Racing for Rosabel at the Connacht Hotel

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June 30, 2021

galway daily news €10 million All-Island Recovery Loan fund

Community Finance Ireland has announced a €10 million All-Island Recovery Loan fund – its first ever all-island loan scheme which is open to organisations in Galway.

The fund will offer flexible loans of between €10,000 and €500,000 to community sector organisations including faith-based groups, sports clubs and social enterprises in Galway.

Between 2016 and 2020, Community Finance Ireland financed loans to the value of €2.4 million for organisations in Connacht, including Let’s Get Talking and Irish Association for the Deaf in Galway.

Commenting on the launch, Anne Graham, Client Executive Manager, at Community Finance Ireland said that we have witnessed the incredible resilience of the community sector throughout the pandemic.

“The All-Island Recovery Loan fund is open to organisations who want to build on these new opportunities to recover, rebuild or reimagine what they can bring to their local community,” said Anne Graham.

“Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and public health restrictions, our client portfolios performed well over the past year and at Community Finance Ireland, we have nothing but confidence in the sector and its ability to play a pivotal role in bringing our local communities back together and to create something new in response to the changes our communities have undergone during the past year.”

Anne Graham explained that the new recovery fund supports the strategic priorities outlined in ‘Our Rural Future’ which was launched by the government earlier this year.

“The flexible nature of the fund with the added value of a one-to-one relationship with a dedicated client manager who knows the sector and the local area, makes it a great option for communities exploring how they can become more attractive locations for people to live and work,” she added.

“The All-Island Recovery Loan fund supports longer term loans plus short term bridging loans.

“There are no time restrictions around funding and we will respond to applications within 48 hours of receipt.”

Tom Daly and Beibhinn Parsons named the top players in Connacht

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June 29, 2021

Galway Daily sport Tom Daly and Beibhinn Parsons named the top players in Connacht — Tom Daly. Photo Credit: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

Tom Daly and Beibhinn Parsons were named as the top players in Connacht in the past year at the recent virtual 2020/21 Connacht Rugby Awards.

Daly was named the men’s Player of the Year, crowned by both the Fans and Players in a double win, and Parsons was named the Women’s Player of the Year.

She was nominated alongside her squadmates Nichola Fryday and Laura Feely, with all three playing a role in the Women’s Six Nations campaign.

Daly, who is hoping to make his Ireland debut in the coming weeks, was nominated alongside Gavin Thornbury and Niall Murray, ultimately being singled out by his squadmates, and the Connacht Clan.

The final major award of the week was Academy Player of the Year which was won by Cian Prendergast. The backrow enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Pro squad, featuring 10 times and earning his first senior contract in the process.

The winners will receive their Galway Crystal commissioned award once pre-season training gets underway in the coming weeks.

CONNACHT RUGBY AWARD WINNERS 2020/21

Fans’ Player of the Year sponsored by Genesys – Tom Daly

Players’ Player of the Year sponsored by Heineken Ireland – Tom Daly

Women’s Player of the Year sponsored by Intersport Elverys – Beibhinn Parsons

Academy Player of the Year sponsored by Corrib Oil – Cian Prendergast

Try of the Year sponsored by Red Bull – Sean O’Brien (vs Scarlets)

#NeverStopCompeting Moment of the Year sponsored by Bank of Ireland – Peter Sullivan (vs Ulster)

Photo of the Year sponsored by Tribe Hospitality – Bundee Aki & Alex Wootton (vs Ospreys)

COVID-19: 351 new cases reported today

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June 29, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 351 new cases of COVID-19.

The latest data shows that there are 46 people with the disease in hospitals across the State, of whom 16 are in intensive care units.

No figures were given for Galway today, and the Department has said that the daily case numbers may change due to data validation and review.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed earlier today that the return to including indoor dining will be pushed back from its scheduled July date.

Indoor dining at all bars and restaurants had been set to resume from July 5 and the Government’s decision has led to further anger and frustration across the hospitality sector today.

Galway Wool Co-op is a giant step forward for sheep farmers

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June 29, 2021

Galway daily news sheep killed in serious animal attacks

The Galway Wool Co-operative which is marketing and selling wool in the county has been described as a giant step forward for sheep farmers by Galway East TD Seán Canney.

The Independent TD said that last Saturday the co-op was successful in selling over 5,000 kg of wool to Donegal Woollen Mills at a price of €2.50 per kg.

He explained that that wool prices are currently very low and the going rate generally for wool is twenty cent per kg.

But he said that this initiative demonstrates that wool is a product in demand and there is a necessity to market it effectively.

“Wool is a nature material and has many uses from clothing to insulation and there are many bi-projects that can be derived from wool,” said Deputy Canney.

The Galway TD said that the Government needs to support the woollen industry to help create jobs in the regions and also give farmers a fair price for this natural project.

200 Galway pupils participate in UNI 4 U programme

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June 29, 2021

galway daily news uni 4 u programme nui galway — Scoil Bhríde Primary School students (front row l-r) Radley Nicholls, LaToya Rossborough, and Nichole Sweeney with (back row, l-r) Brian Ferguson, teacher at Scoil Bhríde; Rachel Konisberry, UNI 4 U Programme Coordinator, NUI Galway; and Frank Keane, Principal at Scoil Bhríde. Photo: NUI Galway

Two hundred pupils from three DEIS primary schools in Galway City have received certificates of achievement after participating in this year’s UNI 4 U initiative.

The UNI 4 U initiative allows the children to spend six weeks on the NUI Galway campus during the school term, but it was held virtually this year because of the pandemic.

Students from fourth, fifth, and sixth class at Scoil Bhríde in Shantalla, Scoil Chroí Íosa in Mervue, and Radhrac na Mara, Presentation Road were selected by their teachers to participate.

Rachel Konisberry, UNI 4 U Programme Coordinator, NUI Galway; Paul Monroe, Principal and teacher Orla Doyle pictured with students Brianna Barrett and TJ Laurence from Radharc na Mara Primary School. Photo: NUI Galway

Due to COVID, the Access Centre team created a series of recorded material and worksheets for students to use in class in their school this year.

Dr Mary Surlis, Senior Manager with NUI Galway’s Access Centre, said that UNI 4 U is about “demystifying the University and inviting primary school children onto campus to promote the value of education, and to develop their interpersonal, academic, and confidence skills.”

“It is about enabling families to envision a future for their children in third level education, and in the broader context embracing diversity and inclusion, as core tenets of our work in schools,” said Dr Surlis.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “Initiatives like UNI 4 U play a significant role in increasing equality of opportunity in our communities and increasing the diversity of our student population in years to come.

“UNI 4 U embodies NUI Galway’s vision and values of respect, openness, sustainability and excellence – contributing to our community and our society for the public good.

“The message that we want to give to these young students is that NUI Galway is their University, it is a part of their community, and we hope, in years to come that they will become a part of our campus community as they continue their education at third level.”

Frank Keane, Principal of Scoil Bhríde, Shantalla, said: “UNI4U has probably been the most significant and successful transition programme for schools enabling pathways through education, especially to third level for children from designated disadvantage schools.”

Salthill pub seeks planning permission for enhanced outdoor dining patio

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June 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Salthill pub seeks planning permission for enhanced outdoor dining patio

The popular Salthill pub R.M. McCabes is seeking planning permission for an enhanced outdoor dining area that would protect customers from the weather.

The Salthill gastro-pub has been doing a brisk trade at their outdoor seating area, which was enhanced with new decking and tables before the reopening.

As plans for how the hospitality sector would reopen this summer crystallised, the council and central government waived planning requirements and licence fees to allow bars and restaurants to place outdoors seating.

The pub is now seeking approval from the city council to erect a fixed patio and canopy, which would enclose guests from the weather while they eat and drink.

Salthill was one of the areas where the city council created more space for outdoor dining by in-filling parking spaces, enabling bars and restaurants to put more tables outdoors, without impeding pedestrians.

The city council is due to make a decision on this planning application by July 18.

Overwhelming anger across hospitality sector as reopening delayed

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June 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Pub staff member assaulted for not letting drunk patron in

There is widespread shock and anger across the hospitality sector this afternoon after the Taoiseach announced that indoor dining will not go ahead as planned on 5 July.

Publicans, cafe owners and restaurateurs are also expressing their strong opposition to new plans to restrict indoor dining to people who are vaccinated as well as those who have recovered from COVID-19.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland and the Vintners Association of Ireland both criticised NPHET’s recommendation, describing it as flawed, unworkable and discriminatory.

VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben said that the Government has consistently stated it would not introduce this type of measure, and that this sudden U-turn has left the pub trade furious.

Overwhelming anger

“There is confusion and overwhelming anger among our members as to how pubs in the North can open safely for indoor trading since 24 May while the UK Government is removing all restrictions in the next three weeks,” said Mr Cribben.

The VFI chief also asked why Ireland taking such a markedly different, more conservative approach towards dealing with the pandemic.

“Even some high profile medical experts are questioning this approach, such as David Nabarro of the World Health Organisation who says if you use vaccine status as a requirement for entry, you’re also blocking out an awful lot of people from having any chance of participating,” he said.

“Figures from the UK reveal that while case numbers are rising across Britain on a pro rata basis there are fewer hospital admissions, which is their green light for removing all restrictions.”

He said that there is “nothing to suggest we will have a different experience so to increase restrictions here as the rest of Europe opens up is simply perverse.”

CEO of the Restaurants Association of Ireland Adrian Cummins hit out at the plans this afternoon, explaining that restaurant, pub and café owners will now be placed in the complex position of allowing vaccinated customers enter indoors and restricting non-vaccinated customers to outdoor dining.

“Such a practice of refusing access to goods and services in currently illegal under equality acts,” he said.

“The hospitality sector contains a diverse range of workers by age with front of house mostly the unvaccinated age groups, who will now be asked to refuse access to their peers?”

Mr Cummins said that this makes no sense and will restrict indoor dining to those in the 40 – 60 age groups who are fully vaccinated whilst the hotel across the street has families and guests dining indoors since 2nd June.

“We are calling on the Government to reopen indoor hospitality with immediate effect in line with our colleagues in Northern Ireland and across Europe.”

Taoiseach confirms delay of indoor dining return

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June 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Taoiseach confirms delay to return of indoor dining

The return to indoor activities, including indoor dining will be pushed back from its scheduled July date, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed.

Indoor dining at all bars and restaurants had been set to resume from July 5, but that prospect had been called into doubt in recent days.

NPHET has expressed concerns about the spread of the more transmissible Delta variant, which is already dominant in the UK, and has begun taking hold in the north west of Ireland.

Today, the Taoiseach said that NPHET’s clear advice is that indoor dining should be restricted to people who have been vaccinated, or have recovered from COVID-19.

The government will be working on a plan to implements this in the coming weeks, Micheál Martin said, but did not give a date for when that plan will be ready.

The Irish Times reported this morning that the Cabinet had decided that these plans should be drawn up by July 19, with no clear date for when indoor dining would resume.

“The simple truth is that we are in a race between variants and vaccines,” the Taoiseach said, adding that they want to ensure that vaccines win.

The Taoiseach said that he knows that this delay will be frustrating to many, but added that the hospitality sector knows “better than anyone” the harm that it would do to their businesses if the progress made in the pandemic is undermined.

The number of people allowed to attend outdoor events will also be allowed to increase, and the numbers allowed to attend weddings

Man pronounced dead after being recovered from Corrib

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June 29, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man was pronounced dead at hospital after being recovered from the waters of the River Corrib in Galway City yesterday.

Gardai and emergency services attended an incident at the Quincentenary Bridge at approximately 2:55pm on Monday.

A man, aged in his forties, was taken from the water by emergency services at the scene.

The man was then conveyed to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced dead.

COVID-19: 305 new cases reported today

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June 28, 2021

Health officials have reported 305 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon in the Republic.

There are now 49 people with the virus in Irish hospitals, of whom 16 are in intensive care.

The Department of Health says that the daily case numbers may change due to future data review, validation and update.

No figures were provided for Galway today.

Galway participants needed for political internship for migrants

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June 28, 2021

galway daily news migrant councillor internship scheme

Immigrants and councillors in Galway have been urged to take part in the Migrant Councillor Internship Scheme.

The scheme, which was officially launched today by The Immigrant Council of Ireland, pairs local councillors with migrants who want to learn more about Irish politics and get involved in their local communities.

Following a successful pilot of the programme in 2018, the Immigrant Council will now run 15 local political internships across Ireland for migrants between September and December 2021.

Successful applicants will be placed with local participating councillors for one day a week – or the equivalent of seven hours spread over a number of days – for three months.

Commenting on the scheme, Teresa Buczkowska, Integration Manager at the Immigrant Council of Ireland said that for many migrants the lack of diversity and representation in key areas of Irish society is an ongoing visual reminder that we are still some distance away from being a fully inclusive society.

“The Immigrant Council is working to change this by promoting diversity and inclusion across all aspects of Irish life, especially politics,” said Teresa Buczkowska.

“With more migrant involvement in politics and in their local communities, we will see diversity in representation, and a truer reflection of the society we live in today.

“This is vital for young migrants who often tell us they don’t see themselves represented in many leadership areas in Ireland.”

Migrant Participation

Originally from Nigeria, Uruemu Adejinmi interned with Longford County Councillor Joe Flaherty in 2018. Following completion of the programme, Adejinmi was co-opted to the council where she is still serving and was recently elected as Mayor.

Commenting on the scheme, Cllr Adejinmi said: “Being part of the scheme really hammered home for me the importance of adequate representation in council meetings. Our presence at meetings is a reminder of the diversity of the population and helps ensure that our interests are considered in decision making.

“Participating on the scheme gave me a great opportunity to meet lots of people in the local community and learn firsthand what the role of a councillor involves. I would encourage any migrants with an interest in politics to consider taking part.”

Migrants living in Galway from outside the EEA who are interested in getting involved in the scheme must complete an online application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 23^rd July 2021.

An information session for migrants will take place on Wednesday, 30 June from 6pm – 7pm. Migrants interested in attending can register via the Immigrant Council website. www.immigrantcouncil.ie

An information session for councillors will then take place on Thursday 1 July from 6pm to 7pm. Councillors interested can email the Immigrant Council for further information. research_intern@immigrantcouncil.ie

Roadworks affecting traffic outside Loughrea today

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June 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption from roadworks

Traffic near Loughrea is being affected by a one day road closure today to enable roadworks to take place.

Galway County Council is carrying out road surfacing works on the R350 Loughrea to Bullaun road today.

In order to enable these works, the section of road being worked on will be closed until 6:30pm this evening.

Similar roadworks are being carried out on the L4303 road at Poppyhill today, with a road closure also in place until this evening.

Users of either of these roads are advised to expect delays and give themselves additional time for journeys today.

The works are being carried out by Colas Contracting Ltd on behalf of the county council.

Minister must outline how Brexit Adjustment Fund will be spent – Galway TD

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June 28, 2021

Galway Daily business €10m fund to help regional businesses adapt to COVID & Brexit

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has called on Minister Michael McGrath to outline how he plans to allocate the €1.05 billion that Ireland will receive as part of the Brexit Adjustment Fund.

The money is being allocated to countries and sectors worst-hit by Brexit, and the Government has identified their key target areas which include fisheries, enterprise supports, agri-food sector supports and retraining.

Deputy Farrell welcomed the fact that Ireland is set to receive the most sizeable amount from the €5.3 billion fund.

She also welcomed Minister Donohue saying that we are now much closer to seeing the funds disbursed in 2021.

But the Sinn Féin TD said that we are ‘still in the dark’ as to how the government plans to allocate this money.

“In January, Minister McGrath stated that ‘in the coming weeks’ he would ‘set out how we will maximise the benefit of the BAR for Ireland’, but we are still awaiting his plans,” said Deputy Farrell.

“Last week, he said that the money would go to support employment, businesses and local communities negatively affected by Brexit, including in the fishing industry. But no specifics were provided. There is no doubt that these are deserving sectors.

“With the Dáil set to go on recess shortly, the Minister should outline his plans before then, in order to give these hard-pressed sectors some certainty as they try to deal with the fallout of Brexit.”

Nightly water outages expected in Woodquay this week

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June 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

People living in the Woodquay area of Galway City may experience overnight water outages this week due to repair works on the local network.

Irish Water and the city Council are carrying out mains repair works at St Bridget’s Place, which are expected to take four days.

The works are scheduled to occur nightly, from 10:30pm until 3am the following morning, from Tuesday, June 29 to Friday, June 2.

These works may cause water outages or other supply disruptions to homes on St Bridget’s Place and surrounding areas of the city

People affected by this are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after works end each morning before their full supply returns.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s supply and service website page, or on twitter @IWCare.

Average city house price rises by 13% in 12 months

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June 28, 2021

Galway Daily business Galway house prices increase 2.1%

House hunters in Galway will now spend an average of 13% more compared those who bought a home this time last year, a new Daft.ie report has found.

The average price of houses on the market in the city is now €313,360, a slight decrease of 2.5% on the first three months of this year.

But while house prices fell slightly in the city over the past three months, they rose by almost 10% in the county in the second quarter.

The average price of a house in the county is now €201,542 – up 11.8% since June 2020.

There were nearly 2,700 properties on the market in the Connacht – Ulster region on 1 June, down 40% from almost 4,500 on the same date a year ago.

Across the Republic, the average price has risen by 13% (nearly €33,000) over the last 12 months.

Ryan Lyons of Daft.ie said that the country desperately needs tens of thousands of new homes a year ‐ and for decades.

“Rather than cap the construction of new homes, as the government’s new Housing Need & Demand Assessment tool seeks to do, policy must do an about-face and look to boost the building of homes where they are needed,” he said.

TG4 confirms live coverage from Galway Races in July

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June 28, 2021

galway daily news tg4 live broadcast from galway races 2021 — Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure.

Two days of racing from this year’s Galway Races Summer Festival will be broadcast live on TG4, the station has confirmed today.

The coverage on TG4 will be broadcast on 30 and 31 July and will include a packed race card with 15 races shown over the two days.

The live coverage from Ballybrit will be a welcome return to the racecourse for the Irish language broadcaster, who last aired the races in 2006.

2021 saw a concerted increase in Irish Horseracing coverage for the station, providing live racing to fans over 10 weeks from venues including Leopardstown, Punchestown, Naas, Cork, Limerick, Dundalk, Navan and Sligo.

Rásaí Beo will be presented by Seán Bán Breathnach, with analysis by Mánus Ó Conghaile and Evelyn Ní Ghriallais.

Racing journalist Daragh Ó Conchúir will be getting all the reactions from trainers, owners and jockeys outside the parade ring and race commentary will be provided by Cárthach Breathnach.

CEO of Galway Racecourse, Michael Moloney said: “We are delighted to have the team from TG4 broadcast live from Galway Racecourse on both the Friday and Saturday of our Summer Festival this year.

“In the current times, we really miss our loyal supporters here in Ballybrit that come year after year, and bring such magic to our event, so this news that they can get close to the action this Summer is very much welcomed.

“The Galway Races is a multi-generational event and such a huge part of Summer tradition and Irish culture.”

He said that in total, viewers at home throughout Ireland tuning into TG4 will get to see fifteen races live on television, and will feature The Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle, The Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase, and The Galway Shopping Centre Handicap with a total prize fund in excess of €500,000 over the two days.

“The team at TG4 have always been hugely progressive and are great supporters of Irish racing and our Festival,” added Mr Moloney.

“On behalf of our fans and the Galway Race Committee, I would like to thank them for making this happen. We look forward to working with the team in TG4 both in the build up to and during race week.”

TG4’s Head of Sport, Rónán Ó Coisdealbha said that horse racing became an integral part of the station’s sporting output this year, and said that they are looking forward to continuing this with TG4’s free-to-air coverage from Ireland’s largest horse racing meet.

“We are particularly excited to be back in Ballybrit for the first time in 15 years, and to bring all the thrills that comes with this iconic festival to the viewers at home,” said Rónán Ó Coisdealbha.

The full TG4 Galway Races schedule
FRIDAY 30 JULY

Live coverage begins on TG4 at 3.45pm

1st race, 4pm: The James’s Gate Maiden Hurdle

2nd race, 4.30pm: The Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle

3rd race, 5pm: The Guinness Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle

4th race, 5.30pm: The Guinness Handicap Hurdle

5th race, 6.05pm: The Guinness Beginners Steeplechase

6th race, 6.40pm: The Arthur Guinness Steeplechase
7th race, 7.10pm: The Guinness Galway Blazers Handicap Steeplechase

SATURDAY 31 JULY
Live coverage begins on TG4 at 12.30pm
1st race, 12.50pm: The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden
2nd race, 1.22pm: The Galway Shopping Centre Maiden
3rd race, 1.57pm: The O’Leary Insurances Handicap
4th race, 2.32pm: The Galway Shopping Centre Handicap
5th race, 3.10pm: The Irish EBF Auction Series Maiden
6th race, 3.45pm: The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Nursery Handicap
7th race, 4.20pm: The Galway Shopping Centre Handicap
8th race, 4.50pm: The McDonogh Capital Investments Handicap

Call for city council to use CPOs on vacant homes

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June 28, 2021

Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

Galway City Council should tackle the number of vacant homes around the city through the use of compulsory purchase orders, a city councillor said.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that the council should use CPOs on vacant properties in order to add stock for people on waiting lists for housing.

“I believe it’s time to act now, and to penalize the landlords who have left houses vacant for a long period.”

“I believe it not acceptable that it is taking so long for Galway City to Compulsory Purchase some of these long term vacant properties,” Alan Cheevers said.

He cited the example of Louth County Council, which has led the country in recent years in the use of CPOs to acquire vacant properties and bring them back into use.

Councillor Cheevers also said that the site of the Corrib Great Southern Hotel, where demolition works have been delayed, could also be used for accommodation on the east side of the city if it was CPO’ed.

Demolition works were due to begin at the long derelict former hotel on the Dublin Road last December, but were delayed due to COVID-19.

COVID-19: 340 new cases reported today

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June 27, 2021

Health officials have reported 340 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

There are now 47 people in hospitals across the State with the disease, of whom 15 are in intensive care units.

The Department of Health says that the daily case numbers may change due to future data review and update.

No county breakdown was provided today.

Galway lotto player scoops €54,511 prize

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June 27, 2021