Modern six bedroom house has stunning lake views

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February 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

Delays in referrals and a problems with allowing over 55s have lead to thousands of vacancies on Community Employment Schemes Galway TD Seán Canney has said.

The Department of Social Protection has said that there are over 3,000 vacancies on CE schemes around the country.

Deputy Canney said that these numbers are “unacceptable” considering the “vital services” CE schemes deliver for local communities.

“These CE Schemes provide vital services to communities, local authorities, disability groups and are an integral component in delivering services”.

“Due to issues with the interpretations of rules within the scheme for participants over 55 years of age and the breakdown in the referral system from the Department they are now over 3,000 unfilled places on the schemes nationally.”

The Galway East TD said that Minister Heather Humphreys has assured him that issues regarding over 55s will be resolved.

The Minister and department officials also said that a “better and more frequent” system of referrals will be introduced for Community Employment schemes.

Earlier this month, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice highlighted that a number over 55s who are entitled to stay on the scheme for up to six years consecutively are instead being forced to take a year out after three years, and then reapply to the scheme.

Thus us due to a change of the rules introduced for the Community Employment Scheme, but should not apply to people over 55 who joined before July 3, 2017.

Connacht v Benetton preview: Robust defence key says Wilkins

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February 24, 2021

Galway Daily rugby Four changes made to starting XV for Connacht v Glasgow

Connacht will need a “robust” defence in order to win against Benetton Rugby this Friday as they head into the final stretch of the Guinness PRO14.

While the Italian side are so far without a single win this season, Connacht defensive coach Pete Wilkins believes that Connacht needs to be wary of their kicking game, and how quickly they can shift from defence to offence.

“For me, I think Benetton’s biggest threat is coming out of their own half,” the former Queensland Reds’ defensive coach said of the Treviso-based team’s best tactical attribute.

“They kick long and effectively, in terms of the distances they get when they are exiting. But they are also very dangerous running out from that bit of the field.

“They are not afraid to take risks and offload out of tackles when they are coming out of their what we call C zone, coming out of that area between the 22-metre line and halfway.”

“They will take risks and they will play to width. How we control them getting access to the ball will be really important in that regard,” Pete Wilkins said.

“The quality of our kicking game, not conceding attacking turnovers in their half of the field, that will be important in terms of denying them access to the game.”

Connacht are coming in strong on the back of two successive wins. Last Friday’s 32-17 victory over the Cardiff Blues at the Sportsground also marked the end of a rough string of defeats on the Eagles home turf.

This Friday’s trip to Italy is the first of four successive games that Connacht Rugby will be playing in the coming weeks, with Wilkins saying their only goal is to qualify for the final.

Connacht have won their last two Guinness PRO14 matches against Cardiff and the Dragons, and will be hoping to maintain that momentum in Italy this Friday.

There’s certainly a positive atmosphere among all involved in the club at the moment, with new lock Oisín Dowling saying that the positive environment among staff and players was a big part of helping him settle after joining from Leinster.

“Obviously there’s a difference between coaches and players, but everyone gets on really well, like friends. There’s always good craic between each other and I think that helps the team and the bond with the players and the coaches.”

Connacht v Benetton will take place this Friday, February 26, with kick-off at 5:30pm Irish Time.

Man fined after not showing up to make poor box contribution

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February 24, 2021

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A young Limerick man was convicted and fined in his absence at Galway District Court, after not showing up to make a donation to the court poor box.

Jordan McCarthy (20), of Patrickswell, Co. Limerick was charged with multiple public order offences which took place at the Garda Regional Headquarters in Murrough on August 1 of last year.

He had been charged with being intoxicated in public, as well as the use of threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour in a public place under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act.

When he was before the court on this last September, McCarthy was given the opportunity to make a €200 donation to the court poor box for charity to avoid a conviction.

However he failed to show up at Galway District Court this year on January 25, the date given to make payment. He failed to appear again this month.

Solicitor Olivia Traynor said she had been unable to make contact with her client, and asked the court for one more chance.

Judge Mary Fahy convicted him of both offences, imposing a fine of €300 for the threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, and €100 for the public intoxication.

The judge also certified a breach of MCarthy’s bail recognisance, and ordered that the €100 lodged for it be forfeited.

Four bog tourism projects in East Galway approved funding

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February 24, 2021

Galway Daily news Galway site chosen for €8.5 million rewilding project

Four Galway groups have been awarded grants for the conservation and development of local bog and peatlands to promote them as tourism amenities.

Minister of State Malcolm Noonan announced this week that €230,000 is being awarded to 25 organisations around the country for a variety of different peatlands projects.

The initiatives themselves were put forward to the government by a range of local community and environmental organisations, and are aimed at specific targets in their area.

The largest award for a Galway project has gone to the Looscaun Shannonside Development Group, which is receiving €25,000 for hedge trimming, bog track maintenance and upgrade works.

This is part of their project to develop a walking and cycling trail through Cloonmoylan/Barroughter Bogs Special Areas of Conservation.

Another €20,000 will go to the Galway Telework Co-Operative Society in Mountbellew for works on Carrownagappul bog.

This ongoing maintenance and repair of bog roads, erecting new signage, and installing outdoor seating. Work will also begin on a new tourism initiative to promote ‘Galway’s Living Bog’, including developing a new interpretative centre and guided tours.

The Attymon Development Group are being funded with €10,000 to undertake specialised surveys of breeding birds, mammals & butterflies that aims to help showcase the wildlife of Attymon Bog.

This will be used to produce a promotional video using professional wildlife footage, aerial footage and interviews; create a booklet and online resource; and host a series nature walks and day-on-the-bog events.

Lastly, the Kilchreest/Castledaly Community Development Group will receive €3,000 for waste management measures, signage, and monitoring within the Sonnagh Bog Special Area of Conservation.

Galway East Green Party representative Eoin Madden stated that he was pleased to see these initiatives from “active community and volunteer groups and environmental organisations” being supported by the government.

Galway had the second highest level of successful applicants to the scheme, only exceeded by Roscommon, where five projects were approved.

Eoin Madden added that projects that targeting local amenities like these are important with a summer and autumn of staycations expected this year.

“The incredible beauty of East Galway will be highlighted for the benefit of local communities and holiday makers by means of these funds. They will also protect our beautiful countryside while bringing visitors to our county”.

Confirmed: Level 5 until 5th April, schools to reopen from March

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February 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Coronavirus: Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions to come in midnight Tuesday

An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has announced that Level 5 COVID-19 restrictions will remain in place until at least April 5, with schools set to begin reopening from Monday, March 1.

The Taoiseach confirmed the measures following a Cabinet meeting earlier today, at which Ministers agreed to extend the current lockdown until Easter Monday.

On March 1, junior and senior infants will return as well as first and second class in primary school. In secondary schools, Leaving Certificate classes will also return next week.

The rest of primary school classes and fifth years at secondary schools are expected to return two weeks later on March 15.

After the Easter Holidays, all remaining secondary school students below fifth year will return on this target date.

Pandemic Unemployment Payments will also be extended until the end of June.

Addressing the nation, The Taoiseach said that we are all completely fed up with the restrictions, and that our progress in response to this wave has been one of the best in Europe.

“When we open things we want them to stay open,” he said, urging everyone to continue their efforts to follow the public health advice and restrictions.

“We need to use the month of march to drive down case numbers,” he added, thanking those on the frontline in the health service.

“I know how hard this, I know the toll that this is having on so many people’s mental health and wellbeing… But the end is in sight,” he said.

Schools and childcare reopening

1 March	Special schools at 100% capacity
	Junior and senior infants, 1st and 2nd class to return to school
	Final year Leaving Certificate classes to return to school subject to final agreement
8 March	Resumption of the ECCE programme and return to school of ECCE-age children
15 March	3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th class at primary level
	5th year post-primary students to return to school
29 March	Early learning and care, and school-age childcare services to reopen
12 April	1st to 4th years post-primary return to school

COVID-19: 45 deaths reported today, and 38 new Galway cases

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February 23, 2021

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

There have been 45 more deaths related to COVID-19 reported by health officials today, along with 575 new confirmed cases.

Another 38 new cases have been reported in Galway today, the second highest level in the country.

The incidence rate in Galway is now 330.5 per 100,000 people, with 853 cases reported in the county over the past two weeks.

Of the deaths reported today, 41 occurred in February and four took place in January.

The average age of those who died was 84 years old, and the victims ranged in age from 55 to 104.

There have now been a total of 4,181 deaths related to COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland, and 216,300 confirmed cases of the disease.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of one death and eight confirmed cases.

As of 8am today, 693 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised in Ireland, of whom 150 are in ICU. There have been 37 additional hospitalisations in the past 24 hours.

Of the cases notified today:

272 are men and 298 are women
68% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 32 years old
218 in Dublin, 38 in Galway, 35 in Louth, 27 in Limerick, 26 in Westmeath and the remaining 231 cases are spread across 20 other counties

The Cabinet today signed off on plans to extend the Level 5 lockdown restrictions until April 5 except for a phased return of some schoolchildren.

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

Ballygar doctor’s surgery destroyed in fire this morning

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news ballygar fire doctors surgery — Photo: Ballygar Banter Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BallygarBanter

A medical centre in Ballygar has been significantly damaged after a fire tore through the building this morning.

Vaccinations were scheduled at Dr Martin Daly’s surgery this week – but the local doctor says he is certain that people in the area will receive their vaccinations despite this morning’s blaze.

The fire caused significant damage throughout the medical practice. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/BallygarBanter

The fire began at approximately 7.30 this morning and the fire service arrived at the scene by 7.45am.

All medical records were saved online and a temporary practice is to be set up in a former Nursing Home.

The medical centre in Ballygar is owned by well-known local GP Martin Daly and his wife Myriam. In October, Dr Martin Daly raised concerns about a nursing home in Ballinasloe at which 22 of 24 residents tested positive for COVID-19.

BALLYGAR HEALTH CENTRE UPDATE
PLEASE NOTE NEW CONTACT NUMBERS.
ALL EMERGENCY CALLS PLEASE PHONE
086 3859450
ALL OTHER QUERIES PLEASE PHONE
087 3610079
HEALTH CENTRE CLOSED FOR REMAINDER OF TODAY.
MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW.. pic.twitter.com/pIR9mlgbHo

— PETER DALY (@PETERDA93373852) February 23, 2021

Three Galway groups shortlisted for National Lottery Good Causes awards

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February 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Three Galway groups shortlisted for National Lottery Good Causes awards — East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support

Three different groups that contribute to the lifeblood of Galway are in the running as finalists for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.

The National Lottery has shortlisted 36 organisations around the country for the 2021 awards across six categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community and Youth.

A seventh category, Irish Language, will have a special award to be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done in the promotion of the Irish Language.

East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support has been nominated for the Health & Wellbeing award, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is shortlisted in the Arts & Culture category, and The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is up for the Youth Awards.

Three Galway groups shortlisted for National Lottery Good Causes awards — Baboro International Arts Festival for Children

CEO of the National Lottery, Andrew Algeo said “The Good Causes Awards allow us to shine a light on the outstanding work being done in our communities by extraordinary groups.”

“Our aim is to recognize the exceptional contributions of our finalists and show the people of Ireland exactly what their participation and support in the National Lottery is achieving within their communities.”

“We are all aware of how difficult the past year has been and how important sports clubs, organisations and groups are to our wellbeing.”

“This truly is our chance to show our appreciation for keeping our communities going during such uncertain times.”

The National Lottery donates nearly 30 cents of every €1 spent on the lotto back to good causes, totalling more than €5.8 Billion since the Lottery was established 33 years ago.

In 2020 alone, €254 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support is a Ballinasloe based charity which provides a network of psychological, emotional and practical support for those diagnosed with cancer.

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is a world renowned part of the incredible stable of arts festivals here in Galway, with a huge range of events and performances devoted specifically to children and families taking place each October.

The Clarinbridge based Irish Pilgrimage Trust takes children with special needs on pilgrimages to Lourdes, as well as organising week long trips to their Kilcuan and Cois Cuain holiday homes.

After each group had the chance to make a presentation to a panel of judge last week, the winners of the 2021 Good Causes awards will be announced on May 29.

Each national category winner will receive €10,000 while the overall Good Cause of the Year will get an additional €25,000 on top of this.

One person receives minor injuries in Milltown traffic collision

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February 23, 2021

One person received minor injuries after a road traffic collision on the outskirts of Milltown this morning.

Gardaí and ambulances attended the scene of a two car collision which occurred near Milltown Business Park at approximately 8am on Tuesday morning.

One person involved was treated at the scene for non serious injuries, Gardaí said.

No-one was taken to hospital as a result of this traffic incident.

The road was closed, but has reopened to traffic today.

Kerrane introduces bill seeking rural equality from public bodies

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February 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Lack of Island specific group in LEADER programme criticised

Galway TD Claire Kerrane has introduced a Rural Equality Bill which aims to guarantee equal investment and consideration for rural Ireland by public bodies.

The bill would require public bodies to develop a Rural Impact Scheme which would require them to assess the socio-economic impact measures they adopt would have on rural Ireland.

Public bodies would also be required by the bill to look at exercising their function in a manner that is designed to “reduce the inequalities suffered by those in rural Ireland” resulting from socio-economic disadvantage.

Deputy Kerrane said that it is more important than ever to ensure that rural Ireland receives equal investment and services as COVID-19 has seen people moving a way from urban areas.

The Sinn Féin said that “certainly the first time in my lifetime” people are moving away from cities to move towards towns and villages.

“With this, we need to ensure adequate investment and services follow to support and sustain rural towns and villages.”

“We have a once in a lifetime opportunity post-Covid to get this right. That means a united approach with all key stakeholders on board to make this happen.”

The Rural Equality Bill was introduced to the Oireachtas on February 17, and is currently at the second stage in the Dáil.

It is all but identical to a bill introduced by Sinn Féin Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny in 2017, which was voted down at the second stage.

The only difference in the text of the two bills is that the 2021 version specifies the Minister for Rural and Community Development, as opposed to the Minister for Agriculture.

Deputy Kerrane said that requiring bodies like the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to carry out rural impact assessments for their measures is about “fair play and equality”, and accused previous governments of neglecting rural Ireland.

“Many never recovered from the 2008 economic crash – services were taken away, jobs were lost and never replaced, towns became derelict and businesses closed.”

“The consequences of this neglect has been highlighted by the EU Commission in the case of the West and North West region in downgrading it from a Developed Region to a Region in Transition because when it comes to investment in jobs, infrastructure and education, we are at the bottom of the table.”

“We have an opportunity with increased access to funding from Europe between now and 2027 during which time the EU will contribute €60 for every €100 invested in the West and North West. We need to take full advantage of this.”

World Premiere of ‘Portráidí Criathraigh’ available online as part of Galway 2020

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news film culture Portráidí Criathraigh

The film ‘Portráidí Criathraigh’ (Bog Portraits) will premiere online on Monday 1 March as part of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture.

Directed by Ríonach Ní Néill and Joe Lee, the film follows the making of Portráidí Criathraigh, a landscape installation artwork located in the bog at Ros Muc in Connemara by visual artist Seán Ó Flaithearta in 2019 and 2020.

Ríonach and Joe are award-winning film directors and have won awards for their filmmaking at festivals in Spain, the Netherlands and Ireland.

The artwork was commissioned by Ríonach Ní Néill as part of a series of installations looking at the interplay between Gaeltacht culture, weather and landscape.

Seán and Ríonach collaborated with the local community in Ros Muc to find suitable sites in the bog to create the portraits and to choose two local people, the sean-nós dancer Cóilín Sheáin Dharach Seoige and Bridget Aylward, Queen of Alaska to be honoured in the installation.

“Using bog-cutting techniques to carve out the portraits, Seán’s work pays homage to the importance of the bogs for Gaeltacht communities,” said film’s co-director Ríonach Ní Néill.

“It is quiet and still now, but until recently this bog would have been noisy with chat and laughter as people of all ages gathered to bring in the turf.

“The film captures a relationship on the cusp – no longer our source of fuel, what will the bogs mean to us in the future.”

The Portraits of Bridget Aylward and Cóilín Sheáin Dharach Seoige which have been beautifully cut into the bog by Seán Ó Flaithearta are clearly visible and look different each day depending on whether the weather is wet or dry.

Marilyn Gaughan Reddan, Head of Programme at Galway 2020 added: “This is such an important project, as always Ríonach Ní Néill has managed to capture the essence of a true European capital of culture project, in the celebration of place, people and participation

“We are really honoured to have these incredible projects in our programme and know that this work is captured for future generations to come is such an important legacy.”

Bridget Aylward was born Bríd Ní Mhainnín in 1865 Ros Muc. She emigrated to America as a maid and made her way to the Yukon where she made her fortune in gold mining and earned the moniker Queen of Alaska.

In her old age she returned to Ros Muc, which was still blighted by poverty, and left her fortune in a foundation for the education of local children. Though she died in 1958, her foundation is still giving educational opportunities, three generations on.

Cóilín Sheáin Dharach Seoige didn’t take up dancing until his 50s, and it was in his 60s and 70s that he gained recognition as one of the finest exponents of the Connemara style of sean-nós dancing.

The art-form was dying out in the 1980s, but Cóilín is credited for inspiring a new generation of dancers to emulate him and sean-nós is now danced across the globe.

The Portráidí Criathraigh film will premiere on 1 March, with two live online screenings at 6.30pm and 7.30pm only.

The 6.30pm screening will be followed by a Q and A in English and in Irish with Directors Ríonach Ní Néill and Joe Lee and Artist Seán Ó Flaithearta.

The 7.30pm screening will be hosted by Oifigigh Pleanála Teanga na Gaillimhe followed by an Q and A in Irish with the artist and directors.

To register for the online screening visit www.turaschonamara.ie

One bedroom city apartment ideal for first-time buyers

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news property auction apartment galway city rahoon

This one bedroom apartment in a friendly Galway city neighbourhood has a bright, well-laid out interior, making it ideal for a first-time buyer or for those looking for a fantastic investment opportunity.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering Apartment 4 at 117 Claremont Park in Rahoon for sale at their property auction this Friday, 26 February at 12 noon, with an advised minimum value of just €90,000.

The first floor apartment has a spacious open plan lounge and kitchen area as well as a spacious bedroom.

It is excellently located near NUI Galway and UCHG, and the property also benefits from a host of local amenities and services, such as Westside Shopping Centre and playing fields, and Knocknacarra Shopping Centre.

There are also local primary and secondary schools nearby, and the beautiful Salthill Promenade is only six minutes drive away from the property.

1 of 3

The apartment does require some upgrading and modernising, however it has the potential to provide an ideal first time buyer or alternatively, the property could be considered as an ideal investment opportunity given the proximity to both NUIG and the City.

To find out more about Apartment 4, 117 Claremont Park, visit: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/apartment-4-117-claremont-park-rahoon-galway-city/4481526

To view the full list of properties in O’Donnellan and Joyce’s upcoming auction this Friday at 12 midday, see: https://property.odonnjoyce.com/auction/properties/4249

BER: D1

Galway native appointed as new Dean at LIT

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news dr maura clancy limerick institute of technology dean galway

Dr Maura Clancy from Esker, Castleblakeney, has been appointed as Limerick Institute of Technology’s new Dean in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology.

An advocate of lifelong learning, Dr Clancy is a business owner with qualifications from GMIT and NUI Galway.

In 2000, she returned to full-time education, studying mathematics and English at NUI Galway before completing a PhD in Mathematics in 2009.

Dr Clancy was awarded an Irish Research Council scholarship to carry out research in Mathematics and has worked in the area of engineering mathematics and statistics for the past 12 years.

Speaking about her role as Dean, Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology and Director of Progression Pathways, Dr Clancy said that science and technology are the requisites for a successful economy, particularly a knowledge-based economy.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to help shape developments over the next number of years,” she said.

“Fostering an interest in these subjects is incumbent on us all; addressing future skills needs is intrinsic to growing the number of learners attracted to science and technology.

“For example, the average annual number of ICT vacancies is 8,000 with an average of 3,000 graduates. Average performance in these areas is simply not enough if we are to achieve our national enterprise strategy.”

Dr Clancy added that we must continue to tackle the issue of gender imbalance, ensuring equality, diversity, and access for all.

“Our programmes must be responsive, agile, and innovative. There is an excellent team here at LIT and I look forward to working with them to fulfil the needs of all our stakeholders,” she said.

Dr Clancy served as Director of the Maths Support Centre at NUI Galway from 2009 to 2011, and developed maths and statistics support modules for the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics.

She also served as a mathematics consultant for a project with Anne Shannon & Associates LLC, Oakland, California, in conjunction with the University of Nottingham and UC Berkeley, which aimed to improve the standard of mathematics and statistics teaching in American Schools.

Dr Clancy began teaching mathematics and statistics in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, LIT, in 2012 and was appointed Head of Department in 2019, before being named Dean for the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology and Director of Progression Pathways in 2021.

“LIT has always fostered relationships with the Further Education and Training sector, as Director of Progression Pathways my job is to deepen collaboration and ensure a closer working relationship for the benefit of the learner,” she added.

“There is a need to expand access provision and clarify progression routes to enable learners to transition from Levels 4 and 5 to Levels 6, 7, 8 and beyond. This is a role very close to my heart, the opportunities are immense and rewarding.”

Galway students to participate in ‘hair raising’ fundraiser!

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news hair raising fundraiser students union

NUI Galway students will participate in a ‘Hair Raiser’ charity fundraiser as part NUIG Students’ Union’s next Charity Challenge.

The fundraiser which will take place throughout March will be ideal for anyone sick of their lockdown locks as participants will be shaving or dyeing their hair to raise funds for the SU charities.

Those taking part in the challenge will be asking friends and family to donate and
vote for what hairdo they should get, which could be anything from pink stripes to a mohawk – or even both!

All funds raised will be going to the SU Charities: Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway Autism Partnership and Helplink Mental Health.

The Students’ Union has already raised over €5,000 for the charities so far this year.

“We are really excited about our next Charity Challenge! So many of us are lamenting our lockdown hair, myself included, so this will be a great chance for a new look for a good cause,” said Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.

“I can’t wait to see what “hair raising” hair style I end up with when people start voting and donating!”

Students’ Union Education Officer Emma Sweeney said that this challenge is open to all – students, staff and the public.

“We are asking everyone to lend us their heads for three amazing charities this March.

“It’s going to be great craic and you never know, a purple mullet might really suit you!”

Galway weather: Heavy wind and rain expected throughout the day

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February 23, 2021

Galway Daily news Weather warning for continued heavy rain in Galway

Terrible weather conditions are expected to prevail in Galway until later tonight at least, with two weather warnings in effect for today.

Met Eireann has issued two status yellow weather warnings for heavy wind and rain which are effecting Galway today.

A wind warning for all of Ireland warns of average wind speeds of 50-65km/hr throughout the day, with gusts reaching up to 110km/hr.

Where these winds are onshore, there is an accompanying risk of coastal flooding.

The strongest winds reported in Galway so far were gusts of 85km/hr recorded at Mace Head weather station at 9am this morning.

A separate rainfall warning for all of Connacht, Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick forecasts up to 50mm of rainfall today, after heavy rain also fell on Monday night.

This will lead to some river flooding and localised surface flooding Met Eireann cautions.

The wind warning will expire at 6pm this evening, while the rainfall weather warning is currently set to persist until 9pm Tuesday night.

Highest temperatures of 11 to 13 degrees today, dropping to an average of 8 to 10 degrees tonight.

Pulses of heavy rain will gradually clear eastward heading into the night, with scattered showers coming in behind.

The south of Ireland is getting it even worse today, with a Status Orange warning for counties Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Waterford warning of very heavy rain throughout the day and evening.

Up to 80mm of rainfall is expected to fall in the south, bringing a strong likelihood of further river flooding and surface flooding.

COVID-19: Fewer than 30 cases in Galway hospitals

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February 23, 2021

galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

There are fewer than 30 people being treated for COVID-19 in Galway’s acute hospitals according to the latest figures, as cases numbers continue to decline.

There were 25 confirmed cases at UHG as of 8pm on Monday, and a further three cases at Portiuncula the HSE states.

That’s down from 30 and four at the Galway and Ballinasloe hospitals respectively on the previous day’s figures.

The number of those in serious conditions who have been admitted to the ICU remains unchanged however, with seven confirmed COVID-19 cases at UHG.

There are a further three suspected cases in Galway, and two in Ballinasloe, for whom test results are being awaited.

One of the suspected cases at Portiuncula Hospital is in the Intensive Care Unit.

There were a total of 676 people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Ireland as of 8pm on Monday evening, of whom 154 were in the ICU.

There were three deaths among COVID patients in Intensive Care in the 24 hours preceding 8am on Monday.

Yesterday saw a further 21 confirmed cases reported in Galway, thankfully breaking the streak of Galway consistently having one of the highest levels of daily cases in the country in the week before.

Join Croí on a virtual walk to the Wild Atlantic Way

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February 23, 2021

Galway Daily life & style Join Croí in a virtual walk to the Wild Atlantic Way

Join Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, this St. Patrick’s Day on a virtual mission and discover Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic Way.

Croí’s Couch to Wild Atlantic Way offers people a chance of a lifetime to enjoy the west coast by running, walking or jogging part of this spectacular route over the next six weeks on a virtual mission.

Your progress will be tracked through an interactive map, where people can sponsor you along your way to raise essential funds for the Galway based charity.

“We launched this event last year to give people an exciting virtual mission in support of Croí, while adhering to the guidelines,” explains Croí’s Fundraising Director, Christine Flanagan.

“Our interactive Wild Atlantic Way map connects people with the beautiful west coast, even from their local 5km.”

Demand for Croí services has increased throughout the pandemic, as COVID-19 has made it more difficult for people to access some health services, and exacerbated isolation among vulnerable people.

Croí responded to the needs of those living with heart disease and stroke with a range of new services, including a free telephone helpline, Heartlink West; virtual stroke support groups; virtual fitness classes; and online webinars and health chats.

But at the same time as the range of services on offer, and the number of people availing of them, has skyrocketed, it has become much harder for charities like Croí to fundraise.

We hope you will join us on this virtual mission. Your support is vital to Croí– every euro raised will help the fight against heart disease and stroke,” says Flanagan.

Registration is just €15, and all registrants receive an eco-friendly Couch to Wild Atlantic Way medal, plus participants who raise over €50 will receive a Wild Atlantic Way t-shirt.

Register now at www.croi.ie/waw. Let’s fight heart disease and stroke together, one step at a time.

How to Buy Indoor Plants in Cold Weather And Take Care of Newcomers

By

Angela Mc Bride

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February 23, 2021

Of course, you can buy indoor plants in cold weather. What problems or nuances could there be? First of all, it is improper transportation to home. Be sure to pack and insulate the plant in every possible way — you can use craft paper, newspapers, or bubble wrap. Depending on the temperature outside and the time you plan to spend there, add one or more layers. It is crucial that too cold air does not reach the delicate leaves and not subcool the earth.

Pay special attention to the warming of the plant, if the soil in the pot is wet. If it is subcooled, it will cause serious damage to the roots and can cause the death of the plant. It is especially crucial for the summer flowering bulbs as they are delicate and require extra care.

Choosing flowers While choosing a new flower, it is better to opt for unpretentious decorative deciduous plants, rather than flowering or fruiting ones. From the latter, buds and fruits are likely to fall off almost immediately. Here are some good options:
● Epipremnum;
● philodendron;
● spathiphyllum;
● zamioculcas;
● sansevieria;
● aspidistra.

The place of purchase is also essential. This is true for any time of the year, but in mass markets, there is a much higher chance of taking an already diseased plant. Just add incorrect transportation and get it quickly ruined on the windowsill. In small local plant shops, sellers will most likely suggest all the nuances of care in the winter, carefully pack or even offer their delivery.

Looking for Plants

The main problem in winter is short daylight hours and excessively dry air due to heating. Therefore, place the plants as close to the window as possible (but make sure there are no drafts) and additionally humidify the air. Someone uses cans of water or sprays the leaves, but the best option is buying a humidifier once and please not only the plants but also yourself. If you manage to keep the humidity in the region of 40-50% — that’s great. For example, heating can dry the air up to 10% in winter, which is very bad for everyone.

Pay special attention to watering. On the one hand, with a decrease in daylight hours, the plant consumes less moisture, so watering should be reduced. On the other hand, excessively dry air can dry out the soil in a pot in a couple of days so much that the next time you water the soil, it will simply not be wetted enough.

Plants develop more slowly in winter, so there is no need to ask too much of them. Also, do not try to speed up the process of fertilizing, this can provoke its growth, but in the absence of light, the shoots will stretch ugly, and the leaves will shrink.

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February 22, 2021