COVID-19: 631 cases reported today

-

July 9, 2021

146aro nuig research software — Photo Credit: Andrew Downes, xposure

The Galway based company Aró Digital Strategy expects to create 42 new jobs as a result of a new research partnership with NUIG.

Twelve of the new positions will be filled this year, with the remaining 30 expected to be filled over the next five years.

Aró and the university’s Insight Centre for Data Analytics have teamed up to develop a platform for hotels worldwide that it meant to increase direct bookings.

The research programme between the two will first involve analysing the existing online traffic and activity, sales potential, and above all conversion to revenue, at 14 participating hotels.

Using the insights from this research they aim to create an digital platform which will enable hotels to optimise and streamline their direct booking business within the business.

It will allow Aró Digital Strategy Hotel clients to acquire, engage convert and retain customers, targeting a 50% growth in direct bookings, along with a reduction in costs.

Triona Mac Giolla Rí, Director and co-founder of Aró Digital Strategy said that this partnership will bring “transformative innovation and change” to hotels they serve worldwide.

“The collaboration with NUIG and its Insight Centre, together with the benefit of actionable Artificial Intelligence will permit us to deepen our commitment to service excellence for clients and we will redefine what high touch engagement means to our Luxury hotel clients.”

Aró Digital Strategy, has its headquarters in the Connemara Gaeltacht on the edge of Europe in Furbo and has an international sales office in London.

Founded by husband and wife team, Triona Mac Giolla Rí and Alan Rowe, both are NUI Galway Graduates and Galway natives who’ve steadily grown Aró Digital Strategy over 23 years.

In Ireland, their clients include Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara; Hayfield Manor, Cork; Titanic Hotel Belfast; and Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow to mention a few.

This research programme will be piloted on twelve of Ireland’s Leading luxury 4 and 5 star hotels and two international resorts.

Its announcement comes after the company invested €2 million in a Research and Development Unit at its Galway Headquarters.

Based on this they are recruiting 12 key senior roles at the company in 2021 with a further 30 forecast by 2026.

Over 10,000 fines issued through speed camera vans in Galway last year

By

-

July 9, 2021

Galway Daily news Increase in use of speed cameras on roads

More speeding fines were issued in Galway last year than over the previous two years combined.

A total of 10,047 fines were issued in the county in 2020 through speed camera vans, compared to 4,255 in 2019 and 3,856 in 2018.

Aontú, which obtained the statistics, argues that a discussion must take place on the merits and success rates of these vans.

The party says that while the number of speeding fines doubled in 2020, there has not been a dramatic reduction in the number of fatalities on Galway roads.

Aontú’s Tuam representative Luke Silke said that everyone is familiar with the purpose that speed camera vans serve, but there are questions to be answered as to why the number of fines issued in 2020 is so high compared to previous years.

“It would appear to me and to many people in my constituency that speed camera vans are intentionally located in areas where they are likely to catch people,” said Mr Silke.

“We’re all familiar with locations where speed camera vans are to be seen couched between bushes in the ditches of roads which have unusually low speed limits.”

He said that in his opinion, if we are serious about saving lives, attention must be focused particularly on seatbelt-wearing and safety campaigns.

“I think in terms of speeding questions need to be answered about which road safety initiative saves the most lives.”

Mr Silke argued that the digital displays which show the speed cars are travelling at are successfully reducing speeding incidents.

He said that his party would like to see much more of these installed on Galway’s roads, and said that while road safety is very important, there needs to be logic to the speed camera vans.

€200k announced for 12 Galway community and voluntary groups

By

-

July 9, 2021

galway daily news funding for galway charities

Almost €200,000 in COVID Stability funding has been announced for 12 community and voluntary groups in Galway.

The funding for groups in Galway includes €80,000 for Croí Heart and Stroke charity, €12,000 for Forbairt Maigh Cuilinn, €8,000 for Bád Tarrthála Charna & na nOileán and €2,000 for Clifden Area Renewal Company.

Welcoming the funding announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys, Galway Senator Seán Kyne said that community and voluntary groups have found it difficult to maintain services to their communities since the start of the pandemic.

He said that this funding will go some way to filling the gap left by the difficulty in fundraising for these groups.

“Groups within the Community and Voluntary sector do incredible work in their local areas across the county and we must ensure that they are in a position to continue their efforts through the Covid pandemic and beyond,” said Senator Kyne.

UHG and Portiuncula emergency departments extremely busy today

By

-

July 9, 2021

UHG and Portiuncula Hospitals in Galway are reporting long waiting times and bed pressure today due to extremely busy emergency departments.

The Saolta Hospital Group has warned that the emergency departments in both of Galway’s acute hospitals are very busy today.

This has led to extreme pressure on beds, and long waiting times for patients to get a bed when they are admitted.

“We would like to remind the public that we encourage them to attend an Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies,” a statement from the hospital group issued today said.

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

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

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

Peopel attending the A&E are advised that, due to ongoing COVID-19 guidelines, people are to wait in the A&E alone, and that a companion will only be permitted exceptional circumstances.

Engineering works to disrupt Galway – Dublin trains this weekend

By

-

July 9, 2021

Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services — file photo

Disruptions are expected to rail travel between Galway and Dublin this weekend, with a number of services operating as bus transfers.

Irish Rail is carrying out line improvement works between Hazelhatch and Portarlington this Saturday and Sunday, with the majority of disruption expected tomorrow.

One regularly scheduled train on Saturday has been cancelled, the 6:30pm Heuston to Galway service.

Multiple other trains will be operating as bus transfers for the leg of the journey between Athlone and Dublin throughout the day on Saturday.

Less disruption is expected on Sunday, with just one train in the morning running a bus transfer, the 8am Heuston – Galway service.

The 11am Galway – Heuston train will be delayed by half an hour, and the 11:40 Heuston – Galway train will not stop at Clara.

For a full list of all the rail services affected by these works, go to: irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/irishrail-engineering-works

Quality over Price: The 5 Best Materials for Your Furniture at Home

By

Thomas O'Brien

-

July 9, 2021

There are a lot of things to consider when buying new furniture and equipment for your home. Most people will always consider the price first, regardless of the quality. There is nothing wrong with that. You are just ensuring that it is still within your budget. However, you might not be going to benefit from your furniture if they have low quality and you’ll spend again buying new ones or having expensive repairs.

With that said, it’s a good idea to consider the quality over price. But you don’t have to buy them right away; instead, you set a budget first, then buy them. Besides, having good quality materials doesn’t always come with a high price. Nevertheless, here are the best high-quality materials you may consider buying when it comes to your furniture and equipment at home.

Solid Wood Materials

If you plan to renovate and organize your kitchen, one of your best options is to purchase ready to assemble cabinets or rta cabinets. When you buy these types of cabinets, it’s a good idea to choose a solid wood material like mahogany or teak. From its name, you can ensure that it is of excellent quality, and you can ensure that you can benefit from it for a long time.

In addition, it’s a good idea to purchase solid wood because they are non-toxic materials. Meaning they are not poisonous or harmful, which is suitable for parents who have kids or pets at home. Besides, these hardwoods are not that expensive when it comes to their price since they are the most common material used to create cabinets.

Leather Materials

If you plan to buy a new sofa and you are in doubt about what material to look for, then it would be best to buy leather material. These materials may come at a high price, but it is worth your money. Why? Because leather sofas are one of the most durable and refined sofas out there that can last for a very long time as long as it is appropriately cared for.

The reason why leather sofas are a bit costly is because of additional charges in maintaining the sofas to make them durable and survive for a decade. But you can never be doubtful when it comes to their quality, and if you have pets at home, this is the best sofa for you because you can easily wipe off those pet stains and leather sofas are odor resistant.

Cotton Materials

When you purchase new bed sheets or new beddings, don’t just look for their features, but also the quality. With that said, the best quality to look for in your new bed sheets is cotton fabric materials. They are fluffy, easy to care for, durable, and flexible. Still, the best reason why you should consider buying cotton fabric is they are of high quality and affordable price.

However, don’t get confused with what types of cotton fabric you will purchase. Here are the lists below:

Egyptian cotton – which is the softest, high-quality, and most comfortable cotton fabric.
Upland cotton – although not that soft, they are still the most popular cotton fabric globally.
Cotton jersey – they are made as knit instead of woven.
Combed cotton – from its name, short fibers are already removed at the manufacturing stage, so all that’s left is the softest cotton fabric.

Regardless of what type of cotton fabric you choose, you can never go wrong with the lists mentioned above.

Porcelain Tile Materials

If you plan to renovate or improve your living room by changing your floor, it would be best to consider porcelain tile flooring. Choosing porcelain tile is an all-around win. They are high-quality materials that you can ensure are worth your money. What makes them a good option is they are moisture-resistant, pet friendly, and non-allergenic.

Not only that, the reason why it is an all-around win when choosing porcelain tile as your flooring is that they are not only perfect for your living room but also in your bathroom. Most slippery accidents happen in the bathroom, and if you have kids or elderly, they are prone to this, or even you. However, you can avoid these accidents with porcelain tiles because they are slip-resistant.

Concrete Materials

When changing the design or the materials on your wall, regardless if it is in your bedroom or living room, it would be best to consider concrete materials. They are high-quality, durable materials that can last a lifetime for the most part of your house. Besides, they are a good option if you live in a noisy area since they can block or absorb sound.

Not only that, concrete materials have been tested and proven as one of the best materials to counter fire and wind. So if you live in a location where it is prone to hurricanes, then building your wall using concrete material is your best option. The walls will remain standstill, and you only need to change the roof just in case a fortuitous event will occur.

Takeaway

When it comes to having the best quality materials for your furniture and equipment at home, never hesitate to invest. It’s always a good idea to consider quality over price. With that said, those mentioned above are the best high-quality materials you may consider buying when it comes to your furniture and equipment at home. With proper budgeting, you will have them.

COVID-19: 534 new cases as CMO urges people to socialise safely this weekend

By

-

July 8, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 534 new cases of COVID-19 today.

As of 8am today, 58 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised across the country, of whom 17 are in ICU.

Galway’s 14-day incidence rate is now 76.7 cases per 100,000 people, as of 6 July.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said that as we come into the weekend, it is extremely important that we continue to adhere to the public health advice to stop the spread of the disease.”

He said that if you are not yet fully vaccinated and you plan to socialise, please do so safely and meet outdoors.

“Please avoid crowds, wear a mask where appropriate, wash your hands, manage your contacts and maintain your social distance.

“If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 over the weekend, make sure to arrange a test as soon as possible and don’t put it off until Monday to contact your GP or attend a testing centre.”

City centre hotel appeals refusal of expansion plans

By

-

July 8, 2021

Galway daily news City Centre hotel gets green light for major expansion

A hotel in Galway City Centre has lodged an appeal against the city council’s decision to refuse planning permission for a significant expansion.

The Skeffington Arms Hotel sought planning permission to demolish the DNA Nightclub on Ballalley Lane, and build a seven storey extension to the existing hotel in its place.

The city council rejected the plans due to the “poor design including scale, massing, height and low quality visual appearance” of the proposed extension, as well as its “unacceptable interface” with neighbouring protected structures and the Eyre Square Architectural Conservation Area.

The proposed building would consist of 44 guest bedrooms, a reception, breakfast areas, and restaurant with outdoor seating area, and would be connected to the existing hotel building through a link corridor at the second floor.

The hotel has now appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which is due to make a decision by November 1.

The appeal disagrees with the council’s assessment of the design and visual impact of the hotel expansion, arguing that it will have a “striking positive impact” on the laneway, which has been developed in a “piecemeal fashion”, with little regard to the protected structures.

“Beyond the laneway the new building, at the top floors, will be visible at certain locations within the Eyre Square ACA. This is not unique as many other modern buildings in the city centre outside the ACA also appear within broad views across Eyre Square.”

“Nevertheless the building has been carefully designed so that it will read as separate to and clearly distinguishable from the ACA buildings, whilst the materiality and massing of the upper floors is intentionally “light” in order reduce any perceived visual prominence.”

However, in order to address some of the council’s concerns, a modified design was submitted, which omits metal cladding in the form of a vertical sun breaker around the top floors.

This, it is argued, will reduce the “visual dominance and massing” of the top floors where they are visible from Eyre Square.

The developer argued in the original application that the expansion was needed to make the existing hotel, which currently has 24 rooms, competitive with other hotels in the area.

Galway man’s photograph features in outdoor astronomy exhibition

By

-

July 8, 2021

galway daily news astrophotographer from galway josh mathews

An image taken by Josh Mathews from Shanbolard, Moyard is part of a new outdoor exhibition featuring astronomy photographs in Dublin.

The exhibition at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) will run until the end of July and features 23 images from DIAS’s Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition from earlier this year.

Josh’s image was chosen as the overall winner of the competition and as part of his prize, his entry was selected for the exhibition.

Commenting on the exhibition, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, Dr Eucharia Meehan, said: “Launching this exhibition is the final phase of our Reach for the Stars astrophotography competition, which ran for the first time this year.

“We are delighted to be able to showcase some of the fantastic images that were submitted and share the talent and creativity of the photographers with the public.

“As an Institute that carries out research in astronomy and astrophysics, these images resonate greatly with us here and we appreciate the time and patience that went into capturing them. We hope people stop by to enjoy them, and appreciate their complexity.”

The exhibition is an open event that will run outside the DIAS building at 10 Burlington Road, Dublin. It will be in place throughout July and is free to attend.

Galway lotto player scoops Match 5 + Bonus prize

By

-

July 8, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway Lotto player scoops €54,583 in midweek madness

One lucky Lotto player in Galway came just one number away from the jackpot in last night’s draw, winning the Match 5 + Bonus prize.

Two players in Galway and Offaly each matched five numbers and the bonus number on Wednesday night, and will split the €42,314 prize fund.

The winning ticket in Galway was sold at the Lyons Mace shop in Carnmore Cross, Oranmore, a quick pick ticket purchased on Monday.

The winning numbers on Wednesday night were 04, 18, 26, 30, 31, 37 and the bonus was 08.

The winning ticket holders are advised to sign the back of their tickets and to contact the prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for them to claim their prizes.

This marks the fourth consecutive Match 5+ Bonus win for Galway Lotto players since Saturday June 26.

The other lucky players won €56,230 in the July 3 draw from a ticket sold at The Paper Shop on the Main Street in Clifden, and €40,667 on a ticket at Ashtree Stores in Cleaghmore, Ballinsaloe in the June 30 draw.

Another player scooped €54,511 after purchasing their winning ticket in the Post Office on Bridge Street in Athenry for the June 26 lotto draw.

While there was no winner of the €5,267,256 jackpot on offer in last night’s draw, over 72,000 players won prizes across the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws. Saturday’s (10th July) jackpot is now set to roll to an estimated €5.5 million.

A National Lottery spokesperson said “The winning streak continues for Lotto players in Galway with last night’s draw making it a four in a row of Match 5+Bonus wins for ticket holders in the West of Ireland county.

“Last night’s draw saw the prize being shared with a player in Offaly which means that two players were both just one number away from winning the €5.2 million jackpot on offer.

“We are encouraging all of our players in Galway and Offaly to check their tickets carefully today as two players have tickets worth €21,157 each.

“The lucky winners are advised to sign the back of their tickets and to contact our prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie and arrangements will be made for their prizes to be claimed.”

UHG the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

By

-

July 8, 2021

University Hospital Galway is the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today, the worst overcrowding seen in more than two months.

There are 45 patients on trolleys at UHG today according to the INMO, 41 of whom are in the A&E, and four of whom are in the wards.

This is the highest figure in the country today, ahead of UH Limerick (36) and Cork University Hospital (33).

Also in Galway, there are 12 patients waiting for a bed at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

The last time UHG topped this dubious list was on April 29, when there were 43 patients in the hospital without a bed.

Murder in the air – Mo’s confession rocks Ros na Rún season finale

By

-

July 8, 2021

Galway Daily television Murder in the open as Mo confesses on Ros na Rún

After a season of murder, deceit, affairs, and manipulation, it all comes to a ahead in the milestone season 25 finale of Ros na Rún this evening.

Mo has made a colossal decision to confess her murder of Frances to Tadhg, leaving him reeling with the knowledge of what his good friend has done.

How will he cope with this revelation, and what will come next for the two friends?

Ros na Rún fans’ love-hate relationship with the conniving and vindictive Briain continues. Berni confronts him about the previous night, and is left shaken by his response. Jude, believing Berni to be in danger, steps in, but may end up doing more harm than good.

Rory has had his embarrassing moments this season and it’s time to take him down a peg or two and Greg plans to do that by extracting revenge on Rory for how he treated Michelle.

A dramatic finale for another successful season of the Irish language-based drama series. Writers of the Irish language drama series are keen to gauge audience reaction as they progress more dramatic storylines for season 26 in the Autumn.

“We’ve had a magnificent response to this season’s story lines and the shock of Mo killing Frances,” says Marion Ní Loingsigh, series producer at Ros na Rún.

“In a year of much doom and gloom due to the impact of the pandemic, we set out to entertain and grip our audiences and our excellent writers, cast and crew certainly delivered on this.”

“We are delighted with the powerful response we received to each episode and despite the challenges of the pandemic we gave TV audiences excellent escapism each week”.

A high point for Irelands largest independent TV Production outside of Dublin was successfully filming 82 episodes of the current series over 24 weeks with a cast and crew of 160 people without any incidence of COVID19 at its purpose-built set in An Spidéal.

Ros na Rún will return to filming for Season 26 this August, with the next season airing in September on TG4.

€2.2m support fund for Gaeltacht summer school accommodation providers

By

-

July 8, 2021

Galway Daily news Increased funding for Gaeltacht summer college accommodation providers

A €2.2 million fund has been launched to support Gaeltacht families that would normally provide accommodation for summer school students.

It was decided in May that Gaeltacht summer colleges would not go ahead this year, due to COVID-19 concerns raised in an online public consultation process.

This is the second year in a row that summer colleges have been cancelled, and the level of support being provided has been increased by 25% on what was available in 2020.

The fund was announced on Wednesday by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht and Sport.

Eligible families can receive what would be €5 daily per student, half of what the normal fee paid by the Department during the colleges.

The total payment that each household is eligible for will be based on the number of students they accommodated in 2019.

Minister Catherine Martin said that this is a major step towards supporting the roughly 700 families in Gaeltachts suffering a “significant loss in income” for the second year in a row.

“Gaeltacht households play a key role in the college sector – which is of particular importance to the Irish language and the Gaeltacht economy.”

“This measure being announced today will help ensure that the sector is stabilised for 2022 insofar as possible,” Catherine Martin added.

She added that with the vaccination programme progress, they are “very optimistic” that Irish Languages colleges will be operating at full steam next year.

Between 2014 and 2019, the number of students attending these colleges under the Irish Language Learners’ Scheme increased by 21.7%, and further growth was expected in 2020.

In May of this year, Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Jack Chambers announced the results of a consultation process with the umbrella group of Irish language colleges, CONCOS and a representative group of those involved in the administration of Gaeltacht community halls.

On foot of this, it was decided by consensus not to proceed with the Irish language courses in summer 2021.

Minister Chambers said that after this process, “I am well aware of the particular challenges facing Gaeltacht communities due to the inability of the Irish language colleges to operate for the second year in succession.”

“Under this specific funding, we will ensure that the system is put on a sound footing, enabling a full return next year”.

COVID-19: 581 cases reported today

By

-

July 7, 2021

There have been a further 581 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today.

As of 8am this morning there were 60 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 17 are in intensive care.

“We are continuing to see an increase in the incidence rate of COVID-19, and so, it is important that we do as much as possible to control the spread of the disease as the vaccination programme opens to all adults over the age of 18,” said Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer.

“The continuing high levels of adherence to the public health advice, high levels of vaccine uptake and community engagement with testing centres around the country are all reasons to be positive.”

“If you display any symptoms of COVID-19, it is important that you isolate straight away and come forward for a PCR test.”

Countdown begins to 2021 Galway Races

By

-

July 7, 2021

Galway Daily sport Channelle Pharma sponsoring Galway Races for 37 years running — Galway Races. Photo Credit: INPHO/Galway Races

The countdown to the 2021 Galway Races is on, with less than three weeks until the Summer Races kick off in Ballybrit.

After last year’s races took place behind closed doors, this year it is hoped that 5,000 people could be welcomed at Ballybrit Racecourse for one of the most famed spectacles of Galway.

Should their application for this be approved, a ticket policy announcement will be made shortly.

The Races will run for seven days from Monday, July 26 to Sunday, August 1, with Day One kicking off the week with seven races starting from 4:10pm.

There is a Prize Fund of more than €1.8 million available across 52 races this year. The top prize of the week will be at the hotly contested Tote Galway Plate, which has gone up to €250,000 this year.

he Tote Galway Plate is a race awash with quality, with experienced chasers taking on emerging youngsters, and has produced some high-class recent winners including, Balko Des Flos and Road To Riches.

The race cards on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 July are sponsored in full by the Galway Races long standing partner, Guinness, with Thursday’s Guinness Galway Hurdle now worth €250,000, having also received a boost of €50,000.

The Irish Horse Trust, Ireland’s largest and longest running dedicated equine charity, has been chosen as a charity partner for the 2021 Galway Races.

Founded in 1999, this Wicklow based charity works to re-school, re-habilitate and re-home Thoroughbred horses, with dedicated facilities and specialist care.

Chief Executive of Galway Racecourse Michael Moloney said, “now more than ever, it’s so important to give back and help other organisations when we can.

“The cost to run and staff the facility in Arklow is very high at close to €300,000 per year, and unfortunately due to current times with the cancellation of the majority of their fundraising events.”

“The charity is in need of our support to hit this figure. We hope that our Galway Races fans can help us fundraise for this fantastic charity and support the thoroughbred horse. Every euro donated will go directly to this great cause”

To support and donate this fundraiser, check out www.idonate.ie/GalwayRaces2021.

Of course, as much as the horse racing itself, the Galway Races are renowned for being an unmissable fashion event, with the world renowned Ladies Day taking place on Thursday, July 29.

The Best Dressed competition is being sponsored by Her.ie again this year, and online influencer and model Louise O’Reilly will be judging the competition.

This year’s Fridays Most Stylist Competition, sponsored by Athlone Town Centre returns with a chance for all ladies, no matter where you live in the world, to take part from your living room, kitchen or garden.

Judging the fashion competition are stylist and presenter Marietta Doran who will be joined by previous winner, stylist and Weekend AM presenter Rebecca Rose Quigley.

New Zealand man to embark on epic 2,021 km journey in aid of Galway charity

By

-

July 7, 2021

galway daily news paul franklin spinal fusion guy walking from malin head to mizen head — Paul Franklin, Spinal Fusion Guy

New Zealander Paul Franklin is preparing to set out on an epic 2,021km journey across Ireland, walking from Malin Head to Mizen Head before cycling all the way back up to the most northerly point in Ireland.

Known as ‘the Spinal Fusion Guy’, Paul Franklin has chosen to raise funds for Galway Simon Community and Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice throughout his challenge.

Paul has been living in Ireland for four years and has completed cycling tours in 20 different countries, despite a major spinal injury which he endured when he was just 13.

Even after multiple surgeries and physical traumas throughout his life, he is determined to continue his passion of cycling, while helping to make a difference for others.

“Since before my second major spinal surgery in 2014, cycling and exercise has always been part of my life. I’ve completed cycling tours in New Zealand, Japan, Istanbul, UK and throughout a lot of Europe,” said Paul Franklin.

Paul has supported many charities throughout his cycling tours and now he explains his motivation behind the Spinal Fusion Guy Heartlands Challenge 2021 in aid of Galway Simon Community and LauraLynn.

“While it is a personal achievement, I know I will be helping those who need help and support the most, especially during these very trying times that we’ve all gone through in the last year and a half,” he added.

“I was close to being homeless at the end of 2020. I was living in a caravan through the winter and I could have been seriously close homelessness. With the help of Galway Simon Community and Tuam Welfare, I was given a lifeline.

“LauraLynn is the only hospice in Ireland to care for children with life limiting conditions and their families, and I know how valuable life is.”

Paul said that he owes not only his life to such amazing people, such as the charities he is supporting, but also owes a debt of gratitude to those who have assisted and supported him along the way.

“I will be starting from Malin Head on the 9th July and heading south, primarily through the Heartlands of Ireland following the beautiful Shannon River towards Limerick and onto Mizen Head, an estimated walking distance of 900kms,” he explained.

“Once I’m at Mizen Head, I’ll change over to my bicycle and cycle back to Malin Head, via a flexible route to make up 1,121kms which will make it a total trip of 2,021 km.”

New fitness centre launched in Galway by Setanta College

By

-

July 7, 2021

galway daily news setanta fitness facility in galway — Pictured at the launch of the new facility in Galway are Setanta Coaches: Luke Jordan, Tara Naughton, Eanna Shalvey, Fabienne Cooney.

Setanta College has opened a new state-of-the-art fitness centre in Briarhill Business Park at Galway Technology Park.

Setanta Wellness is aimed at people who are interested in improving their health and wellness, and is specialising in science-based programming for each member.

It is offering a range of classes, small group personal training, SetantaSpin and more, while development is underway to incorporate a yoga studio, an onsite physio clinic and a recovery centre at the site.

As a higher education institute, providing third level courses in human performance and sports science, Setanta College has developed the facility to be led by coaching experts in these areas.

When completed, the centre will employ 20 staff across the site which will include Setanta College faculty and graduates.

Speaking about the opening of Setanta Wellness Galway, Commercial Director of Setanta College, Seán Hogan, said: “As the fitness industry reopens and gyms return, it’s a particularly fitting time to be launching the new Setanta Wellness in Galway and bring a new option to the people of Galway to help meet their fitness and wellness goals.

“Our approach puts science and the knowledge of elite coaches, trainers and athletes at the heart of our programmes and facilities.

“Setanta College is an internationally renowned provider of higher education in human performance and sports science, so we’re bringing that level of expertise to create bespoke training and programmes for the people of Galway.”

Mr Hogan said that this does not mean that this centre is only for elite athletes.

“We’re looking forward to working with people at any stage of their fitness journey on their goals, whether that is to lose weight, build muscle, improve mobility, enhance sports performance or simply to look and feel happier and healthier,” he added.

“Work will continue at the site and we’re expanding the offering for people in Galway to incorporate a yoga studio, onsite physiotherapy clinic and recovery centre, to really provide holistic approach to health and fitness for our members.

“This is an approach normally unavailable to the general public, we want to make that level of expertise and knowledge available to everyone though Setanta Wellness.”

Lidl Oranmore to reopen tomorrow after €2m makeover

By

-

July 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for new Lidl supermarket in Moycullen

Lidl Oranmore will reopen its doors tomorrow morning after being closed for a month while the shop was getting a makeover.

Lidl pumped €2 million into upgrading the store, increasing the size of the shop floor and its popular bakery area.

The ceiling grid has also been lifted to allow for a more spacious feel in store.

The entrance area has been remodelled with the old pod being removed and there has been new fridges and tills installed.

The reinvestment in the store has resulted in six new roles being recruited to support the existing team of 23.

Managing the store reopening is Lidl veteran Pauline McLoughlin, who has been managing Lidl stores in the Galway for 13 years.

She said they are beyond delighted to finally be able to reopen the store in Oranmore.

“The team have worked exceptionally hard to give the store a face lift,” said Pauline.

“Our bakery area has expanded which I am sure will be welcome news to our regular shoppers who enjoy their freshly baked bread and treats.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the 8^th.”

To mark the reopening of the store, the Lidl staff have chosen to donate €500 in Lidl vouchers to Oranmore Coastal Rescue Unit.

The Oranmore Coastal Rescue Unit was set up in 2016 after a NUI Galway student went missing in 2015 and Oranmore became the central search location.

It is all volunteer led with all funds going towards purchase of equipment and training of leaders.

Galway lotto syndicate claim €2.5 million jackpot

By

-

July 7, 2021