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Sweet Tooth Satisfaction: Decadent Desserts You Can Make In Under 30 Minutes

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If there is little time left but you still want to satisfy your cravings, these desserts are a great option. Each can be prepared in 30 minutes or less and requires only a few ingredients, which means less work and more fun once you enjoy your dessert.

7 Dishes To Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings For Good

 

1. Chocolate Lava Mug Cake 

If you want a warm, chocolaty dessert that can be made in no time, this chocolate lava mug cake is your best choice. Take a microwave-safe mug and mix in 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Smooth the powder mixture by adding 3 tablespoons of milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and half a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Center a piece of chocolate in the center, heat it in a microwave for a minute, and experience the sensation of warm chocolate as you sink your teeth into the cake!

2. No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars

This is for all the peanut butter addicts out there! These no-bake peanut butter bars are ready to serve 10 minutes after making them. Start by combining a cup of melted butter, a cup of peanut butter, and a cup of powdered sugar in a bowl. Add two cups of graham cracker crumbs and mix until thoroughly blended. Scratch this mixture over the bottom of a prepared baking dish to form the crust. To make the topping, combine a cup and a half of chocolate chips with two tbsp of butter and drizzle it on the peanut butter filling. Refrigerate for twenty minutes to allow it to set, then cut it into pieces and serve.

3. THC-Infused Caramel Apple Nachos

Now, for all you sweet tooth lovers, these THC-carried caramel apple nachos are the real deal! For starters, slice two large apples thinly into rings before setting them on a plate. In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of caramel sauce with 1-2 teaspoons of THC syrup or to your preferred dosage. Use this infused caramel sauce to drizzle over the apples, where the caramel will stick to the apple and make everything even better.

As if that was not enough already, take it up a notch by adding a combination of ¼ cups of mini chocolate chips and ¼ cups of crushed nuts. Lastly, you can finish it all off with whipped cream. This one is for all the people who want to share this quick and simple dessert or for someone who simply sins it all by themselves; it integrates the best of caramel and chocolate with a flavored cannabis bomb!

4. Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites

These easy-to-make policy bites are quick to prepare and take about 15 minutes. Paradise at a fairground never felt this close. A large mixing bowl should contain 1 cup of flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Next, add ½ cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and mix until there is a dough. Take a skillet, pour oil into it, and heat it. Once the oil is hot, spoonfuls of the dough are dropped into the hot oil. 

All sides of the dough should turn a nice golden brown. This should take around 2-3 minutes. They are ready to be placed on a paper towel to soak up the excess oil. While still hot, the bites will be rolled in a mixture of ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. This is how you enjoy a sugary, crispy treat at the fair.

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5. Banana Foster Sundae

Want to feel like you are in a classy restaurant without the effort? Make this banana foster sundae in under ten minutes! First, take two ripe bananas and slice them across. Pour 2 tablespoons of butter with ¼ cup of brown sugar into a skillet and put it on medium heat. Cut the slices of bananas and put them inside the skillet for about two minutes to make them turn brown. Add a tablespoon of dark rum and fire it up for extra fun! Pour some caramelized bananas on a vanilla ice cream scoop and pour more sauce from the pan. Finally, sprinkle some cinnamon for more warmth.

6. Strawberry Cheesecake Dip

If time is running out but you still need to impress your guests, try this strawberry cheesecake dip. In a bowl, 8 ounces of cream cheese should be at room temperature, mixed into 1 cup of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add a cup of whipped cream and incorporate into it. Next, pour a shallow dish into the bottom, along with fresh strawberry slices on the top. For something extra, crush graham crackers and sprinkle them on top. Who doesn’t love romping around and dipping graham crackers or cookies and the cream dip melting in the mouth?

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7. S’mores Dip. 

You want to enjoy s’mores but do not want to start a campfire in your backyard. Don’t worry—this s’mores dip will satisfy your desires with a savory mix of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, all prepared in under 10 minutes. To prepare this s’mores dip, first place the chocolate chips evenly on the surface of a small oven-safe dish. Cover the surface with marshmallows and preheat the oven for 3-5 minutes until the marshmallows are roasted. Now serve the S’mores with graham crackers!

Conclusion  

To satisfy your sweet tooth, there isn’t a lot of work involved. These quick, easy dessert options are quite satisfactory for those wishing to indulge themselves as they can be prepared and enjoyed in under half an hour. From rich chocolate lava cakes and churro bites to extravagant CBD final products and even sweets, something is in store for every craving, referring to the products offered on the site. If your sweet tooth attacks next time buying treats from the store is not helpful, use these simple, fun recipes for a change.

 

7 Delightful Winter Beverages to Make the Most of the Season

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Freepik.com

It’s that time of year again when heading out into the cold is a chore, and all you want is to sit back and warm up with a nice drink. Whether sitting by a warm fire with friends, wrapped up in a book, or simply entertaining yourself with something sweet, the right drink can make every winter experience great. From popular tastes to something a little new, we have prepared seven wonderful winter drinks that will warm your heart and bring a smile to the winter months ahead

Best Drinks To Get The Coming Chilling Season Going

1. Spiced Mulled Wine: The Classic Drink Of Winters  

Spiced mulled wine in a hot mug is probably the closest drink to winter warmth one could get! The drink, which is centuries old and widely loved across Europe, has become a must-have at winter-themed events and holiday markets around the world. On any occasion, red wine heated with cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and orange slices never fails to add warmth and festive cheer.

How to Enjoy:

You can make this at home by gently heating the red wine and simmering it together with a few winter spices and honey or sugar to taste. You can also control the sweetness and the spice perfectly. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can replace the wine with apple or cranberry juice. Toss in a cinnamon stick to add extra flavor, and enjoy the drink as it warms you on a cold winter day.

2. Hot Chocolate with a Twist: Add Some Chili Bling!

Everyone has had hot chocolate, and most love it, but how about trying something different this winter? In winter’s case, you can take a normal cup of hot chocolate and add a little chili powder. Wow, isn’t that just wonderful? The flavors will blow your mind because deep, dark, rich cocoa gives new meaning to “delicious,” while the kick from the chilis keeps the experience intense.

Suggested Enjoyment:

Use dark chocolate of the best quality, melting it into milk or a mildly sweetened dairy substitute. Spice things up with cinnamon and a pinch of chili powder. If you wish, add vanilla extract for added flavor. Float the cup with either whipped cream or marshmallows and dust with cocoa powder to complete the recipe.

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3. Golden Turmeric Latte: Another Modern Day’s Comfort Drink.

This sweet and earthy beverage is made by mixing turmeric – a delightful orange-colored spice that adds warmth and a flavor unlike any other, which is perfect for the cold season – with milk or a plant-based cream. The Finnish have also grown fond of the turmeric latte, christened golden milk, as a caffeine-free beverage that provides comfort during the winter. 

How to Prepare: 

In a saucepan, heat your choice of milk while whisking in ground turmeric, a dash of black pepper (to help the active ingredients of turmeric be absorbed better), ginger, and cinnamon. Let honey or maple syrup be the natural sweetener that appeals to your taste. The end product is a rich drink with a golden color, ideal to be taken before sleep or as a treat during the afternoon. Besides, it is a great way of brightening dull winter days. 

4. Chai Tea Latte: Appeals to the senses along with the heart

To all my spice lovers, the chai tea is a winter whopper. From the origins of India, chai is an aromatic combination of black tea with a mixture of spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. This strong tea gets transformed into a creamy cup of mesquite tea when mixed with warm milk and makes for a great winter’s day breakfast or treat. 

How to Prepare: 

Prepare your favorite chai tea and froth some milk to pour over it. Add a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness and a dash of cinnamon. You can even make your mix to prepare chai spice at home by adjusting the portions of the different types of spices. 

5. CBD-Infused Hot Cocoa: A Relaxing Drink Lightens the Season

CBD-infused drinks are gaining popularity as a big helper in relaxation and de-stressing. One strong example is combining hot cocoa with the relaxing element of CBD oil. Cannabidiol, or CBD, has relaxing effects and is ideal to drizzle in hot cocoa, amongst other things, on a calm winter night. Add some marshmallows and enjoy it with great comfort on a quiet winter evening. 

How to Enjoy:

In this recipe, mix a piece of your chosen chocolate with milk (or a substitute) and a bit of vanilla. Simply drizzle in the prescribed amount of CBD oil tincture to enhance the flavor of your already prepared hot cocoa. After mixing well, add whipped cream or some marshmallows for a touch of extra sweetness. 

6. Apple Cider with Cinnamon: An All time Favorite

One of the things that comes to mind when thinking of winter is hot apple cider. It is not complicated because the flavors come together so well, and warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg are associated with the winter season, making this hassle-free comforting drink even better! Apples are sweet, so the combination of these goes perfectly together.

How to Enjoy:

Combine fresh apple cider with the following spices: cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and a sprinkling of nutmeg. For the climax, add some orange slices that cut through the spice. In terms of alcohol, one can integrate a dash of bourbon or rum. 

Hot matcha green tea latte cup on table in cafe shop – Vintage Filter

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7. Mint Mocha: The Perfect Winter Drink

Those who enjoy drinking coffee and wish to have a fun feeling will love the mocha peppermint. The drink is a must-have throughout the holiday season since it conveniently combines espresso, chocolate, and peppermint. 

How to Enjoy:

Brew a shot of espresso or prepare a strong coffee and pour it into hot chocolate. Add the final touch with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, and don’t forget the peppermint extract. Do not worry if the coffee is not for you; this goes well with hot chocolate. Take a slow sip and imagine the chocolate and peppermint swirling in your mouth. 

Conclusion: Sip and Savor the Season

There’s nothing more attractive than feeling the warmness of a drink in the winter season. If you’re the type of person who enjoys drinking heated and mulled wine in the winter season or even chai, or if you are a fan of modern times and enjoy a CBD drink, then enjoy sipping through this list. So pick out your favorite mug and a blanket, sit back and enjoy the winter with these winter beats!

University of Galway celebrates 175 years of welcoming students

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The University of Galway has today announced a series of creative efforts to mark a milestone anniversary in its history – by celebrating 175 years of educating students.

At midday on October 30, 1849, the first students walked through the historic Archway into the Quadrangle to begin their studying and learning, four years on from the University being founded in 1845 as Queen’s College Galway.

In 1849, 68 students passed their matriculation exams and progressed on to studies in 21 subjects ranging from Greek Language to Logic and Metaphysics in the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Law, and in the Schools of Civil Engineering and of Agriculture.

To mark the anniversary, the University has launched a number of celebrations under the banner “A Legacy of Learning: 1849-2024″.

  • Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow

Staff, students and alumni are being invited to “adopt an oak”. Some 68 oak saplings – one to remember each one of our first students – have sprouted from acorns hidden on campus grounds by the local population of jays.

One will be planted to the rear of the Quadrangle and the rest are offered to staff, students and alumni to plant in their own gardens, to enhance biodiversity and to symbolise the legacy of 175 years of Galway students.

This project is a cross-campus collaboration, led by Dr Caitríona Carlin from the University’s Applied Ecology Unit and Diarmaid Mahon, Supervisor of Landscaping and Grounds, with the support of Environmental Science students.

  • Historic Photo Re-enactment

Drawing on a number of heritage collections, the University’s Library team have compiled a selection of evocative photos of students and the campus from the earliest years of the University.

To mark the continuing Legacy of Learning, a competition has been launched asking students to recreate or situate one of the historic photos in a contemporary setting.

  • University Library in 100 Objects

The University Library has launched an exhibition to spotlight 100 objects from its collections, which represent both the working practice of librarians over the decades, as well its unique and rare archives and special collections.

The Library’s history and development can be viewed through the prism of these objects, which were drawn together through a project led by Marie Boran, Special Collections Librarian, and include images from books, manuscripts, archival collections, letters, photographs, newspaper issues, library furniture, stationery and artefacts.

This exhibition is now open to the public in the foyer of the Hardiman Building.

  • Celebrating Graduate Authors

Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop in Galway city centre is renowned for its creative window displays. To mark the University’s anniversary of A Legacy of Learning, a display of books written by Galway graduates over the decades has been created to celebrate the impact of students and scholars over 175 years.

Find out more about these initiatives by visiting: www.universityofgalway.ie/ourhistory

Prof Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said, “At the height of the Great Irish Famine, a moment of profound social and ecological crisis, 68 students began their education at our University, with the courage to hope for a better life and the desire to play their part in improving the world.

“The students of today, including the 3,368 who registered to commence their first year of undergraduate study with us this year, are carrying on that long tradition of courage, hope and desire. Our Legacy of Learning anniversary celebrates those intentions and the pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning and research.”

Professor Becky Whay, Interim Deputy President and Registrar, said, “We have gone from a small group of 68 students to a community of more than 20,000 students who come to Galway City from across Ireland and from more than 100 countries around the world.”

“We are proud of the immeasurable impact that our students and our graduates have made and continue to make for our community, the city and wherever they are in the world, and with them in mind today we are proud to be able to celebrate a milestone of 175 years of education at the heart of the Galway and the west of Ireland.”

Catriona Cannon, Head of Heritage Collections and Digitisation, University of Galway, said, “The University of Galway Library is proud to be the custodian of the University’s earliest records, documenting the beginning of academic life in Galway.”

“The books consulted by our first students form the basis of our Special Collections, which are further enhanced by the addition of unique and varied archive and digital collections.”

“As we look to the future and work towards a move to a new Library and Learning Commons, the Library in 100 Objects exhibition allows us to reflect on and share the significant developments in our history and our professional practice since 1849.”

University of Galway was established by the Colleges (Ireland) Act in 1845. The University was first known as Queen’s College Galway and along with it its sister colleges in Cork and Belfast, was established to provide non-denominational university education to Ireland’s emerging middle class.

The Quadrangle building, built in local limestone in a Tudor Gothic architectural style, is modelled on Christ Church at the University of Oxford. The construction was a Famine Relief Project.

Driver caught doing 146km/h in 80km/h zone near Oranmore over Bank Holiday

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Galway Daily news National Slow Down Day traffic operation after road deaths

More than 2,000 motorists were caught speeding over the course of the Bank Holiday weekend, with hundreds also arrested for drink driving.

One of the worst speeding offences over the weekend was a motorist caught driving 146km/h in an 80km/h zone on the R339 at Glenrevagh, Oranmore.

An Garda Síochána carried out a special roads policing operation between 7am on Thursday, October 24 and 7am on Tuesday, October 29.

There were three fatalities on our roads during this period and 15 serious collisions took place that resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

Over this Bank Holiday period, Gardaí carried out over 880 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints which led to over 218 arrests for driving under the influence of an intoxicant.

60 of those were detected between 7am on Monday and 7am on Tuesday. Throughout the weekend, over 2,150 drivers were detected for speeding offences.

512 vehicles were seized by Gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

More than 40 drivers were arrested for dangerous driving.

Fixed Charge Notices for other road offences during this period included:
• Using a mobile phone – 209
• Unaccompanied learner drivers – More than 200
• No Seatbelts – Over 75
• No tax or insurance – Over 375

New bereavement support service launched for Galway families

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Galway University Hospitals Bereavement Support Services and the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) recently launched the ‘Galway Grief Sherpa Network’ (GGSN).

This is a new bereavement support initiative established to promote those organisations that provide bereavement support in Galway City and County.

The network includes 28 community bereavement organisations. It is made up of skilled hospital, hospice, and community staff and groups who work together to increase awareness of bereavement and awareness of local bereavement services.

Members of the network include both statutory and non-government organisations (i.e. registered charities).

Vivian Roche-Fahy, the Bereavement Liaison Officer at Galway University Hospitals and Chair of the GGSN said that she was delighted to work with the IHF and other organisations on this new network, helping people through different stages of their bereavement journey.

“During grief, there are often difficult moments, where the bereaved may feel overwhelmed, confused, distressed and alone.”

“Often the bereaved don’t have an awareness of the supports that are available to them, in their local community area that would be an invaluable support to them during the sad, sensitive and difficult time, in their life.”

“Research has shown that families who lose a loved one wish they had more resources and support available to them. In an effort to address this gap, Galway Grief Sherpa Network have developed a dedicated grief directory.”

“The support from the project team, IHF, St. Columba’s Credit Union, and Claddagh Credit Union, has been tremendous and I would like to thank them all sincerely for their contribution to this valuable resource.

The Directory, which was officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council and the Mayor of Galway City, is now available to the public, through Galway University Hospitals Bereavement Support Service, the Galway Grief Sherpa Networks, and online, via the Irish Hospice Foundation under ‘Galway Grief Sherpa Network’.

Deputy Hospital Manager Maria Molloy said, “The development of the Galway Grief Sherpa Network and Directory will provide a central point for those who are bereaved and need some additional support.”

“For the first time, the new directory will bring together all of the resources that are available in one place for the benefit of the general public, carers, and professionals.”

Dr Amanda Roberts, Bereavement Development Manager, Irish Hospice Foundation said, “We at Irish Hospice Foundation are delighted to be able to support the Galway Grief Sherpa Network. We support a number of Local Bereavement Networks around Ireland.”

“These networks aim to enhance links between local bereavement service providers, raise awareness about bereavement and the local bereavement supports available. Please visit our website if you would like to learn more about Local Bereavement networks.”

Members of the Galway Grief Sherpa Network will hold a public Bereavement Information Awareness event upstairs in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, across from Penny’s, on Saturday the 02 November from 11am to 4pm.

Also on the day, there will be free directories available to the public, outlining all of the bereavement support services available in Galway City and County.

Two men charged following public order incident in Tuam

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí investigating a public order incident in Tuam, Co. Galway last Friday afternoon have charged two men.

Gardaí received reports of an incident at Abbey Trinity at around 2.15pm on Friday, October 25.

Two men in their 20s were arrested and held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

They were subsequently charged and will appear before Tuam District Court next month.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any road users or pedestrians who were in the area between 2pm and 3pm on that date and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Aoife Raftery on Cambrian Rally podium

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Aoife Raftery took an impressive and well-deserved third-place finish in the Junior British Rally Championship element of the Visit Conwy Cambrian Rally on Saturday.

It was the best performance by an all-female crew on a round of the current era of the Junior British Rally Championship

The Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy-backed driver delivered a strong performance in her Peugeot 208 Rally4 and she impressed with a string of top-three stage times.

The Craughwell-based driver and her co-driver Hannah McKillop took the fight to the top Rally4 class drivers from both Ireland and Britain over the seven-stage rally in North Wales.

“We really enjoyed the battle, the stages were lovely, and it’s great to be back in the British Rally Championship where it all started for me,” said Aoife.

Raftery’s experience in the FIA European Rally Championship proved invaluable in tackling the longer stages of the Cambrian Rally.

“Our experience in the European Rally Championship really helped us in the longer stages and that showed on Saturday. There was a hot pace in the Rally4 class all day,” she added.

Tufina Watch Brand Review 2024

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High-quality wristwatches are an essential accessory for completing a sophisticated look. While many people often choose well-known brands, there are also many unique and exclusive watchmakers producing luxury timepieces worth considering. Tufina is an established watch company that has been designing and selling luxury watches for decades. If you’re considering purchasing a Tufina watch, this blog will provide you with all the information you need about the brand. By the end of it your understanding of the brand will be much greater. 

Tufina Pionier Miami GM-506-9 Silver.

Overview 

Tufina has experienced outstanding international growth and is highly reputed as an established manufacturer and reseller of top-quality watches that are both innovative and timeless. This family-owned brand has had a strong online presence and reputation while also distributing its products more traditionally through its online and physical retail locations worldwide. Their watches are known for luxurious quality, skeleton designs, mechanical movements, innovative features, classic aesthetics, and clean edges. Note that Tufina is the official retailer of the two German brands Theorema and Pionier.

High quality for individuality 

One of the reasons Tufina is so well-known for its remarkable watches is that they can independently fully design and develop. Every component is individually hand-assembled inside each timepiece. From mechanical to tourbillon movements, each watch is carefully thought and treated as a personal entity and rigorously tested within the workshop to ensure compliance with strict industry standards of quality. With ruby gems ranging from 17 to 35 per watch and genuine diamonds or Swarovski crystals on the dials, VPH ranges from 21600 to 28800. There isn’t any production in large quantities as the brand focuses on quality. It takes months of work to finish thus the lack of mass production. The manufacturing process is long and laborious, therefore the two German brands Theorema and Pionier that Tufina retails choose to produce less watches per collection. 

Tufina Pionier Louvre GM-517-5 Rose.

A Special Love For Aesthetics

According to Tufina, a watch must look elegant. When people see Tufina watches’ exquisite designs, they are shocked to learn how affordable they are. Comparable alternatives lack the excellent appearance and meticulous attention to detail. Tufina frequently releases innovative, new watch models, offering a wide range of styles. From stylish dress watches to skeleton watches—as well as more adventurous options like striking chronograph watches—there is a Tufina watch to fit almost every taste.

One thing that makes Tufina watches loved by many collectors is the fact that the brand is not afraid to experiment with diverse style choices. You’ll often see different shades of golds mixed together, bold outlining, fine details, different hand shapes and multiple skeletonization patterns. Tufina watches are unique enough to distinguish themselves from the competition, so you can be certain that you will be sporting a one-of-a-kind style.

Strict Quality Control Is A Must

There is no substitute for a quality watch. That special feeling of wearing a high-standard watch is impossible to replicate. Theorema and Pionier watches may have a lot of history, utility, and purpose, but they’re also a luxury item that symbolizes status. Both German brands appear to take no chances when it comes to quality control, in contrast to many low-cost watch manufacturers who attempt to minimize costs by sacrificing this aspect. Watches are produced according to strict protocols. The whole manufacturing process is monitored. Every step is manually carried out to ensure extreme precision and accuracy. 

Tufina hand-assembly process.

Price and Value

A basic Tufina watch can cost about $300, while a more complex mechanical tourbillon model can cost up to $4,00. Most of their timepieces cost less than $750, and some are even more affordable, starting at $350. Due to their wide price range, watch fans with all budgets can purchase one of these high quality timepieces. 

Materials

Despite Tufina watches being priced affordably, they are not made with low-quality materials. The brand ensures that every watch is constructed using premium materials, similar to those used by prestigious Swiss and German brands. High-grade stainless steel is used for the cases to ensure long-lasting durability, while sapphire crystal is used for the watch glass, and genuine leather for the straps. Additionally, IPG 22 karat gold plating, as well as diamonds, Swarovski crystals, and rubies, are often incorporated into the design and movement, maintaining both quality and craftsmanship. The use of such materials underscores Tufina’s commitment to quality without compromising on value.

Final Words

Tufina offers a variety of watch styles to suit different tastes and occasions. From elegant dress watches suitable for formal attire to classic timepieces that exude timeless sophistication, there is a style for every preference. The mechanical watches showcase intricate engineering and craftsmanship, while automatic watches offer convenience and unique design features. If you’re looking for a trustworthy watch manufacturer that provides high-quality and affordable options, we recommend that you check out Tufina. For more information on their collections, visit their official website.

Man (20s) killed in early morning car crash

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Galway daily news

A man in his 20s has died following a car crash in the west of Ireland early this morning.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision at Drimina, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, 26th October 2024.

The single-vehicle collision, involving a car, occurred at approximately 3.45am on the R294.

The driver of the car, a man (20s), was fatally injured.

The local coroner has been notified and arrangements will be made for a post-mortem examination.

The road is currently being examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and remains closed with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2am and 4am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballymote Garda Station on (071) 9189500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Repairs completed to burst mains in Moylough causing water outages

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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Repairs have been completed on a burst water mains in Moylough which was causing outages in multiple areas today.

Customers in Moylough, Cooloo and the surrounding area south of Gordon’s Cross were affected by the significant burst.

However, repairs are now complete, and a normal water supply is returning to all customers.

Uisce Éireann’s Justin Doran thanked those affected for their support and acknowledged the inconvenience caused by interruptions to the water supply.

“we very much appreciated our customers’ co-operation while our crews worked to carry out the repairs.”

“The network is replenishing but it may take a number of hours before a normal supply is returned to all, especially those at the end of the network or on higher ground.”

Galway experiences highest rise in job vacancies

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Galway daily business

Hiring platform IrishJobs has published the results of its Jobs Index for Q3 2024, revealing that the share of job vacancies offering fully remote working has fallen to its lowest level in nearly four years. However, the data indicates that hybrid working vacancies remain stable.

Data shows that the proportion of fully remote job vacancies fell to 1.9% in Q3 2024. This continues a trend of falling vacancy levels in the practice over the previous four quarters and indicates a clear reduction in the level of fully remote homeworking in Ireland.

In contrast, the proportion of hybrid working vacancies has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 11.2% and 12.4% over the past six quarters.

This stabilisation indicates that hybrid working will likely remain a more permanent and substantial feature of the Irish labour market than the full-time working-from-home model.

Candidate interest in hybrid working shows little sign of abating, with searches on IrishJobs for hybrid opportunities up 46% in Q3 compared to the previous year. While searches for jobs offering remote work are up 9% over the same period.

Regional activity

The Q3 Jobs Index shows that Galway was the county to experience the greatest increase in job vacancies over the past three months. There was a 14% quarterly increase in jobs vacancies in the county in the third quarter which can be attributed to strong hiring activity in the healthcare, retail and science sectors. Customer/Sales Assistant, Clinical Nurse Manager, and Staff Nurse were some of the most in-demand roles over the quarter.

Across other counties with large cities the outlook is more mixed. A modest quarterly increase in vacancies was recorded in Cork (1.4%), while Q-o-Q decreases were recorded in Limerick (-14%) and Dublin (-10%).

Domestic sectors outperform international 

The Q3 Jobs Index reveals a cautious hiring market with jobs growth continuing to moderate following a hiring surge in recent years. Data shows that the number of new job vacancies decreased by 13% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y), while vacancies fell by a modest 4% Q-o-Q over the quarter.

Sectors associated with the domestic economy tended to outperform internationally traded sectors. There was positive quarterly vacancy generation across a number of domestic led sectors, including Property (15%), Retail (7%), Arts and Entertainment (57%) and Travel (19%). The strong rates of vacancy generation in these domestic consumer sectors may be attributed to rising wages in real terms, as inflationary pressures ease and benchmark interest rates are cut.

Internationally traded sectors posted a weaker performance than domestic sectors. There were quarterly decreases in vacancy rates across international sectors, including Manufacturing (-1%), Banking (-37%), Finance (-12%) and IT (-10%). With continued global economic uncertainty and greater instability in the Middle East having a knock-on impact on production costs and consumer demand, it is likely that hiring in these international sectors will remain subdued in the months ahead.

Sectoral trends

The Catering sector (11%), which includes jobs in hospitality, accounted for the largest number of vacancies over the past three months. Management (8%), Medical Professionals & Healthcare (7%), Sales (7%), and Customer Service (6%) completed the top five sectors that made up the largest number of vacancies.

The Construction sector was responsible for the sixth largest share of job vacancies (5.3%), overtaking the IT sector (5.1%) and confirming a trend that emerged earlier this year. While the Construction sector experienced a quarterly decrease in vacancies (-15%), the longer-term trend in Construction is one of increasing hiring activity. The Construction (31%) and Property (29%) sectors both posted significant Y-o-Y increases in job vacancies. Quantity Surveyor, EHS Advisor and Construction Managers are amongst the most sought-after professionals by employers in the sector.

IT & Engineering Sectors

The Engineering sector was another major source of job vacancies (5.2%) in the third quarter, marginally ahead of the IT sector in vacancy generation. Senior Engineer, Process Engineer, and Qualified Technicians were among the roles that experienced the highest levels of demand in the sector over the past three months.

The IT sector has yet to show signs of a return to vacancy growth following a period of rebalancing. While the sector recorded a 10% decrease in quarterly vacancies, it still remains one of the largest sources of job vacancies (5.1%) in the labour market. Data shows that automation engineers were the most frequently posted job openings by employers in the sector in Q3. Software engineers and senior applications specialists were among the other roles that experienced the highest levels of demand.

Commenting on the release of the index, Sam Dooley, Country Director of The Stepstone Group Ireland with responsibility for IrishJobs, said: “With moderate economic growth forecast by the ERSI over the rest of the year and into 2025, this sustained performance of the Irish economy is reflected in the labour market. Unemployment levels are expected to remain under 4.5% into 2025, a clear indicator that the labour market is operating at or close to capacity.

“Against this positive trajectory, the IrishJobs Q3 Jobs Index provides an important snapshot into the jobs market for employers as they navigate skills shortages and a highly competitive market for talent.

“Recent return to the office announcements made by large multinationals have caused waves in workplaces not just in Ireland but around the world. Our analysis of job postings offering the working models that emerged during the pandemic reveals two different trends. While fully remote working continues to decline, hybrid working has stabilised, indicating that it looks set to become a long-term feature of the labour market. As employers navigate a tight labour market, embedding hybrid working in their offering reflects a clear response to candidate demand for flexible working arrangements.  Jobseeker searches on IrishJobs for hybrid and remote opportunities are up 46% and 9%, respectively, while IrishJobs research published earlier this year revealed that nearly half of jobseekers would be willing to turn down opportunities that do not provide hybrid or fully remote working options.

“Hiring activity in the Construction sector continues to grow, with the sector posting a substantial increase in vacancies year-on-year. Over the past three months, the sector was one of the largest sources of job vacancies, edging out the IT sector for the second successive quarter. With high levels of ongoing building activity required to meet ambitious housing targets, this demand is unlikely to abate soon.”

Taste of Galway at Flavours of Ireland event in London

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galway daily news
David Keane, DK Connemara Oysters; Emer Mac Diarmada, Tourism Ireland; and Laurie Thomas, Expat Explore Travel, at Tourism Ireland’s Flavours of Ireland 2024 in London. Pic – Malcolm McNally

Tourism Ireland’s ‘Flavours of Ireland’ event took place in London this week – connecting Irish tourism businesses with leading global inbound tour operators who deliver visitors at scale to Ireland from all over the world.

Now in its 22nd year, ‘Flavours’ is an annual Tourism Ireland workshop where 60 tourism companies from across Ireland met and did business with around 100 global inbound tour operators who are mainly based in London.

Among the companies were Aran Island Ferries, DK Connemara Oysters and Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Gardens.

The largest of the tour operators attending brings around 80,000 visitors to Ireland each year and events like ‘Flavours’ help them set itineraries, determining the regions and communities that they bring visitors to.

The tour operators are preparing to sign contracts for 2025 and beyond, so it’s a key time to influence the addition of new tourism products to their programmes that have the potential to deliver more regional and longer-stay business for Ireland. Around 660 commercial meetings were conducted at the event, which will, in turn, deliver business for Ireland from around the world in 2025 and beyond.

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland runs our Flavours of Ireland event to increase awareness of Ireland among influential global inbound tour operators and to secure a greater share of the global travel market.

“We are delighted to connect inspiring local tourism businesses from Ireland with global tour operators, who build itineraries to sell overseas for the coming years. Over 600 commercial meetings take place at our Flavours of Ireland workshop.

“Local tourism businesses attending offer diverse experiences, from boat trips to cathedrals and castles, from gardens and distilleries to tea tours, from places to stay to ways to travel and regions to explore.”

Galway families paying €250 a week for childcare

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Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

In Galway, families are paying up to €252.50 per week for one child in full time childcare the National Women’s Council has said.

This is unaffordable for many and places a significant strain on household finances according to the NWC.

The National Women’s Council is organising public events as part of its ongoing Together for Public campaign, which is supported by an alliance of over 30 civil society organisations, trade unions, academics, and childcare providers.

The Alliance is calling for the delivery of a Public System of Early Childhood Education and Care as the best way to deliver affordable, accessible, quality childcare for children and families.

A town hall event took place at the SIPTU offices in Galway City as part of the Together for Public campaign this week.

Rachel Coyle, Head of Campaigns and Mobilisation, NWC said, “Childcare in Ireland has long been unaffordable and inadequate, placing an unjust burden on women, who cannot fully participate in society, often reduce their working hours or leave the workforce entirely.”

The NWC is calling for political party leaders to make a commitment to “urgent and substantive change” to the childcare situation in Ireland ahead of the general election.

“Despite increased investment in recent years, our current childcare system has not delivered the accessibility or affordability that families need,” Rachel added.

She continued, “Childcare must be available from the age that parents need it, including school-aged children. All children, irrespective of their background, any additional needs they may have or their location, should be entitled to early education and care.”

“We need to see that reflected in legislation that guarantees a place for every child. Early years educators, the majority of whom are women, need decent pay and working conditions that is reflective of their training and experience to keep them in this crucial sector.”

“The only solution to the childcare crisis is a public system, and we are calling on the political party leaders to commit to building that system, in their election manifestoes and the subsequent Programme for Government.”

Budget 2025 announced at the start of this month included a 24% increase (€265.8m) in investment in Early Learning and Childcare to €1.37bn.

This includes full year funding for the childcare subsidy increases introduced back in September 2024.

Donal Swan, Women’s Economic Equality Coordinator at the NWC said, “Our e-action campaign empowers women and families to make their voices heard and ensure that the Government cannot ignore the needs of families any longer.”

“This is an opportunity for women and families to take collective action and demand a childcare system similar to other EU countries.”

“A public system would create a more equal Ireland and, when combined with better paid and longer family leaves and a right to flexible working conditions, would mean parents have real choices when it comes to caring for their child.”

One man arrested in connection with death of man (50s) released without charge

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Galway Daily news

A file is being prepared for the DPP in the case of one man arrested in connection with a suspected fatal assault in Ballina this week.

Two men, one in his 20s and one in his 30s, were arrested in connection with a suspected fatal assault in Ballina on Wednesday night.

The body of a man in his 50s was found by Gardaí at an apartment on Tone Street, Ballina.

Gardaí found the man with serious injuries shortly after 11:45pm after being alerted to an incident at the property.

The man in his 20s has since been released without charge, and a file will now be prepared for the DPP.

The second man arrested, aged in his 30s remains in Garda custody detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

An Garda Síochána has said that investigations into this case remain ongoing.

Possible flooding with weather warning for heavy rain today

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galway daily news Weather warning for heavy wind and rain to hit Galway

Galway may experience flooding today with a status yellow weather warning issued by Met Eireann.

The yellow rain warning for Galway, Clare, Limerick, Mayo, and Sligo will be in effect from 3pm this afternoon until 3am on Friday morning.

Heavy and persistent rain is expected throughout the day into the early hours of Friday morning, gradually dying down as the day progresses.

Possible impacts include localised flooding and difficult travelling conditions in the affected counties.

A separate weather warning for heavy rain has also been issued for Cork and Kerry in the south.

This will be in place from 3pm Thursday until 3pm Friday.

Two arrested after man in his 50s found dead in apartment

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Galway Daily news

Two men have been arrested in connection with the death of a man in his 50s in Ballina, Co. Mayo on Wednesday night.

Gardaí are conducting a fatal assault investigation which occurred last night. Shortly after 11:45pm, Gardaí were alerted to an incident at a residential property on Tone Street, Ballina.

A man in his late 50s was found inside an apartment on the premises with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men, one in his late 20s and another in his early 30s, have been arrested in connection with the incident and taken to a Garda station in the North Western Region.

They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.

The local Coroner has been notified and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau and State Pathologist have been requested.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballina Garda Station.

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been appointed to support the deceased’s family.

The scene has been preserved for a forensic and technical examination and a post-mortem examination has been arranged.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from road users in the Tone Street area and nearby locations around the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station at 096 20550, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Great success for Galway Hotels at national awards

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It was a night of celebrations for some of Galway’s most popular Hotels at the Irish Hotel Awards in the stunning Johnstown Estate last night.

HYDE Hotel, The Galmont, The Connacht Hotel and the Salthill Hotel all took awards back West after the night of celebration of the best of the Irish hospitality industry.

HYDE Hotel which was recognised as the best Boutique Hotel in Ireland for the second time was also once more  recognised as the country’s best three star hotel.

General Manager Roisin McGee who was beaming after collecting the awards paid tribute to her team, she said the awards were down to every single member of the team and it was a fitting recognition of their dedication.

The Connacht Hotel was named the Best Family Hotel in Connacht, an award which delighted General Manager David O Connor.

The Galmont Hotel took home two prestigious awards being named the Best City Hotel in Ireland and in addition the Best Four Star Hotel in Ireland, a wonderful achievement for the venue.

The winning didn’t end there for Galway city hotels with the Salthill Hotel getting the nod for best Hotel Bar in Connacht. The Connemara Coast Hotel was Highly Commended in the Waterside Wedding Venue Category.

The Irish Hotel Awards celebrate the commitment and dedication of the hospitality industry in Ireland. For the teams who go above and beyond by providing outstanding guest experiences.

The judging process involves a bespoke programme delivering a unique insight into the visitor experience in each hotel. They deliver a 280 point report, offering 360° feedback on each department in each property.

The judging process involves the researcher carrying out a detailed assessment of their guest experience from  reservation and check in, right through to checkout and departure.

Galway City householders urged to avail of free e-waste and battery recycling event

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WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan, Ethan Holmes (Age 10), Sienna Lavery (Age 10), and Freya Lavery (Age 6). Galway City householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a free collection day, hosted by WEEE Ireland in partnership with The University of Galway. Photo: Shane O'Neill, Coalesce.

Galway City householders are being urged to bring their batteries, electrical, and electronic waste to a free collection day to help the county meet national e-waste recycling targets for 2024.

The event, hosted by WEEE Ireland in partnership with The University of Galway, takes place on Thursday, October 31 from 10am-4pm at the Orbsen Building Car Park, using the Newcastle Road entrance, beside the Kingfisher.

Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled for free on the day, including old washing machines, TVs, toasters and kettles, electronic tools and toys, cables, IT equipment, mobile phones, remote controls, batteries, including farm fence batteries, and even watches.

“In Galway, and across Ireland, we are buying more electrical goods than ever – with people purchasing an average 22kg per head in 2023 compared to 16kgs just five years ago,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

“Shopping stats show a surge in spend on new electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods.

“With old items still lying around many households we want to offer the opportunity to recycle these for free.

“People in Galway have contributed greatly to e-waste recycling every year, with 2,748 tonnes of electrical waste collected in the county in 2023, and we want to encourage that trend.”

9.9kg of e-waste was recycled per person in Galway last year – falling short of the national average of 10.33kg per person.

WEEE Ireland warns that the nation needs to meet new forthcoming EU targets to recycle at least 25% of our annual consumption of critical raw materials from e-waste.

“An average of 80% of all e-waste that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe,” said Mr. Donovan.

“Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources.

“These stocks of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment.”

In 2023, the equivalent of 222,852 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,457 hectares of trees.

WEEE Ireland accounts for over two thirds of all national waste electrical and electronics collection activity on behalf of 1,355 producer members.

These free events are in partnership with The University of Galway.

“Recycling e-waste is incredibly beneficial for both the environment and the economy,” Lorraine Rushe, Environmental Health & Safety Manager at The University of Galway.

“Together, we are diverting waste from landfill, recovering raw materials for reuse and ensuring hazardous materials are safely and responsibly disposed of.

“We look forward to working with WEEE Ireland and Galway householders to hopefully recycle a record-breaking amount of electronic waste in 2024.”

One month to go until National Pyjama Day 2024 comes to Galway

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Preparations are in full swing for Ireland’s cosiest fundraiser, as Early Years and School Age Care settings in Galway get ready for Early Childhood Ireland’s National Pyjama Day 2024.

This year, the annual fundraiser will take place on Friday, November 22, and Early Childhood Ireland’s 251 Galway members will host a fun-filled day of laughter, games, teddy-bear picnics and much more for children in their settings, all while dressed in the comfiest clothes you can imagine – pyjamas!

Since the inaugural National Pyjama Day in 2003, over €4.3 million has been raised by children helping children for a host of charitable causes that support babies and children all over Ireland. Funds raised this year will go to support Sensational Kids’ – an award-winning social enterprise that provides frontline therapeutic support to children who have sensory processing challenges – and Early Childhood Ireland’s Eco-Emotions project, which empowers educators and parents with the tools they need to support children in caring for themselves, their communities, and the planet.

Still time to register

Registrations opened for this year’s event on October 7 and any Early Childhood Ireland members in Galway who have yet to register are encouraged to do so by visiting the organisation’s website.

Participating members will receive a National Pyjama Day pack which includes posters, stickers, and a pack of Eco-Emotions’ Self-Regulation Cards for each child to take home with them.

“Children and their families can use our Eco-Emotions Self-Regulation Cards to create meaningful moments together,” Early Childhood Ireland’s CEO, Teresa Heeney, explained.

“By setting aside time to practice nature-inspired activities, whether during outdoor walks or quiet moments at home, children can be encouraged to express how each activity makes them feel and help to foster open conversations about emotions while at the same time cultivating a deeper connection to nature,” she added.

Community support

“With one month to go to this year’s National Pyjama Day, I’d like to thank our brilliant Galway members who have registered so far. While the children are undoubtedly the stars of the day, this impactful fundraiser would not be possible without their support and that of all of the wonderfully generous parents, guardians, grandparents, and family members in communities across Galway who help make this day a success,” Ms Heeney said.

Joy Booth, Fundraising Manager at Sensational Kids, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Early Childhood Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland to equip Early Years and School Age Care professionals with tools and knowledge to support children with sensory processing challenges. This initiative will empower thousands of children across Ireland to thrive and reach their full potential in learning environments designed to meet their needs.”

Registration for National Pyjama Day 2024 is open now. Early Childhood Ireland members can register at www.earlychildhoodireland.ie.

New short film tells personal breast cancer story of Orlagh Winters

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Orlagh Winters

A new short film from celebrated Galway based company, Heavy Man Films, has just premiered online.

Entitled ‘Cancer Vixen – The Orlagh Winters Story’ the film, made in conjunction with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, tells the very personal breast cancer story of Orlagh Winters, who takes the audience on a powerful journey giving an up-close look at the challenges she faced while showcasing her resilience, humour and hope.

Viewers are given powerful insights into living with a breast cancer diagnosis and how important research is in improving outcomes.

Talking about the film, Orlagh said: “I was honoured to be asked to tell my story as it is a story of hope. It is so important that we hear the success stories of breast cancer research.

“I am privileged to tell my story and I hope it gives breast cancer patients hope, that there is life after cancer and while we all know the stats it’s good to focus on the real life stories from time to time.”

“Our Director, Tomek was a dream to work with and I felt that he was full of compassion in listening to my story. I hope that the film will show that as a result of the work of NBCRI that women are surviving and thriving after cancer.”

Director Tomek Ciezki said: “Working with Orlagh Winters was a profound and humbling experience.”

“Revisiting such difficult moments of her life for the reenactment scenes was not an easy task, but she did it with full determination and raw honesty. Her resilience, openness and humour allowed us to take a bit more colorful approach, reflecting Orlagh’s love for fashion and her remarkable ability to make a statement with her perfect sense of attire, even in the most challenging moments.

“I hope Orlagh’s story inspires others as much as it has inspired me.”

This inspiring film is a must-see and you can watch it for free here: www.breastcancerresearch.ie/OrlaghWintersStory

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