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Priest pleads guilty to sexual assault of young boy

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Galway Daily courts Man charged in connection

A priest in his 60s has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a boy in Galway City in the 90s.

Tom Brady (65), of 26 Cloonarkin Drive, Oranmore entered a plea of guilty to sexual assault before a jury was due to be selected at Galway Circuit Court.

He pleaded guilty to one single charge of sexual assault under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990.

The assault occurred between July 1994 and February 1995 at the Parochial House in Ballybane.

He has been charged with a total of 20 offences of sexual assault on the same boy.

Counsel for the defence Barry White SC asked for the case to be adjourned to next year.

Judge Rory McCabe put the case back to February 24 of next year for sentencing.

Plans submitted for Ballinasloe housing development

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Galway Daily news

Plans have been submitted to the county council for the construction of 13 houses on a 0.47 hectare site on the outskirts of Ballinasloe.

Planning permission is being sought for a housing development at Glentaun, Ballinasloe, comprising 13 three-bed houses, and associated site works.

The estate would have a total of 26 car parking spaces, two per house.

A Flood Risk Assessment Report has been submitted with this application to the council.

Two objections have been made to this proposed housing development, saying that it is out of character with the surrounding area and would result in overlooking of neighbouring properties.

Concerns have also been expressed about boundary walls and tree lines between the site of the housing estate, and adjacent properties.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by December 8.

COVID-19: 3,893 confirmed cases today

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

There have been a further 3,893 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 611 people in Ireland hospitalised by the disease. Of them, 132 are in the ICU.

There have now been a total of 5,652 deaths related to COVID in Ireland since the pandemic began, with 43 notified in the past week.

Chief Medical Office Dr. Tony Holohan said that in the past week, approximately 1 in 7 adults have experienced COVID or flu-like symptoms.

He reiterated the advice that if people experience symptoms, they should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test, “not an antigen test”, and stay isolated until they get the results.

“I understand this is difficult, but in order to avoid passing COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses on to your friends, family or work colleagues, rapidly self-isolating as soon as symptoms begin is the most important thing you can do.”

“It’s also important to remember you still need to isolate for as long as you’re symptomatic, and until 48 hours after your symptoms have settled”.

This is true even if the PCR test does not detect the virus, he added.

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

Galway’s much loved Kennys crowned the Best Bookshop in Ireland

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Galway's much loved Kennys crowned the Best Bookshop in Ireland
Photo: Kennys via Facebook

The renowned Kenny’s Bookshop & Art Gallery in Galway has been honoured as the best bookshop in all of Ireland this year.

Kenny’s was chosen as the overall winner of the new Bookshop of the Year prize at the annual An Post Irish book Awards on Tuesday.

The much loved independent bookstore said on facebook that they were thrilled to receive this award, and thanked everyone who supported them.

“What a great night it has been, we are so happy to have won this award and we can’t thank everyone enough for the support.”

“We also want to wish a huge congratulations to all those who won and were shortlisted for the various awards tonight – it has been another great year in Irish writing and publishing.”

In another win for Galway, Spiddal author Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin won Best Irish Language Book of the Year for his novel Madame Lazare.

Published by Futa Fata, also based in Spiddal, Madame Lazare tells the tale of a woman unpacking the life story of her grandmother, Hana, who fled the Nazi invasion of her home as a child, becoming the only member of her family to survive the Shoah.

As Hana succumbs to old age and her mind becomes increasingly confused, fragments of memory emerge that surprise her granddaughter, Levana.

These unfolding memories leave Levana questioning everything her grandmother ever told her as she follows the trail of the past.

Marine Institute’s new €25m research vessel splashes down

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Galway Daily news Marine Institute's new €25m research vessel splashes down

The Marine Institute’s new state of the art research vessel has made a splash with its first launch to the waters it will soon be studying.

The RV Tom Crean was launched at Astilleros Armon shipyard in Vigo, Spain last Friday, two years after it was first chose for the project,

The Tom Crean was commissioned to replace the 24 year old Celtic Voyager, and when it is ready for use will carry out research for the Oranmore based Marine Institute alongside its sister ship, the Celtic Explorer.

The launch of the hull is a significant milestone in the build process, with the vessel on schedule to be completed in summer 2022.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine allocated €25 million for the construction of the Tom Crean to ensure that the Marine Institute is kept with up to date equipment in its studies of Irish waters.

Minister Charlie McConalogue said that he was pleased with this “significant milestone” in the construction of the new ship.

“This new research vessel will be an important infrastructural tool in acquiring data and information supporting the sustainable management and development of Irelands valuable marine resource.”

At 52.8m the Tom Crean will be almost twice the size of the Celtic Voyager it is replacing, but still the smaller of the Marine Institute’s two ships compared with the 65.5m Celtic Voyager.

RV Tom Crean in situ at shipyard

The ship is named for the renowned Irish seaman and explorer who took part in multiple expeditions to the Antarctic, including the tragic Scott expedition in 1910, and Ernest Shackleton’s expedition during WW1.

Michael Gillooly, Interim CEO of the Marine Institute said that, when completed, this “modern, multipurpose vessel” will be able to carry out a wide array of research activities.

These will include fisheries surveys, seabed mapping, climate change related research, environmental monitoring, deep water surveys, and Atlantic research.

“The RV Tom Crean will enable the Marine Institute to continue to lead and support vital scientific surveys that contribute to Ireland’s position as a leader in marine science.”

Based in Galway, the vessel will be used by the Marine Institute, other state agencies and universities to undertake multidisciplinary surveys. It will also maintain and deploy weather buoys, observational infrastructure and our Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Holland I.

“Cruel and perverse” to cut PUP after new restrictions brought in

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galway daily news "Cruel and perverse" to cut PUP with new restrictions introduced

Calls have been made for the government to reverse cuts to the level of pandemic unemployment payment in light of the new restrictions on some businesses.

People Before Profit Galway have said that the full €350 payment should be restored for people out of work just as Christmas is coming.

The government has indicated that it does not intend to reverse the ongoing scaling down of PUP, despite new restrictions affecting late night businesses.

On November 16 the rates of the PUP were cut from €300 and €250 a week down to €250 and €203 respectively.

This planned reduction of the PUP over months was meant to go hand in hand with the reopening of the economy, bringing the scheme to an end next year.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment Scheme has been closed to any new applicants since July 8 last.

While most of the places which have been allowed to reopen remain so, new restrictions were announced on late venues such as nightclubs and bars last week, with a mandatory closing time of midnight.

For nightclubs especially, this has resulted in many businesses remaining closed, as the hours are not economical at such reduced hours.

Adrian Curran of PBP Galway said that it is “cruel and perverse” for the government to proceed with cuts to the PUP, especially with “Christmas coming fast”.

“Many bar, nightclub and other workers will now be unable to work through no fault of their own. They deserve our support, especially with Christmas only around the corner.”

Rather than reducing the payment, he said that the government should restore the €350, which was deemed the “minimum amount required to live on” earlier in the pandemic.

“This is a nasty act by the government, which will see ordinary people suffer this winter,” Adrian Curran said.

The reduction in PUP bands is meant to bring it in line with Jobseekers payment, and then transition those still pit of work onto that existing scheme.

Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat rescues fishermen with boat troubles

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Galway Daily news Multi-agency search operation after distress beacon detected off Galway coast
Aran Islands RNLI all-weather lifeboat

The Aran Island RNLI lifeboat rescued two fisherman whose boat ran into trouble off the coast of Clare on Monday.

The all-weather lifeboat was called out by the Coast Guard in response to a 30ft fishing vessel in trouble off Nags Head in Clare.

The lifeboat launched under Coxswain John O’Donnell shortly before 4pm on Monday with a full crew, and headed straight for the vessel.

The Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 115 from Shannon was also tasked and was on scene first, establishing no immediate danger to the vessel or its crew.

Once on scene, the crew checked that the fishermen aboard the vessel were safe and well before proceeding to establish a tow line between the lifeboat and the fishing vessel. The boat was then towed to the nearest safe port at Liscannor Harbour.

Speaking after the call out John O’Donnell said, “The volunteer crew didn’t hesitate to answer the call and we were able to get the fishermen back to the harbour before night.”

“We would remind anyone planning a trip to sea to always wear a lifejacket and always carry a means of communication.”

“Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Connemara Lotto millionaire makes contact to claim prize

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Galway Daily news Connemara Lotto millionaire makes contact to claim prize
Noel Daniels, owner of the Costcutter store in Bealadangan. Photo Credit: Sean Lydon / Mac Innes Photography

The National Lottery has confirmed that the winner of the €1 million Lotto Plus 1 prize in Galway last weekend has made contact with them.

Arrangements are now being made for the newly minted millionaire winner to claim their prize.

The lucky player scooped the €1 million top prize in Saturday night’s Lotto Plus 1 draw with a ticket bought in Bealadangan.

The winning ticket was bought at the local Costcutter store in the Connemara village.

Noel Daniels, who only recently became owner of the Costcutter, was thrilled to hear that one of his customers became Ireland’s latest millionaire over the weekend.

“We still can’t believe it! The whole community is absolutely buzzing knowing that one of our near neighbours could be a Lotto millionaire.”

“Word of the win has started to spread locally so we’re going to enjoy the next few days and hopefully the winner checks their ticket and claims their prize just before Christmas!”

“We are located in a rural area but the store services quite a large surrounding community and we’re overjoyed knowing that it could be one of those people.”

COVID-19: 3,666 more cases reported today

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

There have been a further 3,666 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 638 of people hospitalised with the disease in Ireland.

Of them, 130 COVID patients have been admitted to intensive care units for treatment.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tony Holohan said that the level of worry right now is at the same level it was last April.

“We know what we are asking people to do to help suppress the spread of disease in our communities is very difficult. If we all make a concerted effort it can make a difference.”

“Our research tells us that people are listening to the public health advice and are reducing the number of people they are planning to meet, and are cancelling social events, to reduce their contacts.”

In the past week there have been 209,583 tests done in Ireland, returning positive results in 15.4 percent of cases.

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

Show support during 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence

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galway daily news COPE galway domestic abuse campaign

COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service is inviting people to show their support for women who have been abused by their partners through supporting the local charity’s awareness campaigns over the next 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

The service has partnered with a young Galway designer, Sadhbh Erika, to design a selection of tote bags with images and phrases that challenge the stereotype of what can be deemed a ‘victim of domestic abuse’.

The Carry the Bag, Share the Load campaign helps support women who need the service by showing them that they are not alone.

The bags will be available to purchase from December 10, Human Rights Day, which marks the end of the 16 Days campaign.

Each year, more than 600 women and their children use COPE Galway’s services when they find themselves in danger from a violent or controlling partner.

Carol Baumann, Head of Domestic Abuse for COPE Galway, says that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

“We know that one in five women in Ireland can expect to experience abuse from an intimate partner during their lifetime – a staggering figure,” said Carol.

“In that context, it is quite clear that services like ours see just a fraction of the many women who need support”.

She said that we often imagine that “domestic abuse happens to other people, that it couldn’t happen to someone that we know, to someone in our family.

“The sad truth is that it happens to all kinds of women, in all kinds of places, from all walks of life.

“An abusive relationship can happen to women at any age – we meet pregnant women who are being abused, older women who have lived with it for decades, young women whose very first experience of love turns out to be abusive. “

“‘Carry the Bag, Share the Load’ is about raising awareness of this – that abuse happens to women that we love, women who deserve so much better in their lives, who have been made to feel it’s their fault, and who think that no-one will believe them.

I’d encourage all of Galway to get behind this important campaign.” From Friday December 10, the bags are available for €3 through the COPE Galway shop on St Augustine Street, or online at copegalway.ie/shop.”

One Million Stars Campaign

Also this year, COPE Galway are proud to be a part of the One Million Stars campaign which began in Melbourne, Australia in 2012, when an Irish woman, Jill Meagher, was murdered.

Each Star symbolises light, hope and solidarity, with over 4 million stars weaved worldwide.

Stars weaved by community groups, women and children using the supports of COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service are on display with the support of Supermacs at Eyre Square and the N6 Plaza. All are welcome.

Govt must fast-track legislation to allow for CCTV to deal with illegal dumping

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Galway Daily illegal dumping

East Galway TD Sean Canney has urged the Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan to speed up legislation to allow local authorities to use CCTV in detecting and prosecuting illegal dumping.

In reply to a Parliamentary Question, the Minister confirmed that legislation is being drafted presently and the pre-legislative scrutiny process is well advanced.

The Galway TD also received confirmation that the Bill will include the use of a broad range of Audio Visual Recording (AVR) equipment in order to assist local authorities in their efforts to combat litter and illegal dumping.

“I have urged the Minister to fast track the legislation as litter and illegal dumping are a scourge on our landscape,” said Deputy Canney.

“The cost of cleaning up litter and illegally dumped waste is enormous, and a severe crackdown is required.

“Local Authorities have been hampered in their efforts over a number of years following a ruling by the Data Protection Commissioner.”

Dog owners reminded to control pets after sheep killed

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Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

Dog owners are being reminded to ensure their pets are kept under control after reported sheep attacks.

Galway County Council is emphasising that, under the Control of Dogs Act, it is the responsibility of their owners to ensure they are under control.

This comes after a “significant sheep kill” was reported by council wardens in the Ardrahan area recently.

“Attacks on sheep can result in significant economic losses to the farmer, for which the dog owner can be held liable under the Control of Dogs Act”.

“All dog owners are requested to be particularly vigilant and to ensure that their dog is never let out unsupervised, particularly at night, and is under control at all times.”

“If you witness an indicent of sheep worrying or damage to livestock in Galway County, please report it immediately to Galway County Council”.

Anyone who sees something to report is asked to call the council at 091-509510, email dogwardens@galwaycoco.ie or contact An Garda Síochána.

Multiple raids in operation targeting organised crime gang in Galway

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

More than 60 law enforcement personnel were involved in a series of raids today targeting an organised crime gang operating in Galway.

The operation by the Criminal Assets Bureau conducted a series of searches in Galway and Limerick on Tuesday morning, seizing cash, Rolexes, a car, and designer goods.

In the course of the operation six residential properties and one professional premises was searched.

The CAB led operation was supported by the Galway Divisional Drug Unit, Regional Armed Support Unit, The Garda Dog Unit and the Customs Dog Unit.

The search operation targeted an organised crime group involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs in the Galway region.

The investigation began after a profiler attached to the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit referred to the Criminal Assets Bureau

Gardaí say that to date, this investigation has resulted in the seizure of €18,680 in cash, two Rolex watches and €66,000 in funds restrained in a bank account.

Additional assets seized in the course of searches carried out this morning include:

• €22,000 cash.
• £4,450 Sterling.
• 191 Audi A6
• Assorted designer goods.
• €17,000 identified and restrained in accounts.

Public reminded of Roscommon Injury Unit this winter

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galway daily news roscommon

Roscommon University Hospital has reminded people that their Injury Unit is open from 8am to 8pm, every day of the year to treat a wide range of injuries which are non-life or non-limb threatening.

The Injury Unit is staffed by Doctors, Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Nurses, and is an alternative to visiting an emergency department.

Maggie Mew, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, Roscommon Injury Unit said that every year and particularly during the winter months, emergency departments see vast numbers of patients who could be treated more appropriately somewhere else.

“Here at Roscommon Injury Unit we are able to see, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries for both adults and children over the age of five,” said Maggie Mew.

“You do not need to make an appointment, we have a walk-in service and the team is experienced in treating people quickly and efficiently.”

The unit treats injuries from shoulder to finger and from knee to toe including non-life or non-limb threatening injuries like broken bones, fractures, scalds, minor burns, traumatic wounds, sports injuries such as hand and ankle injuries, removal of foreign bodies from the eye, ear and nose.

“The injury unit provides quick access to tests and x-rays and should you require a referral to specialist care, we will arrange all that for you,” she said.

“This winter if you need treatment for a minor injury, come to Roscommon Injury Unit and by doing so, you will get the care and treatment you need, you will avoid long wait times and more importantly by coming to us for your care, you are allowing emergency department staff to concentrate on patients who have serious and life-threatening conditions.

“Last year more than 6,700 people attended the Roscommon Injury Unit and this year we have had 7,800 people attending to date.

“You don’t have to be from Roscommon to attend our injury unit.  We see patients from Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Offaly, Galway and Westmeath.

“If you are looking for advice on your injury and want to know if you should attend the Roscommon Injury Unit, please do call us on 090 663 2212.”

People eligible urged to attend booster shots appointments

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galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

People in Galway City eligible for a COVID-19 booster shots are being urged to get jabbed amid reports of many ghosted appointments.

HSE Chief Executive highlighted at a briefing last week that up to 50% of people called for a vaccine booster shot were not attending their appointments.

City Councillor Alan Cheevers said that it is extremely important that people come forward for their booster shots.

The large rise in cases in recent weeks across the country makes it important to have as much protection from the virus as possible, he added.

There have been just under 513,000 additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland up to last Sunday.

This includes 67,000 people who are immunocompromised, and therefore at greatest risk from the virus.

Booster shots are currently available for people over 50, healthcare workers,  and those with an underlying condition.

Lidl has plans for Westside store rejected a second time

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Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

Planning permission has been refused once again for a new Lidl supermarket in the Westside area of Galway City.

Galway City Council said that the supermarket proposal would go against the specific Commercial-Industrial zoning objective for “bulky goods retailing and local retail needs” on this land.

Granting planning permission would therefore be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development” of the area, the council said.

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.

Revisions were also be ma to the existing vehicle and pedestrian access points to the site, and to the right turn lane on the Seamus Quirke Road.

The City Council has previously approved plans for a Lidl supermarket here in June of 2020, but that decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanála last November, citing much the same zoning reasoning as the city council gives here.

The planning department of Galway City Council said that this fresh application is “almost identical” to the one reject by the Bord, and that “nothing has altered” in the development plan or specific zoning objectives since then.

“Therefore, this element of the rational and reason for refusal by ABP, while examined by the applicant, is not overcome as the development plan designations and policy have not altered and the refusal reason remains valid.”

Three submissions were made to the city council objecting to these plans by the HSE, the Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association, and Tesco Ireland.

The HSE was concerned that the development might have a negative impact on the hospital helipad located behind the site, and the air ambulance services operating from there.

RGDATA said that it was concerned about the “proliferation” of convenience stores in suburban areas, which it said poses a threat to the “vitality and viability” of the city centre.

GMIT introduces anonymous reporting tool for violence and harassment

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Galway Daily news GMIT introduces anonymous reporting tool for violence and harassment

GMIT has introduced a new tool for its students to report bullying, harassment, violence, or discrimination with anonymity.

The ‘Speak Out’ tool, an online and anonymous reporting platform, has been introduced for staff and students at all GMIT campuses.

This gives people a confidential method of reporting incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour/control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.

The data collected will be used to inform policy and targeted educational initiatives and provide users with support services relevant to their experience.

GMIT circulated ‘Speak Out’ to staff and students earlier this month following its launch by Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris in October.

Debbie Molloy, Student Services Manager and Mary Nestor, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at the college said that this will help their community have a safe and secure space to speak out.

“Individuals can report one incident, or a series of related incidents at a time; this is to ensure a full understanding of the nature of the experience.”

“It is important to remember that as the tool is completely anonymous, GMIT cannot identify or make contact with any member of the college community.”

Details of the initiative are available on: https://gmit.speakout.ie/.

COVID-19: 5,634 new cases reported today

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

A further 5,634 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by health officials in the Republic today.

As of 8am today, 684 people with COVID patients are hospitalised nationally, of whom 126 are in intensive care units.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that incidence of COVID-19 is continuing to rise, and today, they are once again reporting a concerning number of confirmed cases.

“We know that every 1,000 cases of COVID-19 will lead to 20-25 people in hospital and between 2-3 people requiring critical care in ICU. We also know that, since June of this year, 1 in 4 people who had COVID-19 and required critical care in our hospitals have sadly passed away,” he said.

“This information is not easy to hear, but it is an important reminder of the serious risk that COVID-19 continues to pose to all of us.”

Dr Holohan said that we can change the trajectory of this disease by breaking the chains of transmission and the best way to do that is to continue to adhere to all the layers of the public health advice.

“We know that this will work, and we know that people are making many additional efforts to drive down incidence of disease in the community,” he said.

“Our latest data from Amárach is showing that almost 57% of people are reducing the number of people they plan to meet between now and Christmas and 45% have cancelled plans.

“We can also see that the level of compliance with the Digital COVID Cert has increased by almost 10% to 85%.

“None of this is easy, particularly at this time of year. However, the data above shows that people are making a concerted effort to reduce their risk. If we can keep this going, it will have a positive impact on disease transmission.”

Galway Simon Community issues urgent Christmas appeal

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galway daily news simon community
Galway Simon Community Christmas Campaign featuring 'Mike' (played by an actor)

Homelessness and housing charity Galway Simon Community has issued an urgent appeal ahead of Christmas asking people to support them in helping to prevent the trauma of homelessness for people in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

The effects of the pandemic have made the housing situation even worse and the charity says that more and more people across the West are finding themselves at risk of becoming homeless.

Galway Simon Community has supported 746 households so far this year, including 868 adults and 527 children and said their services are experiencing huge surges in demand.

The charity’s Homelessness Prevention Services in particular have seen a 35% increase in the number of people supported compared to the same period last year.

Galway Simon says that their services are being contacted by many people “who had never thought they would find themselves on the verge of becoming homeless.”

Two such people supported by their Homelessness Prevention Services this year were Evelyn and Mike who have shared their stories to raise awareness and funds this Christmas.

Evelyn, a woman in her late 50s, worked for many years as a carer and raised a family in Galway. Her relationship sadly ended and then she had job as a live-in carer, with accommodation provided, until her employer told her they were relocating.

Evelyn was suddenly faced with the very real prospect of having to move into emergency accommodation, living out of a suitcase in a hostel or B&B in Galway.

She reached out to Galway Simon Community for help and they quickly intervened, putting together an action plan to help Evelyn with securing affordable accommodation which prevented her from having to experience the trauma of emergency accommodation.

Mike was another person supported by the charity to avoid going into emergency accommodation. After the Covid pandemic hit, Mike was left with no work, like thousands of others across the country.

“I never imagined that I could end up homeless – it just wasn’t something that ever occurred to me. I’m strong and fit and I’ve worked hard all my life, so I think of myself as someone who doesn’t have to rely on anybody,” Mike said.

Mike was really struggling and at the same time, his sister was terminally ill and things began to unravel out of his control.

He says on top of having no job, he had no routine, was facing a sense of isolation, and then his mental and physical health started to suffer. It was at this point that he reached out to Galway Simon Community.

“They set me up in temporary accommodation which provided me with stability and meant I avoided the stress of having to go into emergency accommodation,” Mike added.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community says many others like Mike and Evelyn are in need of their support.

“Galway Simon Community still faces huge challenges in providing supports to the most vulnerable people in our community,” said Karen.

“The homelessness and housing crisis, which has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, has had a devastating impact on many  in our community.

“This has resulted in a huge increase in the number of people turning to Galway Simon for help. With many of our fundraising events being cancelled throughout the pandemic, our Christmas appeal is more important than ever to enable us to continue to provide our services to those who need our support.”

If you would like to help prevent the trauma of homelessness for people in our community this Christmas, please visit www.galwaysimon.ie or call 091 381828 to give a gift to Galway Simon Community today.

Connemara community “absolutely buzzing” that neighbour could be a Lotto millionaire

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Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

The community in Bealadangan is buzzing after the news that a €1 million winning lotto ticket was sold there over the weekend.

A luck player in claimed the €1 million prize in Saturday night’s Lotto Plus 1 draw.

The National Lottery has now said that the ticket was sold at Costcutter in the Connemara village of Bealadangan.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was sold at the store on Saturday, November 20.

Noel Daniels, who only recently took over the running of the store, was thrilled to hear that one of his customers became Ireland’s latest millionaire over the weekend.

“We still can’t believe it! The whole community is absolutely buzzing knowing that one of our near neighbours could be a Lotto millionaire.”

“Word of the win has started to spread locally so we’re going to enjoy the next few days and hopefully the winner checks their ticket and claims their prize just before Christmas!”

“We are located in a rural area but the store services quite a large surrounding community and we’re overjoyed knowing that it could be one of those people.”

There was another millionaire created on Sunday, as a player Tallaght won the Daily Millions prize.

This ticket was sold at the Mace store in Tallaght Business Park in Killinarden, Dublin 24 the very same day as the draw.

Store Manager Niall Malone was thrilled to get the good news “We’ve been telling all of our customers who have come into the shop so far this morning to check their tickets carefully.”

“There’s a great buzz around the place as all of the staff are excited to hear the news too. We have lots of local customers so hopefully it’s someone in the area who has won the €1 million.”

“They might not have even realised their luck yet – hopefully they check their ticket soon to find out that it’s worth €1 million!”

The two biggest winners from the weekend are advised to sign the back of their tickets and to keep them safe.

The Galway and Dublin winners should make contact with 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 life-changing prizes.