Galway homeowners urged to avail of grants for energy upgrades

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September 5, 2020

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

There have been no further deaths related to the coronavirus again today, but 231 new cases were confirmed across the Republic.

It has now been 15 days since NPHET has confirmed an additional death related to COVID-19.

Sixty-nine percent of today’s new cases are under 45 years of age, and seven cases are in Galway, taking the total number in the city and county to 525 cases.

Over half of the 231 cases are in Dublin (133), while 18 cases are in Kildare, 13 in Limerick, 8 in Offaly, 7 in Wicklow, 6 in Meath, 6 in Cork, 5 in Donegal, 5 in Cavan and 5 in Waterford.

The remaining 18 cases in Carlow, Clare, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Sligo, and Tipperary.

The number of people in ICU with the disease is still seven, and there are 48 people in hospitals with the virus in the Republic.

Speaking this evening, Dr Ronan Glynn said: “While there is a significant number of cases in Dublin today, it is important to look at the day’s figures in the context of our 7 and 14 day incidence rates.

“NPHET pays close attention to trends and patterns in the data over time in order to analyse the progression of COVID-19 both across the country and in particular areas or settings.

“However, it is now really important that people in Dublin keep their social contacts as low as possible. It is also vitally important that if you feel unwell, you self-isolate immediately. Phone your GP without delay if you have a concern.

“Know the symptoms to pay close attention to – cough, shortness of breath, fever, loss of sense of taste or smell.

“Given the increase in the number of cases in Dublin, the HSE has opened two pop-up COVID-19 swabbing centres in Dublin this weekend, at Croke Park and at Castleknock Health Centre.

“Please come forward for testing if you have any concerns. Remember that if you do need a test, it will be free.”

How to livestream Galway United v UCD

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September 5, 2020

Galway Daily sport Galway United East United partnership

Galway United will be livestreaming their away game against University College Dublin from the UCD Bowl next Monday, September 7.

After a successful start to John Caulfield’s time as Manager of Galway United against Athlone Town on Friday night, with the Galway side coming out on top 4 -1, United’s next game will be against UCD in Dublin on Monday night, kicking off at 7:45pm.

Galway United season ticket holders and season streaming pass holders will receive an e-mail with their code to access the stream for FREE the day before the game as usual.

If there’s no code there, then contact the club to update your e-mail address at info@galwayunitedfc.ie – Make sure to include your full name and season ticket number in the e-mail.

Non-season ticket holders and supporters of other clubs may also access the live stream by making a donation to the club of €5 per match.

For all who want to pay to watch the match live, the club has issued the following instructions:

LICK ON THIS LINK TO VIEW THE LIVE STREAM: https://iframe.dacast.com/b/177745/c/563324
Click the “BUY” button.
You must now click “Sign Up” and create an account for yourself with the streaming website. Then click “register”. If you already have registered then simply sign into your account.
Select the Pay Per View option that applies to you.
You can now link your credit/debit card to your account or alternatively if you select the PayPal option at the top of the screen you can link/setup a PayPal account instead.
You must register a debit/credit card or link a PayPal account to access the stream.
Once all of these steps are completed you should automatically be connected to the live stream, which will be activated a short time before kick-off.

Be aware that the stream to the match will only be activated a short time before kick off (usually 30 minutes) so DO NOT attempt to log in prior to this.

Only one login can be used on one device at any one time. As such, if another person uses your login on another device, it will log out anyone else on that account automatically.

Bulky goods waste collection extended for a week

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September 5, 2020

Galway Daily news Bulky Goods collection events in two Galway towns next week

Galway City and Count Councils have extended their resumed bulky goods waste collection service up to September 12.

Bulky Goods collections were suspended when Galway’s Council’s closed their recycling centres in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The service resumed on August 10 as the country reopened, with collections taking place at the Civic Amenity sites in Tuam, Ballinasloe, Clifden, and at the Carrowbrowne Recycling Centre on the Headford Road.

That service has been extended past its intended expiration time, and will now run

Items that will be accepted in this collection include upholstered furniture such as couches, armchairs etc; wardrobes; bedside lockers; bedframes; as well as tables and dining chairs.

Goods that will not be accepted include construction and demolition waste, electrical items, hazardous waste, bags of household waste, ceramic items, or textiles.

This service is for household waste only, and the entrance fee is €5 per car/van with trailer.

This service must be booked in advance via the Barna Recycling Waste before coming to any of these sites at: https://barnarecycling.com/booking.

For more information please contact your relevant council’s environment section.

For the county enquiries contact: 091 509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie and for the city contact: 091 536400 or environment@galwaycity.ie.

Canney says Irish Water needs to re-think strategy on locating Connacht Sludge Hub

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September 5, 2020

Galway Daily news Canney says Irish Water needs to re-think strategy on locating Connacht Sludge Hub

A Galway TD is accusing Irish Water of being inflexible in considering sites for the location of a new Regional Sludge Hub for Connacht.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that Irish Water has contact from Bord na Móna about potential alternate sites for the sludge hub, but that Irish Water has said to him it will only be examining sites already in its ownership.

This is a very narrow focus with only two sites under consideration, Sligo and Tuam.

“Bord na Móna potentially could solve all the problems nationally with Sludge disposal and they could generate energy and by-products which would be an advantage,” Seán Canney said.

Sludge is generated from the treatment of wastewater, but once it is produced it needs to be treated so that it is safe for either disposal or re-use.

Since 2014 Irish Water has been in the process of upgrading or building new wastewater treatment plants nationwide which has drastically increased the amount of sludge being produced.

This is extremely costly to transport for treatment, as it tends to be between 95 and 99 percent water giving it a large volume.

To deal with this Irish Water has been working on proposals for sludge hubs North West, East Midlands, and South regions.

A public consultation on the proposals to locate the western region hub in Sligo or Tuam took place in November of 2019.

Seán Canney said that the final report on the site selection process for the Regional Sludge Hub will be published toward the end of the year.

But he added that Irish Water needs to “re-think their strategy and look beyond their own sites”, as Bord na Móna can provide suitable sites.

Temporary traffic lights in place while repairs to N59 damage underway

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September 5, 2020

galway daily news Surveying works affecting traffic on M17 and Tuam Bypass

Temporary traffic lights will be in place on the N59 between Recess and Clifden while repair work is taking place after recent flooding.

The N59 was badly flooded in several locations earlier this week after torrential rains overnight last Tuesday, and into Wednesday.

While the road has since reopened, repairs works are ongoing near the Ballinahinch junction, and temporary lights have been erected there to manage traffic.

The lights went up on Friday, and will remain in place until repairs have been completed, with no estimated time for this yet provided.

Clifden town was also badly affected by the flooding, with Galway Fire Service forced to evacuate 17 buildings after the Owenglin

“Galway County Council wish to advise motorists that there will be temporary traffic lights on the N59, between Recess and Clifden, near the Ballinahinch junction,” the county council said on Facebook.

“This is as a safety precaution following damage to the road verge following the heavy rain and flooding earlier this week.”

UHG staff in ICU charity cycle to Dublin aiming to raise €100,000

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September 4, 2020

Galway Daily news UHG staff in ICU charity cycle to Dublin aiming to raise €100,000

A group of Intensive Care Unit doctors, nurses and staff from University Hospital Galway are on their bikes across the country in the ICU 4 U charity cycle to Dublin.

The 15 cyclists from UHG set off from Galway yesterday morning to cycle 252km across Ireland, in a two day trip that finishes in Phoenix Park today.

When they arrive in Dublin, the doctors, nurses, and staff from UHG will meet with others from around the country who set off from Belfast, Limerick, Cork and Waterford yesterday.

The charity cycle aims to give back to the patients and families of patients, relatives and others affected by the Covid-19 crisis, with a target of €100,000 to raise.

Dr Kevin Clarkson, Clinical Director at UHG explains, “We are part of the ICU 4 U charity cycle in aid of the charities ALONE, Breakthrough Cancer Research, ICU steps and AWARE.”

“We hope to raise €100,000 for those charities. We were not the heroes during COVID-19, the patients were and we hope to support them through this endeavour.”

Corporate sponsors for the event had already contributed €50,000, but tens of thousands of euro more in individual online donations have also been made.

As of the time of publication, the ICU 4 U Charity Cycle has reached €89,668 of its €100k target, and donations are open at www.idonate.ie/ICU4U until October 4.

Coronavirus: 98 new cases in 20 counties including Galway

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September 4, 2020

Ninety-eight new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed by NPHET today – but no deaths were reported today.

It has now been over two weeks since someone has died with COVID-19 in the Republic.

The 98 new cases today are spread across 20 counties, including Galway where there have been 517 cases as of midnight on Wednesday.

Twenty-four of the cases are in Dublin, 13 in Kildare, 8 in Kerry, 6 in Kildare, 6 in Kilkenny, 6 in Limerick, 6 in Louth and 5 in Tipperary.

The other cases are in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Waterford and Wexford.

Of today’s reported cases, 48 are men and 50 are women, while 66% are under 45 years of age.

There are seven people in ICU across the State, and 44 in hospital. Four people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 since from yesterday, and two people have been discharged.

Dr Ronan Glynn said: “As we head into another weekend, keep physical distance top of mind at all times.

“Have no more than 6 visitors to your home and keep 2 metres between you. Open windows and keep rooms well ventilated if possible.

“It’s important that we all keep our number of social contacts low while we focus on keeping our schools safe, continuing to resume healthcare services and ultimately protecting the most vulnerable from COVID-19.”

COVID stats for Galway & Ireland

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September 4, 2020

galway daily covid-19 coronavirus stats galway facts

Cases

There have been 28,036 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

In Galway, 517 cases have been confirmed.

The median age of these cases is 38.

This is the lowest median age of confirmed cases of any county in the State.

The median age of cases in the Republic is 46.

Deaths

1,525 people have died from COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland.

There are also 251 ‘probable’ deaths linked to the virus.

These probable deaths are included in the “COVID related deaths” reported every evening after NPHET’s update.

Eleven people have died from the disease in Galway since the start of the pandemic.

The median age of the 11 people in Galway who have died is 83.

There have been no reported deaths from COVID-19 in Galway for seven weeks. There were 28 new confirmed cases in the county during this time (since 17 July).*

Sixty-five percent of all COVID deaths in the State have been in the 80+ age group.

In the Republic, 17 people aged between 25 and 44 have died from the disease.

94 people between 45 and 64 years have died.

Outbreaks

An outbreak is defined as two or more cases in the same location and time.

Nursing Homes account for 41% of all confirmed cases related to an outbreak. In late April, this figure was 49%.

Hospitals, residential institutions and nursing homes account for 57% of all cases linked to an outbreak.

The workplace now accounts for 12% of COVID cases related to an outbreak – up from 3% in mid-April.

Underlying conditions

Ninety-five percent of confirmed COVID-19 deaths had at least one underlying condition.

Of the 111 deaths in the Republic within the 25 – 64 age group, 103 had underlying conditions.

Chronic heart disease was present in 45% of all COVID-19 deaths.

There have been 1,449 deaths of people with underlying conditions from 10,571 confirmed cases with underlying conditions.

The median age of those dying with underlying conditions is 83.

ICU

There are seven people with COVID-19 in ICU in the Republic of Ireland. In total, there are 40 confirmed cases in hospital.

Two people were discharged from hospital since yesterday, while one more person entered ICU.

One person was admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.

Less than five people have been admitted to ICU every week for the past 15 weeks.

Excess mortality

Excess mortality is used to refer to the number of deaths above and beyond what would be expected under normal conditions.

Between 1 March and 31 July, there were between 850 and 900 excess deaths, according to CSO analysis of death notices.

NPHET recorded 1,763 coronavirus related deaths during this time period.

Stats taken from the Central Statistics Office. Data included from cases and deaths between 28 February and 21 August. There has been one further death since the publication of this data. The figures for total confirmed cases & confirmed cases in Galway are taken from the NPHET statement* on 3 September, and ICU & hospital figures are up to date (19:30h, 3 September 2020).

Call for reopening of COVID-19 testing centres in the city for winter

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September 4, 2020

Galway Daily news Calls for reopening of city test sites as COVID cases rise rapidly

A Galway City Councillor is calling for one or more of the COVID-19 testing centres in the city to be reopened ahead of this winter flu season.

Councillor Alan Cheevers said that either of the COVID-19 testing centres in Renmore or at the Docks should be reopened heading into the winter flu season.

Currently, the only testing centre in Galway is at Galway Airport in Carnmore, after other testing sites in Renmore and the Docks in Galway city closed in April when the feared surge in cases didn’t fully materialise.

The makeshift testing centre at the docks was set up by the Naval Service, who then handed it over to the HSE.

Increased capacity for COVID-19 testing is needed heading into the flu season as “symptoms of Covid and flu are so similar” that people will needed certainty Alan Cheevers said.

The Fianna Fáil councillor warned of current testing capacity being “overwhelmed” in the flu season, and said strategic planning is needed now to prepare for this.

Top tips for students booking accommodation

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September 4, 2020

galway daily bedroom students accommodation galway tips

Thousands of students across the country will find themselves looking for accommodation next week when the first round of CAO offers are issued.

Housing for students has been an issue in the past – and NUI Galway Students’ Union has urged students to be cautious before committing to a private residence this year.

Before rushing into signing a lease/contract it is extremely important to make sure the property fits the needs of all tenants and to look out for rental scams.

The SU has said that there are properties available and that there’s no need to panic. They have also reminded students to keep a close eye on all the accommodation websites, especially www.nuigstudentpad.ie

Here are NUI Galway Students’ Union’s top tips

1. Be aware of the following rental scams: Scammer claims to be out of the country so can’t show you the property but requests a deposit. Scammer is living at the property, and shows a number of people around. They get a deposit from several people and then flee with the cash. The transaction appears to have gone smoothly until the renter finds that the keys don’t work and the landlord has disappeared.

2. Take your time when viewing a property. Ensure all the necessities are there e.g. washing machine, furnishings etc. Check that all gas and electrical appliances are in good working order.

3. Take photos of the property and make sure to highlight any damages already there e.g. Cigarette burns, carpet stains etc.

4. If there are any repairs to be made in the property, be sure to get it in writing from the landlord or agency that these problems will be rectified before handing over your deposit.

5. Avoid paying the deposit in cash and ensure you get a receipt for any moneys exchanged. You are legally entitled to a receipt so make sure to insist on one.

6. Request a viewing prior to the move in date to ensure that all outstanding issues have been rectified.

7. Ensure the house is well ventilated and that heating sources are identified prior to signing a contract/lease.

8. Insist that a building energy rating (BER) certificate is provided prior to signing the contract. This will help you know how cold the house is likely to get and will give you an idea of the cost for heating.

9. Ensure you are clear on the duration of the tenancy. If you sign a lease and leave early you may be liable to pay outstanding rent even though you are no longer living there.

10. Make sure it’s clearly outlined in your lease which utility bills you must pay.

11. Take out contents insurance as the landlord’s policy will not cover your personal possessions.

12. Make sure to get your free rent book from the Students’ Union.

NUI Galway Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey said that finding accommodation can be extremely stressful and people tend to rush into it.

“It is paramount that you follow these guidelines to avoid scams and ensure that the house you live in will be sustainable for you and your friends.

“Never rush into getting accommodation, be cautious and insist on receipts and any repairs where necessary. This will be where you stay for at least nine months so make sure you have all the necessities before making any commitments.

“Students still seeking accommodation should check www.nuigstudentpad.ie.”

NUI Galway Students’ Union President Pádraic Toomey

Galway charities awarded €750k under COVID-19 Stability Fund

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September 4, 2020

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

Charities and community groups in Galway have been awarded almost €750,000 in the latest tranche of funding under the COVID-19 Stability Fund.

This week, Minister Heather Humphreys announced that 209 organisations will receive €11 million worth of funding under the Covid-19 Stability Fund, including 10 organisations in Galway.

Once-off cash injections of between €2,000 and €200,000 are awarded to groups which are experiencing cash flow problems due to COVID-19.

The pandemic has caused extreme difficulties for many charities, as their services are in greater demand than ever before, while it has also become much harder to raise funds, with restrictions ongoing on many events.

In Galway Cancer Care West, the Galway Simon Community, and Galway Hospice all received the maximum amount of funding available of €200k.

Other large awards included €53,549 for East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support, and €22,081 for Connemara Community Radio.

The funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund is designed to support community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises that are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys praised the “valuable contribution” charities and voluntary groups make to society, particularly at this time of crisis.

“I hope that this funding will help to support these organisations to continue to provide their valuable services to the people most in need and support individuals and communities as we work our way through the impact of the pandemic.”

The full list of groups in Galway which were awarded grants under the Stability Fund are:

Leukaemia Trust/Cancer Care West CLG Galway €200,000
Galway Simon Community Galway €200,000
Galway Hospice Galway €200,000
EGM Cancer Support Galway €53,459
Westside Resource Centre Limited Galway €20,414
Connemara Community Radio Limited Galway €22,081
Williamstown Development Company Limited By Guarantee Galway €3,823
Athenry Community Council Trust CLG Galway €17,118
Inishbofin Community Services Programme Co. Limited Galway €7,665
Area Renewal Company Clifden CLG Galway €17,358

Have your day in court on Culture Night with Philip Fogarty’s Three Dream Echo

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September 4, 2020

Have your day in court on Culture Night with Philip Fogarty's Three Dream Echo

Have your day in court on Culture Night as Philip Fogarty, in association with Galway Court Service, is staging an exciting interactive piece in Galway Courthouse, Three Dream Echo

At once compelling and unnerving, the Three Dream Echo takes up and responds to the sounds and movements of guests with the help of a little technology in both audio and visuals.

‘Part AI, part human, part dream’, it continues a series of live events by Philip Fogarty which invite the guest to participate in the sound-making process, as simultaneous listener and performer.

Composer, musician, and vocalist Philip Fogarty has toured his original work with live ensembles in various configurations both in Ireland and abroad.

His work runs the gamut from his roots in Irish traditional to rock, electronica and contemporary, having featured in installations, soundtrack and theatre.

Recent projects include I Claim Sanctuary, a sound installation due to be staged later this year in conjunction with Paper Boat, an opera presented by Music for Galway in association with Irish National Opera.

Admission to the event is free, but please note that Covid 19 regulations will be strictly adhered to for this performance.

No more than three people will be admitted to the supervised space at any time, in which case these persons must be members of the same household.

Entry will not be permitted to any person without a face covering, and no children will be admitted unaccompanied. All measures subject to review.

What do you sound like in the Three Dream Echo? Come along to Galway Courthouse at 8pm on Culture Night and find out!

Farmers stabbed in the back with TB risk letters – Fitzmaurice

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September 4, 2020

Galway Daily news Farmers stabbed in the back with TB risk letters - Fitzmaurice

The government risks doing “untold damage” to farmers by issuing TB Herd History Risk Statements and Report letters a Galway TD has claimed.

Indepented TD Michael Fitzmaurice said that there has been a serious lack of consultation with farm bodies on these plans, which have “vehemently opposed” by farming organisations in the past.

“Serious questions remain unanswered, particularly around: data protection; the potential devaluing of cattle; the impact it could have on the mart trade; and future compensation.”

“Farmers contribute hugely to the TB Eradication Programme, through funding, time and labour. But the department is seemingly happy to stab these farmers in the back with this move.”

“Efforts to eradicate bovine TB in this country have been ongoing for decades and farmers have continuously played an active role in this,” Michael Fitzmaurice said.

“But yet the blame for recent increases is being placed squarely at their door, when other factors are also at play.”

Fitzmaurice asked if department officials are trying to “sneak this in” without a Minister for Agriculture present, after plans for issuing the letters progressed despite the cancellation of a meeting of the TB Forum.

Deputy Fitzmaurice added that the new Minister will need to be someone who does more than “nod to senior department officials”, and must examine the imbalance in farm incomes when comparing figures across the country.

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has also been highly critical of new TB History Risk Letters, stating that many farmers are in a state of “panic and confusion” after receiving advice to cull herds, even when none of the animals have tested positive for TB.

“This is causing a lot of confusion and worry, and it is particularly regrettable that this was done in the absence of a functioning Minister,” said ICSA Animal Health & Welfare chair Hugh Farrell.

He added that farmers are free to “completely ignore” the letters, and that the ICSA will be demanding that the new Minister roll back this move.

Liam Kearney joins Galway United as first coach

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September 4, 2020

Galway Daily soccer Liam Kearney joins Galway United as first coach

Galway United has this week announced a new addition to its backroom team with the addition of Liam Kearney as First Coach at the club.

Kearney is coming to Galway off a good stint at the same job with his hometown club of Cork City, whom he previously played for in the League of Ireland.

Kearney won the Premier Division title with Cork City in 2005 before picking up an FAI Cup winners medal with the Leesiders in 2007 also.

After his playing career came to an end, Kearney began coaching and he moved to America to coach full time for a year before returning to Cork City as a first team coach in 2017.

Kearney was invited to join Galway United by new manager John Caufield, who took over from Alan Murphy after he parted ways with the club last month.

He said that he was interested in the proposition the moment he got the call from John, and is excited about the new challenge at Eamon Deacy Park.

“I’ve been up with the squad since last Monday and met with the players and staff, I believe there’s a huge potential in this club.”

“We need to push on and see where we can go. I know with the passion and hard work that John Caulfield brings, he will be looking to build the club up.”

Kearney has both played and coached under Caulfield in the past, describing him as a “natural born winner” who built Cork City up.

“He knows what I can give and we both know it’s a case of pushing things on at the club now. We need to start winning games, that’s the main thing.”

“It’s a big task, the facilities are fantastic at the club and I feel there’s huge potential here, but we have a lot of hard work to do.”

“We’re not looking past Friday against Athlone Town, we have to win. It has to be game-by-game until the end of the season. If we win, we build momentum and confidence, then we can see where the season takes us.”

Coronavirus: No deaths and 95 new COVID-19 cases today

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September 3, 2020

There have been 95 new COVID-19 cases reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team today, but no additional deaths related to the disease.

There have now been a total of 29,206 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in ireland, and the death toll from the pandemic remains at 1,777 people.

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

None of the cases notified today are in Galway, and the latest county figures, with data up to midnight on Tuesday, August 1 shows 517 cases in total in the city and county.

Of the cases notified today:

52 are men and 43 are women
67% are under 45 years of age
47% are confirmed to be associated with outbreaks or are close contacts of a confirmed case
16 cases have been identified as community transmission
51 are in Dublin, 6 in Kildare, 6 in Meath, and the remaining 32 cases are in Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow

“This virus relies on human contact,” said Dr Ronan Glynn, Acting Chief Medical Office, adding, “The virus has not changed and neither have the basic measures that keep us all protected.”

“It is these basic measures that are most important to keep COVID-19 under control.”

Dr Glynn emphasised the need to regularly wash your hands for 20 seconds, know the proper way to wear a face covering, social distance, and practice proper coughing etiquette.

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

Galway Credit Union members to take part in virtual Sleep Out for Simon

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September 3, 2020

Credit Union members in Galway are set to take part in Sleeping Out for Simon – an event which is going virtual this year.

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union along with St Jarlath’s Credit Union have called on their members to get involved by swapping their beds for sleeping bags for one night in support of those facing homelessness.

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union has supported Galway Simon Community for over four years, and has taken part in the annual Sleep Out event since 2017.

In their first year, they took part as a team outside their Mainguard St. branch.

For those taking part this year, Galway Simon Community have an eventful evening lined up which will be live-streamed on the night, including music, a virtual quiz, storytelling and mindfulness.

This will allow those taking part across the county to keep connected from a distance, whilst they spend the night fundraising online in a unique and powerful way.

Ted Coyle, Operations Manager at St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union spoke about getting involved again for their fourth year.

“As a Credit Union we are delighted to be involved with Galway Simon again this year. From day one we have been involved in the annual Sleep Out.

“We look forward to raising more funds for the charity this year & look forward to continuing our partnership with Galway Simon in the future,” Ted said.

John Doyle, CEO of St. Jarlath’s Credit Union said they are delighted to be taking part this year as a team with those in St Anthony’s Credit Union.

“It’s a great fundraising event for such a worthy cause,” John said.

Funds raised through Virtual Sleep Out for Simon are more important now than ever. Galway Simon urgently need the support of the community to stand with them to make sure that they can be there for those who need their help in the challenging times ahead.

Gardaí issue warning as €3 million lost to investment fraud this year

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September 3, 2020

Gardaí are warning about a surge in reports of investment fraud this year, with almost €3 million stolen from victims by late August.

Investment Fraud is where people are persuaded or induced to make investment decisions, and hand over money, and where that money is then used for purposes that were not intended, or where the business opportunity never existed at all.

The scammers generally use tactics like promising enormous returns in the short term, or a once in a lifetime opportunity.

There have been 65 victims of investment fraud this year up to August 23, up from 25 people in the same period in 2019.

Of those 65 victims, 11 were in Connacht, 17 in Munster, 15 in Leinster, 18 in the Dublin Metropolitan Area, and 5 were in Ulster.

In that period in 2020, victims have been scammed of €2.94 million, a startling figure when €3.3 million was lost to similar crimes in all of 2019.

However, Gardaí also believe that investment fraud cases are under reported, and that the true number could be even higher, due to embarrassment, not wanting family to know, a knowledge that the money is gone and sometimes a hope being held out that the investment will come good in the end.

The majority of these cases have involved some sort of cryptocurrency such as bitcoin, often advertised by pop-up ads, some of which lead people to believe that celebrities or famous business people are endorsing them, when they are not.

Victims are asked to enter their contact or banking details into fraudulent sites, or download a link that gives the scammer control of their computer.

Once the money is transferred or once the victim starts asking difficult questions, the fraudster breaks off contact.

In one case this year highlighted by Gardaí, a person was persuaded to invest over €375,000, and was being sent reports that her investment was growing, but when she tried to cash it out she realised there was no money at all.

Gardaí area advising people to be especially wary whenever they receive unsolicited calls or emails, not to follow links from pop up ads, never give away personal details, and only ever work with authorised and regulated financial services providers.

Further information on investment and other fraud types can be found on the FraudSMART website www.fraudSMART.ie

Letter | Most don’t know about Heart Valve Disease – we need to change that

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September 3, 2020

galway daily croi heart valve disease heart and stroke

From Neil Johnson, CEO, Croí Heart & Stroke Centre

September 14^th-20^th is International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week. If you have never heard of it, you’re not unusual. Most people don’t know about it and that is something we need to change.

Heart valve disease is largely a condition of ageing with as many as one in eight Irish adults over the age of 75 likely to develop it. Valve disease in younger people tends to have other causes such as congenital defects or infections.

Worryingly, more than half of those with severe aortic stenosis – the most common form of heart valve disease – will die within two years if left untreated.

This shouldn’t happen because it’s relatively straightforward to detect, starting with a stethoscope examination.

Unfortunately, because the symptoms of heart valve disease such as breathlessness and tiredness mimic the common symptoms of ageing, it very often has a late diagnosis.

That’s why we are urging everyone 65 years and older to ask their doctor to listen to their heart with a stethoscope, at least once a year.

Early detection and diagnosis are key and the good news is that heart valve disease is one of the few heart conditions that has almost curative treatment options through either heart valve repair or replacement.

International Heart Valve Disease Awareness Week is an initiative of the Global Heart Hub and is being led in Ireland by the heart charity Croí. For more information, visit www.croi.ie/valveweek

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