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

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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

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July 7, 2021

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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July 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway family syndicate "laughing, cheering and crying" after €250,000 Lotto win

A syndicate of lotto players in Galway have made contact with the National Lottery to claim a jackpot of almost €2.5 million they won last month.

The Galway players won the €2,475,303 jackpot in the June 5 lotto draw with a ticket bought online.

The winning group revealed what it was like to receive the all-important notification after the draw. “It was about an hour after the draw when I realized that we had won,” one member said.

“I am used to receiving the emails to say ‘you have won a prize’ for when we might have matched three numbers or something similar but it’s definitely never been anything like this before. I was in a bit of shock at first so it took a while to sink in.”

“We won on a ticket that I bought using the Shake, Pick & Play feature on the app. When you’re the syndicate manager, it’s definitely less pressure to buy the weekly tickets that way instead of remembering the numbers that everyone has picked themselves.”

“I always found it handy to use the Shake option and it’s certainly paid off now, that’s for sure! We’re all still so delighted with the good news and can’t quite believe our luck.”

A player from Cork also recently got in touch with the National Lottery to claim a €2,469,871 jackpot they won back on May 29.

Connemara house named Ireland’s favourite building

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July 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Connemara house voted Ireland's favourite building — Field, Stonewall, House, Co. Galway. Photo: Donal Murphy

A beautiful house in Connemara that blends a stylish, modern design with traditional stone walls, has been chosen as people’s favourite building in Ireland.

Field, Stonewall, House by Taylor McCarney Architects was announced as the winner of the Public Choice category of the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2021.

This house was chosen from 39 projects shortlisted for the category, including private homes, commercial buildings, colleges, a school, a castle, and more.

Not only did this Galway homes beat entrants from Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Donegal, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Limerick, Louth, Offaly, Sligo, Wicklow, but was also chosen over international entries from the UK and Punjab, India.

The design of Field, Stonewall, House was conceived as a series of parallel field stone walls, that fit within the rural setting in the West of Ireland.

The project considered how such a building could ‘grow’ from the site and in terms of scale, materials, colour, and landscape.

Objects in the home’s surrounding landscape, an apple tree, a shed (a childhood memory), and views to the mountain, Coill Chnoc Meadha, are adopted and framed within the house.

Field, Stonewall, House, Co. Galway. Photo: Donal Murphy

Ciaran O’Connor, RIAI President said “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Taylor McCarney Architect’s project Field, Stonewall, House has been chosen as Ireland’s favourite building.”

“We have all come to realise the importance of good design in our homes over the last 16 months and this project is a prime example of this.”

“People invest significant funds in their homes and this project shows how working with a registered architect can lead to quality outcomes.”

Second Place in this year’s Public Choice Award went to Bray Primary Care Centre by Henry J Lyons; third place was awarded to Coal Lane House by Graham O’Sullivan in Cabra, Dublin 7 and fourth place went to Irish Stock Exchange by Henry J Lyons at Fosters Place, Dublin 2.

The full list of RIAI Irish Architecture Awards winners will be announced this Friday, July 9 on the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland website at 9am.

€890k invested in Galway water and wastewater upgrades in 2020

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July 7, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Athenry on Tuesday

Just under €900,000 was invested in upgrade works to water and wastewater infrastructure in Galway City and County last year.

Irish Water replaced a number of failing or outdated facilities at wastewater treatment plants, as well as replacing areas of frequently failing water mains.

Among the projects undertaken in 2020 was the replacement of bulk storage tanks at the Portumna WWTP, which were at the end of their operational lifespan, and undersized for the modern demand on the system.

New tanks were installed for €70,000, which resulted in the need for less frequent chemical deliveries, and an improvement in the treatment process for 22,000 people.

The investment in Galway’s infrastructure was part of two stimulus packages for the upgrade of water and wastewater services, totaling €87 million in 2020, announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien.

In total, Galway City and County benefitted from €890,000 investment in upgrades to water and wastewater services from the Stimulus Package.

Other works done in Galway with this stimulus funding included the replacement of problematic water mains supplying residents of Kilconnell, and the installation of new high tech reservoir flow controls at Headford and in Clarenbridge.

Irish Water’s Operations Lead, Tim O’Connor said “Capital maintenance is the repair, replacement or refurbishment of failed or failing assets that are critical to the provision of water services.”

“These works are vital in order to ensure that essential components in water and wastewater treatment plants are kept up to date and working effectively.”

Michael Timmins, Senior Engineer, Galway County Council, commented “The importance of these works can’t be understated in the continued collaborative effort to improve water quality for all consumers in Galway.”

“The replacement of failing assets in a timely fashion helps to reduce the impact of breakdowns in the water/wastewater network and increases reliability.”

“Furthermore, Galway County Council share with Irish Water the continued, ongoing effort to protect and enhance our environment.”

The monies were also used to purchase new fleet for water services staff in local authorities across the country.

Athenry native appointed County Council’s Historian-in-Residence

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July 7, 2021

galway daily news galway county council's dr conor mcnamara

Athenry native Dr Conor McNamara has been appointed Galway County Council’s Historian-in-Residence for 2021.

Dr McNamara has been to the fore in exploring the history and heritage of Galway and has published five books on modern Irish history.

One of Ireland’s the best known historians, he has worked at NUI Galway, the University of Notre Dame, Keogh-Naughton Centre for Irish Studies and the National Library of Ireland.

His study of the independence struggle in Galway, War and Revolution in the West of Ireland: Galway 1913-21, was published by Irish Academic Press in 2017.

The decade 1913-1923 was one of the most momentous in modern Irish history, and the Council’s commemorative programme has helped people understand more about local events during the struggle for independence.

The programme encourages Galway people at home and abroad to explore our shared local history and to reflect on the events which shaped us a community.

Of particular focus over the coming year will be the publication of a series of local studies of the period focusing on seminal events that happened in the County.

A landmark research guide to the period will also be published, and a series of online lectures will take place.

Galway County Council is keen to record the history of Galway families whose relatives played a role during the independence struggle and create an archive of oral history that will preserve and enhance our understanding of our shared heritage.

Dr McNamara would like to hear from any individuals, community groups or families with a connection to the period and will be a resource to everyone with an interest in exploring our Galway heritage.

COVID-19: 397 new cases, hospital numbers rise

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July 6, 2021

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

There have been a further 397 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported today, and the number of people hospitalised has increased.

As of 8am this morning there were 54 people in Ireland hospitalised with COVID-19, of whom 16 are in the ICU.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan said “We are seeing a small but concerning increase in hospitalisations in recent days, coming 10-14 days after the five day moving average of daily case numbers began to increase.

“This is a cause for concern and we will be monitoring it closely in the days and weeks ahead. Full vaccination is needed to protect against COVID-19, including the Delta variant.”

“To protect yourselves and your loved ones, it is extremely important to take up the opportunity of being vaccinated and come forward for your second dose as soon as it is offered to you.”

Dr Holohan said that the second vaccination is effective at preventing both contracting COVID-19, and being hospitalised if you do.

Almost €200k approved for flood defences in Leenaun

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July 6, 2021

galway daily news Leenaun village received some good news today, with funding approved for flood defences in the Connemara village, which has a history of flooding.

Leenaun village received some good news today, with funding approved for flood defences in the Connemara village, which has a history of flooding.

Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan announced today that the OPW has approved Galway County Council’s request for €198,000 to build flood defence walls.

“I am delighted to announce that the OPW will provide funding to Galway County Council in support of their coastal project application for Leenaun,” Minister O’Donovan said.

“I know the issues caused by flooding only too well and I hope that these mitigation works will provide the local community in that area protection and peace of mind in future.”

The funding was approved under the Office of Public Works’ Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme.

The village on Killary Fjord has been flooded on multiple occasions in recent years. Once dramatic incident in 2007 saw the century old bridge over Lahill river swept away following torrential rain.

Galway Senator Seán Kyne said that the funding approved this week will be used to protect weak spots near the hotel just outside the village, and between the bridge and carpark in the village centre.

Two Galway babies raise thousands of euro for Neonatal ICU

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July 6, 2021

galway daily news babies present money to icu at uhg in galway — AJ and Dylan’s Galway NICU fundraiser cheque presentation to staff of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UHG, from left: AJ Moran with his mammy Jessica Galligan from Athenry; Dr Johannes Letshwiti, Consultant Neonatologist; Anne Duignan, Neonatology Physiotherapist; Irene Glynn, Clinical Nurse Manager2, NICU; and Dylan Browne with his mammy Anne McLoughlin from Salthill.

One-year-olds AJ Moran and Dylan Browne have donated thousands of euro to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Hospital Galway.

They raised almost €7,300 for a family room at the NICU in a fundraiser organised by AJ’s parents, Jessica Galligan and Tony Moran, and Dylan’s parents, Anne McLoughlin and Billy Browne.

Dylan Browne from Salthill arrived on 5 April 2020 at 32 weeks’ gestation weighing 3 pounds 12oz in the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.

After four days, Dylan was transferred to the NICU in Galway where he spent around a month in the care of the doctors and nurses.

A day later, AJ Moran from Athenry was also born in the National Maternity Hospital at 28 weeks’ gestation weighing 2 pounds 11 oz.

AJ was transferred to the NICU at UHG two weeks later, where he spent a total of five weeks.

AJ’s mum Jessica Galligan said: “During the time we spent in the NICU in Galway, both myself and Anne recognised the need for a family room which would give parents a space to take much-needed respite during the long difficult days on the unit.

“This prompted us to organise the fundraiser and I’m delighted to be here today to make the presentation of €7,280 to Dr Johannes Letshwiti, Irene Glynn and Anne Duignan who work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.”

Dylan’s mother Anne McLoughlin said that during their time in the unit, the boys received exceptional care from an incredible team of medical professionals.

“Both our families will be forever grateful,” she said. “The boys are now happy, healthy one-year-olds who are full of mischief.”

Free seminar to make studying Medicine more accessible

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July 6, 2021

galway daily news medicine seminar in july 2021

An online seminar will be held this Sunday, 11 July which aims to answer questions people may have about studying medicine.

The event aims to take the mystery out of studying Medicine and to make it more accessible to as many people as possible.

The seminar will explore the application process as a mature or graduate student, how to nail the GAMSAT, financial resources and scholarships, and applying for a Physician Associate Degree – among other topics.

There will also be a question and answer session at the end of the talk for those in attendance, to clarify any doubts that remain.

Aoife Molloy, who studies Medicine at NUI Galway, set up the event with a group of friends, and said that goal is to reach as many people as possible, and hopefully inspire them.

“The idea behind this talk is to encourage anyone interested in studying medicine and give them advice we wish we had when applying,” Aoife said.

The free online event will take place on 11 July at 7.00pm. The link to register for the event is: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/becoming-a-medic-101-registration-148678763183?aff=Emails

Site to build new St Teresa’s Special School secured

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July 6, 2021

Galway daily news Three Galway schools join Creative Clusters collaboration

The long running issue of securing a permanent location for St. Teresa’s Special School in Ballinasloe has come closer to fruition with the acquisition of a site for the school.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that a four acre site for the construction of a new school has been secured from the HSE.

“This is a very positive development in the ongoing saga of securing a site, but the news will be apprehensively received by the pupils, parents and staff of St. Teresa’s, as it is now imperative that the detailed planning and design proceeds without delay,” explained Denis Naughten.

St. Teresa’s, which has 15 staff and 20 students and is operated by Ability West, is currently accommodated at Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre in Creagh.

Though it was included in the Department’s six year capital programme back in 2015, work on developing a new school suffered setbacks after previous negotiations to secure a site collapsed.

“We now need a clear commitment of funding for this project,” Denis Naughten said. “For far too long children with special needs have had to travel great distances to access education.”

“We now have a facility on our doorstep, and we need a commitment that the money will be put in place to allow for the construction of a purpose-built school for the children of Ballinasloe, East Galway and South Roscommon.”

The special needs school has dealt with financial hardships in recent years after its insurance premiums rose by over 700% between 2017 and 2019, requiring emergency government funding to stay open.

Aran Islands lifeboat called to night time medical evacuation

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July 6, 2021

Galway Daily news Aran Islands lifeboat called to night time medical evacuation

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat crew were called out on Sunday night for a woman in need of medical attention on the mainland.

The all weather lifeboat launched just after 8pm on Sunday night for a medical evacuation of a woman from Inis Mór.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were good with calm seas and a light westerly breeze blowing, with fair visibility.

The lady was transferred to the lifeboat, and from there, directly to Ros a Mhíl harbour, and a waiting ambulance.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain Tommy Dirrane said “There was a great response time from the crew which ensured we could promptly get the patient on her way to the medical attention she needed.”

He went on to wish the woman a speedy recovery, and to issue a reminder for beach goers not to swim alone, as well as to wear a lifejacket if going out to sea.

Love your Beach week – cleaning Galway’s coasts

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July 6, 2021

Galway Daily news met eireann high temperature warning

With an outdoor summer to enjoy to its fullest this year, it is more important than ever that Galway’s beaches are kept clean for the sake of visitors, and the environment.

As part of the rollout of the ongoing ‘Be part of the solution, not part of the pollution’ environmental campaign, Galway City Council and Clean Coasts Ireland have launched a new beach cleaning initiative this weekend.

Love Your Beach Week will see seven Galway City groups associated with Clean Coast leading a series of community litter clean ups on beaches and their surrounding areas.

This new initiative will run from Saturday, July 10 through to the following Friday, moving to a new beach every day.

Tiarnan McCusker from the city council said that they were excited to partner with Clean Coasts on this environmental initiative, which will see the clean ups followed by talks and workshops with environmental and educational experts.

“Activities will include a treasure hunt, a flash mob dance, summer bird watching, talks from local experts on Biodiversity and games for all of the family.”

The groups taking part in this initiative are Beach Buds, Curiocean, Galway 2020 Wavemakers, Galway Atlantaquaria, The Eglington Hotel direct provision centre, Knocknacara Tidy Towns, and Bailte Slachmara Bearna.

The events will start at Ballyloughane Beach on the 10th July at 11am and move Westwards along the coast, taking in Dead Man’s Beach on the 11th at 11am, Claddagh Beach on the 12th at 5pm, Grattan Beach on the 13th at 5pm, Salthill beach (Ladies’ Beach) on the 14th at 5pm, Rusheen Beach(Windsurfing school) on the 15th at 5pm and Silverstrand beach on the 16th July at 5pm.

Ray Foley, Clean Coasts Ireland said that Galway City is an “enviable position” of having so many stunning beaches on its doorstep.

“The more people we can get to engage with these places in a positive way, the more likely they will be maintained and improved into the future.”

“Clean Coasts already has numerous active groups throughout the city, some of whom are hosting these events. We would love to see new faces, young and old come along to these free events.’’

Newly restored Galway Hooker takes to the water

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July 6, 2021

Galway Daily life & style Newly restored Galway Hooker takes to the water — Credit: Declan Colohan Photography

The newly restored Galway Hooker Realt na Gaillimhe joined the much loved fleet of hookers in the waters around Galway City last week.

Realt na Gaillimhe (Star of Galway), made it maiden voyage last Friday after being restored, and made seaworthy once again, by Bádóirí an Chladaigh.

The beloved hookers, gleóiteogs and púcan that grace the west coast are a combination of design, craft, art, and seamanship.

These boats and those who sail them are an integral part of Galway life and culture. Their story is Galway’s story, it’s in the county’s DNA.

Realt na Gaillimhe, which has been bought by Taylor’s Bar on Dominick Street, will be used as an educational and instructive tool, teaching people how to sail this iconic craft.

The community of traders in Galway’s Westend will be responsible for the yearly upkeep of the Galway Hooker and it has allowed the area to reconnect to our cultural heritage and link to the sea,” said Johnny Duggan Owner of Taylors Bar and Realt na Gaillimhe.

“There is a massive natural respect here in Galway’s for the sea and this age-old tradition, but this will help to reaffirm and re-establish these links again.”

Bádóirí an Chladaigh have been given the full use of the boat to add it to their existing fleet to train people in the craft of boat building and sailing.

Since 2008, they have been given the responsibility for seven traditional Galway sailing boats, five of which have been either made seaworthy, or are in the process of being made fit for the water.

Peter Connolly of Bádóirí an Chladaigh said “These seven traditional boats will be joined by seven private boats to create a fleet of 14 boats.

“Each will represent one of the ‘Tribe Families’ and will be used to train and teach a new generation of Hooker Sailors”.

Delight as visiting restrictions eased at Portiuncula Hospital

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July 6, 2021