COVID-19: One further death and 269 cases nationally

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April 18, 2021

Sunshine and warmer weather are forecast from Wednesday this week, with more pleasant conditions expected to continue into the weekend.

But before the brighter weather arrives on Wednesday, the week will start cloudy and some rainy in much of Galway.

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain becoming more prolonged throughout the day. The highest temperatures will be between 9 and 11 degrees in the afternoon.

Tuesday will be another dull day, with showers in the morning and widespread cloud forecast throughout.

Midweek change

Things are set to improve from Wednesday though, with brighter conditions and higher temperatures forecast across Galway and much of the West.

On Wednesday there will be decent spells of sunshine with just some clouds, and the thermometer will be around 14 degrees in the afternoon.

It will become warmer on Thursday, which is expected to be a beautiful day with blue skies and sunshine, with temperatures of 16 Celsius.

The early forecast for Friday and Saturday is also promising – with plenty of sunshine expected and similar temperatures to Thursday.

Man arrested after armed support unit called to Mervue incident

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April 18, 2021

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

One man was arrested following the intervention of the armed support unit at an incident in Galway City yesterday.

Shortly after 7pm on Saturday, Gardaí attended the scene of an incident on the Michael Collins road in Mervue.

In the course of the incident it’s understood Gardaí were threatened at knife point.

A man in his 40s was arrested after the intervention of the armed support unit, and was brought to Galway Garda Station.

Gardaí say there were no reports of any injuries.

The man was due before a special sitting of Galway District Court this morning.

Gardai and RSA issue safety appeal after motorcyclist deaths

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April 18, 2021

Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority are appealing to motorcyclists to slow down due to the high number of motorbike fatalities seen this year.

The message from Gardaí and the RSA is to ease off the throttle and keep within the speed limits and to always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.

Drivers are being urged to watch out for motorcyclists, especially at junctions, and to check their blind spots.

There have been eight motorcyclists killed in road traffic collisions so far this year. At the time this appeal was issued on Friday, that number stood at six.

However, yesterday alone there were two motorcycle riders killed in traffic collisions in Meath and Monaghan, one of which was a single vehicle incident, and one involving the collision of a car and motorcycle.

Mr. Stephen Murphy of the RSA said “As motorcyclists we are among the most vulnerable of road users because we have very little protection in the event of a collision.”

“However, we can help reduce our vulnerability by taking some simple steps such as wearing the appropriate PPE and high visibility clothing to make ourselves visible to other road-users.”

“It is also extremely important to show restraint and reduce speed, and never ever ride a motorcycle under the influence of an intoxicant.”

“As we enter the summer months, when we typically see higher numbers of motorcyclists on our roads, I am asking all fellow motorcyclists, to take these necessary steps to protect themselves as much as possible when out biking.”

Crash research shows that the four main causal factors that contribute to fatal motorcycle crashes are:

A motorcyclist overtaking another vehicle turning right, resulting in the motorcyclist colliding head on into the side of the turning vehicle.
A motorcyclist colliding head on with an oncoming vehicle while the motorcycle was overtaking a vehicle.
A motorcyclist losing control while taking a corner / bend and crossing into the path of an oncoming vehicle resulting in a head on collision.
Another vehicle (car, van, truck) turning or driving through a junction / joining a main road from a minor road and colliding with a motorcyclist.

Half of COVID patients at Galway hospitals in ICU

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April 18, 2021

The number of people with COVID-19 at public hospitals in Galway remains low this weekend, with the figures here staying relatively steady for a number of weeks.

The latest HSE data taken at 8pm on Saturday evening shows that half of the COVID patients currently in Galway hospitals are in intensive care units.

Four out of the six people with the disease at University Hospital Galway are in the ICU, and of the four patients with COVID at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, one is receiving critical care.

Two further suspected COVID cases awaiting test results are also hospitalised – with one at Portiuncula and one at UHG.

A total of 17 general beds are free at University Hospital Galway and 11 at Portiuncula, while just three ICU beds are available across the Galway hospitals.

There are 176 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in hospitals across the Republic as of yesterday evening, of whom 49 are in ICU.

COVID-19: Four deaths and 420 new cases nationally

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April 17, 2021

An additional four deaths related to COVID-19 have been notified by health officials today, along with another 420 new cases nationwide.

All of the deaths reported by the Department of Health today occurred in April.

A county breakdown of where there 420 new cases are located was not provided by the Department today.

There have now been 243,238 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and 4,835 deaths related to the disease.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 1 previously confirmed case.

Of the cases notified today:

211 are men / 206 are women
74% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 32 years old

There were 183 people hospitalised in Ireland as of this morning, of whom 50 are in the ICU.

As of Thursday, April 15 there have been 1,155,599 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland, with 341,129 people now fully vaccinated.

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of he virus in the community.

Galway youth services encouraged to apply to digital solutions fund

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April 17, 2021

galway daily news rethink ireland fund young people technology

Funding of €600,000 is being made available to help children and young people improve their use of technology.

Rethink Ireland’s Digital Solutions fund aims to support services which work with children and young people to improve their efficiency, programme reach and data collection through technology.

Up to eight projects or collaborations will be awarded a maximum of €50,000, as well as mentoring support and a comprehensive Accelerator Programme.

This six-month programme focuses on building awardees’ capacity and equipping them to scale so they can reach more people in need of their work.

The fund is open to organisations that have a not-for-profit legal form, ie. a school, charity, social enterprise, voluntary organisation, or Higher Education Institution.

Announcing the funding, Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman said that it will make an important difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.

“It will provide practical support to services focused on providing high-quality prevention and early intervention services for children, young people and their families, while encouraging the sharing of learning and collaboration.

“We know that by intervening early in a child’s life, or early in the onset of difficulties, we can improve lives and address the impact of disadvantage.”

The Fund will be open for applications until Monday 17th May 2021 at noon.

New film features unique partnership between Tokyo and Inis Oírr

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April 17, 2021

galway daily news inis oírr tokyo dance collab

A short film featuring a unique dance collaboration between the smallest of the Aran Islands and the Japanese capital will have its online premiere next week.

Echoes of Calling – Encounter features sean-nós singing, Irish and Japanese contemporary dance, and combines a January stage performance in Tokyo with the wild landscapes of Connemara.

The partnership between Tokyo and Inis Óirr came about after acclaimed Japanese dance choreographer Akiko Kitamura was inspired by her visit to the west of Ireland in 2019.

Akiko Kitamura used online workshops and rehearsals to collaborate with three dancers on the short piece which will premiere on Friday 23 April as part of the Galway 2020 programme.

The film is the result of a partnership between Áras Éanna Inis Oírr, Galway 2020 and EU Japan Fest, and Executive Producer Siobhán O’Malley liaised between the partners in Ireland and Japan to make the project a reality.

Akiko Kitamura was captivated by Donegal sean-nós singer Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde when he performed at Áras Éanna during her stay on Inis Oírr.

Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde and Diane Cannon are included in a stage performance of Echoes of Calling, with an ensemble of Japanese contemporary dancers, which premiered in Tokyo in January 2021.

Kitamura was set to return to Galway and Inis Oírr to stage this performance before the culmination of the European Capital of Culture programme this Spring.

But due to COVID restrictions she had to work via Zoom with Galway Dance Project dancers Magdalena Hylak, Stephanie Dufresne and Mintesot Wolde to create a site-specific piece for film, relating to the themes of the Tokyo show.

Filming took place in South Connemara with film maker Laura Sheeran, who worked closely with Kitamura’s film editor in Tokyo.

“We shared ideas with dancers and filmmakers in Ireland who we haven’t met yet, discussed with each other over Zoom, combined our methods of expression, and rose to the challenge of creating a video work that would be a journey to explore new physical expressions,” said Akiko Kitamura.

“I have experience of collaborating remotely, but it was the first time I had united my heart with artists I had never met.”

The Artistic Director of Áras Éanna, Dara McGee, said the most westerly arts centre in Europe was honoured to be a part of this exciting international project and he hopes to continue to develop this working relationship with Japanese colleagues and the Galway Dance Project into the future.

He said that due to the coronavirus restrictions, it was decided that filming for the Irish part of the project would take place in South Connemara, looking out on Galway Bay and Inis Oírr.

“Under the direction of Akiko, who had been working online with the dancers, we had a schedule for what exactly we needed for the piece, in order to tie in with the work that has been done in Japan,” explained Dara McGee.

“There was a cold breeze, but the dancers were great and we got some beautiful footage which is being edited in Japan.”

McGee said that Kitamura had requested sean-nós singers for the Tokyo performance in January and it was a “wonderful coincidence” that she had seen Doimnic perform at Aras Eanna during her short stay on Inis Oírr.

“I really think this is an ongoing project and we are really thinking of extending this project into 2022,” he added.

“We really feel there is something special happening with this collaboration between Ireland and Japan and it would be a shame if we couldn’t develop this further and bring a full production to Ireland, hopefully in 2022.”

Marilyn Gaughan Reddan, Head of Programme at Galway 2020 stated: “We are really delighted to provide so many of our cultural partners with new international partnerships and opportunities.

“The relationship between Aras Eanna and EU Japan Fest will lead to many more beautiful opportunities in the future and this is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase the wealth of talent and indeed landscape here to a global audience, this is again another example of really great partnership and collaboration facilitated by Galway 2020 and will indeed be a great legacy.”

The online premiere for ‘Echoes of Calling – Encounter’ will take place on Friday, April 23, from 1.00pm – 2.00pm and the film will be available to view online at the Aras Eanna Inis Oirr YouTube channel. The project will be launched at an online event featuring a Q&A with participants in Japan and Ireland at 1:00pm Irish time on April 23.

To view the event, check out the Aras Eanna Ionad Ealaine page on Facebook.

City Council rejects plans for extra car parking at government offices

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April 17, 2021

Galway daily news Salthill car parks reopen after run of bad weather

Galway City Council has refused to grant planning permission for expanded car parking facilities at government offices in Renmore.

The Commissioner of Public Work sought approval for 80 new car parking spaces on grassy landscape in front of the Department of Defence offices in Renmore.

The additional spaces were sought as the government offices at Áras an tSáile on Lakeshore Drive, Renmore currently make use of 50 parking spaces in the lands of the Defence Forces.

These will no longer be available from May 2021 onwards, the application stated, due to renovation works taking place there.

In refusing permission for the project, the city council said that the government “has failed to demonstrate adequate justification for the additional car parking spaces proposed”.

If the council allowed this development to proceed it would “create an adverse impact on the road network at this location” and contravene the transport strategy for the city.

Mayoral Reception to honour Owen Ward for breaking down barriers to education

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April 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Mayoral Reception to honour Owen Ward for breaking down barriers to education

A Mayoral Reception will be held this summer for Galway’s Owen Ward, for his work breaking down barriers to higher education for Irish Travellers and other disadvantaged groups.

Owen Ward, then a Professional Master of Education student, became the first member of the Travelling Community elected to the governing body of a university in Ireland when he joined NUI Galway’s Údarás na hOllscoile in February of 2020.

Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard posted to facebook that he was “delighted to announce” that a Mayoral Reception will be held for Ward this summer, hopefully taking place on June 11.

He praised Ward for his own achievements, but for his “determination to break down barriers” for other people in the Travelling Community in third level education.

Ward left school at the age of 16 without having completed his junior of leaving certificate. He later returned to education through the Access Programme at NUI Galway.

From there, he secured his place at the university, and later graduated with honours, before returning to complete a Masters.

Mayor Cubbard said that Ward is a “brilliant role model” for other people who have left school early.

Ward not only advanced his own education despite the roadblocks in his path, but also helped many others to do the same.

During his time as a student he was a co-founder of the Mincéirs Whiden Society with fellow Traveller students at NUI Galway and the Galway Traveller Movement, and also mentored other students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

He also played a key role in establishing the University of Sanctuary programme a NUIG, which provides scholarships for asylum seekers, refugees, vulnerable migrants and Irish Travellers.

Ward has also gone on to become a Programme Coordinator at the same Access Centre which helped give him an opening to higher education.

“As Mayor, I would like to acknowledge Owen for his efforts in breaking down so many barriers on route to his success but for creating a future for so many, not just those in the Travelling Community but from various immigrant groups and vulnerable people.”

“I know work is ongoing to also create a pathway for those with Autism to ensure everyone in society has an equal opportunity at progressing in third level education,” Mike Cubbard said.

“On a personal level, it is a great honour to recognise a fella ‘Westside young fella’! If we are all given a fair chance, we can be whatever we want to be.”

Ask the experts at free Croí webinar: Living Well with Cardiovascular Disease

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April 17, 2021

galway daily news croí cardiovasuclar disease webinar free event

A public webinar on how to learn how to live well with cardiovascular disease will take place online next Thursday at 7pm.

Expert guest speakers on the night will include Consultant Cardiologist Prof. Jim Crowley, Endocrinologist Dr. Cathy McHugh, and Croí’s Cardiac and Weight Management Dietitian Aisling Harris.

The expert speakers will offer practical advice on reducing people’s risk of a repeat event, and how to manage risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol and stress.

They will also discuss relationship advice and guidance on eating for a healthy heart.

Dr. Lisa Hynes, Croí’s Head of Health Programmes said that finding out you have heart disease is a life-changing event, but Croí is here to support you in your recovery.

“There is much you can do to manage your heart condition and control heart disease so that you can live a long and healthy life,” said Dr. Hynes.

“Join us on April 29^th to learn how you can live well with this disease.”

The free webinar takes place on Zoom on Thursday, April 29 from 7pm to 8pm. Register now and submit your questions for the experts at www.croi.ie/webinar.

Increase in fines for COVID breaches issued in Galway

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April 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway Garda Division has seen 4th highest level of COVID fines

There has been an increase in the number of fines issued for breaches of COVID-19 regulations in Galway in the latest Garda figures.

The latest figures from An Garda Síochána show that up to Thursday there had been a total 1,176 COVID fines recorded in Galway, an increase of 111 on the figures issued last week.

However, in the latest release Gardaí also note that due to “technical changes” made to their system following new regulations on April 12, this does not include any fines issued since Monday.

“In other words, they are not a full week of figures and so are not comparable to last week’s figures. Once processing resumes, we will provide updated week-on-week figures,” the statement said.

Nationwide there have been a total of 20,280 on the spot fines across the range of all potential COVID-19 breaches recorded to date. That’s another 1,092 recorded in the past week.

Another 53 people have been fined for organising house parties, and 189 people have been given a fine for attending one.

Non-essential travel beyond the limit remains the largest source of fixed charge penalty notices, with 678 people receiving a fine for breaching travel restrictions, and another 140 specifically related to international travel.

Other offences under this system include refusing to wear a face mask where required, €80 fine, and people not ordinarily resident in Ireland travelling into the state, a €100 fine.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said, “Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the vast majority of people many of the key COVID-19 indicators are starting to improve. All of us in An Garda Síochána appreciate this.”

“It is important now that we continue to do the right things. We need to maintain social distancing, limit our contacts, and regularly wash our hands.

“Please do not gather in large groups or attend or host house parties. Being at such gatherings puts you, your loved ones and everyone you have contact with after at risking of catching COVID-19.”

Gardaí will be continuing nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities, parks and beauty spots across the country this weekend.

Travel restrictions have been eased as of Monday, April 12, with people now able to travel anywhere within their county, or within 20km of their home if they live near county borders.

Cork has become the Garda Division with the highest number of COVID-19 fines, with 2,091 issued to date.

This is followed by the Dublin Metropolitan Region Northern Division (2,062), D.M.R Western (1,408), and Limerick (1,279) respectively.

Parking facilities at Salthill Prom to reopen on April 26

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April 17, 2021

Galway Daily news Council orders car parks closed ahead of Storm Isha hitting Galway City

Car parks and parking along the Salthill Promenade and Silverstrand in Galway City will reopen on April 26.

Galway City Council has decided to reopening parking facilities in Salthill later this month following consultation with An Garda Síochána.

The decision has also been scheduled to match government guidelines for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, which will see more outdoor attractions and sports facilities allowed to reopen on April 26.

Car parks and parking along the Prom, at Blackrock Diving Tower, and Silverstrand were closed in January at the request of the Gardaí.

This was due to difficulties with maintaining social distancing with large numbers of people in the area.

Social Distancing signage in all areas will be maintained the city council has said.

COVID-19: 26 new Galway cases and 11 deaths reported nationally

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April 16, 2021

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

Health officials have reported 420 new cases of COVID-19 in the Republic and 11 further deaths related to the disease, of which three occurred in April.

Twenty-six of the new cases are in Galway, while 147 are in Dublin, 41 in Meath, 33 in Donegal and 18 in Limerick.

The 14-day incidence rate in Galway now stands at 83.3 cases per 100,000 people.

74% of the new cases nationally are under 45 years of age and the median age is 32 years old.

The median age of the deaths reported today was 88 years and they were aged between 77 and 94. There has been a total of 4,831 deaths related to the virus in the State since the start of the pandemic.

There are now 190 people with COVID-19 in hospitals across the Republic, of whom 53 are in intensive care units.

Two men due before court in connection with taxi hijacking

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April 16, 2021

Two men will appear before the courts this evening after being charged in connection with the hijacking of a taxi in Galway last night.

Gardaí received a report of the hijacking of a taxi carrying two passengers shortly before midnight on Thursday.

The two men ejected the driver out onto the M18 motorway and continued in the direction of Galway city.

The car was brought to a halt on Bothar na dTreabh after a managed containment operation by Gardaí with the assistance of the regional support unit.

Two men were arrested after a short chase on foot, and were detained today at the Western Regional Headquarters in Murrough.

A man in his mid 20s, and another in his early 30s were charged this afternoon in connection with this incident and will appear before a special sitting of Galway District Court at 6.30pm.

Free online panel discussion to focus reopening businesses post-lockdown

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April 16, 2021

galway daily news isme online event restart ireland for businesses after lockdown

An upcoming ISME panel discussion will focus on plans to reopen businesses in Ireland and the ways in which businesses and customers can work together in order to be compliant.

ISME’s CEO, Neil McDonnell will chair the ‘Restart Ireland’ conversation featuring Professor Luke O’Neill, Minister of State Robert Troy and Nuala Mulqueeney, Managing Director of the Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre in Co. Clare whose business has been closed due to lockdown.

The free online event event is open to ISME members and non-members and will take place on Friday April 23 from 12.30pm to 1.30pm.

“We are hopeful as we enter the final phase of the lockdown, that we should soon see a return to business for those many firms that have been forced to shut during the Level 5 lockdown,” said Neil McDonnell.

“However, the path to the full reopening for our hospitality, retail and grooming sectors is far from clear, and is subject to other factors such as vaccine rollout, infection rates, and hospital bed capacity.

At the Restart Ireland event, we will discuss the way ahead for the small business sector in Ireland as we exit the pandemic.”

This free webinar is open to all and those who register can include any questions they want to ask the panellists when they sign up. Register now on https://isme.ie/restart-ireland/.

Road closed for repairs to burst water main in Spiddal village

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April 16, 2021

Traffic passing through Spiddal is being disrupted by a road closure put in place due to a burst water main in the village today.

Repairs are ongoing this afternoon to a significant burst to a watermain in the centre of Spiddal village, affecting supply to customers in Spiddal and surrounding areas today.

In order to enable these repair works the Spiddal to Moycullen Road has been closed, and diversions are in place.

Supply has been maintained to most areas through the diversion of flow through alternative sections of the pipe network so the vast majority of customers will have continuity of supply, including all Non-Domestic customers.

However, people living in high areas to the north of the R336 both East and West of Spiddal village will have much reduced water pressure.

Tim O’Connor of Irish Water said “Irish Water is working with Galway County Council to repair a significant burst which is causing water outages to a number of customers in areas surrounding An Spidéal today.”

“People living and working in these areas are asked to conserve water where possible and to only use what they need whilst continuing to adhere to public health advice on hand washing and hygiene regarding COVID-19 while these repairs are underway.”

Updates will be available as the repairs progress on the Irish Water website under the water supply and service section.

Galway City East continues to record highest COVID rate in county

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April 16, 2021

galway daily news galway city east lea covid-19 rate

Galway City East’s 14-day COVID rate has increased slightly since last week, with the local electoral area continuing to record the highest incidence in the county.

A total of 51 new cases of the virus were reported in Galway City East LEA between 30 March and 12 April, taking its two-week COVID rate to 191.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Elsewhere in the city, the rates are lower, with the local electoral area in Galway City West recording an incidence of 63.1 cases per 100,000 people, while Galway City Central’s rate remains the same as last week at 104.9.

The latest breakdown shows that the two electoral areas in Connemara have the lowest rates of the disease in Co. Galway.

Both Conamara North and Conamara South LEAs recorded fewer than five COVID-19 cases in the two-week period to April 12.

In Tuam, 44 cases were confirmed taking its rate to 132.6, and Athenry-Oranmore’s rate fell again to 36.5 – with just 19 cases reported there.

Thirty-five cases were reported in Ballinasloe where the rate is now 124.5 cases per 100,000 population, while Loughrea recorded just five new cases in two weeks.

In Gort-Kinvara LEA, the 14-day incidence rate now stands at 80.8 cases per 100,000 people after 19 people were diagnosed with the disease.

When the data was recorded, the national 14-day incidence rate was 131.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This has since fallen to 122.6 as of midnight on Wednesday.

Trailer released for film featuring local musicians premiering tomorrow!

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April 16, 2021

galway daily news music trailer citóg records

A trailer has been launched ahead of tomorrow’s premier of Amhráin, a film featuring local musicians who have recorded a range of Galway songs at iconic locations across the city.

The film premiers on the Black Gate’s YouTube channel at 9pm tomorrow evening, Saturday April 17.

The project came about when members of the Citóg Records music collective were asked to create new versions of local songs by artists past and present.

Featuring talented local musicians, Amhráin will take people on a nostalgic yet eye-opening tour of Galway’s public spaces, venues, independent stores and scenic outdoor locations.

The show will feature magical performances from Citóg Records members Katie O’Connor, Eoin Dolan, Tracy Bruen, Field Trip and many more, as they reimagine their favourite local songs.

Amhráin will premier on the Black Gate’s YouTube channel at 9pm on Saturday, April 17th. Click HERE to subscribe.

Brilliant Players in the History of FC Inter Milan

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Thomas O'Brien

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April 16, 2021