite.

Currency Exchange by Kevin Gaynor opens at Galway Arts Centre, Gallery 2. Kevin is the recipient of the Galway Arts Centre and Engage Art Studios Emerging Artist Award 2020.

Much of his work explores the international state, and the mechanics that support and underpin it. Focusing on the European Union as a centralised power, and Ireland’s role within it, his practice reflects on the classification of groups through the lens of geography.

Galway Arts Centre hosts exciting international artist Miho Ohtsubo from December 8 – 15, Gallery 3.

Ohtsubo has had numerous exhibitions of her work in Japan and overseas, however this will be first exhibition in Europe. Ohtsubo’s work has been inspired by the poetry of Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill.

By engaging with Ní Dhomhnaill’s ‘Immram’ sequence and her poem ‘Dubh’ through the Japanese translations of Mitsuko Ohno, Ohtsubo has responded to the themes of the texts in very personal and powerful ways.

The exhibition will feature Ohtsubo’s installation ‘Black Milk’ along with other works that demonstrate her compassionate grasp of Ní Dhomhnaill’s poetic world and reflect underlying themes of migration and displacement.

Ohtsubo’s exhibition at Galway Arts Centre is hosted by the Republic of Conscience: Human Rights and Modern Irish Poetry and the NUI Galway Research Project.

Each artist in Galway Arts Centre’s December programme has developed a unique engagement with research, translation and the complex visualization of systems of music, exchange and language through sonic work, immersive installation, video and performance.

Letter | The COVID vaccine is a privilege that many others don’t have

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December 4, 2021

galway daily news letter to editor cian mortimer people before profit galway debenhams workers strike

Sir,

The Covid-19 Vaccine is a privilege that many other people don’t have.

Katy Sheridan’s article in the Irish Times on Dec 1st hit the nail on the head with her piece regarding complaints about vaccine queues being a sad reflection on the entitled, negative public. There are people in other countries who wish they had the same opportunity to protect themselves from COVID-19.

The distribution of vaccines is about the Global North vs the Global South. It is about inequality. It is about rich countries hoarding vaccines while countries in the south suffer.

It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever not to vaccinate the globe as otherwise, we will have to live like this with ongoing disruptions, challenges and stress. It is like what we did with the HIV pandemic – Africa got the ARVs last and was at least 10 years behind the Global North. As a result, children lost their parents, families were decimated and we are still picking up the pieces.

But in Africa, it is not just about the vaccines, it is about the logistics of delivering the vaccines too – they don’t have the opportunity to complain about waiting in line for a vaccine as often there is no queue available to them. The vaccines are in limited supply in the Global South whilst they expire unused in the Global North.

The impact of COVID-19 across communities in Kenya has been devastating. There are no subsidies; no support. Today is about the survival of the families Brighter Communities Worldwide work with, in Kenya where COVID-19 is far from over and the pandemic has had a devastating effect across the region.

This is about children missing school and returning to the fields to work. This is about young pregnant girls facing a challenging future; this is about the breadwinners being unable to work who have no government support.

We have the opportunity to act in solidarity across the world. No one is safe until we are all safe.

Yours, etc

Maria Kidney

Co-Founder Brighter Communities Worldwide

Cork, Ireland

Walk-in booster vaccine clinic at Ballybrit today

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December 4, 2021

galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

A walk-in booster vaccination clinic will be held at Ballybrit today, Saturday from 9am until 5pm.

The clinic is for people aged between 60 to 69 who had their second dose before 7 July, or have an interval of at least three months since receiving the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Anyone aged 60 to 69 who has already received a vaccine appointment for the coming days is asked to attend their appointment instead of coming to the walk-in clinic.

But the walk-in booster clinic is an opportunity for people who are unable to make their scheduled appointments, to get their booster dose.

Saolta says that it is difficult to anticipate how many people will arrive at the same time and people may have to queue.

Staff will be working hard to keep the queue moving and reduce the time people have to wait.

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

People are asked to take their PPS number and a photo ID with you to the walk-in clinic. If people’s ID doesn’t include their date of birth, they are asked to bring proof.

COVID-19: 5,419 new cases reported today

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December 3, 2021

The Department of Health has today reported 5,419 new cases of COVID-19 in the State.

As of 8am today, 528 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 110 are in intensive care units.

Health officials have said that the daily case numbers could change due to future data validation.

Sinn Féin steps up campaign for Irish Unity in Galway

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December 3, 2021

Sinn Féin has been stepping up its campaign for Irish Unity across Galway in recent weeks, with party activists distributing posters and information sheets across the county explaining the benefits of reunification.

The party’s Galway East representative Louis O’Hara argues that preparations for Irish Unity need to get underway and encouraged people to get involved in the conversation.

He said that a referendum is looking increasingly likely and that more and more people are talking about a United Ireland and what the new State should look like.

“From our conversations with people across County Galway in recent weeks it is clear that there is strong support for Irish Unity, in line with recent opinion polls on the matter,” said Mr O’Hara.

“We have to prepare and set out the changes needed to make this island a better, fairer place for all who live here.”

The Sinn Féin activist said that the Irish Government should set up an all-island Citizen’s assembly so that citizens can have a voice in shaping the future.

“All who support the Good Friday Agreement should call on the British Government to set a date for the Irish Unity referendum, a key part of the Agreement,” he said.

“The new United Ireland will be a place for all, a new start in a real Republic. It will unlock the full economic potential of our island and will end the duplication, waste and disruption caused by the border.”

“Unity provides us with the chance to develop a new fit-for-purpose all-island health service, free at the point of delivery and able to meet the needs of citizens. It provides the best opportunity to build an all-island economy which is developed in a coordinated manner, attracting investment, creating more jobs and generating higher tax revenues.”

“It’s time that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael joined the rest of us in facing up to the inevitability of an Irish Unity referendum and began planning how to move forward.”

“The Government has a duty and a constitutional obligation to prepare for Unity, and these preparations need to get underway now.”

Funding to promote work of Social Enterprises in Galway

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December 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway winner claims €50,000 in prize bonds draw

Five social enterprises in Galway have been awarded more than €40,000 in funding announced today.

Minister Heather Humphreys has today announced funding of €680,000 for 50 organisations under the new Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise Scheme (ARISE).

This scheme is meant to raise awareness of the importance of social organisations, by helping them to promote the impact their work has on local communities.

Roughly half of this funding was awarded to local organisations under Strand 1 of the scheme, while a slightly smaller share was awarded to national and support organisations under Strand 2.

In Galway, €10,000 each has been awarded to Galway City Partnership and the Galway Traveller Movement.

Ronah Corcoran CLG (trading as Carers Network Ireland) will receive €8,872, and COPE Galway will get €8,150.

The final funding award in Galway is €5,000 for the Venture Out Wilderness Project.

“Throughout this Pandemic, we have seen many examples of the important role our Social Enterprises play within their local communities,” Heather Humphreys said.

The Minister said that the ARISE scheme will help in “fostering a common understanding” of the value they play in society.

Plans approved for larger broadband tower near Rosscahill

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December 3, 2021

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

Planning permission has been granted for a larger telecoms mast in the Rosscahill area, to improve local broadband coverage.

An Bord Pleanála approved plans by Eircom Limited to take down an existing 12m wooden mast at the Eir Exchange on the N59 north of Roscahill.

In its place Eircom intends to erect a 20m high telecoms support structure, with space for antennae, dishes, and associated broadband equipment.

The total height of the structure will be 21.5m. The development will also include ground-based equipment cabinets and fencing.

The planning application stated that Imagine Broadband needs a location in this area for their services, and that the existing wooden pole in inadequate for their requirements.

It also noted that the larger structure would allow additional operators to locate broadband equipment there.

Galway County Council granted planning permission for the development last April with ten conditions attached.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála back in May. The appeal said that the existing development has been operating without planning permission since 2012.

The appeal also said that the new proposal is significantly larger and more obtrusive than the previous structure, and the development would result in a loss of residential amenity.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the council’s original decision, approving the project with five revised conditions attached.

The Bord ordered that the development must be redesigned as a “monopole or slimmer structure”, and painted dark fir green to match its surroundings.

All trees and existing stone wall boundaries on the site must be retained, and a “low intensity fixed red obstacle light” must be fitted to it.

Renewed appeal on 21st anniversary of Mayo woman’s disappearance

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December 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Renewed appeal on 21st anniversary of Mayo woman's disappearance

Gardaí investigating the murder of Mayo woman Sandra Collins are renewing their appeal for information on the 21st anniversary of her disappearance.

The last confirmed sighting of Sandra Collins was late on the night of Monday, December 4, 2000.

The then 28 year old woman was last seen at approximately 11pm at the Country Kitchen premises on George’s Street, Killala.

Gardaí say that the search for Sandra has continued over the past 21 years, and the investigation into her disappearance remains active.

Sandra Collins, who disappeared in December, 2000

“An Garda Síochána continue to liaise closely with the Collins’ family and are renewing their appeal for information and are asking the public if they have any piece of information which they feel relevant to this investigation to make contact with them.”

“Sandra would have turned 50 this month and her family and An Garda Síochána are encouraging anyone who might have information which perhaps they thought was insignificant at the time to come forward.”

Anyone with information can contact Ballina Garda Station on 096-20560, any Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or Crimestoppers 1800 250 025.

Anyone who contacts An Garda Síochána will be treated with confidentiality, compassion and sensitivity.

Call for more visible Garda presence in Eyre Square

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December 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Call for more visible Garda presence in Eyre Square

An enhanced, and more highly visible Garda presence is needed in Eyre Square to discourage anti-social behaviour a Galway Senator has said.

Senator Ollie Crowe said in the Seanad that anti-social behaviour has increased in many cities, including Galway, since the pandemic began, asking when the Expert Forum Report on Anti-Social Behaviour will be made available.

“The square has suffered from a spate of antisocial behaviour in recent times, including a tragic incident where a young woman lost sight in one eye when a firework was let off.”

“This has become such an issue that the chief superintendent of Mill Street Garda station in Galway city has even suggested the square may have to be closed at a certain hour.”

Senator Crowe added that this would not be a solution, saying that a “tiny minority” cannot be allowed to affect the fact that Galway is largely a safe place.

He said that Eyre Square is the heart of the city, close to the train and bus stations, and often is where people form their first impression of Galway.

There have been several high profile and well publicised incidents of anti-social behaviour in Eyre Square and other areas of Galway City Centre in recent months.

A 19 year old woman was struck in the face by a firework in Eyre Square last October, receiving serious injuries. One arrest has been made in this case, with a file gone to the DPP.

In another shocking, videos were shared on social media showing a young man being chased by a group of young people on Quay Street, with one person holding two machetes.

Minister of State James Browne responded to Senator Crowe by saying that the “warm welcome” tourists from Ireland and abroad receive in Galway is renowned.

“We have to ensure our public spaces are kept open for the public and communities. That is their purpose and under no circumstances should they be lost to antisocial behaviour.”

He said that Budget 2022 contains €2 billion in funding for An Garda Síochána, which includes provision for 800 new Garda recruits, and 400 additional civilian staff.

“We have the process of civilianisation of An Garda Síochána whereby we use civilian staff to release gardaí from administrative duties back on to the front line to help ensure our communities are being kept safe.”

Senator Crowe asked if this meant that an additional 1,200 Gardaí available over the next 12 months, and if Galway could receive prioritisation as “the capital of the west”.

Minister Browne said that the deployment of Gardaí around the country is an operational matter for the the force itself to decide.

“Once gardaí are deployed to the various divisions, it is a matter for the chief superintendents whether they are deployed as community Gardaí, in high visibility situations or in other settings within An Garda Síochána as needed.”

He added that recruitment is ongoing this year, and the delivery of new civilian staff will see Gardaí released for operational matters.

“We have already seen an increase in visibility but within our communities and public areas we need to see a further increase in visibility.”

Lidl takes city supermarket plans to An Bord Pleanála

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December 3, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

Lidl is going back to An Bord Pleanála a second time to seek approval for a new supermarket in the westside area of Galway City.

Galway City Council refused planning permission for Lidl to build a supermarket at the site of the former Arch Motors on the Seamus Quirke Road last month.

Lidl planned to demolish the former Arch Motors dealership on the Seamus Quirke Road to make way for a single storey supermarket, with another retail unit attached.

The adjoining Monaghan’s Westside Shop and Filling Station was to be left intact, and a small portion of the former Arch Motors premises there would be converted to shop use.

The city council said that the proposal goes against the specific zoning objective for the site, and noted that An Bord Pleanála had already rejected similar plans for this reason in the past.

The council’s decision is once again being appeal to the higher planning authority by Lidl.

Connacht make three changes for Leinster URC fixture

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December 3, 2021

Galway Daily rugby Connacht make three changes for Leinster fixture — Photo Credit: INPHO

Connacht have made three changes to their starting lineup for their URC inter-pro fixture against Leinster this evening.

Oisín Dowling, Eoghan Masterson and Peter Robb are starting this week, after all coming on from the bench against the Ospreys.

They will be taking their places in the second row, blindside flanker and inside centre respectively, but the lineup will be otherwise unchanged.

In the back are wingers Mack Hansen and Alex Wootton, with Oran McNulty as full-back, while Robb is joined by Sammy Arnold in the centre.

Matthew Burke, Dave Heffernan and Finlay Bealham will make up the front row for the fifth game running, while Ultan Dillane partners Dowling in the second row.

Masterson’s inclusion means Jarrad Butler moves to number 8 while Conor Oliver completes the line-up from openside.

The replacements include Cian Prendergast and Tom Farrell who both return to the matchday 23 having recovered from injuries.

Head Coach Andy Friend said, “Last week was pleasing not just to pick up 5 points but to continue our recent level of performances, even with a substantial break in the middle.”

“The challenge for all of us now is to raise our game even more, away to one of the best sides in Europe.”

“We’ll take confidence from our win at the RDS last January, and our travelling supporters will be a big help as always. This game will tell a lot about where we are right now so we’re really looking forward to it.”

Connacht and Leinster Rugby will play at the RDS Arena on Friday, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The full Connacht squad for the game is:

15. Oran McNulty (3)
14. Alex Wootton (23)
13. Sammy Arnold (21)
12. Peter Robb (48)
11. Mack Hansen (6)
10. Jack Carty (165) (C)
9. Kieran Marmion (192)
1. Matthew Burke (29)
2. Dave Heffernan (150)
3. Finlay Bealham (165)
4. Oisín Dowling (12)
5. Ultan Dillane (120)
6. Eoghan Masterson (114)
7. Conor Oliver (26)
8. Jarrad Butler (79)

16. Shane Delahunt (106)
17. Jordan Duggan (18)
18. Jack Aungier (19)
19. Leva Fifita (2)
20. Cian Prendergast (14)
21. Caolin Blade (136)
22. Conor Fitzgerald (40)
23. Tom Farrell (65)

Water and traffic disruptions expected in Loughrea today

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December 3, 2021

Galway daily news Traffic lights at UHG out of action until next week

Traffic and water disruptions are expected in Loughrea today due to water maintenance works taking place.

Irish Water is carrying out leak repair works on the local mains network on the Athenry Road, Loughrea today.

These works, scheduled to last from 8am to 5pm, may disrupt the water supply to homes and businesses in the town.

Traffic management will be in place and delays may be expected as the traffic lights at ‘Westbridge’ will be out of operation.

A Stop & Go system will be in place to control traffic at the junction during the works. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Ronan Daly of Irish Water said, “We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and working in partnership with Galway County Council we will make every effort to minimise any disruption that these necessary works may cause.”

“The delivery of leak repairs and maintenance is an essential part of what we do in order to safeguard the water supply to homes and businesses and ensure a safer, more sustainable water supply now and into the future.”

It may take up to three hours after works are completed before homes affected see their full water supply restored.

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

COVID-19: 4,163 cases reported today

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December 2, 2021

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

There have been a further 4,163 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 545 people in the country hospitalised with the disease, of whom 117 are being treated in ICUs.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Tony Holohan said “The additional efforts to adhere to the public health measures we have all been taking over the last few weeks are having a positive impact.”

“We are beginning to see stabilisation in a range of key indicators of incidence of COVID-19.”

“While this progress is very welcome, the level of disease in the community is still a concern.”

He said that case numbers are stabilising at too high a level, while the ongoing prevalence of the Delta variant, and the new Omicron variant, means that the trajectory of the virus is still uncertain.

“In the last seven days 478 people with COVID-19 were admitted to hospital with 46 people admitted to ICU.”

On a positive note, the CMO said that there has been “significant reductions” in the incidence of COVID-19 among over 75s, where people have been getting their booster shots.

The COVID-19 data hub provides information on the key indicators of the disease in the community, including the status of the vaccine campaign.

Over 200 children in COPE emergency accommodation this Christmas

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December 2, 2021

Galway Daily news COPE Galway providing emergency accommodation for 200 children this Christmas

More than 200 children will be spending their Christmas in emergency accommodation provided by COPE Galway this year.

This December, the charity is supporting 73 families with 200 children and over 80 single people living in emergency accommodation.

COPE is supporting a further 41 single men and women and 13 families in transitional accommodation across the community of Galway.

Sinead Carey, Head of COPE Galway’s Homeless Service, said there is “no comparison” between having your own home, and having to stay in a cramped B&B or hotel room.

“Mums and Dads worry about children missing out on formative experiences like Christmas memories and do their best to shield their children from the anxieties around not having a home of their own.”

“But living here has an effect on nutrition, on physical activity, on schooling. During periods of Covid restrictions difficulties engaging with remote schooling have been even more pronounced.”

“There’s an immediate challenge in meeting children’s developmental goals and milestones in unsuitable settings, one which we are doing our best to address, while the search for suitable and affordable housing continues.”

This Friday, December 3 COPE Galway is holding its annual Business Sleep Out, with over 50 local business leaders to spend the night on Shop Street.

This event has raised over €1 million for the charity’s homelessness services in the past nine years.

Sleep Out founder and former COPE Galway Board member, Hannah Kiely, said that the record numbers participating show that the community has not forgotten about homelessness, even during the pandemic.

“While I’m angered by the fact that homelessness is not going away any time soon, I’ve seen first-hand how COPE Galway relies on the funds raised, making a real difference to the lives of so many individuals and families in Galway.”

“This Christmas there are 37 children who, for the second year in a row, and some for their third, are wondering if Santa will find them on Christmas Eve.”

Portiuncula Hospital has worst November on record for overcrowding

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December 2, 2021

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Portiuncula Hospital had its worst November on record for the number of patients on trolleys last month.

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation show that there were 208 patients without a bed at Portiuncula Hospital last month.

This is the highest number seen in a November at the Ballinasloe hospital since Trolley/Ward Watch records began in 2006.

At University Hospital Galway there were 648 patients on trolleys last month, more than five times higher than the same time last year, as overcrowding rebounded when the health service reopened.

The INMO has called for the public and private healthcare systems to act as one to tackle hospital overcrowding.

“Despite calls from the HSE Chief Executive for hospitals to cancel elective procedures on November 19, we have seen relatively high numbers of people on trolleys for the month of November,” said INMO General Secretary Phíl Ní Sheaghdha.

“We need to see an increase in capacity and utilise the private hospitals. We are now at a stage where we need all of our health services including public and private to be acting as one.”

“The public service is under too much pressure to be expected to shoulder the entire burden of the pandemic. This is the time for private hospitals to step up and be fully involved with this public health emergency. The need to make profit must be secondary at this time.”

Nationwide, there was a 110 percent increase in trolley numbers in Irish hospitals in November compared with 2020.

The three worst affected were University Hospital Limerick (1,358), Letterkenny University Hospital (1,067) and Cork University Hospital (726).

Phíl Ní Sheaghdha said that nursing staff are “exhausted before winter begins” due to trolley numbers on the rise during the year, and the ongoing impact of the COVId-19 pandemic.

“We tend to forget with everything that has happened since COVID first landed on our shores that nurses were dealing with chronic overcrowding in our hospitals with over 20,000 people on trolleys in the first two months of 2020.”

“There needs to be a recognition from the HSE as the employer that the conditions nurses are currently operating are having an impact on their safety and that of the patient.”

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