Can Galway United make it four wins in a row?

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September 18, 2020

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

Planning permission has been refused for a housing development in Moycullen which attracted heavy opposition from locals who said there is already enough housing planned for the area.

Baile Uí Choirc Fearainn Teoranta planned to build a 48 unit residential development, with a café and creche, at Ballyquirke, Moycullen, at the east end of the village.

The plans, which were reduced from their original scale, included 13 one and two bed independent living units specifically designed for the elderly, along with 34 other houses.

The developer cited the likelihood that people will be wary about putting relatives in nursing homes for some to come as likely to cause increased demand for this type of accommodation for older people.

The county council received a total of 25 public submissions objecting to the development for multiple reasons.

Locals were particularly against a development that is over 90 percent housing, when the land is zoned Village Central/Commercial.

It was also noted that planning permission has already been granted for over 300 residential units in the Moycullen area by the county council recently, making it especially important that if this land is built up, it should be to expand the village’s commercial core.

There were nine main reasons city by Galway County Council for refusing planning permission for the development.

The council said it was not satisfied that the site wasn’t a flood risk based on the information received, and was also not satisfied the development wouldn’t have an adverse environmental and ecological impact on Lough Corrib and Galway Bay Complex conservation areas.

In addition, the county council criticised the proposed design and layout, citing the “undesirable location of the public open space to the rear of the site”, and that the development fails to “satisfactorily integrate with and relate to” adjacent developments.

The design’s failure in “adequately reinforcing the existing urban form of Maigh Cuillinn, contributing to a sense of place, or perpetuating existing or creating new connected streets and public spaces,” would make it contrary to proper planning and sustainable development the county council said.

The council also said that, since the lands are zoned Village Centre-C1, “it is considered that the mix proposed in the development at 92% residential and 8% commercial does not provide for the appropriate development response to give effect to the zoning objectives of this site.”

Roscommon-Galway TD launches new survey on household debt

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September 18, 2020

Galway Daily news Galway TD calls for full restoration of Pandemic Unemployment Payment

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has launched a new survey today which aims to examine the reality of household debt and how it impacts peoples lives.

Deputy Kerrane said that we need to put household debt on the agenda and ‘ensure that it gets the serious attention that it deserves’.

“Over the last seven months, many people right across the State have lost their jobs and faced a sudden wipe-out of their income,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“Thousands have been laid off temporarily and placed on an income below what they were earning pre-Covid.

“Households have seen their energy bills soar as they spend more time at home than usual.”

The Roscommon-Galway TD argued that supports introduced since Covid hit, such as the so-called ‘mortgage holiday’ did nothing but increase mortgage costs for families.

She said that workers and families have been under immense pressure and where they might have just been managing to get by before Covid, they are struggling now in an unprecedented way.

“Before we ever heard of Covid, Ireland had the fifth highest household debt in the EU. Yet, this has never been tackled by Government. It isn’t even talked about.”

The survey, which can be found HERE, also aims to examine what needs to change to give people the support they need.

“We need to support workers and families at this crucial time,” added Deputy Kerrane.

“Some may be struggling with day-to-day costs for the very first time. For others, life was already a financial struggle prior to Covid and the pandemic has only made it even harder.

“I am asking people to take part in my Household Debt survey so we can ascertain the true level of household debt and establish what needs to happen to address this.”

Banned novel by Liam O’Flaherty republished 87 years on

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September 18, 2020

the martyr liam o'flaherty — Photo: NYPL Digital Gallery/Wikipedia

Inis Mór writer Liam O’Flaherty’s banned novel The Martyr has been republished by Nuascéalta, eighty-seven years since its first and only publication in 1933.

With the republication of the novel, Nuascéalta has completed its epic task of bringing back the last three major O’Flaherty novels banned by the Irish state.

The other two novels reprinted were the first book on the index, the Galway novel The House of Gold, and O’Flaherty’s insightful and scathing Hollywood satire Hollywood Cemetery.

O’Flaherty’s novels, mainly written in the 1920s and 30s, address significant events in Irish history and the newly emerging Free State.

The Martyr gives O’Flaherty’s take on the battle to control the country’s destiny. The novel written just ten years after the civil war, and published in 1933, brings to life the nationwide Free State attack on the anti-Treaty forces.

One such offensive was the landing at Fenit in Kerry. Liam O’Flaherty fictionalises this event at ‘Carra Point’ and ‘Sallytown’ (Tralee).

Events around the Free State troop landing and its sequel are seen through the eyes of Sallytown’s defenders and its townspeople, clerical and lay.

In the author’s imaginative reconstruction of this real Civil War encounter, professional Free State troops face Sallytown’s ill-trained, badly-led and poorly equipped volunteer defenders.

The historical characters given prominence in this novel are the somewhat uncomplimentary portrayal of Constance Markievicz, and the title giving Terence Mac Sweeney, whilst erstwhile comrades find themselves on the opposing sides of this tragic conflict.

The total ineffectiveness of Sallytown’s Republican leader is rooted in Catholic nationalism, an issue of immediate relevance to O’Flaherty at the time he wrote the book.

A dialogue between this leader and his Free State army torturer paves the way for the novel’s startling ending.

The Liam & Tom O’Flaherty Society has welcome the publication, which makes the entirety of Liam O’Flaherty’s novelistic work available and moves towards the restoration of the panorama of Liam O’Flaherty’s works for a global audience.

This weekend’s weather forecast for Galway

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September 18, 2020

The dry and bright weather is set to continue over this weekend, with tomorrow looking like it will be another pleasant day, and sunshine forecast for across the country on Sunday.

The rest of today (Friday) will be dry and mostly sunny, although it could be hazy at times. Despite the sunshine, it is cooler than in recent days with the highest temperatures this afternoon reaching of 17 to 20 Celsius.

Tonight will be dry with clear spells in light, locally moderate northeast breezes. Some mist and fog patches will develop towards dawn and temperatures will generally be between 7 to 9 Celsius generally but could dip to 5 or 6 Celsius locally inland.

The mist and fog will lift tomorrow (Saturday) morning and it will be another dry bright day with sunny spells. It is expected to be slightly cooler than today however, with temperatures reaching 15 to 17 Celsius in the afternoon.

As for Sunday, there won’t be a cloud in the sky in the afternoon, with sunshine forecast across Ireland. Temperatures could reach up to 18 degrees in with light easterly breezes.

After the fog clears on Monday morning it looks set to be another dry day with sunshine to begin, but it will turn cloudier in the West by lunch time.

Galway people urged to Support Local and Donate Local by Going up the Hill for Jack & Jill

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September 18, 2020

6. Cathy Keighery, Galway — Pictured at Coole Park, Gort, Co. Galway, is Cathy Keighery, Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse for Galway, Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation

Galway people have been asked to support local and donate local by going ‘Up the Hill for Jack & Jill’ this October.

Funds raised will go towards the home nursing care of Jack & Jill children around the country with highly complex medical and life-limiting conditions, including 23 children in Galway.

The fundraiser is part of an SOS appeal underway to fill a €200,000 funding gap and to extend the age range of children supported by the charity from five to six years of age.

Jack & Jill’s frontline home nursing care and end-of-life care is more important than ever, given the lack of respite options in the community for the extra-special children it supports.

“Up the Hill for Jack & Jill” will be very different this October compared with previous years due to the pandemic – there are no big hill events being organised, and instead participants must keep their challenge small, safe and local.

People can walk, skip, jog, cycle or climb their chosen hill, with some people opting to climb the stairs and count their steps at work throughout the month.

People can register at www.jackandjill.ie for €16 which funds one hour of home nursing care and end-of-life care. No sponsorship card is required.

Funds raised locally, stay locally

For Cathy Keighery, Jack & Jill Specialist Children’s Liaison Nurse for Galway, every €16 raised will make a real difference to the family of a child being cared for.

“Every day our families have their own hill to climb at home,” she said. “With ‘Up the Hill for Jack and Jill’, we are asking people to physically climb a hill in solidarity with those who can’t.

“It’s about neighbour helping neighbour, friend helping friend and that community support really means so much to our families and our nurses.”

Cathy added that it’s very simple to get involved this year, and the hill you climb can be whatever you want it to be – a gentle slope, a mountain peak, or a simple walk with a friend.

“We are determined that this is one fundraising event that COVID-19 won’t flatten! Every person taking part contributes the cost of one hour of home nursing care.

“That one hour, along with all the other hours fundraised, makes a huge difference to the lives of the local families who receive ongoing support from Jack & Jill nurses.”

Carmel Doyle, CEO of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, added that as a charity, they need a big push up our fundraising hill in 2020 and beyond.

“Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we are determined to extend the age range of children we support from birth to six years of age, up from five years of age currently,” she said.

“We have started to roll this out by way of a pilot scheme and are committed to continuing this into 2021. Our families rely on our support now more than ever. So, we are asking people to support local and donate local and to help us climb this hill together.”

For more information on the work of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, visit www.jackandjill.ie.

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation can also be found on Instagram @jackandjillcf, on Twitter @jackandjillcf, and on Facebook @jackandjillfoundation. The campaign hashtag is #UpTheHill2020

Two city parks awarded Green Flag status in 2020

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September 18, 2020

Galway Daily life & style Two city parks awarded Green Flag status in 2020

Two parks in Galway City have been awarded Green Flag environmental award this year for the quality of their visitor attractions and green space management.

The Children’s Millennium Park by the Cathedral and the Quincentennial Park in Salthill have both been awarded the Green Flag this year.

The Green Flag Awards are judged every year by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, and community involvement.

In Ireland, the international awards are managed by An Taisce, which chose 84 parks and green spaces this year, more than double the number last year.

The Children’s Millennium Park has retained the status is received in 2019, and the Quincentennial Park won it for the first time after getting spruced up this summer.

The Circle of Life Memorial Garden at Quincentennial Park underwent fresh planting, clipping, and all round tidying in July, courtesy of workers from Salthill Men’s Shed, Harris Landscaping, the Community Employment Scheme, and the city council.

Number of engaging online events planned for Bike Week 2020

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September 18, 2020

A number of engaging events are planned for Bike Week 2020, which begins tomorrow, Saturday 19 September and runs until Sunday 27 September.

Streaming events, social media events, social media engagement, online videos, and podcasting are some of the ways Galway Cycling Campaign will engage people in everyday cycling during Bike Week.

Galway city and county councils awarded Galway Cycling Campaign funds for or a range of events over the course of the eight days.

“We’re disappointed that with Covid-19 restrictions, it’s not possible to offer people as many changes to engage with us face to face,” said Martina Callanan, Deputy Chairperson.

“Since March we’ve hosted many online events and we’re pleased to offer a terrific programme with high profile guest speakers on a range of everyday cycling topics, as well as creative ways for people to share their everyday cycle journeys.”

Dutch Ambassador to Ireland, HE Adriaan Palm will be the special guest at a lunchtime webinar on Thursday 24 September on ‘Bike Parking Means Business: investing in bicycle parking is investing in local and loyal customers.’

Ambassador Palm will be joined by a Dutch expert and CEO of Dublin Town, Richard Guiney, and the event will be of particular interest to local businesses and retailers across Galway.

On Friday lunchtime, Matthew Baldwin, the first European Coordinator for Road Safety and DG MOVE Deputy Director General, will be the key speaker at a webinar on road safety and why cities across Europe are embracing 30kmph speed limits in retail, recreational and residential areas. He will also discuss the challenges and opportunity for active travel during coronavirus.

Matthew will be joined by Ellen Townsend, Policy Director of the European Transport Safety Council.

The ETSC has called for the greater roll-out of 30km/h speed limits in towns and cities.

The finale for Bike Week will be a special covideo party of MOTHERLOAD on Sunday 27 September at 7.30pm.

This 86 minute documentary from the USA captures a new mother’s quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of modern life, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote. It won a Sundance Special Jury Prize in 2019.

Filmmaker Liz Canning cycled everywhere until her twins were born in 2008. Motherhood was challenging and hauling babies via car felt stifling.

She googled ‘family bike’ and discovered people using cargo bikes: long-frame bicycles designed for carrying heavy loads. Liz set out to learn more, and documented her journey.

MOTHERLOAD will be streamed online and people are invited to join in the conversation using the hashtag #MOTHERLOADGalway.

Director Liz Canning will join a panel of health and urban liveability experts for a post-screening discussion and Q&A on Zoom.

All online event details and Zoom registration links are available at www.galwaycycling.org

There will be two virtual events on social media with prizes for creative participation. Galway will join the annual international “Fancy Women Bike Ride’ of women reclaiming streets by celebrating cycling on Tuesday 22 September. Teenage girls, mums and older women are especially invited to post videos and photos on social media of cycling with family and friends and tag @GalwayCycling plus #FancyWomenGalway.

On Saturday 26 September, Galway Cycling Campaign will host a virtual Pedal Parade. This is a call to people of all ages and abilities who cycle a wide range of bicycles to be visible on our streets, city, towns and in society. Post videos on social media of videos and photos and tag @GalwayCycling plus #PedalParadeGalway.

There will be prizes for creative participation of bike racks, baskets, panniers and high quality bike lights and bells.

60 complaints to Ombudsman For Children’s Office in 2019 came from Galway

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September 18, 2020

galway daily news oco ombudsman for children

Sixty complaints were made to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office (OCO) in 2019 from the Galway region, the latest annual OCO report has revealed.

This represents 4% of the total number of complaints received by the OCO, while 28% came from Dublin.

The Office received 1,503 complaints in total – a decrease from 1,622 complaints in 2018, however 49% of the complaints in 2019 related to education, up from 42% in 2018.

Of those complaints, 75% related to schools, 17% to the Department of Education and Skills and 4% were associated with other educational agencies such as the State Examinations Commission.

The OCO’s 2019 Annual Report also revealed that 20% of complaints related to Family Support Care and Protection, a decrease of 4% on 2018.

The proportion of complaints received by the OCO that related to the health services also decreased last year from 16% in 2018 to 14% in 2019.

Complaints received by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office in 2019:

49%	Education
20%	Family Support Care and Protection
14%	Health
6%	Justice
5%	Housing and Planning
6%	Other

Speaking about the 2019 Annual Report, Ombudsman for Children Dr Niall Muldoon said that the rise in the percentage of complaints relating to education shows that while significant work and development has taken place in this area, there are still many children and families who are unhappy with the way the education system is supporting them.

“In 2019, 5% of the complaints we received were about housing, representing no change on the previous year,” said Dr Niall Muldoon.

“Access to suitable housing was the main issue raised, which includes local authority housing allocation, suitable housing for children with disabilities, emergency homeless accommodation, medical priority allocation and general transfer issues.

“We also launched “No Place Like Home” in 2019 to highlight the feelings and concerns of children living in Family Hubs.”

The Annual Report reveals how the OCO raised the case of Maria with Tusla, a young person with complex needs who complained to the Office about her experiences in an emergency hostel.

Without a proper home, Maria found herself walking the streets day and night with nothing to do. She was also exposed to drink and drug misuse and was sexually exploited during this time.

The OCO was very concerned about the model of care provided to vulnerable young people like Maria.

After engaging with Tusla, it was confirmed to the Office that a 24-hour service would be provided and that a number of residential respite centres to support children living at home or in foster care that require additional supports to maintain their placement had been developed.

Another of the case studies featured in the 2019 Annual Report details how the OCO worked on behalf of the parent of Conor, a teenager with a diagnosis of autism, depression and anxiety, who had been staying in a paediatric ward for nearly five months.

Conor’s parent was concerned about the inappropriate nature of the hospital placement, the delay in the HSE securing an appropriate place for him to stay and a lack of proper supports to help him.

Conor had little exercise, no access to education, limited therapeutic input and his only social interaction was with staff and parental visits.

The OCO met with Conor in hospital and raised these concerns with the HSE, resulting in more proactive planning by the HSE for Conor’s care but it was still nine months after his admission that the HSE secured an individual placement for him supported, by a private care services provider.

Dr Niall Muldoon added: “During 2019 we continued to place the rights and welfare of children to the fore in all our work.

“The second annual Child Talks event took place offering children an opportunity to talk about a right that is particularly important to them.

“We also hosted Beyond Limits; an event aimed at empowering young people with disabilities with over 1,000 children, parents, siblings, carers and those working with people with disabilities in attendance.”

Four-bed home in a much desired family area

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September 18, 2020

Galway Daily property Four-bed home in a much desired family area

Beautifully situated in a quiet residential area, this 4-bedroom detached house in Rahoon would be ideal as a family home due to its close proximity to schools and the city centre.

O’Donnellan & Joyce are offering house hunters the unmissable opportunity to get their hands on 25 Cedrwood Close at public auction this Friday, 18 September at the Harbour Hotel in Galway City – also live streaming on their website and social media channels.

The wonderful 105.2 m² property is situated in one of the most sought after areas in the whole country due to its relaxed residential vibe and proximity to the city centre.

It would be an ideal home for a family, as it is near Taylor’s Hill Road and Threadneedle Road where a number of notable primary and secondary schools are within easy reach.

It is in need of some modernisation – but the lovely property makes up for this by boasting the unusual feature of a large basement, allowing ample storage space or room to extend into.

With parking space at the front and a gated driveway as well as a garden, the house has a lovely bright sitting room with a solid fuel open fireplace and a large window which overlooks the front lawn- allowing lots of natural light.

The kitchen has a tiled floor and looks on to a spacious back garden.

There are two double bedrooms and two single bedrooms, and carpet stairs leading to the landing which accommodates the hot press and access to the attic.

In terms of the location, 25 Cedarwood Close is perfect for those who long to be close to everything the city has to offer, and Highfield Park is just a leisurely stroll from Salthill Promenade and beaches.

And its proximity to Galway Lawn Tennis Club, Blackrock Diving Tower, Galway Golf Club and the wonderful facility of Leisureland, as well as many other amenities, make it all the more appealing.

To see more of this fantastic property, check out: odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/25-cedarwood-close-highfield-park-rahoon-galway-city/4447205

September Auction

O’Donnellan & Joyce’s next public auction will take place on Friday, September 18 at the Harbour Hotel, New Dock Road, in Galway City, starting from 12pm.

To see the incredible homes and other properties in Galway and around the country that could be yours, consult the auction catalogue at odonnjoyce.com/auction/properties/3785.

There are 28 properties on the block in Galway city and in towns, villages and rural areas around the county including apartments, houses, and three former Garda Stations.

Register now to bid by phone, internet or via proxy. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no in person attendance will be allowed, but this auction will be live streamed through O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website and social media channels.

Coronavirus: 240 new cases confirmed and one further death

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September 17, 2020

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

One more death related to COVID-19 has been reported to the Department of Health, as well as 240 new cases of the disease.

Almost half of the new cases are in Dublin (119) and at least one new case was confirmed in Galway.

As of midnight on Tuesday, there were 574 cases in the county – an increase of six on the previous day.

Of today’s cases, 61% are under 45 years of age and 47% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

Dr Ronan Glynn noted that 50% of today’s cases are in Dublin, and that we are now seeing a higher proportion of cases in older age groups.

“Act now to save lives. Limit your contacts as much as possible,” he said.

“Assume you and those you meet are infectious, keep your distance and do your part to keep others safe.”

There have now been 1,789 deaths related to COVID-19 in the State, and 32,023 cases have been confirmed.

Hospital statistics

Total number of cases	31,783
Total number hospitalised	3,477
Total number admitted to ICU	454
Total number of deaths	1,531
Total number of healthcare workers	8,943
Number clusters notified	3,156
Cases associated with clusters	17,206
Median age	45

Galway City Council awards €425,000 in arts grants

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September 17, 2020

Galway Daily arts & culture Galway City Council awards €425,000 in arts grants

Galway City Council has awarded €425,000 in grants to over 60 arts organisations this week.

The 2020 Arts Grants (Organisations) approved by the city council this week is the full budget which was agreed on before the pandemic.

Despite the affect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the city’s finances, the council said that the same level of funding was kept due to the “recognition of the importance of contemporary arts” to the city.

“Galway’s world reputation as a creative place is thanks to the innovative and imaginative work of its great artmakers.”

“Galway City Council values the powerful projects and programmes delivered right throughout the city in participation, access and diversity.”

“The grants to over sixty artist-led organisations will help keep them in business, reward them for the great work achieved online and offline throughout the pandemic and assist them in developing programmes in the future.”

The largest single grant went to Galway International Arts Festival, which is currently in the middle of its revised Autumn programme for 2020.

The city council awarded €46,000 to Galway International Arts Festival. This was followed by Galway Arts Centre, which received €35,000.

Other large grants went towards Druid Theatre (€29,000), The Galway Music Residency (€26,000), and Macnas (€24,000), all of whom are putting on performances, concerts, and events this year as the cultural life of Galway revives itself.

The full list of grants awarded for 2020 is:

*APPLICANT*	*2020 Award*
A Little Door	€1,000
Architecture at the Edge	€4,000
Artspace Studios	€9,000
Baboró	€19,000
Blue Teapot Theatre Company	€5,000
Branar Theatre	€7,000
Brú Theatre	€3,000
Cáca Dána Theatre Company	€570
Clay Galway	€1,200
Crannog	€2,000
Cúirt Galway International Literature Festival	€15,000
Decadent Theatre Company	€3,000
Druid Theatre	€29,000
Eastside Community Drama	€2,500
Engage Art Studios	€13,000
Eva’s Echo Theatre Company	€1,000
Forge Clay Studios	€2,000
Galway African Diaspora	€2,000
Galway Art Club	€1,000
Galway Arts Centre	€35,000
Galway Baroque Singers	€2,130
Galway Baytones	€1,000
Galway Beginners Trad Sessions	€500
Galway Cathedral Recitals	€1,500
Galway Choral Association	€2,000
Galway Community Circus	€10,000
Galway Dance Project	€6,500
Galway Early Music	€8,000
Galway Film Fleadh	€19,000
Galway International Arts Festival	€46,000
Galway Musical Society	€3,000
Galway Percy French Society	€500
Galway Steinway Trust	€600
Galway Theatre Festival	€11,000
Galway Uke Group	€1,000
Galway Youth Theatre	€3,000
Hot Potato Productions	€900
Impressions	€1,100
Junior Galway Film Fleadh	€1,500
Keera Sheeran Music (Ignite Gospel Choir)	€1,000
Little Cinema Galway	€5,000
Luminosa Music	€4,000
Macnas	€24,000
Misleór	€1,500
Moonfish	€6,000
Moth & Butterfly Festival	€1,000
Music for Galway	€16,000
New Moon	€1,500
No Ropes	€800
126 Artist Led Gallery	€10,000
Over the Edge	€3,500
Red Bird Youth Collective	€1,000
Renmore Pantomime	€2,000
Saolta Arts	€10,000
Speckled Egg Dance	€500
St Nicholas Schola Cantorum	€3,500
Taibhdhearc na Gaillimhe	€2,000
That’s Life	€4,000
The Galway Music Residency	€26,000
The Galway Sessions	€5,000
TRIBES Youth Arts Festival	€2,000
Tulca	€14,000
Visionation	€1,000
Westside Arts Festival	€2,400
Write on Group	€300
Youth Ballet West	€2,500
	€425,000

image credit: Galway Arts Centre via Facebook

Theft charges withdrawn after accused man extradited

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September 17, 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'

A criminal case of alleged theft from a shopping centre in Galway was unable to go ahead, as the accused had been extradited to Northern Ireland for other criminal matters.

John McDonagh (52), with an address at Ardnacassa, Longford had been due to dace charges of theft before Galway District Court.

It was alleged that April 30 of 2019, that he stole €212 worth of goods from Evergreen in Galway Shopping Centre.

However, when his case came up last week, the court heard that he was due to be extradited to Northern Ireland for other criminal matters there, and it was unclear if he was still in the country.

On Monday, Gardaí confirmed that McDonagh had been extradited to Northern Ireland on September 2.

In light of this, the state asked for the prosecution to be withdrawn, as they were unable to take the matter any further.

Connacht Rugby elects Ann Heneghan as first ever female President

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September 17, 2020

Galway Daily rugby Connacht Rugby elects Ann Heneghan as first ever female President

Connacht Rugby has selected its first ever female President with the promotion of vice-president Ann Heneghan to the top job this week.

Ann is not just the first woman in the top position in Connacht, but the first to hold a Presidential role at the provincial level of Irish Rugby.

The Mayo native, who now lives in Galway, has been with Connacht Rugby for many years, and in a variety of roles, most notably as Chairperson of province’s Disciplinary Committe.

She was also Chairperson of the Supporters Club during the time in which the future of the province was under threat in 2003.

She was initially elected Junior Vice-President for Connacht Rugby in May 2018 and Senior Vice-President last summer.

Her election to the President’s seat occurred at a unique online AGM this week.

Ms. Heneghan runs a law firm based in Galway and Claremorris, and more recently she has been appointed as a Judicial Officer for World Rugby, facilitating on cases across a range of competitions.

“It is a great honour to be elected as President of Connacht Rugby,” Ann Heneghan said of her appointment.

“Having been involved with the Supporters Club at a time when the future of Connacht Rugby was in jeopardy, it is particularly pleasing to see how the Province has grown and flourished over the intervening years.

“I am particularly looking forward to engaging with all of the volunteers involved in the game across the province.”

“Connacht Rugby’s vision of ‘Grassroots to Green Shirts’ reflects the ambition we have for the game at all levels and I look forward to playing my part on the next stage of that journey.”

“While it will be a different type of season, I look forward to bringing my experience from different roles to this position and I relish the opportunity to be involved, at a historic time for Connacht Rugby as we celebrate 135 years of rugby in the Province.”

Councillor warns of kids buying illegal fireworks in the run up to Halloween

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September 17, 2020

Galway Daily news Councillor warns of kids buying illegal fireworks in the run up to Halloween

Parents need to be wary of their children buying illegal fireworks in the weeks leading up to Halloween a city councillor has said.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that he has already had people reporting fireworks going off in estates on the east side of the city last weekend.

Parents have also reported seeing them advertised for sale online, he added.

“I would also say that children’s safety is paramount, and we must be aware that fireworks are illegal, and can be highly dangerous,” the Fianna Fáil councillor said,

There have been “horror stories” in the past of what can happen when they get into children’s hands.

Galway City Council and local Gardaí need to mount an awareness campaign surrounding this issue, he said, and schools should also try to raise awareness among students.

“I believe Halloween is a enjoyable time for children but also we need to be cautious of safety,” Alan Cheevers said.

Emergency services attend Oranmore house fire overnight

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September 17, 2020

Galway daily news Three people hospitalised after Galway City house fire

Emergency services attended the scene of a house fire in the Oranmore area in the very early hours of Thursday morning.

Gardaí are investigating today after a fire broke out at an unoccupied house at Tawin, Oranmore.

Fire services and Gardaí attended the scene of the blaze, which occurred at approximately 3am this morning.

The scene remains closed off today while a technical examination takes place.

Oranmore Gardaí are investigating, and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oranmore Garda Station at 091 388 030, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Kinvara to receive €40k for flood defence barriers

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September 17, 2020

Galway Daily news Kinvara to receive €40k for flood defence barriers

Funding for emergency flood relief barriers to protect at a number of at risk properties in Kinvara is being provided by the Office of Public Works.

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has said that the OPW will provide €40,000 to Galway County Council for barriers to block water from getting through doorways in homes and businesses that frequently flood.

Emergency flood barrier credit: Ciaran Cannon via Facebook

“Anyone living in Kinvara is more than aware of the regular flooding of the quay and adjacent areas with consequent flooding of homes and businesses.”

“I’ve been working with Cllr. Joe Byrne in looking at a unique solution to this problem, individual emergency flood relief barriers for each doorway.

“Joe has worked with Council colleagues to make a funding application to the OPW and I have worked with previous Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and current Minister Patrick O’Donovan to secure the necessary funding.”

Kinvara Quay, and the nearby properties, have been repeatedly flooded after heavy rains, such as in 2014 and towards the end of 2017.

In December of 2019, the County Council highlighted 25 properties in the proximity of the Quay that were in need of protection in a report to the OPW.

Councillor Byrne said that in the past year or so, of frustration with a perceived lack of progress, some residents have resorted to buying flood barriers themselves to protect their homes and businesses.

image credit: Ciaran Cannon via Facebook

2km of leaky water mains being replaced in Inverin

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September 17, 2020

Galway Daily news Water outages expected in Loughrea tomorrow

Irish Water and the County Council are replacing roughly 2km of ageing, leaky water mains in the Inverin area.

The mains being replaced off the main R336 and are along four by-roads around Cumann Michael Breathannach/Colaiste Lurgan.

The old water mains pipes are being replaced with new high density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

Work on this project got underway in early September, and is expected to be completed in December.

This is phase 2 of a project that has already seen similar works undertaken on nine roads in the Spiddal/Inverin area this year.

In order to enable these works, there will be some short-term local road closures and traffic management measures, which will be notified in advance.

This project may also involve some short term water shut offs to enable works, and Irish Water has said it will give a minimum of 48hrs notice before this occurs.

“We understand that this type of work can be inconvenient and works crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption these necessary works cause,” said Dave Murphy of Irish Water.

“This mains replacement work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network across Galway City and County and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job.”

The works are part of Irish Water’s Leaks Reduction Programme, which aims to invest €500 million in replacing old pipes in the water network between 2017 and 2021.

Irish Water has said that it aims to cut its overall leakage rate from 46% in 2018, down to 38% by 2021.

Coronavirus: 3 deaths today, and 6 new cases in Galway

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September 16, 2020

There were 3 deaths related to COVID-19 reported by the Department of Health today, along with 254 newly confirmed coronavirus cases.

The coronavirus pandemic has now claimed 1,788 lives in the Republic of Ireland, and the country has experienced a cumulative total of 31,799 cases.

Of the cases reported today, 6 are in Galway, while more than half of are located in Dublin, 136 in total.

Validation of data at the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of 4 previously confirmed cases

115 are men and 133 are women
65% are under 45 years of age
61% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
24 cases have been identified as community transmission
136 are in Dublin, 20 in Donegal, 13 in Louth, 12 in Wicklow, 9 in Waterford, 7 Carlow, 7 in Cork, 6 in Galway, 5 in Kerry, 5 in Wexford and the remaining 28 cases are located in Clare, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon and Westmeath

“The current situation has deteriorated both in Dublin and nationally over the past week. Along with Dublin we have seen particularly concerning trends in Louth, Waterford and Donegal,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer.

“It is now absolutely essential that people action public health advice and act as if they or those close to them are potentially infectious.”

The reproduction number for the coronavirus now stands at between 1.3 and 1.7 nationally.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group, said that he is more concerned now than at any point since April.

“Case numbers appear to be growing exponentially and are likely to double every 10 to 14 days if every one of us does not immediately act to break chains of transmission of the virus.”

He warned that if we do not bring the r number back to below 1, modelling shows there could be up to 600-1000 cases a day by mid-October, more than half of which would be in Dublin.

Dr. Mary Favier, COVID-19 advisor to the Irish College of General Practitioners, said that while there has been large scale testing of children, the “vigilance of parents” about keeping an eye out for symptoms means there has not been a disproportionate rise in the number of confirmed cases in children.

140 secondary school students to take part in innovative LIFT programme

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September 16, 2020