Galway has the youngest COVID cases in Ireland

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November 7, 2020

Children's book to raise funds for Clifden RNLI

A new children’s book on the history of Connemara will help to raise funds for the Clifden RNLI lifeboat station.

Local author and youth worker Marie Feeney has produced ‘From Our Ancient Land to Bountiful Sea’, an informative and often humorous collection of local history and folklore tales with illustrations by Gary Kendellen.

These tales include accounts of the famous engineer Alexander Nimmo who designed many piers and bridges in the Connemara area and an educational yet entertaining blend of local history and myths that will appeal to locals and visitors alike.

Megan’s previous book, ‘The Cleggan Disaster‘ was a poignant look at the tragic drowning of 45 men from the fishing communities of Cleggan, Claddaghduff and Inishbofin and the Inishkeas, and also benefitted the local RNLI lifeboats.

“The coastline of Connemara, while exceptionally beautiful is also treacherous and mostly utilised by people who use it either for pleasure or their livelihood,” Marie said of her new book.

“Thankfully in our community, we have a dedicated RNLI volunteer team who provide an invaluable service by saving lives each year, sometimes in the most challenging environments.”

“The philosophy of the RNLI is astounding, the purpose to save lives; their vision to save everyone; their volunteer ethos, their charitable and community base. Every life matters and of course their maritime expertise is crucial.”

‘From Our Ancient Land to Bountiful Sea’ is now on sale locally in Connemara at The Clifden Bookshop, the Letterfrack Country Shop, Gala Cleggan, and Sweeney’s Claddaghduff.

The book is also available online at the inConnemara Bookshop at bookshop.inconnemara.ie.

image credit: Marie Feeney

30 things to know about COVID in Galway & Ireland

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November 7, 2020

galway daily covid-19 coronavirus stats galway facts

Cases

There have been 64,538 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

In Galway, 2,391 cases have been confirmed.

The median age of the cases in Galway to 30 October is 25 years old.

This is by far the lowest median age of confirmed cases of any county in the State.

The median age of confirmed cases in the Republic is 39 years.

Deaths

1,679 people have died from COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

There are also 229 probable deaths linked to the virus.

Probable deaths are included in the “COVID related deaths” reported every evening in the Department of Health’s update.

In Galway, 17 people have died from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

This means 0.7% of people in Galway who were diagnosed with the disease have died.

The median age of the people in Galway who have died is 81.

In Galway, there have been 6 deaths from COVID-19 in the last ten weeks.

There were 1,819 new confirmed cases in the county in the last ten weeks (since 21 August)*.

64% of all COVID deaths in the State have been in the 80+ age group.

In the Republic, 20 people aged between 25 and 44 have died from the disease.

3 people between the ages of 25 and 44 have died in the past 10 weeks.

109 people between 45 and 64 years have died since the start of the pandemic.

1,069 people over 80 years have died with COVID-19.

Outbreaks

(An outbreak is defined as two or more cases in the same location and time)

Outbreaks in private houses account for 49% of cases linked to an outbreak in the last four weeks.

9% of outbreaks were in while childcare facilities and schools in the past four weeks.

In the last week of October, 42% of cases linked to an outbreak are under 25 years old.

Three counties in the West – Galway, Mayo and Donegal – made up 45% of all cases linked to an outbreak in the last week of October.

Underlying conditions

93.3% of all COVID-19 deaths had at least one underlying condition.

Chronic heart disease was present in 44% of Covid deaths.

Of the 133 deaths in the 25-64 age group, 116 had underlying conditions.

There have been 1,568 deaths of people with underlying conditions from 15,570 confirmed cases with underlying conditions.

The median age of those dying with underlying conditions is 83.

ICU

There are 37 people with COVID-19 in ICU in the Republic of Ireland. In total, there are 295 confirmed cases in hospital.

Excess mortality

Excess mortality is used to refer to the number of deaths above and beyond what would be expected under normal conditions.

Based on the CSO’s analysis of death notices, excess mortality for the period March to September 2020 is estimated to be between 876 and 1,192.

NPHET reported 1,804 coronavirus related deaths during this time period.

Stats taken from the Central Statistics Office. Data includes cases and deaths between 28 February and 30 October 2020. There have been further Covid related deaths in the Republic of Ireland since 30 October. The figures for overall confirmed cases & the number of cases in Galway are taken from the NPHET statement* on 6 November 2020. ICU & hospital figures are up to date (19:30h, 6 November 2020). Excess mortality figures taken from CSO release on 2 November 2020.

App of Condolence lets people grieve and commemorate together

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November 7, 2020

Galway Daily business App of Condolence lets people grieve and commemorate together

Funerals and celebrating the lives of people we have lost are very social activities in Ireland that have a way of bringing people together, and a new service App of Condolence, is making it possible for people to connect and share stories anywhere in the world.

App of Condolence launched in early October to provide friends and families a place where they can share condolences, anecdotes, and pictures of people who have passed, as well as providing a platform for people to make donations to the family.

This app, available on all mobile devices, allows a family to create a listing for a recently deceased person that provides all the details of when and where their funeral will take place, but also offers a forum for people to share comments and photos, and make donations to help cover funeral costs.

Once the listing is created, the family receives a link to the page, which they can share with friends and other family members wherever they are via email, WhatsApp, or text.

Though the App takes its name from a book of condolences, in fact it is much more. Rather than just just quickly writing out a line or two of condolence or love on the way out of the church, people can take their time to share photos and stories. It is, in essence, a gathering of memories that creates a picture of a person’s life.

But though it brings these services together into the smartphone era, App of Condolence also ensures that people are left with an indelible physical reminder in the form of a printed book says creator Graeme Burke, which is included in the €50 fee to set up the page.

“After two weeks we take all those comments and photos, and make a book,” Graeme says, something more than just a collection of people telling you how sorry they are for your loss. He describes it as being like, “a wedding album, for a funeral. It turns it into a celebration of that person’s life.”

The family will receive a copy of the book as part and parcel of the service, but App of Condolence also offers the option for other members of the family to get a copy printed for €49 extra.

“Let’s say you have family in Australia, or you have, like I do, a very big family, they can in turn buy a copy and keep it for themselves.”

In today’s age it’s far from uncommon for families to be spread out across multiple countries, or even continents. Even before international travel became subject to a hodgepodge of restrictions this year, finding a flight back to Ireland from Australia or the United States on short notice was not an easy or cheap endeavour.

“A flight home is a very expensive thing, but somebody might say, well I want to be a part of it, so I want to leave a photograph up or a comment up, and give €50 and I know that’ll go to the family.”

That international element to family life is evident in the wide array of places this Irish made app has been downloaded so far. So far there have been hundreds of downloads of the app, including outside of the country in the UK, Australia, the United States, France, and Germany.

Though the app might seem very timely for the COVID-19 era, with restrictions in place on the number who can attend funerals, if they can even travel to get there, it has actually been in development for the better part of 14 months.

Though building a smoothly functional app typically takes a lot longer than people who aren’t familiar with web development might think, there was a reason Graeme took so long with App of Condolence.

Before launching in October there were multiple test versions of the app which were distributed to people of all ages to ensure that it was easy to use, and always mindful of the circumstances it is meant for.

“My whole focus in this has been the fact that you’re dealing with people’s emotions at very sensitive times. So if it isn’t right, you’re just disrespecting them”.

While anyone can view what others have said, in order to be able to post a comment or share a photo themselves, a contributor must make a donation, which can be anywhere between €5 and €700.

After three weeks that money is sent to the family to affray funeral costs, donations to charity, or other usages. The setup ensures that families aren’t put in the position of asking for donations, and the amounts given by contributors are kept anonymous as well.

“The average cost of a funeral in Ireland is €5,500, we hope our service can help friends and families to help out during this very difficult time” Graeme says.

“We’re bringing all of these services into a kind of smartphone environment. We’re still very conscious that this is a very sensitive subject, but a lot of people like to do these things from home, and our app gives you the opportunity to do that.”

Dying with Dignity Bill debate should not be rushed, says Irish Hospice Foundation

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November 7, 2020

galway daily assisted dying bill dying with dignity irish hospice

Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) has called for a robust and balanced debate on the matter of assisted dying.

IHF believes there needs to be a forum to carefully examine the proposed legislation before the Oireachtas, after the Dáil voted to progress the Dying with Dignity Bill to committee stage.

Sharon Foley, CEO of IHF said that they have written to the Justice Committee whose job it is to scrutinise the Bill, urging them to seek out the diverse range of voices, relevant case studies and international research available.

“Other countries such as New Zealand and Canada invested in a very thorough consultation and debate process before introducing legislation on assisted dying,” said Sharon Foley.

“We can learn from their processes and other international experiences while addressing Irish cultural and societal norms.

“We need to ensure the debate is open, non-exclusionary, and further, that the Committee is a safe and effective space, for a wide range of views to be heard on such a complex and difficult piece of legislation.”

IHF has been working to address matters relating to death, dying and bereavement for over 34 years. The organisation believes every person deserves a good death, ensuring everyone facing dying and death receives the best care, empathy and compassion.

“There is a long overdue need for investment in palliative and home care supports across the country,” Sharon continued.

“There should be equity of services available to people facing the end of their lives and those who support them.

“Unfortunately, this is still not the case. Proper investment in these structures means we can work towards the best end-of-life and bereavement care for all meaning that many of people’s real fears and concerns, at a very vulnerable stage, can be understood and work done to alleviate them as much as possible.”

IHF believes the Bill is a seismic shift in legislative terms and its impact on all areas of society cannot be underestimated.

It should therefore receive the time it deserves to consider the rich and diverse evidence, views, opinions and anxieties of all the people of Ireland. The IHF says it is the role of the Justice Committee to ensure that that debate is carried out.

Brutal assault on two men left them with life changing injuries

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

Two men were both left with life altering injuries after being the victims of an assault by the same person within minutes of one another in Galway City last year.

David Bannerton (45), of An Crannog, Loughrea pleaded guilty last July to one count each of Assault Causing Harm and Assault Causing Serious Harm.

The case returned to Galway Circuit Court this week where evidence was heard from the investigating Garda, and the court heard of the severe impact these brutal assaults had on the two victims, neither of whom knew the other in any way.

Detective Garda Bernard McLoughlin told the court that in the early hours of June 15, 2016, Bannerton assaulted two people within a matter of minutes on Eglinton Street in Galway City, leaving both with life changing injuries.

At 1:42am at the corner of Williamsgate Street and Eglinton Street, just across the road from Brown Thomas, he attacked a now 70 year old man, punching him in the face repeatedly, and kicking him to the ground.

Another couple who were out with Bannerton that night, along with a third passerby, managed to get in between him an the man he had attacked, and got him to safety in Eyre Square where he called friends to come collect him.

He was seen by a doctor at the Galway Clinic the next day, suffering from lacerations to his lips and fractured clavicle bone in his shoulder.

Bannerton had been in a party of people, his partner and another couple, who had been drinking at a pub on High Street that night. While heading towards Eyre Square after leaving, his partner and friends went ahead while he was briefly talking to two Gardaí.

The first victim, also headed to Eyre Square, happened to be near Bannerton’s partner when he attacked him without any reason or provocation after catching up.

After the assault on the first elderly man Bannerton got into a escalating dispute with his partner outside the Cellar Bar on Eglinton Street.

The second injured party, the subject of the Assault Causing Serious Harm charge, was only in Galway that night to celebrate his 40th birthday with friends.

He had become separated from his party at some point in the night, and got a taxi to take him back to his hotel when he passed by the escalating dispute between Bannerton and his partner.

The victim, who Gardaí described as a “Good Samaritan”, got out of the taxi in the middle of Eglinton Street to try and get in between Bannerton and his partner at 1:45am that morning.

Bannerton rounded on him, striking him at least three times and knocking him unconscious in the middle of Eglinton Street and causing him to hit his head off the road.

CCTV footage of the incident played in court seemed to show Bannerton flexing his muscles in a pose as he left the scene with his partner.

Passersby called an ambulance, and the severely injured man was brought unconscious to University Hospital Galway, where a nurse contacted Gardaí.

The victim suffered from a fracture to his right orbital bone, a complex skull fracture, bubbles of air in his skull, and some hemorrhaging. After consulting with specialists at Beaumont, the neurosurgical team at UHG decided not to operate, and keep him under observation.

Garda McLoughlin and his colleague Garda Brown were dispatched to the area after reports of an assault were received.

Upon receiving reports of a fleeing suspect, they found Bannerton in Rosemary Avenue hiding by a van, with two security guards who had pursued him observing.

He was drunk and abusive at first, Garda McLoughlin said, but then began apologising and said “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to do it”. When the garda asked what he was apologising for, Bannerton became abusive again.

He was uncooperative when first interviewed by Gardaí, the court heard but later pleaded guilty after first taking a trial date.

The Circuit Court heard that Bannerton has 24 previous convictions, which includes four previous convictions for assault.

Barrister for the defence Conal McCarthy BL said that his client suffers from long term alcohol addictions.

Life altering injuries

Two victim impact statements were heard by the Circuit Court, one in person from the 70 year old man who was the first attacked, and one from the wife of the more severely injured man about the long term effect it has had on him, and their entire family. This statement was read into the court by Garda McLoughlin.

The long term brain injuries suffered by her husband as a result of this assault have left him with paranoia and black mood swings, which have been extremely hard on their family she said, particularly their two young children.

She had spoken with him on the phone just a few hours before the assault, and recalls that when her mother and father-in-law rang the door in the early hours of the morning she didn’t want to answer, “because no-one calls to your door at 5:30 with good news”.

When she finally found him in the hospital in Galway hooked up to multiple machines she said she was “sick to my stomach”. The doctors explained to her that the next 24 hours would be crucial to whether he survived or not.

She kept vigil at his bedside along with his parents and siblings, but it was two days before he regained consciousness. “It was one of the worst times in our lives”.

After several weeks at the hospital in Galway, which included a week in the ICU and another week in the high dependency unit, he was transferred to a hospital closer to home, but still suffered from paranoia and anger.

“Though the kids were relieved to see their dad, they were struggling because this wasn’t the dad they were used to,” her statement said. The following months were very difficult, even after he was discharged from hospital, she said, and he never fully recovered his sense of taste or smell.

The first victim, who is a retired Garda officer, said that he had been out socialising with friends and was on his way towards Eyre Square, when he saw a tall man approaching him quickly, describing him as “menacing”.

As Bannerton came up next to him and, “with no word spoken”, he punched him directly in the face repeatedly.

He tried yelling “Stop, stop, you’ve got the wrong man” and “I’ve never seen you before” as Bannerton was unknown to him, but he continued to punch and kick at him, even after the other members of his group tried to block him.

“I wiped my face with hand and it was all blood,” he said, before another blow to his back knocked him to the ground, where he felt his shoulder break.

He said that his long term injuries limit what he can do, and have made it much harder for him to enjoy his retirement.

It was nine months before he could even attempt any light gardening, and he he still has pain showering and shaving, and is unable to do many activities he previously enjoyed. “I am constantly aware of the damage” he said.

Mr McCarthy said that his client wished to apologise for his actions, for which he was deeply ashamed.

He added that he did not have the necessary reports which would be needed to make a proper mitigation plea.

Judge Rory McCabe adjourned the case back to December 15 of this year to finalise sentencing.

Coronavirus: 18 cases reported today in Galway

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily news 25 percent drop in COVID cases in Galway hospitals

The Department of Health has today reported an additional 499 cases of COVID-19 in the Republic and eight further deaths related to the illness.

The number of new cases reported today in Galway is 18, while almost half of the cases are in Dublin and Cork.

The median age of today’s cases is 32 and 68% are under the age of 45.

As of 2pm today, there are 292 people with COVID-19 in hospital, of which 37 are in ICU.

The 14-day incidence rate in Galway is now 187.9.

READ: What is the 14-day COVID incidence rate in your area?

Hospital statistics

Total number of cases	64,038
Total number hospitalised	4,580
Total number admitted to ICU	569
Total number of deaths	1,677
Total number of healthcare workers	10,757
Number clusters notified	7,071
Cases associated with clusters	31,055
Median age	39

Beautiful six bedroom house overlooks Galway Bay

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November 6, 2020

Beautiful six bedroom house overlooks Galway Bay

This stunning six bedroom house just a few minutes walk from Galway Bay in Salthill is in pristine condition, ready for a family in one of the city’s most desired neighbourhoods.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this beautifully designed, four storey house at 1 Glenard Crescent, Dr Mannix Road for sale by private treaty.

1 of 3

The extremely high quality finish of this house is evident from the moment you go through the front door to the entrance hallway of gleaming marble floors.

The ground floor consists of the main living space which is divided into multiple plush and comfortable areas suitable for all circumstances.

A large open plan kitchen and dining area is furnished with modern fittings and high quality granite countertops, perfect for a family to eat and relax together in any setting. The ample storage space in the kitchen is complemented by an additional pantry and utility room.

There are two leisure areas on the ground floor close to one another, both with fitted oak floors, and laid out for comfort.

The Living Room with a fitted stove is perfect for cozy family time in the evenings, while a larger Reception Room, also featuring a stove, comes with plenty of room for entertaining guests.

Next to the Reception Room is an extremely attractive conservatory with a vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling windows that ensures it is flooded with light any time of the day.

In fact, for such a large house there is hardly a single corner of any room that isn’t saturated with natural light from abundant large windows.

The interior design also helps to maximise the advantage taken from the light through excellent use of bright paint and floors of warm timber or marble tiling.

Due to the elevated, sloping site, the below ground floor level is nothing even approaching a dark basement, with plenty of light from the windows facing out towards the bay.

The bottom floor level consists of four rooms, fit for multiple uses, with a landing area that opens directly out onto the rear garden.

The larger of the downstairs rooms had previously been used as a cinema room, but could easily be redecorated into another usage. The bottom floor bathroom also has a feature you won’t find in many houses, it’s own sauna.

The first floor contains five of the house’s six bedrooms, all of which are fit for double bedrooms with ample storage space, and three of which come with their own ensuite bathrooms complete with showers.

The master bedroom is a luxurious suite, with its own walk-in wardrobe and tiled ensuite. But the room’s signature feature is the balcony with a stunning view of Galway Bay.

This floor also has a large bathroom featuring both a shower and a jacuzzi style bath for long indulgent soaks.

The top floor is practically a loft of its own, with a large mezzanine landing that could be used as an office or living area, a spacious double bedroom, and a fully fitted bathroom with a large walk-in shower.

The high quality design of this house goes beyond just the aesthetic finish, as it is also fitted with underfloor heating to guarantee a comfortable in chilly Galway winters.

The house has a high B3 BER energy efficiency rating, with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems ensuring that as little is wasted as possible.

The property sits on a large site with ample off street parking and well maintained garden beds out front, and a stylish, split-layered area out back.

The rear garden features a patio area outside the ground floor, perfect for relaxing in the summer looking out at Galway Bay, while below it on the elevated site are impeccable gardens and brick cobbled paths.

Glenard Crescent is an incredibly desirable neighbourhood of Galway City, within walking distance of all of the amenities of Salthill village, the Promenade and seaside bars and restaurants, but is also within easy reach of NUIG and the city centre.

To see more of this property check it out on O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website at odonnjoyce.com.com/residential/brochure/1-glenard-crescent-dr-mannix-road-salthill-galway-city/4452364.

To arrange a viewing of this beautiful house contact O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers at 091 564 212, price is available on asking.

Millions of Italians tune in to Aran Islands on TV today

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November 6, 2020

Almost 2 million people across Italy will be tuning in to watch the Aran Islands on TV today, when an episode of a popular show airs this afternoon on RAI 3, the Italian national broadcaster.

Roberto Palozzi, the producer of the documentary series called GEO, visited Ireland with a TV crew last year to produce an episode in the Aran Islands.

Today’s 40-minute episode of GEO is all about the history and heritage of the islands, as well as the unspoilt landscape and spectacular wildlife.

Ornella Gamacchio, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Italy, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that GEO chose to film in Ireland last year.

“This afternoon’s episode – which will be seen by around 1.7 million Italians – is a great way of shining a spotlight on the Aran Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way, reminding viewers of our dramatic landscape and rich heritage.

“It will help ensure that the island of Ireland stays front-of-mind with prospective Italian travellers, until such time as they can visit again.”

Filming was supported by supported by Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

Send hope and love this Christmas with Croí cards

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November 6, 2020

galway daily news croí heart and stroke charity christmas cards

Inspired by the hopeful words of President Michael D. Higgins, Croí has launched its 2020 Christmas Card Collection, featuring extracts from a poem written by the President.

There are 12 special 2020 edition cards featuring new images – including a stunning snowy photograph of the Long Walk in the Claddagh and the majestic Mount Errigal in Donegal.

All cards carry words from the poem Take Care and a Christmas greetings in both Irish and English.

The pack costs just €6.99, with all proceeds supporting Croí, the Heart & Stroke Charity, in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Cards are printed in Ireland, supporting Irish jobs.

Take Care

In the journey to the light,

the dark moments

should not threaten.

Hold firm.

Take care.

Come home

together.

The 2020 Croí Christmas cards are available to purchase through local outlets or online at www.croi.ie/ChristmasCards.

Sinn Féin to table motion of no confidence in Leo Varadkar

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November 6, 2020

Sinn Féin is to table a motion of no-confidence in Tánaiste Leo Varadkar which will be debated next Tuesday evening in the Dáil.

The party says that this is the ‘right and necessary’ thing to do after it was revealed by Village magazine that the he posted a document labelled ‘confidential’ to a GP friend who was head of the NAGP.

The party’s president Mary Lou McDonald said that since this came to light, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has decided to ‘sit on his hands and take no action’ and that the Opposition cannot sit idly by.

“Leo Varadkar – while he was Taoiseach – disclosed confidential government information to his friend,” said Mary Lou McDonald.

“He can offer no credible reason for his actions and the truth is that there is no acceptable reason for what happened.

“This was not incompetence or a mistake – this was a conscious decision by Leo Varadkar to give his friend insider information.”

Deputy McDonald said that her party did not take the decision to table a motion of no confidende in the Tánaiste lightly.

“This government has only been in office for just four months, and over that time we had the basis of taking many motions of no-confidence due to gross incompetence and bad decision making,” she said.

“We choose not to do so because of the challenges facing the country. But this is different.

“This is more of the old Fine Gael behaviour where it is about who you know and insiders getting access to the corridors of power.

“It comes after Michael D’Arcy has moved on from his role as Minister of State to the world of high finance in the same way Brian Hayes moved from politics to the banking sector; where he is now their chief lobbyist.

“All of this further undermines the public’s confidence in politics and is totally unacceptable to us.”

The Kings Head crowned the winner of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily life style The Kings Head comedy

Famed Galway City pub and bistro The Kings Head has been crowned the winner of the 2020 Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh bilingual business award.

The announcement was made this morning by Deputy City Mayor Cllr. Colette Connolly.

Now in its 18th year, the Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh is the longest running award of its kind in the country.

The awards are organised by Gaillimh le Gaeilge, in partnership with the Galway Advertiser, and supported by TG4 and the Galway Chamber.

The Kings Head was named the overall winner of the awards, as well as taking the top spot in the ‘Tourism and Hospitality’ category sponsored by Fáilte Ireland.

Paul Grealish of The Kings Head was absolutely delighted on receiving the news, and said that he and his family love to incorporate Irish into their business as much as possible, to the delight of locals and tourists alike.

“We are very proud of Galway’s status as a bilingual city, and as a family, we’re conscious of doing all we can to promote the use of the Irish language in our business.

“Our history and heritage are a huge part of what we do. It makes total sense therefore, to use our native language wherever and whenever possible.”

Since 1989, the Kings Head has been inviting people to “Buail Isteach” and making heavy use of Irish in signage and menus, and more recently on their digital screens and social media.

“Locals love to see the Irish. The Irish language has always had a special place in The Kings Head,” Paul said.

But the emphasis on Irish is also a big hit with tourists from all over the world passing through Galway, and the friendly staff are always happy to give them a hand with their pronunciation.

Other proud Gradam award winners were:

Bród Pobail na Gaillimhe – Winner of the ‘Other Companies’ Category sponsored by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, OÉ Gaillimh.

Corrib Shopping Centre – Winner of the ‘Retail’ Category, sponsored by Galway Bay FM.

Big O Taxis – Winner of the ‘Services Category, sponsored by Video Sherpa.

A new award was also created this year, the Bronnadh Speisialta na Moltóirí, recognising a first time entrant to the Gradam.

This award, sponsored by Judy Greene Pottery was presented by Kenny Deery, CEO of Galway Chamber to the Very Reverend Lynda Peilow of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church.

All of the winners received a business package valued at €2,000 from their category sponsor, as well as a replica of Gradam Sheosaimh Uí Ógartaigh.

The Kings Head will also receive advertising and publicity with the Advertiser and TG4, along with a year’s membership to Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge.

Cathaoirleach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge, Bernadette Mullarkey extended her congratulations to all of the winners.

“In ainneoin na ndeacrachtaí a bhí roimh ghnólachtaí agus roimh eagraíochtaí, ba iontach an spreagadh agus an dúthracht a léirigh ainmnithe an Ghradaim sna míonna seo a d’imigh tharainn.”

“All the nominees have done great work which is instrumental in sustaining Galway’s official bilingual status, comhghairdeas leo ar fad.”

Galway United prepare for tight match in play-off final

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily sport Galway United prepare for tight match in play-off final

Galway United are up for the penultimate match of a remarkable comeback this season as they face Longford Town in the play-off final.

The Tribesman and Longford will meet at the UCD Bowl on Friday evening, with kick-off at 7:45pm.

The winner of this match will go on to face whichever club comes in second last in the Premiere Division table, with a chance to qualify for a place in the top Division next season.

United are at the end of a six game winning streak, a remarkable comeback after a poor start to the season that saw John Caulfield brought in as the new Manager.

Sure to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind is the last time Longford and Galway United played just over a month ago, where the Tribesmen scored a decisive 6-2 victory.

But John Caulfield acknowledged that Daire Doyle’s side have been extremely strong as well, earning their spot in the final with a 3-2 victory over UCD, who fought United to a draw at the end of this season.

“Daire has done brilliantly with Longford,” Caulfield remarked, expecting a tight game in the fight for promotion.

“They’ve got a lot of experience of being near the top of the league over the last few seasons, which is important.”

“Longford had a fantastic result against UCD in the last round of the play-off. We know how good they can be on their day.”

“It’s a real 50/50 game, we’ve been incredible over the last three months, the players have given everything on the pitch for the club.”

County Council invites stakeholders to Athenry regeneration team

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily news County Council invites stakeholders to Athenry regeneration team

Galway County Council is inviting stakeholder in Athenry to send representatives for a new team consulting on town regeneration projects.

The council is currently working on several initiatives for Athenry with funding from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

In order to aid in these the council is seeking representatives from local stakeholder groups to form an Athenry Town Team to aid in consultation briefings.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place, full public consultations for those projects which have already been funded will take place online.

For the Town Team, the county council is seeking representatives from approximately 10 different groups for in person consultations.

Only one person from each group will be allowed to attend meetings, and they will serve as the point of contact between the council and their groups.

Some of the possible groups the council has indicated would be suitable include representatives from:

a) Business Community
b) Community & Voluntary Groups / Organisations
c) Cultural / Arts Groups d) Education/health promotion groups
e) Historic & Heritage Societies
f) Social Inclusion/Support Groups
g) Sports Clubs and Societies h) Tidy Towns / Environmental Groups
i) Youth Groups & Children’s Groups j) Local Community members / individuals

The closing date for applications to be part of the team is Monday, November 16.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by email to regeneration@galwaycoco.ie or by post to Urban & Rural Regeneration Team, Economic, Rural and Community Development, Aras an Chontae, Prospect Hill, Galway H91 H6KX.

COVID-19 hospital figures continue to fall in Galway

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November 6, 2020

Galway daily news COVID-19 cases more than double at UHG

The number of COVID-19 cases in Galway hospitals is continuing to decline according to the latest figures from the HSE.

There were a total of just 14 hospital patients confirmed to have COVID-19 in Galway as of 8pm on Thursday, 12 at UHG and 2 at Portiuncula.

There are a further 4 suspected cases at University Hospital Galway and 2 at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe.

The number of COVID patients in the ICU in Galway has remained unchanged however, with 2 Intensive Care patients at UHG and 1 at Portiuncula.

Nationwide there were a total of 283 people hospitalised with COVID-19 as of Thursday night, and 124 suspected cases, out of which 38 confirmed cases and 3 suspected are in the ICU.

There were 22 new confirmed cases reported in Galway on Thursday, out of 591 around the country.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan struck a positive note that Ireland is one of the only countries in Europe that is seeing a reduction in its 14-day incidence rate, where other countries are going through a “second surge”.

“Level 5 efforts over the last two weeks have succeeded in further reducing community transmission and disease incidence in Ireland, however, now is not the time to be complacent. We must keep driving down this disease- we must keep going.”

An Bord Pleanála approves controversial Mountbellew filling station

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November 6, 2020

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

An Bord Plenála has upheld planning permission for a new filling station in Mountbellew which has been heavily opposed at multiple turns locally.

The plans consist of amendments to a previously permitted development consisting of a supermarket, other commercial units, and apartments at a site on College Road, Mountbellew.

The developer, Cahermorris Developments Ltd, sought approval to amend those plans to replace a commercial unit with a filling station, as well as amendments to the facade of the supermarket.

Galway County Council granted planning permission for the revised filling station plans in February of this year with 16 conditions attached.

The plans attracted 37 third party objections at that time, many of which were reiterated in the appeal to the higher planning authority.

The main concerns of the appellants were the potential impact that this overall development could have on the commercial core of Mountbellew, as well as the potential for a road safety hazard caused by increased traffic. A concern only heightened by the addition of a filling station to the plans.

Six notices of appeal were filed against these plans with An Bord Pleanála, five by private individuals and another by the Mountbellew District Development Association.

Their appeal said that this is a “problematic” stretch of road already, and that there are multiple schools nearby, and that the addition of extra traffic for a supermarket and filling station could be problematic.

Claremorris Developments had previously been refused planning permission for this proposal in 2019 by both the county council and higher planning authority on the grounds that it would pose a road safety hazard.

An updated Traffic and Transport Assessment and Road Safety Audit were included in the fresh application approved this year.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the county council’s original decision, ruling against the appeal and granting permission for the filling station with 16 revised conditions.

Two Galway areas see massive drop in COVID rates

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November 5, 2020

galway daily news covid-19 incidence rate in galway city conamara coronavirus

There has been a decrease in the 14-day incidence rate of COVID-19 in every local electoral area in County Galway, new data released this evening has revealed.

Last week, Galway City Central LEA had the third highest 14-day Covid rate in the Republic. But the rate has roughly halved there in the past seven days, to just over 500 cases per 100,000 people.

A total of 137 new cases were reported in Galway City Central over the two weeks to 2nd November, whereas last week’s figure was 272.

The 14-day incidence rate in Conamara South LEA has also decreased dramatically by around a half to 346.8 cases per 100,000 – but this is still the second highest rate in the county.

There were 74 cases confirmed in the Conamara South electoral area over the past fortnight.

Elsewhere, Ballinasloe, Galway City West and Galway City East all have 14-day Covid rates higher than the national average – which was 228 at the time the data was recorded.

Athenry – Oranmore still has the lowest number of cases per 100,000 people in Galway. Just 36 people tested positive in the LEA over the past two weeks – fewer than three confirmed cases per day on average.

There were fewer than two cases per day on average in Conamara North where the incidence rate fell by 52 to 157.1 cases per 100,000 people.

14-day incidence rate by Co. Galway LEA

Galway City Central: 513 cases per 100k (-505.6) | 137 cases in two weeks (-135)

2. Conamara South: 346.8 (-379.5) | 74 cases (-81)

3. Ballinasloe:266.8 (-46.3) | 75 cases (-13)

4. Galway City West: 256.2 (-47.3) | 65 cases (-12)

5. Galway City East: 255.7 (-195.5) | 68 cases (-52)

6. Gort – Kinvara: 170.2 (-97.8) | 40 cases (-23)

7. Conamara North: 157.1 (-52.3) | 27 cases (-9)

8. Loughrea: 150.7 (-124.9) | 35 cases (-29)

9. Tuam: 144.6 (-24.1) | 48 cases (-8)

10. Athenry – Oranmore 109.6 (-36.6) | 36 cases (-12)

The above data released on Thursday 5/11 relates to the 14 days from 20/10/2020 to 2/11/2020.

Coronavirus: 3 deaths and 591 COVID cases today, 22 in Galway

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November 5, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway hospitals see COVID cases double in recent weeks

There have been 3 additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 591 new confirmed cases.

In Galway there were 22 new COVID-19 cases notified today, and the 14-day incidence rate for the county up to midnight Wednesday stands at 211.6 per 100,000 population.

There have now been a total of 64,061 confirmed cases in Ireland, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 1,933 lives in the state.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 28 confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national total.

Dr. Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that a “second surge” is happening across Europe, and that the lockdown is helping to keep Ireland at the other end of that scale.

“Ireland and Finland are the only European countries in the EU where reductions in 14 – day incidence have been observed. All other countries are increasing.”

“Level 5 efforts over the last two weeks have succeeded in further reducing community transmission and disease incidence in Ireland, however, now is not the time to be complacent. We must keep driving down this disease- we must keep going.”

As of 2pm today, there are 309 COVID-19 patients hospitalised around Ireland, of which 38 are in Intensive Care.

Of the cases notified today:

280 are men and 310 are women
59% are under 45 years of age
the median age is 38 years old
120 in Dublin, 75 in Donegal, 50 in Cork, 46 in Kerry, 44 in Limerick and the remaining 256 cases are spread across 20 other counties

Prof Philip Nolan of NPHET’s Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said that the virus’ reproduction number is now between 0.7 and 0.9.

“This is a testament to our collective effort to stop the spread of the virus and it is very good news. We may be doing better now but it is conditional on whether we keep it up.”

The incidence rate in the 19 to 24 year old age group has dropped from 450 per 100,000 to 150 per 100,000 in the course of two weeks, with credit being given to a drastic decrease in the number of social contacts.

Dr. Vida Hamilton, National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead, Acute Hospitals, HSE said that while the demographics of cases might vary between the first surge and the second peak, that does not mean that any group is safe.

“ICU admissions have affected people from all age groups, with the average length of stay at 17.8 days. People of all ages are potentially vulnerable to the more extreme symptoms of this disease.”

The COVID-19 Dashboard provides up-to-date information on the key indicators of COVID-19 in the community.

Jail sentence for stealing from charity shops, hospital nurses, and man in a wheelchair

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November 5, 2020

Galway Daily courts Man sent to trial charged with pulling knife on Garda

A woman received an 18 month prison sentence for a long run of stealing and shoplifting that included stealing from charity shops, staff at the UHG Emergency Department, and a man in a wheelchair.

Bridget Mongan (49), with an address at Cois na Coille Ballybane, pleaded guilty to a large number of thefts from people and business at Galway District Court, as well as breaking a window at the Galway Simon charity shop.

The bulk of the offences before the court took place on dates between August of 2019 and June of this year, at locations around Galway City.

The thefts included stealing from multiple charity shops, two nurses at University Hospital Galway, pick pocketing wallets at bars, and stealing from a man in a wheelchair.

The court heard that on June 27 of this year, at the weekend market by St. Nicholas’ Church, Mongan stole a wallet containing €40 cash, a driver’s licence, and two bank cards out of a woman’s backpack.

One of those stolen cards was tapped at two different stores in Eyre Square Shopping Centre that day, for €66 at New Look and for €100 at Tekshop phone repair store.

That same day, Gardaí were called to University Hospital Galway to reports that a woman who had presented at the A&E as a patient had stolen nurses’ property.

Mongan had come into the Emergency Department with a complaint of pain in her leg, and when alone in a room with a nurse’s bag, swiped two bank cards.

Before being discovered she then asked if she could use the landline phone in one of the offices at the A&E, and when they let her in to the office she stole the mobile phone of another nurse.

She was caught at the hospital before she could leave, and when confronted by Gardaí she eventually returned the items.

The week beforehand, on June 21 at approximately 9:20pm, Gardaí got a report of severe damage to a window of the St Vincent de Paul charity shop on Merchant’s Road.

A witness saw a woman repeatedly hit the window of the shop with a bottle. Gardaí identified Mongan off CCTV footage. The window needed to be replaced, at a cost of €390.

Three pairs of trousers and a jacket were stolen from the Galway Simon Store on Sea Road on August 17, 2019, and three days later she returned and stole a phone off a woman in the store.

On November 9 of last she stole bed linen valued at €30 from the Irish Cancer Society shop on Merchant’s Road, and then on December 9 she approached a man in a wheelchair in Eurogiant on Eglinton Street, and stole a wallet from the bag of his wife, which was at the rear of the wheelchair.

The earliest offence before the court was the shoplifting of €45 of groceries from Dealz on the Headford Road on March 13 of 2019.

Other charges included two incidents of shoplifting CDs from Zhivago on Shop Street, and stealing wallets and purses from women at the Skeff and Tig Coili bars in August and November of 2019.

Solicitor for the defence Michael Cunningham said that his client has suffered from addictions to pain medication since a road traffic accident in 2015.

She has been receiving treatment for her addiction issues and is weaning off medication now, he added, after failed efforts at detox in the past.

“She stole from somebody in a wheelchair, she stole from nurses who were more than kind to her,” Judge Mary Fahy said of some of the more serious offences.

Judge Fahy added that she has shown “no respect” for previous chances given to her by the court, referring to a suspended sentence given in 2018.

She added that Mongan seems to have targeted vulnerable places such as “in a hospital where people are busy, or in a charity shop where people wouldn’t think someone would be so low.”

In total Judge Fahy sentenced Mongan to a total of 18 months in prison, starting with six months for the theft at the market.

Consecutive sentences of five months for the theft from the man in the wheelchair, four months for stealing the phone at UHG, three months for breaking the window at St Vincent de Paul’s were added to this.

The judge also imposed concurrent sentences of four months for stealing bank cards from the nurse at UHG, and one month concurrent sentences on all the other charges.

Recognisance was fixed at €1,200 in the event of an appeal, €600 of her own bond and a €600 independent surety.

Gardaí appeal for info on missing man who frequents Galway city area

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November 5, 2020