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Clifden RNLI lifeboat called to boat on fire near Roundstone

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Clifden RNLI lifeboat called to boat on fire near Roundstone

The Clifden RNLI Lifeboat was called out to a Mayday on Monday afternoon after a boat caught fire in the waters near Roundstone.

The lifeboat was called out shortly before 3pm yesterday after a call from the Coast Guard about a rigid inflatable boat which has caught fire in Bertraghboy Bay near Roundstone.

The three people who were aboard the RIB has managed to evacuate to an inflatable lifeboat, before being taken under tow by a local fishing vessel.

They had been diving approximately three miles off shore when the incident happened.

Coast Guard Rescue 115 helicopter was also launched in response to this incident, and remained on the scene while the Clifden all-weather lifeboat dealt with the situation.

The RNLI crew escorted the casualties into Inishnee pier, where they were met by members of Cleggan Coast Guard.

The Aran Islands RNLI crew had also received a request to launch in response to this incident, but were stood down once it was clear the situation was under control, as was Clifden’s Atlantic 85 class inshore lifeboat.

“While this was obviously a very upsetting thing to happen, the boat was very well equipped and the sailors had taken every safety precaution to deal with an emergency scenario like this,” said Clifden RNLI Coxswain James Mullen.

“We wish them well and commend their quick actions and also of course the local vessel that went to their aid as quickly as possible, in what have could otherwise have been a disastrous incident today.”

 

image credit: RNLI/Nuala McAloon

City Council closes section of Dyke Road

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City Council closes section of Dyke Road

Galway City Council has removed access to a portion of the Dyke Road this week as part of the Council Mobility Team Covid-19 interventions in the City Centre.

The section of the Dyke Road approaching the Headford Road/ Dyke Road/ St. Brendan’s Avenue Junction has been blocked off with signage and temporary bollards.

These changes will provide a shorter wait time at the junction for pedestrians, and increased capacity for vehicles.

From here on, all southbound traffic on the road will be prohibited from approaching this junction with the Headford Road and St. Brendan’s Avenue.

Instead vehicles will have to turn left at the car park towards the Headford Road/ St. Bridget’s Place junction.

These changes are meant to remove a signal stage at the crossroads traffic lights, thus resulting in a reduced traffic time at the junction.

Controversial new bike parking racks have also been installed in this section of the road.

The right turn at the Courthouse coming from the Cathedral has also been restricted to Bus only from this week.

Coronavirus: 188 new COVID-19 cases, 13 of them in Galway

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

There have been no deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, but there have been 188 new confirmed cases.

There have now been a total of 33,121 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland, and the pandemic’s death toll remains at 1,792.

Of the cases reported today, 13 are in Galway, where the current county total, not including today’s cases stands at 607 cases.

“The spirit of the response to COVID-19 since the outset of this pandemic has been solidarity and cooperation,” Dr Ronan Glynn Acting Chief Medical Officer.

“While this pandemic is a uniquely challenging time for everyone, we can and will support one another in getting through this.”

“Encourage your family and friends to heed the public health advice. Now more than ever, we need to work collectively. Our individual actions count on a population level.”

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

Of the cases notified today:

  • 96 are men and 90 are women
  • 71% are under 45 years of age
  • 36% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
  • 19 cases have been identified as community transmission
  • 76 cases are in Dublin, 25 in Cork, 21 in Donegal, 16 in Kildare, 13 in Galway, 7 in Roscommon and 7 in Waterford, with the remaining 23 cases spread across 12 counties

“Every one of us doing our bit in our daily lives – halving our social contacts, working from home, keeping our distance, wearing a face covering, washing our hands – matters a great deal.

“These small, positive steps taken together amount to our best and strongest defence against the virus,” Dr Glynn said.

Ros na Rún returns to our screens for its Silver Jubilee

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Galway Daily television Ros na Rún returns to our screens for its Silver Jubilee

TG4’s Ros na Rún is returning to our screens this week, celebrating its Silver Jubilee with a major milestone of 25 seasons on the air.

As the only rural based Irish language drama series on Irish TV, Ros na Rún’s loyal audience will delight in another explosive season of gripping storylines set to the beat of rural Connemara.

Andy has just gotten away with murder and is free to roam the village, but while he has a wry smile on his face, there are many in the village quaking in their shoes that he’s free, not least of all Frances.

Malachaí is ready to propose to Frances, but in her fear of Andy she is more inclined towards the safety and protection of her ex-husband Tadhg.

The Daly household is still fraught with anxiety, manipulation, and fear as Mack is concerned about  his future with Dee, not to mention ensuring he has access to his daughter.

Fiach continues to try and out Dee and her gaslighting of Katy, but will either of them be able to outwit her.

Entertainment, intrigue, distraction, diversion, comedy and serious storylines of life in rural Ireland will continue to be the hallmarks of Ros na Rún’s highly talented script writers who’re renowned for creating many of Irish TV’s firsts in broadcast history. 

Central to the success of Ros na Rún are its core of seasoned actors, five of whom have been with the show since the beginning, whose characters at the forefront of many storylines.

Caitríona found herself in desperate straits last season, and the pressure doesn’t look likely to let up.

How long can she camouflage her lies and money issues, and who is she willing to bring down with her to save her own face?

Season 25 will see its leading characters continue to thrive while audiences will be shocked at some surprise deaths in the village, while some new faces will also be making themselves known.

Deceit, lies and manipulation will be par for the course in the fictional Gaeltacht village, as well as love, romance and plenty of belly aching laughter too as characters Bobbi Lee, David and Tony keep life in the village in a colourful light. 

“We’re so very proud to reach our Silver Jubilee,” says series producer Marion Ní Loingsigh.

She said this a “huge milestone” in independent television production history in Ireland, with over 160 people working together to turn out 82 episodes of drama reflecting life and society in rural Ireland.

“Our writers continue to empower the characters with exciting, controversial and fun storylines, and our actors continue to entertain our loyal audiences.

“It’s important for us in Ros na Rún that when audiences sit down to watch the series on TG4 that they’re captivated, but also get a good measure of weekly entertainment and season 25 certainly has all of this.”

Catch the first episodes of season 25 this Tuesday and Thursday on TG4 at 8:30pm, followed by an omnibus on Sunday evening at 7:30pm.

NUIG Students’ Union calls on local TDs to take meaningful action on student fees

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galway daily news students union nui galway fees letter
Emma Sweeney (NUIG Students’ Union Vice President/Education Officer), Róisín Nic Lochlainn (NUIG Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer) and Pádraic Toomey (NUIG Students’ Union President).

NUI Galway Students’ Union has joined USI and NUS-USI in the launch of the Education for All campaign which is calling for immediate action on Higher Education funding.

The organisation that represents 374,000 students across the island of Ireland has written an open letter to Minister Simon Harris asking him to take action on a number of key areas.

These include an end to the student contribution charge of €3,000 which is the highest in the EU, and a move toward publicly funded education at the heart of government policy.

It also calls for a publicly financed student accommodation building strategy and charter for
student tenant rights, and a reform of student supports across the island that match the cost of being a student in the new decade.

“We want to see an immediate reduction of €500 on the student contribution charge in Budget 2021,” said NUI Galway Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey.

“This charge, which is the highest in the EU is a major barrier to students accessing Higher education.

“Today students are calling on their TDs to sign up to a pledge which would commit them to campaigning on the issues outlined in the letter to Minister Harris. We are urging our local representatives to sign up to this pledge.”

NUI Galway Students’ Union Vice-President/Education Officer Emma Sweeney added that NUIG Students and their families are suffering greatly with job losses, financial uncertainty and continually increasing rent rates in Galway.

“We need our TD’s to take action on Higher education and not treat it as an afterthought,” she said.

“Every €1 invested in Higher Education delivers €4 to the wider economy. Galway is a student city and without our students the city will suffer hugely.”

Minister Harris launching NUIG developed Active Consent Toolkit for consent education

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Galway Daily news Minister Harris launching NUIG developed Active Consent Toolkit for consent education

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris is today launching the Active Consent Toolkit, developed at NUIG, which will be rolled out at colleges and universities around the country to improve students understanding of sexual violence, harassment, and consent.

This toolkit, developed by the Active Consent programme at NUIG, helps higher education institutes develop an Action Plan on consent, sexual violence and harassment.

It also address consent education on campus, and provides practical resources and research for colleges to create their own plan to address the issue.

The Toolkit has been developed by Active Consent based on the finding of the ‘Sexual Experiences Survey’ released in June 2020.

Minister Harris said that the results of this survey show that there is much work to be done about educating people on consent.

“We have to do more to raise awareness and support students, and the Active Consent Toolkit will greatly assist institutions in a really practical way.

“I want to see all of our higher education institutions further embed the Consent Framework into their policies and procedures so as to ensure a deep and lasting impact.

“All institutions have now been asked to develop and publish, by February next, specific institutional action plans on tackling sexual violence and harassment and provide an annual report on their progress in implementing the Framework.”

This complex picture of consent is demonstrated by findings from NUI Galway’s ‘Sexual Experiences Survey’ last June that have not been released before that include:

  • 37% of female college students and 53% of male college students gave a ‘neutral’ or ‘agree’ response when asked whether asking for consent is awkward.
  • 63% of female college students and 37% of male college students said they were ‘very likely’ to say something to intervene if a friend was taking a drunk person back to their room at a party.
  • 26% of female college students and 51% of male college students gave a ‘neutral’ or ‘agree’ response to the rape myth that, if a girl initiates kissing or hooking up, she should not be surprised if a guy assumes she wants to have sex.

Dr Padraig MacNeela, Co-Lead of the Active Consent Programme at NUIG said “Schools and colleges are important settings for education on positive, active consent that in turn works against tolerance of sexual violence and harassment.”

The Framework that has been developed for this toolkit is one of the “best strategies available” to help the Higher Education sector meet this challenge, and fulfil their potential she added.

Taking into account the impact of Covid-19, the Toolkit features a three stage programme for the 2020-21 academic year, all of which can be delivered online.

The first part of this programme, an online workshop, will be rolled out in 22 HEIs this Autumn for first year students.

An eLearning module, Sexual Violence and Harassment: How to Support Yourself and Your Peers, will also available for use from 15, October 2020.

Dr MacNeela said “By providing supports like the Consent Toolkit, we are asking our colleges to embrace change on all levels.

“To work together to meet the needs of those affected by sexual violence and harassment, and to promote a culture of positive, active consent consistent with healthy development.”

To receive a toolkit please email activeconsent@nuigalway.ie and for further information about the programme, visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/student-life/student-support/active-consent/ or on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/activeconsent/

Gardaí appeal for witnesses following Oranmore house fire

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Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí in Oranmore are appealing for witnesses and information concerning a house fire which occurred in the Tawin/Maree area last week.

The fire occurred at a house in Tawin island, Oranmore, which was unoccupied at the time, between 1am and 5am on Thursday, September 17.

Significant damage was caused to this house in the fire a Garda spokesperson said.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area during that period and who may have information to contact them.

In particular they are interested in speaking with anyone who may have observed a vehicle in the area, or anyone with video footage.

Inspector Brendan Carroll of Galway Garda Station said, “We are also appealing to taxi drivers who may have been working in the area at the time, who may have dash-cam footage, and to anyone else who was in the area and may have dash cam or video footage, to please make contact with us”.

Anyone with information that can assist Gardaí in their enquiries can contact Oranmore Garda Station on 091-388030, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Ground works for 50 bed ward at Portiuncula Hospital to be completed in May 2021

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Galway Daily news Massive backlog after bone scanner at Portiuncula Hospital broken for 2 years

Ground works to prepare for the construction of a new 50 bed ward at Portiuncula Hospital are expected to be completed by the end of next May a Galway TD has said.

Galway TD Denis Naughten has said that the Minister of Health has informed him that the expected completion date of the ground works is now May 25, 2021.

These works must take place before construction of the new Emergency Department can go ahead.

While COVID-19 played a role in the delayed timeline for delivering this new A&E, the Independent TD said, he also claimed there was also a failure by officials to follow through in a “timely manner” on commitments made regarding this project.

“It is now expected that construction of the new 50 bed ward block will be delayed until the middle of 2021, which is disappointing.”

“The reality of Covid-19 is that a new ward block is now more urgently required than ever to address the chaotic situation that many patients, and staff, have faced in the past in our local A&E Department.”

In an oral answer to Deputy Naughten’s parliamentary question on the status of the 50 bed ward, Minister Donnelly said that it is intended to start advertising for contractors in the final quarter of 2020.

However, while this would be undertaken with a view towards starting work in mid-2021, the Minister also cautioned that the final go ahead cannot be given until after the tender process, while looking at how the financial situation stands.

“The final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable, and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.”

“The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.”

Denis Naughten said, “This new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula will increase bed usage and can also provide additional beds in the hospital system.

“On a positive note the Radiology Flouroscopy room refurbishment and equipment replacement is expected to be completed in February.

He said this will significantly improve the quality of diagnosis in the hospital and assist the medical teams in treating patients.”

COVID-19 forces postponement of two Galway GAA semi-finals

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Galway Daily news

Two Galway GAA club championship semi-finals which were due to take place on Sunday had to be called off due to COVID-19.

Last weekend saw the Intermediate and Senior Club Championship semi-finals take place for both Football and Hurling.

But two games which were to take place on Sunday had to be postponed due to COVID-19 affecting

The Intermediate Football Semi-Final between Cortoon-Shamrocks and Dunmore McHales was postponed due to a member of one of the teams coming in close contact with a person with COVID-19.

The match was due to take place at 2pm in Tuam Stadium on Sunday, but Galway GAA were only able to notify fans of the postponement at approximately 1:20pm that day.

Galway GAA had already notified fans on Saturday that the Senior Hurling Championship match between Cappataggle and St. Thomas’ was being postponed.

This was due to a positive case of COVID-19 affecting a panel member.

The game was scheduled to take place at 1:30pm in Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

When this match is rescheduled, the winner will face off against Turloughmore in the final after they triumphed over Loughrea at Pearse Stadium that same day, with a final score of 2-17 to 1-17.

In the Intermediate Football Championship, Kilkerrin-Clonberne have made it through to the final after beating Killererin 0-11 to 0-7.

Coronavirus: 396 new confirmed cases, 12 in Galway

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

No further deaths related to the coronavirus have been reported today, but 396 new cases have been confirmed.

Twelve of the new cases are in Galway, while almost half of the cases are in Dublin.

In Cork there were 36 additional cases, 19 were confirmed in Donegal, 11 in Meath, 11 in Kildare and nine in Monaghan.

70% of the 396 people with Covid-19 are under the age of 45 and 26% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

Eighty-two people are currently in hospital with the disease, and 17 are in ICU.

Dr Ronan Glynn said that the cases we are reporting today were seeded in the last week.

“This virus spreads from person to person,” he said. “We now have a collective task across the country to break the chains of transmission and stop this virus from spreading further.

“Plan to see half the number of people this week that you saw last week. When you do meet, do so safely – keep your distance, wear a face covering if appropriate and wash your hands.

“Every individual action we take to interrupt the transmission of this disease keeps ourselves and our families safe.”

Spring 2021 start date for construction of extension to OPW Headford offices

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Galway Daily news Spring 2021 start date for construction of extension to OPW Headford offices

Work on an expansion of the Regional Headquarters for the OPW in Headford is progressing, with tenders for the construction contract expected to be issued within weeks.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that enabling works for the project, including the provision of temporary accommodation, should be completed in a matter of weeks.

Planning permission for the main project has already been secured, and “the pre-qualification of the main contractors is complete. The Minister expects construction to commence onsite in Spring 2021,” Canney said.

“I welcome this progress with this major investment in Headford. It will copperfasten Headford as the Regional Headquarters and maintain employment in the area.”

The new building for the OPW will also enhance the streetscape in Headford he added.

The full project involves the demolition of two existing office buildings at the south end of the site, to be replaced with a two storey, L-shaped office block with a floor area of 1,226m².

Another, smaller office block consisting of training and conference facilities will be altered and refurbished, while a maintenance fitting workshop will be replaced with one double the height.

“The OPW provide employment opportunities for many local people and this development which I initiated when in the Ministerial role is an important investment for Headford’.

Gambling Game Strategies: The Best Ways to Win

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Anyone who has ever played gambling games online will have dreamed about winning enough money to pack in their job and live in luxury for the rest of their life.

While the odds of achieving that feat are generally stacked against you, it is entirely feasible to make a tidy profit from gambling if you consistently employ the correct strategies.

Self-discipline undoubtedly plays a key role in this and many people struggle to embrace this ethos on a consistent enough basis when they are playing games online.

However, history has repeatedly shown that sticking to a specific strategy can be the difference between winning and losing in the gambling world.

Knowing which strategy to employ is not easy, particularly with the internet often containing conflicting advice about the best way to play certain games.

With that in mind, we look at five different gambling games and offer up the strategies that we believe will maximise your chances of winning money on a regular basis.

Bingo

Whether you are a novice or an expert player, finding out how to win at bingo is a skill that is well worth learning if you want to keep your bankroll ticking over. 

One of the best strategies you can implement in bingo is to avoid playing games when you are in competition with hundreds or thousands of other people.

While the jackpots will be much larger when there are more players, the odds on you winning the big prize are much smaller.

Another sensible tactic to employ is to purchase multiple cards for each game. For instance, let’s say that there are 50 players in a game who have bought six tickets each.

That would be a total of 300 tickets, with each player having an equal chance of winning. However, if you purchased another 12 tickets you would increase the odds of winning in your favour.

Playing lower value games can also pay huge dividends, with many players often steering away from these as they chase big money wins higher up the scale.

Slots

If you are planning to play any gambling games online it is important to adopt the same mentality as a professional player if you want to make a regular profit.

While that ethos may seem like a strange one to apply to slots, it can pay huge dividends if you are prepared stay disciplined and stick to the plan.

Many slot players make the mistake of blowing their bankroll in just a few spins, but this tactic rarely delivers the desired results.

Pro players implement a strategy that covers at least 250 spins in a single session, thus greatly increasing their chances of hitting a big jackpot.

It is also important to be selective about the slot games you play, particularly with regards to thinking about the Return to Player (RTP) percentage being offered.

It makes sense to choose slots that have an RTP of 96 percent or above as this will help to increase your chances of securing a profit.

Roulette

galway daily gambling roulette

When it comes to gambling game strategies there is probably no more famous staking method than the Martingale System in roulette.

The mathematics behind the system guarantees that you will eventually make a profit providing you do not deviate from it in any way whatsoever.

The Martingale strategy requires you to bet on either black or red in roulette and continue to double your stake after each losing bet until you hit your chosen colour.

For instance, you could bet €10 at Evens on the ball landing on black. If it lands on red, you wager €20 on the next spin and so on until black comes up.

If it landed on black on the second spin your return would be €40 – giving you a profit of €10 on your total outlay. You then revert to your original stake and start the process again.

Providing you have sufficient funds to withstand a long losing streak, the Martingale system is a proven way to make a profit from gambling games.

Blackjack

 

Blackjack is a fairly simple game to learn, but in order to truly master it properly you must be prepared to work hard at your craft.

Before you part with real money it is important to familiarise yourself with terms such as table selection, table limits, bankroll, doubling down and splitting pairs.

Once you have those key elements in place, take some time to learn what is known as ‘basic strategy’ and do not deviate from it.

Basic strategy provides you with the optimum way to play hands in any given situation and greatly improves the odds in your favour.

Applying perfect basic strategy cuts the casino’s edge to just 0.5 percent, thus increasing your chances of winning at blackjack.

Memorising the key elements of basic strategy will soon have you playing like a blackjack professional and will help to eliminate mistakes from your game.

Texas Hold’em Poker

Television broadcasts have helped to glamorise Texas Hold’em poker, making it appear like a game that everyone can make a profit from.

However, the reality is somewhat different, with many players lacking the necessary discipline needed to be regularly successful at poker.

The majority of pro players admit that they are constantly learning different gameplay strategies, helping them to stay ahead of their rivals.

Whether you play cash games or tournaments, if you want to win at poker you need to get into the mindset of folding the majority of your hands.

Playing premium hands such as AA, KK, QQ, JJ and AK suited will improve your chances of making a profit from Texas Hold‘em.

While bluffing also plays a part in poker, heading into a big pot with a strong hand gives you a greater chance of coming out of the other side with the chips in your stack.

Coronavirus: No further deaths, 274 cases confirmed today

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

No further deaths related to Covid-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today, but there are 274 new confirmed cases of the illness in the Republic.

Over half of the new cases are in Dublin (166) as the county begins three weeks of increased restrictions.

Twenty-one cases are in Cork, and there were 19 cases in Donegal, seven in Kildare, seven in Offaly, six in Waterford, six in Wicklow, five in Louth, five in Limerick and five in Meath.

The remaining 27 cases are located across 12 counties, which are not named.

Of the cases notified today, 65% are under 45 years of age and 52% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

There are now 16 people with COVID-19 in ICU, and 74 people in hospitals with the disease.

According to the latest figures for Galway, there have been 593 cases in the county.

Hospital statistics

Total number of cases 32,264
Total number hospitalised 3,500
Total number admitted to ICU 457
Total number of deaths 1,535
Total number of healthcare workers 8,968
Number clusters notified 3,433
Cases associated with clusters 17,965
Median age 45

 

14-day Covid incidence rate for local areas revealed in new data

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galway daily news electoral covid areas map

New figures released by the Department of Health today shows that just one local electoral area in Galway had a higher 14-day Covid incidence rate than national average in the first two weeks of September.

During this period, the Covid rate per 100,000 people in Conamara South LEA was 56.2, while the rate for the Republic as a whole was 52.8.

Twelve cases in total were confirmed in the Conamara South Electoral Area in from 1 to 14 September, from a population of 21,341.

Elsewhere, the rate was lower – in Galway City East, it stood at 18.8, while Galway City Central had a rate of 26.2 and it was less than 5 in Galway City West.

The data also shows that the 14-day Covid incidence rate was 15.2 in Athenry – Oranmore LEA and 36.2 in Tuam LEA.

Gort, Kinvara, Ballinasloe and Conamara North Local Electoral Areas all had less than 5 cases per 100,000.

Announcing the new data, which can be found in an interactive map HERE, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said: “I understand that people really want to know more detailed information about this virus, how it is affecting their communities, and those around the country as a whole.

“The COVID-19 Data Hub now offers regularly updated Local Electoral Area data in order to fulfil this very real desire that is out there for transparency around this virus and its impact.

“Transparency is a key cornerstone of Ireland’s response to this pandemic. At this crucial time, it matters more than ever.”

Fundraiser to help local man beat cancer nears €50,000 in donations

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galway daily kevin quinn fundraiser galway

A fundraiser set up for a local man who was diagnosed with bladder cancer earlier this year is closing in on €50,000.

In February, Kevin Quinn was diagnosed with Stage 3 urachal adenocarcinoma – a rare and aggressive form of bladder cancer.

The fundraiser has raised over €43,000 to date and is closing in on its first target of €50,000 after receiving more than 320 donations.

There have only been 300 medically documented cases of urachal adenocarcinoma, making up less than 1% of all bladder cancers.

It’s unclear how long Kevin’s treatments will be needed as the prognosis drastically changes for patients that present with advanced stages of this disease.

The campaign is to help ease the financial burdens and donations will help to cover medical costs and other necessities for Kevin and his wife Joy.

As well as the GoFundMe campaign, his local Kevin’s local hurling club in Ballinderreen is hosting a fundraiser walk until 7pm today (Saturday).

How your donation will help Kevin

It costs around €30,000 for treatments just for 1 year, here’s a sample of some of them:
– Mistletoe Therapy (in Germany) €13,800
– Supplements: €1,000 per month
– Chemo: €200 every 3x weeks
– Ozone and hypothermia therapy: €350 per week
– Hyperbolic oxygen chamber: €3,600 for 60 sessions
– Vitamin C IV: €1,000 per week for 3x months

Help Kevin beat cancer – donate HERE!

Galway awarded over €1 million to refurbish vacant social housing

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Galway Daily news Planning permission extended to build 113 houses in Moycullen

Galway City and County Councils have been awarded over a million euro between them to refurbish vacant, council owned social housing so it can be let out again.

The City Council will receive €666,000 to refurbish 68 units, consisting of 51 standard units, 9 homeless units, and 8 long term units.

The County Council has been awarded €382,000 to refurbish 23 units, including 15 standard units, two units for homeless families, and six long term units.

“As well as providing homes for families on the housing list, including homeless households, the funding is a much-needed boost for local businesses that will be contracted to carry out the refurbishments,” Galway Senator Seán Kyne said.

This funding is part of almost €40 million which has been allocated nationally to refurbish social housing under the Voids Stimulus programme.

The average cost of refurbishing a standard unit is €11,500, homeless voids cost an average of €17,300 and long-term voids have an average cost of €47,000.

Nationwide this funding will be used to bring up to 2,500 social housing units back into use.

“I am very glad to see such an uptake in the scheme and at such a swift pace,” Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said.

“The Department is now in a position to approve applications and Local Authorities can get to work in bringing vacant social housing units back into use.”

“I have made it very clear that I want to see works carried out and all units allocated by the end of this year and local authorities will be providing status updates to the Department.”

“We know that COVID-19 has had an impact on housing delivery targets this year so the refurbishment and re-letting of voids is vitally important.”

“I would like to thank local authorities for their engagement with this programme and urge them to refurbish and re-let their units as soon as possible.”

Bomb squad removes viable device in Knocknacarra

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Galway Daily news Bomb squad removes viable device in Knocknacarra

A viable explosive device was discovered in the Knocknacarra area of the city last night, and was removed by the Defence Forces bomb squad.

At approximately 7pm on Friday evening, Gardaí responded to reports of a suspicious device in the Knocknacarra area of the city.

The army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was called, and attended the scene.

They deemed the device to be viable, before removing it for destruction and analysis.

Gardaí say that investigations are continuing.

 

image credit: Defence Forces via Facebook

Submit to the magic of Macnas as the Gilgamesh Experience starts to unfold

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Galway Daily arts & culture Submit to the magic of Macnas as the Gilgamesh Experience starts to unfold

Macnas, the masters of storytelling and spectacle, are back as the legend of Gilgamesh starts to unfold via the Gilgamesh Experience on Macnas.com and on the streets of Galway this week.

The legend of Gilgamesh will play out online in the lead up to the indoor show in March and firmly roots the world of the characters in the city and landscape of Galway.

It all starts here https://gilgamesh.macnas.com/ with the reveal of the first in a series of specially commissioned films by cinematographer Colm Hogan.

And Friday saw the story spill onto the streets with the central character of UTA – the one who cannot die – wandering through Galway, with the same character appearing in a stunning mural which went up overnight on the corner of Bridge Street and Dominick Street.

Submit to the magic of Macnas as the Gilgamesh Experience starts to unfold
credit: Julia Dunin Photography

The coming months will see more surprise, unannounced pop up live moments in the city.

A dramatic new interpretation of the world’s oldest story, Gilgamesh is a Galway 2020 commission for the European Capital of Culture celebrations and sees Macnas take its traditional theatre and storytelling into new outdoor, indoor and digital territories, bringing the contemporary themes of this ancient origin story to life.

Earlier this year AIB was announced as the Official Community Partner of Macnas, helping bring the experience to life. The bank is also the main sponsor of Gilgamesh, a Galway 2020 commission.

The story centres on Gilgamesh, a young tyrannical king who rules the majestic city of Uruk. Superhuman – two thirds God, one third man, Gilgamesh is obsessed with fame.

A  cruel and unjust king, he wants to find the secret to immortality become a God and live forever.

The citizens of Uruk cry out to the Gods for help. The Gods listen and create Enkidu, a wild man sent to challenge and rival Gilgamesh.

Artistic Director of Macnas, Noeline Kavanagh said “Gilgamesh is epic and Macnas does epic so get ready people… Gilgamesh is coming.”

Over the coming months, the Gilgamesh Experience will see audiences follow this bored, beautiful and tyrannical young man in his quest to live forever.

From the city of Uruk to bogs and deserts, from the Underworld to meet the mighty Gods. See him forge battles, wreak havoc on his citizens and meet his match in the wild warrior Enkidu.

Gilgamesh will come alive on your screens, in the west of Ireland where the ancient Euphrates meets the Atlantic Ocean, and burst out onto the streets of Galway city and county.

credit: Julia Dunin Photography

Audiences can also experience the adventure live and follow the story out into the wilds of rural Galway in December; and in March 2021 see it played out in the Black Box Theatre.

Patricia Philbin, CEO Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture, said “Macnas is a formidable company that has always been exciting and ambitious, pushing the boundaries of theatre and storytelling.

“Gilgamesh is a project which challenges these possibilities even further, working in a new way and exploring new platforms.”

“We are excited to see it unfold across Galway and online as part of our European Capital of Culture celebrations.  Audiences are in for a treat.”

Macnas is working with celebrated playwright Marina Carr who is joined by Tony Award-nominated designer Julian Crouch, co-designer Orla Clogher and costume designer Cherie White, with music and soundscapes from composer and sound designer Nick Powell. Executive Producer is Artichoke.

Coronavirus: 3 deaths and spike in Galway cases

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

There have been 3 additional deaths related to COVID-19 reported by NPHET today, and 253 new confirmed coronavirus cases.

There have now been a total of 32,271 confirmed cases in the Republic of Ireland, and the coronavirus pandemic has claimed 1,792 lives.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 5 previously confirmed cases.

Of the cases reported today, 14 are in Galway, the largest single day increase in cases Galway has had since mid-May.

This is the same amount as reported in Cork today, and behind only Kildare and Dublin.

The latest county totals, which do not include today’s figures, show a cumulative total of 578 cases in Galway.

The HSE is working to identify any contacts the patients may have had to provide them with information and advice to prevent further spread.

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

Of the cases notified today:

  • 143 are men and 108 are women
  • 71% are under 45 years of age
  • 45% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
  • 61 cases have been identified as community transmission
  • 116 in Dublin, 22 in Kildare, 14 in Cork, 14 in Galway, 13 in Donegal, 10 in Limerick, 10 in Louth, 9 in Mayo, 8 in Waterford, 7 in Wicklow and the remaining 30 cases are located in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Tipperary, Westmeath

“I’m very afraid” – Senator on the rise of the far-right in Ireland

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Galway Daily news government accused of using money message to block opposition legislation

People must stand together in solidarity if the country is to deal with its growing far-right problem, an Independent senator has said today.

Senator Eileen Flynn said that she is ‘very afraid’ of the growing far-right movement in the country following violent protests in recent weeks.

“I hold great fears for the future if we don’t stand together against hate and division,” she said.

Far-right groups have capitalised on the Covid-19 crisis to grow their movements across Ireland and Europe since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Independent senator said that we need to deal with the problem now – or we will ‘live to regret it’.

“We don’t have to agree on everything,” said Senator Flynn. “We don’t have to agree on economics and social policies but this great threat should unify us as a country and as people.

“There is no place in our country for an agenda that divides us from each other. And this seems to be the aim – to pit neighbour against neighbour, brother against brother, sister against sister.”

The Independent Senator added that the only way to fight this is to stand together against it.

“I know I do not have to remind anyone in this house of our proclamation and our powerful pledge as a nation, to treasure all the children of the nation equally.

“When I was a child, my mother would always say to me blowing out someone else’s candle won’t make yours shine any brighter.

“And she was right – it’s by helping others that will make your candle shine brighter.

“We have seen protests on the streets of our country in recent weeks – that have drawn members of far-right parties, sometimes including speakers from far-right parties.

“We have seen instances of violence on our streets – we have seen our tricolour being used in these violent protests.”