Home Blog Page 458

Mother and daughter duo launch sustainable slow fashion brand

0
Galway Daily news mother and daughter duo fashion brand mise tusa
Galway mother and daughter duo launch new slow fashion, sustainable brand Mise Tusa

A mother and daughter duo in Galway have launched an exciting, ethical and sustainable new clothing brand, Mise Tusa.

The slow fashion brand was created by designer and creative director Meritta Gorman-Geoghegan and creative marketer Bridget Geoghegan, who is also a human rights activist.

Their collections are designed and created in their Galway studio, combining timeless design, great quality and Irish practicality.

The brand, formerly known as Ail Ruin Design Centre with a design centre based in Clarinbridge, was established by Meritta in 1992.

Bridget Geoghegan

Mise Tusa embraces Irish wools and tweeds, luxury industry surplus which helps reduce waste within the fashion industry, organic, vintage and recycled materials, something they continue to build on each season.

Meaning ‘me you’ in Irish, Mise Tusa represents connection, and it is Meritta and Bridget’s vision to nourish individuality in all women by creating space, a community and products that promote confidence and connection.

With over 35 years of experience in the fashion industry, Meritta together with her daughter Bridget realised it was time for a change – that women needed more from their clothing.

They wanted to provide a more sustainable and ethical solution for women, in support of the slow fashion movement – encouraging a buy less, buy better mindset.

Meritta Gorman-Geoghegan said: “Like many, Covid has given us the opportunity to hit the pause button and really reflect and evaluate, we now recognise that what we need and want from our clothing and life is very different and our responsibility to people and planet has become clearer than ever.

“That’s why we have pivoted and rebranded our business, we wanted to emerge from all of this re-energised with a renewed focus and purpose.

“Our Local Enterprise Office in Galway have been incredibly supportive over the years, but especially during Covid, it was amazing to see how not only were they supporting businesses in adapting their business for this new time, they have remained forward-thinking and investing in innovation and new ideas, and it was their support and backing that gave us the confidence to pursue our new venture.

“We can’t imagine what it would have been like navigating these unpredictable times without their support.”

As part of the new collection, Mise Tusa has launched ‘The Movement Line’ which is a moveable and comfortable collection of pieces with an elevated design finish, inspired by the slower pace of life brought about by COVID-19.

Bridget Geoghegan said that the idea for the movement line came about because of the slower lifestyle we were leading during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“As we are both qualified yoga teachers as well as running a full-time business, we noticed a gap in the market for pieces that can take you stylishly and comfortably through your day – from your morning yoga flow to your afternoon Zoom meeting, to your evening stroll. Pieces that support your lifestyle and not just for a specific occasion or function.

“While creating this movement, and pivoting the brand we have received great support from our Local Enterprise Office in Galway, who encouraged us to apply for the Business Expansion Grant and supported the launch of our new website through the Online Trading Voucher as well as always being there for us for expert business advice – we couldn’t thank them enough for this support.”

Check out www.misetusa.ie and subscribe to the brand’s YouTube channel here!

Second planning application made for Westside Lidl store

0
Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

A fresh planning application has been made for the construction of a new Lidl supermarket in the Westside area of Galway City.

Lidle Ireland GmbH is seeking planning permission for the demolition of the former Arch Motors premises on the Seamus Quirke Road, along with workshops and outbuildings to the rear of the site.

In its place Lidl plans to build a single storey supermarket with a total of approximately 1,606sqm of floor space.

This second run at the development also includes plans for another retail/commercial unit with a floor space of 226sqm attached to the supermarket building.

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

Revisions would also be made 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.

In refusing planning permission at that time, the Bord said that due to the C1 zoning objectives of the site, and with other supermarkets already present in the area, it would be against proper planning to give the application the go ahead.

Galway City Council is due to make a decision on this fresh planning application by November 4 of this year.

Unique chance to buy first whiskey produced in Galway for over 100 years

0
galway daily news micil distillery first galway whiskey in 100 years

Members of the public have been given the unique opportunity to purchase a piece of Irish whiskey history after Galway’s Micil Distillery announced its Síolta Mhicil cask offering.

People will be able to buy one of only 240 handmade 50 litre casks, and to own a share of the first legal whiskey produced in Galway for over a century.

With the choice of three unique recipes and five different cask types, each cask will cost €3,300 prior to VAT and excise duty, yielding approximately 90 bottles of bespoke whiskey. 

Síolta Mhicil members will purchase a cask of their chosen spirit which will be distilled and matured for four years by Micil Distillery.

The mature whiskey will then be hand bottled and labelled with a personalised Micil Irish Whiskey label for the member’s own personal enjoyment.

“Síolta Mhicil translates as The Seeds of Micil, though a more poetic translation (and one we prefer) is Micil’s Beginnings,” explained founder Pádraic Ó Griallais.

“We’re extremely proud to be inviting people to join our journey, and to support our growth through ownership of a one-off batch of extraordinary Irish whiskey.” 

The Micil family have been crafting exceptional Irish spirits on the shores of Galway Bay for over 170 years, handing down traditions, skills and recipes from generation to generation.

During the 1700s and 1800s Galway had over 22 legal whiskey distilleries, while Connemara was home to the most Irish of all distilling traditions, illicit ‘fuisce’ made in small copper pot stills.

The Micil team is now drawing on these traditions and recipes, creating innovative whiskeys that combine the best of the past with the finest ingredients that our land has to offer.

Micil’s in-house whiskey specialist, Mark McLaughlin, said that every drop of Síolta Mhicil whiskey will be produced here in Galway over the next two years.

“It will be brewed from 100% Irish grain, malted & peated using turf from the Micil family land in Connemara, and double distilled using our single 500L copper pot still,” said Mark McLoughlin.

“Whatever your choice of grains, whiskey style and cask type, you’ll be one of a small number of owners of this exclusive, personalised expression of Micil Irish Whiskey, and will possess a unique drop of Irish distilling history.”

The Síolta Mhicil casks are available to purchase by contacting siolta@micil.ie, and you’ll find more information at http://www.micildistillery.com. 

Man charged with possessing over 1,200 images of child pornography

0
Galway Daily courts

A man in his 60s has been charged with possessing more than 1,200 images of child pornography.

The man, who cannot be named at this time, appeared before Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court this week, where evidence was given of him being arrested, charged and cautioned.

The man has been charged with one count of alleged distribution of child pornography under Section 5 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act of 1998.

He has also been charged with four counts of allegedly possessing child porn under Section 6 of the same act, totalling 1,207 images.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the case should be tried on indictment.

There was no objection to bail on the conditions that the accused surrender his passport, and sign on at a specified Garda station three times a week.

Bail was set at €1,000 of his own bond, with no cash lodgement required, and free legal aid was awarded to the man.

The case will next come before the District Court on October 18 for the service of a book of evidence, before proceeding to a higher court.

Five Galway students win top prizes in Texaco Children’s Art Competition

0
galway daily news texaco children's art competition galway student winners
Nicole Spain's artwork

Five Galway students have won top prizes in this year’s 67th Texaco Children’s Art Competition, with the final results having been delayed until now because of the pandemic.

The students were Jessie Colleran (16) from Ardscoil Mhuire in Ballinasloe; Patrick O’Donnell (17) from Coláiste Ghobnait in Inisheer; Luke Iwasaki (13) from Educate Together Secondary School in Morrough; Abby Finnegan (11) from St. Joseph’s National School in Kinvara and Nicole Spain (6) from Mullagh National School, Loughrea.

Jessie Colleran’s artwork
Luke Iwasaki’s artwork
Abby Finnegan’s artwork
Patrick O’Donnell’s artwork

The Galway students were all winners of Special Merit Awards for artworks which Final Adjudicator Professor Declan McGonagle described as showing “high levels of skill and imagination”.

The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.

This year it has again been a platform on which young artists from Galway and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.

From September 14 to October 2, Drogheda’s Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery is hosting an exhibition of the top 126 winning paintings in this year’s Competition.

Galway woman is leading light for National Women’s Enterprise Day

0
Galway daily business Galway woman is leading light for National Women's Enterprise Day

Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen in Galway are being encouraged to look to the future and register for this year’s National Women’s Enterprise Day next month.

Now in its 15th year, the annual event is organised by the Local Enterprise Office network to connect emerging businesswomen with information to help them flourish, and with a network of their peers.

This year’s free virtual event, titled “Build The Future”, will take place online on October 7, with a lineup featuring some of the best known female entrepreneurs in the country.

Representing LEO Galway at this year’s event is Lorraine Lynch, CEO and Founder of the Child Psychology Institute.

The Child Psychology Institute is an international education technology company which aims to empower parents, healthcare and education staff who work with children using online courses, training and programs.

Established in 2019, Child Psychology Institute aims to be the world’s leading EdTech software platform to holistically enable all learning methodologies, such as training, conferences, online learning programs and knowledge resource sharing, that enable individual self-improvement and professional development.

Lorraine is a client of LEO Galway, having received support for her business website from the TOV scheme which got such a boost in recognition and funding during the pandemic.

“I received the Trading Online Voucher which provided me with the support of an online digital marketing strategy, as well as adding e-commerce functionality on to our website.

She said that the improvements she has made to her business as a result of the TOV funding have helped to increase brand awareness, and gain traction in online commerce.

Traditionally, National Women’s Enterprise Day has taken place locally, with LEO Galway putting on events for female businesswomen across the city and county, and those who may have a business idea they want to get off the ground.

But last year the event went virtual due to COVID-19, and the organisers have decided to continue with that format this year.

‘Build the Future’ will be hosted by founder and broadcaster Aine Kerr, and the lineup of speakers will include the likes of Aimee Connolly of Sculpted by Aimee, Rachel Doyle of The Arboretum and Sharon Keegan of Peachy Lean, who was recently supported on Dragon’s Den UK.

The day’s programme will cover a whole host of areas on how to build the future of a business covering topics like, how to get started, internationalization, finding new markets, trading effectively online, sustainability and innovation.

This will be coupled with breakout rooms for networking and a host of one-to-one advice clinics for any business issues.

New figures from the Local Enterprise Offices show that the number of women engaging in entrepreneurship is one the rise, with 47,000 women making use of training an upskilling from the LEO in 2020, up from 23,466 the year prior.

NWED coordinator at LEO Galway, Valerie Kelly, said “National Women’s Enterprise Day has always been a day of celebration of the very best in female entrepreneurship and highlighting the strength of that community.”

“This year is no different, but we are very much looking forward. How can we help female entrepreneurs in Galway sustain and develop their businesses and ideas going into the future?”

“The last 18 months have created huge problems for businesses all across the city and county but also great opportunities and businesses have to grasp those.”

Two Galway charities in running for share of Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

0
galway daily news coca-cola fund grants cope galway helplink mental health
Pic: Naoise Culhane

Two Galway charities are in the running to receive a share of this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, which will give a total of €100,000 in grants to non-profit organisations.

COPE Galway and Helpline Mental Health are among the 23 organisations which could be awarded grants of €5,000 or €10,000 through the fund.

Leaders from the 23 organisations will be invited to attend a special skills and networking workshop, before pitching their project ideas to a panel of judges for the chance to secure a grant.

COPE Galway is seeking funding for a series of art-therapy sessions for young service users to engage participants who would otherwise be reluctant to attend therapy.

Incorporating art will provide participants with a creative outlet to explore emotions, anxiety and self-esteem.

Helplink Mental Health is seeking funding for the development of a series of workshops on mental health and emotional wellbeing for young adults to help them build resilience and reduce stress and anxiety.

Over 280 non-profit organisations applied for the Fund this year under the categories of education and training, diversity and inclusion in young people and taking an innovative approach to sustainability.

Commenting on the announcement of this year’s shortlisted groups, Agnese Filippi, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland, said that the past 18 months have been “truly extraordinary and particularly hard on our young people as they were forced to miss many milestones that we previously took for granted.”

“Established in 2011 to help local community groups support young people, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is designed to back leaders in local communities across the island of Ireland working to guide and protect young people at this critical time,” said Agnese.

“We’re really excited about the shortlisted groups and look forward to hearing from them during the pitch phase as they bring their ideas to life.

“To help them with this process this year, with thanks to our partners at Irish Youth Foundation and Youth Action Northern Ireland, we’re inviting each of the 23 groups to a workshop designed to provide them with helpful hints and tips on both presenting their ideas but also on how to maximise the impact of their local efforts, empowering them to continue their vital community work in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”

Culture Night returns with a passion

0
Galway Daily arts Over the Edge open mic night on Thursday evening

Culture Night is back with a vengeance, promising to kick off the weekend with a load of free music, comedy, art, and more in Galway this Friday.

In Galway, the renowned Quiet Man station in Ballyglunin will host the latest in a series of outdoor concerts that have come to the picturesque site in the past month.

Presented by Three Rings team, the ‘Let’s go outside – art, culture, music at The Quiet Man Station’ event will feature one of  Ireland’s most vibrant young bands, the Barcelo Brothers, who will deliver their sydeco style of music infused with R&B. Reggae, soul and funk.

On the other side of the tracks, there will be live comedy at Athenry Heritage Centre with ‘Retreat! Meet the characters’, from the play Retreat by Aoibheann McCann.

“This year we are delighted to have so many events taking place all over the county for Culture Night”, says Galway County Arts Officer Sharon O’Grady.

“The level of interest and enthusiasm has really shown how important it is for our artists and communities to come out and celebrate the importance of arts and culture in our lives.”

“Culture Night is simply not possible without the support of all the groups and arts organisations who put so much effort and inspiration into organising events for the public”.

UNBOUND – a Group 8 Exhibition will happen all day at Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre, unveiling the work of the members of Group 8 inspired by life with COVID-19.

It will feature something for everyone, with writing, paintings, wood turning, textiles, ceramics, mixed media and sculpture inspired by pandemic experiences.

Loughrea Community Radio presents an evening of on air entertainment and banter with local groups and individuals from all areas of arts and culture.

The final concert series of Bouncing Off The Walls features a special performance by Little John Nee at Athenry Heritage Centre.

Local poet, Bernie Crawford will read a selection of poems from her newly published book ‘Living Water’ at Middlethird Farm in Oranmore.

In Interface Inagh there will be an artist’s talk on Broken Vessels, a site specific, international collaborative arts project curated by South African artist Brent Meistre.

Visit the studio of award winning Galway artist Aideen Monaghan. Experience Aideen’s process of art making. View her paintings, drawings, greeting cards and limited edition prints and discover your own creativity by taking part in an art class.

Culture Shock, an interactive evening of audio visual, spoken word and musical discovery is also happening at Athenry Heritage in addition to a face painting workshop.

This is just a small sample of the events that will bloom across Galway County next Friday for a Culture Night to remember. More details about the many events not mentioned her can be found at https://culturenight.ie.

COVID-19: 1,394 cases reported today

0
Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

A further 1,394 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

As of this morning there were 321 people in the  country hospitalised with COVID.

Of these patients, 58 gave been admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer said “The awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, and what to do if you experience them, is extremely important.”

“The COVID-19 symptoms for adults and children include fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, runny or blocked nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache.”

“Regardless of how mild symptoms may be, we ask that you isolate if you experience any of them and contact your GP.”

“Do not go to school, the workplace or socialise if you or your child exhibits COVID-19 symptoms.”

Nursing home residents over 65, and people in the community over 80, are in line to receive vaccine booster shots after Dr Holohan accepted advice from NIAC that they be provided off label.

Grant scheme announced for local festivals in Galway city

0
galway daily news Grant scheme open for community festivals in the city

Local communities which are planning festivals or events in Galway city in the coming months may be eligible for a small scale grant under the Local Community Festivals Grant Scheme.

Galway City Council announced the scheme today with the aim of supporting local festivals in local areas to encourage participation in community life.

The scheme will support events which are organised and run by local residents as a way to reconnect the local community in line with the next phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of €12,000 is available through the scheme this year, with interested local communities invited to apply online.

Applications can be completed online here, and all proposals must comply with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

The closing date for applications online under the Local Community Festivals 2021 is Friday, 1 October 2021 at 4pm.

Top 10 Online Slots with the Highest RTP

0

Online slots have impressive RTPs, that is, the mathematically averaged amount awarded to a gambler in form of winnings based on the wagered amount. However, the Return To Player (RTP) percentage may vary from one slot game to the other. Serious gamblers know that irish slots with the highest RTPs provide value for money and feature the best probability for winnings. If you are looking for casino games with the highest RTPs, the best payout online casino sites, you are definitely at the right place. Check out our top online casino’s list with 10 slots with the highest RTP.

Book of 99 Online Slot

This epic slot rests on Greek Mythology, where clashes among the gods, brave heroic actions, and wicked creatures intertwine to create a visual picture of mythical Greece. The online casino game provided by Relax Gaming has an RTP rate of 99%, arguably the best, among many other slot games.

Mega Joker

Mega Joker is an entertaining one popular for fruity themes and graphics. Besides its amazing features, the game is among the best well-paying online slots. With a 95.05% RTP, the slot proves highly lucrative. Mega Joker has an impressive winning rate and a gamble feature that ensures players win every day. 

Marching Legions 

With an attractive 98.12% RTP rate, Marching Legions is among the best online casino games, in terms of player winnings. The exciting online slot with 243 paylines features animated graphics and lets players get the thrill of experiencing epic Roman drama.

Jokerizer 

Created by Yggdrasil Gaming Jokerizer is a fantastic 5 reeled online slot with 10 paylines. Besides featuring tons of bonuses and mystery wins that come when players get jokers on the reels, this 3D online slot has a superior RTP rate of 98%, a fact that explains why it is adored by gamblers worldwide.

Real Gems 

Since it was introduced way back in 2010 by Microgaming, Real Gems has continued to stand out as the only online slot with constant winnings. With 5 reels and 243 ways to win, this slot with attractive visuals is arguably well-paying. The online slot has an outstanding RTP rate of 97.49%, presumably one of the best rates among online slots.

Communities urged to celebrate All-Ireland camogie victory safely

0
galway daily news galway camogie
Credit ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Communities across the county have today been urged to celebrate safely following Galway’s victory over Cork in yesterday’s All-Ireland camogie final.

Health services in the region reminded people that socialising in large groups will increase their risk of contracting COVID-19, and that this increase in community transmission would put more pressure on the hospital system.

Tony Canavan, CEO of Saolta University Health Care Group, congratulated the Galway Camogie team and commiserated with the Mayo footballers.

“It was an incredible sporting weekend for the West and we can all celebrate the Galway win without putting lives at risk – avoid large gatherings, wear a mask and remember good hand hygiene,” said Tony Canavan.

He said that it is a wonderful boost for the West, but we must not forget that COVID is still a serious risk.

“Our health system is under tremendous pressure; our hospitals have never been busier, we are dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks in wards and record levels of attendance in our EDs.

“While the vaccination programme has been very successful, we are concerned with high community transmission rates. Ultimately, we are preparing for a very challenging winter ahead and we need the support of the public.”

Tony Canavan added that it is also very important to attend for your second dose vaccine, and anyone who has yet to receive a first dose can register online at hse.ie/vaccine or attend one of the many walk-in clinics taking place across the West and North West.

Breda Crehan Roche, Chief Officer Community Healthcare West, also congratulated the Galway camogie team on their fantastic win at the weekend.

“Whilst we acknowledge this wonderful achievement – the joy and excitement being in the finals and winning has brought to everyone in our community after such a tough few years, it is important to bear in mind that the virus is still circulating at higher levels and we must not get complacent.

“Please continue to support your community by supporting your team in a responsible and safe manner.”

NUI Galway appoints full-time Traveller Education Officer 

0
galway daily news traveller education owen ward nuig
Jason Sherlock and Owen Ward

NUI Galway has appointed its first full-time Traveller Education Officer to lead the teaching and learning of students from the Traveller community.

Owen Ward, a Traveller, qualified teacher and alumnus of the University, is to take on the role as NUI Galway develops a model to empower the Traveller community to overcome barriers in higher education.

He will manage Mincéirs Misl’d in Education – Empowering Irish Travellers to transition and build a sense of belonging in Higher Education.

“The main objective of the project is to support the development of recruitment and support strategies and evidence-based teaching and learning methods in an effort to address the low levels of Travellers in higher education,” said Owen.

“It will empower Travellers in post-primary, further education and mature students to progress to higher education and build a sense of belonging, while being successful during their studies at NUI Galway.

“I look forward to working with all the stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for the Traveller community in education.

“This project highlights NUI Galway’s ongoing commitment to widening the participation of Travellers in higher education.”

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris welcomed the appointment, saying Owen is an incredible role model for his family and the wider Traveller community.

“He has overcome adversity and changed the course of not only his own future but that of the wider Traveller community,” said Minister Harris.

“Higher education is for everyone and can be the key to equality as well as unlocking opportunities for all. Our mission in my Department of Further and Higher Education Research Innovation and Science is to ensure no one is left behind.

“As we strive towards a more inclusive higher education system for all, I have no doubt that Owen will play a huge part in this in the future.

“I wish him well in this new role and I want to commend NUI Galway for continuing to play a leadership role in this area.” 

Big beach clean-up organised for Galway City this Saturday

0
galway daily news big beach clean up 2021 galway city

Residents associations, community groups, business groups and youth groups are being encouraged to clean up litter at beaches in their local areas this weekend to help keep Galway City tidy.

Galway City Council has organised the clean up to coincide with World Cleanup Day 2021 and Clean Coasts’ Big Beach Clean.

Skips will be located at Ballyloughane Beach, Claddagh Hall and Hunters Park (Lough Rusheen Park, Barna Road) from 10am to 4pm on the day.

Tiarnan McCusker, Environmental Awareness Officer with Galway City Council, said that the Big Beach Clean 2021 follows a very successful ‘Love Your Beach Week’ initiative in July.

“Most people in Galway City live within about 5km of a beach that they cherish,” he said.

“So why not get your gloves on and take this great opportunity alongside other members of the community to help to clean it up and give something back?”

Galway City Council staff will be on duty at each skip location to help out and to offer advice on what can go into each bin.

Those who are interested should register with An Taisce’s Big Beach Clean or by emailing cleancoasts@eeu.antaisce.org

Life Skills courses launched by NUIG Students’ Union

0
Galway Daily nui Galway

NUI Galway Students’ Union has launched its Life Skills courses for the new academic year, with a range of courses on offer for students at the University.

For 12 years, the Students’ Union has been running a wide range of subsidised courses for the 19,000 students at NUI Galway with the aim of increasing their practical knowledge.

These courses help to improve the employment prospects of students during and after college by improving their CVs. They also teach important life skills such as how to save lives.

Students’ Union President Róisín Nic Lochlainn said: “We are delighted to announce details of our Life Skills courses for the year ahead.

“Whether it’s learning how to help someone who may be suicidal or gaining the skills to administer CPR, all of these courses help to provide a well-rounded education for our students whilst also helping them to make their CV’s stand out from the crowd when looking for jobs.”

The courses on offer from the Students’ Union this semester include: Sign Language; Gaeilge; Heartsaver AED; Suicide Awareness Training; Mental Health Training with Jigsaw; Child Protection Training; Anti-Racism Training; Disclosure Training with Galway Rape Crisis Centre; Strength and Conditioning Training; and Pilates.

The full course descriptions, costs and booking information can be found at www.su.nuigalway.ie

Extreme pressure on beds at UHG today

0
Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway is extremely busy today, with many patients at the Emergency Department admitted without a bed.

A statement from the hospital said that there is “ongoing pressure” on bed availability at UHG today.

“we regret that patients are currently experiencing long waiting times to be admitted from the ED to an acute bed in the hospital.”

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation shows that there were 25 patients without a bed at UHG at 8am this morning.

The bulk of those, 23 people, are on trolleys in the Emergency Department, and two more are going without beds in the wards.

The Saolta Group has asked people not to come to the ED unless they ate dealing with a real emergency.

“If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP Out of Hours service, in the first instance.”

“We would also like to remind patients that the Injury Unit in Roscommon University Hospital is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.:

“We are committed to treating everyone who presents at our ED but we do so strictly in order of medical priority and apologise for the long wait times.”

Due to COVID-19 public health measures, people attending the emergency department will be asked to wait on their own to maintain social distancing.

Only in exceptional circumstances will a patient be allowed to wait with a companion.

Small drop in COVID patients in Galway

0

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Galway has declined slightly, while ICU admissions for the disease remain the same.

There are 27 confirmed cases at UHG in the latest figures, one fewer than the day before but roughly in line with where case numbers have been at in the past week.

The number of COVID patients in the ICU at University Hospital Galway remains unchanged at four.

There are two confirmed cases at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, unchanged from the previous day.

Neither of the patients at Portiuncula Hospital is in the intensive care unit.

Nationwide there were 311 people hospitalised with COVID-19 as of Sunday night, of whom 59 are in the ICU.

A further 1,346 confirmed cases in the state were reported by the Department of Health yesterday.

GMIT Hotel School listed among best in the world for 2nd year running

0
Galway daily news Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course course returns

GMIT’s Galway International Hotel School has been ranked among the best in the world for the second year running.

Global publication The Education Magazine has listed GMIT among its Top 10 Hospitality Management Institutes for the second year in a row.

During the pandemic the school continued to deliver courses safely on campus and online including a brand-new series of online Masterclasses by industry representatives.

These included experts from a wide range of Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of Food Space; alumna Catherine Toolan, Managing Director of Guinness Storehouse; Bernie Doherty, Galway County Council Community Archaeologist, and many more.

Cáit Noone, Head of the Hotel School, welcomed the ongoing acknowledgement, highlighting the wide array of opportunities available in the hospitality.

“The tourism industry is a global employer and a qualification from the Galway International Hotel School provides graduates with multiple opportunities to work across the vast industry.”

“For some this is a stepping-stone into junior management positions, for others it is an entry route to setting up their own tourism or food enterprise.”

She added that there are many sectors open to graduates such as working in hotels and restaurants, or further afield in event companies and even heritage organisations.

“In the last decade more graduates continue their studies with post graduate courses and some progress to careers in teaching.”

“Qualifications from the school opens so many doors to graduates. Never has one qualification provided so many options for learners.”

The GMIT Hotel School was the first Institute of Technology in Ireland to offer a degree in Hotel Management back in 1977.

Today, that single course has bloomed to a wide range of specialties in International Hotel Management, Culinary Arts and Gastronomy, Heritage Studies, International Tourism Management, and more.

Working with industry and enterprise partners, many of the courses have accredited work placements and several include international education visits and placements in Europe and in more recent years in China and Canada.

“The School has always worked very closely with industry partners and as a result when new courses are developed they are done so with partners including the Irish Hotels Federation, Chef Network, the Restaurant Association of Ireland and the Irish Hospitality Institute for input and support,” Cáit Noone said.

President of GMIT, Dr Orla Flynn, said “I want to congratulate our team at the Galway International Hotel School on achieving this recognition for the second year in a row.”

“The School has always had an international focus with a global alumni network supporting strategic developments and accredited work placements. For this industry, a global outlook is truly essential, and students continue to receive that here at GMIT.”

The list of the best institutes of higher education for studying hospitality can be found at theeducationmagazine.com/the-10-best-hospitality-management-institutes-of-2021/.

Man (40s) dies following city traffic collision

0
Galway Daily news

A man in his 40s lost his life following a traffic collision in Galway City on Sunday morning.

A motorbike and a car were involved in a collision on the Old Dublin Road at the entrance to Renmore Park shortly after 10am this morning.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 40s, received serious injuries in the collision.

He was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident a short time later.

The crash site was fully examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has now reopened to traffic.

The deceased was removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway and the local Coroner has been notified.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing witnesses to come forward and make contact with them.

They are also appealing to those who were travelling on the Old Dublin Road, Renmore Park at the time of the collision who may have any camera footage (including dash-cam), to make it available to them.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galwegians urged to take part in Up the Hill for Jack & Jill challenge

0
galway daily news jack & Jill fundraising challenge
Pictured flying the flag for Jack & Jill at the Storks Nest in Ballinasloe is Cathy Keighery, Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse with the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.

The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is urging people to climb a hill in October in solidarity with the 22 families it supports in Galway who have an uphill challenge in caring for their sick child every day.

Now in its seventh year, the Up the Hill for Jack & Jill fundraising challenge aims to raise funds for the charity’s specialist home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for very sick children up to the age of six.

Jack & Jill funded and delivered over 94,000 hours of home nursing care to 376 families in 2020, through a team of hundreds of nurses and carers in communities across the country.

This was in addition to the 25,000 hours of hands-on, case management provided by the Jack & Jill core nursing team, which is made up of 15 specialist children’s liaison nurses.

In 2020, Jack & Jill also extended the age range of children it supports by a year and that age extension continues today, with children up to six years of age receiving the vital care that they need at home.

For Cathy Keighery, Jack & Jill Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse for Galway, Up the Hill  means so much to local families, who depend on the funds raised for their support.

“To say that it has been a very tough 18 months for our Jack & Jill families is an understatement,” said Cathy.

“As one of the vulnerable groups during the pandemic, our families have had to take refuge in order to keep themselves and, most importantly, their children safe. It has been really tough.

“Throughout this time, we have continued to provide in-home support, across the garden wall support, and over the phone support.

“Last year, we provided over 5,200 hours of support to families in Galway. This support affords families the ‘Gift of Time’ to do things for themselves and other family members – whether it’s spending some quality time with a sibling, grabbing a quick coffee with a friend, getting some fresh air in the great outdoors, or simply taking a nap to recharge – it’s that time out which means that they can continue to spend time caring for their sick child and doing what mums and dads do best.”

The Up the Hill for Jack & Jill fundraising challenge couldn’t be simpler, and people can participate by following the steps below.

  • Step 1. Register your challenge at www.jackandjill.ie for just €18 – the cost of one hour of specialist home nursing care – and to receive an optional eco-friendly banner. You can also purchase a Jack & Jill beanie for €10 to make sure you stand out on the day!
  • Step 2. Identify a location for your Up the Hill challenge – it can be in a local park, or it can be a peak on a nearby mountain – whatever hill works for your fitness level and ability. You can climb it, run it, walk it, cycle it – whatever works for you.
  • Step 3. Recruit your family members, friends and work colleagues to join you, but remember to stay within public health guidance.
  • Step 4. Decide on a date during the month of October that best suits your group and begin the countdown to let the excitement build.
  • Step 5. The final frontier – grab your hill and go! Once the day arrives and you’ve conquered your personal Everest, stake your claim for Jack & Jill with your Up the Hill eco-friendly banner and take a picture to proclaim your achievement to the world on social media!
Visit www.jackandjill.ie to learn more about this challenge and the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation.