Major burst water main disrupting supply to Barna, Moycullen, and Knocknacarra

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January 30, 2021

An Garda Síochána is cautioning people to stay home this weekend, with a warning that fines can now be issued for anyone caught attending or organising house parties.

Gardaí issued fines to 16 people for attending or organising house parties in Galway, Cork, Limerick, and Kilkenny/Carlow on Thursday.

Anyone organising a house party can now be hit with a fine of €500 under current regulations, and attending one could result in a €150 fine.

On top of the fines for attending a party, An Garda Síochána state that someone could also be issued with a €100 fine for non-essential travel, even if only going over to the neighbour’s house.

More than 2,400 fines have been issued for non-essential travel by An Garda Síochána as of this week.

There have been a further 63 fines issued to people for not wearing face masks in locations where it s required.

The vast bulk of these, 50 fines in total, were to people who wouldn’t wear a mask in a shop.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said, “The vast majority of people are continuing to play their part in tackling the spread of COVID-19.

“They are staying home, only making essential journeys, and exercising within 5km of their homes. We appreciate the sacrifices they are making and we ask them to keep it up.”

“However, there are still some people putting themselves their loved ones, their friends, and their neighbours at risk of getting COVID-19 by not adhering to the regulations.

“People are dying from COVID-19. People are seriously ill. Our brave doctors, nurses, medical staff and other front-line workers are putting their lives on the line to protect others.”

“They need our support and they deserve our respect. The best way of doing this is to stay home.”

Nationwide checkpoints and high visibility patrols at public amenities across the country are continuing this weekend.

An Garda Síochána are also continuing to conduct checkpoints on access roads to airports and ports to check on whether people travelling to these locations are making an essential journey.

COVID-19: Fewer than 70 confirmed cases in Galway hospitals

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January 30, 2021

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

There were fewer that 70 COVID-19 patients hospitalised in Galway as of Friday evening according to the latest HSE figures.

University Hospital Galway reported 63 confirmed cases, with another 6 at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, as of 8pm on Friday.

UHG has seen significant gains in the level of COVID-19 patients compared to other acute hospitals in the country in recent days.

From reporting the third highest number of patients earlier this month, there are now eleven other hospitals reporting more patients.

But despite the overall drop in number, the status of the Intensive Care Units at both hospitals continues to be extremely serious.

There were 18 COVID-19 patients in the ICU at University Hospital Galway as of Friday night, with another 4 at Portiuncula.

Portiuncula Hospital was also awaiting test results on another suspected case in Critical Care.

Nationwide there were 1,489 confirmed cases in Irish acute hospitals as of the time of counting yesterday, of whom 210 were in the ICU.

There were 9 deaths related to the disease reported among ICU patients in the 24 hours prior to this.

Child Psychology services to resume in Headford

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January 30, 2021

Galway Daily news People in Galway urged to know their healthcare options for Bank Holiday

The HSE is progressing with plans to reinstate child psychology services for the Headford and Lackagh primary care service area.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that he has received confirmation that approval has been given for a permanent post to be filled.

Approval was given for the new hiring last December, and the HSE has said that they are now “actively working” to fill the post on a permanent basis.

“I welcome this progress as these services are vital for children in need of same. It is intolerable at any level not to have these services available”.

“I now call on the HSE to progress the appointment and reinstate the service without any further delay”.

Week-long course in journalism for Transition Year students

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January 30, 2021

galway daily news journalism course at nui galway as gaeilge

Transition Year students in Gaelscoileanna are being offered a unique insight to journalism in an online course with some of Ireland’s finest television, radio and digital journalists and broadcasters.

NUI Galway, Nuacht RTÉ and TG4 are running the week-long Iriseoirí an lae amárach programme in conjunction with An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) and the Department of Education.

The course is aimed at post-primary students in Gaeltacht and Irish-medium schools and will be held via Zoom between the first and fourth of March 2021.

Each day a mix of material will be presented by a team drawn from NUI Galway’s media and communications courses and from journalists broadcasting on TG4, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and producing content for online platforms.

Award winning video journalist and filmmaker Seán Mac an tSíthigh will share his skills and experience in compiling stories of a cinematic quality for TG4 and RTÉ.

Gormfhlaith Ní Thuairisg will also give an insight into packing the difficult questions into Adhmhaidin, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta’s flagship current affairs programme.

Television news anchors Eimear Ní Chonaola and Siún Nic Gearailt will speak of the joys and the trials and tribulations of daily live broadcasting. Choosing and presenting stories for online platforms will be covered by Siún Ní Dhuinn of RTÉ Digiteach/Gaeilge.ie.

The course will also give an insight into following a career path in media and advice on providing stories for a sporting nation on GAA, soccer and horseracing will also be outlined and discussed.

“The last few years, punctuated by the catch-cry of ‘fake news’, have made us all more conscious of the importance of quality journalism,” said Professor Breandán Mac Suibhne, Stiúrthóir Léinn, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, NUI Galway.

“Iriseoirí an lae amárach enables Transition Year Students to see for themselves what journalism involves and it gives them experience that may help them decide if they wish to pursue a career in a field so vital to democracy and social justice.

“And it will also give them a sense of the opportunities offered by a BA at NUI Galway.”

“This new course will present careers in journalism to post-primary students in Gaeltacht areas and in Irish medium post-primary schools throughout the country along with emphasising the importance of high quality journalism and informing students of opportunities through the medium of Irish in this area,” said Chief Executive of COGG Muireann Ní Mhóráin.

COVID-19: 48 further deaths and 45 Galway cases

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January 29, 2021

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

There have been 48 further deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 1,254 new cases.

Of today’s cases, 45 are in Galway. The 14-day incidence rate here is now at 480.9 cases per 100,000 people.

The deaths notified today were among patients between 30 and 99 years old, with the average of the disease’s victims being 82 years of age.

There were 1,518 COVID-19 patients in hospital in Ireland as of this afternoon, of whom 211 were in the ICU.

There have now been a total of 3,214 COVID-19 related deaths in the Republic of Ireland, and 193,892 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic.

Drunken brawl in Eyre Square wouldn’t make “Mike Tyson shake in his boots”

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January 29, 2021

A drunken brawl between two men in Eyre Square last August that was caught on CCTV was hardly enough to make “Mike Tyson shake in his boots” Galway District Court heard this week.

Pa McCarthy (31), with a former address at Seaman Drive, Riverside, Galway City pleaded guilty being intoxicated in public to such an extent that he was a danger to himself or others, as well as the use of threatening, insulting or abusive words or behaviour under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

However he contested, and was ultimately acquitted, of the charge of affray on the grounds that other members of the public were not in fear for their safety.

Garda Dermot Brennan told the court that on August 14 last year, at 8:50pm, he was directed to Eyre Square where two men were reportedly fighting in public.

Upon arriving he found two men, both extremely drunk, shouting at each other and bleeding from facial injuries.

CCTV footage was played for the court which showed McCarthy and other man drunkenly boxing each other for a number of minutes on the grass in Eyre Square.

Members of the public went about their business and ignored them as the fight continued, until Gardaí arrived after several minutes.

Commenting on the footage shown, Ms Oliva Traynor, defence solicitor, said “I doubt my client is going to win any awards for making Mike Tyson shake in his boots”.

She asked the judge to dismiss the affray charge on the grounds that no other person was put in fear by the incident.

The charge of Affray under Section 16 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 requires two or more people using or threatening violence against one another, where their conduct is: “such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at that place to fear for his or another person’s safety.”

Ms Traynor highlighted that Garda Brennan was called to the scene as the incident was being monitored live by Gardaí on the CCTV camera, but that no member of the public called Gardaí about the incident.

Inspector Des Beirne said that McCarthy and the other man were engaged in unlawful violence in a public place, with other people around them, which was the basis for the charge.

Judge Marie Keane said that it was “extraordinary” that people were simply walking past this fight as if nothing was happening, but that the evidence doesn’t meet the threshold required for Affray.

She dismissed that charge, and convicted him on the other two public order offences.

The court heard that McCarthy has an extensive criminal history, predominately public order and thefts, and is currently serving a ten month.

Judge Keane sentence him to three months in prison for the threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour, to be served consecutive to his current sentence, with the public drunkenness charge taken into account.

Leave to appeal was granted, with recognisance of his bond of €100.

Snow and icy conditions forecast this weekend

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January 29, 2021

Galway daily weather Two weather warnings in place for Galway this morning

After welcome spells of sunshine across Galway today, the weather is set to return to normal with very unsettled conditions forecast over the weekend.

Met Éireann has issued a weather advisory for the entire country, with the weekend set to be wet and windy with a risk of localised flooding.

Rain will spread northwards over Connacht overnight, becoming heavy at times. It will be cold and windy with temperatures temperatures of 1 to 4 degrees and fresh to strong, gusty easterly winds.

Tomorrow, Saturday will be a cold day and the rain will continue throughout the morning, with sleet possible on high ground. It will gradually clear southwards through the afternoon and early evening.

Some wintry falls of snow and icy conditions are forecast for Galway on Sunday morning, when temperatures fall to below 0 degrees in parts.

The weather advisory was issued this afternoon and extends from tonight at 10pm until midnight on Sunday.

Plans for new gym and leisure centre in Headford

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January 29, 2021

Galway Daily new Plans for new gym and leisure centre in Headford

Plans have been submitted to Galway County Council for the construction of a new gym and leisure centre for the people of Headford.

Moyne Villa FC is seeking planning permission for a new 448sqm gym and leisure centre at the existing community sports facility in Headford.

The development would create a “vitally important community leisure facility” for the area the planning application states, which would be open to groups such as the nearby primary and secondary schools.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on this planning application by February 24.

An Agent’s Report by Patrick J Newell Chartered Engineers states that the new building has been designed to have a low impact on the area, with a maximum ridge height of 5m.

It is also proposed to excavate the site so that the finished floor level is “as low as it is practical to achieve” on the finished building.

There are currently 89 parking spaces at the site, and it is not expected that the new development will require additional spaces, as it will not be used for assemblies or large gatherings.

“A number of community groups have stated the positive impact that such a facility would have for the community in Headford, providing access to gymnasium and leisure facilities which are not currently available in the locality.”

“Sitting the development within the village will allow access to members of the public without the need to drive to the location and the proximity to the HSE operated mental health services adjacent to the development will have an obvious benefit to the community.”

NUI Galway to lead new public and patient involvement network

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January 29, 2021

galway daily news Deirdre Mac Loughlin nui galway

NUI Galway is to lead a new network of universities to champion public and patient involvement in health and social care research.

The Health Research Board, in conjunction with the Irish Research Council, announced the development of the new Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Ignite Network across seven universities and 10 partner organisations, some of which represent patients.

With NUI Galway as lead, the network is being established to put the public and the patient at the centre of health and social care research.

It aims to ensure that the next generation of graduates is familiar with Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) and know how to incorporate it into their research.

In the partnership, patients and members of the public will have the opportunity to work with research teams to decide what issues are important to focus on and how best to carry out research.

A key goal will be to ensure that the voices of marginalised and disadvantaged groups are heard.

The new network is being headed up by Professor Sean Dinneen, of the School of Medicine at NUI Galway, and Edel Murphy, who is based in the Institute for Lifecourse and Society in the University.

“The National PPI Network is a great opportunity for Irish universities to work together to re-imagine what health and social care research is all about and to involve our local communities as genuine partners in the research effort,” Professor Dinneen said.

“Rather than adding a tokenistic patient voice to our research we have to take time to form, nurture and engage with a diverse group of individuals from our local community who can provide an authentic public and patient perspective on our research.”

The network is building on an initial PPI Ignite Programme, which began in NUI Galway and other universities in 2017 and started the process of changing research culture.

A national public advisory panel will be set up in the early phase of its work and the network will also explore innovative ways of involving patients and the public in research, identify best practice and look to measure the impact of PPI.

An online hub is to be set up with the aim of connecting patients and members of the public who are interested in being involved with research communities who are seeking PPI partners.

An annual PPI Festival will be held along with outreach events to share resources, knowledge and experience.

The network will also deliver training in PPI to researchers, the public, patients, community organisations, policy-makers and research funders.

“We are on a journey to bring Public and Patient Involvement in health research from concept to reality,” said Deirdre Mac Loughlin, a member of the public advisory panel on NUI Galway’s initial PPI Ignite programme.

“These partnerships allow us to bring our lived experience to the research question and often bring a different dimension and perspective to the table. All of this helps to improve the relevance of the research.

Deirdre added that over the next few years they will help to drive PPI as an integral part of the research culture and broaden the number and diversity of active PPI contributors.

“Through genuine ‘PPI in Action’ the relevance of health research can be optimised and its benefits and trustworthiness be reinforced and promoted.”

As part of the new initiative to develop the PPI Network, Dr Ruth McMenamin and Professor Martin O’Halloran have been appointed as co-leads of the NUI Galway PPI Ignite programme.

The University will also strengthen ties with local partners such as Croí and the Saolta Hospital Group as well as working with international experts including Professor Derek Stewart (recently appointed Honorary Professor at NUI Galway) and Professor Carolyn Jenkins from the Medical University of South Carolina.

Tuam’s Covid rate falls – but remains highest in Galway

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January 29, 2021

galway daily news covid-19 incidence rate tuam lea county galway coronavirus

There has been a significant decrease in Tuam LEA’s 14-day COVID-19 incidence rate since last week – but the rate there remains the highest in Co. Galway.

The latest data shows that across the ten LEAs in the county, only Tuam has a 14-day Covid rate of over 1,000 per 100,000 people, with 365 cases confirmed in the area in two weeks.

The second highest rate in Galway is Gort – Kinvara LEA, with a 14-day incidence rate of 812.6 per 100,000 people, while Conamara North is still the least affected area in the county with a rate of 250.

Galway City West has the lowest rate in the city, while the rate in Galway City Central and Galway City East fell to well below 1,000 over the past week.

The rate in Ballinalsoe almost halved since last week – with 162 cases confirmed in the area over 14 days.

Overall, the 14-day incidence rate fell in all ten LEAs across Co. Galway in the fortnight to the 25th of January.

The national incidence rate when the data was taken was 721.1 cases per 100,000 people – but it now stands at 621.9.

14-day Covid rates per 100k population | Number of cases

Tuam 1099.7 | 365 cases
Gort – Kinvara 812.6 | 191 cases
Galway City East 797.1 | 212 cases
Galway City Central 685.3 | 183 cases
Ballinasloe 576.3 | 162 cases
Galway City West 496.6 | 126 cases
Athenry – Oranmore 429.4 | 141 cases
Conamara South 379.6 | 81 cases
Loughrea 323 | 75 cases
Conamara North 250.1 | 43 cases

Three Galway athletes receive Limerick IT Sports Scholarship

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January 29, 2021

Three Galway athletes are among the 78 students who received the Limerick Institute of Technology Sports Scholarship this academic year.

Scholarships were given to camogie player Amy Treacy, soccer player Jack O’Connor and swimmer Ciara Doran, as well as dozens of other students who excel at a number of sports including basketball, hurling, Gaelic football, handball, rugby and kickboxing.

Supported by sponsors PMI, the LIT Sports Scholarships encourage young athletes to achieve greatness in their chosen sport, while also providing a vast range of off-field supports for their education and mental wellbeing.

President of LIT, Prof Vincent Cunnane, described the scholarships as reflective of LIT’s ethos – supporting its students to be the best they can be in their chosen field, while also ensuring they have the skillset and knowledge to succeed long after they graduate from LIT.

“The LIT sport scholarship programme continues to value and support students in a balanced way, as they strive to reach their goals both on and off the competitive arena,” he said.

“The LIT Sports Scholarship Programme enables the recipients to unlock their personal potential, and these supports are just as important this year, if not more so, as we all face the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Adrian Flaherty, Sports Recreation & Facilities Officer at LIT said that despite these challenging times for sport, the aim of the scholarships remains clear.

“Now in its fourth year, the LIT’s Sports Scholarship Programme provides athletic support, focuses on individual welfare, and includes off-field mentoring and education support to its recipients,” said Mr Flaherty.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic on sport we continue to meet the goals set out by the scholarship programme in new ways.

“This year has been a challenge, but lessons learnt through participation in sport include resilience, team work and working to overcome obstacles, disappointments and setbacks.”

Mr Flaherty added that the sport’s teams at LIT have being working with the scholarship recipients to ensure they receive the assistance they need to reach their academic goals while working to protect their physical health and mental wellbeing.

“Among the other initiatives being rolled out to support the health and wellness of our students, staff and the general community is the six week ‘LIT Sport Virtual Health & Wellness 2021’.

“Every day over the six-week period, ending on March 7, the programme will help increase health awareness by providing workouts, resources, webinars, demonstrations, live discussions and evidence-based material to all participants.

“Each week focuses on a new subject including areas such as Time Management to Sleep Health; Exercise & Training to Nutrition; and Setbacks & Stress to Meditation & Mindfulness.

“Participation is free to everyone and full details are available at Instagram: @LIT_Health_Wellness.”

Retired GMIT lecturer receives prestigious French government award

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January 29, 2021

Galway Daily news Retired GMIT lecturer receives prestigious French government award

Retired GMIT lecturer Anne Brindley has been awarded the prestigious title of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French government.

The honour was bestowed on last December 21 for her many years of work teaching and promoting French at GMIT, where she built strong ties between the West of Ireland IoT and institutes in France and Belgium.

Anne Brindley says “I am deeply honoured by this award. I share it with my colleagues in GMIT, in Ireland, across Europe, and with our students, all of whom have contributed to research, projects and activities over many years.”

She added that she is looking forward to receiving the insignia at a ceremony in the French Embassy Residence in Dublin later this year.

The Ordre des Palmes académiques was first established by Napoléon in 1808 to honour members of the University of Paris.

The order has since evolved into an order of merit with an honorific award to recognise the outstanding work of French nationals and Francophones who contribute to the education sector, and the promotion of the French language and culture.

Anne’s career at GMIT stretched for 26 years, and during that time she worked with colleagues at the Galway International Hotel School at GMIT to build links with institutes in Europe which are still going strong, such as the Lycée Hôtelier de La Rochelle, the Lycée Hôtelier d’Avesnes-sur-Helpe and the Haute Ecole Louvain en Hainaut.

These helped a highly innovative and immersive approach to French education such as the annual field trip for GMIT students to La Rochelle, industry placements, and the creation of Eurocatering.

Eurocatering is a free multi award-winning online platform developed with EU funding and dedicated to the teaching and learning of European languages for hotel and catering students.

His Excellency Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland, said that Anne has forged close ties with France throughout her career.

“She has been able to promote French culture and language beyond borders with her numerous teaching and coordination actions.”

“Her nomination to the Academic Palms rewards her work of strengthening Franco-Irish cooperation, which is even more significant today, as France is now Ireland’s closest EU neighbour.”

Galway based sports tech company Orreco raises €3 million investment

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January 29, 2021

Galway Daily business Galway based sports tech company Orreco raises €3 million investment

Galway based sports performance and bio-analytics company Orreco raised €3 million in a recent investment round, and plans to create 30 jobs as it expands.

The new jobs will be created at Orreco’s offices in Galway, the UK, and United States, specifically its performance centre in Los Angeles.

“This investment will help is accelerate our growth and further develop our position in the EPL and NBA working with leading teams, athletes and their agents,” said Orreco CEO Dr. Brian Moore.

“We have ambitious growth and recruitment plans for talented teammates to join us. Our strategic investments over the past 10 years in applied data science and machine learning and our dedicated focus on women’s sport in particular, is now compounding in value. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

Orreco provides sports science and data solutions for professional sports teams and athletes, using biomarkers, wearable technology and performance analytics to help cut down on player recovery time, optimize performance and help further reduce the number of training and games lost to illness/injury.

The company was founded in Galway in 2010 by sport scientist and now CEO Dr. Brian Moore and haematologist Dr. Andrew Hodgson.

The Orreco team currently includes 16 PhDs who have worked with 35 Olympic medallists since the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and published more than 300 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

Their clients include the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, USA Swimming, NBA Champion and All-Star Pascal Siakam, English WSL club Chelsea FC Women and the Wasserman Sports Agency.

Orreco says that the new investment will enable them to expand their product, engineering, data science and commercial teams, in addition to accelerating the development of its elite performance solutions, @thlete and FitrWoman.

This investment round was led by Silicon Valley-based venture firm True Ventures, previously one of the first investors in consumer electronics and fitness company Fitbit.

“Brian and his team have created best-in-class bio-analytics for athletes and have the customer roster to show for it,” said Phil Black, co-founder of True Ventures.

“It’s our pleasure to continue to support Orreco’s growth as the team expands its offerings nationally and globally. It’s such a compelling use of data science.”

50 flights to arrive in Dublin tomorrow from across Europe & USA

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January 28, 2021

A total of 51 flights will arrive at Dublin Airport tomorrow, after two flights from the Canary Islands land in the capital this evening.

Planes will land in Ireland tomorrow, Friday from across Europe, the US and the Middle East, including seven flights from airports in London.

Four flights from Amsterdam are also scheduled for Friday, as well as three from the US.

Arrivals at Dublin airport from typical holiday destinations include those departing Lisbon, Alicante, Faro, Málaga and Istanbul.

Full list of flights landing in Dublin on Friday, 29 January

00:45 Bacau – Blue Air

05:00 Boston – Aer Lingus

05:30 New York – Aer Lingus

06:00 Chicago – Aer Lingus

08:30 Kerry – Aer Lingus

08:50 Donegal – Aer Lingus

09:00 Edinburgh – Ryanair

09:05 Birmingham – Ryanair

09:25 Budapest – Ryanair

09:35 Stockholm – Sas

09:45 London – British Airways

09:50 London – Ryanair

10:15 Manchester – Aer Lingus

10:20 London – Ryanair

10:55 Birmingham – Aer Lingus

11:10 Amsterdam – Aer Lingus

11:20 Paris – Aer Lingus

11:20 London – Aer Lingus

11:25 Dubai – Emirates

11:55 Barcelona – Ryanair

11:55 Milan – Ryanair

12:00 Edinburgh – Aer Lingus

12:10 Glasgow – Aer Lingus

12:40 Amsterdam – Royal Dutch Airlines

13:20 Paris – Air France

15:10 Kerry – Aer Lingus

15:10 Gdansk – Ryanair

15:10 Lisbon – Tap Air Portugal

15:35 Donegal – Aer Lingus

15:40 Istanbul – Turkish Airlines

15:45 Frankfurt – Lufthansa

15:45 London – Aer Lingus

17:25 Alicante – Ryanair

17:40 Paris – Ryanair

17:50 Manchester – Ryanair

18:10 London – Ryanair

18:25 Faro – Ryanair

18:50 Madrid – Ryanair

19:10 Bucharest – Ryanair

19:30 Warsaw – Ryanair

19:45 Brussels – Ryanair

20:50 Málaga – Ryanair

21:00 Paris – Air France

22:00 Amsterdam – Klm Royal Dutch Airlines

22:15 London – Aer Lingus

22:20 Krakow – Ryanair

22:20 Amsterdam – Ryanair

22:40 Kaunas – Ryanair

23:20 Lisbon – Ryanair

23:20 Riga – Ryanair

COVID-19: 47 deaths reported, 106 new Galway cases

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January 28, 2021

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

Forty-seven further deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported by health officials this evening, as well as 1,466 new cases across Ireland.

A total of 106 of the new cases are in Galway – the second highest number of new cases in the Republic after Dublin.

The incidence rate here now stands at 538.6 cases per 100,000 people, with 1,390 cases reported in the county over the past fortnight.

Of today’s cases, 697 are male and 764 female, while 55% of cases are aged under 45 with a median age of 41.

The median age of the deaths reported today is 85 years, and the age range is 55 to 99 years.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that incidence is falling but that it remains high.

“It is positive to see numbers of people hospitalised reducing and a stabilisation of numbers in ICU,” said the CMO.

“However, we are continuing to experience high mortality with 878 deaths so far in January.

“I am concerned about the high incidence we are seeing in long-term care settings and vulnerable groups.”

Dr Tony Holohan added that our efforts to stay home and break transmission of the disease will save lives.

“Please continue to follow the public health advice and support each other to keep going.”

POLL: Should schools remain closed until March?

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January 28, 2021

With schools in the North set to remain closed until at least 8 March, we ask should the government here do the same, and delay the reopening of schools until the end of Level 5 restrictions in six weeks.

Vote and share!

Gardaí report spate of thefts from vehicles in Galway city

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January 28, 2021

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

Galway Gardaí have reported that there have been a large number of thefts from vehicles in the east side of Galway City since the start of the year.

Between January 1 and January 24 there were 19 incidents of thefts from vehicles in the general area of Ballybrit, Ballybane and Renmore.

Gardaí say that items taken include cash, wallets, bags, documents, clothing, sunglasses, dash cams, electronic goods and a ladder off the roof of a van.

The thefts took place overnight in residential areas, and in almost half of the reported incidents, the vehicles were left unlocked.

People are advised that when parking they should try and pick busy, well lit areas. If parking outside your home, try and leave the vehicle under a sensor light, public street light and CCTV if available.

Other advice from An Garda Síochána to prevent your vehicle being broken into includes removing all property from it, including from external roof racks, and to consider leaving the glove box open to show that it is empty.

Lock your vehicle making sure all doors and windows are closed, and set your car alarm.

Andy Friend signs on for two more years with Connacht Rugby

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January 28, 2021

Andy Friend signs on for two more years with Connacht Rugby

Andy Friend will be staying on as Head Coach for Connacht Rugby for at least another two years, having signed a new contract with the province.

The two year contract extension will keep Friend at the Sportsground until at least the end of the 2022/23 season.

Andy Friend says he’s thrilled to continue his role with Connacht Rugby, having been “blown away” by the welcome he and his wife received in the west of Ireland, and the pride people have for provincial rugby.

“It has been a really enjoyable time for both of us and it was an easy decision to commit to a further two years.

“There’s a hugely exciting few years ahead for Connacht, both on the field with the squad we have and off the field with the redevelopment of The Sportsground.”

“I want to play my part in the next stage of this journey and I will do all I can to build on the progress we have made to-date and ensure we deliver on the real potential that exists within this group.”

Andy Friend joined Connacht in 2018, after a world tour that saw him coach in in Australia, England and Japan and finally as Head Coach of the Australian Sevens side.

In his first campaign Connacht reached the Guinness PRO14 playoffs, ensuring Heineken Champions Cup qualification in the process.

Back-to-back Champions Cup qualification was secured during the shortened 2019/20 season, and the side currently sit in 2nd place in Conference B of this season’s campaign.

During this time he has also helped support players coming up from the grassroots, with 15 Connacht Academy players having their professional debuts in less than three years.

Commenting on today’s announcement, CEO of Connacht Rugby Willie Ruane says Friend’s decision to remain at the club is a big boost for the organisation.

“Everyone at Connacht Rugby has been really impressed by what Andy has brought to the province in his three seasons here. He has bought into everything we are trying to achieve and brings a positive culture and ethos to the entire organisation.”

“Whilst Andy has been instrumental in helping our existing players become better players, he has also given our Academy players the opportunities to impress and in doing so enabled us to build the depth we require to succeed.”

image credit: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Calasanctius College named in top 10 Irish sporting secondary schools

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January 28, 2021