Enjoy a classy night in with the HYDE virtual Glendalough Gin Tasting

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October 13, 2020

galway daily news bars restaurants open level 3

Wondering which bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels are open during Level 3?

Kieran O Malley has put together a fantastic list of businesses in the local hospitality sector that are still operating during the heightened restrictions.

Let’s keep this list up to date – let us know if we have forgotten any!

Share on Facebook & Twitter! #SupportLocal

Takeaways open

Caprice

Wholly Cow

Archies, Shop Street

Buddha Bar

Monroe’s Pizza Pizza

Trieste

Lana

Seven Bar

Thai Garden

Falguni

Finnegan’s

An Púcán

C’est la Vie

Lime

Over the Moon

Giovanni’s

Vinnie’s

Brasserie

Woozza

Salt & Pepper

The Cellar Bar

Capone

Hooked

Expresso 44

Da Roberta’s

Delight Café

Kumar’s

Harry’s Bar

Pascal Coffee

Horny Donuts

Shake Dog

Ground & Co.

Sheridan’s Wine Bar

Vocho

Grind

Handsome Burger

Asian Tea House

Neighbourhood Café

Meubles

Jungle café (also with outdoor singing dining)

Mona Lisa Café

Hotels open to Galway residents

Connacht Hotel

Forster Court Hotel

The Twelve Hotel

G Hotel

Clayton Hotel

Galmont Hotel

Connemara Coast

Flannery’s Hotel

Galway Bay Hotel

Salthill Hotel

Harbour Hotel

Victoria Hotel

Menlo Park Hotel

Claregalway Hotel

The House Hotel

The Hardiman

Ard Rí Hotel, Tuam

Ardilaun Hotel

Jury’s Inn Hotel

Nox Hotel

Abbeyglen Hotel

Ashford Castle

Bars open

Tigh Coilí

Trappers

Padraicains

The Blue Note

Caribou

Taylor’s

Dew Drop Inn

Murty Rabbits

Capones

The Univeral

Oslo

Tigh Neachtain

Tom Sheridans

Powers Thatch Bar

The Huntsman Inn

Taffes

Massimos

Restaurants/ cafes

Tartare

Kirwan’s Lane

The Galleon

Ajla Clarinbridge

Bethlehem

The Galleon

Corrib Tearooms

Scotty’s

The Secret Garden

Palas Kitchen & Bar

Basilico, Oranmore

Cooke’s Restaurant

Roots Newtownsmith

BoTown

Amorica

Trattoria Magnetti

Updated list of Galway businesses that are open in level 3 pic.twitter.com/fvvHlm1gcn

— Kieran O Malley (@GalwayPlayer) October 11, 2020

PBP Galway criticise govt for not moving to Level 5

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October 13, 2020

People Before Profit Galway have condemned the government’s decision to reject NPHET’s recommendation to move to Level 5 despite a shortage of ICU beds and an upsurge in Covid-19 cases nationally.

The party says the government’s rejection of NPHET’s advice shows that it is unfit to manage this public health emergency.

“It’s clear that the decision of the Government to reject NPHET’s advice has been made with a disregard for public health and human lives,” said PBP Galway spokesperson Michael Crowley.

“Moving to Level 5 would be a massive disruption to the economy, and our lives. However, in earlier months of this pandemic we were more understanding of the need to move quickly and follow expert advice to protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“We should follow the advice of NPHET and at the same time work to alleviate the detrimental impact of the required restrictions.

“In particular, individuals who have lost their income must be supported and we should restore the PUP to €350.”

PBP Galway warn that the health service is going to face severe challenges in the coming months.

“ICU occupancy rates are one example of this. Of our current permanent capacity of 280 beds, while the HSE’s new Winter Plan will only add another 17 beds.

“In his letter to Minister Donnelly on October 4th, Dr Tony Holohan warned that if current trends continue there could be over 40 people admitted to hospital and up to 2,300 cases per day by November 7th.

“In this case we will be forced to prioritise which patients with Covid-19 are admitted to intensive care.”

Man faces trial for alleged indecent assault

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October 13, 2020

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

A man is facing trial at Galway Circuit Court for alleged indecent assault committed more than 40 years ago.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of indecent assault on another male on an unknown date between June and August of 1979.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed that the case be tried on indictment at the Circuit Court level.

Judge Mary Fahy adjourned the case to come back before Galway District Court again on October 19.

At this point it is hoped that a date will be clear for when the Book of Evidence can be served.

Judge Fahy also directed that reporting restrictions shall be imposed.

Three Galway soccer players to watch in the English Championship this season

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Thomas O'Brien

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October 13, 2020

The new season is well underway and it provides players with a fresh start and the opportunity to improve on their game or re-establish themselves.

Galway has produced a number of excellent footballers down the years, including David Forde and, most recently, Aaron Connolly, who is displaying enormous potential at Brighton in the Premier League. Here, however, we take a look at three Galway-born players to watch in the second tier of the English football pyramid.

Daryl Horgan

The 28-year-old winger signed for newly-promoted Wycombe Wanderers over the summer as he departed Hibernian after a two-year stay. Horgan has been capped 6-times by the Republic of Ireland national team but is still searching for his first goal for the senior side.

As reported by https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53999821, his former manager Jack Ross has praised his dedication and work ethic explaining ‘Daryl was a real pleasure to work with – a manager’s dream in the way he applied himself every day.’

Horgan has certainly made a strong first impression for his new team, scoring on his debut in the EFL Cup match against Brentford. Wycombe Wanderers will hope Horgan can maintain this form throughout the season to help in their fight for survival.

The club are currently 1/4 favourites to go back down to League One at League of Ireland club Bohemians’ online casino and betting partner https://mrgreen.com/ie/. Horgan will hope to drag Wycombe Wanderers to safety and put himself back in contention for the national team in the process. More odds can be found at http://www.sportsbettingday.com.

Ryan Manning

Manning currently plies his trade for Queen’s Park Rangers but with contract talks at a stalemate, the left wing-back (also capable in midfield) is being linked to a host of other clubs.

Premier League side West Ham are rumoured to be amongst the potential suitors as well as Championship sides like Blackburn. Manning established himself as one of the league’s top full-backs last season with an impressive four goals and seven assists to his name.

With one year left on his contract, the 24-year old Galway native could represent fantastic value in the transfer market. Manning is at a pivotal stage in his career and looks capable of raising his game to the next level. With 8 caps for the senior side already, Manning will be determined to establish himself as a national squad mainstay.

Greg Cunningham

A youth player at Manchester City, Cunningham’s recent career has been beset by injuries; including an ACL tear whilst on loan for Blackburn Rovers last season.

Currently at Cardiff City, Cunningham appears to be determined to re-establish himself in the team under the tutelage of their new manager Neil Harris.

Indeed, the experienced left-back has stated to https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/: ‘I’ve got a point to prove to show that I can get back to the way that I can play and that’s the plan now under Neil Harris.’

There is certainly a huge amount of goodwill towards Cunningham and fans will hope he can fulfil his obvious talents without any further hindrances from injury.

All three players have points to prove in different ways this season, some will hope to find the next level and some will hope to return to past glories.

The trio are blessed with serious talent and their progress will provide plenty of intrigue throughout the season ahead. Can any or all of this Galway triumvirate force their way back into the national side? Time will tell.

Two Galway United fixtures rescheduled

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October 13, 2020

Galway United sports Galway United builds back line with signing of James Finnerty & Mark Russell — Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The SSE Airtricity League 2020 season fixture list has been revised due to the recent COVID-19 outbreaks at league clubs, including at Galway United.

The decision to extend the 2020 season has been ratified by the National League Executive Committee with the final rounds of both divisions pushed back for competition integrity purposes, with all fixtures scheduled for the same time and date.

The two United fixtures which were affected by the squad’s 14-day isolation have also been rescheduled.

Galway United v Drogheda United will now take place Tuesday, October 20, and Bray Wanderers v Galway United will be played on Saturday, October 24.

The promotion/relegation play-off series has been rescheduled as well with the First Division play-off semi-finals set to take place on Saturday, October 31, the First Division play-off final on Friday, November 6 and the promotion/relegation play-off final on Saturday, November 14.

image credit: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Moycullen bypass project goes to tender

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October 13, 2020

Galway County Council has been given the green light to take the next step in the Moycullen Bypass development, with the project gone to tender.

Five companies have been shortlisted by the county council for the bypass, and have been invited to submit tenders, Galway Senator Sean Kyne has said.

The bypass project will involve the construction of a new carriageway from the townland of Drimcong, north-west of Moycullen, to the townland of Clydagh, south-east of the village.

Sean Kyne said that, when completed, it will “remove bottlenecks, increase capacity, reduce journey times and improve access to Connemara on the busy N59 Galway to Clifden road.”

The project has a projected cost of €50 million to complete, and construction work is expected to begin early in the new year.

Previous research carried out by the County Council showed that over 13,000 vehicles, including 450 heavy goods vehicles passed through Moycullen Village every day.

“The Bypass will remove many of these vehicles, will enable public realm improvements and will make the village safer for all, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Galway’s Carol Ho elected as president of Junior Chamber International Ireland

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October 13, 2020

Carol Ho from Junior Chamber Galway will become National President of the Junior Chamber International Ireland next year, after being elected over the weekend.

Carol was elected at a meeting of the national council which took place online on Sunday, with full attendance of National Council Members and the Local Presidents from ocal chapters across Ireland.

Carol will take over from the current National President Ronan Neacy after the 2021 Inauguration Ceremony, due to take place in January in Galway.

“It is a great honor for me to have been elected as the incoming President of the Junior Chamber International Ireland, a truly unique organization,” said Carol.

“I wish to express my thanks to all the members that supported my candidacy, with whom I have had numerous and fruitful exchanges in the past few months.

“I look forward to working with all members, partners and the National Executive Committee in the coming months, to implement the ambitious roadmap and plans which were mentioned in the election.”

Junior Chamber International (JCI) has over 200,000 members globally in over 100 countries and Junior Chamber International Ireland is a youth leadership development organisation for young professionals and entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 40.

Junior Chamber International Ireland organises the global initiative The Ten Outstanding Young Persons Awards, which concentrates on formally recognising young people who are making giant strides in their chosen fields and creating a positive impact on other people, their community and society at large.

Galway TD backs school secretaries fight for equal pay

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October 13, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway TD backs school secretaries fight for equal pay

Galway TD Sean Canney has said that he supports school secretaries in their fight for equal pay and working conditions with the Department of Education.

Over 1,000 primary and secondary school secretaries with the Forsa trade Union plan to hold a one day strike later this month, but have said that comments made by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar could represent a “breakthrough moment” in helping to avoid industrial action.

In response to a question by Deputy Canney in the Dáil, Leo Varadkar said of school secretaries, “Schools would not operate without them, and I think that the role they play in our education system is as important as that played by school teachers, SNAs and school principals.”

“For that reason, it is the objective of this government to regularise their employment, their terms and conditions and their pension rights as well. But that can only be done going forward, it can’t be done retrospectively.”

Deputy Canney is asking the government to enter into substantial talks with the union through the Labour Court, as there is a very real threat of strike action.

The union members currently plan to hold one day work stoppages on Friday, October 23, Monday, November 2 and Friday, November 13.

This will be followed by an indefinite strike commencing from Monday, November 16, with notice to be served to schools and the Department of Education this Thursday.

“School secretaries who are paid through the annual school grant have no pension rights, no holiday pay and they have to draw unemployment assistance during holidays,” Sean Canney said.

Coronavirus: 815 new cases reported across the Republic

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October 12, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 825 new cases of Covid-19 today, spread across 25 counties in the state.

One more death related to the illness was also reported by health officials this evening.

Dublin has the most new cases (254), while there were 147 cases in Cork, 39 in Cavan, 38 in Donegal and 37 in Kildare.

There are 27 new cases in Galway, and the remaining 283 cases are spread across 19 other counties.

Of the cases reported today, 78% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 30 years old.

Hospitalised cases by age group

Age range	Number of cases	Change since the day before
0 – 4	39	+2
5 – 14	32	No change
15 – 24	107	No change
25 – 34	237	+3
35 – 44	308	-1
45 – 54	503	No change
55 – 64	569	+2
65 – 74	680	+6
75 – 84	826	+6
85+	519	+9

Loughrea pharmacist elected President of Irish Pharmacy Union

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October 12, 2020

A pharmacist based in Loughrea has been elected as the new President of the Irish Pharmacy Union at its Annual General Meeting held this week.

Eoghan Hanly qualified as a pharmacist from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen in 1995 and has been working as the Supervising and Superintendent Pharmacist in Killian’s Pharmacy in Loughrea since 1996.

Addressing IPU members following his election, he said that ‘ensuring that government follow through on their commitments to expand the range of care pharmacies can provide is a key priority’.

Mr Hanly also commended the role of pharmacists in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Pharmacies have consistently gone above and beyond for their patients and their communities,” he said.

“Even during the toughest days of lockdown pharmacies remained open and ensured a continuous supply of all medicines to those who needed them.

“I am proud to represent a sector that so clearly demonstrates care and empathy as a core value.”

Eoghan Hanly has previously served on the Council of the pharmacy profession’s regulator the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI). This included a term as President of the PSI from 2013-2014.

Two men face prison for smashing up vending machines

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October 12, 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 who caused thousands of euro in damages when they smashed up a pair of vending machines to get at their contents, face prison if they do not continue to pay back compensation.

Conal Farragher (23) and Pat Farragher (20), both with an address at New Street, Headford, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal damage, possession of articles meant for use in a crime, and theft at a special sitting of Galway District Court.

In addition Conal Farragher pleaded guilty to a single count of trespassing, for falling asleep in someone else’s car.

The court heard that on April 24 of this year, Gardaí were called to Q Car Park on Eyre Square to reports of a man sleeping in an abandoned car. The man, Conal Farragher, was arrested for a public order offence and later released.

An additional allegation was made of smashed windows on two cars at the car park, as well as two vending machines which had been smashed up with an iron bar, and had all their coins and confectionery removed.

A report was later received of two men loitering in the nearby shopping centre, who turned out to be Conal and Pat Farragher. When Pat was searched by Gardaí, large amounts of coins and confectionery were found on him.

The two men were also identified on CCTV footage from the scene, and Pat Farragher made full admissions when he was shown the footage.

Pat Farragher was solely responsible for breaking the windows of the two cars the District Court heard. He also accepted that he was the “main protagonist” of the entire event.

There was more than €8,000 worth of damage done to the vending machines Gardaí said, and the total loss to the owner with the added loss of the stock came to €9,461.

The owners of the two cars had the damages covered by their insurance, the court heard.

Pat Farragher had €600 in compensation to hand over in court that day, but Judge John King said that he would want more than that from both of them, with thousands in losses still outstanding for the vending machines owner.

“This is wanton destruction of personal property, and there will be a consequence for that,” Judge King said, noting that the offence on its own warrants a prison sentence.

Judge King that he would give them time to pay compensation in instalments, but gave a warning that “the minute they miss an instalment is the minute they’ll get a custodial sentence.”

The case was adjourned back to December 16 for another €1,000 in compensation to be paid, at which point another date will be set for future payments if the money is produced.

Ryan Manning gets Republic of Ireland call up ahead of Finland clash

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October 12, 2020

galway daily news galway united ryan manning ireland

Galway man Ryan Manning has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad ahead of their Nations League game against Finland on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old signed for QPR from Galway United in 2015 after winning promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division, and has made 87 appearances for the London club.

He previously lined out for the Republic of Ireland’s U17, U19 and U21 sides before earning his first call up to the senior squad in 2018.

Finland v Republic of Ireland

The game in Helsinki kicks off at 5pm on Wednesday, and Stephen Kenny will be hoping his Ireland team can collect all three points to close the gap on Finland and Wales.

Finland are currently in second place in the group, just one point behind group leaders Wales, and 4 points ahead of the Republic of Ireland in third who have scored just one goal in their first three games.

Water outages in Connemara due to burst mains

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October 12, 2020

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

A burst water mains is causing outages in Ballyconneely and surrounding areas of Connemara today.

Irish Water says that repairs to the burst main have an estimated completion time of 5pm this afternoon.

People affected by this burst mains are advised that it may take 2 – 3 hours after repairs are completed for their full water supply to be restored.

Mains repair works may also cause water outages in parts of Salthill throughout this week.

Repair works are taking place on the water network in Devon Park from Monday, October 12 to Friday, October 16 between 9am and 6pm each day.

These works are part of Irish Water’s National Leakage Reduction Programme.

Updates on both situations can be found on Irish Water’s Supply and Service website page, or by contacting Irish Water’s twitter account @IWCare.

Galway group of Spanish teachers win prestigious award

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October 12, 2020

galway daily news spanish teachers español

A group of Galway-based Spanish teachers have been selected as one of the winners at the prestigious annual European Language Label (ELL) Awards.

ELE in Éirinn was formed at NUI Galway by a group of teachers, and they will be presented with the award at an online ceremony tomorrow.

The group, created in August 2018, creates user-friendly, non-commercial and non-native materials for students.

Project coordinator Pilar Alderete Diez said that they are delighted that the project was recognised as an innovative initiative at this year’s awards.

“Our project was all about generating a creative approach to language errors. I wanted to encourage students to make their own materials for teaching and learning,” said Pilar.

“Our project encourages peer-learning and discussion. I had realised in my own practice and through conversations with my colleagues that students learn and take advice from each other more frequently than from us, their teachers.”

The ELL Awards are an EU initiative to celebrate the most creative and inspiring communities, organisations, and volunteers at the forefront of language teaching, learning and promotion.

Eli Babei, Léargas Language Initiatives Officer, said that the awards provide opportunities to network, share best practice, and inspire learners on the important role that language plays in society and the professional opportunities available to them.

“Speaking English is an asset but in today’s globalised world, it is not enough,” said Ms Babei.

“If not for the benefit of cultural and linguistic empathy, speaking other languages will ensure that we can continue to harvest better opportunities for people living in Ireland.”

Áine Gallagher, Ireland’s only unqualified guerrilla Irish teacher, will deliver the keynote speech at the awards ceremony.

“I am extremely excited to provide the keynote speech for these innovative and creative educators,” she said.

“As Ireland’s only unqualified guerrilla Irish teacher, I understand the dedication, motivation and resilience required to do this work.

“I think it’s great that we can share our stories and provide each other with the encouragement needed to keep going.”

Galway City tumbles down IBAL list as litter levels rise

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October 12, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway City tumbles down IBAL survey list as litter levels rise

Galway City has tumbled dramatically down the list of towns combating litter, and is no longer considered ‘Clean’ to European standards.

The latest survey from Irish Businesses Against placed Galway City Centre in 27th place, or ‘Moderately Littered’, a dramatic reversal from the last survey in January, where the City Centre placed 10th as ‘Cleaner than European Norms’.

Ballybane, which was already considered ‘Moderately Littered’ in the last survey, remained in the same category, but fell seven places to 35th on the list.

Ballinasloe, which was previously listed as ‘Clean to European Norms’ at 26th place on the list in January, did not feature at all on the latest list.

The first IBAL survey since the COVID-19 crisis hit saw Galway fall off the ‘clean’ list, with Galway, Limerick, and Dublin City centres all falling off the ‘clean’ list.

The top spot on the list went to Kilkenny once again, which held onto its crown as the cleanest urban area in Ireland, one of just nine areas that are ‘Cleaner than European Norms’.

This survey is carried out by An Taisce on behalf of Irish Businesses Against Litter twice a year to determine he overall cleanliness of Ireland’s major towns and cities.

The survey showed PPE litter to be widespread and a rise in the prevalence of cans and glass bottles.

IBAL’s Conor Horgan said that the COVID-19 crisis created a “perfect storm” of conditions that saw litter levels rise across the board.

“The Covid crisis has seen more dumping, more outdoor socialising, especially drinking, and PPE litter, but less cleaning by local authorities and less activity by volunteers like Tidy Towns.”

PPE litter was prevalent across the country, with masks 5 times as common as gloves. “Understandably, people are reluctant to pick up these items for fear of contracting Covid, so they tend to stay on the ground. We need to see a rapid rise in the use of reusable masks,” says Conor Horgan.

Horgan said that there needs to be a greater sense of “civic responsibility” about keeping our towns and cities clean at a time when councils’ resources are more stretched than ever before.

“The mantra ‘we’re all in this together’ extends to the proper disposal of waste, not least waste that is prone to contamination. With fewer people available or willing to pick up litter, the message has to be ‘don’t litter in the first place.”

Two day roadworks underway in Caltra

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October 12, 2020

Galway Daily news Traffic disruption expected from five day N67 roadworks

Roadworks on the main road at Caltra are getting underway this morning, and will disrupt traffic in the east Galway village for two days this week.

Galway County Council is carrying out resurfacing overlay works on the R358 Caltra this week.

In order to facilitate these works, the road in question will be operated on a Stop/Go system during the hours of 8am to 6pm on Monday and Tuesday.

As a consequence users of this road should allow additional time for their journeys.

Three day roadworks on Abbey Street in Portumna have also started today, and the section of road in question will be closed during the day from Monday to Wednesday.

Coronavirus: 64 new confirmed cases in Galway

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October 11, 2020

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

The Department of Health has reported 814 new cases of Covid-19 in the State today, with 64 of them in Co. Galway.

Two more deaths related to the illness were also reported today by health officials this evening.

Galway has the third highest number of new cases in the Republic after Dublin (226) and Cork (77), while 56 cases were confirmed in Donegal.

Forty-eight cases are in Meath, and the rest are spread across all of the remaining counties.

Of the cases reported today, 70% are under 45 years of age and the median age is 32 years old.

“It is vital that the entire population consistently implement public health advice into their daily lives; keep your social contacts to an absolute minimum and keep physical distance when you need to be out of your home,” said Dr Tony Holohan this evening.

“22 out of 26 counties have 7 day incidence rates as a percentage of 14 day incidence rates above 50%. This shows rapidly increasing growth rates across the country.”

Aran Islands lifeboat rescues fishing boat drifting to the rocks with no engines

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October 11, 2020

Galway Daily news Aran Islands lifeboat performs double medical evacuation from Inis Mór

The Aran Islands RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of a fishing boat that was drifting towards the rocks after losing engine power last week.

Last Thursday the Aran Islands lifeboat station launched at roughly 4:45pm in response to a call out from the Coast Guard.

A 38ft fishing boat had lost the use of its engines and was drifting towards Eagle Rock just off Golam Head.

Weather conditions at the time of launching were moderate, with a West North West wind blowing 18 knots and a two metre sea well.

Once on scene, the volunteer crew members established that both people aboard the boat were in good health, while observing all COVID-19 safety guidelines.

A tow line was established between the lifeboat and the fishing vessel and the lifeboat then proceeded towards Ros a Mhíl Harbour.

Speaking after the call out, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain John O’Donnell said: “This was a good outcome as the vessel was drifting dangerously close to Eagle Rock after losing the use of their engines.

“Our volunteer crew members never hesitate to get to the call as quickly as possible. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Libraries to receive over €700,000 to help reach marginalised groups

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October 11, 2020