Mayoral Reception to honour hero fishermen Patrick and Morgan Oliver

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September 30, 2020

Galway daily news Almost 3,500 Galway students receiving Leaving Cert results

Roughly 6,500 students will have some of their Leaving Cert results increased as a result of two serious errors found in the calculated grades system this week

Education Minister Norma Foley gave a statement this afternoon stating that the full number of students affected by the calculated grades errors will not be known

“These are errors that should not have occurred,” Minister Foley said, but she said that they will “not disadvantage” any students after being fixed.

The Secretary General of the Department of Education told Minister Foley on Wednesday that an error had been spotted by the Canadian company Polymetrika International, which is developing the statistical software for the students’ data.

Minister Foley said that the error arose from one line of code out of 50,000, which “we knew would impact” the results of some students.

The Minister said that it was important to find out as much as possible about the error before making an announcement, so the company began an analysis of the software code.

The system was meant to look at aggregated Junior Cycle results, taking their results in Irish, English, and Maths, and combining them with their best two, non-core subjects to help in calculating grades.

Instead the error resulted in the students two weakest non-core subjects being added to their Irish, English, and Maths results.

A further error was uncovered by the Department after a review, where the CSPE results were not discarded by the calculated grades system the way they should have been.

This all led to approximately 6,500 students receiving a result at least one grade lower than they should have properly.

The international company ETS were then brought in to carry out their own independent examination of the calculated grades code, which is expected to be completed in coming days.

Those who were marked down as a result of either of these errors will have their proper grade restored Minister Foley said.

Some students also received a higher grade than they should have as a result of these mistakes, but these will not be altered in any way she said.

In total the errors affected approximately 7,200 students’ grades the Minister said.

“When all our checks are completed we will issue the corrected results to the students affected,” Norma Foley said.

“As soon as it is possible to do so, every student affected will be contacted by text, and informed whether they are impacted,” and directed to a new online portal issuing corrected grades.

The Minister acknowledged that this will be “distressing” for many students who thought they were done with the issue of the Leaving Cert and calculated grades this year.

After the correct grades have been issued, the CAO will determine how many students would have been eligible for a higher course preference in a previous round of offers.

The Department will work with the CAO and Higher Education Institutions to see about accommodating students at the courses they should have been offered.

“I want to acknowledge that students have had an exceptionally difficult year. They’ve coped unbelievably well with the COVID-19 challenges. They don’t need this upset and dismay.”

A dedicated government helpline has been set up for students at 01 889 2199.

Post Office Network will collapse without urgent State support

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September 30, 2020

A new report has warned that post offices will face “significant levels of unrestrained closures” by the end of next year if immediate action is not taken by the State.

The independent review, carried out by business advisers Grant Thornton, recommends an annual Public Service Obligation (PSO) for the Post Office Network of €17m.

“The Irish Post Office Network is at a critical juncture. The financial viability and sustainability of the Network is challenged like never before in its history,” said the report commissioned by the Irish Postmasters’ Union.

“Many local Post Offices, large and small, urban and rural, will likely be forced to close if the financial conditions under which they operate do not change in the short-term.”

However, the report says that the Post Office Network remains a highly valuable national asset which contributes far more to the economy than the cost of the PSO.

28% of the population (1.3 million people) continue to use post offices every week, the report says, and they also play a crucial role in spin off support to other local businesses and economies, as well as providing a service for those who are financially or socially excluded.

Based on a model used in the UK to calculate the social value of the UK Post Office Network, an estimated annual social value of the Irish Post Office Network is €334 – €776 million.

The report sets out many actions which can be taken to grow new business and transactions at Post Offices, but it says that none of these would be enough to sustain the Network and “a more direct intervention and support is necessary”.

Grant Thornton concluded that immediate action must be taken to address the current and impending financial crisis for the Post Office Network.

Recommendations from previous studies, even if implemented, are insufficient to provide the necessary revenue uplift for Postmasters within the timelines considered, they said.

Errors in Leaving Cert calculated grades affecting thousands of students

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September 30, 2020

Two errors have been found in the Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades process, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed this afternoon.

The Taoiseach told the Dáil that the Department of Education and Skills has found errors in the Leaving Certificates 2020 calculated grades system and that the Minister for Education will make a statement later today.

Speaking in the Dáil today, An Taoiseach said: “My understanding is that the Minister for Education will be making a comprehensive statement today in relation to this, and in terms of what has occurred, the measures taken to rectify that the rechecking of that process, and bringing in independent external evaluation.”

“But above all, to make sure that we can ease as much anxiety as we possibly can in relation to the students themselves.”

RTÉ is reporting the errors have affected around 10% of grades from this year’s Leaving Cert.

The Taoiseach also said that the objective and the priority has to be the students themselves, and that they will be communicated with first.

It is understood that many students will receive higher grades when the errors are rectified.

More to follow…

NUI Galway to host webinar to celebrate National Breastfeeding Week

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September 30, 2020

An online webinar in celebration of National Breastfeeding Week 2020 will be hosted by NUI Galway and the HSE next Thursday, 7 October at 2pm.

The theme of the event is ‘Diverse global perspectives on breastfeeding and breastfeeding support’ and will be opened by Ms Sabina Higgins, and closed by the National Breastfeeding Co-ordinator Ireland, Laura McHugh.

Dr Sarah Brennan, a GP and lecturer at the NUI Galway’s Donegal Medical Academy in Letterkenny, and one of the event organisers, said that everyone is conscious that this time is especially difficult for new mothers.

“We are delighted that so many acclaimed international speakers are able to link in virtually and share with us their diverse wisdom around breastfeeding and breastfeeding support,” said Dr Brennan.

“We are also delighted that this online webinar is supported by several parties including the National Lead and Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, Ms Sabina Higgins and the HSE Breastfeeding Committees of Community Healthcare Organisation 1 (CHO1).”

The webinar will consist of three sections, each with short 15-minute presentations, with opportunities for questions and answers at the end of each section.

Co-organiser Dr Elizabeth McCarthy, NUI Galway, added: “The COVID-19 pandemic has motivated us to arrange this virtual conference so that we could bring together mothers, fathers, breastfeeding supporters, health care professionals, and policy makers to share and learn from our local and global experts.”

Galway University Hospitals to host virtual Ecumenical Memorial Service

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September 30, 2020

galway daily news Ecumenical Memorial Service galway university hospitals

Galway University Hospitals will host its 11th annual Ecumenical Memorial Service in remembrance of deceased patients of the hospital on Wednesday 07 October at 7pm.

The service will be held online this year due to the current public health guidance, but GUH says that it is important to take the time to reflect, honour and remember our deceased patients and to acknowledge the grief of family and friends.

“We have written to the families of those who have lost a loved one in our hospital during 2019 to join us virtually,” said Anne McKeown, Bereavement Liaison Officer, GUH.

“2020 has been a particularly difficult year for all bereaved people and we are extending an open invitation to anyone who would like to participate in the service with us.”

The service will be led by hospital staff who will share a selection of readings and reflections and music, and people are invited to light a candle in memory of those they are remembering.

“The theme this year is ‘the Circle of Life’ and we are delighted that once again Dr Helen Greally, Director of Psychology and Support Services, Cancer Care West has agreed to be our guest speaker,” added Anne McKeown.

“We are acutely aware that it may not be suitable for everyone to join us on the date, so we are going to leave the service available for viewing on https://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/uhg-chapel until 06 November 2020.

“As staff of Galway University Hospitals, we are aware of the privilege it is to be present during a unique and personal family occasion.

“We acknowledge your sadness and grief which we know you continue to live with. And we hope that you will find some solace in knowing that we haven’t forgotten about you or your loved one.”

During the service, a heart will be placed at the altar representing the legacy of love shared by our deceased patients.

If families wish to have their loved one remembered in the ‘Circle of Life’ they can text or email the name of the person(s) they are remembering to 087 968 4271 or guhecumenicalservice@hse.ie.

CAT Scan machine at Portiuncula out of action for 144 hours this month

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September 30, 2020

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

The CT Scanner at Portiuncula Hospital has broken down 10 times in the last year and a half, but won’t be replaced until 2022.

Galway TD Denis Naughten said that the Saolta Group has admitted that the Portiuncula CAT Scan machine has been out of action for 144 hours in total this month alone.

“The admission that this scanner will not be replaced until 2022 is unacceptable as the Government announces plans to expand access to diagnostic services such as CT scans to deal with huge waiting lists,” stated Denis Naughten.

This is not only affecting waiting lists, but also adds to any overcrowding problems at the A&E in Portiuncula Hospital he said.

“While the Minister for Health has announced a big plan to spend €600 million to help address overcrowding in our hospitals this winter, including providing access to diagnostic tests for GPs, there is little point if our CT scanner in Portiuncula is not even working for emergency cases.”

“And in a perverse example of what is wrong with our health service, we have a CT scanner just over the road in Roscommon Hospital, which can cater for many more patients, but uses a different software system to that in Ballinasloe.”

“This is despite the fact that both hospitals are supposed to be working closely together in the one hospital group, Saolta, which was originally established in January 2012 as the Galway and Roscommon University Hospital Group, the very first one set up in Ireland.”

Galway men will attempt to row across the Atlantic

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September 30, 2020

Galway men will attempt unsupported row across the Atlantic

Two Galway men will undertake a harrowing trip to row across the Atlantic Ocean in an ocean rowing boat in 2022 as part of a crowdfunding campaign, after crossing Galway Bay in a traditional currach to launch the campaign.

Former professional rugby player Damian Browne from Renmore, along with lifelong friend Athenry’s Fergus Farrell, launched Project Empower this week.

The two kicked off their two year preparations for the gruelling trans-Atlantic trip ahead of them with a rowing voyage from Inis Oírr to Galway City in a traditional Currach.

Renmore native Damien had a 16 year career in rugby before retiring in 2015, and since then he has pursued even more extreme highs.

In April 2016 Damian completed the 6 day, 257km Marathon des Sables, across the Sahara Desert also known as ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’.

He also completed a solo voyage across the Atlantic over 63 days in 2018, enduring nine-meter swells, deep lacerations on his head, and complete steering system failure.

Fergus Farrell is Damien’s rowing partner in Project Empower. The two first met when playing against each other and then together for Connacht underage rugby and Galwegians RFC.

In October 2018 Fergus’ life changed forever when work place accident ruptured his T9, T10 and T11 discs and his T10 leaked into his spinal cord, leaving him completely paralysed from his belly button down.

After emergency surgery in the National Spinal Unit, Fergus woke up to see his motionless feet in front of him. He asked the surgeon if this is the way it will be.

His surgeon placed a hand on his shoulder and told him he was very unlucky. Determined not just to accept his Grade A spinal cord diagnoses he enter the National Rehabilitation Hospital to fight for his normal life back.

One year later, on the 26th October 2019 against all odds Fergus walked 206km from the place of the accident to the NRH in Dun Laoighaire. During the ‘The Toughest Trek’ he helped raise €70,000 for the NRH.

Damian and Fergus’ ocean rowing boat for their trans-Atlantic voyage will be built by master boat builder Justin Adkin of Seasabre.

Damian and Justin already have history, with Justin building Damian’s boat for his 2017 solo trans-Atlantic row.

All Seasabre boats are designed and built alongside the expertise and experience of renowned ocean rowing boat designer Phil Morrison.

Project Empower have commissioned Justin to build a bespoke ORB design, which will proudly be a classic design shape, sticking closely to traditional values of ocean rowing.

The first ever successful trip across the Atlantic under nothing other than the power of manned oars was by George Harboe and Frank Samuelsen.

They were the first to make this monumental voyage in 1896, setting off from New York and arriving in Sicily after an incredible 55 days and 13 hours

Their record still stands after more than a century, and 52 attempted crossings by way of unsupported row.

Only 18 of those voyages have successfully landed in Europe, and none have beaten the time, highlighting the danger and difficulty of what is being undertaken.

Project Empower Crowdfunding Options will open on October 6^th. To find out more or to be a supporter of Project Empower check out http://www.projectempower.ie/ and follow the journey across social platforms on Facebook and Instagram at Project Empower.

Ask the government to ‘Stop Homelessness Before it Starts’ this Simon Week

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September 30, 2020

galway daily news Galway Simon gets approval to build apartments for older people

The people of Galway have been asked to join Galway Simon Community this week in asking the government to ‘Stop Homelessness Before it Starts’.

The annual ‘Simon Week’, taking place this week until Sunday 4 October, sees the Simon Communities across the country campaigning on behalf of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

“At the Simon Communities, we believe that the government has a responsibility to put prevention measures in place to stop people becoming homeless,” said Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community.

“In the West of Ireland and across the country, there has been hugely positive work going on throughout Covid-19 and we believe we have an opportunity now to build on this collaborative work. We can make this happen, but we can’t do it alone.”

The Simon Communities have three key demands for the government as part of the ‘Stop Homelessness Before It Starts’ campaign:

A comprehensive Homelessness Prevention Strategy must be put in place with ring-fenced funding in budget 2021 to stop homelessness before it starts.
Ensure that 50% of all new social housing are one and two bed units, providing an average of 7,500 one and two bed social homes each year. This will help to develop the housing infrastructure we need to stop homelessness before it starts.
Increase protection for renters, to ensure that tenants cannot be evicted into homelessness.

“We must redouble our collective efforts to prevent more people from having to enter Emergency Accommodation over the Winter months, when the usual challenges relating to weather will be compounded by Covid-19,” Karen added.

“Now more than ever, it is essential that people have somewhere to call home to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

“That’s why this Simon Week, we are asking people to stand with us to ask that the new government makes stopping homelessness a priority.

“We are asking people to visit act.simon.ie, to send an email to the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, and their local TDs to make their voice heard.”

Coronavirus: 14 new COVID-19 cases in Galway

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September 29, 2020

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

Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in County Galway, as well as 363 across the Republic of Ireland.

The Department of Health has also confirmed that one more person with Covid-19 has died.

Of today’s cases, 154 are in Dublin, 40 in Cork, 23 in Donegal, 15 in Roscommon and five in Mayo.

Today’s reported death related to Covid-19 takes the death toll in the state to 1,803, and there have now been 35,740 confirmed cases.

“Public buy-in and willingness to adhere to public health guidance remains the frontline of our defence against the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr Ronan Glynn this evening.

“The vast majority of people continue to take the necessary steps in their everyday activities to protect themselves and others.”

The number of people in ICU is 17 and there are 117 people in hospital with the illness.

The Acting Chief Medical Officer added that if you start to experience symptoms, stay at home and contact your GP to assess your need for a COVID-19 test as soon as possible.

“If you have been informed that you are a close contact of someone who has the illness, please don’t meet up with other people, including your family or friends, don’t go to work or college, don’t play sport, and avail of a test when it is offered.

“I know that these are difficult choices for people to make, but each individual effort will make a significant impact on the spread of this disease and, ultimately, on the numbers of deaths that we can prevent this winter.”

Of the cases notified today:

172 are men and 191 are women
64% are under 45 years of age
47% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
58 cases have been identified as community transmission

Four bedroom house in perfect condition in Salthill

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September 29, 2020

Galway Daily property Four bedroom house in perfect condition in Salthill

This four bedroom house in Salthill is an incredible investment opportunity. The house is in turn-key condition, and still has plenty of empty space available for any homeowner to leave their mark on the property.

O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers are offering this four storey detached house at Rathgeal, Carragh Grove in Salthill, a stunning residential neighbourhood, for sale by Private Treaty.

The ground floor of this property consists of the main living area, with a living room, dining room, kitchen, study, and main bathroom.

The living room is furnished with warm timber flooring and a feature fireplace that serves as the focus of the room’s welcoming atmosphere.

A set of French doors lead to the potential study room, which could also be utilised in any other way the owner pleases.

The large kitchen is outfitted with modern appliances and wooden storage units, ensuring there is plenty of space for keeping food, cooking, and eating, without having people tripping over one another.

Outside there is a wooden decking area accessible from the kitchen, providing a wonderful space to enjoy the sun and a sea breeze in the summer.

The ground floor also features a fully tiled bathroom with a radiator and shower.

Upstairs there are four carpeted double bedrooms, three of which come with their own tiled ensuite bathrooms outfitted with showers.

A fourth separate bathroom with a bath/shower combo completes the first floor.

The sheer abundance of space is the most obvious feature of this property. Not only through the ground floor living area, and the four existing bedrooms, but in the potential space that exists in the top floor and garage.

The attic of the house has been converted into two additional rooms and a bathroom. The two main rooms have already been outfitted with timber flooring, skylights, radiators, and fitted storage spaces, and the bathroom is also furnished with a shower.

There is little for any owner to do but decide how they wish to use these rooms, and move in furniture.

At the lowest level of the building is a two-bay garage with electronic doors. With off-street parking already available out front, and on a private tarmac drive leading to the garage, this could easily be converted to another large room.

The bottom floor also features a tiled bathroom with a shower, and a utility room outfitted with a tiled floor, which is easily cleaned, along with storage units and a countertop complete with a sink, as well as an office room.

The neighbourhood at Carragh Grove is extremely desirable, in close proximity to many amenities including Rusheen Bay and Blackrock Diving Tower, as well as Galway Golf Club and Barna Woods, and is just a short drive from the city centre.

The immaculate condition of the property, ready to move in at a moment’s notice, and neighbourhood amenities combine to make it a fantastic potential family home.

It would also make a great investment property, with so much space for any owner to shape and refurbish it to their liking.

The property is extremely energy efficient, with an excellent B3 BER rating, ensuring that it can be easily and affordably kept warm despite its size.

The asking price for this home is €595,000. To see more of what could be yours check it out online at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/rathgeal-carragh-grove-salthill-galway/4416271.

To enquire about this property or to arrange a viewing, contact O’Donnellan & Joyce Auctioneers at 091 564212 between Monday and Friday, 9am – 5:30pm.

No payday for bet thief given €300 fine

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September 29, 2020

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

Claiming the winnings of another man’s bet by pretending he’d lost his ticket didn’t pay off for one man, who received a €300 fine at Galway District Court.

Peter O’Donnell (36), with an address at the Doughiska Road, Doughiska, was convicted of theft by deception at Galway District Court after he claimed the winnings of another man’s bet he pretended was his own.

The court heard that on the evening of January 19 of 2019, Orhan Gulmez had placed an accumulator bet on several football matches at one of the machines in the Boyle Sports betting shop in Eyre Square.

He stayed and watched some of the games in the store, but went home before the final match had concluded.

His very small bet ended up having a payout of €100.55, but when he went back to Boyle Sports with his ticket days later, he was told that it had already been paid out, and that he’d have to contact Gardaí if he wanted any more information.

Mr Gulmez said that he had been sitting and chatting with another person next to him at the betting machine on the day he’d placed the bet.

The manager of this branch of Boyle Sports told the court that he’d been speaking with O’Donnell, who is a regular there, at around 8:50pm that evening, when he’d indicated he was waiting for the outcome of a bet.

Around 15 minutes later O’Donnell came up to the counter saying that he’d won, but lost his ticket.

After providing details including the time of the bet, the machine he’d been sitting at, and some of the teams on it, and then filling out a form, the winnings were paid out to him.

Gulmez then came in several days later with the legitimate ticket, seeking his winnings.

Defence solicitor Sean Acton said that his client is known at the bookies in question, and didn’t try to give a false name of otherwise conceal his identity.

“It’s not like a stranger who walks into the bookies, he would be known to you,” Mr Acton said to the manager in cross examination.

Garda Kevin Molyneaux collected cctv footage from the store, in which the victim identified Mr O’Donnell as the man next to him at the bookies, and the store manager also identified him as the person who had collected the winnings.

Mr Acton said that he was not raising an issue with the identity of the person in the video, but that the footage shown by Garda Molyneaux was only a ‘montage’ of certain times, and didn’t show the entire relevant period on the day between 5pm an 9pm, and was missing certain crucial information.

It starts when Mr O’Donnell arrived at the bookies at around 6pm, but the bet placed by the victim was placed earlier, at around 5:20pm he said.

Giving evidence in his own defence Peter O’Donnell said that he was at the Boyle Sports almost every day, where he would place roughly 20 small bets, and that he would lose a ticket once or twice a week.

When questioned by the prosecution Mr O’Donnell said that he didn’t remember exactly when he had arrived or left that day, or if he had stepped out of the bookies during the day.

Inspector Des Beirne said “Do you find it extraordinary that he [the victim] had the betting slip for the bet you claimed”, to which Mr O’Donnell said that he must have picked up after he lost it.

Inspector Beirne asked how O’Donnell could be so certain he placed the bet when he didn’t remember so much else.

“You don’t know what time you arrived or when you left. You have very little information on what you did in the betting shop. But you’re certain that you placed the bet.”

He said that O’Donnell must have “elicited” information about the bet from the injured party in order to claim the winnings from Boyle Sports.

Judge Mary Fahy convicted him of Section 6 Deception, noting that he was asked “a few simple questions, and he couldn’t answer a one of them”.

Concerning how easy it was for O’Donnell to claim the bet winnings in the first place, the judge added, “it would appear that Boyle Sports should look at their procedures going forward.”

The court heard that O’Donnell had 24 previous criminal convictions prior to this matter, the most recent of which was for theft.

Judge Fahy imposed a €300 fine on O’Donnell, and also ordered him to pay €100 in witness expenses to the injured party.

Emergency meeting held following incidents in Galway city

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September 29, 2020

galway daily news students party galway city covid-19 level 3

An emergency virtual meeting held earlier today was attended by various agencies and interested parties, after groups of people gathered in the city yesterday evening.

Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Galway City Cllr Mike Cubbard, Chief Executive of HSE Saolta Group Tony Canavan, and Superintendent Damian Flanagan of Galway Garda Station.

President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of GMIT Dr. Orla Flynn, and the Presidents of the Students’ Unions of NUI Galway and GMIT, Pádraic Toomey and Victor O’Loughlin were also present at the meeting.

They all agreed that the events were ‘completely unacceptable’ because of the lack of social distancing evident from social media posts which circulated last night and today.

The upset, anger and concern of people across the city were shared and acknowledged by those at the meeting.

In a joint statement by all in attendance, members of the community were praised for having made great efforts in the context of COVID-19, and the need for empathy and solidarity in that regard was emphasised.

The presidents of the third-level institutions outlined the work carried out to facilitate a safe return to teaching consistent with public health advice.

They also set out the disciplinary measures available to them in relation to on- and off-campus behaviour and agreed to continue to work with the Gardai closely on such enforcement measures.

These had been clearly communicated to students over the last number of weeks and will be pursued as appropriate.

The Students’ Union presidents say they will continue to use their communication channels to urge students to follow public health guidelines.

Galway City Council will continue to work closely with An Garda Síochána and in particular emphasise that drinking in public is contrary to Galway City Bye-Laws.

The Gardaí are also actively confiscating alcohol which is being consumed in public spaces and will continue issuing public notices which result in fines and possible court appearances.

“It is still vital that people living in, working in and visiting Galway limit their social interactions, maintain social distancing, wear face masks where appropriate such as in shops and on public transport, and not gather in groups larger than outlined in the public health advice,” the Statement said.

“We know the considerable sacrifices people have made during the last six months, but individually and collectively we must continue to do all we can to protect our families, friends and neighbours.

“In these unprecedented times of Covid-19 Pandemic and with the current deep concerns about a possible move to Level 3 of the Living with Covid-19 plan, the meeting appealed to people across the city to ‘Keep it small, keep your distance and keep safe.’”

The group agreed to maintain contact and to convene again if needed later in the week.

HSE team urges young people in Galway to meet in smaller groups

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September 29, 2020

galway daily news hse appeal public health covid-19

The HSE has urged everyone living and working in Galway to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Hospital and Community Health Services Managers in the West, together with their colleagues in Public Health, have reminded people about the importance of following public health advice.

“There is a significant and concerning increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases being reported across counties Galway and Roscommon in particular,” said Dr Breda Smyth, HSE Director of Public Health for Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

“Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to contain the spread of this virus.

“We are appealing to everyone, but particularly communities across Galway and Roscommon, to continue with their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Dr Smyth urged young people to meet in small groups, stay apart and download the COVID Tracker app.

“Also, take additional precautions when visiting our older friends and family members,” she added.

“There is still time to get the virus back under control in these areas and stop the spread of this highly infectious disease in our communities.”

Tony Canavan, CEO Saolta University Health Care Group, said that we all know what we need to do to stay safe and protect those around us.

“Keep a 2m distance, reduce social contacts, wear a face mask, cover coughs and sneezes and stay at home and contact your GP if you start to feel unwell,” said Tony Canavan.

“We have seen worrying increases in the rate of COVID-19 in parts of our region and I am appealing to everyone on behalf of hospital services to follow the public health guidance.”

Chris Kane, Hospital Manager Galway University Hospitals added: “Our healthcare staff are the front line in the fight against COVID-19, particularly our ICU staff.

“We are doing all we can to ensure that we are in a position to treat both COVID-19 patients and non-COVID patients as safely as possible. We have worked really hard to reinstate elective procedures and clinics that were deferred because of COVID-19 earlier this year.

“We want to be able to continue to see and treat patients quickly and safely. As numbers increase in the community, the pressure on healthcare workers and frontline services intensifies.

“We need everyone to follow the HSE’s public health advice and help us maintain essential health services for the people of county Galway and the wider West and North West region.”

New Gaeltacht cycling project launched

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September 29, 2020

galway daily news gaeltacht cycling project gaeltacht.cc

A new Gaeltacht-based cycling project has been launched which aims to encourage people to participate in the sport, as well as develop gravel bike routes.

Gaeltacht.cc wants to provide a club for Gaeltacht-based cyclists and multisports athletes, and will work towards developing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Gaeltacht areas.

“Gaeltacht areas have a common denominator in language but are spread across seven counties mostly along the west coast,” said the man behind the project, Pádraic Quinn.

“We see huge value in bringing cyclists throughout the Gaeltacht together under a single club and brand, while respecting existing clubs that already thrive in individual Gaeltacht regions,” added the former pro cyclist and owner of the Velotec clothing brand.

The project has already begun to work with different stakeholders with the aim of creating a world-class gravel bike network in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

“We’ve begun to work with local community development organisations, social employment schemes and Údarás na Gaeltachta in coordinating an expansive new gravel bike network based on existing bog roads,” said Gaeltacht.cc’s Operations Manager, Jade Lydon.

“A great example is the work carried out by work schemes in Seanamhach in Casla, which we have identified as a central hub from which to expand.”

In keeping with its Gaeltacht identity, the club is being sponsored by TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, and is already involved in organising events, despite just being launched.

Having just confirmed that Gaeltacht.cc will host the Connacht Cyclocross Championships this December, the project has already been involved in a pan-Gaeltacht cycling project encouraging families and new cyclists to get out as part of Bike Week.

This past week saw Gaeltacht-based cyclists from Donegal to Cork participate in the virtual Rothaí Gaeltachta challenge, run in conjunction with Gaeltacht Language Planning Officers.

“The Rothaí Gaeltachta challenge speaks volumes to what we’re looking to achieve,” added Pádraic Quinn.

“It’s a way of getting young and old onto bikes, and to make a fun and healthy pastime accessible to all.”

More information on Gaeltacht.cc can be found at www.gaeltacht.cc and on social media.

NUI Galway says last night’s scenes were “deplorable” & threatens very strong action

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September 29, 2020

NUI Galway has strongly condemned last night’s gathering of students in Galway City, saying that penalties ‘up to and including expulsion’ will be considered for breaches of public health advice.

In a statement today, the University described the scenes involving students and other young people in some parts of the city on Monday night as “deplorable”.

“NUI Galway has repeatedly appealed to the better judgement of our students and reminded them of their responsibilities under the student Code of Conduct.

“The University has also worked to ensure this year’s experience of university life is safe, supportive and enjoyable, despite the limitations that the pandemic places on us.

“NUI Galway leadership is this morning meeting with the Gardaí and Galway City Council about these incidents.

“While the vast majority of our students are doing their utmost to stay safe and helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19, we won’t hesitate in dealing with any breaches of public health guidelines in line with our Student Code of Conduct (which has penalties up to and including expulsion),” read the statement.

Galway is currently one of several counties under close observation by NPHET amid an alarming rise in the number of COVID-19 cases daily.

There were 21 cases of COVID-19 in Galway notified yesterday, the fourth highest level in the country, behind Dublin, Cork, and Donegal.

Two Galway schools to receive solar panels in new renewable energy project

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September 29, 2020

galway daily news City Council awarded €606k for social housing energy efficiency upgrades — Pic: Naoise Culhane

Two schools in Co Galway will receive new solar panels as part of a new renewable energy project announced today by Microsoft Ireland and SSE Airtricity.

Coláiste Bhaile Chláir and St Augustine’s National School, Ballinasloe will be given internet-connected solar panels, allowing them to power their classrooms from their own roofs.

With an investment of close to one million euro, the partnership will see Microsoft and SSE Airtricity install and manage the solar panels in 27 primary and secondary schools across Connaught, Leinster and Munster.

Over 15 years, it is expected that they will produce enough clean energy to offset approximately 2.1 million kilograms of harmful C02 emissions.

Cathriona Hallahan, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said that it is the company’s mission is to empower every person and organisation on the planet to achieve more.

“By harnessing the power of technology, we can live out our mission in a way that protects our planet and our local communities,” she said.

“We are delighted therefore to partner with SSE Airtricity on this important project.

“Collectively we can take a step in the right direction and harness the power of innovative technology to help generate renewable energy and go some way towards offsetting carbon emissions.”

A key objective of the project is to educate students about the role they can play in combating climate change.

Digital screens have been set up in all 27 schools to enable the students to track energy use in real time and see the impact of the energy efficiency upgrades in their school.

Students from the schools will also participate in a programme designed to educate and inform young people about the challenges posed by climate change and the role technology can play in creating more sustainable communities across Ireland.

Daughter of missing Galway woman appeals for information 35 years on

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September 29, 2020

galway daily news carna missing woman barbara walsh

The daughter of missing Galway woman Barbara Walsh has issued an appeal for anyone with any information to contact the Gardaí so that the family can finally get closure.

Barbara Walsh went missing from her home Roisín na Mainiach in Carna, and her daughter Catherine Uí Chonghaile says that there were people in the house on the night she went missing who know what happened.

In an interview on Adhmhaidin on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta yesterday, Catherine raised questions over the length of time it took for the Gardaí to start investigating the disappearance.

She also said that on several occasions, the Gardaí said they had received letters to the station in Clifden from someone within the family discouraging them from investigating the case.

“Connemara is small … it’s over 35 years, but they could still come forward and say I know what happened that night, or I was there … anything,” Catherine said.

“It doesn’t matter how small, just to say it, this is going on too long.

“If anyone knows anything, go to the Gardaí … we need closure for ourselves and for the next generation of the family,” she said, and added that the family would even find solace in the recovery of a body at this stage.

Catherine said in the interview that there were a lot of people in the house on the night her mother went missing, but that there was no priest there, even though that had often been said.

“An aunt, an uncle, Dad, two Gardaí, it was said that there was a priest there, but there was no priest there that night.

“Most of the people who were there are dead now. There were plenty of people there, and they know what happened.”

The eldest of Barbara’s seven children, Catherine said that the last time she saw her mother she was preparing tea and sandwiches in the kitchen and that it was a few days before the children understood that their mother was gone.

“In the morning, we thought she was gone to the shop in Carna … we knew by the afternoon on Saturday that she was gone, but we didn’t understand really … we were only young.”

Catherine added that they had been told several times by the Gardaí that they had received letters to the station in Clifden from someone within the family discouraging them from investigating the case, although they have never seen these letters.

The family also had questions over the delay in starting the search for Barbara.

“The Gardaí were told about it and I suppose it took them two weeks before they started searching.

“We’re older now and we have children of our own, and we’re questioning why it took them so long to do something.”

Catherine described Barbara as being a kind mother, who had taught her children to swim on the beach and brought them on picnics and the like, and that it was impossible for them to imagine that she would just leave her seven children.

“A mother wouldn’t just leave the seven of us … Someone knows something, and they can just call the Gardaí in Clifden or in Galway.”

Galway gets yet another weather warning

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September 29, 2020

Galway Daily news No let up to rain with further weather warning for thunderstorms

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for rain in Galway which will come into effect this afternoon.

The warning will be in place from 4.00pm today until 12.00pm tomorrow, and will affect seven counties along the west and south coasts.

The weather experts say that spells of heavy rain will move from the West, giving 25 to 40 mm of rain and a risk of localised flooding.

The southwest will be the worst affected, as well as mountainous areas, but the warning will also apply to Clare, Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Waterford, and Wicklow.

Stay up to date with the latest weather warnings and forecasts on Galway Daily.

Would Gaming Industry Top 159B Revenue in 2020

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Angela Mc Bride

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September 29, 2020