Recreation facilities needed for Ballinasloe teens

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October 4, 2021

galway daily news ballinasloe recreational facilities

A Galway County Councillor has said that it is unacceptable that there are no outdoor recreation play facilities for the large number of teenagers in Ballinasloe.

Cllr Evelyn Parsons said the situation needs to be addressed in the upcoming Local Area Plan for Ballinasloe.

“I am keenly aware that despite having over 1,800 teenagers living, attending our excellent schools and youth services in Ballinasloe, there is no teenage recreational area catering to their specific needs – unlike other towns within the county,” said Cllr Parsons.

“It’s only fair that teenagers in Ballinasloe and East Galway also get every support as they navigate this key transitional phase in their development.

She said that other towns like Loughrea, Tuam and Oughterard have teen recreational areas, with skateboard parks, climbing frames, ziplines, age appropriate swings, benches, and spaces.

Cllr Parsons said that these spaces ensure recreational needs are met for all young people – including those who don’t engage in organised sports, those who are marginalised, disadvantaged or who may have either an obvious or invisible disability.

“I have huge concerns about the effects of this pandemic on our teenagers. Our young people have come through three lockdowns in the past two years and have had their short lives, their education, their emotional health and socilaization unnaturally disrupted,” added Cllr Parsons.

“An activity based teen zone would help combat increasingly sedentary lifestyles, screentime, social isolation, mental& emotional health and issues, rising childhood obesity.

“Our teenagers have missed out on meeting their friends, their wider families, developing peer relationships, and sharing sporting experiences.

“Their mental health as well as physical has suffered and many have become socially isolated.

“Some of them too have lost valued family members and faced grief without the traditional community supports of funerals and gatherings.”

As a designated key town in the upcoming County Development Plan, Ballinasloe has a large and growing teen population she stated, calling on Galway County Council to urgently prioritise the planning and provision of a teenage recreational zone with full accessibility for Ballinasloe East Galway youth.

Puppies found abandoned and emaciated in field making healthy recovery

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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Galway Daily news puppies abandoned in field making recovery — Litter of Lurcher puppies found abandoned in field, Photo Credit: Galway SCPA

A litter of puppies who were found abandoned in a field have been making a good recovery thanks to the loving attention of Galway SCPA.

Seven Lurcher puppies were rescued by Galway SCPA late in August after being found abandoned in a field at just six week old.

The little lurchers were sick, weak, and mangy when they were first recovered, having been left to die in the field. One little puppy had sadly already died by the time they were found.

Later on, Galway SCPA rescued another two puppies from the same litter, and in a similarly bad condition, as well as their mum, who had her own health difficulties.

The road to recovery has been difficult in the weeks since, with the nine puppies struggling with multiple health problems, including being highly undernourished.

Many visits were made to Railway Vets in Loughrea over several weeks to deal with the multitude of health problems which threatened the lives of the puppies who had already endured so much.

Lurcher puppies under the care of Galway SCPA. Photo Credit: Galway SCPA

Thankfully, under the SCPA loving care they have flourished, with staff saying that they have “gleaming coats, waggy tails, blossoming personalities and who we now believe are out of danger”.

“They are still tiny, still somewhat frail but they are little fighters and now they have had a taste of the good life we just hope they will continue to gain weight and strength.”

Galway SCPA does incredible work rescuing animals who have been cruelly abandoned, like the heartbreaking case of a dog who was tied to a fence in Ballinasloe and left there for hours at least until someone called rescuers.

Happily this litter puppies are making a full recovery from the sorry state they were rescued in, and the latest update from Galway SCPA shows them enjoying a run in the sun in their back field, nearly two months after being rescued.

The video, which has been viewed more than 19k times, and any frame of which would make a great album cover, shows the once emaciated puppies bounding with joy, and sporting healthy, glossy coats.

The litter have been named with the help of suggestions from Facebook, with a chocolate theme for the sweet family of Marabou, Thornton, Ganache, Snickers, Tiffin, Bounty, Bourneville, Lindor and Bueno.

If you want to support the Galway SCPA in protecting our animal friends, go to https://www.gspca.ie/how-you-can-help/donate to make a donation, or visit their charity shops on Barrack Street, Loughrea or on Augistine Street, Galway City.

Concern at vacant school dentist position in Tuam

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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Galway Daily news Concern at vacant school dentist service in Tuam

Concerns have been raised about the current lack of a school dentist service based in Tuam due to an unfilled post.

Galway TD Seán Canney said that the HSE has confirmed to him that the dentist position is still vacant, which is a concern for the community.

“This situation is not tenable as school dentistry services are a vital component in the provision of health services to school children,” Sean Canney said.

The Independent TD said that he has been “constantly receiving calls” from parents because of the lack of this service.

“Having facilities in place is fine but we need to make sure services are delivered in the Community.”

Deputy Canney said that this needs to be addressed, and the job filled by Community Healthcare West as a matter of urgency.

Planning refused for Gort housing estate

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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

Planning permission has been refused for a housing estate to the south end of Gort town.

Approval was sought by RHOC Gort Ltd for an estate consisting of twelve semi-detached houses, 10 four-bed and 2 one-bed, along with a two storey block of eight apartments.

The estate was to be built on an empty greenfield site at Rindifin, Gort on the Ennis Road.

Other works involved in the project would have included creating an access road to the site, and alterations to the Ennis Road to accommodate it, along with the provision of a playground, private and public open space, and other landscaping works.

The housing estate was to have been served by 36 car parking spaces, along with eighteen bicycle stands with space for 36 bikes.

The county council refused planning permission on multiple grounds, first noting that the site is designated as Phase 2 residential land, when most of the Phase 1 lands in the area remain undeveloped.

Issue was also taken with an the proposed access road, which would be on land zoned for industrial use, and proposals in the road safety audit, concerning areas outside of the developer’s control.

The proposed design and layout of the estate was also deemed insufficient, due to overlooking concerns, a lack of communal open space, and a “roads dominated” layout.

Repairs to overnight burst mains in Corrandulla continue

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

Works are underway this morning to restore water supply to the Corrandulla area after a burst water mains was reported last night.

A burst water mains in Corrandulla was reported by Irish Water shortly after 9pm on Sunday night.

Repair works are underway today, and are currently expected to be completed by 4pm on Monday afternoon.

People living in Cahermorris, Corrandulla, Annaghdown and surrounding areas may experience water outages or supply disruptions throughout the day while these are taking place.

Those affected by this are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before their full water supply is restored, as the network refills.

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

Traffic disruption expected from Tuam roadworks

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Some traffic disruption is expected due to roadworks on the North side of Tuam which got underway today.

Galway County Council is carrying out road improvement works on the N83 starting from Dunmore Road at Tuam.

The works start from the t-junction with the Dunmore Road, and cover approximately 1km out towards Dunmore.

Construction work is starting today, Monday October 4, with surveyors on site.

Traffic management measures will be in place for the duration of the roadworks.

Just one COVID patient in the ICU in Galway

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Briain Kelly

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October 4, 2021

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There is just one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Galway where the patient has been admitted to the ICU for treatment.

The most recent figures from the HSE show that one COVID-19 patient at University Hospital Galway is in the intensive care unit there.

Overall there were 13 confirmed cases in Galway’s hospitals as of Sunday night, 12 at UHG and one at Portiuncula Hospital.

There were 327 patients hospitalised nationwide, with 60 of them being treated in intensive care units.

University Hospital Limerick has the highest number of cases in the country, still dealing with 45 patients, followed by 33 at Tallaght, and 25 each in Drogheda and the Mater.

There were a further 1,051 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Ireland on Sunday by health officials.

A total of 7,231,598 doses of vaccine have been administered, with 3,691,861 people fully vaccinated.

Galway Chamber Business Awards celebrating a post-COVID future

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Galway Daily news Galway Chamber Business Awards 2021

The time of year has come again when businesses in Galway celebrate their best innovators, leaders, and more at the Galway Chamber Business Awards.

Nominations are still open for the 2021 awards, now in their 18th year organised by Galway Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by the Shannon Group.

The theme of this year’s awards is ‘Building for a New Future’ as the country emerges from the harsh conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected businesses on a scale unprecedented in our lifetime.

President of Galway Chamber Aengus Burns encouraged local businesses to enter the awards, saying that they honour the “outstanding work” of Galway businesses, and celebrate companies of all sizes.

“It’s been a tough eighteen months for many sectors, but the awards are a wonderful opportunity to highlight the resilience of your team, and how you’re building for a new future.”

“We also want to thank our sponsors for their continuous support, the awards couldn’t happen without them.”

Two new categories have been added for the 2021 awards, Best Employer and the Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion award.

Other awards up for grabs include the Dr Chris Coughlan Award for Best Emerging Enterprise, the Sustainability Initiative award, the Marketing Excellence award, the Best Small to Medium Enterprise award, Excellence in Innovation, Best Customer Service, the President’s Award, and the Overall Business of the Year.

After last year’s awards took place in a virtual ceremony, the 2021 awards will be returning to an in person celebration, taking place on December 9 at the Salthill Hotel.

The deadline for nominations to this year’s awards is October 15, and full details of the requirements and judging criteria for the different categories can be found at www.galwaychamber.com.

Expanding your business in the United States

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Expanding your business in the United States

The US is one of the largest potential regions of expansion for Irish business, with a wide array of opportunities in tech, advanced engineering, medtech, and more.

But scaling or establishing a business in another country, with different rules, and on the far side of the Atlantic, can be a daunting challenge.

To help out growing Irish businesses, Galway Technology Centre is hosting a free webinar next Tuesday outlining the business environment in the U.S., and the supports available to Irish companies looking to expand there.

A delegation from Mentor, OH will discuss the opportunities available for Irish companies looking to establish themselves in the US, focusing on the particulars of their region, local organizations and actors that may be beneficial to Irish companies.

The City of Mentor, a regional economic hub just 20 minutes east of Cleveland, Ohio, is home to 200 plus manufacturing firms, specializing in tech sector – biotech/medtech, aerospace, advanced and precision manufacturing, and automotive supply chain, among other industry clusters.

They specialise in partnering with internationally known entities like the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, and companies across the region to find appropriate matchmaking opportunities for international companies.

Laura Myles, Head of Technology and IP at Flynn O’Driscoll LLP will provide expertise in the area of IP and other considerations for Irish companies as they plan expansion abroad.

Laura is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in intellectual property, technology and data protection law and has more than 20 years experience in this field.

And Galway City Innovation District Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr. Robert Rosenberg, will provide additional insights to those companies looking to set up in the US market.

He brings three decades of experience and leadership in corporate, academic, and government partnerships in Chicago, and has worked with many Irish based companies.

Amongst his areas of expertise include branding, fundraising, business development, licensing and merchandising, human resources and strategic planning/implementation.

This free webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 5 from 10am – 10:45am on Zoom. Register online here and you will receive an email with a link to the webinar on the morning of the event.

Breastfeeding webinar for Galway mums-to-be

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Michael Malone

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October 3, 2021

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Staff in the Maternity Department at University Hospital Galway are this week promoting the importance of breastfeeding as the normal and healthy way to feed babies and young children.

The theme of this year’s National Breastfeeding Week – which began on Friday – is ‘Feeding the future: Supporting breastfeeding through a pandemic and beyond.’

Claire Cellarius, who is a Breast Feeding/ Lactation Specialist Midwife, said that breastfeeding gives babies the best start for a healthy life and it protects both mum and baby.

“Its health benefits are undisputed and I would encourage all mums-to-be to consider breastfeeding,” she said.

“Last year during the pandemic we introduced breastfeeding webinars to continue to provide support, educate and reduce the social isolation some expectant mothers were experiencing.

“The webinars are free and women can register to take part by going to www.uhgmaternity.com.”

The next webinar will take place on Thursday 7 October at 2.00pm and the UHG team will be available throughout the webinar to provide support and advice and there is also an opportunity for women to ask questions.

“Some of the topics addressed during the breastfeeding webinar include the benefits, techniques and challenges of breastfeeding, questions related to breast pumps and links to Community breastfeeding support groups,” added Claire Cellarius.

“We are continuing our postnatal virtual clinics every Monday to Wednesday from 12 to 1.00pm to support mothers with breastfeeding challenges.

“For more information on these clinics contact 091 893470. Over the next few weeks we are looking forward to reintroducing our face to face breastfeeding clinics and information about these will be on our website.

“During National Breastfeeding Week the Maternity Department at UHG will have information stands available throughout the unit for women to access information about breastfeeding.

“To finish the week, the Maternity Department will be holding a breastfeeding quiz with lots of prizes for mums, bumps and staff.”

COVID-19: 1,051 more cases reported

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,051 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

There were 319 people in the country hospitalised with COVID-19 as of this morning.

Of these patients, 60 have been admitted to intensive care units in serious condition.

In the past week, 146,128 people have been tested for coronavirus, with a positivity rate of 6.2%.

The latest hospital figures for Galway, as of Saturday night, show 17 confirmed cases in hospital here.

There are 15 patients at University Hospital Galway, up by three on the previous day, and two at Portiuncula Hospital.

Just one patient at University Hospital Galway has been admitted to the ICU.

Over 150,000 on waiting lists in Saolta hospitals

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Galway Daily news People in Galway urged to know their healthcare options for Bank Holiday

More than 152,000 people are on waiting lists in hospitals across the west and north-west of Ireland, IHCA figures show.

Figures from the Irish Hospital Consultants Association show that outpatient waiting lists in the region have increased by 72% since 2015.

In the Saolta Group, which includes UHG, Merlin Park Hospital, and Portiuncula Hospital, the number of patients waiting over a year for treatment has increased to over 6,000.

This is up from just over a third of that level six years ago, when 2,200 had waited a similar length in 2016.

Waiting lists in hospitals have been massively impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, as for much of 2020, hospitals deferred the majority of services, except for the most essential life-saving procedures.

In Saolta hospitals there are 7,700 people waiting for endoscopies according to the IHCA, 17,200 waiting in inpatient and day care services.

The doctors’ group also claims that 1 in 5 consultants positions are currently vacant at hospitals.

IHCA President, Professor Alan Irvine has said there is a risk that the “accumulated stress, health and general wellbeing” of the challenges posed by COVID-19 over the past year and a half, and the added burdens from the HSE cyberattack, will impact staff, and patient care.

Unless those empty positions are filled, it will continue to impact on healthcare targets, and prevent patients from accessing care the IHCA argues.

“Returning to the stressful, overstretched past is not an option if we are to avoid an even worse workforce crisis than was the case pre-Covid,” Alan Irvine said.

“The public places trust in our politicians to create a health service that works; while placing their trust in their doctors to deliver that service when they need it.”

“Unfortunately, the persistent lack of action by politicians means we are increasingly unable to treat our patients in a timely way and in the manner they deserve.”

Young community leaders honoured in Garda Youth Awards

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Galway Daily news Garda Youth Awards 2021

Fine young people across Galway who make an effort every day to be a positive part of their community have been honoured at the Garda Youth Awards.

Winners were honoured in four categories at the third annual Youth Awards, which were presented in line with COVID restrictions last month.

Despite restrictions due to the Covid pandemic, there was great interest in this year’s youth awards and a large number of entries were received.

The Community Safety Award went to the ‘Community of Wellness’, or COW group in Connemara, which came together to promote mental health.

The young people running the project brought together multiple local groups in Connemara to help them in this endeavor.

Large numbers of Fridge magnets were produced and distributed, while Zoom forums and other projects were enabled by the group to promote mental health.

The Individual Award winner was Danny Keane, who received his award at Murrough Regional Headquarters for proving an inspiration in his community, by providing entertainment and performing at many events in a very difficult year.

His unselfish work and volunteering turned a negative atmosphere in his community into one of positivity.

The Group Award winners in Tuam were honoured for their “What About Me” project, which produced a booklet for siblings with special needs, providing a tremendous resource to families and groups who are engaged with persons with disability on a daily basis.

The booklet received excellent recognition in the local community and beyond and the proceeds from the sale helped to provide assistance to a local primary school.

And lastly, the Special Achievement Award went to Shane Staunton in Loughrea, a tremendous young man who has encountered many difficulties throughout his life due to medical conditions.

However, this has not prevented Shane from breaking down barriers and meeting his goals. Shane is a leaving certificate student in St. Raphael’s College Loughrea and continually volunteers in his school.

His actions have had a positive impact on staff and students alike, which radiates throughout the whole school.

Caitríona hunts the truth about Frances death on Ros na Rún

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Galway daily television Caitríona hunts the truth about Frances death on Ros na Rún

Children in the line of fire in Ros na Rún as custody issues take centre stage, and Caitríona is hunting the truth about Frances death.

Mack, believing Dee may be sorry for the hurt she has caused, thinks there may be a way that they can share custody amicably, but this optimism takes a hit when he fids out she’s been talking behind his back.

He’s not the only one worried about the kids, as John Joe tries to stop Dee leaving Ros na Rún with Bláithín, but will Mack be pleased?

Colm, already feeling run down, demands that Caitríona stop pestering him about Frances’ death. But she knows that he knows something, and is hell-bent on finding the truth.

Berni wants to forget all that happened with Briain but Vanessa thinks she should seek professional help, but that takes a back seat when she gets the surprise of her life.

Tadhg goes from being thankful to Caoilfhionn for looking out for Áine, to angry that she went behind his back.

Catch all of the latest developments in Ros na Rún this week in a double feature omnibus on TG4 on Sunday evening.

Calls for Galway 2020 leadership to address finances with city council

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Briain Kelly

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October 3, 2021

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Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Calls have been made for the leadership of Galway 2020 to appear before the city council to address the project’s spending after the release of new reports.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that the Chairman and Chief Executive of Galway 2020 should meet with elected representatives to discuss the annual financial report released this week.

Galway 2020’s own annual report for last year showed that €6.48 million was spent on the project last year, of which €4.3 million went towards programming costs; with the next most expensive items being Project Management at €964k, Staff Support Costs at €680k; and Office Costs at €422k.

The Comptroller and Auditor General’s latest report for the project, also released recently, states that 87% of the funding for the Capital of Culture ended up coming from the public purse strings by the end of 2020.

This compared with the 50% max Exchequer funding that was agreed on at the outset; though the report states that public funding was projected to account for 59%.

“Galway 2020 has not had the easiest journey from the start, but there are still questions to be answered,” Alan Cheevers said.

“I have requested that the Mayor put this on the meetings agenda to discuss with members of board.”

Councillor Cheevers asked why there has been no breakdown of costs in the annual report for individual events, redundancies of staff let go last year, legal expenditures, or costs from the cancellation of the opening ceremony.

“The total cost, to date, was €24.6 million for the project. We need more transparency and the public and taxpayers deserve to know it.”

The Comptroller’s report states that funding for the Capital of Culture included €14 million from the Department, of €15 million project, and €6 million in local authority funding compared with €12 million expected.

But the real shortfall came in the lack of regional, private sector, and other funding, after COVID-19 scattered plans for the delivery of the year.

Of €6.8 million that was expected to be raised through private sector funding, just €1 million was raised in the end, along with just €400k of the €5.5 million that was to come from other sources.

In the end these only accounted for 6% of the final funding for Galway 2020, where they were meant to cover more than a quarter of the cost.

COPE Galway’s Modh Eile refuge wins national community housing award

By

Briain Kelly

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October 2, 2021

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Galway Daily news COPE Galway's Modh Eile wins national community housing award

COPE Galway’s newest domestic abuse refuge, Modh Eile House has achieved national recognition for its great social significance.

The refuge for woman and children fleeing domestic abuse in Galway has won the Irish Council for Social Housing Allianz Community Housing award for 2021.

Modh Eile opened in May of 2020 after a decade long search for a replacement for Waterside House, which the charity had been utilising for over 40 years.

The project was a huge investment by COPE, and the people of Galway, who contributed large amounts in donations for the construction and fitting out of the refuge.

“The building we have at Modh Eile House today would not have been possible without the support of the people of Galway’, said Martin O’Connor, Assistant CEO of COPE.

“Many individuals and businesses were involved throughout the planning for and funding of this project, and its design, construction and fit out. There are too many to mention here but they know who they are and we want to say a heartfelt thank you.”

The award was given at the Biennial National Social Housing Conference, held by the Irish Council for Social Housing, which took place between September 22 – 24.

Modh Eile House is on the site of the former Mercy Convent on Forster Street in Galway city centre, which formed part of the Magdalene Laundry in the city.

The Sisters of Mercy donated the former convent to COPE in 2014, specifically for the purpose of creating a new domestic abuse refuge, which was brought together over the next six years.

The house has nine units for individuals and families seeking a safe space, with units ranging in size between one and three bedrooms.

It offers extensive facilities for children of all ages, with a strong focus on facilitating therapeutic supports to address the trauma of experiencing and being witness to violence in their own homes.

There are office and meeting room facilities where women staying in the refuge receive support, and where support is offered to women who continue to live in their own homes in the community.

“Delivery of this new building was a significant achievement for COPE Galway on behalf of the people of Galway,” continued Martin O’Connor.

He praised the city council for raising 60% of the cost through the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, and the “donations and contributions” from various individuals and philanthropic organisations which is continuing to make up the other 40% of the cost.

Popular Italian TV show to shine spotlight on Galway

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Michael Malone

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October 2, 2021

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galway daily news television show in italy shining light on galway — Ornella Gamacchio, Tourism Ireland; cameraman Daniele Macis; makes-up artist Maria Grazia Mereu; host Licia Colò; cameraman Alessandro Antonino; and drone operator Davide Scarcella, during filming for Eden – Un pianeta da salvare. Picture: Eamon Ward

An Italian television channel is filming in Galway and along the Wild Atlantic Way this week.

La7 is filming two episodes for its popular prime time TV show Eden – Un pianeta da salvare, meaning Eden – A planet to save.

Each episode, which will air to an estimated 660,000 viewers in Italy, will showcase the county’s spectacular landscapes and nature, also focusing on sustainable tourism.

Filming is taking place at places such as Eyre Square, Salthill and Dunguaire Castle and the TV crew has enjoyed a guided tour of Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church and a visit to Galway City Museum.

They are also filming people involved in sustainable tourism.

Ornella Gamacchio, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Italy, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to support the filming of ‘Eden – Un pianeta da salvare’.

“With around 660,000 people across Italy expected to watch each episode, it’s a great way to shine a spotlight on Galway and the West of Ireland – highlighting our spectacular scenery, as well as sustainable tourism.

“It will remind viewers across Italy why Ireland is a great choice for a holiday.”

Tourism Ireland says that publicity and broadcasts like this are a key element of its programme of activity, to keep Ireland front and centre in the minds of future visitors from Italy and elsewhere around the world, to rebuild tourism to Ireland.

COVID-19: 1,586 new cases notified in Ireland

By

Briain Kelly

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October 2, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,586 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning, there are 298 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID.

Of these patients, 56 are being treated in the ICU in serious condition.

Dr Tony Holohan said that the number of daily cases has “stabilised” in recent weeks, and that there have been “encouraging indicators” in the same time.

Among primary school children aged 5 to 12 years old, there was an increase in cases as a result of stepped up testing in the first week or so back in school, but this has now fallen again, as it was “predicted and expected” to.

“That’s exactly what we saw in the earlier stages of the pandemic. It continues to show that the school environment, and particularly the classroom environment, is a safe and appropriate environment”.

Measures that have been put in place to keep children safe are doing so, Tony Holohan said, keeping schools open.

Galway-based Vetex and NUIG shortlisted for KTI Impact Award

By

Michael Malone

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October 2, 2021

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GALWAY daily news kti awards nui galway vetex nominated for award

Galway-based Vetex and NUI Galway have been shortlisted in the Commercialisation Impact Award category of Knowledge Transfer Ireland’s (KTI) 2021 Impact Awards.

The annual awards recognise achievements in knowledge transfer and the commercialisation of publicly funded research nationwide.

The awards pay tribute to the work of those within Ireland’s Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) around the country who provide a vital link between industry and academic research.

KTI will announce the winners on 26 November at a virtual ceremony from Croke Park.

The Commercialisation Impact Award category recognises successful outcomes from licensing rights to technology or intellectual property or through the creation of a spinout company.

Spun out from NUI Galway in 2015 to develop technology to addresses the needs identified in the management of venous clots, Vetex was acquired by Surmodics in a deal worth almost €40m this year.

The company reached a major milestone in December 2020, gaining FDA regulatory approval for its clot removal product ‘ReVene’.

Alison Campbell, Knowledge Transfer Ireland Director, said that it is hugely encouraging to see the breadth of activity on show for this year’s Impact Awards.

“The enduring commitment we see from industry to work with Irish researchers sends a positive message about the engagement model we have here in Ireland and the impact from spinout companies emerging from the system is really impressive.

“That is testament to the strength of the Irish knowledge transfer offices and the unique system of supports that we have in the country.

“I’ve been particularly pleased to see equity, diversity and inclusion reflected in so many of the submissions this year and I’m optimistic that this trend will continue.

“I wish all our shortlisted entries the best of luck and look forward to unveiling the winners in November.”

Frighteningly Fantastic Horror Films to Watch This Halloween

By

Angela Mc Bride

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October 2, 2021

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Are you after some fantastic horror films to watch this Halloween? Of course, you are. In which case, here are five recommendations you will want to consider.

Remains

While the 2011 post-apocalyptic horror movie Remains received some negative reviews, it is actually much better than many have made out. If you want a frightening film that is simply good fun, Remains remains a good choice. It is based on the cult graphic novel of the same name by Steve Niles. The story takes place in the aftermath of a zombie apocalypse. A group of survivors congregate at the ruins of a Nevada casino and do everything they can to stop the flesh-eaters from turning them into the walking dead. If you are worried that you might encounter a zombie attack the next time you visit a casino, maybe you should stick to games you can play at an online casino and avoid watching Remains! On the other hand, if you are a fan of zombie flicks, you should check out this neat little movie.

The Amityville Horror

There is something about 1970s horror films that makes them eerier than movies made in other eras, and the 1979 classic The Amityville Horror is no exception. The Oscar-winning score by composer Lalo Schifrin certainly helps to provide an extra layer of spookiness, but with fantastic performances, great direction, and a compelling story, there is much about The Amityville Horror that makes it so good. The film is also elevated to another level when you learn that it is based on a true story. The plot follows a young couple moving into their new house and discovering supernatural forces are waiting to play havoc with their lives.

Suspiria

If you have not yet seen the cult Italian film Suspiria, you are in for a terrifyingly delightful surprise. The 1977 supernatural horror movie is partially based on an 1845 essay by Thomas De Quincey. The plot of the film follows a ballet student who transfers to a prestigious German dance academy. After a series of ugly murders take place, the protagonist Jessica Harper realises that the academy is involved. Even so, Harper is not ready for the supernatural horrors that she finds within the academy’s walls.

Halloween

The films in the Halloween franchise have become more confusing than the plot of Inception. But the original 1978 movie is a true horror classic, and it is almost mandatory that you watch it over the Halloween period. Directed by the master of the genre, John Carpenter, Halloween tells the story of a murderous patient called Michael Myers who escapes a sanitorium after being locked up for fifteen years for killing his teenage sister when he was only six years old. Yes, Myers has mental issues for sure. Upon his escape, he returns to his hometown and takes an interest in a female babysitter, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, and her friends on the night of Halloween.

The Blair Witch Project

The Blair Witch Project has much to answer for. It is single-handedly responsible for a whole generation of awful shaky-camcorder-filmed found-footage movies. However, The Blair Witch Project still remains one of the best horror films of all time. If you want to guarantee you will jump in your seat when watching a film, put on The Blair Witch Project. The supernatural horror film was groundbreaking when it came out in 1999. If you have yet to see it, the premise is this. Three student filmmakers head into the woods of Black Hills to film a documentary about the local legend known as the Blair Witch. Only, the three disappear. But the footage remains, and that is what you watch as the viewer.

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