Water outages in Mervue area due to burst mains

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July 24, 2021

The seven Local Electoral Areas in Co. Galway outside of the city have 14-day COVID rates below the national average.

The latest data shows Ballinalsoe LEA has the lowest rate in the county with just 96 cases per 100,00 people – or 26 cases in the area in 14 days.

Conamara North has a rate of 169 (29 confirmed cases in two weeks) and Conamara South’s rate now stands at 173 after 36 cases were reported in the area.

Galway City Central has the county’s highest rate at 637, followed by Gawlay City East (429) and Galway City West (335).

Forty-eight cases were reported in Loughrea LEA, taking its incidence to 207 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and Gort-Kinvara’s rate is now 128 (30 new cases).

The two-week incidence rate in Athenry-Oranmore LEA is now 210 and in Tuam LEA it stands at 163.

When the data was taken during the week, the national incidence rate was 246 cases per 100,000 people.

COVID-19: 1,345 confirmed cases today

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July 24, 2021

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

There have been a further 1,345 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

There are 105 people in Irish hospitals being treated for COVID-19.

Of these 21 patients have been admitted to the intensive care unit in serious condition.

These daily case numbers may change after data is reviewed and validated in the future.

Swim Galway Bay your way for Cancer Care West

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily life & style Swim Galway Bay your way for Cancer Care West

Swim Galway Bay your way once again this year for the 16th annual Francis Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim in aid of Cancer Care West.

Throughout the month of August, this renowned event will once again see people encouraged to get into the water where they can and swim the distance to raise funds for Cancer Care West

Last year the annual swim, which is one of Ireland’s most well known and longest single day swims, had to change format due to COVID-19, and is keeping to it for this year as well.

Where normally 150 odd people would swim 13km across Galway Bay over a single day, 2020 saw people from all over the world, as far away as Australia, swimming in pools, rivers and more close to them.

This unprecedented level of engagement was reflected in the record breaking €185,000 the 2020 Galway Bay Swim raised for Cancer Care West’s essential services.

“August was the highlight of 2020 for so many swimmers, with the focus of swimming the bay their way, wherever they were,” said Dave O’Donnell of Cancer Care West.

He said that there was an incredible community element to people getting the kilometres swum, not matter where they were in the world.

“People swam between 100m and 2km, Whatever their ability, it really brought a sense of achievement and purpose as well as support for Cancer Care West.”

Since the memorial swim began 15 years ago, 740 people have swam the Bay to raise funds for this Galway charity.

Brian Thornton, Director of Cancer Care West said “We would naturally love to be swimming the bay in one day but until we can safely, this month-long event allows everyone to be part of something so positive.”

“There is a coming together through the strokes that gives us all a sense of place and purpose again.”

The Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim will take place throughout August. People are invited to swim 13km, which can be broken up throughout the whole month.

Swimmers are asked to raise €100 each for Cancer Care West this year and will receive a personalised Technical Tee.

To register for the event please log on to www.galwaybayswim.com.

Galway women headed to Olympics rowing finals

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily sport Galway women headed to Olympics rowing finals — 24 July 2021; Aifric Keogh, Eimear Lambe, Fiona Murtagh and Emily Hegarty of Ireland in action during the heats of the Women's Four at the Sea Forest Waterway during the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Galway’s Fiona Murtagh and Aifric Keogh are headed to the Olympic rowing finals after finishing second on Day 2 of the Tokyo Olympics.

The Women’s Four in Team Ireland, consisting of Murtagh and Keogh, along with teammates Eimear Lambe and Emily Hegarty, finished with a time of just 6.28.99, securing their place in the A Final

At the halfway point they were less than a second behind the front runners Australia, and with a burst of energy in the end the Irish women had closed that gap to just 0.23 seconds.

Speaking to Team Ireland, Tara Hanlon, reserve for the Women’s Four, said: “It’s unbelievable to see the girls out there, seeing them in training each day, then going out on the water and showing what they’re made of.”

“Coming up against Australia, it just shows their calibre, 0.2 seconds, there was nothing in it at the finish line.”

The Women’s Four A Final of the Tokyo Olympics will take place next Wednesday, July 28 at 1:50pm.

In other Olympics news, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy have also progressed to the A/B Semi-Final after dominating the Lightweight Men’s Double Scull, as did the Men’s Double of Philip Doyle and Ronan Byrne after placing third in their repechage.

The Women’s Double of Monika Dukarska and Aileen Crowley will compete in the repechage on Sunday morning after finishing fourth in their heat, as will Aoife Casey and Margaret Cremen in the Women’s Double Scull.

Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A Galway man pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of a passenger in the allegedly stolen car he was driving last August.

Richard McDonagh (33) appeared before Judge Rory McCabe at Galway Circuit Court on Friday.

He entered a plea of guilty to a single count of dangerous driving which caused the death of Margaret Ward on August 23 of last year at Cave, Caherlistrane.

The plea was brought without prejudice to the other charges on the indictment, and directions will be sought from the DPP on those.

McDonagh, who has an address at 19 Sliabh Rua, Ballybane, was been charged with a slew of other offences from the same day.

These include three other counts of dangerous driving, as well as burglary, unauthorised taking of a vehicle, and multiple thefts.

The case will next come before Galway Circuit Court on November 5 for sentencing, and to hear a victim impact statement.

Irish water warns of possible further nightly water restrictions

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Night-time water restrictions are possible across more areas of Galway as pressure remains high on supplies across the county.

Irish Water has already imposed night-time restrictions at Carna, Kilkieran and Roundstone and on Inis Oirr, in response to lower supply levels.

Mid-afternoon restrictions are also in place which could affect homes and businesses in Monivea, Abbeyknockmoy, Kiltullagh, Athenry, Carrabane, Gurteen.

These restrictions are scheduled to take place daily from 2pm until 5pm until July 31, and may result in households experiencing low pressure or water outages during the day.

Irish Water are again appealing to residents, farmers, agricultural contractors, businesses and visitors to conserve water wherever possible to ensure a consistent supply for everyone.

With treatment plants operating at maximum capacity, the utility provider has not ruled out imposing wider ranging water restrictions.

Galway and Ireland as a whole has been experiencing a heatwave with little to no rain for the past week and more, though that broke for a time on Friday, with heavy downpours during a thunderstorm.

Tim O’Connor of Irish Water said “We are asking the public to conserve water where possible and to only use what they need whilst continuing to adhere to public health advice regarding COVID-19.”

“We have seen demand creeping up in recent weeks, spiking over the past few days with all water supplies experiencing significant increases in demand at this time.”

The Mid-Galway Water Supply Scheme has been under particular pressure, with at risk areas identified in Laurencetown and Eyrecourt in Ballinasloe and in Gurteen, Kiltullagh and Carrabane.

He added that Irish Water wants to ensure that it can continue to meet rising demand as restrictions lift, and the hospitality sector reopens.

Simple measures that people can take including stopping the use of power washers at home; using a watering can rather than a hose in the garden; taking showers over baths; and fixing any dripping taps where it is possible to do so.

There is advice and guidance for homes, businesses and farms, including information on how much water you can save with simple measures on Irish Water’s Conservation section.

Galway team named for Connacht final at Croke Park

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily sport Planning refused again for Oughterard sports facilities

The Galway senior football team has been named to face Mayo in the Connacht final taking place in Croke Park tomorrow.

Galway and Mayo will meet at Croke Park on Sunday for the provincial final, with throw in at 13:30pm.

The last time a Connacht final was played at Croke Park was in 1923, almost a century ago, when Galway narrowly beat Sligo 2-04 to 2-02 in a replay.

The Galway side chosen for the final this weekend is:

Connor Gleeson
Seán Ó Ceallaigh
Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin
Liam Silke
Kieran Molloy
Dylan McHugh
Johnny Heaney
Paul Conroy
Mathew Tierney
Damien Comer
Peadar Ó Cuaig
Cathal Sweeney
Robert Finnerty
Shane Walsh (C)
Pól Ó Ceallaigh

Galway lifeboat rescues drifting boat with three aboard

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July 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Late night rescue of stricken boat by Galway RNLI

The Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of a boat with three people aboard which found itself drifting on Thursday evening.

The recreational vessel had left Galway Docks earlier that day, but started drifting after experiencing mechanical problems.

Shortly before 7pm, the crew made contact with the Coast Guard, who sought the assistance of the Galway RNLI station.

Lifeboat volunteer crew Brian Niland (Helm), Martin Oliver, Lisa McDonagh and James Rattigan located the vessel with three crew on board, and safely towed it back to Galway Docks.

RNLI Deputy Launching Authority Seán Óg Leydon said “Thankfully they had the means to contact the Coast Guard directly to get the help they needed before the situation escalated.”

COVID-19: 1,386 new cases reported today

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July 23, 2021

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

Another 1,386 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today.

There are now 106 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 22 are in the ICU.

These daily case numbers may change in the future after data validation and review.

Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said “This pandemic has provided a prime example of how easily misinformation can spread online, and many people have been exposed to information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading.”

“This is known as misinformation and it started to spread about potential COVID-19 vaccines even before any had been developed.”

“Unfortunately, it has undermined vaccination efforts in many countries, prolonging the pandemic and putting lives at risk.”

“All of us together can help to stop the spread of misinformation. Remember not every post on social media is reliable or accurate – if you are not sure, then don’t share.”

Dr Glynn said that Ireland has shown high levels of confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, with strong uptake across all age groups.

“Of course, many people will have questions about their vaccine but it is important that they access accurate and reliable information in order to get these questions answered.”

People should consult trustworthy sources for information, he said, such as the HSE website, or their own GP.

Torrential rain leads to very dangerous driving conditions

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July 23, 2021

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

Met Éireann’s thunderstorm warning has been updated to status orange for Galway this afternoon, with motorists being warned that driving conditions be extremely hazardous until this evening.

Intense thunderstorms moving through parts of Galway this afternoon and early evening will bring hail and torrential downpours giving localised flooding in places, Met Éireann has said.

The warning for Galway, Clare and Tipperary is now in place and will expire at 7pm this evening.

A status yellow weather warning was issued by Met Éireann earlier today for all counties in the Republic, and this warning will remain in place until 8pm.

Galway restaurants targeted with fake bookings ahead of reopening

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July 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Pedestrianising of city streets

Michelin starred chef and restaurateur JP McMahon has warned that people who disagree with the introduction of vaccine passes for indoor dining are making fake reservations at restaurants.

The owner of Aniar, Tartare and Cava Bodega in Galway City said that he is now asking those calling for bookings to provide their credit card details to protect his restaurants from those who are protesting the vaccine passes.

“Due to the continual threat of fake bookings from people who disagree with the government’s new regulations regarding vaccination for indoor dining, we are asking for credit card details for all booking across the three restaurants,” said JP McMahon, apologising for any inconvenience.

People who have been fully vaccinated will be able to eat and drink indoors from Monday, while those who have not been fully vaccinated will be forced to sit outside.

JP McMahon criticised the measures introduced by the Government, saying that an antigen test should be enough for customers to dine indoors.

Minister Malcolm Noonan visits Spanish Arch and Tirellan Castle to view works

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July 23, 2021

galway daily news minister malcolm noonan spanish arch

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform has visited Galway City to see works being carried out at the Spanish Arch and Tirellan Castle.

Minister Malcolm Noonan met with the Mayor of Galway Cllr Colette Connolly this morning along with Galway City Council staff at the Spanish Arch, to get an overview of the ongoing works.

The Irish Walled Towns Network have been assisting Galway City Museum and Galway City Council to build a new medieval wing to the museum that will also allow access to the top of the Spanish Arch.

Over €79,000 in funding has been awarded towards the Spanish Arch under the Community Monuments Fund.

“The core objective of the Community Monuments Fund is to support the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of local monuments and historic sites and I am delighted to witness this work first-hand, here at this iconic site in Galway City,” said Minister Malcolm Noonan.

Acting Director of Services for Transportation, Planning & Physical Development for Galway City Council, Uinsinn Finn, added that they were delighted to welcome Minister Noonan today, and to give him an insight into the work being carried at the Spanish Arch and at Tirellan Castle.

“These sites hold an important place in the history of Galway City and it is crucial that they are preserved to the highest possible standards – this is helped greatly through the funding from the Community Monuments Fund,” said Uinsinn Finn.

Minister Noonan’s visit also took in the site of Tirellan Castle, where significant conservation works commenced in the last year as part of Galway City Council’s Castles Conservation and Enhancement Project.

Weather Warning: Thunderstorms, hail, and downpours to cap off heatwave

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July 23, 2021

galway daily news Lightning and flooding forecast as Thunderstorm warning issued

A week of piping hot sun will be capped off with rain and a risk of thunderstorms in Galway as the heatwave comes to an end.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain on Friday afternoon and evening.

Met Eireann is forecasting lightning, hail, and heavy downpours that will bring a risk of localised flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

The alert covers all of Ireland, and will be valid until 8pm on Friday evening.

But the counties considered at most risk are Galway, Wicklow, Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare, Mayo and Roscommon.

Temperatures in Galway topped 30 degrees on Wednesday as summer finally came along with a blistering vengeance.

A high temperatures warning issued by Met Eireann for the heatwave remains in force until 9am on Saturday morning.

Three week road closure for bridge demolition

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July 23, 2021

The road between Moylough and Clonbern will be closed for three weeks next month in order to allow a bridge to be replaced.

Galway County Council is demolishing and replacing a bridge on the R328, with work due to take place in August.

In order to facilitate these works, the road will be closed between Clonbern village and its junction with the N63 at Moylough.

The period of closure is scheduled to be from 9am on Monday, August 9 to 5pm on Friday, August 27.

Local access will be maintained during this time.

Planning application made for 102 homes in Rosshill

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July 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning application made for 102 homes in Rosshill

Planning permission is being sought from An Bord Pleanála for the construction of 102 homes on land south of the Old Dublin Road in Galway City.

The planning application submitted by Alber Developments Ltd is for a Strategic Housing Development consisting of 65 houses and 35 apartments, along with a creche and retail outlet, at Rosshill.

The 4.7ha site is a greenfield plot, accessible from the Rosshill road, which is bordered by multiple one-off housing developments, and a 16 unit estate recently completed to the north-east.

Part of the site was formerly a pitch and put golf course, but this closed down in the early 2000s, and the land is now agricultural grazing land.

It is proposed that a “linear park” will be created along the northern edge of the site, with a public green area with trees and a walking route running the length of it, to a larger green area at the southwest of the site.

The apartment building at the entrance to the site will also feature a communal garden area for residents on the rooftop.

To fulfill Part V planning requirements, Alber Developments intends to provide ten of the units, three apartments and seven houses, to the city council for social or affordable housing.

The development will include a total of 183 car parking spaces, less than the 220 required under the City Development Plan. The 0.4:1 plot ratio of the proposal also exceeds the CDP guidelines of 0.2:1 for this area.

In a Material Contravention letter submitted with the application said that the housing density allowed under the development plan would not be sustainable, and an inefficient use of land when Galway needs housing.

This justification also said that the car parking provided in the plans is sufficient, and will help encourage people to use public transport, cycling, or walking.

Separate plans for 342 homes on land which included this site were previously rejected by An Bord Pleanála in a decision in May of last year.

This planning application is accompanied by a Flood Risk Assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment Report, and Stage 1 Road Safety Audit, along with other nature focused reports such as a Tree Survey and Wintering Bird Survey.

Information and reports related to this development can be found online at https://rosshillmanorshd1.ie/.

An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on whether to grant planning permission for this strategic housing development by October 28.

Galway households urged to conserve water amid supply pressure

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July 23, 2021

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

People in Galway are being urged to conserve water, as many supplies across the city and county have come under pressure in recent days.

The hot and dry weather in recent days has led to a spike in demand for drinking water, while also leaving supply levels dropping.

Tim O’Connor, Irish Water’s Operations Lead for Galway said: “The current extra demand, combined with reduced capacity, is not sustainable across Galway City and County.”

“We are appealing to everyone to be mindful of this and reduce water consumption as much as possible.”

“The households, farms and businesses served by public water supplies across Galway City and County are asked to reduce water usage as much as possible.”

The areas considered to be under the greatest level of pressure at the moment include Monivea, Abbeyknockmoy, Kiltullagh, Carrabane and Gurteen as well as Carna, Kilkieran and Roundstone.

Reservoir levels have also dropped at Farmhill and Glenaveel, Irish Water has said, leading to reduced pressure and water outages in many areas.

People who are on the Mid Galway Water Supply are particularly being urged to conserve water.

“Everyone can contribute and the combination of effort will greatly help our ability to provide a continuous water supply to all,” Tim O’Connor said.

Tips for conserving water can be found at www.water.ie/conservation.

Galway filmmaker nominated for prestigious award at Galway Film Fleadh

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July 23, 2021

galway daily news foscadh seán breathnach film at galway film fleadh 2021

NUI Galway academic and filmmaker Seán Breathnach has been nominated for the prestigious Bingham Ray New Talent Award at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh ahead of the premiere of his film Foscadh tonight.

Written and directed by Breathnach and produced by Paddy Hayes of Magamedia Teo, the film will be shown at a special outdoor screening at Fr Burke Park on the Father Griffin Road this evening (Friday) at 9pm.

The film is inspired by characters from acclaimed novelist Donal Ryan’s The Thing About December and stars Dónal Ó Héalaí (Arracht), Fionnuala Flaherty (Out of Innocence) and Cillian Ó Gairbhí (Blood).

Set in the wild mountains of Connemara, Foscadh tells the story of friendless and guileless recluse John Cunliffe who is suddenly propelled into manhood at the ripe old age of 28.

When his over-cosseting parents pass away, John inherits mountain land that is in the way of a lucrative wind-farm development, and he is forced to navigate the choppy waters of romance, trust and vengeance for the first time.

Talking about his first feature film, Breathnach said that he thinks this is an especially Irish tale, exploring themes of heritage, memory and identity.

“It tells the story of a recluse, John Cunliffe, the beating heart of our story, who must forge his own path following the tragic loss of his parents,” he said.

“It was a privilege to bring Foscadh to life and I very much look forward to its release this week.”

The outdoor screening of Foscadh will be followed by a Q&A with director, cast and crew.

Former students of NUI Galway media courses, Eoin O’Kelly Smith and Daithí Ó Cinnéide, worked as trainee assistant directors on the film. Caitríona McCormack acted as production assistant.

NUI Galway Professor Breandán Mac Suibhne said that Foscadh is a wonderful film that deserves – and will get – a wide audience.

“Its writer and director Seán Breathnach is also a great teacher who epitomises NUI Galway’s commitment to excellence in all we do. His colleagues are immensely proud of him,” said Professor Mac Suibhne.

The winner of the 2021 Bingham Ray New Talent Award will be announced at an online awards’ ceremony on the closing night of the Galway Film Fleadh, Sunday July 25 at 6pm.

Breathnach teaches scriptwriting and production on the MA (Cleachtas Gairmiúil sna Meáin) and the BA (Cumarsáid agus Gaeilge) programme at NUI Galway’s Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.

His short film Maidhm was premiered to critical acclaim at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2015 and went on to win awards at the Limerick Film Festival, the Fingal Film Festival, as well as the best actress award at na Gradaim Cumarsáide.

Foscadh was the script selected for the 2017 CINE4 commission, a scheme run by TG4, Fís Éireann and the BAI.

Shawshank Redemption Lords it over Harry Potter Movies

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Thomas O'Brien

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July 23, 2021

Galway Daily news omniplex cinema in ballinalsoe

The Harry Potter series of films may have lined JK Rowling’s pockets, but their success at the box office has not translated to positive reviews from moviegoers.

Hollywood has a patchy record where book to film adaptions are concerned, with filmmakers often criticised for failing to capture the spirit of the written story.

A recent study by Betway Casino appears to confirm that point to perfection for the seven Harry Potter films, with each of them receiving disappointing review scores on IMDb.

None of the movies feature in the top 10 best-rated film adaptations, but three of them are among the top seven most lucrative.

That appears to suggest that Potter fans are gluttons for punishment, with Rowling’s written efforts failing to translate well to the silver screen.

However, it is a different story where The Lord of the Rings is concerned, with the trilogy delivering the goods at the box office and in the review rankings.

Two of three films feature in the top 10 list for making the most money, while all three are in the top five list of the most popular movies.

The Return of the King and The Fellowship of the Ring are second and third in the IMDb rankings, while The Two Towers is in fifth place.

The movies are in extremely good company in the top 10 popular list, with the other seven films amongst the most iconic movies ever made.

Forrest Gump takes fourth place, with The Green Mile and A Clockwork Orange taking sixth and seventh. Shutter Island, A Beautiful Mind and No Country For Old Men complete the top 10.

While the nine other movies undoubtedly deserve their place on the list, one movie stands head and shoulders above the rest according to IMDb reviewers.

The Shawshank Redemption was initially a box office flop when first released in 1994, earning only $16 million during its initial theatrical run.

Competition from Forrest Gump and Pulp Fiction were cited as reasons for its failure, while the title also left people a little baffled.

Several Oscars nominations highlighted the movie’s brilliance, and its re-run at the cinemas subsequently took it up to $58.3m.

While this was still way behind Forrest Gump, the film has since become widely recognised as a cinematic masterpiece.

Based on Stephen King’s novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption, barely a week goes by without the movie being screened by a television channel.

Its brilliance has even been acknowledged by King, who has generally disliked the majority of film adaptations of his books.

“I love The Shawshank Redemption and I’ve always enjoyed working with Frank (Darabont, the director) – he’s a sweet guy,” he told Deadline.

The enduring popularity of The Shawshank Redemption also highlights another point about book adaptations – standalone film releases are more popular than series.

Of the 10 most popular films on IMDB, seven are standalone releases, a statistic that should strike fear into filmmakers tasked with turning producing a series of films on the same topic.

COVID-19: 1,189 cases reported today

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July 22, 2021