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Gigginstown Stud star Samcro, hero of two Cheltenham Festivals, is being lined up for a crack at Galway’s most famous horse race.

Galway racecourse stages their famous Summer Festival in just over a month’s time. This week-long exhibition of Irish racing features both flat and jumps action, with the Galway Plate serving as the headline race of the meeting and bookmakers have begun providing their odds and promotions in the lead up. Novibet is one of the bookmakers offering a free bet when using the promo code NEWBONUS on new accounts.

The Galway Plate was first staged at Galway back in 1869, and this handicap has been won by many of Ireland’s most popular chasers. The names of two future Grade One winners in Carlingford Lough and Road To Riches stand out when you look through the roll of honour for the Galway Plate, and Samcro will bid to add his name to that illustrious list when he travels to Galway in July 28th.

Back in 2018, Samcro was the name on everyone’s lips. Gordon Elliott’s budding star had swept all the competition in Ireland aside during his novice hurdles campaign, and produced a superb performance to win the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle on his Cheltenham Festival debut that March.

Gigginstown Stud’s desire to win a first Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham saw Samcro remain over hurdles the following year. Elliott’s charge would endure an injury-plagued campaign, and was scratched off for the rest of the season after a limp display in the 2018 Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas.

Samcro returned with a bang the following November, powering to victory on his chase debut at Gowran Park. A couple of defeats at Leopardstown then saw Samcro return to Cheltenham slightly under the radar, but Gordon Elliott’s chaser bounced back to top form on the biggest stage, edging out Melon and Faugheen to capture his second Cheltenham Festival trophy in the 2020 Marsh Novices’ Chase.

The Ryanair Chase and even the Cheltenham Gold Cup were mooted as possible objectives for Samcro at the start of the 2020/21 National Hunt season. Despite those lofty ambitions, a reappearance defeat at Down Royal was followed by a failure to finish in the 2020 Savills Chase. Even a return to his favourite stomping ground in Cheltenham couldn’t curtail Samcro’s slide, as Jack Kennedy’s mount was pulled up behind Allaho in the 2021 Ryanair Chase.

Denise Foster, filling in for the suspended Gordon Elliott, then decided to keep Samcro going through the spring, with a view to running in the Galway Plate. Having ended his losing run with a hard-fought win at Killarney in May, many were expecting Samcro to really kick-on when he arrived at Listowel in June. Yet, after a telling error at the fourth-last obstacle, the favourite quickly succumbed to defeat, crossing the line sixth behind impressive winner Darasso.

Connections stated following that below-par run at Listowel that the Galway Plate was still the primary summer objective for Samcro. A mark of 158 would see Gigginstown’s nine-year-old carry top-weight into this famous handicap.

However, rising star Jordon Gainford could be called up to take five-pounds off Samcro’s back, and first-time cheek-pieces could help this mercurial talent shine at the 2021 Galway Festival.

Sunshine and high temperatures forecast for Galway

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June 24, 2021

galway daily weather heatwave galway sun

The miserable weather is set to make way for much more pleasant conditions in Galway over the weekend and into next week.

Temperatures will reach 22 or 23 degrees in the last week of June, with decent spells of sunshine expected throughout the week.

Tomorrow (Friday) will be a cooler day with a good deal of cloud and some sunny spells. It will be mainly dry with just isolated showers in the morning, and highest temperatures will be 13 to 16 degrees.

Saturday and Sunday will be warmer with cloudy spells as well as some sunshine. High temperatures will be around 20 degrees in Galway over the weekend – but the new week promises more sunshine and warmer temperatures.

There will be decent spells of sunshine on Monday, which will be mostly dry and warmer than the weekend, with high temperatures between 18 to 23 degrees.

The early forecast for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week is also promising, with sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid twenties expected in Galway.

Planning decision on Galway Ring Road pushed back

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June 24, 2021

Galway Daily news "Irrational" to build roads in climate crisis says group challenging Ring Road

An Bord Pleanála has issued a new date for when it expects to make a decision on the Galway City Ring Road application after it was delayed once again.

The higher planning authority is now saying that it expects to make a decision on the Ring Road by August 27, after a previous date had been set for this week.

The planning process for the 18km bypass was significantly slowed down last year, when the Oral Hearing which got underway in February was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before later moving online.

The route will connect the M6 motorway near the Coolagh roundabout to the village of Barna with a 12km stretch of dual carriageway, and 6km of single carriageway.

The ambitious proposal will also involve the digging of two tunnels as well as the construction of a viaduct and new bridge across the Corrib at Dangan.

More than 500 Compulsory Purchase Orders have been, or will be issued to landowners as part of this project.

It will involve the demolition of 44 houses to make way for the road along its route, which has attracted heavy opposition from landowners.

The figure of approximately €600 million has been floated as the estimated price of the N6 Ring Road for some time. But last month Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that real cost would likely end up being far higher.

Answering Deputy Noel Grealish in the Dáil on May 25, he said that the cost of road projects tend to be significantly higher than originally estimated.

“Transport Infrastructure Ireland is trying to avoid that eventuality by setting pricing estimates that take into account all eventualities. However, we are still likely to see a higher cost in this area.”

Adrian Curran, of the Galway PBP branch said that he was concerned that the project would end up as a “billion euro white elephant”.

The project has been deeply polarising, with supporters saying that it will take traffic out of Galway City, widely regarded as possibly the most congested in Ireland.

Opponents argue that building more roads will only encourage more car travel, and that the time and money should instead be invested in sustainable travel alternatives.

Boil Water notice lifted in Salthill estate

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June 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Boil Water notice lifted in Salthill estate — Find full pdf here: https://www.water.ie/news/boil-water-notice-issued-1/Ard-na-Mara-and-Dalysfort-Rd.pdf

A Boil Water notice issued for residents of an estate in Salthill has been lifted by Irish Water today.

The notice for 70 homes in the area of the Ard na Mara estate in Salthill was issued on June 17 due to the presence of e. coli bacteria in the water supply.

Since then, continuous flushing of the water main network and verification monitoring of the water supply has been taking place.

As a result of this, the notice has been lifted with immediate effect today, and people affected are now being advised that they can drink their water as normal.

Irish Water’s Compliance Analyst Thomas Gibbons, said “Irish Water and Galway City Council acknowledges and understands the impact of this Boil Water Notice on the 70 properties in Ard na Mara and its environs”.

“We would like to thank customers for their patience and cooperation while essential works were carried out.”

“Our priority is the provision of safe, clean drinking water. Safeguarding that water supply for the future for customers in Galway city is a vital focus.”

COVID-19: 304 new cases reported today

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June 24, 2021

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

The Department of Health has reported 304 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

There are 47 people with the disease in hospitals in the Republic, of whom 13 are in intensive care units.

There are no figures for Galway today, and health officials have said that the daily case numbers could be changed due to data validation and update.

Transport to be provided to students attending 2nd nearest school under scheme

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June 24, 2021

Galway Daily news school transport deadline 2023

The School Transport Scheme will now provide transport for eligible students who are attending their second nearest school.

Galway senator Seán Kyne said that this is a significant change which allows students to attend the school of their choice by availing of school transport – even if it is not their nearest school.

Senator Kyne said that he has come across many students for whom it made complete sense to attend a school which was marginally further away than their nearest school, but because of the rules they couldn’t get transport.

“I have been in contact with the Department of Education on many occasions in recent years on the issue and I welcome this result from the Review Committee on School Transport,” said Senator Kyne.

The change means that around 1,800 post-primary pupils can avail of school transport who would not normally be able to do so.

Bus Eireann restoring South Galway evening service

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June 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway - Dublin Expressway bus service cancelled

Bus Eireann has announced that some of the evening services connecting multiple South Galway towns will be restored from Friday.

Last month Bus Eireann announced that it was cutting back evening and night time buses on Expressway Route 51 Galway – Cork, which serves the city, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Adrahan, Labane, and Gort.

From Friday, June 25, that route will be partially restored to the levels in place before the cutback, due to increased demand as restrictions ease.

The last bus from Galway City will now leave at 7:05pm, and addition of one evening bus to the 5:05pm cut off point in the reduced timetable.

Coming from the other direction, the last bus leaving Gort remains at 7:55pm in the evening.

“As demand increases with the reopening of society, and with greater opportunities to work and socialise, we know this late service from Galway is important particularly to people in south Galway and Clare.”

“We have worked with the National Transport Authority and are glad to reinstate this trip as the safe reopening of society continues,” said Brian Connolly, Western Region Operations Manager, Bus Éireann.

Concerns were raised by local politicians about Bus Eireann’s decision last month, with Ciaran Cannon describing it as mystifying, and saying that it would leave large areas of south Galway without any connection to the city in the evening time.

Brian Connolly said this week that it was always intended that these “necessary temporary suspensions” would be reviewed based on the demand for the route.

Buses are still only permitted to go to 50% capacity due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, meaning they can carry up to 23 people, depending on the vehicle in use.

Guaranteed seat booking for this service will be available at expressway.ie within a week of resumption, and is currently live for all other Route 51 services.

The new timetable for Expressway Route 51, effective from Friday, is:

Second rejection of controversial Doughiska development from An Bord Pleanála

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June 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An Bord Pleanála has seconded the city council’s rejection of controversial plans for public realm landscaping and rehabilitation, and the construction of new housing, in an estate in Doughiska.

A planning appeal was lodged by Martin Tolan to create a new Public Realm masterplan and rehabilitation scheme for Fionnuisce, and the construction of new housing on recreational amenity space in the Doughiska estate.

This would include the “restoration, improvement and augmentation of existing and new hard and soft landscape provisions”, along with “supplementary planting enhanced facilitation of biodiversity, along with additional landscape connections to Merlin Woods and improved pedestrian permeability”.

The development would also include the construction of 21 two-bedroom house, with a mix of two semi-detached homes and 19 terraced houses.

Galway City Council had already refused planning permission for this development in December of last year, while it also attracted heavy local opposition.

In appealing the council’s decision, the developer said that the reasons for the council’s rejection were repetitive and lack the clarity necessary for them to respond.

The appeal also states that the city council did not take into consideration the high quality housing provision on an “underutilised” site, or the plan to upgrade 6,000m² op public open space within the larger development.

One observation regarding the appeal was made from the FCC Residents Association, which represents residents of Fionnuisce, and one private individual.

The FCC Residents Association reiterated many of the points made in objections received by the city council, saying that the Fionnuisce estate was left unfinished by the developers in 2010, resulting in poor quality open space.

Since 2016 the residents association has been working with the city council to bring the estate up to a level where it can be taken in charge by the council.

The new housing element would also contravene conditions of the original planning permission for the estate, the residents association said, which required the landscaping of this open space.

In upholding the city council’s original decision, the higher planning authority echoed their reasoning that the land which the developer intended to build on is open space within an existing residential area.

Under the city development plan, any open space within a residential area over 0.2ha is zoned as Recreational and Amenity (RA) usage.

Building housing in a 0.4ha area of this site “would contravene the lands use zoning objectives as set out in the development plan for the use of particular areas for particular purposes, and would therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.”

The 21 new homes would also result in a reduction of the level of open space already enjoyed by the existing estate, and “injure the residential amenities of the residents of Fionnuisce”, An Bord Pleanála said.

Report on feasibility of the Western Rail Corridor welcomed

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June 24, 2021

galway daily news seán canney welcomes western rail corridor report

A Galway East TD has welcomed the publication of the Bradley Report on the feasibility of the Western Rail Corridor Phase 2 and Phase 3.

Seán Canney said that the report sets out the capital cost of €154 million and demonstrates a cost benefit greater than 1.0 which meets the public spending code.

“The long-term benefits of the railway are also clearly demonstrated in this report for towns such as Tuam,” said the Independent TD.

“This project will set the tone for Regional Development and Climate Action as this project brings economic benefits. This project is shovel ready and could be up and running by 2025.”

Deputy Canney says that he trusts the Government will take this study seriously which was researched by Dr John Bradley, a researcher at the ERSI.

“The Government need to ensure delivery of this project by including it in the National Development Plan,” he added.

“It is essential infrastructure in order to deliver the aspirations of the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) including balanced development.

“Towns like Tuam, Athenry and Claremorris will benefit enormously with the development of public transport, rail freight and tourism potential for the region.

“The project ticks all the Climate Action boxes by removing cars and lorries from our roads and providing connectivity between our towns and cities including Westport, Ballina, Claremorris, Tuam, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford.”

Farrell condemns lack of affordable rental apartments in Crown Square

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June 24, 2021

galway daily mairead farrell td sinn fein nurses midwives pay

Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell has condemned the lack of affordable rental apartments in the proposed development for 345 apartments as Crown Square in Mervue.

Deputy Farrell said that it is absolutely shocking that not a single one of the 345 units will be affordable rental.

“For all the government’s waffle about the housing crisis being it’s number one priority, the situation continues to get worse,” said the Sinn Féin TD and Mervue resident.

“Rents continue to rise, cuckoo funds continue to flock here, and more upward pressure is applied to rents in a vicious circle. Not a day goes by when I don’t hear from constituents fearful that their children won’t be able to live in the area they are from.

“Those fears are well founded. They cannot afford the rents and they cannot afford to buy. The situation that is set to play out in Crown Square is being repeated all over the country.”

Deputy Farrell said that there are developments which have yet to lay a brick, but have already been sold to cuckoo funds – and that we know how these cuckoo funds operate.

She said that they are investing in property not to support the public good, but as an asset of speculation.

“They are duty bound to their shareholders to seek the highest possible return. That return is based on maximising the rental yield that they can get, which they then return to their shareholders in the form of a distribution.

“And often when they cannot find a tenant to pay these extortionate rents, they are quite happy to let the property sit idle.”

Galway man accused of rape sent forward for trial

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June 23, 2021

Glway Daily courts Man brought before court on large number of rape charges

A Galway man accused of sexual offences, including rape, has been sent forward for trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The man in his late 20s, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Galway District Court today.

He faces three alleged charges, two of rape and one of aggravated sexual assault, all against the same female victim.

The offences are alleged to have occurred at an address in Galway City in late 2019.

A book of evidence was served on the accused today, and he was returned for trial to the present sitting of the Central Criminal Court.

The accused man was remanded on the same bail conditions as on previous court dates.

COVID-19: Health officials report 348 new cases today

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June 23, 2021

The Department of Health has reported 348 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon.

There are 41 people in hospitals in the Republic with the virus, of whom 13 are in intensive care.

Health officials say that the daily case numbers could be changed due to data validation and review.

No county breakdown was provided by the department today.

Galway native creates inspiring self-help workbook

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June 23, 2021

galway daily news pathfinder programme sexlf-help book cancer survivor

Clodagh Blighe from Galway City has written an inspiring self-help workbook designed to help guide people who find themselves at a crossroads in their lives.

The HR Professional and business coach from Knocknacarra began writing Pathfinder Programme during her cancer journey and completed it as a lockdown project to mark her third anniversary as a breast cancer survivor.

The book is packed with fantastic tools, techniques and templates to help people embark on a transformational journey of self-discovery, inspiration and hope.

Pathfinder Program is available from the National Breast Cancer Research Institute Website www.breastcancerresearch.ie/shop for €15 plus €2.50 postage and packaging.

All of the profits from the sales of Pathfinder Programme will go to the research team at the National Breast Cancer Research Institute at the Lambe Institute, NUI Galway.

The research is led by Prof. Michael Kerin who looked after Clodagh during her breast cancer journey.

Galway pizzeria named in list of best pizzas in… Europe!

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June 23, 2021

galway daily news pizza galway dough bros best pizza restaurant

It is a well-known fact that most of the best pizzas in the world can be found in Italy, but a pizzeria here in Galway has been included in an extensive list of the 50 best pizzas in all of Europe.

The Dough Bros in Galway City is included at number 27 in the new guide of the best pizzerias in the continent by well-known travel website Big 7 Travel.

The pizzeria on Middle Street is famous in the city for its Neapolitan-style pizza, topped with Italian and local Irish salami and cheese.

They have mastered the art of woodfired pizza in the restaurant – and they even expanded during the pandemic to offer DIY pizza kits for those craving their pizza fix at home.

Unsurprisingly, the number one spot on the list was reserved for a pizzeria in Naples – the home of pizza itself.

Pizzeria Da Michele is popular with locals and tourists, and while there are sometimes queues, they are well worth the wait.

Watch | St. Pat’s Virtual Open Day tour with stunning aerial footage of city

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June 23, 2021

galway daily news st.pats virtual open day tour galway city

St. Pat’s in the City Centre’s new virtual open day tour is beautifully shot, featuring aerial footage of the city centre and the school’s pupils litter picking and visiting sights across the city.

Watch below

NUIG marks World Refugee Day by announcing 12 Scholarship places

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June 23, 2021

2 - (L-R) Bulelani Mfaco and Simba Tshoga join NUI Galway student Precious Jubane attend a vigil at the Quad, NUI Galway, to mark World Refugee Day. — (L-R) UCD PhD student Bulelani Mfaco and GMIT student Simba Tshoga join NUI Galway student Precious Jubane at a vigil at the Quad, NUI Galway, to mark World Refugee Day. Photo: Aengus McMahon.

Twelve scholarships for the upcoming academic year have been announced by NUI Galway for International Protection Applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers.

The announcement by the University coincided with World Refugee Day which was held on Sunday.

Over the weekend, NUI Galway’s Quadrangle building was lit with the blue of the United Nations in solidarity with those seeking international protection around the world.

Student Precious Jubane along with Imelda Byrne, Head of Access Centre, NUI Galway and Aidan Harte, Coordinator NUI Galway University of Sanctuary. Photo: Aengus McMahon.

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said: “At the heart of NUI Galway’s values are respect and openness, and the University is proud to be in a position to support students through our University of Sanctuary scholarship programme.

“The University’s role for the public good can be seen in many strands of our work: it is particularly and profoundly meaningful when we provide opportunities for some of the more vulnerable sections of society and for people who are striving to excel.”

NUI Galway’s Youth Academy will also offer a number of free places on their July summer camps to international protection applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers to mark World Refugee Day.

The weekly summer camps will run from 12-16 July, and 19-23 July. To book a place on the summer camps, or for more information please email youthacademy@nuigalway.ie

The 12 scholarship applications for International Protection Applicants, refugees, vulnerable immigrant groups and Irish Travellers opened on Monday at 9am, and information can be found at http://www.nuigalway.ie/sanctuary/scholarships/

Road closure for one day roadworks north of Loughrea

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June 23, 2021

A road closure will in place until Wednesday evening to enable roadworks taking place on a local road north of Loughrea.

Galway County Council is carrying out road surfacing works on the L4301 road between Mullagh Cross and Cloonlahan Brodge today.

The road will be closed to traffic today until 6:30pm in order to facilitate these roadworks.

As a consequence, motorists in the area are advised to expect delays, and to give themselves additional time for journeys.

Galway writer fends off competition at Dalkey Literary awards

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June 23, 2021

Galway writer Elaine Feeney has been honoured as one of the big winners at this year’s Dalkey Literary Awards for her debut novel As You Were.

Feeney won the best Emerging Writer Award at the 2021 awards at the Dalkey Literary Festival, not only getting the acclaim, but a €10,000 prize.

As You Were tells the story of tough, driven, funny young property developer Sineád Hynes, who is hiding a terrible secret.

No-one knows her secret, not her fellow patients in a failing hospital, and certainly not her family. She has confided only in Google and a shiny magpie.

Across the ward, Margaret Rose is running her chaotic family from her rose-gold Nokia.

In the neighbouring bed, Jane, rarely but piercingly lucid, is searching for a decent bra and for someone to listen. Sinéad needs them both.

As You Were is about intimate histories, institutional failures, the kindness of strangers, and the darkly present past of modern Ireland.

It is about women’s stories and women’s struggles. It is about seizing the moment to be free

The judges panel described As You Were as a “turbulent firestorm of a book, with a pulsing, rhythmic narrative voice”.

They praised the compellingly characters, pitch perfect dialogue, calling the book “tender, nuanced, forensically controlled and thrillingly unrestrained.”

Feeney, who teaches at NUI Galway and St Jarlath’s College in Tuam, has already published three collections of poetry, Where’s Katie?, The Radio was Gospel, Rise, and a drama piece, WRoNGHEADED.

As for this recognition granted to her fiction debut with the Best Emerging Writer award, she said that it is a huge honour, and that she was thrilled to br part of such an amazing shortlist of writers.

“Though no one forces anyone to write a book, it’s often a long journey, my journey was filled with self-doubt, and at times obsession – so it’s reassuring to have my work recognised by the judges.

“An award like Dalkey can really help an artist buy some time to be creative, to take time to work on your art, (and not feel guilty about it) so I’m very grateful.”

Feeney was one of six writers shortlisted for best Emerging Writer at the awards.

The overall winner of Novel of the Year went to Maggie O’Farrell for her book Hamnet.

‘Shovel ready’ Newcastle community centre project needs funding – Grealish

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June 23, 2021