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Galway photographers invited to join national competition showcasing favourite waterways

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Aasleagh Falls, Co Mayo- taken by LAWPRO Staff

People in Galway are being invited to submit their entries to the Local Authority Waters Programme national photography competition.

The ‘My Favourite Waterway’ photography competition is meant to highlight the many stunning rivers lakes and beaches in Ireland.

LAWPRO is a national agency coordinating efforts to achieve good water quality across the country among the 31 local authorities in Ireland.

Speaking at the competition launch, Anthony Coleman, Director of Services at LAWPRO said: “I am delighted to launch this nationwide competition to find out people’s favourite waterbodies.

“Ireland is bountiful with iconic waterways and scenic landscapes, and we know how important these waters and wetlands are to people.”

“We want you to take part by submitting a photo of your favourite waterbody in Galway to be in with a chance of winning a prize”.

The competition is open to anyone across Ireland, entrants under 18 years of age must be submitted by a parent/ guardian.

If your photo includes anyone aged under 16 years of age, only a parent/guardian may submit the content.

The overall winner will receive a €500 voucher for Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa in Co Wicklow along with an A3 framed print of your winning photo and there will also be regional prizes of framed prints.

The top photos will be featured in LAWPRO’s 2025 calendar and winners will receive a calendar along with their prize.

The closing date for entries to the competition is March 15, 2024.

Competition Guidelines

  • The theme of the competition is “My favourite waterbody” and it should be encouraging and inspiring for others to go out and enjoy nature.
  • Photographs can be taken using any smart phone, compact camera, DLSR camera etc.
  • We would prefer if photos do not contain any individual who is recognisable.
  • All photographs must be taken between the 2nd February and 15th March 2024 on the island of Ireland (including Ireland’s islands and marine territory) and photos must be submitted to LAWPRO via email to photocomp@lawaters.ie by 5pm on Friday 15th March 2024.
  • All entries should be in format of JPEG, PNG or a static GIF.
  • The photographer must not have won a previous prize with the photo they are entering.

The winner will be determined by a judging panel whose decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

170 properties removed from boil water notice in Loughrea

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Galway Daily news Ballyconneelly water outages

Uisce Éireann has reminded residents in Loughrea that the boil water notice issued for localised areas remains in place.

The notice has now been lifted however in Castle Street, Kelly Street, King Street, Church Street, Piggott Street, Moore Street and Cross Street, including Mt Pleasant.

The notice was issued to protect the health of customers after of low chlorine residuals and elevated levels of iron and turbidity were found in the public water supply.

It remains in place for customers on Dolphin Street, Mount Carmel Crescent, Athenry Road, Liam Mellows Terrace, Brendan’s Day Care Centre as well the L-8273 between the Gort Road and the Old Galway Road.

galway daily news map of boil water notice in loughrea
Area impacted by boil water notice in Loughrea

Uisce Éireann’s Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community and regrets the inconvenience to impacted customers.

“Some of this pipework is constructed from cast iron and, depending on the area, can be up to 100 years old,” he said.

“Old cast iron mains typically suffer from sediment being dislodged during repair or maintenance works, causing temporary discolouration of the water or the water appearing brown before it reaches customers’ taps. Usually running the tap for several minutes will restore the clear colour.”

Public consultation event on Ballinasloe flood relief scheme

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galway daily news Ballinasloe flood relief scheme

Galway County Council is holding a public consultation event for the proposed Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme next week.

The event will take place at the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe next Tuesday, February 27 from 1pm until 7pm.

There the project team will present the emerging preferred option for the flood relief scheme to the local public.

This is the third public consultation event being held by the county council and OPW in relation to this scheme.

Information about this scheme is also available at floodinfo.ie/frs/en/ballinasloe/home/.

Ted Fest back again bringing mad craic to Inis Mor

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Photo: Gareth Chaney

The quaint and quirky island of Craggy is abuzz with excitement as the much-anticipated Ted Fest makes a triumphant return on March 7th-10th.

This year’s festival promises to be a rollercoaster of pure “feckin'” hilarity, celebrating the beloved TV show Father Ted like never before.

Craggy Island will come alive with laughter, mischief, and a whole lot of “drink, feck, arse, girls!” as Inis Mór becomes the legendary ‘Craggy Island’ once more for a weekend of high-jinx.

Copious cups of tea and sandwiches, a lot of red tank-tops, nuns on the run, priests on the pull, map-cap costumes and of course a bishop getting a kick up the arse –  Fr Ted, Ireland’s best loved TV Show is celebrated.

Brian McManus from Fermanagh, winner of Best Dressed at Tedfest 2023
pictured as Tom’s Scania Truck.
Photo: Gareth Chaney

Visitors will enjoy all the ecumenical craic that Craggy Island has to offer and the official programme has now been announced for the biggest ever Tedfest.

Highlights include the annual Lovely Girls Competition, Blind Date with Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonnell),  Mrs Doyle Lip Sync Showdown, The Craggy Cup, The Wee Red Chair, The Weakest Greek, Human Bingo, The Tide of Jam Session, The Ted of the Dead Ball, Ted’s Got Talent, The Priests Dance Off, TedMaster, The Hobby Horse Show, The Craggy Comedy Craic Den, The Reverse Wheel of Death and the Father Ted Prizeless Quiz.

Original cast members are also firm favorites at the event and fan favourite Patrick McDonnell is confirmed for 2024 to host Blind Date with Eoin McLove! Willie or no willie,

Craggy Island’s most beloved singer always draws a crowd – probably about seventeen million!  

Competition can also be rife for the coveted Lovely Girls title and organisers have lovely girls practice their lovely talents, lovely laughs, cone walking and general loveliness at all times.

Patrick McDonnell who played Eoin McLove in hit TV show Father Ted pictured at TedFest with adoring ladies Clare Jordan, Rachel Kiernan and Nicola Garry. and Elaine McHugh. Photo: Matt Sills

Ted’s Got Talent is also a big highlight with some very memorable moments that are definitely well-deserving of a tiny cup.

The Comedy Craic Den and music line-up is always a triumph at TedFest and the charity trad sessions will surely bring out the dancing priests and raise some money for a good cause that won’t just ‘rest in our Account’.

This year all funds raised will go towards the islanders’ campaign to Save the School.

In addition, the music lineup for this year’s festival includes a fifteen-piece band called the Circus Ponies.

All activity will take place at the Aran Islands Hotel on Inis Mor which has the space to accommodate the Music Stages, the Craggy Craic Den and full extended line-up.

All accommodation on the island with roofs, heating and running water is now fully booked by TedFest revellers.

Organisers advise on the website  “With all parochial houses on the island full of pop stars, Fr Noel Furlong is sponsoring the campsite at Tedfest.  So we can release a final batch of Tedfest tickets that will include camping pitches.

The Aran Island Campsite has a kitchen, shower/toilet block and a laundry room with dryers. You’ll need to bring your own tents, camping equipment and whistles.

Purchase your Tedfest ticket(s) via www.tedfest.org and we’ll book your camping pitch.

Ros na Rún wraps filming of Season 28 with cast and crew celebration

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Seosaimhín Ní ShuilleabháIn, Josie O' Cualáin and Fionnuala Ní Fhlatharta pictured at TG4’s Ros na Rún Season 28 Wrap Party at the Victoria Hotel. Photo: Martina Regan

The cast and crew of TG4’s popular drama series Ros na Rún wrapped Filming of season 28 this week, closing out another year of a staggering 82 episodes.

The season finale of Ros na Rún will be broadcast on June 13, and promises to leave viewers fearing for the safety of some of their best loved characters.

A well and truly deserved celebration for the actors, crew, production team of Ireland’s only rural based TV drama series saw actors, crew and producers enjoyed a fun party with dancing into the early hours at Queen Street, Galway City.

Ros na Rún kicked off 2024 with an exciting visit from the US TV Channel HBO and their world-renowned TV presenter Conan O’Brien last month.

The US TV Chat show host specifically asked to visit the Connemara Gaeltacht based working TV studio of Ros na Rún while on his recent trip to Ireland.

Keen to learn a cúpla focail, he was very impressed with the style and set of the TV studio and their output of 82 episodes per season.

Describing himself as “lace curtain Irish” Conan O’Brien was very impressed with the team and talent of Ros na Rún and its production companies of Danú Media in Connemara and Dublin based, Tyrone Productions.

Storylines are key in the village of secrets, especially gripping this season with much insight into the the corrupt actions of Garda Diana Ní Cheallaigh.

This story is vividly depicted by actor Fionnuala Flaherty who plays Garda Diana and her criminal friend Frankie played by Donegal Actor Sam O Fearraigh who’s also one of the main writers of the Irish Language drama series.

For the remainder of the season, loyal Ros na Rún fans will see Laoise played by Connemara-based actor Seosaimhín Uí Shuilleabháin grapple with her love for Michael played by Josie Ó Cualáin who’s taking his cancer diagnosis very hard.

Their life partnership continues to be under stress in the weeks ahead as Michael’s cancer treatment hits a number of obstacles.

Niall will continue to be under pressure at Radio Pobail Ros na Rún but can Niall, played by Donegal Actor Danny McCafferty, hold his ground as an investigative reporter ahead of the feisty Caitriona Ní Loideáin who’s played by the familiar actor Máire Éilís Ní Fhlatharta.

While endeavouring to send shock waves amongst his radio listeners he’s also creating a village volcano which has the potential to implode for all in Ros na Rún if he doesn’t stop upsetting the community with his interviews.

Ros na Rún’s new pharmacist, Cyril, continues to unsettle Garda Diana as she grapples with the fact that she was raped by this pilar of society type personality, who’s well able to charm and double cross.

Cyril, played by Galway City native Darren Killeen is certainly going to embed himself in Ros na Rún this season.

There is a lot at stake for our beloved characters, how will Mack fare as his relationship with the corrupt Diana develops and not to mention Cyril’s paedophile tendencies as he endeavours to charm both Caitriona and her impressionable teenage daughter Maeve.

“We’ve had a tremendous response this season to our actors, new and long established, and of course our storylines,” says Marion Ní Loingsigh, series producer of Ros na Rún.

“It was heartfelt to welcome so many of them from all corners of Ireland last September for first ever public opening of our TV set for Culture Night.”

“Tonight, at Queen Street in Galway City, we celebrate the filming of another wonderful season of Ros na Rún which we’re all very proud of”.

Ros na Rún is the only rural-based TV drama on Irish TV since the era of Glenroe and it continues to grow with Irish TV audiences at home and increasingly with the Irish abroad via the TG4 and RTE Player.

Filmed at an Chuasnóg in An Spidéal – Spiddal in the Connemara Gaeltacht, Ros na Rún is a co-production between Dánú Media and Tyrone Productions for TG4.

Gardaí investigating after man seriously injured in Ballinasloe incident

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Galway Daily news missing girl found safe

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in Ballinasloe on Friday morning.

Gardaí are investigating a number of incidents which occurred on the morning of Friday, February 23 in Ballinasloe.

A man was taken to hospital for treatment in connection with this incident. His injuries are serious but not believed to be life-threatening.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them at the Incident Room at Ballinasloe Garda Station 0909 631890 or the Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

No further information is available at this time.

Onlinecasinonewzealand.nz ‘s Responsible Gambling Tips For Kiwi Players

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In this guide, we’ll look at responsible gaming tips to keep in mind when playing online, while looking at casinos where you can play online casino games safely. 

Responsible Gaming

It’s no secret that casino entertainment is becoming more popular than ever before, with millions of players turning to online gambling platforms every day to play their favourite games. For most players out there, it’s possible to enjoy casino games healthily and responsibly, but for others, this can be hard. In light of this, it’s essential for these gaming platforms to implement responsible gaming practices, as this is key to a safe and fun casino experience. 

Responsible Gaming refers to the practice of making sure that gambling is used for entertainment purposes only and preventing people, such as minors or people with addictive personalities, from participating in it. Problem gambling should be taken very seriously, and this is why, in this article, we want to offer some tips on how to play within limits when playing online while also looking at casinos that promote safe gambling habits. 

Safe Gambling Habits

Below, we’ve listed some of the best responsible gaming tactics to remember when playing at online casinos: 

  • Remember, online casino entertainment is meant to be fun and should never be seen as a reliable way to make quick money, as there is simply no way you can ever predict your results.
  • Make sure you balance playing online casino games with other important and fun things, such as working, meeting family and friends, and exercising.
  • Before you start playing, it’s integral that you define a strict budget regarding how much you want to spend on games and make sure not to go over it. Similarly, you can also set loss limits.
  • Finally, if you feel that playing these games is becoming stressful, you should stop playing and seek help. Again, online casino gaming should be entertaining and not stress and anxiety-inducing.

Safest Online Casinos in New Zealand: 

Now that you know a little bit more about responsible gaming tactics, we’d like to offer some site recommendations that encourage you to participate in and play online casino games safely and responsibly: 

Wildz Casino

Wildz Casino is a very popular option amongst New Zealand players, and this site will instantly catch your eye with its bright colours and fresh interface. You’ll find around 1000 titles here, including slots, jackpots, table games, and live games. Wildz Casino has been in operation since 2019, and during the years online, it has always kept a very good reputation amongst players. When visiting their responsible gaming section, you’ll find that they have many tools to help you play within limits, such as a time limit tool, a net loss limits tool, a deposit limit tool, and a wagering limit tool. They even have a self-exclusion option and a reality check feature. The site also encourages you to speak to a member of their team if you feel you might be experiencing a problem with gambling. 

Casino Days

Next, we have Casino Days, a fantastic gaming platform with over 5000 titles. This site offers fast and secure payments, complete safety and security when handling your data, and a 24/7 customer support team for any issues. Casino Days is another popular option amongst New Zealand players, and this is because they are a site that truly cares about their customers. Regarding responsible gaming, the site is very well-equipped to help you have a safe and secure casino experience. When visiting their responsible gaming section, they have a list of questions you can go through to help navigate whether you need outside help regarding your casino playing activities. The site also offers a time limit option to help you keep track of your spending habits and a self-exclusion feature.

Lucky Elektra 

This casino and sportsbook is another popular choice amongst Kiwi players, and indeed, this site has a unique design that you won’t easily find at online casinos, making it a pretty memorable site! Again, this site boasts an excellent selection of games, fantastic promotions, and a 24/7 customer service team to ensure a smooth casino experience. 

Their responsible gaming section is very well-explained and comprehensive, and this immediately helped us trust the site. This section is split into five categories: Maintaining Control, Responsible, Organizations to Speak to, Underage Players, and Systems of Filtration, all of which have helpful information, such as how to stay safe when playing online, the tools available at the casino, organizations you can speak to in the case you think you have a problem. 

Just Casino 

The last site we’d like to mention here is Just Casino, a fantastic intergalactic-themed site where you’ll find over 3000 titles, ranging from popular titles to more niche and unknown ones. This site has only been around since 2023, and they’ve amassed many fans in New Zealand thanks to their insistence on safety and security and the sophisticated SSL encryption protocols they utilize.

Other than that, Just Casino also takes responsible gaming very seriously. On their responsible gaming section, the site explains that if you cannot control how much time and money you spend on these games, you should reach out to a member of their support service team for further help, which is available around the clock. 

For more information about the top online casinos, visit the site today!

Latest Casino Trends in Canada

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The world of online casinos is ever-changing, with developers adding new features to these sites regularly to make the online playing experience smoother and more immersive than ever before. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the latest trends in Canada concerning online casino gaming. 

The Best Features at Online Casinos 

There are now more online casinos than ever before, most of which boast a fantastic selection of games, generous bonuses, and an overall smooth and fun casino experience. As previously mentioned, online casinos are constantly updating themselves to keep up with player’s expectations, giving them the best possible gaming experience possible. Let’s look at some casino trends, the best features at online casinos, and what has improved overall at gaming sites. 

Enhanced User Interface

First impressions can never be overstated. A player will immediately develop an opinion in the first couple of seconds that they enter a site, and this will greatly determine whether a player will make an account with them or not. Online casinos spend lots of time and money on ensuring that their interface is fresh, modern, and, of course, easy to use. Indeed, when playing at top online casinos, you can expect everything to work smoothly and all your favourite games are easy to find.

Casino Games

Naturally, online casinos place great importance on deciding which developers they work with, as this will ultimately make or break their site. Recently, apart from the usual slots, jackpots, and table games, casinos have been incorporating live casino games, as these are some titles that offer a completely authentic casino experience. Apart from that, online casinos are also offering a wide range of titles to choose from rather than just a select few, as this is something that players appreciate more when playing at a site. 

Mobile Compatibility

Newer online casinos nowadays are embedded with sophisticated HTML5 technology, making playing on your phone a seamless experience, regardless of whether they offer an app. You can expect all the graphics here to be crisp and soundscapes to be immersive, making for a fun and easy playing experience wherever you are. 

More Banking Solutions

Another trend we’d like to shed light on is how casinos incorporate more safe banking solutions on their website. With newer casinos, you’ll often have quite a wide range of payment solutions to choose from, such as credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and cryptocurrencies. All of these options are safe and secure and employ sophisticated technology to make sure that your data is kept safe when playing online. 

Clear Bonuses and Promotions 

Finally, another thing we’d like to shed light on is that casinos are being more transparent and honest with their customers, which hasn’t always been the case. There have been many casinos out there that boast seemingly very generous bonuses, but upon closer look, you’ll realize that they came with very large wagering requirements that made it very difficult to get your hands on any winnings. Nowadays, it’s more common to find sites that are clear about their promotions and terms and conditions, as this offers a more pleasant casino experience. 

Partnership Between Casimoose.ca and Online Casinos

Casimoose.ca has been the number one casino comparison site for many Canadian players, and they’ve gone from success to success ever since they went online. Thanks to casimoose.ca, players can learn everything they need to know about online casinos on one site, such as the casino’s bonuses, promotions, banking solutions, and games, amongst other things. Casimoose.ca only partners with the best of the best while also giving an objective view of the sites. Check here for a full list of casino reviews.

Sites Working with Casimoose.ca

Here are some of the great sites that are in partnership with casimoose.ca. All of these sites follow the guidelines set out by the Canadian Gaming Association. 

Royal Vegas Casino 

With over 700 slot machines to choose from, Royal Vegas is a fantastic option for anyone looking to play games from some of the most note-worthy developers in the industry, such as Microgaming, NetEnt, and Evolution Gaming. Upon making your first deposit here, you’ll also get a $1200 deposit bonus , which is an excellent way to get a head start on your online casino journey. 

Truthnorth.bet

If you’re looking for a massive selection of games to choose from, then Truthnorth.bet is the site you’ll definitely want to look out for. You’ll find over 6000 games to choose from here, with popular titles that you know and love, together with more niche ones such as scratchcards and aviator games. The Welcome Bonus here is a match bonus of up to $1000 when signing up and making your first deposit. 

Tonybet

Tonybet is a sportsbook and casino page where you can place bets on a wide range of sports while also enjoying great casino games from the likes of NetEnt, Play’n GO, and iSoftBet, amongst others. Tonybet also has a large number of games, around 6000, and they are adding new games to their library almost every week. Your first deposit here will trigger a 100% match bonus of up to $1000 and 120 Free Spins for Cowboys Gold. 

Nine Casino

With a selection of around 5000 titles, Nine Casino is another great option for anyone looking for great games and generous bonuses. Your first deposit here will trigger a Welcome Bonus of $675 together with 250 Free Spins. Apart from great promotions, the site also has a rewarding VIP programme that will surely make your stay with them worthwhile!

Tech company BuyMedia creating 100 jobs in Galway

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Leo Clancy Enterprise Ireland CEO , Fergal O’Connor Buymedia and Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Dara Calleary TD at the official opening of the new €5.2 million extension at Platform94 in Galway, where member company Buymedia announced the creation of an additional 100 jobs at Platform94. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

Galway tech company BuyMedia has announced that it will be creating 100 new jobs in the city over the next four years.

The announcement was made at the opening of an expansion of Platform94, formerly known as Galway Technology Centre, where the advertising tech company has its headquarters.

BuyMedia’s advertising platform is at the cutting edge of utilising AI technologies to equip marketing professionals with powerful tools and insightful data.

At the opening event, the company unveiled its exciting plans for the future, in the presence of distinguished guests Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary, Leo Clancy, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, the Mayor of Galway Eddie Hoare and President of Galway Chamber, Eveanna Ryan.

Buymedia showcased a world-exclusive demonstration of its groundbreaking generative AI tools which provide predictive analytics and other tools for marketing departments.

“This event marks a defining chapter in Buymedia’s journey,” declared Fergal O’Connor, CEO and Founder of Buymedia.

“We are incredibly proud to announce our ambitious growth plans, fuelled by a talented team, innovative technology, and unwavering support from the industry and community.”

“We are excited to create high-skilled jobs, expand our reach internationally, and empower marketing professionals with the next generation of AI-powered data-driven advertising technology.”

Speaking at the opening of Platform 94, Minister Dara Calleary TD said, “I am delighted to join the Buymedia team today to celebrate the opening of their new office space here in Platform 94 and the announcement of significant job creation here in Galway.”

“By working together, we can ensure Ireland’s creative industries thrive in the AI age, driving sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”

“Today’s expansion announcement by Buymedia is a testament to the huge opportunities that await this sector on a global stage and paves the way for this innovative company to significantly scale its business internationally.”

“The Government, through Enterprise Ireland, looks forward to continued engagement with Buymedia to support the growth of the business into the future.”

Man arrested as knife and €64,000 worth of drugs seized

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Man arrested in connection with €64,000 Galway drugs seizure

One man has been arrested in connection with the seizure of €64,000 worth of multiple drugs in Galway City yesterday evening.

While on patrol on the Renmore Road on Thursday evening, Gardaí stopped a male who was found to be in possession of a knife.

He was arrested and taken to a Garda station in the North Western Region.

As a result of enquiries by investigating Gardaí, a search was conducted at an address in Galway.

During the course of the search suspected cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA and ecstasy with an estimated value of €64,000 was seized.

Various drug paraphernalia was also seized by investigating Gardaí. The drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI).

The arrested man (aged in his 20s) is currently detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at a Garda station in the North Western Region.

Heavy overcrowding continues at UHG with 57 on trolleys

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Galway Daily news UHG overcrowding

A week of heavy overcrowding at University Hospital Galway continues unabated as it is the second most overcrowded in the country for the fourth day this week.

There were 57 patients admitted to University Hospital Galway with no beds available according to INMO figures.

In the emergency department at UHG there are 45 patients on trolleys, and another 12 without beds in the wards.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, there were two patients on trolleys in the emergency department this morning.

On Thursday evening UHG reported heavy pressure on bed availability, with more than 150 people presenting at the emergency department by 5pm.

Nationwide the INMO reports 459 patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals as of Friday morning.

The worst affected hospital is UH Limerick (96), followed by UHG (57), Cork University Hospital (56), and the Mater (33).

Bundee Aki back in action for Ireland

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Galway Daily sport Bundee Aki back in action for Ireland

Bundee Aki is back in action for Ireland in this weekend’s Six Nations clash with Wales as the pursuit of another Grand Slam continues.

Andy Farrell has named his squad for the Wales game taking place in the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Bundee Aki returns to the starting XV to continue his midfield partnership with Robbie Henshaw, while Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Crowley start at scrum-half and out-half respectively.

Peter O’Mahony returns as Captain in his 50th appearance in the Six Nations Championship for Ireland.

Ciaran Frawley is stepping in for Hugo Keenan as a full-back in his first start for Ireland, and he will be joined in the back row by Calvin Nash and James Lowe.

In the pack, Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan and Tadhg Furlong are named in the front row, with Joe McCarthy continuing in the second row alongside Tadhg Beirne. O’Mahony skippers the team from the back row, alongside Josh van der Flier at openside flanker and Caelan Doris at number eight.

The Ireland Coaching Team have opted for a 6-2 split on the bench, as Ronan Kelleher, Cian Healy, the uncapped Oli Jager, James Ryan, Ryan Baird and Jack Conan provide the reinforcements in the pack.

Backs Conor Murray and Stuart McCloskey complete Ireland’s Match Day 23 for the visit of Wales.

Saturday’s match is live on RTÉ2 and ITV.

Ireland:

15. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster)(2)
14. Calvin Nash (Young Munster/Munster)(3)
13. Robbie Henshaw (Buccaneers/Leinster)(69)
12. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht)(53)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(28)
10. Jack Crowley (Cork Constitution/Munster)(11)
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster)(32)

1. Andrew Porter (UCD/Leinster)(61)
2. Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(23)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster)(73)
4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster)(7)
5. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster)(47)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Cork Constitution/Munster)(captain)(102)
7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster)(59)
8. Caelan Doris (St Mary’s College/Leinster)(38)

Replacements:

16. Ronan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster)(28)
17. Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)(126)
18. Oli Jager (Munster)*
19. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster)(61)
20. Ryan Baird (Dublin University/Leinster)(17)
21. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)(43)
22. Conor Murray (Garryowen/Munster)(113)
23. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster)(16).

‘Whole Wide World’ bus tour to include four Galway stops in April

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Galway Daily arts & culture Call to local writers for the Over the Edge Fiction Slam

Pupils and families in Galway will have the chance to meet the creators of their favourite Irish books in Galway as part of Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde’s ‘Whole Wild World’ bus tour.

The unique tour will see Irish children’s writers and illustrators visit schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural venues in nine counties along the west coast of Ireland.

Taking in a total of 1,400 kilometres on a multicolour, 30-seater coach, the tour will include four stops in Galway, at Leenane, Furbo and two in Galway city.

It begins at Ireland’s most northerly point, Malin Head in Donegal, on Monday, 15 April, and concludes at Kinsale Library in Cork on Sunday, 28 April.

Patricia Forde will be joined in Galway by authors and illustrators for workshops, readings and artist events for school groups, library groups and families. The full line-up will be announced in March.

The Galway first stops will be at Leenane National School on Friday, 19 April, and Scoil na bhForbacha on Friday, 19 April.

Then there will be an event in conjunction with Cúirt International Festival of Literature at 2pm on Saturday, 20 April, and an artist event at An Taibhdhearc at 6.30 pm on Saturday, 20 April.

Speaking at the announcement of the route this week, Patricia Forde said she was excited at the prospect of meeting young readers and writers in Galway in April.

“This tour is about igniting imaginations and ensuring that Galway will have another generation of great writers and illustrators by bringing books and their creators to an audience that doesn’t often get a chance to meet them in their own local area,” she said.

“We will have exciting Irish authors and illustrators on board, hoping to inspire and to be inspired, to share stories and have lots of fun!”

The full list of participating schools, bookshops, libraries and cultural venues can be found at www.childrenslaureate.ie.

Plans for north Galway wind farm pass first stage

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Galway Daily news Plans in the works for northwest Galway wind farm

Plans are in development for an onshore wind farm with a capacity of up to 86MW in the north of County Galway.

RWE Renewables is seeking planning permission for the wind farm development of up to 13 wind turbines at Shancloon, Co. Galway near the county line with Mayo.

The development recently cleared the pre-planning consultation phase at An Bord Pleanála, allowing for a planning application to proceed for a Strategic Infrastructure Development.

A project brief on RWE’s website states that the 689 hectare site is located in the townlands of Shancloon, Cloonbar, Beagh More, Derrymore, Cloonteen and Cloonsheen.

The proposed wind farm would be built roughly 12km west of Tuam, 8.5km northeast of Headford and 3.5km from the Mayo border.

The company states that the majority of the lands within this area are either cutaway bog or in agricultural use, and that this could continue with a wind farm in situ on the site.

€1 million funding secured for retrofitting homes in Galway City

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ouncillor Donal Lyons, Leas Cathaoirleach Galway City Council; Sandra Riordan, Warm Home Hub Westside and John Daly, Economist of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. Photo: Andrew Downes

Funding of €1 million has been secured to help hundreds of houses in Galway City undergo retrofits to make them warmer and more energy efficient.

Homes in Galway City’s Westside area can now access a one-stop-shop for home retrofits with funding secured from by the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) and Galway City Council.

This one-stop-shop, the “Warm Home Hub Westside” will provide advice to households on retrofitting, consultations with contractors, and information sessions, which will be managed by the Galway Energy Co-Operative.

The grant funding is being provided by the EU’s Net Zero Cities Programme, and aims to help 250 households begin retrofitting journeys.

John Daly, Economist with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, welcomed the €1m funding from the Net Zero Cities Programme, hailing it as a potential catalyst for change in Galway City and the wider North West region.

“We’re delighted that the Net Zero Cities Programme has opted to help us kick-start our retrofitting ambitions in Galway City’s Decarbonisation Zone.”

“The €1m funding will enable us to bring together leading experts and innovators to assess the challenges involved in retrofitting homes in the Westside of Galway City, develop and apply solutions, and share our learnings with our regional stakeholders.”

He added that the region “performs poorly in terms of the number of homes with Building Energy Ratings between A and B2 in comparison to the national average.”

“Indeed, many areas in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland are still reliant on oil and solid fuels as their primary source of heat, increasing their vulnerability in terms of health and exposure to energy price shocks.”

In addition to the new Hub, University of Galway and ATU Galway are also teaming up on a new programme to incentivise 60 personnel to undertake retrofitting training, improve existing retrofit courses, and develop guidelines for contractors to monitor performance of retrofits.

Speaking about the initiative, Mayor of Galway City Cllr. Eddie Hoare said, “As well as guiding households through their retrofitting journey, the Net Zero Cities team will be working with the construction industry to build capacity in the sector.”

“This pilot project and the funding received through the EU Net Zero Cities Pilot Cities Programme provides Galway City with an excellent opportunity to test innovative approaches to reducing carbon emissions, in line with Galway City Council’s Climate Action Plan.”

Public and private sector partners will also form a steering group to identify challenges associated with retrofitting in the Galway City Decarbonisation Zone and fund solutions to help overcome these challenges.

The Net Zero Programme aims to overall help Galway City Council achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the Decarbonisation Zone by 2030.

UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland again this week

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Galway Daily news UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland again this week

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded in the country for the third time this week alone.

There are 62 patients without beds at University Hospital Galway today, the highest level seen so far this week.

In the emergency department at UHG, there are 47 patients on trolleys, while another 15 patients are in the wards with no beds available.

There has not been a single day so far this week when there have been fewer than 50 patients on trolleys at UHG.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe is fortunately doing better today, with no patients on trolleys according to INMO figures.

Nationwide there are 488 people in Irish hospitals with no beds available for them today, with University Hospital Limerick suffering the worst with 93 on trolleys.

This is followed by UHG (62), Cork University Hospital (50), Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (32), and Sligo University Hospital (27).

Job Expo Galway returning to the city this weekend

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Galway daily business Job Expo Galway returning to the city this weekend

Jobs Expo Galway is returning to the city this weekend, providing an opportunity for people to connect with dozens of employers.

The free careers fair taking place at the Galmont Hotel this Saturday will be attended by 20 leading employers in the west of Ireland.

Those attending can meet employers face to face, and get free access to the Agenda Stage seminars and free career coaching in the Career Clinic.

Industry-leading companies to be in attendance include: Sidero, PrepayPower, Corrib Oil, Portwest, Brampton Care Home, Atlantic Technological University, University of Galway, GRETB, Bus Éireann, Hitachi High-Tech, Avaya, TE Connectivity, BestDrive by Continental, Gateway Community Care, Irish Defence Forces, The Teaching Council, Nightcourses.com, Recruit.ie and more.

Free talks are dedicated to jobseekers and those determined to progress in their career, with radio & TV presenter, Trishauna Archer, being compere on the Agenda Stage on the day.

Featured seminars:

How To Find your Career Path

How Work Is Changing: Tips On How To Respond And Find Your Hidden Career

Micro-Credential  – An Innovation In Continuing Education For Adult Professionals

CV Sins

Embracing Your Career Journey

Leveraging Social Media For Career Advancement

Navigating Change. Where Do I Begin?

Leadership Development & Management Skills

Building A Personal Brand For Professional Success

In addition to the line-up of exhibitors and guest speakers, Jobs Expo will also feature the Career Clinic, with professional career coaches offering free career guidance, CV evaluations and interview tips.

The jobs expo and careers fair will take place this Saturday, February 24 from 10am to 4pm at the Galmont Hotel, Galway City.

Attendees can register for their free ticket at www.jobsexpo.ie

Galway County Council launches free online pre-planning inquiry system

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Elected Members and the executive of Galway County Council pictured at the official launch of an online pre-planning enquiry system for County Galway. Photo Galway County Council.

Galway County Council has become the second local authority in Ireland to launch an online pre-planning enquiry system.

The free online portal allows members of the public, planning agents and Elected Members to generate a free report for a proposed site boundary.

This collates common planning information relating to land use zonings, flood risk, protected structures and other topics.

The information will be particularly beneficial in assisting with the preparation of a planning application for permission or with deciding on whether a pre-planning meeting may be required.

The system was unveiled by Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, and Cllr. Mary Hoade, Chair of the Planning SPC, and is the first bilingual local authority pre-planning enquiry system to be launched in Ireland.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council acknowledged the GIS and Planning Departments of the Local Authority for their work on the project and confirmed that workshops to encourage the public to engage with the system will be announced during the coming weeks.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services with Galway County Council commented, “We urge the public, planning agents and Councillors to use the system, which will help with accuracy and will provide applicants with a good basis for assessing project cost, viability and issues of concern.”

The bi-lingual pre-planning website can be accessed at https://galway.preplanning.ie/en.

Pedestrian injured in traffic collision dies in hospital

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Galway Daily news Man dies after car goes into the water

A man seriously injured in a traffic collision in the west of Ireland earlier this week has been pronounced dead.

Two pedestrians, a 33 year old man and a young girl, were injured in a traffic collision involving a car in Ballina, Co. Mayo on Tuesday.

The male pedestrian, who was taken to Mayo University Hospital with serious injuries, was pronounced dead on Wednesday evening.

The local Coroner has been informed, and arrangements are being made for a post-mortem examination.

Additionally, the female child who was also injured has been discharged from the hospital.

Following the completion of examinations by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, the road, previously closed, has been reopened to traffic.

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses to the collision to come forward. Those with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area at the time are urged to provide it to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station 096 20560 or any Garda Station.

Renewed Garda appeal for missing teenage girl in Galway

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Galway Daily news Galway girl found safe after almost three weeks missing

Gardaí are renewing their appeal to the public for help locating missing Galway teenager Sennora Ward, with new information now available.

16-year-old Sennora has been missing from her home in Tuam since Saturday, February 10.

Sennora is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall, with a slim build. She has brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen, Sennora was wearing a beige jumper, blue jeans and white runners. She was also carrying a small white clutch bag.

An Garda Síochana now believe Sennora may have travelled to Oranmore.

Anyone with information regarding Sennora’s whereabouts is asked to contact Tuam Garda Station at 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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