Bail for woman charged in relation to fatal hit and run

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January 5, 2021

Tonight will be the coldest night of winter so far with temperatures as low as -7 degrees Celcius possible in parts of the county.

Met Éireann say it will be ‘exceptionally cold’ tonight (Tuesday), with widespread severe frost and ice forming under largely clear skies and some freezing fog patches are possible.

Today is set to be another very cold cold day with frost and ice clearing very slowly and persisting in some areas – but it will remain sunny and dry across the county.

The highest temperatures this afternoon will be between 1 and 4 degrees, in light to moderate north to northeast breezes.

The lowest temperature of this winter so far was recorded in Roscommon last Saturday night at -5.9 degrees, but tonight could break that record as the cold snap continues.

As for tomorrow (Wednesday), it will be bitterly cold once again with frost, ice and patchy freezing fog clearing very slowly, but persisting all day in places.

Three Galway start ups flourishing in 2021 with 30 new jobs

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily business US software company creating 25 jobs in Galway

Three Galway start ups in the the medtech and and tech sectors in Galway are starting off 2021 strong, creating 30 new jobs here as they expand.

Venari Medical, Ronspot, and Palliare, three Galway based start ups founded in 2018, have all made recent announcements about adding new jobs.

Venari Medical filled three new positions in October and have plans to recruit up to 10 new employees in the coming months.

Ronspot, intends to have a total of 10 new employees on board by Spring 2021, and has already hired five new staff since last September.

Palliare, a medical device company, has hired 10 new employees in recent months.

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar said that these announcements are very positive news for Galway.

“These three Galway-based companies are working in high growth areas and their success shows the power of indigenous enterprise.

“Congratulations to the teams at Palliare, Ronspot and Venari Medical on these milestones, I look forward to seeing your continued growth.”

Palliare is a medtech company which is developing state of the arts technologies smoke evacuation technologies for filtering the air in surgical suites, and insufflation tech to inflate a cavity in order to make surgery easier.

Caroline O’Dea of Managing Director of Palliare said that they have recently received approval for their EVA15 insufflator in the US, and are ramping up production for their launch there this year.

“We have also continued to grow our R&D capacity further to the company securing EU Horizon 2020 funding to complete development and release of the EndoTrap and LeakTrap surgical safety products.”

Ronspot, based out of GMIT’s Innovation Hub in Galway, develops flexwork office models for companies, with customers in Ireland, the UK, France, Austria and Czech Republic.

Michael Furey of Ronspot said “As a native Galwegian I am passionate about developing the region and creating jobs and value. There is some amazingly talent to draw on and having the right supports in place helps it all fall into place.”

Venari Medical is a spinout company from NUIG’s BioInnovate, and is developing new medical devices to treat vascular disease which can be used in a doctor’s office.

Founder Stephen Cox said that after raising €4.5 million in seed funding late last year they are looking to hire more staff in R&D, Quality engineers, and Regulatory Affairs.

All three companies have received support from Enterprise Ireland. Regional Director Michael Brougham said these companies show that “local innovation is having a global impact and these companies are competing and winning in international markets.”

NUI Galway announces election for Údarás na hOllscoile

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily news climate and environmental challenges

NUI Galway has announced the election of a new Governing Authority will take place next week, with women making up more than half of the candidates.

A total of 30 university staff and graduates are standing for election to Údarás na hOllscoile, including 18 graduates, seven from the University’s professional service staff and five academic staff.

Three professors have been automatically elected. Around 50,000 University graduates and staff are eligible to vote, with the online ballot open for 27 hours – from 9am on Monday 11 January 2021 until midday on Tuesday 12 January 2021.

President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh urged all eligible staff and alumni to use their vote.

“The election for the next Údarás has seen unprecedented interest, both from alumni across the world registering to vote and also through our social media platforms,” said Professor Ó hÓgartaigh.

“It demonstrates the value which our University community at home and abroad places on our Governing Authority.

“The Údarás is the most important committee in our University – it is the place where we establish our accountability and transparency as an institution for the public good and where our ideas, our ambitions and our strategies are shaped and supported.”

Professor Ó hÓgartaigh extended a special word of thanks to everyone who stood up and put themselves forward to play a part in the coming years.

“The breadth and range of ages, experience, education and skills highlights the value our alumni attach to the University and their desire to give back.

“I would encourage all those who have registered to vote to remember to cast their ballots.”

The results of the election are due to be released on Tuesday 12 January 2021, with the next Governing Authority to take office on 1 February 2021.

Three Professors were appointed to the Governing Authority after the number of nominations matched the number of available positions. They are Professor Aisling McCluskey, School of Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics; Professor Michal Molcho, Children’s Studies, School of Education; and Professor Jim O’Gara, School of Natural Sciences.

Student elections to elect four representatives to the Governing Authority will begin in late January.

Speaking about the diverse range of attributes required in the membership of the Governing Authority, Caroline Loughnane, NUI Galway’s Secretary for Governance & Academic Affairs, said: “The role of the Governing Authority as the ultimate decision making body is pivotal in shaping the future direction of the University.

“A diverse mix of skills, experience and personal attributes are essential components of a well-functioning Board and it is really encouraging to see such diversity in the profiles of the candidates running for election.

“Voters are spoiled for choice and I would strongly encourage staff and graduates to use their votes to make their voices heard in this election.”

Professor Ó hÓgartaigh added: “I would like to thank all the members of the outgoing Governing Authority for their commitment and work in recent years and a special word of thanks to the Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile Catherine McGuinness. Our University was privileged to be able to call on the former Supreme Court Judge’s knowledge, experience and independence for so many years.

“I would also like to congratulate the professors who have been appointed to the next Governing Authority – I am sure they too will bring a wealth of talent to the role. I look forward to working with them and all the members of our Governing Authority in ensuring a level of accountability and ambition which matches our place in the world, as set out in our strategic plan, Shared Vision, Shaped by Values, for our students, for our society and for our planet.”

Details of the 30 nominees for the next Governing Authority are available to view online here.

Weather warning issued for severe frost and ice in Galway

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily weather Met Eireann issues fresh weather warning for Galway

A Status Yellow weather warning for extremely icy conditions and widespread frost has been issued for Galway by Met Eireann today, as temperatures are expected to plummet tonight.

The Low Temperature/Ice warning has been issued for all of for Connacht, along with counties Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Longford and Clare.

Temperatures could drop below -5 degrees in places, and “widespread severe frost” is forecast.

“Icy patches may form on untreated surfaces. Freezing temperatures will persist well into the day on Wednesday,” Met Eireann cautions.

The alert will be in place from 6pm this evening until 10am on Wednesday morning.

Over 18,000 people receive PUP today in Galway

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

Over 18,000 people are receiving the Pandemic Unemployment Payment across Galway today.

Just two weeks ago on 22 December, the number of people in receipt of the payment was 14,882.

Across the country, 335,600 are receiving the PUP this week, an increase of 57,928 from two weeks ago. This week’s payments come at a cost of over €99 million.

In May 2020, over 32,000 people in Galway were receiving the payment, and over €5 billion in total has been paid out in PUP since the start of the pandemic.

Speaking today, Minister Heather Humphreys said: “It has been a really difficult Christmas period for people who lost their employment due to the move to Level 5 restrictions.

“As anticipated we have seen a significant increase in the number of people in receipt of the Pandemic Unemployment Payment since 22nd December.

“Every county has seen the number of people applying for PUP increase over the past two weeks and, similarly, there has been an increase in every sector applying for the payment over this period.”

“Double down” on efforts to curb spread of COVID – HSE West Director

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily news NUI Galway's Prof Breda Smyth taking over as interim Chief Medical Officer

The Director of Public Health at HSE West has urged people in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon to stay home unless absolutely necessary amid the third wave of COVID-19.

Dr Breda Smyth said in a statement that we need to double down in our efforts to comply with public health advice in order to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19.

There were 6,110 new cases reported yesterday, as the surge in cases since the Christmas period has continued unabated.

“Over the last number of weeks we are seeing a rapid increase of cases of confirmed COVID-19 across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon as we have across the country.”

“This rapid rise in infections is having a very serious impact on the number of people hospitalised and the number of patients requiring critical care in our ICUs.”

“We must do all we can to protect our hospital services so they are available to provide critical and emergency care to our communities when they need it.”

“We have seen a doubling of the number of patients in hospital since last week and this is extremely concerning for us.”

The latest figures from the HSE show that there are 47 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UHG, and another five at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Four of the COVID patients at University Hospital Galway are in the ICU, as is one of the patients at Portiuncula Hospital.

Galway University Hospitals have cancelled all outpatient appointments, and all but the most critical or time sensitive surgeries due to the rapid rise in cases.

“Community transmission is extremely high. We must act as if every person we meet is an infection risk.

“Everything we touch outside our home is an infection risk. We must stay home as much as possible. We all need to think about the impact that being diagnosed with COVID-19 would have on those close to us.

“We have started the vaccination roll-out in the hospital system this week and the roll-out in our long-stay facilities will begin over this week and the next.”

“It is critical that we continue to do all we can to protect our loved ones while the vaccine is rolled out.”

Covid cases in critical care at UHG doubles to 4

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January 5, 2021

The number of people with COVID-19 who are in intensive care at University Hospital Galway has doubled to four, according to the latest HSE data.

It represents a 100% increase in the number of patients with COVID in critical care at the hospital in just one day.

The number of available ICU beds at the hospital has fallen from five on Sunday to just one yesterday evening.

In total, there were 47 confirmed cases at UHG yesterday evening, an increase of four on the day before when there were 43 cases, two of which were in ICU.

There are five COVID patients at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe today, and one suspected case.

Across the state, there are 73 people in ICU and a total of 817 people with the disease in hospital.

Dr Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health in the West has urged people to stay home unless absolutely necessary and double down in their efforts to follow the HSE’s public health advice.

“Over the last number of weeks we are seeing a rapid increase of cases of confirmed COVID-19 across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon as we have across the country,” said Dr Breda Smith.

“This rapid rise in infections is having a very serious impact on the number of people hospitalised and the number of patients requiring critical care in our ICUs. We must do all we can to protect our hospital services so they are available to provide critical and emergency care to our communities when they need it.

“We have seen a doubling of the number of patients in hospital since last week and this is extremely concerning for us.”

She added that community transmission is extremely high and said we must act as if every person we meet is an infection risk.

“Everything we touch outside our home is an infection risk. We must stay home as much as possible,” added Dr Smyth.

“We all need to think about the impact that being diagnosed with COVID-19 would have on those close to us.

“We have started the vaccination roll-out in the hospital system this week and the roll-out in our long-stay facilities will begin over this week and the next. It is critical that we continue to do all we can to protect our loved ones while the vaccine is rolled out.”

Galway student nurse to take to the stage on TG4’s Glór Tíre!

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January 5, 2021

TG4’s country music competition Glór Tíre returns to our screens this week, and Emma Donohue from Ballinasloe will be among six hopefuls battling it out over twelve weeks in the quest to be crowned winner of the contest.

The student nurse will be mentored by Mike Denver and will compete alongside singers from Donegal, Armagh, Mayo, Tipperary and Westmeath.

Among Emma’s musical influences are Philomena Begley, Billy Jo Spears, Trudi Lalor, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris, and she will be hoping to impress the judges and the public over the course of the competition.

Over twelve weeks, the six hopefuls will be mentored by Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Mike Denver, Lousie Morrissey, Michael English and The Sheerin Family.

Viewers decide who will stay each week, and can vote by downloading the Glór Tíre app in the App Store or in the Google Play Store.

Mike Denver will mentor Emma on the show

Glór Tíre will be presented by Aoife Ni Thuairisg and Seamús Ó Scanláin, with help from the judges John Creedon, Caitríona Ní Shúilleabháin and Jó Ní Chéide.

The shows starts on Tuesday 5 January at 9:30pm on TG4.

Decision to delay 2021 season was correct Caulfield says

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January 5, 2021

Galway Daily sport Decision to delay 2021 season was correct Caulfield says — 28 August 2020; Galway United manager John Caulfield during the Extra.ie FAI Cup Second Round match between Galway United and Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

John Caulfield says that it was the right decision to delay the start of the 2021 season until March, and that Galway United has adjusted their schedule accordingly.

The start of the First Division season has been pushed back to March 26, and Galway United has delayed its return to training in response.

The club will now commence training for the 2021 season in early February.

“In the meantime, the players have been keeping themselves in good condition and they’re itching to get back on the training ground. We understand the delay, and everyone wants a complete season, without any delays or disruption.

“It looks like the delayed start will push the end of the season into late October, but we’re still waiting for official confirmation on that.

“We’ve been delighted with the recruitment thus far, it’s possible that there will be a couple more additions to the squad in the coming weeks. We’ll keep supporters informed on any new developments.”

Players signed for 2021: Kevin Horgan, Conor O’Keefe, Christopher Horgan, Gary Boylan, Maurice Nugent, Killian Brouder, Mikey Place, Stephen Christopher, Ronan Manning, Caoilfhionn O’Dea, David Hurley, Shane Duggan, Carlton Ubaezuonu, Shane Doherty, Ruairi Keating, Mikie Rowe, Padraic Cunningham, Francely Lomboto, Colin Kelly, Wilson Waweru

image credit: Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileS

How to Win at Online Casino

By

Angela Mc Bride

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January 5, 2021

Online casino guides are banned in some areas of the world as they earn the maximum income that is exported to foreign nationals. For example, on Prince Edward Island, online casinos will not expand as ordered by the government, taking $50,000 a year. This may ruin the economy of the country, so playing online casino guides should be avoided for leisure purposes, and other leisure activities such as gardening, cooking, etc., must become a habit.

Casinos in Canada and the UK

In Canada, in the state of Nova Scotia, online casinos are prohibited, although it is the most loved entertainment in the state. But in the UK, luckily, some of the registered sites can play the online casino guide.

Video slots around the world

Almost everyone plays video slots. There is no country that is not playing online casino guide. Therefore, the online casino is made in all languages. Most of the sites have languages in English, Spanish, German, Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Greek, Italian, and French.

Some of the websites include more casino guides. For example, a company called Microprogramming has included new games on its existing websites with a tool called QuickFire.

Casinos in India

In India, this casino guide is only played by upper-class people. Other people are unsure of the laws of the game and consider them a crime. But with the advent of the online casino, awareness is being raised among Internet users.

Today almost all young people play this type of game. In large shopping centers, there is a separate area to play the online casino guide as part of the entertainment. They are not casinos, but a kind of entertainment center where people relax after shopping.

These are not only good entertainment but also a good stress reliever. One or two casino games would refresh the tired mind and help us regenerate life. So playing at casinos is really good, but only for a limited time.

One of the largest gambling groups in Sweden is Net Entertainment, which has rated its guide to online casinos. They would also emerge as a new competitor to the gaming design software industry. Playtech and Chartwell are some of the reputed game software companies based in Sweden. The Net Entertainment has done a great deal and partnered with NBC Universal Media.

Internet casinos are computer-generated simulations of real land-based casino experiences and offer real money games with stakes and rake. They are an immense source of entertainment in Canada online casino for gamers who now have the luxury of playing their games from the comfort of their homes or offices. They can play games like poker, slots, blackjack, poker, slots, blackjack, roulette, and just about every game you can think of. You can do all of this from the privacy of your home. You don’t need to worry about driving to the casino, walking past dark allies, or even going through the distractions placed at land-based casinos to keep you from concentrating on the game. In online casinos, all betting, gambling, and money collection takes place online.

Legality and scope of online casinos

Most of the countries have legalized online gambling and issue the proper licenses for online casino websites that are renewed every few years. A notable exception to this is the Canada online casino, where online gambling was banned by a congressional bill that was recently passed in 2006. Currently, countries with the most online casino players include the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Australia. As a result of the global of online games, most casino websites accept payments in multiple currencies and offer versions of their games in multiple languages.

Different types of online casino games

There are mainly two types of ways to play at online casinos. The first way is to download the gaming software from the casino website and install it on your computer. The game software offers excellent graphics, sound, and animation. However, the download and installation part is time-consuming. The second type of online gambling does not require downloading great software. They are based on Java and Flash technology and run in the Internet browser. They load relatively quickly and offer good graphics, sounds, and animations.

Millions of people around the world search daily, both in local search engines and around the world, online casinos. This article lists the four most important characteristics that should be required of an honest online casino.

The first is the official license. A serious online casino or casino software will have a casino license posted on the main page of the site. A great example of this is the online casinos that use Microgaming and Playtech software. Its casinos also publish monthly payment reports. Make sure you play the one with the highest payout reports; it’s more likely to take some big winnings.

The second important feature is obviously security. Do not give your information to a casino that does not offer a security clause in Canada online casino their terms and conditions, is not licensed, and does not use the latest encryption methods to transfer your valuable personal information. Microgaming and Playtech are software that offers some of the best.

Last and certainly not least, there is 24/7 online support via chat and phone. Only serious Canada online casino offer this feature in multiple languages. Don’t be left in dark with unanswered questions to which you should receive immediate answers. Take business to the online casinos that appreciate your presence the most and offer a customer-oriented online support team.

A Gambling Guide to Ireland

By

Thomas O'Brien

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January 5, 2021

The Emerald Isle; known for stunning coastlines, cheerful locals and being home to some of the best drinks the world. When we think of Ireland, most of us will imagine sitting down with a pint of Guinness in a quaint little pub, or fighting off the winter chill with a glass of whiskey by a large open fire. But what may not spring to mind is this wee nation’s thriving gambling scene.

The Irish love a little flutter and popular sports like horse racing, Gaelic football and even golf see pubs and bookies packed out with local punters all gripping their betting slips. But while you can pretty much bet on anything these days, one thing you can’t do in Ireland is visit a casino. Strange, right? In a country where you literally bet on poultry races, it seems odd that you can’t sit down at a regular blackjack table.

So why do the Irish have a ban on casinos, and how have some clever souls got around this law? Let’s take a look at Ireland’s strange aversion to casino gambling.

History 101

The first gambling laws in Ireland came about around the same time they were fighting for independence from the British. Notably, The Betting Act of 1926, which was brought in to regulate bookmakers and bookmaking premises.

This was followed by the Totalisator Act of 1929, which regulates the way odds are calculated and paid out. Add in some amendments on the way, and you’ve more or less got a regulated industry like any other. Nothing odd here. That is until the Gaming and Lotteries Act came in and crashed the party in 1956. This act made casinos completely illegal, and it still stands today.

However, some rather clever people found a juicy little loophole in the law…

The Rise of Private Members Clubs

Although physical casinos are illegal, private members clubs where they provide slot machines and tables for their members are not. This cheeky nugget of information gave way to a sharp increase in the amounts of private clubs where members could go and gamble.

Being a members club, it makes sense for one to have to become a member. No surprise there. But gone are the days of having to be invited by one of the club’s elders, or having to master a secret handshake; these clubs are incredibly easy to join and the majority are absolutely free.

The joining process is simply there to fulfil the law, and once you’re a member you can happily pop down to the club for some fun on the slots, or a couple of hands of baccarat. .

You can find a comprehensive list of all of Ireland’s private gambling clubs here, but unfortunately for a lot of us, most of them are concentrated around Dublin and Cork. If you’re not planning on visiting either place any time soon, it might be time to consider another form of gambling still legal in Ireland.

Online Casinos

But casinos are banned, right? Well, not entirely. While land-based are out and out prohibited, you can enjoy all the fun of the fair with online sites. Gambling online has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and with sites like www.ukcasino.xyz bringing you up-to-date comparisons, you can find the best online casinos; with plenty offering cash bonuses and free spins every day.

To summarise, although Ireland has some strict rules on gambling, they haven’t put a stop to all the fun and there are still tons of options available if you enjoy a little flutter. You can still have that glass of whiskey in front of an open fire, but if you want to enjoy a bet or two at the same time, make sure you open your laptop too.

Gamification: How it shaped the online casino industry

By

Angela Mc Bride

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January 5, 2021

In recent years, the term ‘gamification’ has made waves in the gaming industry. This may be due to the rising popularity of story-driven games amongst players across all ages. Developers have sought to adopt the latest trends in technology as a technique in generating more demand for online games.

While innovation is inevitable for most business operations, the casino industry has no doubt taken huge strides in terms of payment options and accessibility. The needs of their players are a priority and to meet their demands calls for a new process: gamification.

The process blends gaming elements into a concept in order to attract more consumers. For example, some airline companies offer rewards to frequent flyers. The more they book flights, the more points they receive. They, in turn, can use these points to earn free flights and more.

Where the technique is applied in online casinos

The casino industry makes use of this process to shape player behaviour. It also serves as a technique in bringing gamers to relate to a brand or concept on a much deeper level. Take online slots, for example, where players are given free spins on the condition that they commit to a certain wagering requirement.

Loyalty packages are also common where new players can claim their welcome bonuses upon putting deposits across three or four stages. The more they deposit, the bigger the bonus. Some online casinos have varying levels of generosity when it comes to rewards. The general idea, however, is that players are attracted to levelling up the more they commit.

Online slot games also have varying themes attached to them. In fact, the technique can be subtly added to the gameplay. Story-driven video slots have side quests or levels of which players must reach in order to move forward. The climb towards reaping bigger prizes shapes how much they want to commit to the slot game. These themes are also one of the key factors why online slots continue to thrive despite having the same basic gameplay for decades.

Most players view casino games as a form of entertainment. Others, however, have taken the next step forward into making a career out of poker matches. While such games rely heavily on luck, the mere fact that pro players can progress their way to the top adds a twist to the scheme.

Narratives and themes

Another vital factor that shapes player behaviour in the online casino industry is storytelling. While gambling doesn’t boast of it much, they are subtlety added to enhance gamer experience overall. Online slots, for example, have progressed so much online that animated versions apply narratives to attract players.

For example, themes such as mystery or action invite players to become the slot game’s main lead. They have control over what happens next – the story won’t progress unless the player decides to spin the reels again. The factor that drives them to play more is the suspense.

Players are driven to anticipate the next winning line thanks to the sound effects and high-end graphics. These added features allow the game to entice players into thinking that big prizes are coming. The more suspense the sounds and graphics exude, the more likely players will expect better rewards.

Evolution of casino games

Casino games have origins dating back hundreds of years and there is a reason why they have lasted so long. It may very well be due to the fact that they are fun and exciting. Famous table games have withstood the test of time and slot machines have come a long way from having just 3 reels.

The casino industry has an array of milestones throughout its history. Explore them below:

Table games

Some of the most popular table games don’t have clear birthdates but it is safe to say that they have existed for centuries across different areas in the world. Roulette, a popular game that uses the wheel, is reported to have been invented by a French scientist named Blaise Pascal in the 18th century.

Meanwhile, blackjack rose to fame during the turn of entertainment industries in North America and Europe. The early 20th century was known to be a ‘golden age’ of the casino industry and blackjack was one of the most sought after games at that time.

Poker may have existed since the 10th century according to some historians. It may have originated from early card games from the East. Slot machines were once called ‘three-armed bandits’ and were used to dispense tokens that could be traded for drinks or cigarettes.

Overall, the evolution of casinos and online slots just proves how far the industry has come in terms of adopting the latest trends in technology and style. The rising popularity of game-like techniques in the casino operations may propel the industry further than ever before.

Coronavirus: Over 6,000 cases reported today, 116 in Galway

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January 4, 2021

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

Health officials have this evening reported 6,110 new cases of Covid-19 and six further deaths related to the disease.

Of the new cases reported by the Department of Health, 116 are in Galway, while over half of the reported cases (3,655) are in Dublin.

63% of the cases are under 45 years of age and the median age is 36.

There are 776 Covid-19 patients in hospitals across the Republic as of this afternoon – of which 70 are in ICU.

The number of Covid cases at UHG shot up by 16 yesterday to 43, with two of those cases in critical care.

“Leaders and organisations in communities across the country now need to support their colleagues, neighbours, family and friends to keep to the spirit of public health advice,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan.

“We must restrict our movements, we have to limit the people we interact with outside of our households, if we are to suppress the virus and sustain our essential services.”

Galway University Hospitals deferring non urgent surgery and outpatient clinics

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January 4, 2021

Galway University Hospitals are deferring all outpatient appointments and all but critical surgery due to rapidly rising COVID-19 cases in hospital.

Starting from Tuesday, January 5, all but “very urgent and time critical inpatient and day surgery” is being cancelled at UHG and Merlin Park Hospital.

Outpatient clinics are similarly being cancelled unless it is absolutely necessary that the patient be seen, though some appointments may take place virtually.

The decision has been made in light of the sustained increase in COVID-19 cases being treated at hospital in Galway in recent days, and the likelihood of a further increase in hospitalisations in the days ahead.

As of 8pm on Sunday evening there were 43 people being treated for COVID-19 at UHG, and three wards at the hospital closed to new admissions due to confirmed cases.

These deferrals will be for a two week period initially, and will be kept under review, the Saolta Group has said.

Chris Kane, Hospital Manager GUH said, “We regret the impact that these deferrals will have on our patients but it is a really important part of maintaining critical and emergency services.

“A small number of urgent cancer and time critical procedures will proceed. Patients will be notified directly if their appointment or procedure is being deferred.”

“It is really important that patients who are attending UHG for a procedure continue to follow all the public health guidance including wearing a face mask.”

“We also remind patients to attend the hospital alone, unless the support of another person is essential.”

Visiting restrictions remain in place at Galway’s hospitals, and people are reminded they should only visit compassionate grounds and these visits should be arranged in advance with the nurse manager on the ward.

“Our Emergency Department continues to be very busy and we again remind that public that we encourage them to attend the Emergency Department only in the case of real emergencies.

“If your health problem is not an emergency you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours or the Westdoc GP out of hours service, in the first instance.”

“Finally it is important to acknowledge, that the COVID-19 vaccination programme is continuing in UHG and 540 staff have now been vaccinated with clinics continuing throughout this week and beyond.

“This is really positive and we are working hard to get all our staff vaccinated as quickly as possible.”

Galway teenager James Harrison loses life in tragic accident in Kerry

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January 4, 2021

Galway teenager James Harrison loses life in tragic accident in Kerry

A teenager from Galway City lost his life in a tragic accident in Kerry on Sunday after falling from a cliff while out walking with family.

James Harrison (17) lost his life after a fall in the Bull Head area of Lispole, Co. Kerry early on Sunday afternoon.

His body was recovered following a search and rescue operation by Gardaí assisted by members of the Coast Guard, RNLI and Dingle Search and Rescue.

He was later pronounced dead and has since been removed to the Morgue at Kerry University Hospital.

Gardaí have said that the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.

James was a player at Knocknacarra FC and Salthill Knocknacarra GAA, and both clubs have expressed their deepest condolences for his family’s loss.

Alan Mulholland of Salthill Knocknacarra GAA said, “Everyone at Salthill Knocknacarra is deeply saddened by the news from Kerry today of the loss of our minor football star, James Harrison.”

“Our condolences are with Maura, Mathew, Daniel, Aoife and the extended family and all of James’ friends at this difficult time.”

John Reilly, Chairman of Knocknacarra FC, said the club was “devastated to hear of the passing of one of our boys, James Harrison, in an accident in Kerry today.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with aura, Matthew, Daniel and Aoife. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.”

James will be brought home to St. Ignatius Church, Sea Road on Wednesday for a private family mass, followed by internment in Rahoon Cemetery.

No flower by request, people can make donations if desired to the RNLI and Dingle Coast and Rescue.

Ten local health and well-being projects receive grants from LCDC

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January 4, 2021

Grants totalling €30,000 have been approved for ten community, voluntary and sporting organisations in the city which are involved in improving the health and well-being of people in the community.

The funding, approved by Galway City Local Community Development Committee, comes under the newly established Healthy Ireland Community Mental Health Fund (CMHF) Small Grant Scheme 2020.

In total ten projects have been approved funding and all relate to one or more of the key priority areas as identified in Healthy Galway City Strategy 2019-2021.

The funding was welcomed by Galway City LCDC, which is looking forward to the successful delivery of these projects this year.

Name of Group / Organisation	Purpose of Grant	Grant Approved
Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre	Delivery of care packages along with a programme of events, which would take place once a week over a period of 12 weeks Programme activities to include, but not limited to; Chair Yoga, 5 Ways to Wellness Talk, Cooking Demonstration, Art.	€2,814.90
Galway Centre for Independent Living CLG	To get people singing. This project will see the people supported by GCIL join online singing events organised by GCIL. This will include singing lessons, sing-along sessions and the formation of a GCIL Choir.	€1,190.10
ARD Family Resource Centre	To run an interdisciplinary arts project, titled ‘Happy Out’ with a group of 12 young people between the ages of 8-12 years.	€2,920.00
Youth Work Ireland Galway	Participants are all young people from the Travelling community, they will receive instruction, support and education about wellness and nutrition	€2,330.00
ARD Family Resource Centre – Community Sports Hub	Our Sisters in Sport programme will begin from the age of 0 to 18 years. The first two parts of the programme will focus on mothers and babies: Mother & Baby Movement (0-2 years) and Mother & Toddler (2+years). Sisters in Sport programme to participate in a wide variety of sports such as: capoeira, rugby, volleyball, water sports, and basketball.	€3,000.00
Galway Traveller Movement (GTM)	Deliver a series of 3 workshops called: “Promoting Diversity and Equality in Mental Health Practice: The Traveller voice”. This training programme will be delivered to mental health service providers working in Galway City	€3,000.00
Galway Community Circus	Run a workshop programme for young people using circus as a unique way to teach anxiety management techniques and improve mental health and wellbeing	€4,980.00
COPE Galway	A gardening project for individuals who use their service in their new Emergency accommodation at Glen Oaks Hotel	€2,865.00
ATMOS Collective	“Here Am I” is a community film initiative, which will support and facilitate older people impacted by isolation in Galway to make their own self-expressive film and sound projects	€2,900.00
Galway Sports Partnership	80 Community Health & Well Being Boards, interactive with social media The Boards will be strategically placed in 80 local (TBC) sports clubs	€4,000.00
	Total Amount Allocated	€30,000.00

Western Development Commission praised by Galway East TD

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January 4, 2021

galway daily business Galway businesses awarded over €1.5 million in Trading Online Voucher Scheme

A Galway East TD has praised the Western Development Commission for their work in partnering with the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) Taskforce in developing an AEC Hubs project.

Seán Canney TD said that the aim of the AEC is to build a ‘region of scale across twelve counties’ from Donegal to Kerry along the Western Region over the next 20 years.

This is designed to counterbalance over-development along the east coast of Ireland, and create jobs opportunities in the western region.

“The Western Development Commission (WDC) has been involved along with the AEC Taskforce in bringing forward the AEC hubs project,” said Deputy Canney, “which will bring employment opportunity and economic activity to the centre of towns and villages in the region.”

He said that the WDC have ‘to date supported the mapping of 114 hubs along the AEC region’ which will be marketed through a national campaign to promote the hubs and drive usage of these hubs.

“The WDC have developed a new classification system for hubs and have procured a hub booking system which will be delivered in early 2021,” said Deputy Canney.

“As former Chairman of the AEC Taskforce, I know first-hand the necessity of digital infrastructure to support and sustain economic growth in the region in a changing environment.”

Video | Nicola Coughlan takes us on beautiful tour of her life in Galway

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January 4, 2021

galway daily news netflix nicola coughlan galway — Nicola Coughlan in Made in Ireland. Watch below!

Nicola Coughlan has taken fans on a personal tour of her hometown, giving an insight into her life in Galway for a new short film made by Netflix.

In her episode of Made In Ireland, Nicola who stars in the fantastic new Netflix series Bridgerton, reveals how a camcorder gifted to her by her older brother kicked started her love of the arts.

From there we learn how she got her big break, how she made Derry Girl Clare come to life, and what it means to her to be a Featherington.

Nicola takes us to some of her favourite places, including her family home, her primary school, and her university.

And along the way, we meet the siblings who encouraged her, the primary school teacher who guided her, and the best friend she still has to this day. Watch below!

Coronavirus: UHG had highest number of new cases yesterday

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January 4, 2021