Home Blog Page 6

Galway Lotto player wins €88k prize from weekend draw

0
Galway Daily news Galway Lotto player scoops €54,583 in midweek madness

A lucky Lotto player in Galway is having an incredible weekend after winning over €88,000 in Saturday night’s draw.

A Galway player matched 5 numbers and the Bonus to win an incredible €88,740 in last night’s draw with a Quick Pick ticket purchased on the day of the draw from Daybreak Service Station, Swangate, Athenry.

The winning numbers in the Saturday, 19th September Lotto draw were 10, 11, 20, 28, 41, 44 and the Bonus was 2.

One Kildare player is €500,000 richer after matching all five numbers in Friday night’s EuroMillions Plus draw, winning the EuroMillions Plus top prize.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the day of the draw at the Centra Service Station, Clane, Co. Kildare.

The winning numbers in the Friday, 18th September EuroMillions Plus draw were: 19, 23, 27, 35, 42.

National Lottery spokesperson Darragh O’Dwyer said, “It’s been a fantastic weekend for National Lottery players, with two major wins landing in Galway and Kildare.”

“A Galway player is celebrating a €88,740 Lotto win after matching five numbers and the Bonus, while one EuroMillions Plus player in Kildare has scooped an incredible €500,000 top prize.”

“We’re encouraging players in both Galway and Kildare to carefully check their tickets as they could be our latest big winners!”

The holders of the winning tickets should sign the back of their tickets and keep them somewhere safe.

They can contact the National Lottery Prize Claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie, and arrangements will be made for them to collect their prize at National Lottery headquarters.

Arts in Action returns with new Autumn/Winter programme

0
Esosa Ighodaro, writer and vocalist, will deliver an intimate performance at ‘Soul Ceol’ in November, sharing soulful interpretations of traditional Irish songs alongside spoken word and original music. Photo: Martina Regan

University of Galway’s Arts in Action 2026-2027 programme returns this week with free events, workshops and partnerships with arts organisations in the west.

A flagship public arts, performance and creative engagement programme of the University of Galway, Arts in Action prides itself on the strong partnerships it has built from year to year.

With a new home at the University of Galway’s Institute for Creativity, the upcoming programme spans arts forms from theatre to music, film to comedy, as well as conversation, talks and hands-on workshops.

The programme includes 15 free events, 3 workshops and partnerships with TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, Theatre of the Oppressed Festival, Music for Galway, MusicConnects, Culture Night and Galway City Council.

Highlight events include:

  • On November 5th, The Pale Blue Dot, a Music for Galway performance by Elevation Ensemble, will reimagine the extraordinary cultural time capsule of the Voyager Golden Records that were affixed to NASA’s Voyager spacecrafts launched in 1977 as humanity’s message to the cosmos. This unique multimedia performance includes new music by Irish composers Linda Buckley and Jonathan Nangle.
  • In December, a MusicConnects event ‘3 Kinds of Music’ will feature Galway guitarist and composer Aengus Hackett, MusicConnects’ Ensemble in Residence, ConTempo Quartet and the In Flow Gamelan Group – an ensemble of talented adults with Intellectual Disabilities, facilitated by That’s Life and supported by Corlann Services, Galway.
  • Throughout October and November, artist Maeve Curtis and author Mike McCormack will lead deep-listening workshops responding to MusicConnects’ season of music.
  • In partnership with TULCA Festival of Visual Arts, internationally renowned artist, photographer, writer and cultural producer Del LaGrace Volcano will give a live artist talk and presentation on November 12th as part of TULCA 2026: Veruca Salt.
  • In comedy, The Accidental Activist, is a quick-witted show about the Climate Crisis by Irish comedian Diane O’Connor. Róisín Stack’s No Woman is an Island will also display sharp humour and considers the relationship between productivity and identity.
  • Talks include a lecture by Professor Helena Grehan (Edith Cowen University) on Theatre; a presentation by Uruguayan actress, educator, and social activist Sabrina Speranza; and an hour with Alfrun Rose, writer, actor, and producer of major productions including Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
  • Documentary film Monarca from North to South: Migrant Audiovisual Memory, gathers the memories, songs and experiences of Nicaraguan composers exiled in Costa Rica. The screening will be followed by a discussion with historian and executive producer Dr Antonio Monte Casablanca.
Elevation Ensemble members Aoife Burke, Karen Dervan, Daniel Bodwell and Gina Maria McGuinness provide a contemporary response to humanity’s original “message in a bottle” at the Music for Galway multimedia performance The Pale Blue Dot – the Voyager Golden Record Reimagined. Photo: Cliver Tanner

Florian Schneider, Director of the Institute for Creativity, University of Galway, said: “Arts in Action has a formidable legacy within the University of Galway as a major cultural initiative of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.

“As the programme enters a new phase of development, we are delighted that Arts in Action will now reside under the institutional banner of the Institute for Creativity, the University’s recently established interdisciplinary hub for creative innovation, research, and societal engagement.

“Our plan over the coming years is to position Arts in Action as a cross-disciplinary, strategic programme for the University, strengthening links with curriculum, teaching and learning. We also want to further develop existing and new partnerships with community, cultural and creative groups and organisations, and build national and international recognition for this fantastic cultural programme.”

Marianne Ní Chinnéide, Lecturer in Drama and Theatre Studies at University of Galway and Artistic Director and Head of Production and Curation for Arts in Action, said the university is delighted to present the new programme.

“I have curated a programme of events, lectures, talks, showcases and workshops where creative practice meets research and teaching, that embodies University of Galway’s commitment to integrated, research-led, and socially engaged artistic practice and arts education.”

“Looking back over Arts in Action programmes throughout the years, a rich legacy has been formed between the University and the artistic community of all art forms, throughout the Galway region and across Ireland.”

“I would like to sincerely thank all of our strategic partners who co-fund the programme – our university colleagues and researcher community, and festival and arts organisations – making this programme accessible to all.”

“The reach of this programme at the intersection of research disciplines and, art form development and the live art event, is a unique model nationally and I can’t wait to share it with you all.”

Founded by the late Mary McPartlan, the Arts in Action programme was established to create a space where artistic excellence, cultural dialogue and public participation could flourish.

The programme provides opportunities for staff, students, artists, researchers, community and arts organisations as well as audiences to encounter innovative artistic work, artistic research and engage in critical conversations about contemporary society.

Arts in Action events will take place at the University’s O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance, the Bank of Ireland Theatre and the Siobhán McKenna Theatre.

All events are free and open to staff, students and the wider community. Registration is required. The full programme with booking details is available here.

Fraud Prevention in iGaming: How Soft2Bet Connects Detection, Scoring, and Investigation

0

Fraud in iGaming rarely shows up as a single event. It enters through acquisition as sign-ups pushed to meet acquisition targets, at registration as a synthetic identity, at login as an account takeover, across many accounts as multi-accounting, and inside gameplay as well. Each stage produces its own signals, so a control focused on one stage offers limited visibility into the rest. That gap is what Soft2Bet builds against at the platform level, running fraud prevention as one process from acquisition through gameplay. The platform reads identity, device, behavior, and account activity together, raises an alert when they combine into a case worth answering, and routes it to approval, a challenge, an escalation, or a block. Every decision carries its reason, which is what lets a case be read back months later.

Why Soft2Bet Runs Fraud Prevention as Connected Controls

Fraud detection is the part that identifies a signal, an anomaly, or a pattern that departs from the norm, and it finishes the moment that signal exists. Fraud prevention is the wider process that reads the signal against the risk context already attached to the account, decides what to do with it, opens an investigation where the decision needs judgment, applies a control, and documents what was done.

One control or one data point cannot cover the range of fraud in iGaming, because different fraud types leave their traces in different places. A synthetic identity surfaces as a data-quality problem at verification, while an account takeover surfaces as an access and device problem weeks after that same account passed every check at sign-up. Multi-accounting and reward farming show up only in the links between accounts, devices, and locations. Suspicious betting patterns, in turn, emerge only during gameplay. Since each fraud type surfaces in a different place, a control built for one will miss the others.

Soft2Bet answers this by connecting its controls into one fraud detection layer that reads across stages, so a weak signal at registration can be weighed against a second signal at login. Identity, device, behavioral, and account-activity signals feed a shared risk view, and each step hands the next one something it could not produce alone. That connection between detection, scoring, decision, and investigation is what turns fraud prevention from a set of separate tests into one control process that holds across the account.

Where Fraud Enters Across the Player Lifecycle

Fraud risk is spread across the player lifecycle, and Soft2Bet reads it stage by stage, not at a single checkpoint.

At acquisition, fraud can enter through partner and acquisition channels, where fake or low-quality sign-ups are pushed to meet acquisition targets. At registration, the risk is identity: fake, stolen, or synthetic details built to pass a basic check. At account access, the pattern shifts to account takeover, where a real account is entered by someone who is not its owner, often signaled by a new device, an unusual location, or a sudden change in behavior. Inside gameplay, fraud appears as bots, collusion between accounts, and suspicious betting patterns designed to extract value.

Each fraud type leaves its own combination of signals, and no stage can be treated as the only place to look. A control set only at registration will not catch an account takeover three weeks later, and one watching only gameplay will miss a synthetic identity built to look clean at sign-up. Soft2Bet spreads monitoring across the whole lifecycle so a change at any stage brings the account into view, with the earlier history already attached. This lifecycle coverage is what lets fraud prevention read a case in context, not as one disconnected alert.

How Soft2Bet Builds Signals From Identity, Device, and Behavior

A single data point rarely proves fraud. Soft2Bet reaches a fraud signal by reading many data points at once, so identity, device, network, behavioral, and account-activity data form one picture. An email address, a phone number, an IP address, a device, and a location each carry a small amount of information. Combined and enriched, they show how genuine an account looks and how it compares with known good and bad patterns.

Soft2Bet’s integration with SEON supports a structured approach in which different checks are applied at appropriate stages of the verification process. A digital-presence check measures how much of a real online history sits behind an email address or phone number, producing an early quality signal before heavier steps run. Email and phone scoring add more indicators at registration and login. Configurable rules then encode what the operator treats as risky, and a machine-learning risk score weighs the combined signals into a single value that supports a decision. 

In Soft2Bet’s stack, network, and device intelligence add the next layer, and they matter most when read against the signals already gathered. Velocity checks catch too many actions in too short a window, such as a burst of sign-ups or logins that no ordinary user produces. IP reputation and proxy, VPN, or TOR detection flag attempts to hide origin. Device intelligence links accounts that share hardware, which is central to spotting multi-accounting.

This is where combined signals give more context than any isolated event. One new device is ordinary; the same device tied to five accounts, a masked IP, and a newly created email address tells a different story. Reading those together is what separates a real concern from noise, and it is the foundation the rest of Soft2Bet’s fraud detection is built on.

Turning Risk Scores Into Real-Time Decisions

A risk score is only useful when it drives a decision, and Soft2Bet’s fraud prevention shows its value at the decision point, not at the moment of the alert. Soft2Bet routes activity by risk level, so activity that reads as low risk can clear automatically and genuine players move through registration and login without friction. Cases that carry stronger or less clear signals can be challenged or escalated for a closer look, while the responses the operator has configured determine whether an action is approved, questioned, escalated, or blocked. Each outcome is attached to an explainable reason code that states why the system reached its conclusion.

Handled this way, fraud prevention cuts unnecessary hand-offs. Routine activity clears automatically, and analyst capacity concentrates on the ambiguous and complex cases that actually need human judgment. With SEON embedded, Soft2Bet localizes rules and thresholds by market so decisioning stays aligned with local conditions while the underlying flow holds. 

Where Automated Detection Hands Off to Investigators

Automation speeds fraud detection, and it does not remove the need for human investigation. Soft2Bet uses software to handle the high-volume, repeatable work: scoring activity, flagging anomalies, deduplicating repeat alerts, and prioritizing what reaches a person. What software does not do is settle the cases where the signals are ambiguous or where context changes the meaning of a pattern.

These cases go to analysts and investigators. A flagged account or a flagged pattern opens as a case, and the investigator reads what the rule could not: the account’s history, how earlier flags were resolved, related accounts and devices, and any earlier appearance of the same behavior. From that context the investigator decides whether the flag reflects genuine risk or an ordinary explanation, and selects an action that fits.

The output of that work is an incident record. Soft2Bet documents the case, the evidence considered, the decision, and the reason, so the outcome can be reviewed and so the next investigator inherits a clear account, not a blank one. This division holds throughout fraud prevention: software concentrates attention and assembles evidence, while human review carries the judgment on complex or sensitive cases. Automated monitoring makes investigators faster and better informed; it does not replace them, and it does not decide difficult cases on its own.

How KYC, AML/CTF, and Anti-Fraud Controls Fit Together

KYC, AML/CTF, and anti-fraud controls are often grouped together, and they do different jobs. Soft2Bet keeps them distinct in function while connecting them through shared context.

KYC establishes identity. It confirms that a person is who they claim to be, through identity verification and risk-based checks, and it sets the baseline every later control depends on. Anti-fraud sits on top of that identity, watching for abuse and manipulation: takeover, multi-accounting, reward farming, bots, and collusion. AML and CTF controls address a separate category of risk, focused on how a platform could be used to move illicit value, and they carry their own risk assessment, real-time monitoring, and documentation obligations.

Soft2Bet lets these controls read related signals through one operational context, so a KYC status, an anti-fraud alert, and an AML risk marker sit against the same account, not in separate tools. A failed verification step can restrict further gameplay; an anti-fraud flag can update the account’s wider risk picture. Read together, KYC, anti-fraud, and AML/CTF form a layered control, where identity, abuse, and financial-crime risk are each handled by the right function while sharing the context each one needs.

Bringing Fraud Controls Together in PAM

Connected controls need a place to meet, and on the Soft2Bet platform that place is the player account management (PAM) layer. PAM holds the player profile, event and activity data, KYC and AML statuses, and the alerts raised against the account, so the information a fraud investigation needs sits in one operational environment, not scattered across separate tools.

This is where Soft2Bet ties PAM to its anti-fraud controls. Fraud prevention operates on the same profile that holds identity status and account history, smart triggers raise alerts inside that context, and investigations open with the full record already assembled. 

The advantage is centralized context. These modules stay in sync by sharing data, so a signal raised in one is visible to the others, with less switching between fragmented tools and fewer blind spots between them. A KYC status, a risk score, and a fraud alert under one roof mean a decision can be made on the whole account, not a fragment of it. Soft2Bet’s CRM extends the same idea, joining risk functions in one real-time view so a high-risk pattern updates the account’s risk score and status as it happens. Integrated this way, fraud controls operate on shared information, which is what makes fraud prevention faster and more consistent across the product.

Explainability, False Positives, and Ongoing Improvement

A fraud decision has to be explainable, and Soft2Bet builds that into the record. Every automated action carries a reason code, rule changes are versioned and dated, audit trails capture what happened and when, and investigation notes hold the human reasoning. A decision made months ago can be pulled up and read against the exact rule the platform was running at the time, with clear ownership of who changed what. That is what makes a control defensible after the fact, not only effective at the time.

Soft2Bet treats false positives as an operational measure, not an afterthought. Anti-fraud has to catch genuine risk while keeping friction off legitimate users, and a system that blocks too many real players is failing even when it catches fraud. Reading combined signals and routing by risk level is what keeps that balance, so trusted activity clears quickly and scrutiny lands where it belongs.

The Soft2Bet and SEON integration shows the effect in operational terms. After deployment, Soft2Bet recorded around 40% fewer manual queries, and manual reviews ran roughly 20% faster, which freed analysts for complex cases while routine activity moved automatically. These are results from one specific setup, not a guaranteed figure for every operator.

Continuous improvement is the last piece. Case outcomes, appeals, and emerging patterns feed back into rules, thresholds, and models, so controls adapt as fraud tactics change. Governance keeps that adaptation deliberate through quality checks and outcome review, which is what keeps fraud prevention current, not fixed to yesterday’s patterns.

Galway City shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Awards

0

Galway City Council has been shortlisted in two categories in the prestigious Excellence in Local Government Awards 2026, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion and Supporting Sustainable Communities.

Organised by Chambers Ireland, the Excellence in Local Government Awards are regarded as the flagship awards programme for Ireland’s local government sector.

The awards celebrate best practice, innovation and the positive impact of local authorities on the communities they serve, recognising projects that improve quality of life and strengthen local communities across the country.

The two shortlisted projects, The Living My Life Project, a joint submission by Galway City Council and Galway County Council in the Supporting Sustainable Communities category, and Bóithrín na Saoirse Traveller Group Housing Scheme in the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion category, demonstrate the value of partnership, inclusion and community-led approaches to addressing housing needs and supporting social inclusion.

The Living My Life Project is a collaborative initiative involving Galway City Council, Galway County Council, Ability West, Corlann West Ireland – West Region and Proactive Carers Galway.

The project supports people with intellectual disabilities to access housing and live more independently within their communities, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, choice, sustainable communities and live self-directed lives.

To date, Galway City Council and Galway County Council have assisted the Living My Life Project secure housing for 13 people supported through direct Local Authority and Approved Housing Body allocations, HAP and Capital Funding.

Bóithrín na Saoirse is a Traveller-led housing initiative delivered by Galway City Council in partnership with CENA. The development replaced a long-standing halting site with five modern, energy-efficient homes designed through an extensive co-creation process with resident families.

The scheme has been recognised for its commitment to inclusion, cultural identity and community participation in housing delivery.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, welcomed the shortlisting. “I am delighted to see two Galway City Council initiatives receive national recognition by being shortlisted in this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards.”

“These projects demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when local government works in partnership with communities, residents and stakeholders to address real needs and create opportunities for people to thrive.”

“The shortlisting reflects the ambition, innovation and commitment that continue to shape Galway as an inclusive and progressive city.”

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, also welcomed the achievement. “Being shortlisted in the Excellence in Local Government Awards is a significant achievement and a testament to the dedication of Galway City Council staff and our partners on these projects.”

Partnering with the city council on these projects are Galway County Council, Ability West, Corlann West Ireland – West Region, Proactive Carers Galway and CENA.

“Both projects showcase collaborative and people-centred approaches that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and helping to build stronger communities. We are proud to see this work recognised at a national level.”

The awards will be presented on Thursday, November 26 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

Saw Doctors gigs raise €18,750 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

0
Noelie Mc Donnell, Pearse Doherty, Pat Jennings (TF Royal), Davy Carton, Rickie O’Neill, Martina Jennings (CEO Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation), Tommy Carton, Anthony Thistlethwaite, Carmel Kelly (TF), Leo Moran and Michael Yates (TF Royal).

The Saw Doctors’ Castlebar concerts have raised an impressive €18,750 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice, following the sale of 750 limited-edition t-shirts created especially for the band’s Mayo shows.

The t-shirts proved hugely popular, selling out on the first night of the Saw Doctors’ two sold-out shows at the TF Royal Castlebar on Friday & Saturday, September 4 – 5.

The specially designed t-shirts were made available to fans for €25, with all proceeds going towards the development of Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Castlebar, which will provide specialist palliative care and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across eight counties on the western seaboard.

Funded by the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, the project will be the first children’s hospice to be built outside Dublin and the first of its kind to be constructed in Ireland since 2011. A site has already been secured in Castlebar, with the Government and HSE committed to supporting clinical governance. Construction is due to begin later this year.

The front of the t-shirt featured Declan Colohan’s photograph of The Saw Doctors performing ‘Green and Red of Mayo’, while the back featured the lyrics of the first verse of the song, courtesy of writers Leo Moran, Davy Carton and Jarír Al-Majar.

Leo Moran of The Saw Doctors said, “We’re delighted all the special event t-shirts sold out at the recent Castlebar shows with all the money going to the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.”

Pat Jennings, Managing Director, TF Royal Theatre, said, “Everyone who was there will remember the night The Saw Doctors played the TF Royal Theatre. The atmosphere was electric, made even more special by knowing it was all in support of Sunflower Children’s Hospice.”

Nothing compares to Croke Park on All-Ireland final day, or Mayo finally lifting the Sam Maguire after 75 years, but the Saw Doctors’ concerts brought that emotion flooding back.

For many, the night felt like an extension of the celebrations. Fans arrived in Mayo jerseys and county colours, giving the evening the feel of another homecoming. The songs, the shared memories and the sense of togetherness brought back the euphoria of the All-Ireland win, turning the concert into something far bigger than just a night of music.”

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said, “To have such an iconic band use the excitement, pride and emotion surrounding ‘Green and Red of Mayo’ to support the development of Sunflower Children’s Hospice is incredibly special.”

“We are absolutely thrilled that the t-shirts sold out, raising an incredible €18,750 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice. All of the funds will contribute directly to the development of the new hospice and the vital service it will provide to children and families across the West of Ireland.”

“The support of The Saw Doctors, Pat Jennings and the team at the TF Royal Theatre, and everyone who bought a t-shirt has been hugely appreciated.”

Galway schools urged to take part in Blue Star Programme

0

Schools in Galway are being urged to take part in the European Blue Star Programme to support educating children about misinformation and disinformation online through its Media Literacy series.

Last year, 30 schools in Galway participated in the programme, reflecting strong local engagement and interest in learning about the EU.

The Blue Star Programme is an education initiative for primary school pupils in the Republic of Ireland. It aims to introduce pupils to the EU by exploring European cultures, history, and geography through creative, curriculum friendly activities.

As pupils increasingly look online and use AI to learn about the world around them, European Movement Ireland has developed an interactive video series introducing essential skills on EU issues that help children recognise misinformation and disinformation.

Speaking about the Blue Star Programme’s Literacy Series, David Geary, CEO of European Movement Ireland, said, “The rapid growth of digital tools and technology has transformed how we live, learn, and communicate, bringing enormous benefits to society.”

“Yet, the digital age also carries risks. The rise of AI, misinformation, and fake news means people of all ages are increasingly exposed to manipulation by bad actors, with children being particularly vulnerable.”

“Younger pupils will grow up in a world fundamentally different to their parents’ experience and its essential they are equipped to do so. The Blue Star Programme’s Media Literacy Series teaches pupils to question what they see, and distinguish between what is real and what is not, skills that are now more important than ever in this digital age.”

During Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Irish Government has placed the issue of children’s online safety as a key priority. Through the Media Literacy Series, The Blue Star Programme aims to support teachers in educating young people to spot mis and disinformation.

The Programme also focuses on creating a deeper understanding of the European Union in a fun, creative, and dynamic way. Teachers can integrate the Programme into their lesson plans and tailor EU‑themed projects to their class needs.

The Programme is open to all primary school ages from junior infants to sixth class, and is designed to run in every school setting across Ireland, including island schools, Gaelscoileanna, and DEIS schools. It also places a strong emphasis on celebrating the rich cultural diversity present in Irish classrooms today.

European Movement Ireland is the national implementation body of the Blue Star Programme, and it is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Further information about the Programme can be found at bluestarprogramme.ie.

Boil water notice for 3,000 properties in Glenamaddy & Dunmore area

0
Galway Daily news overnight water outages

A Boil Water Notice has been issued for over 3,000 homes and businesses in the Dunmore and Glenamaddy areas due to issues at the water treatment plant.

Uisce Éireann has issued the boil water notice for approximately 2,134 customers on the Dunmore-Glenamaddy Public Water Supply, and another 896 customers on the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply.

This has been done due to operational issued at the Gortgarrow Water Treatment Plant.

People affected by this notice are advised to boil water before drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth, making ice and washing salads or other foods that are not cooked prior to consumption.

You can see if you home is affected by visiting the Water Quality Section of Uisce Éireann’s website and entering their Eircode or by contacting Uisce Éireann’s customer care team, available on 1800 278 278.

Providing an update, Uisce Éireann’s Ger Greally, explained, “We know how important a safe and reliable water supply is to everyday life and we understand the inconvenience this notice will cause our impacted customers.”

“Protecting public health is always our top priority. Our teams are on the ground doing everything possible to resolve the issue and restore normal water quality as quickly as possible. We would like to thank the community for their patience and cooperation while this notice is in place.”

500 business women gather in Galway for major national awards

0

More than 500 female business leaders are descending on Galway today for the most significant annual gathering of business women in Ireland.

Network Ireland’s national conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards — run in partnership with AIB — will attract leaders and entrepreneurs from sectors such as STEM and technology to retail and the creative industries.

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD will officially open the conference and Maria Walsh MEP will deliver an address during a particularly significant year for Ireland as it holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

And more than 100 national finalists, representing Network Ireland branches throughout the country, will compete for awards across a broad range of categories including the coveted 2026 Network Ireland Businesswomen of the Year. The winners will be announced tonight at a gala dinner at the Galmont Hotel.

Karen Ronan, National President of Network Ireland, said, “Galway has always been a place of creativity, innovation and enterprise, and it is enormously exciting to welcome 500 ambitious and accomplished businesswomen to the city.”

“Hosting an event of this scale brings a real economic benefit to Galway and the wider western region, while also giving us an opportunity to showcase the exceptional innovation ecosystem that exists here.”

“Our finalists reflect the extraordinary breadth of female talent in Ireland today. We are honoured that Minister Hildegarde Naughton will deliver our opening address and that Maria Walsh MEP will join us during such an important year for Ireland in Europe.”

“Both women have consistently championed opportunity, education, leadership and the advancement of women, and their contributions will strongly reflect our theme of ‘Building Bridges’.”

“This year’s conference is firmly focused on the future. Artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for businesses, but it also brings disruption, new responsibilities and heightened cybersecurity and fraud risks.”

“We want our members to leave Galway inspired by the possibilities ahead, but also equipped with practical insights that they can bring back into their businesses.”

The theme of Network Ireland’s 2026 national conference, which will take place in the Dexcom Stadium, is “Building Bridges”. The conference programme will explore some of the defining issues facing businesses today, including cybersecurity, business fraud, artificial intelligence and the rapidly evolving impact of AI on how businesses operate, compete and grow.

The arrival of hundreds of delegates, finalists, speakers, judges and guests will also deliver a significant economic boost to Galway and the wider West of Ireland, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retailers and other local businesses.

The conference will also have a strong all-island dimension, with a delegation of participants attending from the WeGrow programme. The programme is led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, with Women in Business NI and Network Ireland serving as its delivery partners.

AIB, Network Ireland’s longstanding official partner, will once again support the national conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards.

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director, Retail Banking at AIB said they are, “proud to continue its partnership with Network Ireland and to support the 2026 National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards.”

“Both events will demonstrate the innovation, resilience and ambition of women in business across Ireland, and their contribution is felt within their companies, their communities and the wider economy.”

“Bringing 500 businesswomen together in Galway creates an important opportunity to exchange knowledge, build relationships and celebrate achievement. We look forward to recognising this year’s outstanding finalists and celebrating with them in Galway.”

Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures looks towards collaborations still ahead

0

Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures returns to Galway city on September 24 – 27, and Ballinasloe on October 4, bringing Traveller and nomadic artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers, performers and communities together for its eighth annual festival.

This year’s theme, ‘Weaving the Threads Between Us’, reflects on the festival’s journey so far while looking towards the connections and collaborations still to come.

Now entering its eighth year, Misleór, the Cant word for wanderer, has grown into a distinctive part of Ireland’s cultural landscape, bringing together Traveller and nomadic artists from Ireland and around the world while creating opportunities for artistic exchange between communities.

While proudly rooted in Traveller and nomadic identities, the festival welcomes all audiences into spaces where they can experience nomadic cultures directly with the people who live it.

Nora Corcoran, Cultural Director at Misleór, said, “The 8th annual Misleór Festival explores the theme of ‘Weaving the Threads Between Us’, celebrating connections across cultures, communities, borders and generations. This year’s festival is both a celebration of living cultures and a call to protect them, strengthen solidarity and stand together against division.”

The 2026 Festival includes events for audiences of all ages and span spectacle, literature, circus, poetry, storytelling, film, crafts, conversations, workshops, youth and family events.

Highlights include a performance of ‘H.O.M.E.’ Ireland’s first aerial Hip H’Opera with Fidget Feet and Tobi Omoteso at The Black Box Theatre for one night only on Thursday 24 September.

Narrated by critically-acclaimed rapper Wilzee, H.O.M.E combines soaring aerial choreography with raw spoken word, original music and live performance to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Moonfish bring their acclaimed show ‘Why The Moon Travels’ to the Festival. Previously a sold out show at Galway International Arts Festival, it brings Oein DeBhairduin’s collection of Traveller folktales to life.

There will also be an ‘In Conversation’ event with writer Rosaleen McDonagh on her debut novel ‘Contentious Spaces’ with Maureen Kennelly at The Mick Lally Theatre and ‘If the Wattle Could Talk: Traveller Stories from Beneath the Canvas’ at 126 Gallery led by traveller cultural custodians. Find the full programme of events and tickets at Misleór.ie

From Tractor Parades to Stop-Motion Studios – Galway gears up for Culture Night 2026

0
Ultan Conlon and Breda Larkin - photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige

Tractors will parade after dark, animation studios will open their doors, and libraries will fill with stories as Galway County gears up for Culture Night 2026.

On Friday, September 18, over 50 free events will bring music, theatre, art and celebration to towns and villages across the county, all part of Culture Night, a national moment celebrating the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today.

“Culture Night is a chance for people of all ages to experience the creativity happening across Galway County in familiar and unexpected places. This year’s programme reflects the energy of local artists, communities and cultural organisations, and we are delighted to support a night that is free, welcoming and open to all,” said Sharon O’Grady, Galway County Arts Officer.

Multiple events including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, spoken word, poetry, zine-making, lectures, photography and crafts for all ages are happening throughout the day and late into the evening in a location near you across the county.

As part of this year’s Culture Night Late, Galway County Council proudly presents Eight Tonnes, an after-dark performance, installation and tractor parade from 9pm.

Drawing on the much-loved tradition of tractor parades and vintage tractor runs in rural Ireland, Eight Tonnes brings tractors, artists and performers together for a unique event that is part performance, part celebration and part tribute to the machinery and rhythms that shape rural life.

Before attending Eight Tonnes, explore other exciting Culture Night events in Ballinasloe including Culture Night at Hymany Park – celebrating Traveller traditions in Ballinasloe with the Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures, and This Is Me, a junk journaling workshop with Group 8.

In West of the River Gallery Athenry, join artist John Cloonan for a Wire Tree Workshop inspired by the wild hawthorn trees of Conamara, followed by an acoustic set of original songs from local musician Sinead Murphy ahead of her debut single release.

At Loughrea Library, Remembering the Spaces That Shaped Us invites the community to a free, relaxed creative evening, sharing memories of place to create a personal postcard and help form the beginnings of a living community archive; no artistic skills needed, and all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

Portumna Courthouse, Town Hall, Courtyard Cafe and Shorelines Arts Festival are hosting an epic Culture Night Late programme across the three sites this year. With a three-round Art Battle in the Courthouse, a carefully selected series of delightful short films in the Town Hall, and performances by Lady Barbalade in the Cafe, the centre of Portumna will be transformed into a late-night oasis of arts and culture from 9pm-12am.

In Conamara South, Tarraingt Ceoil sees Áras Éanna host a walking disco, dancing from Áras Éanna down to Inis Oírr beach for a sunset celebration open to all.

Also in Conamara South, Frame by Frame: Inside the World of Stop-Motion takes visitors behind the scenes of Stiúideo Fia, a professional stop-motion animation studio with live demonstrations, handcrafted puppets and sets, and the chance to try animation yourself.

In Tuam, Songs and Seasons with Wild Atlantic Strings in Candlelight sees the string ensemble perform a sublime hour of classical and folk favourites including highlights from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

Also in Tuam, Tiny Mutiny x BROEI at The Mall Theatre, showcases original work by creative teenagers and young people from Galway County and Fryslân, The Netherlands.

Both Tiny Mutiny and BROEI are youth-led arts projects that give teenagers and young people support to bring their creative ideas to life and to an audience. Expect amazing art, panel discussions, performances, screenings, and plenty of chances for audiences to ask questions!

With over 50 events taking place in Galway County on Friday, audiences are encouraged to create their own Culture Night trail on culturenight.ie. Simply select the heart symbol to save them to your favourites.

Culture Night, an annual, all-island public event, is brought to you by the Arts Council. It is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.

It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through media partners. Find more events near you at culturenight.ie.

Family raises €2,000 for Portiuncula Hospital in memory of care provided

0

The family of the late Larry Durack of Portumna, County Galway, who sadly passed away last March, has presented a generous donation of €2,000 to the Kidney Day Ward at Portiuncula University Hospital.

Following Larry’s passing, his family kindly chose the Kidney Day Ward as the beneficiary of donations made in his memory. Larry was a patient of this ward, where the renal team worked closely with him and his wife, Bridget, in providing ongoing care, support and treatment to help him continue to live at home.

Professor Paul O’Hara, Consultant Nephrologist at Portiuncula University Hospital, expressed his gratitude to the Durack family. “We are extremely grateful to Bridget and the Durack family for thinking of the Kidney Day Ward at such a difficult time.”

“It was a privilege for the renal team to have been involved in Larry’s care, and we are very touched that his family chose to support the service in his memory.”

“We would also like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this generous donation. Their support is greatly appreciated,” Prof. O’Hara said.

“The donation will help the ward to further enhance the services it provides to patients and help to create a more comfortable and supportive environment for those attending the service.”

The renal team at Portiuncula University Hospital extends its sincere condolences to Bridget, the Durack family and their extended family and friends on the loss of Larry, and expresses its heartfelt thanks for their generosity and for remembering the Kidney Day Ward in such a meaningful way.

County Council signs contract for 43 new social homes in Athenry

0

Galway County Council has signed the construction contract for a new development of 43 social homes at Gort Mhaoilir in Athenry. Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, with the development expected to be completed in early 2028.

The 1.8-hectare site is located approximately 1km from Athenry town centre. The scheme will provide 43 housing units, including universally designed units.

The Galway County Council development will also include new roads and footpaths, car and cycle parking, landscaping, public lighting, signage and associated infrastructure.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the project would make an important contribution to housing provision in Athenry.

“The signing of this contract marks an important step towards the delivery of new homes for people in the town and winder hinterland. The Council has a responsibility to provide high-quality housing in communities where there is a clear need, and this development will make a significant contribution to that work.”

Chief Executive of Galway County Council Liam Conneally said the project was part of the Council’s continuing programme of housing delivery across the county. “This is a significant housing project for Athenry and the signing of the contract allows us to move into the construction phase.”

“Galway County Council has a strong pipeline of housing projects at various stages of delivery. Working with our delivery partners, we are committed to increasing the pace of housing delivery and bringing more homes on stream across the county.

“We will continue to progress projects that respond to local demand and provide homes that will serve communities for many years to come.”

The new development follows the commencement of construction on a separate €4.7 million Galway County Council project at Cullairbaun in Athenry. That project will provide 12 social homes and a purpose-built community care home.

Damien Mitchell, Director of Services for Housing with Galway County Council, said the Council was pleased to see another major housing project progressing in the town.

“The signing of the contract brings this project to an important stage, and we look forward to seeing construction get underway. The development will provide a range of good quality, energy efficient homes to meet different household needs and it is in a well-connected location close to the town centre.”

“We look forward to working alongside C&N Higgins and the wider design team as construction gets underway.”

C&N Higgins Construction has been appointed as contractor for the development. The architectural team is Studio PKA & Van Dijk Architects, with SDS Consulting Engineers and MFA Consulting Engineers providing civil and structural engineering services.

CBS Consulting and EDC Progressive Engineering are the mechanical and electrical engineers, while Mulcahy McDonagh and Partners are the quantity surveyors.

Drug intimidation and youth safety focus of first public County Galway LCSP meeting

0

Drug-related intimidation and the safety and wellbeing of young people were the focus of the first public meeting of the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).

The meeting, held at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry this month, heard from Maria Powers of the Western Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force and Detective Inspector Brendan Carroll of An Garda Síochána about drug-related intimidation and the impact it can have on individuals, families and communities.

Ms Powers coordinates the Task Force Family Support Service and is also the liaison in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for the DRIVE service, which provides support and referrals to families affected by drug and alcohol misuse.

Det Insp Carroll, the nominated Drug Related Intimidation Inspector for the North-Western Region, outlined the Garda response to people experiencing drug-related intimidation and the supports available through the Drug Related Intimidation Reporting Programme.

The meeting also examined issues affecting young people, with Emmet Major of Planet Youth presenting findings from the Planet Youth survey.

Mr Major, who coordinates the Planet Youth project in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, outlined research into adolescent behaviour and health, including substance use, vaping, alcohol, sleep and social media use.

Cathaoirleach and Chairman of the Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the presentations will inform the Community Safety Plan and will address concerns raised by communities.

“Community safety is about much more than policing. It is about creating communities where people feel safe, supported and able to raise concerns about the issues affecting them.

“Drug-related intimidation can have a serious impact on individuals and families, and it is important that people know there is support available,” he said. “We also need to listen to young people and understand the challenges they face, using the evidence available to us to inform how we respond.”

Marie Nicholson, coordinator of the Galway County LCSP, said the consultation had provided an opportunity to hear directly from communities.

“The issues raised through the consultation and at this meeting will help inform the work of the Partnership and the development of the County Community Safety Plan, which is currently in development following an extensive countywide public consultation process.”

“The discussions on drug-related intimidation and young people demonstrate the importance of early intervention, accessible supports and effective links between communities and the organisations working with them.”

“We want the Partnership to remain open and responsive to communities across Galway as we continue this work.”

The Galway County LCSP is a government initiative that replaces the former Joint Policing Committee (JPC). It brings together community representatives, local councillors, voluntary and community organisations, An Garda Síochána, local authorities and other public bodies to identify and address community safety issues at a local level.

Businesswoman of the Year awards taking place in Galway this week

0
Galway Daily news Annual BiG BANG networking event taking place in Galway City
The Galmont Hotel

Network Ireland, the dynamic business organisation which advocates for Female entrepreneurs and women in business across Ireland in 17 branches with 1,500 active members will host its annual Conference in Galway this week.

The conference will take place at the brand new Dexcom Stadium and Conference Venue in Galway City followed by the Businesswoman of the Year awards in the Galmont Hotel and Spa on Friday, September 18.

Network Ireland is a voice and support for Female Start Ups, Entrepreneurs and Women in Business across Ireland. Elevating women in business and their careers, Network Ireland drives both professional and personal development in women.

The annual conference brings together a wide range of subjects and topics delivered by high profile and experienced female entrepreneurs who share their values and knowledge.

It helps to further the growth of women led businesses and brands across rural and urban communities. Network Ireland National President Karen Ronan is also CEO of Galway Chamber.

The Network Ireland Conference will be MC’ed by Julie Burke. General Manager of DampMaster, a nationwide company with offices across Ireland and the UK, Julie is an award-winning speaker and mentor who empowers women in business,and proves that you don’t have to be just one thing, as in her spare time, she is a comedian, better known online as Julesrulesirl, she has taken the digital world by storm with her relatable Irish Mammy comedy.

A keynote fire side discussion will take place with Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist. Laura is an award winning businesswoman renowned for the recognition she brings to women’s health and wellbeing, all while building an award-winning brand and business.

Other high profile speakers will include experts from AIB, Enterprise Ireland and a host of others including Mary Rodgers of PorterShed Galway, Geraldine Jones of Skin Formulas, Author Michele Roys, and Denise O’Brien on the dynamic line up.

Immediately following the successful Network Ireland Conference in the Dexcom Stadium, the Network Ireland, Businesswoman of the Year awards will take place in the renowned Galmont Hotel and Spa. After receiving just shy of 600 applications, 100 finalists will compete in 8 categories to win the coveted awards.

“Network Ireland is a wonderful collective of passionate, powerful and creative business women,” says Karen Ronan, Network Ireland President and CEO of Galway Chamber.

“Collectively, Network Ireland across all 17 branches is a voice for women in business and their careers and we use our conference to support all women in our society.”

“I look forward to welcoming over 500 Network Ireland members to Galway City for our annual conference when we will network, share business and life experiences while learning and further strategizing the future of female led entrepreneurship and the continued growth of women in business across Ireland”.

This year, Network Ireland will also deliver its first pre-Budget submission to the Government to support its members in their careers, women in start-ups and business scaling.

UHG cancelling some elective procedures amid emergency department overcrowding

0
Galway Daily news

The Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway continues to be extremely busy today, with dozens of patients on trolleys waiting for admission.

Yesterday, 245 people attended the Emergency Department. As of this morning, there are 31 patients on trolleys in the Emergency Department and 12 patients on ward trolleys.

UHG has said today that it is working to improve patient flow and reduce delays in the Emergency Department and is asking the public to consider all available healthcare options before attending.

Everyone who presents will be treated, with priority given to those who are seriously ill or injured. Patients who do not require urgent care unfortunately may experience longer waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

Due to these ongoing pressures and the lack of bed capacity, the hospital is reviewing elective procedures. Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

A statement from UHG said, “The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

“We request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation. We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.”

The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.

The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

Community pharmacists provide expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for a wide range of minor illnesses. In addition to this expert advice, a new service is available which allows pharmacists to supply prescription-only medication without the need to see a GP.

The following common conditions can be treated under the Common Conditions Service; allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, cystitis (uncomplicated urinary tract infection), vaginal thrush. Information about the scheme is available on the HSE website here.

How Slot Design Became Part of Galway’s Wider Digital Entertainment Story

0

Galway has always been good at mixing old rooms with new ideas. A trad session can spill onto a street where a software team is still working upstairs, and a film crowd can share a café with people building games. That overlap helps explain why digital entertainment no longer feels like a separate industry in the city. It has become another strand of Galway’s creative life.

Slot design belongs to that conversation more than it first appears. Modern games combine illustration, animation, sound, interface design, and short-form storytelling. The reels remain familiar, but nearly everything around them has been rebuilt for phones, tablets, and quick sessions.

A small screen still needs a strong sense of place

Mobile design rewards clarity. Symbols must be readable at a glance, buttons need room for a thumb, and an animation has only a moment to explain what changed. The strongest games do not solve this by making everything louder. They establish a visual hierarchy, then let colour and motion guide the eye.

That craft sits comfortably beside Galway’s expanding digital creative industries, which bring together talent from games, animation, film, immersive technology, design, and music. 

The work begins long before a reel moves

A finished slot may look like one seamless object, but production is usually a relay. A concept artist establishes the visual world. Interface designers decide where information belongs. Animators test how symbols enter, settle, and disappear, while sound teams build cues that must remain clear even through small phone speakers. Developers then join those pieces to a rules engine and make the result behave consistently across browsers and devices.

That sequence creates the same practical challenges found in animation, film, and app development. Files need naming conventions, revisions have to be tracked, and creative ambition must fit the performance budget. An effect that looks excellent on a studio monitor is not useful if it stutters on ordinary hardware. Restraint becomes a technical choice as well as an artistic one.

The reels are only the beginning

A catalogue of online casinos shows how broad the format has become. Some titles lean on simple fruit-machine nostalgia; others use layered maps, characters, and feature sequences that resemble casual mobile games. The practical difference is not merely theme. Reel layouts, volatility, bonus structures, and session tempo all change how a title feels.

Good art direction keeps those systems understandable. A symbol can be decorative and still communicate its value. A transition can create anticipation without hiding the result. Sound can mark a change in state without becoming exhausting after five minutes.

What Galway’s creative economy can recognise

The same principles appear across digital products. Adobe’s guide to pixel art explains how deliberate limits can create a recognisable visual language. Slot designers often use that lesson even in highly polished games, a restricted palette, a clear silhouette, and a consistent animation style are more memorable than detail for its own sake.

Galway does not need to become a casino-development centre for this work to matter locally. The useful point is that modern entertainment skills travel. An animator who understands anticipation, a sound designer who can punctuate a short interaction and a developer who can make an interface behave on an older phone all contribute to products far beyond one genre.

Local talent can move between formats

Galway’s creative workforce is well placed for that kind of movement. A designer who has worked on an arts-festival campaign already understands how to establish mood quickly. A musician accustomed to arranging short cues can bring precision to interface audio. A programmer experienced with responsive websites knows how fragile a layout becomes when screen sizes and connection speeds vary.

The transferable part is not casino knowledge; it is the ability to make a complicated digital product feel immediate. Games, cultural apps, interactive exhibitions, and streaming tools all need concise feedback and a coherent visual language. Once those fundamentals are strong, teams can learn the conventions of a particular format without starting their craft from zero.

There is also room for distinctly local influence without reducing Galway to postcards. Colour drawn from the Atlantic light, pacing shaped by live performance, or illustration with the confidence of the city’s poster culture can give a product character. The strongest regional voice often appears through small design decisions rather than obvious landmarks.

A format shaped by many disciplines

Online slots are sometimes described as if they were simply mechanical reels transferred to a screen. The better description is a compact digital production. Every title asks a multidisciplinary team to make rules visible, moods immediate, and navigation effortless.

That makes the format an interesting footnote to Galway’s larger creative-tech story. The city’s advantage has always been the meeting of different practices. Modern slot design is built the same way: illustration meets code, sound meets psychology, and a familiar game finds a new life in the palm of a hand.

Galway University Hospitals to hold Interfaith Memorial Service

0
galway daily news Galway University Hospitals holding Memorial Service

Galway University Hospitals (GUH) End of Life Care Committee will hold their 17th Interfaith Memorial Service for all deceased patients, on Thursday 17th September at 7pm, in the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway.

The service aims to provide a space to support families in the grief they are experiencing, in a respectful and empathetic way.

Sharon Fahy, Co-Chair of GUH End of Life Care Committee said, “The theme for this years’ service is “Memories” as we come together remembering our patients and honouring their memory.”

“While we are specifically inviting the families who were bereaved between January and December 2025, we welcome all those who have experienced the loss of someone to attend.”

“The service is a very special event for our hospital staff as we remember our deceased patients and renew acquaintance with their families together with acknowledging the grief of their loss. We invite you to join us for our service of readings, reflections and music/song.”

Galway University Hospitals care for patients from a wide geographical area and acknowledges the loss experienced by families and friends following the death of a loved one.

For further information and to confirm attendance, please contact Anne McKeown, End of Life Care Coordinator (091) 893718 or (087) 4418574 or email: ecumenicalservice.guh@hse.ie

New Athenry ring road section officially opens

0

A new section of the Athenry Northern Ring Road has opened, with work on the next phase of the relief road expected to begin next year.

The section of road connects the previous sections delivered by Galway County Council and IDA Ireland, providing a continuous route between the Tuam Road and the M6 motorway junction.

Construction of this latest section began in June 2025 and was carried out by Tower Plant and Civil Engineering on behalf of Galway County Council.

Minister Seán Canney, speaking at the opening of the road, said the Government was pleased to support the project. “Improving connectivity while alleviating congestion in our urban centres is key to creating sustainable, safe, thriving and healthy communities.”

“The Government is delighted to support the delivery of this important phase of the Athenry Northern Ring Road and to have also secured funding for an element of the next section under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF). I look forward to seeing work get under way on that phase.”

“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Galway County Council staff and elected members who have worked to bring this project forward. Investment in infrastructure such as this is essential to supporting communities and unlocking the potential for future housing and economic development.”

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the road would help reduce traffic in the historic town centre. “This project will help divert through traffic away from Athenry’s historic town centre, reducing congestion and improving the environment and safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”

“Importantly, it will support the sustainable growth of Athenry in line with Galway County Council’s long-term vision for the town.”

When fully completed, the Athenry Northern Ring Road is expected to carry around 2,000 vehicles a day, taking through traffic away from the town centre.

Galway County Council Chief Executive, Liam Conneally, said the project was identified as key infrastructure for the future development of Athenry.

“The Athenry Northern Ring Road is identified in the Athenry Local Area Plan 2024-2030, adopted by the Elected Members, as a key infrastructure project to support the economic development of the town and housing growth. It will improve access to lands zoned for residential, industrial, business and technology development.”

“I wish to thank the Department of Transport for its support and acknowledge the Council’s Transport Department for its work in designing the scheme in-house.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services for Physical Infrastructure, Fire and Emergency Services and Climate Change, said the project would improve connectivity while supporting active travel.

“The new road will take unnecessary traffic out of Athenry’s historic town centre, making it safer and more pleasant for residents, businesses and visitors. It will also improve access around Athenry and support future housing and economic development. “

“Most importantly, I acknowledge the landowners whose lands were required for the scheme. I recognise the impact on their holdings and families and thank them for their cooperation.”

Water infrastructure works on east side of Galway City commencing soon

0
Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

A number of water infrastructure projects are due to commence in the coming weeks to support the continued growth of Galway City and estates planned for the east side of the city.

Works are due to begin in the coming weeks on the installation of new water mains at the Ballyloughane Road. These new mains will stretch from the Old Dublin Road to the Galway-Dublin railway line, a distance of 680 metres. The works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Ward and Burke.

Once these works are complete, another project will commence on the Doughiska Road. Here, approximately 800 metres of new mains will be laid along the Doughiska Road, from the junction with the Monivea Road to the turn-off for Fearann Rí estate.

These new mains are being installed to support future housing developments planned for the Murrough and Ardaun areas of Galway city, which is one of five cities, and the only one in the north-west region, identified as priority locations for investment and set to benefit from the Government’s additional €2 billion funding programme announced as part of the National Development Plan.

Minister for Housing James Browne said, “This programme of Accelerated Growth will provide a significant boost to the capacity of the water network to the east of Galway city, laying the groundwork for new residential developments in the near future.”

“As a Government, we are dedicated to strengthening the water and wastewater services necessary to build new homes, at scale, in the places they are most needed,” said Minister Browne.

In addition, an upgrade of the Ballybane Pumping Station is set to get underway, further strengthening the water network that serves the city. These works will be carried out on behalf of Uisce Éireann by Coffeys Construction Limited.

Michael McManus, Uisce Éireann Programme Manager, added, “We’re all aware of the urgent need for new homes to be built in major urban centres like Galway city. With these new projects about to break ground, Uisce Éireann is demonstrating its commitment to customers and communities by delivering the vital infrastructure needed to support new residential development.”

These works will require traffic management measures, with Stop & Go system in place for daytime works. However, where work is planned at busy locations such as the junction of the Old Dublin Road with the Ballyloughane Road, works will be carried out at night to limit disruption.

What is a free-spins offer actually worth long term?

0

A Quick Pick bought on the day of the draw at the Daybreak service station in Swangate, Athenry, matched five numbers and the Bonus on Saturday 19 September and returned a prize of €88,740. What makes that figure unusual has nothing to do with luck. It is the whole number. No condition sits underneath it waiting to reduce it, and the winner does not have to earn it a second time before it can be spent.

A free-spins headline is built the other way round. It is worth less than the number printed on it, and over a long enough run it is usually worth nothing at all. That is not an accusation against any operator. It is what the attached conditions do, and enough of the arithmetic is public to work through at a kitchen table.

The figures used here come from one Irish brand’s own 24casino free spins code page and its terms, both read on 21 September 2026. The promotion advertises 24 spins on what its own table calls “Selected Slots”, a 40x wagering requirement applied to winnings, and no code to enter. Three lines. Everything that decides what those lines are worth sits somewhere else, or nowhere.

Twenty-four is a count, not an amount

The advertised figure counts events, not money. What the spins are worth depends on the stake attached to each one, and that stake appears nowhere on the offer page. Ten cent a spin, used here only to make the arithmetic visible, puts €2.40 of notional stake into play. A different denomination moves every figure below in proportion and changes none of the conclusions.

The site’s own question-and-answer block names the game: Zeus vs Hades: Gods of War. Its maker publishes what the offer page does not. Pragmatic Play’s page for the slot gives an RTP of 96.07% and a 15,000x maximum win, with two modes, Olympus and Hades, that carry different volatility.

That 96.07% is the figure readers misread most often. It describes an average settled over millions of spins across everyone who has ever loaded the game, and a 15,000x ceiling parks a slice of that average in outcomes almost nobody will see. Strip those out and the typical result sits well below the average. Twenty-four spins is not a long run. It is a rounding error inside one.

So the honest expectation on the spins alone, before a single condition applies, is roughly €2.31 back from €2.40 of stake. That is the best case, and the conditions start here.

Forty times is where the arithmetic turns

Wagering requirements are usually explained as a delay. They are not. They are a cost, and the cost has a fixed size.

A 40x requirement applied to winnings means a balance of €2.31 has to be staked, and restaked out of whatever comes back, until turnover reaches about €92. Every pass through the game hands back 96.07% and keeps 3.93%. Run €92 of turnover through a 3.93% edge and the expected loss is about €3.63, against a balance of €2.31 that has to absorb it.

The ratio matters more than the euro amounts, because it never changes. Forty passes at 3.93% is 157%. Whatever the bonus is worth, clearing it costs about one and a half times that amount in expectation. A requirement set at 40x does not make the balance hard to withdraw. It makes the balance smaller than the toll charged to move it.

This is why scaling the offer up changes nothing. The same page advertises 350 spins on the same 40x terms under the code 24PACK2, and a weekly offer of up to 50 spins at the same multiple. At ten cent a spin the 350-spin version starts from about €33.62 and needs roughly €1,345 of turnover to clear, carrying about €52.85 of expected loss. Fourteen times the spins, fourteen times the turnover, the same 157%.

The floor most coverage forgets to mention

Almost every guide to no-deposit offers stops at the wagering requirement, treats it as the obstacle, and moves on. On a small no-deposit balance it usually isn’t the binding one. The binding one is buried in the withdrawal clause.

Clause 11.1 of the same terms sets a minimum withdrawal of €40 in fiat currency, or the crypto equivalent of €20. A balance of €2.31 therefore has to grow roughly seventeenfold before it is even eligible to leave the account, and it has to do that while paying the toll described above on every stake along the way. Clearing 40x is not the finish line. It is the point at which a second, larger threshold starts to apply.

 

What the offer or terms say Where it is stated Effect on a 24-spin illustration
24 spins on “Selected Slots” The offer table The only figure the promotion advertises
Value per spin Not published anywhere At ten cent, €2.40 of notional stake
RTP of 96.07% Pragmatic Play, not the casino €2.40 of stake returns about €2.31 long run
40x wagering on winnings The offer table That balance must be turned over to about €92
Cost of that turnover Not published About €3.63 of expected loss against €2.31
Minimum withdrawal €40 Terms, clause 11.1 The balance must grow about seventeenfold
Maximum stake while wagering Not published as a figure Clause 9.4 penalises exceeding an unnamed limit
Bonus expiry window Not published Clause 9.4 assumes one exists without dating it
Game weighting schedule Absent from the terms No contribution percentages appear at all
Maximum conversion cap Not published The game’s 15,000x ceiling has no stated answer

 

Nothing in that table forecasts anything, and none of it is advice about how or whether to stake. It is one illustration built from figures the offer page, the terms and the game’s maker put in public. Six of its ten rows say the same thing: the number that would settle the question is not there.

A rulebook that points at a document nobody can open

Clause 1.6 of the terms binds every player to the site’s other published policies, “including but not limited to the Privacy Policy, Bonus Policy, and Responsible Gaming Policy”. The Privacy Policy is in the footer. The Bonus Policy is not. The obvious address for it, 24casino.ie/bonus-policy/, returned a 404 when I checked it on 21 September 2026, and no link to it appears on the terms page or in the footer menu.

That gap would be a footnote if the bonus terms were complete elsewhere. They are not, and the terms give away that they are not. The promotions clause, 9.4, voids a bonus for “Placing maximum allowable bets on high-variance games solely to inflate wagering requirements”, which requires a maximum allowable bet that is never stated. Two lines further down it voids a bonus for “Delaying play until wagering requirements expire”, which requires an expiry date that is never given either.

There is a section headed Expiry Period in those terms. It has nothing to do with bonuses. Clause 13 sets a one-year limit on bringing a claim against the casino, which is a litigation deadline wearing the heading a player searching for the spin expiry would land on first.

Game weighting is missing outright. On most slot promotions a contribution schedule decides whether a euro staked on roulette counts as a euro, as ten cent or as nothing at all towards the requirement, and it is the difference between clearing 40x and never clearing it. No such schedule appears in these terms. The eligible-games column says “Selected Slots” for two offers and “Various” for the third, and the player is left to find out which by opening the account.

Ireland’s statutory regulator, created by the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, was still building out its licensing regime through 2026, which leaves a terms page doing work a published rulebook might otherwise do. One distinction is worth holding on to while that stays true. The list of countries an operator refuses to serve, running here from the United Kingdom and the United States to Malta, Poland and the Netherlands, is a company’s own commercial decision. It is not a map of where online gambling is lawful.

Who actually pays for twenty-four free spins

Nobody gives away money at a loss, and this offer does not require anyone to. Once 40x and a €40 withdrawal floor sit on top of a €2.31 balance, the cash the casino expects to hand over is close to nothing. The spins are not the product being sold. The registration is.

The offer asks for a good deal before a reel turns: an email registration, a login, a verified account, and activation from the bonus section. Clause 9.5 sets out what verification can mean: government photo ID, proof of address, proof of payment method, and a video call holding the ID if the documents arrive in the wrong script. A completed file like that is an acquired customer, and it is worth considerably more than €2.40.

The recovery is written into the same document. Clause 10.4 puts the minimum deposit at €20, and clause 9.7 states that “Any deposit must be wagered three (3) times the deposited amount before you may withdraw those funds”. Clause 9.4 voids a bonus for “Maintaining a deposits-to-bonus ratio exceeding 50%”, a test that exists only because the promotion is priced against what a player is expected to put in. Leave a small balance behind and clause 12.1 charges €20 a month against it after twelve months of inactivity, until it reaches zero.

What the offer is genuinely good for

A no-deposit promotion has one honest use. It lets somebody see a game running, at the operator’s expense rather than their own, and decide whether they want anything to do with it. As entertainment that is worth something. As a plan it is worth nothing, and the maths above is why.

The edge is a property of the game, not of the promotion, which is the part most offers are designed to obscure. It applies identically to a deposit, to a bonus balance and to the twenty-fourth free spin, and the longer play continues the more dependably it shows up. That is the answer to the question in the headline. Time makes the offer worth less, never more.

My position, for what it is worth: chasing a better multiple is the wrong response. An offer that does not print the spin value, the weighting, the stake ceiling, the conversion cap or the expiry cannot be priced by the person accepting it, and an offer nobody can price is not one to spend an evening on. Read the gaps rather than the headline.

Gambling is for adults only, 18 and over, and it stays entertainment only while the money in it was money you were content to lose. If that stops being true, GamblingCare.ie offers free, confidential help and support on freephone 1800 936 725, with lines open 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, and Extern Problem Gambling runs counselling and a call-back service at problemgambling.ie. Neither waits for a crisis.

The Athenry ticket cost a couple of euro and paid a stated amount that arrived as a stated amount. Twenty-four spins cost nothing and attach a condition to every cent they might produce. Only one of those two is a way to make money, and it isn’t either of them. The difference is that one of them tells you the price on the front.