Age Friendly Ireland has revealed the shortlist for the 2026 National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards, with two Galway projects among the nominees including Tuam Palace Grounds Sensory Garden and Connemara Memory Cafe for Brain Health.

The projects have been recognised for creating meaningful improvements to the everyday lives of older people, contributing to inclusive communities where older people can live well, feel valued, and stay connected.

Now in their tenth year, the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards were created to recognise the outstanding work being done by organisations, community groups, businesses, local authorities and individuals across the country to make Ireland a better place to grow older.

Catherine McGuigan, Chief Officer of Age Friendly Ireland, said, “Ireland is on a journey of designing our communities, services and infrastructure to meet the challenges and opportunities associated with our ageing population. Through the work of Age Friendly Ireland and the Older People’s Councils, older people have a meaningful role in shaping that response.”

“This year’s finalists demonstrate that adopting an Age Friendly culture requires a top-down and bottom-up approach, and our collaborative efforts stem from the voice of older people, at grass roots level, co-designing solutions to everyday issues. However, local innovation must not remain local, and the strongest ideas should be recognised nationally, shared and replicated across the country.”

“These Awards celebrate excellent projects, but they also set a standard. They are a showcase of practical solutions for government departments, public bodies, statutory agencies, businesses, and community and voluntary organisations setting out what Age Friendly leadership looks like and challenge all of us to do more.”

Each shortlisted project was chosen for its outstanding impact, innovation, and potential to inspire lasting change in other communities.

Ahead of crowning the winners this October, all 36 shortlisted projects will now be visited and assessed by a judging panel that includes Mr Pat Dowling, former Chief Executive of Clare County Council (Chairperson);Ms Madeleine Quirke, former Chief Executive and President of Wexford Chambers; Ms Anna Marie Delaney, former Chief Executive of Offaly County Council; Mr John Kerin, former Chief Superintendent, An Garda Síochána; Ms Clare Curley, former Director of Services, Tipperary County Council; and Mr Jimmy Feane, former Director of Services, Limerick County Council.

The Awards consist of ten categories; each aligned with a World Health Organization (WHO) Age Friendly Theme. These include awards for best in Age Friendly Transport; Active Living and Leisure; Business Innovation; Safety and Security; Communications; Environment; Community Innovation, Housing; Intergenerational; and Active and Healthy Ageing.

Previous winners have included eir Ireland for their Age Friendly Care line, An Garda Síochána, Kerry for their Safety Door Hanger Initiative and Brady’s Court, South Dublin County Council for their Infill Age Friendly Housing project.

Ms McGuigan added, “We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Pat Daly, Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council, for hosting this year’s awards and supporting this national celebration of Age Friendly innovation and leadership.”

The awards ceremony will take place on  8 October  at  The Strand Hotel, Limerick, hosted by Limerick City and County Council. For more information about this year’s awards and to learn about all the finalists, visit agefriendlyireland.ie.

The rollout of high speed fibre broadband on the Aran Islands is progressing this summer, with customers on Inis Meáin now able to pre-order ahead of their connections becoming available.

NBI is continuing work on connecting the new fibre network to Inis Meáin. When complete 147 homes and businesses on the island will be able to access high-speed fibre broadband.

Another 641 premises on Inis Mór can already order connections on the NBI network, with final testing and commissioning progressing as planned.

Representatives from National Broadband Ireland will be visiting both Inis Meáin and Inis Mór over the coming weeks to provide information and support to residents and businesses on how to access their new broadband connections.

They will be available to answer questions about broadband availability, explain how to place an order with a retail service provider, and provide guidance on connecting homes and businesses. Residents will be able to identify the representatives by their black NBI-branded jackets.

The visits are currently planned for Inis Mór from 20-22 July and Inis Meáin from 27 July. Dates are subject to weather and travel conditions.

TJ Malone, Chief Executive Officer, National Broadband Ireland, said: “The opening of pre-orders on Inis Meáin marks another important step towards delivering reliable, future-proofed broadband to communities across the Aran Islands.”

“With 147 homes and businesses on Inis Meáin now able to pre-order services, and pre-orders already open for 641 premises on Inis Mór, residents and businesses are moving closer to being connected to the NBI network.”

“Our representatives will be visiting both islands over the coming weeks to answer questions and provide practical support on the pre-ordering and connection process.”

“We encourage residents and businesses to speak with the team and contact a participating retail service provider so they are ready to connect when services become available.”

There are 37,174 premises that can now pre-order or order high-speed, reliable broadband across Galway with 12,539 connections made to date. Works have also been completed in rural areas surrounding Galway City, Gort and Ballinasloe.

Galway County Council has confirmed that a homecoming event for the Galway senior hurlers will take place at The Fairgreen, Ballinasloe, on Monday (20 July) following their All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final loss to Limerick at Croke Park. The Fairgreen will be opened to the public from 2pm, with the team expected later in the afternoon.

The event will provide supporters from across the county with an opportunity to come together, show their support and acknowledge the outstanding efforts of the Galway team, management and backroom staff throughout the 2026 Championship campaign.

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the homecoming will be an opportunity for the county to recognise the commitment and dedication of the Galway team.

“On behalf of Galway County Council, I would like to congratulate Micheál Donoghue, his management team, the backroom team and the entire panel of players on their tremendous efforts throughout the year.

“The commitment, determination and skill shown by this group has been exceptional. While the final result was not the outcome we hoped for, this team has brought immense pride and joy to people across Galway, and their contribution to Galway hurling will be remembered.

“We are delighted to confirm that the team will be welcomed home at The Fairgreen in Ballinasloe on Monday evening. I encourage supporters from across Galway to come along, wear the maroon and white, and join together to show their appreciation and support for the players and management.”

Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally, said the homecoming will be an opportunity for the county to recognise the contribution of everyone involved in Galway hurling.

“While the outcome of the All-Ireland Final was not what Galway supporters had hoped for, the journey of this team and the dedication shown by everyone involved in Galway hurling is a source of great pride.

“Behind every Championship campaign is the commitment of the players, management team, clubs, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters who continue to strengthen and support Galway hurling.

“Galway County Council is pleased to facilitate the homecoming event in Ballinasloe, and we look forward to welcoming the team and sharing the occasion with supporters from across Galway.”

Parking will be available at the Ballinasloe Mart, the Showgrounds, Coral Leisure Centre and Tesco. Further details on the homecoming event will be shared on Galway County Council’s social media channels.

High temperatures will continue into the weekend, with Met Eireann issuing another weather warning from today until Friday morning across much of the country.

The status yellow high temperature warning will be in place from 12pm Wednesday until 6am Friday, with temperatures to continue rising across today and tomorrow.

Local forecasting from Met Eireann states that temperatures may rise as high as 30 – 31 degrees in parts of Galway on Thursday, before beginning to decline again on Friday.

Temperatures of 27 – 29 degrees will be found across much of the county on Wednesday and Thursday, with overnight temperatures greater than 15 degrees in many areas.

Uisce Eireann is already calling on many areas to conserve water, and imposing night time restrictions in places, as the prolonged spell of warm, dry weather is putting water supplies under strain.

Nightime water restrictions have been imposed in Leitir Móir, An Cnoc, Tír an Fhia and surrounding areas in order to ensure there is an adequate day time supply.

The current spell of warm weather has led to a significant increase in demand for treated water. This in turn has placed treated water reservoir levels under increased pressure.

In order to protect a full daytime supply for homes, businesses and essential services, nighttime restrictions will come into effect from tonight and remain in place until further notice.

The nighttime restrictions will be in effect between 11pm and 7am. During this time, customers in these areas served by the public supply will experience reduced water pressure.

Tony Kelly of Uisce Éireann explained that the nighttime restrictions are necessary in order to allow reservoir levels to recover, and to ensure a full daytime supply of treated water for homes and businesses.

“We have been experiencing very high demand for treated water over recent days due to the fine weather and high tourist numbers in the area,” said Tony.

“Reservoir levels of treated water have been unable to keep up with this increased demand and as a result, we are introducing nighttime restrictions in order to protect daytime supply.”

“We acknowledge the inconvenience that can be caused by nighttime restrictions, and we wish to thank impacted customers for their understanding.”

“We also wish to encourage customers to take some simple steps which can significantly reduce usage and help to protect supply for the community.”

A man has died after being hospitalised with serious injuries following a traffic collision involving an e-scooter in Salthill last Friday night.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the traffic incident which occurred at around 8:30pm on the R336 outside the former Spinnaker House Hotel.

The e-scooter rider, a man aged in his 40s, was removed from the scene for treatment of serious injuries at University Hospital Galway. He has since been pronounced deceased.

A technical examination of the scene was carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

Road users who were travelling on the R336 near the former Spinnaker House Hotel (past Blackrock) between 8:15pm and 9:00pm on Friday 10th July 2026 and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam), are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bóthar na Trá/Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The Radiation Oncology Department at UHG was nominated in four categories at the recent Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2026 and was recognised as Healthcare Team of the Year – Acute/Hospital Based.

The award recognises an outstanding year of innovation, service transformation and patient-centred care.

Serving over 800,000 people across the West and North West of Ireland, the multidisciplinary team has transformed cancer treatment services while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compassion.

Following the move to a new state-of-the-art Radiation Oncology Centre, the department successfully completed a major clinical transformation involving the replacement of all treatment equipment and introduction of advanced radiotherapy technologies. The transition was completed ahead of schedule within six months, with no disruption to patient care.

Over the past year, the team introduced a Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) programme, expanded stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) services for brain tumours, implemented 4D CT planning and MRI-supported radiotherapy developments.

It also became the first service in the region to offer tattoo-less radiotherapy using Surface Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT). These advances have enabled patients to access world-class cancer treatments closer to home.

The department has also demonstrated excellence in safety and governance through the introduction of radiation therapist-led SAFE huddles, implementation of advanced patient identification systems and successful engagement with HIQA, EPA and OECI accreditation processes.

Alongside clinical achievements, the team remains committed to education, research and community engagement. Staff support undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes, participate in international clinical trials, host patient and student open days, and have raised more than €8,000 for charity through fundraising initiatives.

Michelle Comer, Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist said, “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award on behalf of our entire Radiation Oncology team.”

“This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise and commitment of every staff member who works tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care for our patients. Over the past number of years, we have delivered significant service developments. To see these achievements recognised nationally is a proud moment for the whole team.”

Stephen Coyne, Service Manager, Radiation Therapy added, “Winning this award is testament to the dedication, professionalism and compassion of our entire multidisciplinary team.”

“Through innovation, collaboration and a strong focus on patient-centred care, we have expanded access to advanced cancer treatments while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality for patients across the region.”

Chris Kane, General Manager, Galway University Hospitals “Well done to the team, this recognition reflects the exceptional work of the Radiation Oncology department in delivering transformative improvements in cancer care.”

“The team has enhanced access to treatment, strengthened patient safety and established itself as a leader in innovation, making a real difference to patients and families throughout the West and North West.”

A large-scale architecture exhibit, inspired by Ireland’s Citizens’ Assembly, will feature at this year’s Galway International Arts Festival as part of a national tour supported by the Arts Council to promote architecture to audiences in Ireland.

The exhibit, ‘Assembly’, represented Ireland at the world’s leading architecture event in 2025; the International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale. It was commissioned by Culture Ireland in partnership with the Arts Council, and curated by Cotter and Naessens Architects.

The Cotter and Naessans team comprises architects Louise Cotter and David Naessens, multidisciplinary artist Michelle Delea, woodworker Alan Meredith, curator Luke Naessens and sound artist David Stalling.

The presentation of ‘Assembly’ at the Galway International Arts Festival is the second stop on its national tour, following its exhibition at the Cork Midsummer Festival, and before its installation at Busáras in Dublin as part of the culture programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in October.

Crafted in Irish beech, with a Ceadogán rug at its centre, the design is a multi-sensory installation featuring a soundscape that layers human voices, natural sounds and mechanical effects. ‘Assembly’  invites members of the public to congregate in partnership to consider matters of collective concern.

‘Assembly’ will be open to visitors for the duration of the Galway International Arts Festival from 11am to 6pm during the week at the O’Donoghue Theatre in the University of Galway. From Thursday to Sunday, the exhibit will be open until 8pm.

Assembly Conversations, chaired by award-winning Irish architect and academic Dr John McLaughlin, will take place on July 14 at 12.30pm, inviting audiences into a wider reflection on the architectures of dialogue and assembly.

Inland Fisheries Ireland is investigating a fish kill in Co Galway in which up to 120 fish have died.

A suspected pollution incident occurred on a tributary of the Dunkellin River in east Galway.

Species of fish discovered dead include salmon, trout, perch, stone loach, stickleback, and lamprey.

Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) staff have been on site since Thursday night to assess the
event.

IFI is actively probing the cause of this harmful event, and is now following a definite line of inquiry
about a possible source of pollution.

Monitoring and assessment of the impact will continue to be undertaken to identify the cause of the
fish kill.

IFI continues to urge the public to report fish kills, water pollution, habitat destruction, or illegal
fishing to our confidential 24/7 number, 0818 34 74 24.

IFI has notified other agencies about the incident including Galway County Council and the
Environmental Protection Agency.

A weather warning has been issued for high temperatures in Galway this weekend and into next week, expected to reach as high as 29 degrees in places on Sunday.

The status yellow high temperature warning has been issued for Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Mayo, Kilkenny, Laois, and Offaly.

Maximum temperatures in excess of 27°C combined with overnight temperature minimums in excess of 15°C.

The warning will be in place from 1pm Sunday until 7am next Tuesday, with the hottest conditions expected on Sunday. Inland areas will fare slightly better than the west coast according to Met Eireann.

The high temperature comes with dangers in the form of water safety problems due to more people spending time at lakes, beaches, and waterways, and a possibility of forest fires.

The heat will also create uncomfortable sleeping conditions and possible heat stress for many.

Temperatures today are expected to reach highs of 26 degrees in Galway. Much of the country is already under a weather warning which was issued on Friday.

The All-Ireland Hurling Final between Galway and Limerick will screen live, large, and free for all at the Big Top as part of the Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF).

Tickets will be available free of charge from Monday 13 July at 11:00am via GIAF.ie.

A Festival Experience for All

This big‑screen event is designed to be family‑friendly, accessible, and free, ensuring that the entire community can come together to support Galway’s hurlers on one of the biggest days of the sporting calendar.

The screening adds to the dynamic programme of the Galway International Arts Festival, reinforcing Galway’s reputation as a city that embraces creativity in all its forms — from world‑class performances to memorable sporting moments.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, welcomed the announcement, saying, “Galway is a city shaped by sport, culture, and community.”

“Hosting a free big‑screen viewing of the All‑Ireland Final in the Heineken Big Top during Galway International Arts Festival brings these elements together in a straightforward way.”

“It’s a chance for supporters, families, and visitors to come together in a cultural setting to share the occasion and celebrate our maroon spirit. Gaillimh Abú!”

Event Details

What: Free Big‑Screen Viewing — All‑Ireland Hurling Final
Who: Galway vs. Limerick
Where: Heineken Big Top, Galway International Arts Festival
When: Sunday 19 July 2026, 3.30pm
Doors: 2pm
Tickets: Free — available from Monday 13 July at 11:00am.

Book on GIAF.ie.

Limit of four tickets per booking.

Accessibility:  Please contact the GIAF box office with any special requirements when booking at  (091) 566 577 or BoxOffice@giaf.ie

Books at One have today announced 23 funding recipients of independently run bookstores for the second year of its Community Prize Fund initiative. Two Galway based independent bookstores have been included in the funding.

The Galway stores included in the funding are Charlie Byrne’s Bookstore and Turning Pages (Tuam).

Each selected store will receive a grant of up to €5,000 in support of developing new and engaging activities for the benefit of their local community.

This year’s recipients will see 23 stores from 14 counties, spread across the island of Ireland.

Among the entries and successful applicants are recently opened stores as well as those who also received funding in 2025, allowing them to expand and grow on last year’s activity, or embark on a new creative venture.

The fund was created in 2025 for Books at One via The One Foundation as a new avenue of support for both independent stores and their surrounding communities.

The aim was to further strengthen the importance of independent bookstores as creative venues for community engagement and connection across the country.

Now in its second year, the fund builds on a strong first outing. Last summer, 21 independent bookshops received grants to deliver projects that reimagined their stores as unique cultural and social places in their towns and cities.

From storytelling events, creative workshops and youth programmes, The Community Prize Fund helped support a wide variety of different projects, responding to the unique needs of each bookstore’s local community.

Eoghan Stack, Chairperson of The One Foundation commented, “When the Books at One Community Prize Fund launched in 2025, we hoped it would give booksellers an opportunity to try new avenues to creatively engage with their local community and it’s proven to be a huge success.”

“This year, the fund will support 23 independent shops across 14 counties, helping independent bookshops integrate a love of reading into a real community way of life.”

“The power of a good indie bookshop is not just about what’s on the shelves alone but about those who work there and those who visit on the regular, making it an important fixture of communities.”

“We’re delighted to see both the initiative and the ideas within the applications grow and look forward to seeing how these are brought to life by the communities that shape them.”

The full list of recipients of the Books At One Community Prize Fund 2026 are:

• Antiquity Bookshop, Cork
• Antonia’s Bookstore, Meath
• Bantry Bookshop, Cork
• Books Upstairs, Dublin
• Bookworm Bookshop, Tipperary
• Castle Books, Mayo
• Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Galway
• Halfway up the Stairs, Wicklow
• Leaf and Bower, Cork
• Little Acorns, Derry
• Pangur Bán Bookshop, Mayo
• Prim’s Bookshop, Cork
• Quay Books, Limerick
• Red Books, Wexford
• Roe River Books, Louth
• Tales for Tadpoles, Wicklow
• The Bookshelf, Down
• The Ennis Bookshop, Clare
• The Maynooth Bookshop, Kildare
• The Nenagh Bookshop, Tipperary
• Turning Pages Bookshop, Galway
• Woodbine Books, Kildare
• Worm Books, Cork

There will be nightly road closures in place on the M18 for several weeks while roadworks are being carried out on the motorway.

Direct Route (Tuam) on behalf of TII are carrying out works on the M18 between Junction 18 Rathmorissey and Junction 16 Gort.

The works are taking place on both the northbound and southbound carriageways over the coming weeks.

To facilitate these works, the motorway will be closed nightly from 20:00 to 06:00 starting from Monday, July 13.

Please note that the closure will be staffed by an operative to allow access for emergency services if required.

Week Commencing 13/07/2026

Monday – Friday: M18 Northbound, Junction 16 Gort – Junction 17 Kiltiernan. The diversion route for northbound traffic will be via the old N18.

The Network Ireland National Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards will take place in Galway City later this year to celebrate female entrepreneurs.

Network Ireland is a national business organisation which advocates for female entrepreneurs and women in business across Ireland, with 17 branches with 1,500 active members. The organisation’s annual conference will be held in Dexcomm Stadium on Friday, September 18, followed by the Businesswoman of the Year awards in the Galmont Hotel.

Network Ireland National President Karen Ronan, CEO of Galway Chamber announced details of the powerful Business Women’s Conference and Awards at a reception in the Blackrock Cottage in Salthill and tickets go on sale on Friday 10th of July 2026.

The 2026 Network Ireland Conference will feature a host of high-profile speakers including a Key Note fire side discussion with Laura Dowling, the Fabulous Pharmacist.

An award winning business woman who’s renowned for the recognition she’s brings to women’s health and wellbeing while building an award-winning brand and business is certain to inspire Network Ireland members.

She will be joined by experts from AIB, Enterprise Ireland and a host of speakers including Mary Rodgers, of PorterShed Galway, Geraldine Jones of Skin Formulas, Author Michele Roys and Denise O’Brien with more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Julie Burke will MC the Network Ireland Conference. 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.

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 and 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 and further elevate the growth of women led businesses and brands across rural and urban communities.

AIB is Network Ireland’s Official Partner for close to 15 years, and has seen the growth in the organisation during that time. “AIB is proud to support Network Ireland’s National Conference and Awards,” said Geraldine Casey, Managing Director, Retail Banking, AIB.

“The conference will bring together hundreds of women business leaders who are ambitious, talented and a driving force in the Irish economy. Every day we in AIB see the extraordinary achievements of our female fronted business customers and we look forward to continuing the development of women in business in Ireland through our ongoing collaboration with Network Ireland.”

Also supporting the Network Ireland Conference and Businesswoman of the Year Awards is Enterprise Ireland, Sarah Walker, Senior Executive said that they provide, “An important platform for celebrating the achievements of women entrepreneurs, business leaders and innovators across Ireland.”

Sarah Walker went onto say, “Through its strong national network, Network Ireland plays a vital role in fostering ambition, leadership and collaboration among women in business. We look forward to joining members from across the country in Galway this September to celebrate excellence, champion entrepreneurship and support the continued growth of women-led businesses.”

Galway City Council and Galway Local Enterprise Office are also supporters of Network Ireland and very much welcome this prestigious conference coming to Galway City this Autumn.

“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”.

Gardaí are appealing for the public’s help in locating a 35-year old woman missing from Galway City for over three months.

Asana Kassim has been reported missing from the Salthill area since April 4 this year.

Asana is described as being approximately 5 foot 5 inches in height, of average build, with black hair and brown eyes.

Gardaí are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information on Asana’s whereabouts is asked to contact Salthill Garda Station on 091 514720, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A cyclist has passed away at University Hospital Galway after being in a collision with a vehicle in Mayo on Wednesday night.

Emergency services responded to collision involving a bike and another vehicle outside Ballinrobe on the N84 at Carrowkeel, Co Mayo shortly after 9pm yesterday.

A man in his 50s sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported to University Hospital Galway, where he was later pronounced deceased.

The scene remains preserved for forensic examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road is currently closed with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) from the N84 at Carrowkeel, Co Mayo around the time of the collision are also asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station on 094 9372080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.