Galway allocated €580k for remote working hubs

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July 22, 2021

galway daily news pharmacy pfizer vaccine in Galway salthill — Colm's Life Pharmacy & Health Food Store in Salthill, one of 24 pharmacies across Galway offering the Pfizer vaccine

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine is now available in 24 pharmacies across Galway, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) has revealed.

The IPU is now calling for this to be extended, so that all pharmacies registered to administer jabs have access to the Pfizer vaccine.

Pharmacies started vaccinating in last month and have so far administered over 123,000 vaccines nationwide.

This has predominantly been the Janssen vaccine, available to people aged between 18 and 34, and to people aged 50 and older in over 950 pharmacies across the country.

A smaller number of pharmacies, chosen because of their distance to the nearest vaccine centre, are also offering the Pfizer vaccine to patients aged 18 and over, in line with the HSE Vaccination Centres.

Darragh O’Loughlin, Secretary General of the IPU, explained that pharmacists are trained, experienced vaccinators and they are delighted to finally have the opportunity to support the vaccination campaign.

“Now the people of Galway can receive a vaccine in the convenience and comfort of their local pharmacy,” said Mr O’Loughlin.

“People can book an appointment directly with their local pharmacy and, when called, attend at a set time and be on their way home all within 30 minutes.”

He said that since pharmacists began administering COVID 19 vaccines, there has been universally positive feedback and a huge level of demand from all age groups.

“The ongoing level of demand will need to be matched by supply or pharmacies will be forced to suspend vaccinations,” added Mr O’Loughlin.

List of participating pharmacies in Galway

Boots Pharmacy, Knocknacarra
Brodericks Pharmacy, Ballinasloe
Brogans Totalhealth Pharmacy, Loughrea
Colm’s Life Pharmacy &Health Food Store, Salthill
Connollys Pharmacy, Oranmore
Craughwell Pharmacy, Craughwell
Dalys Pharmacy, Gort
Duane’s Pharmacy, Ballinasloe
Feely’s Totalhealth Pharmacy, Tuam
Gleesons Pharmacy, Tuam
Hayes & Hayes Pharmacy, Portumna
HighCross Pharmacy, Tuam
Kinvara Pharmacy, Kinvara
Leahys Pharmacy, Loughrea
Loughrea Careplus Pharmacy, Loughrea
Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, Barna
Matt O’Flaherty Chemists, Moycullen
McSharrys Pharmacy, Athenry
Medwell Allcare Pharmacy, Tuam
Murphy’s Totalhealth , Ballinasloe
Quinns Pharmacy, Gort
Ryders Pharmacy, Headford
Sweeneys Pharmacy, Claregalway
Walshs Pharmacy, Tuam

Mr O’Loughlin added: “We know that supplies of the Janssen vaccine may be limited for a time, therefore we are calling for all participating pharmacies to be provided supplies of the Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine as well.

“Now that the eligibility for vaccines has been expanded to younger age groups, the challenge of getting to vaccination centres will become amplified.

“Younger people are less likely to have access to a car, often have childcare constraints and may have less flexible employment. Convenience will be key to completing the vaccination campaign and that is what local pharmacies offer.”

A look at this weekend’s forecast as Met Éireann extends weather warning

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July 22, 2021

galway daily news weather forecast galway weather

The heatwave is set to continue into Saturday before temperatures finally dip slightly, but more sunshine is forecast for Galway over the weekend.

Met Éireann’s weather warning for high temperatures was extended earlier today, and it will now expire at 9am on Saturday morning.

High temperatures will continue tomorrow, Friday, with hot conditions by day and staying very warm and humid at night.

Afternoon temperatures will be in the high twenties on Friday, with overnight values not falling below 15 to 19 degrees.

There will be more cloud on Friday though, with scattered thunderstorms in parts of Galway in the late afternoon.

Saturday will see a return to more sunny weather with temperatures dipping slightly. Highs in the mid twenties are forecast across the county.

Sunday looks set to be yet another sunny day, with high temperatures of 24 degrees before cooler conditions return on Monday.

The early forecast for next week suggests that daytime highs will be around 17 or 18 degrees.

Over half of people with COVID at UHG are fully vaccinated

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July 22, 2021

All four of the new COVID-19 cases at University Hospital Galway have been fully vaccinated, new HSE data shows.

As of yesterday evening, there is a total of seven people with the virus at UHG, with one of the confirmed cases receiving care in ICU.

There are five more suspected cases at the hospital awaiting test results as of yesterday evening.

Nationally, there were eight fully vaccinated people hospitalised yesterday – accounting for 44.4% of new COVID cases in Irish hospitals.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe still has two confirmed cases, with neither in ICU as of 8pm yesterday.

Six general beds are available at UHG, while Portiuncula Hospital has no available general beds.

Senator Kyne welcomes €105m funding for safe reopening of third level colleges

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July 22, 2021

Galway daily news Free GMIT food entrepreneurship course course returns

Galway Senator Seán Kyne has welcomed the announcement by Minister Simon Harris of €105 million to ensure third level colleges are safe to reopen in September.

Measures to be supported include €10 million for the Student Assistant Fund which helps students in financial difficulty, €3 million for student mental health supports and €8 million to help engage and support disadvantaged learners.

Minister Harris said that the funding will ensure Covid-19 supports for the sector and specific supports for students who will return to a new world in September.

This will include additional mental health and other student supports, he said.

Welcoming the announcement, Fine Gael Senator Kyne said: “Here in Galway and across the country the past 18 months has been a really difficult time for students.

“We need to ensure our students are supported as they go back to college and we need to begin the next academic year on the right foot and this funding is central to that.”

Burst water mains affecting supply in Corrandulla area

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July 22, 2021

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

A burst water main is affecting the water supply in the Corrandulla area of Galway today.

Irish Water is carrying out repairs to a burst mains at Annaghdown today.

These may cause water outages or disruptions to homes and businesses there, in Corrandulla, and surrounding areas of the county.

The works are scheduled to take place until 6pm on Thursday evening.

People whose water supply is affected by this are advised that it may take 2-3 hours after repairs are completed before their water full returns.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page.

Gardaí warn of recent ‘smishing’ scams circulating

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July 22, 2021

galway daily news Gardaí warn of recent 'smishing' scams circulating

Gardaí have issued a public warning about a recent spate of smishing scams where fraudsters pretend to be from Permanent TSB.

Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) have said that there have been recent scams where people receive texts claiming to be from TSB, warning about unusual activity on your account, or a suspicious log-in attempt.

These scams will then typically direct the person in question to a cloned website via a link, where the scammers will ask them for personal financial information.

They will attempt to get you to enter pins, passcodes and other personal information far beyond what a bank would ask from you.

The fraudsters want your personal data so they can steal money from your bank account or purport to be you when contacting banks.

GNECB is warning the public to be wary of such text messages and if in any doubt of the authenticity of the text, contact their bank on the numbers they usually use, not whatever number comes with this text.

There are other ‘smishing’ texts being received and these can purport to be from service providers, revenue, banks and/or delivery businesses.

Some can fit into the threads of previously received genuine texts which adds an air of authenticity to them.

Gardaí never clicking on any link in an unsolicited text or email, or giving away personal and financial information.

If you have been the victim of a scam like this, it is important that you immediately change your passwords/pin codes, contact your bank, and inform gardaí.

Galway TD due before court over ‘Golfgate’ event

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July 22, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man receives jail sentence for racial abuse

Galway TD Noel Grealish is due to appear before Clifden District Court today in connection with the ‘Golfgate’ dinner in the village last August.

The Oireachtas Golf Society held an event at the Station House hotel in Clifden which violated COVID-19 regulations at the time.

The Independent TD, who was the captain of the golf society, is one of two politicians facing charges over organising the event, along with former Fianna Fáil Senator Donie Cassidy, who was its president.

At the time, indoor events were limited to 50 people under Level 3 restrictions, but the dinner on August 19, which followed a two day golfing event, was attended by over 80 people.

Deputy Grealish and Mr Cassidy have been charged under Section 31A of the Health Act 1997, for which the maximum penalty is a fine of €2,500 or up to six months in prison.

Then EU Comissioner Phil Hogan was eventually forced to resign due to his attendance at the ‘golfgate’ dinner, and newly appointed Supreme Court judge Seamus Wolfe was also heavily criticised for being present.

An Bord Pleanála approves Headford Road student accommodation

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July 22, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for dozens more bed spaces in Headford Road student accommodation

Planning permission has been upheld for a 223 bed, student accommodation development on the Headford Road in Galway City.

An Bord Pleanála rejected an appeal against plans by Cleverson Ltd to build a student accommodation development consisting of two seven storey buildings linked by a glazed bridge.

The development will also include four retail units and a gym on the lower floors of the building, with the student apartments across the upper floors.

There will be a total of 11 car parking spaces included, and 139 internal and external bicycle spaces.

The site, next to Galway Retail Park, is a mix of wasteland and car parking owned by the developer.

Galway City Council approved the project back in February, subject to 28 conditions, but an appeal against that decision was made to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce.

The original plans were for 254 bed spaces, with one of the buildings to be eight storeys in height. But these were revised downwards in Further Information submitted to the city council on December 18 of 2020.

An Taisce said that the student accommodation project was premature without a Local Area Plan, as well as a Density and Buildings Height Study.

The appeal also argued that there are deficiencies in the local sewerage network, with untreated wastewater being discharged into Galway Bay and the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation.

A response from MKO Planning Consultants on behalf of Cleverson said the lack of an LAP has not affected other developments in the area, that the height and scale of the proposal is in line with national, regional, and local policies, and that there is an identified need for student accommodation.

As regards wastewater, the applicant said that there is reasonable capacity in the network based on a pre-connection enquiry form from Irish Water.

Galway Cycling Campaign made a submission to An Bord Pleanála, though it was not party to the appeal, stating that the number of bicycle spaces was insufficient.

They also said that more details should be provided about cycling access, and that the plans should include a pedestrian crossing on the Headford Road.

Among the revised conditions imposed by An Bord Pleanála on the project, it required that revised plans by submitted, providing bicycle parking for at least 70% occupancy level of the student accommodation.

“Dramatic increase” in COVID cases in West, say health services

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July 21, 2021

Galway daily covid-19 coronavirus galway cases 14 day incidence

Health Services in Galway are urging people to continue to be vigilant in light of the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the West.

Despite the increase in cases, there are just six people in Galway’s public hospitals with the virus, and none of the confirmed cases are in ICU as of yesterday evening.

But Dr Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health for HSE West, said that over the past five days there has been a “dramatic increase” in cases, with infections doubling in Mayo and tripling in Galway.

“The positivity rate in the walk-in centre in Galway City is currently 8.7%,” said Dr Smyth.

“Our age-specific 14 day incidence in our young adults ranges from 500 to 832 cases per 100,000. This population is largely unvaccinated.

“COVID-19 is circulating at pace in our population. To protect ourselves and our loved ones, it is important we continue to practice public health behaviours.”

The message is to wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid large gatherings, and stay outside and stay apart.

Tony Canavan, CEO of the Saolta Hospital Group, said that it is clear that we are now on the upward curve of the fourth wave of COVID-19 infection in this country.

“We don’t yet know how many people will get seriously ill and will require hospital care or treatment in an Intensive Care Unit,” said Tony Canavan.

“A small percentage of all people with COVID-19 will require hospital care but as the number of cases in the community increases, this small percentage translates into a larger number of patients needing hospitalisation.

“Even before we see the impact of the fourth wave on our hospitals, we have record numbers of people attending the Emergency Departments, many of whom need to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment. We are seeing a level of activity normally not seen until December and January.

“The increase in COVID-19 cases in the community is a great concern and I would like to appeal to the public to stay vigilant and help halt the spread of the virus in the community by following public health advice in relation to wearing masks and keeping social distance.

“I would also urge anyone aged 25 to 69 who hasn’t yet registered to get a free COVID-19 vaccine at Ballybrit or Clifden Vaccination Centres, to do so by going to hse.ie.

“The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent serious disease and will help protect you and those close to you.”

Breda Crehan Roche, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare West, added that there are large numbers attending for tests at the test sites at Foster Street in Galway City and Galway Airport.

“The Delta variant is highly infectious and is circulating in our communities,” she said.

“Now more than ever, with restrictions easing we need to be extremely vigilant and not to let our guard down in terms of Public Health measures; it is vital that we do so to protect our loved ones and vulnerable people including those not yet vaccinated.

“The vaccination programme is making great progress, we would urge anyone aged over 25 years of age who has not yet registered for their free COVID-19 vaccine to do so.”

COVID-19: 1,378 new cases reported today

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July 21, 2021

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

Health officials have reported 1,378 new coronavirus cases in the State today, as the number of people in hospital with the disease remains relatively steady.

There are now 96 people with the virus in Irish hospitals, with 22 of those receiving care in ICUs.

There were 89 people with COVID-19 in hospitals in the Republic yesterday morning, and 101 on Monday.

As of yesterday evening, there are four confirmed cases at University Hospital Galway and two at Portiuncula Hospital. None of the six COVID patients are in intensive care units, according to the latest HSE data.

Speaking this afternoon, Dr Ronan Glynn said that over 65% of our adult population is now fully vaccinated and 75% of adults have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“We know that COVID-19 vaccines are extraordinarily effective at reducing each person’s individual risk of hospitalisation or severe disease. The Delta variant does not change this,” said the Deputy CMO.

“However, this variant is much more transmissible than what we have been dealing with previously and, as such, the challenge remains to protect as many people through vaccination as quickly as possible, across all age groups.”

Dr Glynn said that vaccines along with the core public health advice remain our pathway out of this pandemic – and urged people to avail of the opportunity to get protected through vaccination when it is offered to them.

“The basic measures remain as important and effective now as at any point in the pandemic and remember no one measure is sufficient by itself,” he added.

“When you meet people, keep your distance and meet outside, avoid crowds, avoid poorly ventilated indoor space, use your judgement, risk assess and leave if you don’t feel safe, wash your hands and wear a mask, isolate and get a test if you have any symptoms – do not go to work or socialise.”

Gardaí launch online system for reporting hate crimes

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July 21, 2021

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

Gardai have today launched a new initiative for combating hate crimes, with the creation of a dedicated online tool for reporting them.

Created by the Garda National Diversity and Integration Unit, this tool is meant to help combat the under-reporting of hate crimes in Ireland by making it easier for victims to report non-emergency incidents.

Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner Paula Hilman, said “Access to online reporting enables victims to report hate crime in a way they may feel more comfortable with.”

“We understand that not everyone wants to go to a Garda station to make reports. This facility gives victims the opportunity to report non-emergency incidents to An Garda Síochána.”

“I would urge anyone who feels they have been a victim of hate crime to report it to us. Let’s stop hate crime together.”

All reports made through this system will be examined by dedicated members of the GNDIU, who will ensure appropriate action is taken to record and respond to them.

Ms Paula Fagan, CEO of LBGT Ireland and member of the Garda National Diversity Forum said that this new service is a “very welcome support” for victims of hate crimes, as well as the wider community.

This new service has been created in line with the recommendations of the Garda Síochána Diversity and Integration Strategy, 2019 – 2021.

This put an emphasis on enhancing the identification, reporting, recording and investigating of hate crimes, a definition of which is laid out in line with international practice, with the goal of protecting all minority groups in society.

Mr Dami Babade, who reported a hate motivated assault to Gardaí, shared that, “As a victim of hate crime assault I know the importance of reporting to the Gardaí.”

“I’m delighted to support the launch of an online system for reporting it. We need to work together to tackle Hate Crime”.

Galway Camogie to raffle brand new Nissan Qashqai

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July 21, 2021

galway camogie new car nissan car raffle

Tickets are now on sale to enter Galway Camogie’s raffle which has a brand new Nissan car as its top prize.

Tickets went on sale earlier this month and cost €20 for one, €50 for three and €100 for seven.

The all-new 212 QASHQAI 1.3 valued at €35,000 is the top prize, while the second prize is €3,000 and the third prize is a weekend away for 2 in a SÓ Hotel.

The draw will be run online until 20 Nov 2021, limited to 15,000 entries.

The tickets can be purchased through the Galway Camogie website and offline through the 37 camogie clubs across Galway.

On purchase of a ticket online for the raffle draw, participants will receive an email with their raffle ticket numbers, and all purchasers of tickets are automatically entered.

The email which contains the ticket number must be kept as proof of purchase.

The aim of this fundraiser is for facilities enhancement, coaching and development, to keep Galway Camogie competitive at all levels.

Planning permission refused for Athenry housing development

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July 21, 2021

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Galway County Council refused planning permission for a housing development in Athenry, which was to comprise 12 houses at Caherroyn, on the north side of town.

Coffey Construction Ltd sought approval to build the houses as an extension of the existing Parklands housing estate in Athenry, accessible via the existing estate road.

In refusing planning permission, the county council said that Coffey had not shown that they had sufficient legal interest or consent to access the site through Parklands estate, or to connect to its water and wastewater infrastructure.

Therefore, allowing it to go ahead would be “prejudicial to public health”, with the potential to have a negative impact on protected environmental sites, and would also pose a road traffic hazard.

The only public submission received by the county council in relation to this development was an objection from 26 residents of the existing Parklands estate.

Local residents raised concerns about the construction traffic which would come through the estate’s internal roads, saying that it would pose a safety hazard for children in the area.

the objectors also said that they were not notified or consulted on the proposed use of the existing estate road, which they argued is not a public road, and which Coffey Construction does not have rights to.

Galway library services receive funding for disadvantaged community outreach

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July 21, 2021

Galway daily news Funding awarded for 11 library support projects in Galway

Galway has been awarded over €35,000 in funding for library projects and programming that will reach out to disadvantaged communities.

The funding from the Dormant Accounts Package 2021 is designed to assist libraries in reaching out to older people, the unemployed and other marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged groups.

In total, Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien announced that €650,000 will be provided for 120 library projects around the country.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys said “Our libraries have responded magnificently to the challenges presented by the pandemic and continued to provide services throughout the past 16 months.”

She added that this money will help libraries to better reach out and engage with the communities they serve.

“The kind of programmes being funded through this initiative will benefits thousands of library users, young and old.”

In Galway, the contribution of €35,180.10 from the Department, matched with €3,908.90 in local authority funding, will be used on six different projects.

Fierce Close, a project meant to improve critical thinking and debating skills among early school leavers and schools in disadvantaged areas, as well as increase climate change awareness, will receive a combined €6,360.

Another €12,000 will go towards providing LEGO therapy sessions for children on the autism spectrum, or who have communication difficulties.

A programme that aims to help women from disadvantaged communities to have their voices heard in society has been allocated a total of €1,470.

Music therapy sessions for adults with dementia, acquired brain injuries, or intellectual difficulties have received €8,399 in backing.

€3,450 will go towards a Community Leadership programme for Women, helping those in direct provision, the unemployed, traveller communities, and early school leavers get involved in civic society.

And lastly, €7,410 will be spent on providing a selection of musical instruments for the outdoor courtyard at the library.

Commenting on the funding, Minister O’Brien said “I am particularly pleased that this funding supports the installation of equipment in public libraries which will improve accessibility for people with a disability, sensory needs, autism, and older members of our community.”

“Our public libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces and it is important that everybody can avail of the services that they provide.”

Rahoon cemetery closed all day Wednesday

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July 21, 2021

Galway Daily news Rahoon cemetery closed all day Wednesday

Rahoon cemetery is closed today due to maintenance works taking place at the graveyard.

For people who want to use the good weather to pay a visit to pay a visit to their loved one, the cemetery is closed all day Wednesday.

The closure is to allow resurfacing works on the internal access roads to take place.

Beautiful house in rural setting just four miles from Headford

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July 20, 2021

galway daily news property galway live stream auction

This row of three terraced cottages is situated at a popular fishing spot at Annaghkeen Bay, a beautiful rural setting close to the shores of Lough Corrib.

The row consists of a two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units, along with a communal laundry room.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering the two-bedroom house at their next live stream auction which takes place this Friday, 23 July at midday. The property has an advised minimum value of €120,000.

The town of Headford is located just four miles away, where a host of services and amenities can be found.

All of the units are being sold with vacant possession.

To find out more about this fantastic opportunity, vist: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/annaghkeen-bay-headford-co-galway/4512246

BER: G

Live Stream Auction

The next O’Donnellan & Joyce nationwide Live Stream Auction will take place on Friday, July 23 at 12 midday.

Dozens of homes, businesses, and plots across the west of Ireland have been listed so far.

There are some unique properties up for grabs next month, including two former Garda Stations in Mayo, and a wealth of rural fixer-uppers, for buyers looking to undertake a project in the country.

In order to take part in the auction, bidders must register online, and pay a booking deposit, by Wednesday, July 21.

Only remote bidding will be allowed on the day due to COVID-19 restrictions. You may register to bid via internet, telephone or proxy bid. Further details on the auction process can be obtained by contacting the auction team on 091 564 212 or by emailing info@odj.ie

COVID-19: 1,110 new cases but hospital numbers decrease

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July 20, 2021

The Department of Health has reported 1,110 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

As of 8am today, 89 COVID-19 patients are in hospital, of whom 21 are in ICU. There were 101 patients with the virus in hospital yesterday morning.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said that almost 7,700 cases of COVID-19 have been notified in the last seven days, an increase of 88% on the previous week.

“Incidence rates have increased in every county over the past seven days,” he said.

“The counties with the highest 14-day incidence rates are Donegal (725/100,000 population), Louth (474/100,000 population), Dublin (307/100,000 population), Limerick (258/100,000) and Galway (257/100,000).”

The Deputy CMO said that during this spell of fine weather, the vast majority of people are continuing to protect themselves and others by following the public health advice.

“This remains really important as we seek to protect as many people as possible through vaccination over the coming weeks,” he said.

“As we have said since the vaccine programme began, COVID-19 vaccines are extraordinarily effective at reducing each person’s individual risk of hospitalisation or severe disease.

“Vaccines along with the core public health advice remain our pathway out of this pandemic – please avail of the opportunity to get protected through vaccination when it is offered to you.”

Have you seen this missing dog? Cash reward offered

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July 20, 2021

A cash reward is being offered for a missing collie cross from the New Inn/ Woodlawn area in East Galway.

Ruby went missing on Thursday, and her owners are desperate for her to return home.

She may have been spotted around Woodlawn Church and also on the road connecting New Inn with Cappataggle.

Ruby is a neutered collie cross, she has a black hairy body with white legs and she was wearing a red collar.

Anyone who has seen Ruby or knows where she is asked to call 087 1512854.

Man (40s) due before court on cannabis seizure

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July 20, 2021