Pearse Stadium hosting comedy and music extravaganza

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August 14, 2021

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in at University Hospital Galway has been cut almost in half in the past week.

As of Friday night there were 11 confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway, two fewer than yesterday, and down from a peak of 21 last Saturday.

The number of COVID patients at UHG who are in serious condition in the ICU remains unchanged from recent days at four.

At Portiuncula Hospital there are three confirmed cases, the same as the yesterday, one of whom is in the ICU.

Nationwide there are 223 people hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 43 are in the ICU.

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta hospital group, recently urged people to exercise vigilance as the virus is still circulating in the community, and the number of people attending emergency departments is back to record highs.

Final Clifden vaccine clinics to take place next week

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August 14, 2021

galway daily news Spring vaccination campaign

The final COVID-19 vaccination clinics will take place in Clifden Community School next week.

Anyone who requires a first or second dose vaccine after next week that will receive vaccine appointments for the Ballybrit vaccination centre.

General Manager for the rollout of the vaccination programme in the West and North West, Frank Harburn, said that they are very grateful to the management and staff of West Connemara Leisure Centre Committee for facilitating the vaccination clinics in their building.

He said that it was an ideal space to use as there was sufficient room for vaccination booths, an observation area and a registration area while also being wheelchair accessible with ample parking.

“I would also like to thank our colleagues in Community Healthcare West, Galway County Council and Fire Service, members of the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service for their support,” he said.

“Since our first clinic on 6 July we have administered around 820 first and second dose vaccines in Clifden, including 130 first dose vaccines during the walk-in clinic over the August bank holiday weekend and 50 during the walk-in clinic last Saturday.

“Anyone who has received their first dose in the Clifden vaccination centre and will be due their second dose after next week will automatically receive a text message advising them to go to the Ballybrit vaccination centre to get their second vaccine.

“I would urge everyone to read their vaccine appointment text messages carefully to make sure that they know where their vaccine appointment takes place.”

COVID-19: 1,978 new cases as Ronan Glynn warns of high incidence in Galway

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August 13, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 1,978 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

A total of 221 people with the virus are in hospitals across the country, of whom 43 are in intensive care units.

Deputy Chief Medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said that over 10,000 cases have been reported in the last week and that there is high incidence in Donegal, Monaghan, Mayo, Galway, Roscommon, Louth and Cavan in particular.

“In addition, while incidence is particularly high in those aged 16-29 years, incidence is now rising across all age groups,” he said.

“While vaccination has very positively impacted on the proportion of positive cases who end up in hospital or critical care, the current high and increasing incidence will nevertheless result in a significant number of people getting very sick with COVID-19.

“At the peak of the second wave in October we had 47 people in critical care. Today we have 43, with 8 new admissions in the last 24 hours.”

Dr Glynn said that vaccines work, but they must also be supported by all of us continuing to follow the public health advice to keep each other safe and break the chains of transmission of COVID-19.

“If you plan to socialise this weekend, risk assess your plans,” he said.

“Try to meet up in small groups, meet outdoors and avoid crowds if possible. Wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance.

“If you are in an environment that feels unsafe then leave. Remember that if you have any cold or flu like symptoms at all, self-isolate – do not meet up with others or go to work – and arrange a test.”

COVID-19: Health services urge vigilance amid high hospital attendance

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August 13, 2021

Galway Daily news tony canavan saying there will be problems at uhg

People in Galway and the west of Ireland are being urged to be vigilant in light of COVID-19 case increases, and high levels of hospital attendance.

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Hospital Group said that they are dealing with “record numbers” of people attending emergency departments.

“All the while, the number of COVID-19 infections in our communities is growing and resulting in greater numbers of hospitalisations.”

“We must stay vigilant and keep up our guard against COVID-19 if we are to protect the most vulnerable.”

“While our vaccination programme has been a huge success, we must not forget the day to day practices that are continuing to keep us all safe.”

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has warned that hospital overcrowding is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels. This at a time when hospitalisations for the disease remain high.

As of Thursday night there were 13 confirmed cases at UHG, and three at Portiuncula. Four of the patients at UHG are in the ICU.

Dr. Aidan Ryan, HSE Specialist in Public Health Medicine added, “Covid-19 is circulating in our Communities. It is important to continue to follow public health advice.”

“Increased community testing will help identify people who may be infected and are infectious. These people may be unaware that they might be spreading the virus.”

Tony Canavan also asked that people be particularly vigilant of their own health if they are coming to visit someone in hospital.

Potential visitors to hospital are urged not to come if they have any symptoms of COVID, or have been a close contact.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses to fatal motorway car crash

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August 13, 2021

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses who may have information on the fatal three car crash on the M6 on Thursday afternoon to contact them.

A man in his 80s was killed when three cars travelling on the eastbound lane of the M6 were involved in a collision.

Two women, also injured in the collision, remain at University Hospital Galway today.

The collision happened shortly before 1pm at the junction of the M6 with the M17 motorway.

Gardaí investigating this three car crash are appealing to anyone who may have been travelling on the East or Westbound lanes of the M6 between 12.40pm and 1pm on Thursday August 12 and who may have witnessed this collision to make contact with them.

In particular Gardaí are appealing to any road users who were on the road during this period who may have video footage (including dash-cam footage) to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Three women, a passenger in the first car and the drivers of the other two cars, were also injured in the collision.

One of the women, aged in her 80s, the passenger in the same car as the man who was killed, suffered injuries which were described as serious.

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.

Do Not Swim notice lifted at Ballyloughane Beach

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August 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Swimming ban at Ballyloughane Beach due to E. Coli

The temporary swimming ban imposed at Ballyloughane beach earlier this week has been lifted after further water quality testing.

Galway City Council issued a notice advising people not to get in the water at Ballyloughane beach after elevated bacteria levels were detected in the water.

This came after a period of heavy rain, which can lead to contaminated water run off.

Further water samples were taken on Wednesday, August 11, the results of which have come back today.

The City Council said that they meet the standards of excellent water quality.

The do not swim notice has been lifted at the beach as of this afternoon.

Senior care company creating 60 new jobs in Galway

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August 13, 2021

Galway daily news Day services in Loughrea remain in limbo

Home Instead, Ireland’s largest private provider of home care services for older people is creating 60 new jobs in Galway as part of a nationwide expansion.

The company announced that it is expanding its workforce by a quarter, recruiting 1,000 additional caregivers around the country.

This move is meant to grow the number of older people it care care for, adding another 2,000 clients to the 7,000 Home Instead already has.

Suzanne Ryan, General Manager of Home Instead in Galway said that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the “vital role” played by home carers, and the link to the outside world they provide for their clients.

“We’re tremendously proud of our caregiving team, and the work that they do to keep older people safe and well. We know that where possible older people want to continue living independent lives in their own homes and in their own communities.

Home care will play an increasingly important role in society in the years ahead, she added, as Ireland’s population continues to age.

Globally, the population of people over the age of 65 is expected to double by the middle of the century.

“For the vast majority of older people, ageing at home has better health outcomes, is less expensive than institutional care, and can help prevent unnecessary or premature admission to long-term residential care.”

Home Instead’s caregivers deliver a range of relationship-based non-medical care services to older people.

In addition to helping keep older people safe and well, such care services can also facilitate early hospital discharge, freeing up vital capacity, or can help prevent hospitalisations in the first instance.

Shane Jennings, COO of Home Instead, added there is an acute shortage of professional care workers around the world.

“The number of elder care workers will need to increase by 60% by 2040 to maintain the current ratio of caregivers to older people.”

“As life expectancy increases in Ireland, so too does the need for quality home care – and quality home carers, the new jobs we are creating will help us to build our caregiving workforce of the future, and is also testament to the hard work of our Caregivers and team in Galway and in our 25 offices around the country.”

By 2040, it is expected that there will be 1.4 million people in Ireland who are 65 years old, or older, with the potential for significant impact on health services.

Call for Galway City to set 2025 carbon neutral target

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August 13, 2021

Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

Galway City should set an example and aim to become carbon neutral by 2025 councillor Alan Cheevers has said.

There are multiple steps the city council could take to cut its carbon emissions, councillor cheevers said, including adopting renewable energy measures within the city infrastructure.

Solar panels should be installed on city hall to set an example on renewable energy, he said, also suggesting the installation of a “community lead” hydro-electric generator on city waterways.

The councillor made his comments following the publication of the alarming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

The IPCC report painted a dire picture of rising global temperatures, among many other disastrous changes to our climate occurring, and pulled no punches in stating that humans are indisputable responsible for all the damage that it happening.

Crucially it also said that time is almost out to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, which requires immediate, drastic cuts in emissions.

It also warned that parts of the climate, such as ocean levels, will continue to be altered for a long time to come as a consequence of the damage we have already done, regardless of any other steps taken.

“The changes in our climate are very real and are changing almost every aspect of Irish life,” Alan Cheevers said.

“If we don’t make proactive changes this may damage Galway and our climate for generations to come.”

“I urge the council to move to electric or bio fuel vehicles while also calling for an annual break down of carbon savings to be published by the City Council each year.”

He added that the city council should look for funding from the central government to adopt these climate measures in a bid to become carbon neutral.

House in beautiful Roundstone village is a dream holiday home

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August 13, 2021

galway daily news roundstone holiday home for sale galway

This spectacular three bedroom house located in the heart of Roundstone village on Monastery Road would make for a wonderful family home or a perfect holiday home in an ideal location.

The modern house in Roundstone is being offered for sale by O’Donnellan & Joyce and has an asking price of €425,000.

Roundstone has long been regarded as one of the most picturesque villages in the West of Ireland, just 50 miles from Galway City.

Located on the Wild Atlantic Way it offers some of the most breath-taking views in Ireland overlooking the Twelve Pins to the north-east and the Atlantic to the south-west.

Constructed in 2007, the property extends to c. 123.3 sq. m and is in first class decorative order and condition.

The house is located on a compact site with gardens and patio areas to the front and rear, and it offers spectacular views of Roundstone Bay, the island of Inishnee and surrounding headlands.

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Roundstone has become a peaceful retreat and holiday home for many escaping city life with some of the many attractions in the area including spectacular scenery, unspoilt beaches and outstanding restaurants.

For the outdoor enthusiast, Roundstone is the perfect place offering a number of activities on its doorstep to include various coastal and hill walks, golfing, horse riding, fly fishing, deep sea fishing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and much, much more.

To see more of this wonderful opportunity, visit: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/the-limehouse-monastery-road-roundstone-co-galway/4513328

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Only one Galway area records COVID rate below national average

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August 13, 2021

galway daily news lea covid-19 incidence rate loughrea galway city

Just one of the ten Local Electoral Areas in Co. Galway has recorded a 14-day COVID incidence rate below the national average this week.

The latest data shows Loughrea LEA has the lowest COVID rate in the county with 413.5 cases per 100,00 people, just below the national average, with 96 confirmed cases in the area over 14 days.

Conamara North LEA has a rate of 541 (93 confirmed cases in two weeks) and Conamara South’s rate stands at 778 after 166 cases were reported in the area.

Galway City Central still has the county’s highest rate at 854, followed by Gawlay City East (763) and Galway City West (560).

A total of 149 cases were reported in Ballinasloe LEA, taking its incidence to 530 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and Gort-Kinvara’s rate is now 434 (102 new cases).

The two-week incidence rate in Athenry-Oranmore LEA is now 524 and in Tuam LEA it stands at 506.

When the data was taken during the week, the national incidence rate was 423 cases per 100,000 people.

Man due before Loughrea court on €56,000 cannabis seizure

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August 13, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man due before Loughrea court on €56,000 cannabis seizure

A man is due before the court in Loughrea this afternoon in connection with a €56,000 cannabis seizure on Wednesday.

A man in his 30s was arrested after Gardaí carried out two connected drug searches in the Roscommon area on Wednesday.

During the first search, a grow house was found with 30 cannabis plants worth €24,000, along with drug paraphernalia.

A follow up search netted cannabis herb valued at €32,050, and one man arrested at the scene.

The man has since been charged is due to come before a special sitting of Loughrea District Court this morning at 2:30pm today.

The searches were part of Operation Tara, launched last month to tackle drug dealing in cities, towns and villages across the country.

Further decrease in Galway PUP recipients this week

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August 13, 2021

Galway Daily news Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

The number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment in Galway has decreased again this week.

There are now 8,363 people in receipt of the payment – a decrease of 377 since last week.

Minister Heather Humphreys said that it is encouraging to see more and more people returning to work every week.

Over 325,000 people have come off the Pandemic Unemployment Payment since February, and Minister Humphreys expects this strong trend to continue throughout August.

“It’s important that people remember to close their claim for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment on their first day back at work,” she said.

“Our national vaccination programme continues to make tremendous progress with over 6 million vaccine doses now administered. Uptake of the vaccine in Ireland is high across all age categories by international standards which is a credit to our citizens.

“It has been particularly uplifting in recent weeks to see the huge response from our young people at walk-in centres across the country.”

The Minister said that the Government will continue to monitor the progress of the virus and the vaccination programme over the coming weeks with a view to bringing forward a roadmap for the easing or removal of remaining restrictions by the end of August.

The county with the highest number of people receiving PUP is Dublin which stands at 59,480. It is followed by Cork with 14,025 and Galway is third with 8,363 recipients.

Man (80s) killed in three car motorway crash

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August 12, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man in his 80s was killed in three car crash on the M6 motorway near Athenry earlier today, and three others were injured.

Three cars were involved in a collision at the junction of the M6 and M17 motorways shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

The driver of one vehicle, a man in his 80s, was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.

The passenger of this same vehicle, a woman also in her 80s, was taken to University Hospital Galway with serious injuries.

The drivers of the two other vehicles, women in their 20s and 60s respectively, were also taken to UHG with non-life threatening injuries.

The road was closed for a period of time as Forensic Collision Investigators examined the scene but has since re-opened.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward, particularly any drivers who may have dash cam footage, and make it available.

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.

COVID-19: 1,903 new cases reported today

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August 12, 2021

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

Health officials have this afternoon reported a further 1,903 cases of COVID-19 in the State.

As of 8am today, 219 people who have tested positive for the virus are in hospitals across the Republic, of whom 37 are in ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that vaccines are about 80% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and they provide approximately 95% protection against hospitalisation.

“This protection against severe disease holds up even in the context of the Delta variant,” said the CMO.

“Ireland’s vaccination programme is currently preventing at least 2,700 cases per week per million population.

“The COVID-19 vaccination programme has shown not only the best of scientific and medical endeavour, but also commendable solidarity by those who have come forward to receive a vaccine for the good of themselves and their wider community.”

Two Galway producers secure contracts on Lidl Kickstart programme

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August 12, 2021

Two Galway-based producers have secured contracts through the Lidl Ireland Kickstart Producer Development Programme.

Gran Grans Foods and Hi Pro Food have been selected for the programme which gives Irish food and drink suppliers the chance to showcase their products throughout Lidl’s 210 stores across the country.

The Kickstart promotion launched in all Lidl stores across the island of Ireland today and is available while stocks last.

This year’s programme celebrates the very best of Irish produce from 43 small indigenous suppliers and will feature the following Galway based brands.

Echoing Bord Bia’s support for Lidl’s Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, Bord Bia CEO, Tara McCarthy said: “There is no doubt that while it has been a challenging period for the Irish food industry, we are also witnessing some excellent examples of resilience in the face of adversity.

“It is heartening to see indigenous producers experiencing growth in the past months as a result of heightened consumer demand for Irish products.

“This shows that key supports, such as Lidl Ireland’s annual Kickstart Supplier Development Programme, are key drivers in that growth, giving small local producers the skill sets to upscale and grow their businesses, making homegrown produce accessible on a national level.”

Given the ongoing success of the programme, Lidl Ireland is again calling on Irish food and drink, and for the first time, non-food producers, that want to boost their business to apply now for its 2022 Kickstart Supplier Development Programme at www.lidl.ie/kickstart.

Once applications close at the end of year, Lidl Ireland will carefully choose a selection of suppliers to take part in the programme with their products to feature on Lidl’s shelves next summer, like these local products from this year’s Kickstart range.

Gran Grans Foods was founded by Nigel and Magaly Murray, a family run business located in Co. Galway.

Their passion for food has brought them to create an impressive range of innovative marmalades, sauce, chutneys, and condiments.

Lidl will stock their award-winning Gran Gran Foods Lemon Marmalade (€2.49), packed with flavour and quality fresh ingredients to keep its “Taste of Home”.

Hi Pro Food is based in Galway since 2020, creating a new generation of healthy and 100% natural healthy bars with a focus on healthy life style.

Powermax healthy bars are suitable for vegans and are hand made using raw ingredients free from preservatives, colouring and added sugar. Lidl will stock Hi Pro Healthy Bars for €1.49 each.

Gardaí and emergency services at scene of M6 traffic collision

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August 12, 2021

Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a traffic collision on the M6 motorway outside of Athenry.

The motorway is closed in the area of the incident between Athenry and Rathmorrisey following the collision earlier this afternoon.

The incident occurred on the M6 eastbound between Junction 17 Athenry and Junction 18 Rathmorrissey.

The road has been closed and local diversions are currently in place.

As Gardaí remain at the scene, no further information about the nature of the traffic collision is available at this time.

Free outdoor concerts in Galway this weekend

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August 12, 2021

Galway Daily music Free outdoor concerts in Galway this weekend

As part of the effort to breathe life back into to the music scene in Galway a series of free, live concerts, Ceol an tSamhraidh, will kick off this weekend.

The first series of open air concerts is taking place over the weekend of August 13-15, with free ticketed performances in Ballyglunin and Corr na Móna for audiences of 200 people.

On Friday 13^th August, two live outdoor concerts will take place in the unique venue of Ballyglunin Railway Station.

At 4pm Fuse Collective; a group of local talented young Tuam musicians will perform followed by a later event with the The Raines playing from 8pm.

The Raines are a new collaboration, comprising three talented musicians: Yvonne Tiernan, Ruth Dillon and Juliana Erkkonen.

On Saturday 14August the music continues at Ballyglunin Station, with an exciting line up including Darragh O’Dea and The Delicate Dogs taking to the stage at 4pm, with the later gig being headlined by The Whileaways at 8pm.

On Sunday 15^th August, Ceol an tSamhraidh moves to Pairc Chorr na Móna with a show starting at 6pm.

It will feature Back West, Back the Valley, Kelly Fitzhenry and Friends with Aindreas de Staic as “Fear an Tí “.

Back West are a group of four young musicians, Maureen and Brendan Browne on fiddle/vocals and accordion respectively are joined by Lord of the Dance Peter Vickers on hand and foot percussion, accompanied by virtuoso guitar/vocalist Fabian Joyce.

Back the Valley are a group of musicians from Clonbur: Martin Coyne, Barney McCabe, Colm Naughton, Pearse Doherty and Jamie O’Neill.

More exciting weekend concerts are planned for later in August and September featuring Local musicians throughout the county. Further details will be announced shortly.

“It has been an exciting opportunity to bring live music back to audiences in Galway and support the wider event industry in the county”, said Sharon O’Grady Arts Officer.

Ceol an tSamhraidh is part of the Government’s Local Live Performance Programming Scheme, presented by the County Council tourism office, and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

This scheme aims to provide support for people in the live performance industry and facilitate programming of outdoor live performances in Galway through summer 2021, animating town centres for local communities.

Ruth Mulhern, Galway County Tourism Officer said “we have had the pleasure of showcasing Galway talent within our unique landscape across the east and west of the county”.

Tickets for this weekend’s concerts are free but limited. Book you tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/ceol-an-tsamhraidh-34147364965

COVID-19: vaccine registration opens for 12-15 year olds

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August 12, 2021

Galway Daily news Parents advised to keep on top of school immunisation programme

Registration has opened today for people aged from 12 to 15 years old to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Children who opted to get vaccinated will be offered either a Moderna of Pfizer mRNA vaccine, either at a vaccination centre, or through their GP or participating pharmacies.

The majority of children will be vaccinated close to their home, and will need to bring a parent or guardian to their appointment.

If parental consent was not given online during the registration process, they will also have to give consent for their children to be vaccinated on the day.

Dr Lucy Jessop Director of Public Health at the HSE National Immunisation Office said that vaccines will be offered to all in this age group.

But, she added, they are “particularly recommended” for those with a health condition putting them at greater risk from COVID-19, or who live with someone at risk.

“Parents of healthier children can read all about the benefits and risks of the vaccine on hse.ie and make an informed choice about vaccinating their child against COVID-19.”

Parents can read about COVID-19 vaccines for 12-15s here: https://www2.hse.ie/screening-and-vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/get-the-vaccine/deciding-on-vaccination-for-12-to-15-year-olds/.

Swimming ban at Ballyloughane beach due to bacteria

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August 12, 2021