A Book of Condolences is open for the next two weeks in memory of the former Galway footballer Paul Clancy who passed away last week.

Extending her condolences, Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu said: “On behalf of the people of Galway City, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family of Paul Clancy on his passing, particularly to his wife Johanna, and children, Finn and Ellen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”

Paul Clancy was a two-time All-Ireland senior football champion with Galway, winning titles in 1998 and 2001. At club level, he played a key role as Maigh Cuilinn secured the All-Ireland Intermediate title in 2008.

He later served as club chairperson during their Connacht Senior Club Championship success in 2022.

Moycullen GAA paid tribute to Paul, saying “Paul is our most decorated player, an inspiration to a generation, remembered for having a sweet left peg, being teak tough and having an unwavering mindset but beyond the playing pitches he leaves a lasting legacy.”

“He was an icon to so many in our community, so well known, so well respected and always had a word for everyone, a straight shooter with the boot and, if needed, with the lip. Calm and assured, reliable and loyal.”

“We think of his wife Johanna, children Ellen and Finn. Pauls mother Mary, brother Gearoid, sisters Linda & Ailish and all in the wider Clancy & Fahy families.”

“Paul was known as a sports man but above all he was a family man, a great friend and a man we were lucky to have met. Rest easy a chara, we will miss you more than words can say”

Mr Clancy was also involved in team management, having been part of the Galway senior football management team under Alan Mulholland, and later working with the Laois senior team under Justin McNulty.

The Book of Condolences will remain open until July 14 2026. It is available in City Hall during normal opening hours, and online at https://apps.galwaycity.ie/iforms/index.php/512691.

Galway Sports Partnership, in collaboration with Galway County Council, is inviting families from across the county to celebrate National Play Day 2026 with a free afternoon of fun, activity and community connection at Corribdale Park, Oughterard on Saturday, 11 July from 1pm to 3pm.

This year’s National Play Day theme, “Play for All”, highlights the important role play has in supporting children’s development, encouraging creativity, building friendships and strengthening communities.

The event will feature a wide range of free family-friendly activities, including garden games, Irish dancing, circus skills, a sensory area, flag football, golf, orienteering and face painting.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Andrew Reddington, said National Play Day provides an opportunity for families and communities to come together.

“Galway County Council is proud to support National Play Day 2026. Play is an essential part of childhood and community life, helping to nurture creativity, friendship and wellbeing.

“We encourage families across the county to come along, take part in the celebrations and enjoy the many benefits that play brings to children, families and communities.”

Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said the event reflects the Council’s commitment to creating inclusive communities where children and families can thrive.

“At Galway County Council, we are committed to creating vibrant, inclusive communities where every child can thrive. National Play Day reflects our commitment to supporting families and promoting wellbeing through accessible public spaces and community-led initiatives.”

Galway Sports Partnership continues to promote participation in sport and physical activity across the county, with a particular focus on encouraging engagement among groups who may traditionally face barriers to participation, including young girls, people with disabilities and disadvantaged communities.

Coordinator of Galway Sports Partnership, Andrew McBride, said National Play Day is an important celebration of the role play has in bringing people together.

“Play is essential for children’s physical, emotional and social development. National Play Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring communities together and celebrate the importance of ensuring every child has the chance to play, connect and thrive.

“It encourages active, healthy lifestyles in a fun, inclusive and welcoming environment.”

Admission to the event is free and all families are welcome. Families are encouraged to bring a picnic, wear comfortable clothing and come ready to play.

Galway County Council is now seeking applications for the latest round of the Streetscape Enhancement Scheme for the town of Ahascragh.

This initiative to give a facelift to the town centre is part of the Town & Village Renewal Scheme funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

The initiative aims to revitalise the village centre by improving the visual appearance of buildings and public spaces, enhancing Ahascragh as an attractive place to live, work and do business.

The scheme offers grant support to property owners and tenants for painting and façade improvements, with funding of up to 70% for individual properties and 80% where three or more neighbouring properties apply together.

Eligible works include shopfront improvements, painting, signage upgrades, lighting, repairs, decluttering, and greening elements such as planting, all designed to reflect the character and heritage of the village.

Applications are open to owners, tenants, community groups and residents within the qualifying area, with works to be completed by September 2026.

The Council encourages strong local participation to maximise the visual impact and is available to provide guidance throughout the application process.

The Cong to Galway Sailing Race due to take place this weekend has been cancelled due to weather conditions.

The longest inland sailing race in Europe, the race begins at Lisloughrey Pier in Cong, Co. Mayo and travels the full length of Lough Corrib to finish in Galway City.

The annual race was due to take place this Saturday, but Galway Hooker Sailing Club said on Friday morning that

However, race organisers said in the same statement that they will be hoping to put the event on in August.

“Unfortunately we have to postpone this due to unsuitable weather conditions for the lake on Saturday. We’ll look forward to it again in August. Stay tuned for more.”

A weather warning has been issued for possible thunderstorms in Galway and 15 other countries today as temperatures continue to remain blisteringly high in the heatwave.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for possible thunderstorms in Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Tipperary, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath and all of Connacht.

However, Met Eireann has said that despite the broad coverage of the warning, not all areas will experience thunderstorms due to their “hit and miss” nature.

The areas affected may experience flooding, hail damage, and difficult travelling conditions. There may also be some damage to utilities including power, gas, water, and telecommunications.

The thunderstorm warning will be in effect from 9am to 6pm Friday. A high temperature warning for all of Ireland remains in place until 9am on Saturday.

Temperatures up to 25 degrees are expected in parts of Galway today, with the risk of thunderstorms also greatest at the hottest part of the afternoon.

Traffic disruption is expected on the N83 for several weeks while roadworks are taking place between Galway City and Claregalway.

The county council is carrying out resurfacing works on the N83 between Claregalway and the Parkmore Junction.

The work began on Thursday at the Claregalway end of the affected area, and will continue working towards Parkmore in the coming weeks.

It is expected that the roadworks will take five weeks to complete, with traffic management and lane closures during the works.

Motorists travelling to Galway are advised to divert from Baile Chláir towards Oranmore and use M6 Motorway via exit 19.

Motorists travelling from Galway to Baile Chláir are advised to divert via City by M6 Motorway and exiting at Junction 19.

Consequently users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.

Creative Places Tuam has secured Arts Council funding for 2026 and 2027, paving the way for a new phase of the community‑led arts programme under local leadership.

The initiative, which supports artists, funds community projects and promotes cultural activity in Tuam and surrounding areas, will become fully locally based from 2027.

Governance will transfer from Create, the national agency for collaborative arts, to Galway County Council’s Arts Office.

The move follows five years of development under Create, which has managed the programme since 2020.

Since its establishment, Creative Places Tuam has delivered artist residencies, community commissions, creative exchanges, development days, public events, publications, short films and original music projects, strengthening links between Tuam’s creative community and the wider arts sector.

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally welcomed the continued investment by the Arts Council in Creative Places Tuam.

“This programme shows the strength of partnership between national and local government in supporting artists and communities.”

“The shift to locally led governance is an important milestone and reflects our commitment to placing arts and culture at the heart of community development across the county.”

Director of Services for Tuam Municipal District Michael Owens said the programme had helped to build confidence and creative engagement in the town.

“Over the past five years, Creative Places has helped to reconnect the town with its creative potential and build confidence locally. We now have a real opportunity to support regeneration by placing arts and culture at the centre of civic life.”

“It will continue to strengthen partnerships, activate spaces and create new opportunities for people to engage with creativity in their own town.”

The programme for 2026 and 2027 has been shaped by consultation with Tuam’s creative community and feedback gathered through an artist survey in 2025.

New initiatives will include monthly one‑to‑one mentoring sessions known as Soundboard 121, the Graft Series for networking and knowledge exchange, and Loop Sessions, informal creative meet‑ups.

The programme will also include screenings, an Open Call, Art cArt outings, Sounding Tuam, three artist residencies and the Cultural Growth Fund, which organisers say has seen a 40% increase in applications since its launch.

Galway County Arts Officer Sharon O’Grady said the programme would continue to support both artists and communities.

“This next phase of the locally led Creative Places Tuam will support artists to develop their practice while enabling communities to shape and participate in their cultural life,” she said.

“It aligns with the ambitions in Galway County Council’s Arts Plan 2026–2030 and with regeneration plans for Tuam, with arts and culture contributing to the town’s social and civic life.”

“With the support of the local community, we were empowered to take the lead on this next stage of the programme.”

Creative Places Tuam Coordinator Fiona Hession described the announcement as an important milestone. “As both an artist and resident of Tuam, I am incredibly excited by this announcement.”

“It feels like a real milestone for the National Creative Places Programme, and especially for Creative Places Tuam, a programme now rooted in Tuam, shaped by local voices and driven by the community.”

“I look forward to seeing it grow and create meaningful creative opportunities here in Tuam,” she said.

Residents, artists, community groups and organisations are invited to take part in the next phase of the programme.

Further information is available at www.creativeplacestuam.ie or by emailing info@creativeplacestuam.ie.

Ireland must shift from monitoring coastal erosion as a physical process to establishing the urgent legal and financial mechanisms required to relocate homes and infrastructure, according to new research from University of Galway.

The working paper published by the Climate Change Advisory Council moves beyond the science of coastal change to provide the first comprehensive roadmap for a national Coastal Change Adaptation Framework.

Entitled ‘Managing Coastal Risks in Ireland: Towards strategies that integrate planned coastal relocations’, the report identifies potential policy levers, zoning tools, and funding structures needed to carry out the planned relocation of people and critical assets (residential and commercial properties, roads, bridges, rail lines, ports and harbours, telecommunication networks, or utility plants) away from at-risk zones.

The working paper highlights that the scale of the threat from coastal erosion is immense. It notes a survey of eight local authorities which identified 2,279 properties and 570km of roads at risk.

These numbers are projected to jump to 4,446 properties by 2050, a figure that will rise substantially once all local authorities covering 19 coastal counties report their data.

The paper argues that while erosion is an inevitable natural process, the current lack of a binding framework for retreat has left the State in a cycle of ad hoc reactive engineering and unmanaged loss.

To protect current and future generations, the Government must now prioritise the creation of a masterplan that operationalises how – and not just why – coastal communities will move to safety.

Dr Eugene Farrell, Associate Professor at University of Galway and lead author of the report, said, “The core issue is accountability and action. Governments and communities cannot continue to frame today’s coastal erosion crisis as an unforeseeable outcome.”

“The science has been clear for decades, and the warnings were widely available. What is required now is decisive remedial and adaptive action. Implementing ‘planned relocation’ from eroding coastlines is not optional – it is an essential responsibility of present governance.”

The working paper outlines a series of actions for Government to consider to respond to the increasing risks associated with coastal erosion that will require houses, roads and other infrastructure to be relocated:

• New legislation addressing coastal change and planned relocation
• Consistent coastal planning and zoning guidance at a national level
• Comprehensive, high-resolution coastal risk data
• A national framework for funding and compensation for relocation
• Clear governance structures and well-defined roles for all agencies
• Substantial investment in technical capacity within local authorities to manage relocation
• Robust community engagement to support meaningful dialogue around relocation

Dr Farrell added, “Planned relocation is often framed as a ‘last resort,’ but it should be viewed as a valid strategic shift when defending homes or roads becomes unsustainable.”

“By planning for the strategic movement of people and infrastructure early, we can reduce exposure to extreme events, lower long-term costs, and build community resilience.”

Following on from a very successful Howl at the Moon event in 2025,  Galway Mountain Rescue Team is calling on local adventurers, nature lovers, and night owls to step into the moonlight once again for a cause that saves lives.

On the evening of the Harvest Full Moon,  Saturday, September 26, the charity will host “Howl at the Moon” – a unique walking challenge set in Galway Wind Park.

The event offers a unique opportunity for participants to hike around the Wind Farm under the full moon, following either a 9km or 17km route. Everyone is encouraged to come well-prepared with suitable warm gear and a head torch and of course have a hugely enjoyable evening.

“Galway Mountain Rescue is very appreciative of the support that we receive from the Public. The Howl at the Moon event is an opportunity to meet the team and have a very enjoyable evening hiking around the Wind farm.”

“All funds will go towards our voluntary activities of helping those who need our assistance in the remote and upland areas of Galway and Clar” said Dermot Hughes, Team Member and event manager.

Howl at the Moon 2026 promises to be even more enjoyable and successful than 2025.

Whether you’re a multiple “Howl at the Moon” participant or you’re considering taking part for the first time, the event is sure to be an unforgettable community celebration. 

So why not come along for an evening of craic as you help a very worthy cause!

Event Details:

• Date: 26th September 2026
  
• Time: Walks begin from 6:15 PM
  
• Location: Galway Wind Park – SSE Renewables, Lettercraffroe, Knock South, Galway, H91 K46D
  
• Distance Options: 9km or 17km
  
• Registration Fee: €35 (Adults) / €25 (U17) / €50 (On the night)
  
• Registration Link: https://howlatthemoon.ie/

Participants are also encouraged to raise sponsorship or donate further to support the life-saving work of the mountain rescue team.

Councillor Andrew Reddington is the new Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway after being unanimously elected at the county council’s AGM.

A member of Fine Gael, Cathaoirleach Reddington succeeds party colleague Councillor David Collins from Turloughmore in the role.

He was first elected to Galway County Council at the 2019 Local Elections and represents the Tuam Municipal District.

A native of Claran, Headford, Councillor Reddington has a strong background in community development. He works with GRETB in Youthreach, is a part-time suckler farmer, and is actively involved in community and voluntary organisations.

Reddington is a community volunteer with the Headford St Patrick’s Day Parade and Christmas Lights committees, Chairperson of Little Acorns-Kilcoona Community Childcare and a coach with Headford GAA.

He is married to Bernie and they have three children.

Councillor Michael Regan (Fianna Fáil) has been elected as Leas Cathaoirleach at the AGM, succeeding Councillor Mary Hoade (Fianna Fáil) in the role.

Addressing elected members, Council staff, family members and friends following his election, Cathaoirleach Reddington outlined his priorities for the year ahead.

“I am honoured to have been elected Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, and I want to thank my fellow elected members for the confidence they have shown in me.”

“I will be fair and impartial in carrying out this role and will work to further strengthen the relationship between elected members and the executive, ensuring that the people we represent are heard.”

“Improving cooperation with Uisce Éireann will be a key priority for me, to help enable much-needed infrastructure projects to progress across the county. These projects are vital for the future growth and development of our towns and communities.”

“Galway must continue to work closely with the IDA and Enterprise Ireland to secure further investment from multinational and indigenous Irish companies.”

“We have huge potential across our county, and we must continue to promote Galway as a place to live, work and invest.”

Cathaoirleach Reddington said the year ahead would be an important one for Galway as Ireland prepares to hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

“This will be a very important year for Galway as Ireland takes up the EU Presidency and it is important that our county benefits from the opportunities that this brings.”

He also highlighted the importance of progressing major infrastructure projects. “I will continue to drive on the Galway Ring Road project and ensure that every effort is made to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure for the county.”

Cathaoirleach Reddington said he would continue to make the case for increased investment in local government. “I will impress upon central government that increased funding is required for Galway County Council to deliver the vital services that people depend on.”

“We also need to challenge the idea that rural Ireland is dying. I plan to fly the flag for Galway and showcase all the qualities our county has as a place to live, work and invest.”

Reflecting on his background in community development, Cathaoirleach Reddington said he wants to use his term in office to recognise the contribution of communities and volunteers across Galway.

“I have a strong background in community development, and I have always stood up for what I believe is right for our communities. During my term as Cathaoirleach, I want to celebrate the wonderful work carried out by volunteers and community and voluntary groups across County Galway.”

“I also will support the development of County Galway’s first County Sports Plan as well as assist the Local Community Safety Partnership in progressing the Local Community Safety Plan.”

Residents, businesses and community partners on Munster Avenue and Fr Griffin place in Galway Westend are calling for greater awareness and respect from drivers following concerns about vehicles speeding through these residential streets.

Munster Avenue and Fr Griffin place are lived-in neighbourhoods, not shortcuts. With the summer season now underway, the area is once again taking advantage of its long-standing evening pedestrian-friendly approach, with streets in the wider Westend pedestrianised from 6pm each evening since 2019.

This initiative has been widely welcomed by residents and businesses, helping to create a safer streetscape, a more social environment, and stronger conditions for independent businesses to survive and thrive.

The intention of the evening pedestrian-friendly approach is simple. It supports local businesses by keeping the area visible and accessible during the summer months.

It encourages a more social and people-first use of public space, particularly around outdoor dining and early evening cultural activity before 9pm.

It also promotes walking and cycling as the natural and preferred way to experience the Westend, while strengthening overall safety through increased footfall and natural community presence.

However, residents are increasingly concerned that Munster Avenue and Fr Griffin Place residential streets within this wider area are being used by some drivers as a shortcut, with instances of speeding reported.

Community members are reminding motorists that this is a neighbourhood where people live, children walk to school and play, and families use the street daily.

A joint initiative has now been developed between residents, local businesses, Galway City Council and An Garda Síochána to address the issue and reinforce a shared message of safety and respect.

As part of this, pupils from Claddagh National School have been involved in designing posters aimed at encouraging drivers to slow down and be mindful of the community they are passing through.

The message from the community is clear. Slow down, respect the street, and recognise that Munster Avenue and Fr Griffin Place are parts of a living neighbourhood where safety and community come first.

This Campaign is supported by Galway City Council.

A Galway engineering company has been recognised at the National Enterprise Awards after winning the West Regional Award at a ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House.

Celtic Dynamics Engineering Ltd, based in Galway City, received the award at the annual awards event, which celebrates the achievements of small businesses supported by the Local Enterprise Office network across Ireland.

The company advanced to the National Enterprise Awards final after winning the Galway Enterprise Awards final, hosted by Local Enterprise Office Galway, earlier this year.

Celtic Dynamics Engineering Ltd is an energy and technical engineering consultancy providing energy audits, sustainability services and specialist engineering support to commercial and industrial clients.

The company has experience across more than 34 countries and has worked with over 1,900 clients internationally, helping businesses reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and meet regulatory and ESG requirements through tailored, data-driven strategies. Ireland is the company’s parent base and centre of excellence hub, supporting its UK and Mexico subsidiaries.

Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said the awards highlight the contribution of small businesses across Galway.

“These awards celebrate the achievements of our micro-enterprise sector, which we work with every day through Local Enterprise Office Galway,” he said. “They highlight the determination and creativity of small business owners who have benefited from our programme of financial and training supports.”

“We are proud to have supported Celtic Dynamics Engineering in achieving this award success and to showcase the strength of local enterprise in every part of Galway.”

Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary, said, “The company’s journey shows what can be achieved when entrepreneurial drive is supported by the right networks and supports.”

“Businesses like Celtic Dynamics are playing an important role in the future growth and development of Galway, creating new opportunities and showcasing the talent and capability of local enterprises on an international stage.”

“This award is a testament to the ambition, innovation and expertise that exists within our business community and the commitment of those building successful businesses from the region.”

Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Galway, Caroline McDonagh, said, “The National Enterprise Awards are a valuable opportunity to showcase the strength of entrepreneurship across Galway.”

“Galway has a vibrant enterprise sector, and it is important that we recognise and support the innovation and ambition of our local businesses. Through Local Enterprise Office Galway, many small companies are receiving the guidance they need to start, grow and compete in wider markets.”

Funding for the Local Enterprise Offices is provided by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland. Further details about supports available to small businesses are available through www.localenterprise.ie/galway.

New Mayor of the City of Galway Helen Ogbu says that she is “privileged” to be the first person of a migrant background to serve as mayor of the city.

Cllr Ogbu was elected as Mayor at the annual general meeting of the city council on Friday, June 19 in city hall.

The Labour councillor is the 72nd person to hold the honour of the First Citizen of Galway City. Councillor Josie Forde was elected Deputy Mayor.

The AGM is the third in the five-year term of the council, following local elections in 2024. Speaking on her election, Cllr Helen Ogbu said; “Today is indeed a historic day.”

“I have the privilege of becoming the first person of migrant background to serve as Mayor of Galway City.”

“While I recognise the significance of that moment, I do not view it as a solely personal achievement, but rather as a reflection of Galway, the city that I now call my homew.”

“My mayoralty will focus on three themes that are deeply personal to me and critical to Galway’s future: Belonging, Young People, and Community.”

Councillor Helen Ogbu succeeds Cllr Mike Cubbard as the Mayor, with Cllr Josie Forde succeeding Cllr Alan Cheevers as Deputy Mayor.

Previous Mayors of the City of Galway include current Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, former Uachtarán, Michael D. Higgins, and Minister of State, Hildegarde Naughton TD.

The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in Galway city has risen this quarter by 0.5%, reaching €400,000 for the first time, according to the latest REA national survey.

In Galway county, prices over the past three months have increased by 0.5% to an average of €314,000, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index shows.

The average time taken to reach sale agreed in Galway this quarter was four weeks.

“We have seen a slight increase in supply this quarter, and prices have remained steady despite initial concerns over energy costs and the war in the Middle East,” said Kevin Burke of REA McGreal Burke.

“The market remains very busy overall, with lots of active buyers.”

The survey shows that this quarter, 60% of purchasers in the city and 70% across the county were first-time buyers.

A total of 20% of sales in the county, and 15% in Galway city, were attributed to landlords leaving the market.

Additionally, agents in Galway reported that the BER ratings of properties saw A-rated properties command 10% price increases in comparison to comparable C-rated properties.

The REA Average House Price Index concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

In what is becoming the great house condition divide, homes that require upgrade works are sitting on the market while bidders concentrate on ready-to-enter properties, according to REA agents.

The actual selling price of a three-bed, semi-detached house across the country rose by 0.9% in the past three months to €367,988 – the first time the quarterly rate of increase has been under 1% in over two years.

This represents a 5.8% annual rise – slowing gradually from the 8.7pc increase registered at the end of 2025.

The Q2 Index shows that while the rate of increase in sales prices has halved in the capital over the past three months, from 1.6% to 0.8%, average Dublin house prices have broken the €600,000 barrier for the first time.

The average cost of a three-bed semi in Dublin’s postcode zones is now €600,120, representing an increase of almost €150,000 on the June 2021 average price of €456,667 – a 31% rise in just five years.

Selling prices in Ireland’s major cities outside Dublin rose by the same percentage as the capital, 0.8%, to an average of €381,250 – also a 5.7% annual increase, with homes selling in four weeks on average.

Average Galway city house prices reached the €400,000 level for the first time, after an increase of 0.5% over the past three months.

Homes in the country’s large towns rose by 1.1% this quarter – down from 2% in the first three months of the year, and 7.3% annually to an average of €281,287.

The biggest quarterly rise was in Ireland’s most affordable county, Donegal, where prices increased by 3.5% to €222,500 on average. This figure is a 12.7% increase on the June 2025 value of €197,500.

The rate of price increases in Ireland’s commuter towns halved in Q2 to 0.5% with the average three-bed selling for €379,219.

A status yellow high temperature warning is in place for Galway this week from 12pm Tuesday until 9am on Friday.

Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 30 degrees in parts of Galway on Thursday. Highest daytime temperatures today of 21 degrees.

Throughout the week night time temperatures will remain in excess 15 degrees. On both Wednesday and Thursday nights temperatures will be over 20 degrees in many places,

This is likely to cause uncomfortable sleeping conditions and heat stress for many people.

There is also a risk of water safety issues due to more people at lakes and beaches.

The Galway City Council Severe Weather Assessment Team has said that the city council will be at a Level 1 response, appropriate for a status yellow alert.

The Severe Weather Assessment Team will continue to monitor and assess Met Éireann weather alerts and warning updates and will consider whether any increase in response level is required.

The Met Éireann weather warning, potential impacts and other relevant information will be shared with the public via the Galway City Council website and social media.

In one of his final acts as the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins has presented cheques totalling €22,364 to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Epilepsy Ireland from funds raised at this year’s Cathaoirleach’s Ball.

The event took place at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry in late May and brought together members of the community and local businesses for an evening of fundraising and entertainment.

Both charities received €11,182 each from the proceeds of the event.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute funds a research programme at the University of Galway focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

One in seven Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, with more than 3,500 cases identified each year.

Epilepsy Ireland, which was established in 1966, provides support and services to people living with epilepsy and their families through community-based programmes, education and advocacy.

Teresa and James Delaney, parents of the late Damian Delaney from Lackagh, also presented a cheque of €5,016 to Epilepsy Ireland towards research.

Cllr David Collins thanked everyone who supported the event and contributed to the fundraising effort.

“I want to acknowledge everyone who attended the Cathaoirleach’s Ball and a huge thank you to everyone who gave auction and raffle prizes and made donations. This was all done in memory of our dear friend Damian (Damo) Delaney.”

“One of my final duties as Cathaoirleach was to present cheques to Epilepsy Ireland and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. With the public’s generosity and support it was a pleasure on behalf of everyone to present much needed donations to both charities.”

Cllr Collins said he hoped the funds raised would help both organisations continue their work supporting people and advancing research.