Sunshine and blue skies tomorrow as temperatures reach 17°C!

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news gradam joe steve award rún eoin

Fíbín and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta have announced Galway playwright Eoin Ó Dubhghaill as the winner of the Gradam Joe Steve award for radio drama Rún.

The Gradam Joe Steve inspires Irish playwrights to write new short radio plays in Irish and to promote the wonder and magic of storytelling on radio.

Eoin’s winning play is based on a difficult relationship between a father and son, and also brings in elements of folklore about seals and their connection to the Ó Conghaile family.

From Coill Rua Thoir in Indreabhán in Connemara, Eoin has a lot of experience acting on on stage and on screen over the last ten years, working in both Irish and English, including a part in the TG4 soap Ros na Rún.

He has written and produced plays with Fíbín, An Taibhdhearc, Mumbro Top, Fizz and Chips Theatre Company and High Rock Productions.

Philip Doherty, Artistic Director with Fíbín, said that Rún is an honest, heartfelt story about a fractured father and son relationship, and their allegorical journey towards healing across a stormy ocean, and ultimate redemption.

“It is a highly original radio play, with an otherworldly spirit, textured soundscape, and multiple layers of meaning, pushing the medium of radio drama to its limits,” he said.

“Dealing with themes of death, mythology, family trauma, guilt and magic, Eoin displays a deft talent for language, and a black-comic-wit, while at the heart of it, the gift to write a powerful story.“

Seán Ó hÉanaigh, Head of Programmes at RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, said that the station was delighted to be working with Fíbín on this project, a fitting tribute to acclaimed playwright and actor Joe Steve Ó Neachtain, for whom the award is named, who always made a point to encourage young talent.

Eoin will receive €500 for his award, and the two runners up will also receive €200, Seán Ó Dubhchon from Machaire Rabhartaigh in Donegal, and Susanne Colleary from Sligo.

The winning radio play, and the two runners up, will be broadcast on Easter Monday at 9.15 am on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.

Michael Fitzmaurice accuses Green Party of “childish antics” in time of crisis

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March 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Exemption for farmers on burning green waste welcomed

Galway TD Michael Fitzmaurice has accused the Green Party of indulging in “childish antics” which threaten the stability of the government during a time of crisis.

The Roscommon-Galway TD said that it is “astonishing” to see the Greens fighting over a Seanad seat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In recent days the Green Party have been embroiled in internal ructions over the decision by Lord Mayor of Dublin and party chairperson Hazel Chu to run for the Seanad.

The party executive had decided not to run a candidate for either of the vacant seats, but Ms Chu decided to run as an independent candidate anyways, after getting the personal nominations required to get on the ballot.

One of the elected representatives who voted to get Ms Chu on the ballot was deputy party leader Catherine Martin.

In comments made last week, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice has said that people’s faith in the ability of the party to govern has “collapsed” as a result of what he described as a self-indulgent civil war.

“They are a party on political death row under a warrant signed by the voters. The leader is not in control of his party and this absence is poised to seriously impact on the stability of the entire government.”

“The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have fundamental decisions to make about the future of our country and our people. These decisions require a stable and focused government.”

“For this to happen, Minister Eamon Ryan must take control of his party. The issues facing the country are far too serious for us to entertain the childish antics of the Greens.”

“This is especially the case in rural Ireland where the willingness of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to abandon rural Ireland to the Greens for political expediency is backfiring badly.”

Green Party Leader and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has not made any public comment regarding the situation, which has prompted some bitter divisions.

A motion of confidence in Ms Chu was tabled by three Green Party senators for this evening’s parliamentary party meeting, but the Irish Times reports that this has now been withdrawn.

Instead, the three Senators, Pauline O’Reilly, Pippa Hackett, and Róisín Garvey, have asked that Ms Chu step aside from her duties as chairperson of the party while running for the Seanad.

COVID-19: Six deaths and 19 Galway cases reported today

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March 31, 2021

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

There have been six further deaths associated with COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 411 new cases.

Of the cases notified today, 19 are in Galway. The 14-day incidence rate here is now 112.8 cases per 100,000 people. There have been 291 new cases in Galway in the past two weeks.

All of the deaths reported today occurred in March. The median age of those who died was 79, and the deaths occurred in people aged from 49 – 87 years old.

There have now been a total of 4,687 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland, out of 235,854 confirmed cases in the country, with one cases denotified after validation of data by the HPSC.

As of 8am this morning there were 297 COVID patients hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 67 are in the ICU. Another 16 people have been admitted to hospital in the past 24 hours.

“Together with all of the basic public health measures with which we are all now so familiar, vaccination will significantly reduce risk of COVID-19 over the next relatively short period of time,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

“It will radically reduce mortality when those over 70 are fully vaccinated but will initially have a smaller effect on hospitalisation and critical care until the wider adult population, especially vulnerable adults and those aged 50-69 years, are protected by vaccination.”

“There is a critical window over the next 8 weeks where any significant increase in close contact is likely to lead to a significant fourth wave of infection in the range of that experienced in January 2021.”

“We can and should be optimistic for an enjoyable summer ahead but, in the meantime, we have to continue to work together to prevent a further wave of infection as we accelerate vaccination across society and maintain our health services”.

The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of the virus in the community including daily data on Ireland’s COVID-19 Vaccination Programme.

As of last Sunday there had been 806,541 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Ireland, with 225,684 people fully vaccinated.

GMIT achieves Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing gender equality

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March 31, 2021

Galway Daily news GMIT achieves Athena Swan Bronze Award for advancing gender equality

GMIT has been awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze Award for work to advance gender equality among staff and students in recent years.

GMIT was awarded the Athena SWAN Bronze Award from Advance HE this week along with its partners in the Connacht-Ulster Alliance IT Sligo and LYIT.

President of GMIT Dr Orla Flynn said that achieving this award is a “big milestone” for the IoT, which shows their commitment to “enshrining equality of opportunity” across the institute.

“We are now looking forward to identifying and prioritising Departmental applications and implementing our Gender Action Plan. As one of the few female Presidents in higher education in Ireland I am especially pleased to see gender equality as part of a broader value system that is inclusive and supportive of all.”

The Athena SWAN Charter is a framework used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education and research, created in 2005 and first brought to Ireland in 2015.

The charter recognises institutes’ commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment.

Engagement with the charter is a key pillar of Ireland’s national strategy for gender equality with progress linked to institutional eligibility for funding from Ireland’s major research agencies.

All of Ireland’s universities and institutes of technology and several colleges participate in Athena SWAN Ireland and to date there are currently 56 Bronze award holders.

To achieve the award, institutions are required to perform a critical self-assessment and analysis to identify both good practice and problem areas and to develop a four-year action plan that addresses these challenges.

The GMIT Action Plan has 68 actions that will be implemented over the next three years spanning areas such as inclusive recruitment practices, work allocation, training and development, flexible working and infrastructure.

Mary Nestor, Chair of the GMIT Self-Assessment Team said “I am delighted that the hard work that went into the application by our Self-Assessment Team has been rewarded.

“We engaged in a rigorous self-assessment process which was key in highlighting all sorts of issues for academic and professional services staff.”

“We look forward to now beginning the real work of embedding gender equality in our culture, policies and practices by implementing the Gender Action Plan and to becoming a leader in this area for our staff and students.”

Two arrested after Gardaí seize €28,000 worth of drugs in Galway City

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March 31, 2021

Galway Daily news Two arrested after Gardaí seize €28,000 worth of drugs in Galway City

Gardaí seized €28,000 worth of drugs and almost €2,000 in cash during an operation in Galway City yesterday.

Shortly after 2pm on Tuesday Gardaí found €5,900 worth of cocaine when they searched two males on Presentation Road in Galway City.

As a result a follow up search was conducted at a property on the Headford Road, where over €22,000 worth of drugs was also located.

During the course of this search, cannabis with a value of €20,000, €2,100 worth of cocaine and €1,870 in cash was seized.

All of the drugs found as a result of this operation will now be sent for analysis.

Two males, one in his 20s and the other in his teens were arrested during the course of this incident.

Both have since been released without charge with a file now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A male juvenile who was also arrested has been released for consideration of inclusion in the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

Redevelopment of city Post Office to include civic arts space

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news gpo post office civic arts space

The redevelopment of the Post Office on Eglinton Street will include a permanent a civic arts space.

The site was used as a temporary creative space during the Galway International Arts Festival in 2019.

Commenting on the news, Galway International Arts Festival said that they have a long history of temporarily transforming old buildings to facilitate the arts.

“This news this morning is something we have wanted for Galway for a long time. We are very grateful to An Post and Minster Naughton for making it a reality now,” the Festival said in a statement.

Galway West TD and Junior Minister Hildegarde Naughton also said that she is delighted with the announcement.

“Galway will now have a permanent arts space, something that has been lacking for many years,” she said.

“This is a really good news story for Galway and the arts.”

Suspended sentence for man who assaulted staff at Gala store

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March 31, 2021

A man received a suspended sentence for drunkenly attacking two staff members at the Gala store on Prospect Hill.

Derek Walsh (33), with an address at Clogher Road, Crumlin pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm at Galway District Court, as well as criminal damage and public order offences.

On June 23 of 2019, Garda Colm Hann was on patrol in Eyre Square when he and his partner saw a person being restrained by staff members at Gala on Prospect Hill.

When they approached, the man being restrained, Walsh, was drunk and extremely abusive towards the Gardaí, and the shop’s staff members.

After he was detained by Gardaí for being drunk and abusive in public, two members of the shop’s staff said that he had assaulted him, and the shop owner said that he had caused roughly €50 worth of damage to the shop’s merchandise.

The incident started when Walsh came into the store drunk, and knocked some items off a display. He was confronted by one staff member, who he then punched in the face. Another man came out from behind the deli counter, and ended up with a bloody nose after trying to help.

The more seriously injured of the two said that he had a scar on his lip from the injury received, and that one of his teeth hasn’t been the same since, while the other man suffered a injured nose.

Solicitor John Martin said that his client had €3,000 in compensation in court, of which Judge Mary Fahy directed €2,000 should go the more seriously injured victim, and €1,000 to the other man who was attacked.

The court heard that Walsh has 101 previous convictions, including two for assault, nine for criminal damage, and one for intimidation of a jury.

For the two assault charges Walsh received concurrent six month prison sentences, which were suspended for two years on the condition that he stay away from Galway entirely.

He received a €200 fine for the criminal damage charge, and the public order offences of being drunk in public, and threatening or abusive behaviour, were taken into consideration on his plea.

House prices in Galway city continue to soar

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news average rent in galway rooms for rent in galway city price

House prices in Galway city have risen by a hefty 12% in Q1 of 2021 compared with the first three months of last year, while the cost of buying a house in the county has fallen by 2%.

The latest Daft.ie report shows that the average price of a house in Galway city is now €325,534, an increase of 2.5% on the previous three months, while elsewhere in the county the average price is €205,837.

A three bedroom semi-detached house in the city now costs on average €245,000 and a four bedroom bungalow is €428,000.

House hunters can expect to pay €69,000 for a one bedroom apartment in the county, while in the city it would set them back €130,000.

Outside the city, a three bed semi-detached house is €118,000, while a bungalow with four bedrooms costs on average €254,000.

Co. Galway, excluding the city, was the only county in Ireland to see a decrease in house prices so far this year.

The least expensive houses in the country are found in Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal.

Across Connacht and Ulster, listed prices dropped by an average of 0.8% between December and March, despite growth in the previous two quarters.

Young people asked for views on future of electricity system

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news electricity plan young people

Young people from Galway are being urged to share their thoughts on the future of Ireland’s electricity system at a major online Youth Assembly on 21 April 2021.

The National Youth Council of Ireland event is part of a nationwide consultation run by EirGrid exploring ways to ensure that 70% of Ireland’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030.

Following its recent report ‘Shaping Our Electricity Future’ which outlines four approaches to meeting the 2030 renewable energy targets, EirGrid is seeking feedback and input from members of the public, including young people, on the four proposed options.

Commenting today, Mary Cunningham, CEO of NYCI, said that the voices of young people are absolutely crucial within this national conversation.

“They are one of the key groups that will be affected by any change in how the electricity grid operates,” said Mary.

“We are happy to be supporting them to learn about the potential options, and to help in providing them with a platform to share their thoughts and shape the future of energy generation in Ireland.

“We know from working with our members that many young people are already engaged and care deeply about the future of the planet and sustainability.”

Mary Cunningham added that it is very important that young people take an active role in shaping their future.

“As part of this project, we are calling on young people from Galway and across the country, whether they have been active on these issues before – or are still learning – to share their thoughts and join the conversation. There is a space for all voices on this topic, as its outcomes affect everyone.”

Mark Foley, EirGrid Group Chief Executive, said that the grid requires unprecedented change in the next ten years.

“This transition to clean electricity will affect everyone in Ireland and will sometimes be difficult,” he said.

“Because of this, we are hosting a nationwide consultation to find an agreed approach to reach the 2030 targets.

“As part of this collaboration, we want to specifically engage with and hear the thoughts of young people, as we understand that these decisions will impact their future.

“We want them to understand, analyse and challenge future plans and outcomes for energy generation in Ireland.”

Young people can find out more about how they can have their say by visiting: https://www.youth.ie/eirgridconsultation/

Teachers angered by Government’s new vaccine rollout plan

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news teachers angry at government for vaccine decision

Changes to the vaccine rollout plan announced by the Government yesterday have angered teachers who say that the decision is at odds with the aim to keep schools open.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said that the new strategy, focused mostly on age and medical conditions, makes the vaccination programme fairer and more efficient.

But the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland has said it is ‘shocked and dismayed’ by the decision to abandon the vaccination of key workers, including school staff.

“The Government has continuously stated that a key objective is to keep schools open. Today’s decision is totally at odds with and undermines this objective,” said ASTI President Ann Piggott.

“Teachers and other school staff are frontline workers. We want schools to remain open, however teachers have a right to safe working environment, just as other essential workers who cannot work remotely do.”

Ann Piggott said that it is particularly reprehensible that there was no consultation prior to the announcement and that the news represents a major blow to teachers’ confidence.

“Teachers are working in difficult circumstances, many of them spending a significant part of their working day in poorly ventilated buildings and in classrooms of 28 to 30 students. Socially distancing can be a major problem.

“This is an unacceptable development and shows scant regard for teachers as frontline workers.”

The ASTI said it will be demanding an urgent meeting with the Department of Education.

Mains flushing affecting water supply in Oranmore and Tuam

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March 31, 2021

Galway Daily news overnight water outages

Intermittent water outages are expected in parts of Oranmore and Tuam until Thursday this week.

Irish Water is carrying out mains flushing works in to clear out the water network in both towns this week, which may cause water outages or other disruptions.

The works will affect properties in Cloonarkin Drive, Oranmore as well as Palace Fields, Tuam and surrounding areas.

The works in Tuam are taking place from 9am to 4pm, while the Oranmore works start at the same time, but will continue until 5pm.

People affected by these are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after work is completed each day before their full water supply is restored.

Updates can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page.

NUI Galway students ‘Build Boxes’ to support vulnerable during COVID

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March 31, 2021

galway daily news build-a-box campaign to support people during covid019 pandemic — Maria Stapleton from Loughrea (left) and Lorraine Moloney from Corrandulla, third year Occupational Therapy students at NUI Galway at Build-a-Box launch.

Students from NUI Galway have come up with a unique idea to support people in high-risk groups during the pandemic by sending parcels to help ease isolation.

The Build-a-Box campaign is being run by occupational therapy students at NUIG, in partnership with COPE Galway, Galway City Partnership and a local DEIS primary school.

The charitable initiative was designed by third year undergraduates in the service-learning module Community Engagement who aim to lessen the impact of social distancing for some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Around 100 boxes filled with items to reduce the negative effects of confinement are being delivered to older adults living alone, women in Direct Provision, homeless women and children with additional needs and in lower socio-economic groups.

Commenting on the initiative, President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said that in the context of ongoing clinical and academic demands, he commends the students for helping to reduce the impact of Covid-19 on some of society’s most vulnerable people.

“Initiatives such as the Build-a-Box campaign emulate NUI Galway’s vision and values of openness and respect, of our students and staff as citizens connected to and contributing to community and society in Ireland and internationally for the public good,” said Professor Ó hÓgartaigh.

Dr Sinéad Hynes, lecturer in Occupational Therapy in NUI Galway’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, added that loneliness and isolation are significant issues for many people, particularly older people, and this has been further exacerbated by the pandemic.

“The students have taken ownership of this project and partnered with community organisations, which is especially difficult when working remotely,” Dr Hynes said.

“It is our hope that the Build-a-Box campaign might be one way in which we can support those in our society who may be more severely impacted by the restrictions.”

Occupational therapy student Maria Stapleton from Loughrea said, “It was really interesting to learn about the impact of the pandemic on different vulnerable groups, and working with the community partners gave us a different perspective on the effect it has had.”

Fellow student Lorraine Moloney from Corrandulla, added that the Build-a-Box campaign was a rewarding and challenging experience.

“It gave me a better understanding of the effects of the pandemic on vulnerable groups, while providing our class with an opportunity to address these issues and make a difference in their lives,” said Lorraine.

150 jobs announced for Galway and Leixlip as HPE expands operations

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March 31, 2021

150 new jobs will be created over the next two years in Galway and Kildare as Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) expands its operations in Ireland.

The IT company has also chosen Galway as the location for its European hub for cyber security operations.

HPE says that it is looking to hire experienced talent with expertise in cyber security, software development, global R&D and cloud consulting.

While the roles will be based in Galway and Leixlip, many will be open to applicants from anywhere in Ireland as the work can be carried out from flexible locations.

Making the announcement, Antonio Neri, President and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, said: “This year HPE will celebrate a fifty year legacy of operations in Ireland, so I am delighted to be building on our strong history of investing in Ireland with today’s announcement of new jobs and operations in the country.

“Ireland has an incredible technology-focused economy and a highly skilled workforce, and our investment in the country will further develop the country as a critical market for HPE’s global business, as well as benefitting our customers, partners, team members and the citizens of Ireland.”

An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that it is great news that the company has chosen Galway for its European hub for cyber security operations.

“Hewlett Packard Enterprise has been long-established in Ireland and is a significant source of employment in both Galway and Kildare,” said An Tánaiste.

“This announcement demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to our country and shows that we have the right infrastructure and ecosystem to enable leading technology companies to grow and thrive.

“I wish the Hewlett Packard Enterprise team all the best with their expansion plans.”

Pandemic Unemployment numbers in Galway fall below 24,000

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March 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Details announced for reopened Pandemic Unemployment scheme

The number of people receiving pandemic unemployment payments in Galway is continuing to slowly decline.

In the latest figures from the Department of Social Protection, there are 23,862 people receiving PUP in Galway this week, 324 fewer people than last week.

In the past week, 391 people in Galway have closed their PUP account with the Department on account of the fact that there were returning to work.

Also in Galway, there have been 8,501 people who have been medically certified for COVID-19 Enhanced Illness Benefit to date, and increase of 97 in the past week.

Speaking today on the latest PUP figures, Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said, “as the COVID-19 virus continues to affect all our lives, I want to reassure people that our department will continue to support people who are out of work due to the pandemic.”

“I know people are weary and frustrated with the ongoing restrictions. But we must realise that our vaccine rollout is ramping up and we expect one million vaccines per month to arrive in April, May and June.”

“So there is light at the end of the tunnel. But we need to continue our efforts and listen to our public health experts. Now is not the time to let our guard down.”

Nationwide the government is making pandemic unemployment payments totalling €132.25 million to 443,247 people this week, which is 6,274 fewer than last week.

These figures are in addition to the 186,702 people who were on the Live Register at the end of February.

The sector with the highest number of people receiving PUP this week is Accommodation and Food Service activities (107,043), followed by Wholesale and Retail Trade (71,099) and Construction (54,314).

COVID-19: Less than five new cases in Galway today

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March 30, 2021

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

There have been fewer than five new cases of COVID-19 reported in Galway today, out of 368 new cases nationwide.

An additional 14 deaths related to COVID-19 have also been notified by NPHET today, of which 12 occurred in March, 1 last month, and 1 in January.

When the number of daily cases in a county is less than five, a specific number is not provided in the department’s breakdown.

The 14 day incidence rate in Galway is now 113.2 cases per 100,000 people, with 292 cases in the past two weeks.

There have now been 4,681 COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland out of 235,444 confirmed cases in the state.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 2 confirmed cases.

As of 8am today, 310 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 67 are in ICU. Another 29 people have been hospitalised in the past 24 hours.

Of the cases notified today:

181 are men and 182 are women
67% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 34 years old
127 in Dublin, 34 in Kildare, 26 in Meath, 21 in Limerick, 19 in Offaly and the remaining 141 cases are spread across 18 other counties

The COVID-19 data hub provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

The Cabinet has met today to sign off on the cautious easing of some Level 5 lockdown restrictions starting from mid-April, though most economic activity will remain as is until May.

Garda dragged down street by car after stopping drunk driver

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March 30, 2021

Galway Daily courts Garda dragged down street by car driven by drunk driver

A Garda officer was dragged down the street by a car right outside the station in Galway City after stopping a suspected drunk driver.

Garda Marcus O Coisdealbha suffered cuts to his arms and knees, and a severe injury to his shoulder, after being dragged for approximately 240m by a car driven by a person he had stopped on suspicion of drunk driving.

Ryan Hunt (23), of Monalee Heights, Knocknacarra pleaded guilty to three offences at Galway Circuit Court last November, and appeared before the court again this month for sentencing.

Judge Rory McCabe sentenced him to 240 hours of community service and €2,000 in fines for endangerment, drunk driving, and dangerous driving, saying that Hunt seemed to have suffered a “moment of madness” fuelled by alcohol.

The judge added that he takes “particular note” of Garda O Coisdealbha’s testimony that the young man seemed to be genuinely remorseful.

The court heard that on November 27 of 2019, Garda O Coisdealbha was on duty at Mill Street Station in Galway City at 4:30am, waiting outside for his partner.

Before going on patrol he observed a drunk man walking past him down the street, and into the neighbouring car park. When he heard a car start, Garda O Coisdealbha went to investigate in case it was the same person driving.

He stopped the car before it could leave the car park, and spoke with the driver, and after forming the opinion that the driver was drunk, told Hunt that he was placing him under arrest.

At this point the car took off headed towards Presentation Road, knocking Garda O Coisdealbha over with his arm still inside the car. He was dragged along the road until he managed to reach into the car with his free arm and pull the keys from the ignition, before pushing himself away from the car.

Sergeant Brendan O’Grady, the investigating officer, said that analysis of cctv footage from the area showed that the car reached speeds of 59km/hr while dragging Garda O Coisdealbha.

When a blood sample was taken from Ryan Hunt following his arrest, it returned a result of 109mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, more than twice the legal limit.

In his own testimony to the court, Garda O Coisdealbha said that he thought that he was going to die, “I shouted at him that he was going to kill us both”. The Garda was also afraid that he would go under the wheels of the car when he pushed himself free from it.

After pushing himself free from the car, Garda O Coisdealbha struck his head on the ground. He suffered abrasions to his arms and knees, and a rotator cuff injury to his right shoulder. The car was stopped by a collision shortly afterwards.

Garda O Coisdealbha called for backup, and when his colleagues arrived they brought him directly to UHG after learning that an ambulance would take at least half an hour to arrive.

At the hospital, “I was so shook that I physically couldn’t open a bottle of water I was given, he said, while a doctor told him that he was lucky to be walking and talking.

After the incident the garda was off work for several months, and required physical therapy to recover from the injury to his rotator cuff.

Despite this, he said he held no animosity towards Ryan Hunt, and that he could see “regret and remorse” on Hunt’s face while he was arresting him immediately after the car stopped. However Garda O Coisdealbha did say that Hunt made a “conscious decision” to drive while drunk, and to drag him with his car.

The Circuit Court heard that Ryan Hunt had no criminal convictions prior to this, and has not come to any Garda attention since. Sgt O’Grady said that every time he spoke with Hunt, he enquired after Garda O’Coisdealbha’s health.

Mr Hunt barrister said that he accepted complete responsibility for his actions at the earliest opportunity, and that there was a very favourable probation report before the court which shows that he is considered to be at a low risk of reoffending.

Testimonials from people in his work, former teachers, and sporting life show that this incident is “out of step” with how Hunt is viewed by his peers the defence said.

The probation services’ report said that he had attended all appointments with them, and displayed genuine remorse for his actions.

Judge McCabe ordered Hunt to perform 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two year prison sentence for endangering the life of Garda O Coisdealbha.

For the dangerous driving and drunk driving offences, the judge imposed a €1,000 fine for each, and disqualified Hunt from driving for two year.

Fundraiser launched to support Galway Feminist Collective’s new food truck & library

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March 30, 2021

galway daily news stirring the pot food truck

The Galway Feminist Collective has launched a fundraising campaign to support ‘Stirring the Pot’ – the group’s exciting new cooperative food business and social enterprise.

The local feminist group has been active since 2015 and is known for its events, protests, workshops, creative actions and The F-Word, Galway’s Feminist Festival.

Now it is focusing its energy on this new project, and is striving to make its cooperatively run and owned mobile food project and library a reality in 2021.

Stirring the Pot will offer healthy vegan and vegetarian meals from around the world made by amazing home cooks at a price that is affordable to everyone.

The food trailer will also double up as a mini feminist library where people can borrow books and zines written by women and by trans and gender non-conforming writers.

“Stirring the Pot will create meaningful opportunities of work and autonomy for those involved in it and connected to it,” said Maria Heschl, a member of GFC.

“We want to source our food from local small scale farmers and growers.

“From those ingredients we want to prepare healthy food for the local community and create a space where people can meet, eat, learn, read, connect and break down cultural divides.”

Jacinta Fay, also a member of GFC said that people’s support will help get the project on the road.

“We have a mobile catering trailer which we need to kit out. Your contribution will support us to renovate the trailer, buy supplies and get the business going.

“Any contribution big or small to the crowdfunder is really appreciated,” said Jacinta.

The group will be sharing the progress of the project on their social media accounts where you can see the renovation of the trailer so it is ready for markets this summer.

You can support the fundraiser HERE!

Order of Malta gets approval for new Galway City social centre

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March 30, 2021

Galway Daily news Order of Malta gets approval for new Galway City social centre — The current Galway City Order of Malta premises on St Helen Street.

The Order of Malta is getting a new social centre in Galway City which will allow it to better provide its first aid and community care services compared to the current aging premises.

Planning permission has been granted to the charity for the conversion of Unit 3 Kilkerrin Business Park in the Liosbain Industrial Estate to its new social centre in Galway City.

The charity has been seeking a new home in Galway City for a number of years, as its current premises, a decades old converted garage, is not fit for purposes.

Galway City Council approved the application, for the change of use from light industrial to social centre and retention for the first floor of the unit, with four standard conditions attached.

One submission related to this development was received from City Councillor John Connolly, saying that this would allow the Order of Malta to move from its current premises which has “clearly outlived its practical use” and is more challenging for service users to access.

“The Order of Malta provide first aid training and services for a variety of organisations and events throughout the city. In addition to this work, the Order of Malta operate a communal centre to provide social care to elderly citizens who live alone.”

The site, which is zoned C1, allowing for the development of community and cultural facilities, would be appropriate for such a group Councillor Connolly said.

The Order of Malta Ireland first established in Galway back in 1938, establishing an ambulance corps under the Irish Association’s Chancellor, the Marquis Patrick MacSwiney of Marshanaglass, and Dr. Charles Conor O’Malley, Professor of Opthalmology and Otology in University College Galway.

On top of this continuing service, the charity also provides a wide range of first aid courses including paediatric, cardiac, and emergency first aid training.

The charity’s current Galway premises on Helen Street were purchased over 60 years ago, and are in a “poor structural state” and no longer fit for purpose the planning application states.

This building is mainly used in the operation of their Centre for Older People and as a training and meeting facility for the organisations’ members.

“Since the onset of Covid-19 our centre has been suspended and the need to acquire a suitable replacement premises has become more evident, in order for our organisation to be compliant, especially from a Health and Safety perspective.”

The new centre in the Liosbain Industrial Estate will be used to enable the provision of first aid services at sporting, civic, cultural, and religious events around the city.

It will also be used to better facilitate the Centre for Older People, which sees older people collected from their homes three times a week, and brought their for an evening meal and entertainment, providing an essential social outlet for older people living alone.

Call for investment in housing and public transport in rural areas

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March 30, 2021