The triumphs and endeavours of athletes, sports clubs and coaches have been celebrated at the 40^th University of Galway Sports Awards.

Among the winners were Under-23 World Rowing Champion Donnacha Keeley, senior international cross country athlete Fiona Everard and the University Women’s Hockey Club.

Donnacha Keeley won sports person of the year, while Caitlin Hughes from the Athletics Club won individual performance of the year for her contribution to the Irish Under-20 European Cross Country team.

Some other winners on the night were Kate Ní Ghacháin (Unsung Hero award), Tiffanie Fitzgerald, for her contribution to University of Galway Camogie over her four years as an undergraduate student, and the Swimming and Waterpolo clubs for hosting the best event.

The awards ceremony was held at the Radisson Red Hotel in Galway and hosted by RTÉ Sport’s Darren Frehill.

Des Ryan, Director of Sport and Physical Wellbeing, University of Galway, said: “Our Sports Awards are a celebration of Sport in the University of Galway. They recognise our dual aspiration of achieving High Performance and Sport for All. The awards recognise the performances, achievements and hard work of our athletes, players, teams, coaches, committee members and volunteers. Our mission in the University of Galway Sports Unit is to be the most progressive and caring University sports programme on the island of Ireland. All the nominees and award winners are helping us on that mission.

“Everyone involved in our Clubs bring honour, often glory, and also enjoyment, in no small amount, to University of Galway.

“Many of the awardees will with certainty go on to achieve greatness in their chosen sport and all have and will continue to contribute great social capital to our environment and their future environments. For us in the Sports Unit, it is an honour and a pleasure to work with them and to get to know such talented individuals and to support all those involved in Clubs. We look forward to bright futures for all of our sporting community and take this opportunity of the awards to recognise all those who have greatly contributed to sport in the University of Galway.”

Ciara Meehan, Dean of Students, University of Galway, said: “Congratulations to each of the awardees and a special word of thanks to all those who promote our university values of respect, openness and excellence through our Clubs.

“Our annual sports awards reflect not only the excellence of our students in terms of preparation, performance and competing, but also the contribution they and their clubs make to promoting wellbeing and belonging in our community.”

The University of Galway Sports Awards recognise performance, leadership and participation, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the Clubs. They also celebrate remarkable final year individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to sport; shown an impeccable example of sportsmanship and a high level of performance and achievement; been an excellent ambassador within the University and for student sport; and competed at a regional level or above.

University of Galway is now home to 40 plus active sports clubs, which are student-led and organised, with approximately 6,000 students participating in sport and activity daily at the University.

2025 Sports Award Winners

Best Event of the Year

• The Relay Gala – Swimming and Waterpolo

Club Captain of the Year

• Eoin Kenny (Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow) Boxing

Club of the Year

• Rowing Club

Coach of the Year

• Sebastian Locteau (Craughwell Co. Galway/France) Swimming and Waterpolo

Most Improved Club

• Camogie Club

Fundraising of the Year

• Fundraising Achievements 2024-2025 – Hockey Club

Individual Performance of the Year

• Caitlin Hughes (Swinford, Co. Mayo) Athletics

University Honours

• Fiona Everard, (Enniskeane, Co. Cork) Athletics
• Kara McCleane (Roscahill, Co. Galway) Basketball
• Tiffanie Fitzgerald (Gowran, Co. Kilkenny) Camogie
• Lauren Murray (Killiney, Co. Dublin) Sailing
• Thomas McStay (Claregalway, Co. Galway) Athletics

Sports Person of the Year

• Donnacha Keeley (Clonmel, Co. Tipperary) Rowing

Unsung Hero

• Kate Ní Ghacháin (Foxford, Co. Mayo) Kayak

Team of the Year

• Women’s Senior 4 National Champions – Rowing

Student’s Union Club Captains Choice – Female

• Dimana Nedeva, (Galway City/Sofia, Bulgaria) Badminton

Student’s Union Club Captains Choice – Male

• Oisín Mc Laughlin (Moville, Inishowen, Co. Donegal) Pool and Snooker

Dean of Student Award

• Adam Mullins (Clonmany, Inishowen, Co. Donegal) Mountaineering
• Sarah Hontz (Galway City/USA) Lacrosse
• Subacqua Club
• Muireann O’Reilly (Castlegar, Co. Galway) Camogie
• Surf Club
• Boxing Club
• Róise Ní Mhurchú (Belmullet, Co. Mayo) Surf
• Anna Sheehy (Tralee, Co. Kerry) parkrun
• Volleyball

Director of Sports Award

• Mohammed Zajeer Ahmed (India/Galway) Cricket
• Swimming and Waterpolo
• Men’s Soccer
• Athletics
• Hockey and Mixed Hockey
• Colm O’Riordan (Furbo, Co. Galway) Judo
• Louise O’Connor (Moycullen, Co. Galway) Camogie
• Dave Daly (Gaelcarraig, Galway City) Men’s Soccer
• Martin Hughes (Corrandulla, Co. Galway) Hockey
• Sean Byrne (Carlow town) Rowing
• Tom Keal (Crosshaven, Co. Cork) – Student’s Union Clubs Captain 2024-2025

Gradam Gaelach Award

Swimming and Waterpolo

One lucky lotto player in Galway is definitely enjoying their weekend after winning nearly €50k in Saturday night’s lotto draw.

The Galwegian secured themselves a handsome prize of €45,758 after matching five numbers plus the bonus in the main Lotto draw.

In a rain of good fortune, another 80 players won €13,000 each in the topped up the Lotto Plus Raffle, which had an additional €1 million added.

The Galway player purchased their quick pick ticket on Friday, 4th April, from Sharkey’s Spar Express, Bishop St, Tuam, Co. Galway.

The numbers for last night’s Lotto were: 8, 14, 18, 28, 38, 40 and the Bonus was 42.
The winning Lotto Plus Raffle number was: 1743.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot, in total, over 81,000 players won prizes in the Lotto and Lotto Plus draws, including our Galway Match 5 + Bonus prize and 80 winners of the special Lotto Plus Raffle prize.

The National Lottery is urging Galway players to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning Match 5 + Bonus ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

The Lotto Plus Raffle winners are advised to sign the back of their tickets and check www.lottery.ie for details of their nearest An Post Prize Claim Centre where prizes up to €14,999 can be claimed. Online players will receive details of the process for claiming their prizes.

Emma Monaghan, National Lottery Spokesperson said “What a night of wins for our players! We’re now urging everyone to check their tickets very carefully.”

“If you’re holding a winning ticket, please sign the back of it and keep it somewhere safe. And if you’re our Galway winner, make sure to contact our Prize Claims team as soon as possible!”

Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage and the Irish Language.

In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago. In 2023 alone, €227.9 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

A six year old girl ha died following a traffic collision involving  a truck in Galway City today.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a collision between a truck and a girl on a bicycle at the Headford Road shortly after midday Saturday.

The collision took place at the junction of the Headford Road and Sandyvale Lawn.

The young girl died from her injuries in the collision at the scene.

Her body was removed from the scene to University Hospital Galway and a post mortem will take place in due course.

The male driver of the truck, aged in his 30s was uninjured.

The road was closed and a technical examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators has taken place. The road has now reopened.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area of the Headford Road (N84) between Coolough Road/Headford Road junction and the entrance to Tirellan Heights/Headford Road junction in Galway city between 11:45am and 12:15pm today Saturday 5th April 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Galway City Council has recently installed two shelters at Ballyloughane Beach, with spectacular murals painted by local artist, Ró (Ronan J Connor).

The murals portray the sun setting in Galway Bay in blues and yellows – complimenting views of the Bay and the beach.

Ballyloughan Beach is a popular location for swimming, walking, windsurfing, kite surfing – and building sandcastles, especially as the summer months approach!

Other facilities at Ballyloughane Beach include toilets, picnic tables, cycle parking, car parking, ramp access to the beach, and a biodiversity-rich walking loop at the headland, where the Buaile Bó cows graze over winter.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to ensure that swimmers are kept safe as they enjoy the sun and surf we’re hoping for.

The purchase and installation of the shelters were supported by Councillor Terry O’Flaherty’s Local Improvement Scheme allocation.

A landmark building in Ballinasloe is set to be transformed to include a new community facility as part of a 16-unit residential housing development in the centre of the East Galway town.

Galway County Council has signed contracts with Custy Construction Ltd and OBFA Architects for the delivery of the scheme, which is being financed under the Government’s Housing For All programme and directly by the Local Authority.

Work on the Dunlo Hill development includes the renovation and extension of the existing terraced buildings and the conversion of the currently derelict “Dooley’s Pub” from a public house to a community facility.

The residential housing development comprises 10 two-storey one-bed dwellings, 2 two-storey two-bed dwellings, 1 single-storey one-bed apartment, 1 duplex one-bed apartment, and 2 duplex two-bed apartments (16 no. units in total).

The whole redevelopment project is scheduled for completion by July 2026.

Councillor Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said “This is a milestone scheme for Galway County Council and the town of Ballinasloe that will bring about the transformation of a derelict site into a vibrant new community space and residential development.”

“With 16 modern residential units and a restored community facility, this initiative marks a significant step forward in revitalising the town centre while meeting the housing needs of our community.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, explained that the Dunlo Hill development will have a lasting positive impact on Ballinasloe.

“The existing buildings at Dunlo Hill have not been in use for some time and have fallen into a state of disrepair,” he explained.

“Their renovation, along with the ongoing maintenance of their historic features, ensures their survival into the future and marks a significant local authority-delivered regeneration project for the town.”

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Housing with Galway County Council, explained that the initial construction phase of the development includes the partial demolition of outbuildings and sheds to the rear courtyard areas, and the construction of a new single storey extension to the rear of Dooley’s Pub.

He noted that the existing rear courtyard area would be adapted to create a new pedestrian route through the development that will open the project towards the community, while renewable energy design measures will be implemented in the new community facility and housing units.

“The project seeks to bring back to life existing houses which have been unoccupied for a considerable length of time and have fallen into a derelict state,” he added.

“The retention of Dooley’s Pub to include a community space will help strengthen the place of this project within the Ballinasloe community,” concluded Mr. Owens.

Stephanie Kelly-Taylor, B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch, OBFA Architects, commented, “OBFA has been designing new homes throughout Ireland for local authorities and housing bodies for 12 years.”

“The design team particularly enjoy a project like Dunlo Hill, which combines adaptive re-use, town centre living, and a mixed-use occupancy.”

“Dooley’s Pub is a beloved Ballinasloe landmark, and the design team was delighted to incorporate part of it for future community and cultural use.”

Galway County Council and An Taisce are bidding to make this April’s National Spring Clean campaign the most successful to date by getting every parish in County Galway involved in the annual initiative.

More than 200 local groups joined volunteers from across Ireland last year to remove 2,500 tons of litter from roadsides, parks and coastlines.

Householders, schools, businesses and communities across County Galway are once again being encouraged to register and take part in the 26^th annual campaign.

Cllr Martina Kinane, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “I very much appreciate the year-round efforts of local volunteers and groups to enhance the appearance of their local communities and for making a huge effort during National Spring Clean.”

“We are fortunate to live in a beautiful county, so it is important that we respect it by ensuring it is litter-free for residents and visitors alike.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “We are urging people who have never been involved in Spring Clean before to register their interest in taking part this year.”

“Participation can range from one or two neighbours getting together to pick up litter in their local area to a larger team of community volunteers playing their part in keeping County Galway litter-free. Cleanup kits are available to support registered groups in County Galway.”

Kieran Coyne, Acting Director of Services, said, “National Spring Clean plays a key role in the county’s ongoing Anti-Litter Programme and Litter Management Plan, encouraging everyone to take part in the effort to keep Galway litter-free.”

“Last year, 30% of all waste collected during the National Spring Clean was recycled, as the campaign continues to highlight the importance of a circular economy and waste reduction.”

“While the campaign supports local cleanup initiatives, it also raises awareness about the impact of litter and the benefits of maintaining cleaner, healthier communities,” he added.

National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Climate, Environment and Energy and Mars Wrigley.

Registrations are being accepted on www.nationalspringclean.org and further information is available from the Environment Section of Galway County Council on 091-509510 / environment@galwaycoco.ie.

Coastal communities in Connemara are staging walking protests today against dangerous conditions on roads in the area.

The protests are aimed at highlighting the lack of safety measures along the R336, which the protestors describe as “one of the most dangerous stretches of road in Ireland”.

The walking protests will take place in Barna, Furbo, Inverin, and Spiddal this morning.

A statement from protest organisers said, “For years, residents of these communities have raised alarms about the dangers of the R336—a road with no safe pedestrian crossings, substandard footpaths or not at all, and heavy traffic that puts lives at risk every day.”

No action has been taken despite political acknowledgement of the issue and eligibility for government funding.

The organisers state that traffic has surged on the R336 in recent years, a road which goes through many villages and makes them unsafe for pedestrians, especially children.

Local communities are demanding action on promised safety works which have never materialised.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses after a man in his 50s died in a car crash in Co. Mayo on Monday night.

The single vehicle crash occurred on the R323, Knock Road, at Bracklaghboy, Ballyhaunis at approximately 10:10pm on Monday.

The sole occupant of the car, a man aged in his 50s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The body has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

The road is currently closed for technical examination by Garda Forensic Investigators, with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 9.30pm to 10.30pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Croí heart and stroke charity, celebrated a landmark moment in stroke recovery and rehabilitation with the official opening of the Joe and Helen O’Toole Community Stroke Hub at the Croí Heart and Stroke Centre in Newcastle, Galway.

The transformative facility was officially opened by Mayor of Galway, Peter Keane, marking a significant advancement in stroke care and support services in the West of Ireland.

Made possible by the extraordinary generosity of the Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam, this state-of-the-art Stroke Hub will serve as a vital resource for individuals recovering from stroke, offering essential rehabilitation programs, therapies, and carer support services.

The hub, constructed by Carey Construction and designed by architects Simon J Kelly, will provide a dedicated space for Croí’s existing stroke recovery day program, ensuring that stroke survivors and their families have access to much-needed services in a supportive community setting.

Speaking at the opening, Croí Chairman, Mark Gantly, highlighted the significance of this new facility, “The Joe and Helen O’Toole Community Stroke Hub represents a major milestone in stroke recovery services in the West of Ireland.”

“Stroke survivors and their families face an incredibly challenging journey, and this hub will provide them with the rehabilitation, support, and care they need to rebuild their lives.”

“We are deeply grateful to the Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam for their vision and generosity in making this life-changing facility a reality.”

The Stroke Hub is the first of its kind in the West of Ireland, complementing Croí’s comprehensive range of services in stroke prevention, cardiovascular care, and disease management.

The purpose-built facility is equipped with cutting-edge amenities and staffed by specialist healthcare professionals, ensuring that every person who walks through its doors receives the highest standard of care and support.

Mary Lardner for the Joe and Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam, expressed her pride in continuing the O’Toole legacy, saying, “Joe and Helen O’Toole were deeply committed to helping their community, and their legacy will now live on through this Stroke Hub.”

“We are incredibly proud to see this facility open today, knowing that it will make a lasting impact on the lives of stroke survivors and their families.”

“The Trust is grateful to Croí for the opportunity to continue Joe and Helen’s legacy of charitable giving and to positively impact the lives of those affected by stroke.”

Dr. Ruairi Waters, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine at Galway University Hospital and Board member of Croí said that the hub will, “Provide a critical resource for patients and their families, empowering them to regain independence, improve quality of life, and navigate the challenges of post-stroke recovery with confidence”.

With the doors now open, Croí looks forward to welcoming stroke survivors, their families, and carers who will avail of the specialist rehabilitation and support services at the Joe and Helen O’Toole Community Stroke Hub.

This facility will ensure that those affected by stroke have access to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Some 200 homes on the west side of Galway City may experience water outages lasting until Monday afternoon while connection works take place.

Uisce Eireann is carrying out new connection works on the Letteragh Road on the western outskirts of the city.

The work began at 10am on Monday morning and is expected to continue until 4pm this afternoon.

In order to facilitate the works, approximately 200 Uisce Éireann customers in the area may experience outages or disruption to their water supply.

Customers along parts of the Letteragh Road, Cúirt Chéirín, The Bailey, The Heath, Breacán and parts of Circular Road as far as Bushypark NS may be affected. Bushypark NS itself will not be affected.

Temporary traffic management measures will be put in place during the works.

Uisce Éireann’s Leo O’Shea assured customers that crews will complete the works and restore normal supply as quickly as possible.

“These planned works are necessary to connect new homes to the public water supply,” said Leo. “We wish to thank affected customers for their understanding and patience while the works are ongoing.”

Typically, it takes two to three hours following repairs for normal supply to restore to all customers. However, it may take longer for normal supply to be restored to customers on higher ground or at the end of the network.

Gardaí have made a fresh appeal for witnesses to a traffic incident where a cyclist was found badly injured by the side of the road, and later passed away in hospital.

The deadly traffic incident occurred on the N17 in Co Mayo on Friday, February 28 on the road between the airport and Charlestown.

A cyclist, aged in his 60s, was found with life-threatening injuries at around 12:20pm, and was brought by ambulance to hospital. He has since passed away.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

The deceased was travelling in the direction of Charlestown coming from the direction of the airport.

Any road users who were on the N17 in the area between 11:45am and 12:20pm and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 9252990, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.