Connacht Rugby has celebrated the official opening of the newly revamped Dexcom Stadium, formerly known as The Sportsground, this weekend.

The project included the construction of a new all-weather playing surface, a new LED floodlighting system, construction of a new High-Performance Centre and the new Clan Stand.

This high-quality facility will support elite rugby, enhance the matchday experience for supporters and provide lasting benefits to the local community.

The redeveloped stadium, which includes the new Clan Stand, has a capacity of 12,000 people.

President Catherine Connolly said that the rugby club plays an important role in the Galway community, and hopes that fans will create many good memories in the stadium.

“Sport lies in the heart of our communities, inspiring players, coaches and fans and providing collective moments of joy and excitement. Connacht Rugby plays an important part in the life of Galway city, the county, and indeed the whole province.”

“With the new Clan Stand, Connacht will be able to welcome more fans to every home game, growing their support and building for the future.”

“May I wish them many joyous days and nights in this newly redeveloped stadium, where I hope that the growing Connacht fanbase can experience many more moments like their Pro 12 League Championship ten years ago this year in 2016.”

The stadium development received an allocation of €20 million in Government funding through the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).

Speaking at the opening, Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan said, “The opening of Dexcom Stadium represents a significant milestone for Connacht Rugby and for sport in the West of Ireland.”

“This project demonstrated the Government’s commitment to investing in high-quality sporting infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits to the community. I am delighted that my Department was in a position to provide funding for this outstanding project.”

“This large-scale investment highlights my Department’s and Government’s commitment to investing in sport as we are fully aware of the benefits that can be realised when we invest in our people. This facility serves the entire Connacht community as much as it supports the players.”

Minister of State Charlie McConalogue added, “The redevelopment shows the positive impact of targeted investment in sports infrastructure, strengthening participation and supporting balanced regional development.”

“This is our largest capital investment to date in LSSIF and the Department is proud to have supported this transformative project.”

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Connacht Rugby and the IRFU in delivering a facility that will benefit players, coaches and communities for years to come.”

A traffic management plan will be in force in Galway City on Saturday as big numbers are expected to travel for the Connacht v Leinster match.

Connacht and Leinster will face off in a sold out match at Dexcom Stadium on College Road in Bohermore on Saturday.

In order to maximise your enjoyment of the match, which will have a capacity attendance of 12,000 people, An Garda Síochána offer the following information in relation to traffic management and safety.

Large volumes of traffic can be expected in the general area throughout the day, particularly in the vicinity of the stadium in the build-up to the 5:30pm kick-off and immediately afterwards. Turnstiles will open at 3:30pm.

Please note that from 3:00pm until approximately 8:00pm, College Road will be closed to vehicular access.

Pedestrians will not be permitted into a zone on College Road – between the stadium’s entrance and the carpark entrance – unless they have a match ticket. Access for residents and emergency services will be maintained.

Please allow extra time for travel and where possible, use public transport. Arrive early at the stadium.

An Irishman is on cloud nine after winning the solo class in the World’s Toughest Row – a 4,800km trek across the Atlantic.

Galway’s Daragh MacLoughlin, 42, clutched a collar belonging to his beloved late dog Jasper – after whom his boat is named – on his final push into Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua early Friday morning.

He left La Gomera in the Canary Islands on December 14, battling treacherous seas in his bid to raise €10,000 for epidermolysis bullosa (EB) charity Debra and Irish Dogs for the Disabled.

To chants of Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé, the emotional businessman was met on dry land at 8.22am (Irish time) by his wife Suzanne and their daughters Maeve and Saoirse – and celebrated with a cold can of Coca-Cola.

“It was everything I could have wanted and more,” he said moments after stepping off The Jasper, his home for 39 days, 20 hours and 16 minutes.

“I went in thinking ‘this is going to be a race, a race only’, that’s what I trained for. But after four days, the ocean told me it’s about a lot more than that. It opened a lot of doors I didn’t think I’d ever open.”

“If you’re willing, the ocean will bring you places, and it will show you things that you didn’t think were possible about yourself. I’m really, really happy.”

Daragh, from Clarinbridge, told of his frustration when slack winds slowed his progress on the mammoth crossing.

But he said he predicted he would win the race, given the punishing training regime he adopted.

“I’m a big believer in visualising things. I knew I was going to win this race. When I arrived in my family were waiting for me. It’s fantastic, my two girls needed that father figure back, so it is so nice to be there for them again.”

The solo oarsman managed to beat several three and four person teams taking part in the race and came 14th in the overall rankings, out of 43 teams.

Supporters have helped him smash his charity target – now standing at €17,000 – and donations remain open at:

www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/thejasper

“Daragh has delivered an exceptional performance to win the solo class of the World’s Toughest Row,” said Event Manager Nikki Holter.

“His detailed preparation, focus, resilience, consistency and unwavering resolve in the face of immense challenge represents the very spirit of this race and has given him a very well-deserved achievement and win.”

The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) is urging consumers in Galway to proactively review their cover before it automatically renews early in the year.

We are now in the peak season for health insurance renewals in Ireland, according to the HIA, with over 50% of the 2.54 million consumers who have health insurance renewing.

Unlike other insurance, health insurance cover automatically renews. This is so that consumers are not left with potentially having to re-serve waiting periods if they forget to renew and have a break in cover of more than 13 weeks.

There are more than 334 plans available on the market, with frequent changes to benefits and pricing making it worthwhile to shop around.

For this reason, the HIA says now is the time for Galway consumers to take action and secure good coverage rather than letting their current insurance roll over.

Brian Lee, CEO of the HIA, advised, “As we are now in the New Year and the peak renewals season, it is the perfect time for people in Galway to reassess their health insurance.”

“The Health Insurance Authority has launched its new and improved Comparison Tool making it easier than ever for consumers to shop around and compare plans, understand benefits, and find the best value and cover for their needs.”

“Renewal letters include important details about any price or benefit changes to a consumer’s current plan. It’s a key source of information and should be reviewed before making a decision, especially if a consumer’s health needs or financial situation have changed.”

“Galway consumers can move to any plan on the market at their renewal date, and switching plans doesn’t mean starting over. If you keep continuous cover, your existing waiting periods are protected.”

“You won’t have to serve them again when moving to a plan with similar benefits, and we encourage everyone with health insurance to review their policy each year to ensure it suits their current lifestyle and health needs.”

As this is peak renewal period, the HIA encourages consumers use their new comparison tool, available for free on the HIA’s website, as an important first step in receiving their renewal notification, allowing time to shop around.

Other tips for people seeking better health insurance include:

• Shop around – older plans may offer less value than newer ones, so comparing plans can lead to savings. Corporate plans (which are available to all, not just employees) may offer similar benefits at a lower price. Consumers should ask their insurer about these options
• Increase hospital excess – if you’re in good health, opting for a higher excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) can reduce your premium. Make sure the excess is affordable for you if you need to claim.
• Reduce cover for benefits you don’t use – for example, if you have a medical card or don’t use certain benefits (like day-to-day outpatient cover), consider a plan with lower cover in those areas. This can lower your premium without compromising essential hospital cover.
• Split Cover for Family Members- Each person on a policy can have different cover to suit their needs. For example, young adults or children may benefit from tailored plans or discount.
• Review Your Needs Annually- Health needs change over time. Regularly assess your cover to ensure it matches your current requirements and stage of life.

Lee concluded, “If your cover has auto-renewed, please remember that you have a 14-day cooling-off period during which you can still change your plan.”

Work has recommenced on the Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network this week after breaking for Christmas, with traffic disruption expected until early April.

The next phase of works, which has begun this week, requires the closure of the southbound lane of Bóthar Stiofáin for ten weeks.

The lane closure will be implemented on a 24-hour basis, with a one-way system running from south to north between the entrance to the Gateway Shopping Park and Rahoon Road. Pedestrian access will be maintained,

A newsletter has been issued to local residents and businesses to inform them of this disruption, and this is available by clicking on this link.

Works in the scheme include upgrades to 870m of Bothar Stiofáin between the junctions with the Rahoon Road and Western Distributor Road.

This will create segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the carriageway and add a footpath to the eastern side of the carriageway.

The project will also include four new raised zebra crossing points on the road, as well as upgraded public lighting, landscaping and drainage amendments.

The goal of the scheme is to improve safety, reduce vehicle speeds, and contribute towards an increased number of trips in the area by pedestrians and cyclists.

The University of Galway is leading a new nationwide survey to understand the populations of red squirrels and pine martens, and if they have improved in recent years.

The initiative is an invitation to members of the public to become Citizen Scientists and help track some of our most iconic woodland mammals.

Led by researchers in University of Galway, Ulster Wildlife and the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the survey aims to map the latest distribution of red and grey squirrels, and the pine marten across the island of Ireland.

Members of the public are invited to record their sightings of the three species throughout 2026, helping researchers build a detailed picture of how their populations are changing.

The 2026 survey is being delivered with the support of the National Biodiversity Data Centre in the Republic of Ireland and CEDaR in Northern Ireland.

Sightings of all three mammals can be recorded on the online survey forms hosted on their websites www.biodiversityireland.ie and www2.habitas.org.uk/records.

The survey is part of a long-running monitoring programme, with previous surveys carried out on four occasions since 1997, providing vital insights into long-term trends and conservation success.

The red squirrel is Ireland’s only native squirrel species, once widespread in forests and wooded areas. The introduction of the grey squirrel in 1911 has had devastating consequences on our native species through disease and competition for food, leading to the disappearance of red squirrels from large parts of the country.

For many years, the future of the red squirrel looked bleak. However, recent surveys have revealed a remarkable and unexpected turnaround, with the grey squirrel being knocked back in certain areas, and the reds showing signs of recovery.

In several regions, grey squirrel numbers have declined sharply, while red squirrels are showing encouraging signs of recovery.

Research linked this shift to the successful comeback of another native species, the pine marten – tree dwelling carnivores and one of the few predators that can successfully hunt grey squirrels. Because the red squirrel evolved alongside pine martens, they are better adapted to avoiding them and can escape danger more easily.

Dr Colin Lawton of University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences explained the significance of the new survey.

“In our most recent survey in 2019, we found that the grey squirrel had all but disappeared from 10 midland counties, and the red squirrel and pine marten were doing particularly well.”

“However, the dynamics between the three species is finely balanced and we need to continue to monitor the animals to make sure things don’t change again.”

“The greys continue to spread in the south and northwest, and they are doing particularly well in urban areas, where pine martens are very rare.”

Katy Bell, Senior Conservation Officer at Ulster Wildlife, said, “Ulster Wildlife has been monitoring these three species for over a decade in Northern Ireland and is delighted to partner once again with the University of Galway to complete the picture on how these species are faring across Ireland.

“This data will be invaluable to the conservation work for red squirrel and pine marten in Ireland.”

Dr Lawton added, “During our last survey, we received an incredible 3,407 records of the three species from the public. This fantastic wealth of information plays a crucial role in protecting our native biodiversity.”

“We are once again asking our Citizen Scientists to share their sightings, upload photographs and help us understand where these animals are living and how they are faring.”

More than 2,600 families in Galway recieved the Newborn Baby Grant in 2025 alongside their first month of child benefits.

The €280 grant was first introduced in Budget 2025, and over the course of the year, it was paid to approximately 49,000 families in respect of 50,000 newborns and newly-adopted children.

In Galway, the Newborn Baby Grant was paid to 2646 families for 2,693 children. This was the fourth highest number in the country after Dublin, Cork, and Kildare.

The Newborn Baby Grant is paid automatically with the first month of Child Benefit payment. Therefore, parents do not need to apply for the grant separately.

Commenting on the anniversary, Minister Calleary said, “This week, we celebrate the first anniversary of the Newborn Baby Grants, introduced as part of Budget 2025 and now supporting families across the country.”

“In just one year, these grants have reached tens of thousands of parents all over Ireland, helping families mark the arrival of their newest members.”

“At a joyful but costly time, these payments are making a real difference by giving parents a little extra support as they welcome their new babies.”

Child Benefit is paid on the first Tuesday of every month. The first payment is made the month after the child is born.

Twins are paid at one and a half times the standard monthly rate for each child, that is, €210 per month for each twin. All other multiple births are paid at double the standard monthly rate for each child, that is €280 per child.

The Newborn Baby Grant of €280 is paid in addition to the regular €140 Child Benefit payment in the first month.

• In the case of a single birth, a payment of €420 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €140 plus the new baby grant of €280)
• In the case of twins, a payment of €980 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €210 per child plus two new baby grants of €280 each).
• In the case of triplets, a payment of €1,680 (the usual Child Benefit payment of €280 per child plus two three new baby grants of €280 each).

A new burial plot for babies is being added to Bohermore Cemetery as the existing section for this purpose is at full capacity.

Galway City Council and University Hospital Galway are developing a replacement for the ‘Plot of the Angels’, which has provided a resting place for babies who died before birth or in infancy.

From 1 February 2026, interments will take place in a newly developed lawn plot ‘Leaba na Leanaí’ (Babies/Children’s bed) within Bohermore Cemetery.

Fresh flowers may be placed at the time of burial; however, they will be removed for lawn maintenance.

As individual headstones are not permitted, families who wish to have their baby’s name included on a shared headstone will be very welcome to do so.

Galway University Hospitals will be undertaking a refurbishment of the existing ‘Plot of the Angels’ to ensure it remains a peaceful and dignified place of remembrance.

The planned works include cleaning and replacing the kerbing, along with cleaning the naming stones. As part of this work, it will be necessary to remove a tree and shrubs, as their roots are now impacting the grave.

“We deeply regret having to take this step, but it is essential to protect the resting place of the babies laid to rest here and to preserve the plot with the care and respect it deserves,” a statement from the city council said.

“To allow for the completion of these enhancement works, all individual plaques, naming stones, statues, and personal items currently located on the ‘Plot of the Angels’ will need to be removed.”

“The existing limestone name plaques will be returned once the works are complete, and parents can continue to add their babies’ names to the plaques.”

Galway University Hospitals and Galway City Council are now inviting parents and families to collect personal items such as individual plaques, stones, statues, and toys currently placed at the plot.

Families are kindly asked to remove these items by 15 February 2026. Any items remaining after this date will be removed by Galway City Council and securely stored for a three-month period, until 15 May 2026.

Parents and families who would like more information about the proposed works or the shared headstone are welcome to contact: Helen Byrnes, Bereavement Support Midwife, at 087 7712329, or Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator, at 087 4418574, Monday to Friday.

Just under €15 million in funding has been allocated for the development of active travel and greenways in Galway City and County this year.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien announced that a total of €360 million in funding will be allocated for work on active travel and greenways in 2026.

Of this, Galway County Council has been allocated €4.46 million, while Galway City Council will receive €10 million.

This funding is meant for the development of walking and cycling projects that offer safe, sustainable and healthy transport options to communities around the country.

The Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in the National Transport Authority (NTA) was allocated €290 million for the development of walking and cycling infrastructure in villages, towns and cities.

An additional €8 million is available to fund smaller-scale behavioural change and training programmes. These include CycleRight training in primary schools and the NTA’s Smarter Travel Workplaces and Campuses Programme.

The remaining €62 million has been allocated to deliver Greenway projects across Ireland, which is also expected to contribute to the national cycle network connecting towns and cities.

The government has said that it is expected that 200km of walking and cycling infrastructure will be delivered in 2026, in line with the target set out in the Climate Action Plan.

Minister of State and Galway TD Seán Canney said, “The continued expansion of our walking and cycling network through Greenway and active travel infrastructure is crucial in offering safe travel options to cyclists and pedestrians.”

“It also contributes to our progress towards Vision Zero, our road safety strategy which sets out to achieve zero road fatalities or serious injuries by 2050.”

“I particularly welcome the NTA’s planned investment this year in assessing locations of interest in relation to road safety, with a view to increasing collision prevention measures in such locations to protect our more vulnerable road users.”

Minister O’Brien said, “The allocation of €360 million in 2026 for active travel and greenway projects demonstrates the Government’s commitment to expanding sustainable transport options and delivering on the provision of safe and accessible walking and cycling infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.”

“The €290 million invested in the NTA’s Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme will assist with the development of key active travel networks in our villages, towns and cities, making walking and cycling a viable option for more of our population.”

“The investment of €62 million in our Greenways network, meanwhile, will help deliver key projects all over the country and is another step towards the development of a National Cycle Network.”

Dominick Street Upper in Galway City’s westend will be closed for three weeks in February while infrastructure works are taking place.

Galway City Council has given notice that Domick Street Upper will be closed from Monday, February 9, through to Friday, February 27.

The road will be closed 24/7 during this time between the junctions with William Street West and Fairhill Road Upper.

The road closure is to allow for upgrades to the area’s water infrastructure to be carried out.

Diversions will be in place via Fairhill Road Upper, Fr. Griffin Road, Fr. Griffin Avenue, Sea Road & William Street West.

Localised access and access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained at all times.

Advance diversion signage will be in place prior to work commencing.

A Galway man is on the verge of winning the World’s Toughest Row – a gruelling 4,800km journey across the Atlantic.

Daragh MacLoughlin, 42, has powered through over 4,000km of treacherous seas from the Canaries and is expected to reach Antigua by Friday. (Jan23)

If his current progress continues, the Clarinbridge businessman will take top spot in the solo category.

On Sunday, he was 80 nautical miles ahead of his nearest rival, Belgium’s Thomas van Woensel on ‘Madlantic’.

Daragh signed up for the extreme race to test his own boundaries, but also to raise €10,000 for two Irish charities – Debra, which supports those living with ‘Butterfly Skin’ disease EB, and Irish Dogs for the Disabled.

Generous supporters on his fundraising page idonate.ie/fundraiser/thejasper have already pushed him over the €12,000 mark.

But the scale of the challenge dawned on the father-of-two just days after leaving the Canary Islands on December 12.

“There was a huge mountain to climb, in the first few days, it dawned on me that I had another month plus to do, and that was hard,” he said via WhatsApp audio from his carbon-fibre boat The Jasper, named after a family dog.

“But now the tables have turned and I have less than a week to go. I’ve had the lows of terrible weather, but in terms of leading the solos, I trained with a view to making sure I was going to win.

“The biggest challenge has been an eight-nine day period of no wind. It meant that progress was frustrated largely, my mileage went from 75 miles a day down to 50.”

Despite being a solo competitor, Daragh, who runs website building and management company webhero.ie, said he experienced another low point once he was overtaken by multi-crew teams who could power on despite the lack of wind.

However, one of his most exhilarating experiences involved being trailed by a pod of dolphins as the seas turned menacing.

“Two waves from different directions were joining, and they were just colliding and going upwards, and there was a real risk of them breaking, going over the boat and capsizing me.

“In that moment, about 200 dolphins emerged from the water, as if I had called them, and swam under my boat, they spiralled, looked up at me and went up the waves, just underneath the water line, reached the top of the wave, turned round, came back down underneath my boat, spiralled and did this several times.”

“It was as if to show me that it was alright, these waves could be surfed, and there was no need to have any fear. It was an absolutely amazing experience that will be with me forever.”

Daragh says he has been fortunate to speak daily with his wife, Suzanne and their daughters Maeve and Saoirse via satellite phone – and looks forward to an emotional reunion at the finishing line in Antigua.

In addition, a proper sleep – and the simple promise of a cold sparkling water – are keeping him motivated.

The public is asked to continue to donate to Daragh’s fundraising page, www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/thejasper.

His proud sister Doireann said, “Daragh has a phenomenal sense of drive and very competitive edge when it comes to any challenge. He has shown bravery, courage and grit throughout this entire race.

“We are remarkably proud of him and cannot wait to welcome him to Antiguian shores for his finish.”

Traffic in Ballinasloe town may be affected by two days of roadworks taking place next week.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the L-4602 Poolboy road between Grand Canal Roundabout and the L-4601 junction.

The works are scheduled to take place over two days on Monday, January 19 and Tuesday, January 20.

In order to facilitate these works, a Stop & Go traffic management system will be in place between 7am and 7pm both days.

As a consequence, people driving in the area are advised to expect delays and to leave themselves additional time for journeys.

A teenager was killed in a car crash in Galway near Loughrea in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a crash which occurred on the N65 at Loughrea, Co Galway early today.

At approximately 2:20am, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a single vehicle collision on the N65 at Moyleen.

A young man in his late teens, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His body has been removed to the mortuary at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe.

The Coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The driver and two other passengers were brought by ambulance to University Hospital Galway with non-life-threatening injuries.

The road is currently closed for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage, and were travelling on the N65 Loughrea to Ballinasloe road at Moyleen between 2:00am and 2:30am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Loughrea Garda Station on 091 842870, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.