Éamon Ó Cuív calls for Micheál Martin to be replaced as Fianna Fáil leader

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily property Spacious family home in a great city neighbourhood

For house hunters on the lookout for a lovely home in Galway City, this large semi-detached house in Renmore might just tick all the right boxes.

9 Murrough Avenue is being auctioned this Friday 18 September by O’Donnellan & Joyce at the Harbour Hotel in Galway City – which will also be live streamed on their website and social media channels.

Spanning two stories, the three bedroom home offers plenty of living space on the ground floor, a converted garage space and three generous sized bedrooms upstairs – with bathrooms on both floors.

At the front of the property there is space for off-street parking, and there is a sizeable garden at the rear of the property, with a solid built shed offering ample storage space.

On entering the property, a tiled hallway leads to a beautiful, bright kitchen looking out onto the back garden, and is situated next to a large dining area.

Upstairs there are three bedrooms – two with timber-style flooring and one carpeted.

The Renmore residential area of Galway is one of the City’s most popular locales, and Murrough Avenue is ideally positioned to avail of everything the neighbourhood has to offer.

It is a family friendly area with plenty of communal green spaces and facilities nearby, including Liam Mellows GAA Grounds, Galwegians Rugby Club, Kingfisher Leisure facilities, the local community centre and the lovely Ballyloughane Beach.

The property is walking distance to Bon Secours, and has easy access to Galway Clinic & Merlin Park, Boston Scientific, Merit Medical & Creganna.

Just minutes from shops and schools, the area is also well connected with quality transport links giving easy access to the City Centre, neighbouring suburbs, and the M6 and M18 motorways.

Find out more about 9 Murrough Avenue and more unmissable properties at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/9-murrough-avenue-renmore-galway-city/4415721

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.

The 5 Best Documentaries on Netflix in 2020

By

Thomas O'Brien

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily film The 5 Best Documentaries on Netflix in 2020

The spectacular popularity and growth of Netflix has been boosted by many of the fantastic documentaries it has to offer.

The American media provider has poured millions of dollars into original content to keep us gripped and subscribed and 2020 has arguably been its best year to date.

Here are our five favourite Netflix hits from the year so far:

The Last Dance

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest sporting icons of all-time. Six NBA Championships and Finals MVP awards in the 1990s as well as Olympic Golds at the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games, The Last Dance follows Jordan’s rise from rookie to superstar, and then his retirement amid backroom clashes, disgruntled teammates and a head coach on his way out of the Chicago Bulls.

This 10-part documentary tells how the Bulls built their dominance at the end of the last millennium whilst also delving into the mind of highly-driven individuals and motivation of Michael Jordan himself.

Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness

Somewhat of a surprising hit in 2020 came out earlier in the year, when Tiger King rode the world of America’s big cat sanctuaries. This documentary focusses on Oklahoma zoo owner Joe Exotic, who owns a dozen tigers, is an internet TV show host, and has a string of felony convictions to his name.

But does Joe deserve to be in prison? How did he get there? These are just some of the questions this explosive documentary asks. It was later revealed that the villain of the series, Carole Baskin, would end up getting Joe Exotic’s Zoo at the end of a legal battle.

Tell Me Who I Am

This feature-length documentary tells the story of a pair of identical twins, now in their 50s – one of whom has lost the entirety of their memory in a terrible motorcycle crash.

It keeps the audience gripped with a tale of trauma, memory and brotherhood. Tell Me Who I Am follows Alex, trying to solve the mystery of his past whilst trying to figure out who he is after his accident. His twin brother, Marcus, helps him along the way.

Dark stories are revealed as the documentary goes on.

Oasis: Supersonic

Arguably the biggest success from the 1990s Brit-Pop, Oasis still have a huge following today even after their split. This documentary focusses on the rise and fall of the band, more than 25 years on since their breakthrough.

From Liam and Noel Gallagher’s egos and not getting along, you don’t need to be a fan of the group to enjoy this fantastic addition to the Netflix collection. Includes present-day interviews and archive footage.

The Ted Bundy Tapes

More than 30 years on from the execution of serial killer and kidnapper Ted Bundy, these four 60-minute episodes include endless interviews and archive footage, as well as interviews with his family and surviving victims.

The Ted Bundy Tapes series his life, crimes, arrests, escapes and ultimately, his death in 1989. Stephen Michaud’s 1980 death row interviews are also included among the archive footage, which include him confessing to the murders of 30 women.

More than 50 bikes reported stolen in Galway over a month and a half

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily news More than 50 bikes reported stolen in Galway over a month and a half

In the past month and a half there have been dozens of bikes reported stolen in Galway, the vast majority of which have been in the city.

Since August 1 of 2020, Galway Gardai have taken a report of 55 bicycle thefts, of which 47 were in Galway City.

In some of these incidences the bikes were locked in place, but the lock had reportedly been cut through.

Gardaí are urging people to invest in securing their bicycles, advising owners to have two locks, a D-shaped lock and a longer chain lock to cover the wheels and frame.

When locking your bike in place, you should make that it is tightly locked to an immovable object.

Another safety precaution is to take photographs of your bike, and its serial number, and email them to yourself so there is a record in case it is stolen, and later found.

Roadworks to disrupt Eyre Square traffic until next week

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt Eyre Square traffic until next week

Roadworks taking place on the bus stops at Eyre Square will disrupt traffic in the area until the middle of next week.

Galway City Council is carrying out resurfacing works on the bus stops in Eyre Square, which will involve traffic management measures.

Work got underway this morning, and is expected to continue to Tuesday, September 22 inclusive.

“Lane closures and ‘Stop and Go’ will be in place daily , with all lanes and bus stops reopened in the early evening time.”

“Delays can be expected and motorists are advised to use an alternative route if possible,” the city council said.

Woodquay terraced house is prime investment opportunity

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily property Woodquay terraced house is prime investment opportunity

Woodquay is one of the most thriving modern business areas in Galway City, with multiple popular gastro pubs and boutiques, and is also a neighbourhood where properties don’t often come on the market.

O’Donnellan & Joyce are offering the chance for a once in a lifetime investment in 30 Woodquay Street, a two storey terraced house in the city centre that is ripe for renovation into a home or business.

Though the house is in poor condition, and would need extensive work to bring it to a habitable condition, the opportunity it represents cannot be overstated.

The bones of the three-bedroom house are still there, and any potential buyer could have a fantastic investment home in one of the most desired neighbourhoods in the city.

Or, with the proper planning permission from the city council, this property could easily be converted into a business, at a location that is one of the rising spots for food and drink in Galway City Centre.

This property is also double fronted, and the owner will have a building that faces onto both Woodquay out front, and St Brendan’s Avenue to the rear.

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To see more of this property, check it out at O’Donnellan & Joyce’s website at odonnjoyce.com/residential/brochure/30-woodquay-street-city-centre-galway-city/4402407.

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.

GMIT student’s Remote Robot shortlisted for prestigious MIDAS competition

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily science GMIT robot wins top prize at national engineering competition

A GMIT student’s remote controlled robot has been shortlisted for the prestigious national MIDAS Electronics competition for his remote control robot.

Ruairi Doherty from Ballinasloe is one of the three finalists for the 2020 MIDAS competition, which will be taking place virtually next month.

Ruairi completed his Bachelors of Engineering in Software & Electronic Engineering with Honours this year, and is now employed by Microchip Technology Inc.

His Remote-Robot is a wireless, hand-gesture controlled robot arm, that is designed to be operated with precision using a glove, in areas where human contact should be avoided.

“Its initial application was for situations where precision is required, in environments unsuitable for a human to operate in such as bomb disposal, radioactive environments or natural disaster relief,” Ruairi says of his robot.

“However, with the emergence of COVID-19 this year, new applications for the project became apparent; it could be used as an aid for people who are elderly, vulnerable, or have mobility issues.”

“For example, if people call to the door to drop off some items such as shopping or a delivery, the Remote-Robot could be used to collect the items whilst avoiding contact.”

“It could also provide a mechanism for security, as the robot could stream a live video of a person’s premises.”

“It can help with simple tasks that may be harder for people who are sick or immobile, such as retrieving medicine from a bedside locker, turning a light on/off, or opening/closing a door.”

Ruairi is one three finalists for the 2020 MIDAS competition, and the field is dominated by Galway overall, with another spot going to Oisín Anderson of NUIG.

The third finalist is Cornelia Schmitt, a student of NUI Maynooth.

MIDAS Ireland is an industry led cluster consisting of industry, educational, research and government agencies, working together to assist in the development of the electronics based systems sector in Ireland.

The annual MIDAS competition, open to all third level students studying electrical, electronic or microelectronic engineering, is meant to foster that spirit.

Ruairi thanked his supervisor Paul Lennon, who encouraged him to enter the MIDAS competition, and supported him through his project, as well as the entire Department at GMIT.

Paul Lennon said, “The project integrates many technologies, and it allows students to research areas of their own personal interest. Add in some hard work and that is why Ruairi has been successful.”

Next section of Mervue water mains replacement gets underway

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Work has gotten underway today on the second stage of replacing old water mains in Mervue, which is due to continue until December.

The work will involve decommissioning 1.5 kilometres of old and damaged water mains and replacing a further 1.1 kilometres of pipes in the Mervue area that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage.

The water mains that are being replaced are along Glennina Heights, with new high density polyethylene going in.

Dave Murphy of Irish Water said “To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, there will be some short-term local road closures and traffic management in place during delivery.”

“The community will be notified of this in advance. Alternative routes will be available and diversions will be clearly sign-posted. Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.”

This second stage of works in Mervue follows on from the replacement of 1.2km of old cast iron pipes along St. James Road from Bayview Heights to Quinn Terrace, which was completed last week.

Farrans Construction carried out those works on behalf of Irish Water and the City Council, and are also performing this project, which is due to continue until December.

“The works may involve some short-term water shut offs and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48 hours’ notice prior to any planned water shut offs,” Dave Murphy said.

“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.”

“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 will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customer’s water supply.

Where the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of this improvement work.

Galway TDs urged to support investment in childcare sector in Budget 2021

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September 16, 2020

Galway Daily news Budget 2022: Childcare providers say not enough done to address costs

Early Childhood Ireland has written to all TDs in Galway this week asking for their commitment to ensure investment in the childcare sector is increased in Budget 2021.

The early years sector organisation is calling for increased spending over the next five years, and investment to focus on retaining the Employment Wage Support Scheme for the childcare sector.

Speaking yesterday, Director of Policy with ECI Frances Byrne said that substantially increased investment for early years and school-age childcare must be an immediate and sustained focus for the Government.

“Budget 2021 will be the first test of how well they meet this challenge,” she said. “Ireland has consistently remained at the bottom of the class when it comes to investment in childcare.

“According to the OECD, we invest the least amount in early years of any developed country as a percentage of GDP.”

The organisation’s pre-Budget submission includes a call to increase Exchequer spending on childcare to 0.5% of GDP by 2023, and to 1% by 2025.

They’re also calling for the Government to state how it plans to increase investment over the next four years.

“If the Government is serious about their commitments in the Programme for Government, then a multi-annual plan is needed,” added Francis Byrne.

She called on TDs in Galway to back their call for increased investment in childcare in Budget 2021.

“Our members in Galway and nationwide will continue to engage with local politicians on this issue between now and Budget Day on 13 October.”

Galway City LCDC approves grants worth €55,368

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September 15, 2020

Galway Daily news Four Galway community groups awarded funding for special transport vehicles

Galway City Local Community Development Committee has approved grants totalling €55,368 to a wide range of local groups and organisations in Galway City.

The funding under the Community Enhancement Programme for 2020 will support a number of small scale capital projects and larger capital projects.

Twenty-five projects have been approved funding for a variety projects that will improve facilities in disadvantaged areas, targeted appropriately towards the areas that need it most.

Some of the grants approved are small capital grants of €1,000 or less, providing support to smaller community projects to get off the ground.

In addition, some larger grants were approved – with some groups being affected by the pandemic.

Full list of projects approved under the Community Enhancement Programme 2020

Name of Group / Organisation	Purpose of Grant		Grant Approved
Blue Teapot Theatre Company	Purchase of lockable interior door to upgrade day facility room for people with intellectual disabilities. Purchase of COVID-19 health and safety upgrades		€778
Merlin Woods Tennis Club	Purchase of Sports Equipment – Tennis scoreboard/Tennis balls		€450
Kara Short Mat Bowls Club	Purchase of Sports Equipment – Sets of Bowls and Lifters		€830
The Eglinton Community Organic Garden	Purchase of Garden Shed, shelves and garden bench to develop community facility		€798
Merlin Woods Sports Club	Purchase of Sports Equipment to develop and improve skills		€1,000
St. James Ladies Football Club	Purchase of Sports Equipment – Nets, flags and goal posts		€845
Walk The Talk Galway	Purchase of Sports Equipment to encourage participants to engage in activities		€930
Galway Community Circus	Purchase of signage to enhance facility used by the local community		€1,000
Ballybane Study Club Project – Galway City Partnership	Purchase of IT Equipment to support children’s education	€2,957
Ballybane Afterschool Project – Galway City Partnership	Purchase of IT Equipment, educational games and COVID-19 equipment to support the service	€1,880
Ballybane & Doughiska Sports Hub	Purchase of storage equipment needed as a result of COVID-19	€2,977
Sexual Health West (Formerly AIDS West)	Purchase of IT, safety and COVID-19 equipment to allow Sexual Health West to reopen their office efficiently and safely	€4,169
Ballinfoile Castlegar Neighbourhood Centre	Purchase of laptops/webcams and training equipment to facilitate courses and workshops in the community in line with COVID-19	€4,540
Westside Age Inclusion Ltd	Purchase of energy efficient machines for services provided to the community	€3,300
Galway City Partnership	Purchase of IT Equipment to support social inclusion services	€2,200
BRIDGE (Building a Receptive and Integrated Galway of Equals)	Purchase of IT Equipment and COVID-19 equipment to deliver training to the refugee and migrant community	€2,397
Westside Community Organic Garden	To purchase equipment – lawnmower and materials to build wheelchair accessible raised beds	€1,162
Teach Áthais Childcare Centre Ltd	Upgrade of play area needed as a result of COVID-19	€2,991
Access for All	Purchase of IT Equipment and COVID-19 adaptations for blind and visually impaired	€1,608
Galway African Diaspora Ireland	Purchase of sound equipment to promote afro music in the City	€1,500
Cumann na bhFear Sandy Road Galway	Purchase of blacksmith forge and wood lathe to facilitate the upskilling of the group	€3,000
Olympic Boxing Club	Purchase of locker system, separate training ring for juvenile boxers, COVID-19 safety and sanitation equipment, IT Equipment for COVID-19 signage	€2,500
Foróige Galway STEAM Project	Purchase of Laptops to support families to access IT Equipment	€5,000
Galway Centre for Independent Living Ltd.	Purchase of IT Equipment, Safety Equipment and Signage needed as a result of COVID-19 to support the service for Galway City	€5,000
Amdalah Africa Foundation – AMDAF	Purchase of IT Equipment and speaker system for use by the community group	€1,556
	Total Amount Allocated	€55,368

Coronavirus: 3 deaths and 357 new COVID-19 cases today

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September 15, 2020

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

Three more deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported by the Department of Health today, along with 357 new confirmed cases.

There have now been a total of 31,549 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ireland, and the pandemic has claimed 1,787 lives.

Validation of data by the HPSC has resulted in the denotification of two previously confirmed cases, which is reflected in the national figure.

Of the cases reported today, at least one was in Galway, as 32 cases in total have been reported across counties Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo and Wexford.

The latest county breakdown shows that two of the cases reported yesterday were in Galway, and the countywide cumulative figure currently stands at 564.

The vast majority of today’s cases were in Dublin, 218 in total, which has had additional restrictions placed on it under the new government plan for living with the virus.

Of the cases notified today:

85 are men and 172 are women
63% are under 45 years of age
38% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
60 cases have been identified as community transmission
218 are in Dublin, 18 in Louth, 12 in Waterford. 11 in Kildare, 9 in Cork, 8 in Kerry, 8 in Limerick, 8 in Meath, 7 in Westmeath, 6 in Wicklow, 5 in Offaly, 5 in Roscommon, 5 in Mayo, 5 in Tipperary and the remaining 32 cases are located in Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo and Wexford

“In the first half of 2020, Ireland responded swiftly to a new and unpredictable pandemic,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Officer.

“Our collective response suppressed the curve, saved lives and put us on a solid foundation to deal with COVID-19 going forward.”

We must focus on a medium term response to the COVID-19 pandemic he said, which is the focus of the 5-Level framework launched by the government today.

“The basic preventions against the spread of COVID-19 remain unchanged; wash your hands regularly, physically distance from others including friends and family, wear a face covering, know the symptoms and what to do if you experience them.”

Cabinet must self-isolate & Dáil adjourned as Donnelly awaits COVID test

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September 15, 2020

Galway daily covid-19 coronavirus galway cases 14 day incidence

The Dáil has been adjourned until further notice and the Cabinet must self-isolate from today, the Ceann Comhairle has announced.

The decision came this afternoon after Health Minister Stephen Donnelly contacted his doctor for a Covid test as he began to feel unwell.

The Ceann Comhairle said that because of ‘very serious information arising out of events today’, the Cabinet must now self isolate.

Minister Eamon Ryan had already been ‘restricting his movements’ because a member of his household was awaiting a test for Covid-19.

More to follow…

New Covid Plan could be “extremely unfair” on Galway in event of localised outbreaks – SF

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September 15, 2020

galway daily news living with covid plan sinn fein

Imposing restrictions on all of County Galway because of localised outbreaks of COVID-19 would be ‘extremely unfair’.

That’s the view of Galway East Sinn Féin’s Louis O’Hara, who criticised the Government’s new Living with Covid Plan which treats the county as one regional area.

“County Galway is far too big to be considered as one regional area. This means that an outbreak of Covid in Clifden or Galway City could result in restrictions for East Galway or other parts of the county,” said Louis O’Hara.

“This would be an intolerable situation, given the devastating effects restrictions have had on people’s lives over the last number of months.”

The Sinn Féin representative argued that any local restrictions should be as focused and as localised as possible, like the approach taken in Britain.

“To introduce restrictions on all of County Galway due to localised outbreaks would be extremely unfair on all of us who have made huge sacrifices over the past number of months, in particular for our local businesses who have had to close,” he said.

“Another area in which this plan is lacking common sense is the guidelines for the reopening of pubs.

“The time limit will remain for pubs in which only one metre social distancing is possible. This is going to result in people moving from pub to pub and coming into contact with more people, increasing the risk of the virus spreading.

“The plan is also lacking in clarity. It appears that there are actually 5.5 stages of this 5 point plan, with the country at stage 2 and Dublin at Stage 2.5.

This kind of unclear messaging undermines public health advice and we should expect much better from the government. “

More than 650 fewer people on pandemic unemployment in Galway

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September 15, 2020

Galway Daily news Fewer than 4,000 remain on pandemic unemployment in Galway

There were 652 people receiving pandemic unemployment payments in Galway this week compared with the week before, as more people return to work.

Pandemic Unemployment payments were made to 10,793 people in Galway today according to the latest figures, down from 11,450 last Tuesday.

Nationwide, there has been a drop in the number of people claiming the COVID-19 benefits of just under 10,000 in the past week.

Payments of €65.5 million were made to 209,941 people this week according to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

“While this week’s decrease is encouraging, it is evident to all of us that Covid-19 continues to be active and can re-surface in our communities without warning,” Minister Heather Humpreys said.

“As more businesses prepare to re-open and schools and colleges return, it is now vital more than ever that we take every possible precaution to protect ourselves, our families and our work colleagues.”

This week the sector with the most people returning to work was Accommodation and Food Service Activities, with 1,304 resuming employment, followed by Education with 1,091 people returning to work.

At a Cabinet meeting today, it was decided to keep the Pandemic Unemployment Scheme open to new entrants until the end of 2020.

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is means tested, has been extended to include those on PUP, and families are being urged to remember to make use of it.

The Department said that the number of people receiving PUP benefits have fallen by almost 64% from peak levels of 598,000 on May 5.

From next week, payment rates under the scheme are set to change, with three bands of payment instead, based on the person’s former income.

From September 17 onwards, those earning over €300 a week before the pandemic will receive €300 per week, if they earned between €200 – €300 they will get €250 per week.

And those earning less than €200 a week will receive €203 per week under the scheme, which is the same as the current rate.

Five Galway projects receive over €130k under Town and Village Renewal Scheme

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September 15, 2020

Galway daily news Six Galway projects receive over €130k under Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Five Galway projects have been awarded €132,618 for local projects in the latest round of funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The Department of Rural and Community Development recently announced that €3.3 million has been awarded to 106 towns and villages.

In Galway, the largest grant went to Connemara as a whole, where €36,000 has been allocated for

Clifden, Milltown, and Killimor have each been awarded €25,000 for their projects.

In Clifden the money will be used to create temporary street seating to help with social distancing, while Killimor intends to create a remote co-working space with high speed broadband.

Milltown has similar plans, with the funding to be used to repurpose part of the old school into a remote working facility.

The final allocation in Galway is €21,618 for Mountbellew to install outdoor electrical connections in the square for outdoors events, including lighting up the Christmas tree.

Galway East TD Seán Canney welcomed the inclusion of Milltown and Killimor in the scheme, saying, “COVID-19 has clearly demonstrated the importance of remote working.”

“These two projects when completed will provide the facility for people to work remotely and rejuvenate the village by locating jobs in these villages.”

The latest round of the Town and Village Renewal scheme has focused on projects that help towns and villages adapt to COVID-19.

These can include measure to aid social distancing requirements and to provide safe environments that encourage people into towns and villages to shop and socialise.

“The challenges of recent months have highlighted the central role that our towns and villages play in the lives of people in rural areas.”

“They are where we live, work, shop and socialise,” Minister Heather Humphreys said, announcing the funding.

“It is important that we make our towns and villages as welcoming as possible and that we provide the infrastructure to allow people to engage with local shops and services, and with each other, in a safe manner at this time.”

Galway Trades Council throws support behind Debenhams staff

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September 15, 2020

Galway Daily business Former Debenhams workers vote for deal to end industrial dispute

The Galway Trades Council has thrown its support behind Debenhams workers who are continuing to strike in search of fair redundancy.

Former employees at Debenhams have been picketing the store in Galway, and branches around Ireland, since the UK chain announced that it would be closing its Irish branches in April.

Liquidators recently withdrew their redundancy settlement offer, which would have made €1 million on top of statutory funds available to workers.

The Galway Trades Council has pledged its support to the national campaign to secure urgent legislation to resolve the Debenhams dispute and ensure ex-workers’ redundancy claims are met.

“It is admirable to see their commitment but also sad that they have been forced to go into dispute over a broken agreement,” said Marian Spelman, President of the Galway Trades Council.

“It is obvious that lessons were not learned after Clearys in Dublin closed leaving their workers in a similar situation.”

“Legislation was promised then to ensure it would never happen again but we know now that yet another UK based company thought they could get away with withdrawing their business and leaving their ex employees with a basic redundancy package.”

“The Trades Council appreciates that these are difficult times for everybody but if we are in this together, now is not the time to ride roughshod over workers’ rights.”

The Trades Council is backing Mandate’s call for the government to immediately implement the recommendations of the Duffy Cahill report, which was commissioned after Clearys collapsed.

Man (50s) killed in Moycullen traffic collision

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September 15, 2020

A man in his 50s lost his life in a traffic collision near Moycullen on Monday night.

The single vehicle collision took place on the L1313 at Gortachalla, Moycullen, shortly before 10pm last night.

A male aged in his 50s, the driver of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene of the traffic collision.

His body has since been removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway.

The road is currently closed for a technical examination and local diversions are in place.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any road users with camera (including dash-cam) footage, to contact them.

People with information can contact Salthill Garda station on 091 514 720, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Playing online at home: The future of roulette

By

Angela Mc Bride

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September 15, 2020

In many casino games, everyone has their own original game plans and strategies. This is very much the case with one of the most popular games throughout the world – roulette. Although roulette players can have countess superstitions – like ‘always cover zero’- there is one thing all everyone has in common. Yes, you guessed it. It’s their love for the game – the wheel, the bouncing ball and the exciting risk involved.

No other game compares to watching 37 numbers spinning one way around a wheel, as a ball travels in the other direction. Nothing else lives up to the unique excitement as the ball begins to fall, before it bounces around a bit and tucks neatly into a pocket. Win or lose, there’s always another spin – and this is reassuring to the player. It really is no wonder the game is so popular across the world – and its popularity is growing now more than ever!

Gone are the days when one would have to get dressed, leave the house and drive to the nearest casino. Now, people can sit back, relax, and play what is arguably the world’s greatest casino game from the comfort of their own homes! But where does roulette come from?

As one of the earliest casino games, as far back as the 17th century, Roulette has a rich history. Historians attribute the idea of the first Roulette mechanism to French mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal. He was not trying to invent a game, but a perpetual motion machine!

The game as we know it today was developed in 1720, combining a gaming wheel with the Italian game Biribi. The name of the game itself comes from the French word Roulette meaning “little wheel” The French influence can be seen in the terminology when you play Roulette.

The excitement and anticipation when you play Roulette online live never fades. Picking your numbers, trying out your Roulette strategies, watching the ball bounce around the wheel before it lands is one of the great pleasures of playing this particular casino game. It is a fascinating game to play, immersive, with some nail-biting moments before that ball drops and a big plus – learning how to play online Roulette is easy, The numerous Roulette variations making it even more exciting to play.

No matter what Roulette casino game you choose – whether you fancy going for slow and steady bets that tend to be safe, trying for highly profitable but pretty unlikely bets, or just you have just got the feeling for a lucky number. Roulette offers a palette of options that not many other games can match. Check out the Roulette rules to make sure you are playing in the best possible way.

After checking the rules, it’s time to play! As is the case in many games, some players have become famous for their skill or luck. One such player who became famous was Charles Wells from London. During the summer of 1891, the Londoner broke the bank at each table he played over a period of several days. This means he won all of the available money in the table bank that day, and a black cloth would be placed over the table until the money was topped up again.

Another famous roulette player was Richard Jarecki, who won over $1.2 million at several casinos across Europe throughout the 60s and 70s. Jarecki said that a very powerful computer had revealed a system to win at roulette.

But the general consensus is that his trick wasn’t a trick at all – but that he was just ultra observant and very clever – he would observe thousands of spins of each roulette wheel. Eventually the casinos caught up with Jarecki, and replaced older wheels which he would exploit. This led to improvements in the manufacturing of roulette wheels over time.

Sixteen years ago, another Londoner Ashley Revell sold all of his possessions. This even included his clothes! He went to the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas. Revell put his entire net worth of €114,000 on red. The ball landed on 7 Red and Revell walked away with a smile on his face and €228,000!

But most players don’t play roulette for fame. They play because they love the game – and the excitement of roulette is more than enough for them. They play because roulette is the king of casino games, and they play because it is now extremely accessible – it can be played from anywhere at any time online, live – and the online roulette revolution is just getting started!

Coronavirus: 208 new cases, no further deaths

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September 14, 2020

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

No further deaths related to the coronavirus have been reported today, but 208 new cases have been confirmed in the State.

Over half of the new cases are in Dublin (108), while there are 18 in Louth, 12 in Donegal, ten in Meath, nine in Kildare, eight in Waterford, seven in Cork, six in Limerick and six in Wexford.

The remaining 24 cases are located in Galway, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Mayo, Roscommon, Tipperary, Westmeath and Wicklow.

62% are under 45 years of age and 33% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case.

In the Republic, there are 11 people in ICU with COVID-19 and there are 60 people in hospital with the disease.

Speaking today, Dr Ronan Glynn said: “NPHET has decided to reduce the period of isolation from 14 to 10 days for confirmed cases from the onset of symptoms, based on advice received from the Expert Advisory Group following a review of the evidence.

“In addition, it has been agreed that nasal swabs are an acceptable alternative to nasopharyngeal swab for use in children in the community.

“This will hopefully make testing a simpler process for children going forward.

“COVID-19 is an evolving pandemic and NPHET is committed to adapting advice and guidelines based on emerging evidence.”

Conamara singer to host ‘oíche airneáil’ by the fireside with his family on Culture Night

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September 14, 2020