Two men were arrested in Salthill yesterday evening following an altercation, where gardaí had to disperse a crowd of young people trying to prevent the arrest.
Shortly before 7pm on Saturday gardaí on patrol saw two men fighting on Salthill Promenade.
When gardaí approached, one of the men became aggressive and resisted arrest a garda spokesperson said.
A crowd of approximately 40 young people tried to obstruct the arrests, and more officers had to be called to restore calm and disperse the crowd.
Gardaí maintained a heightened presence in the area with increased patrols yesterday evening after the incident.
The two people arrested were taken to Salthill Garda Station, and have since been released.
A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Galway Gardaí are pressing home the message that although we may be in lockdown, support services are still available for people trapped in domestic abuse situations.
There have been serious concerns that the lockdown imposed for the Covid-19 crisis is causing an increase in domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid, the national freephone helpline for women trapped in abusive situations, has seen a 40% increase in calls compared with last year.
Over 4,000 calls to the helpline have been answered in the past two months alone, while the website has had more than 72,000 visits, up 74% on 2019.
“Gardai in Galway wish to highlight that many people in an abusive home are probably finding the present lockdown to be extremely difficult,” a post on the Western Region Garda facebook page said.
“But we want to reassure you that support is available by contacting any Garda Station and from Cope Galway Domestic Abuse Service.”
COPE has recently moved its Domestic Abuse service and refuge from Waterside House to Modh Eile, a larger modern facility at Forster Court.
This service runs 24/7, providing advice, counselling, and shelter to women and children who have been trapped in abusive situations.
COPE Galway’s abuse service can be reached on 091-565985, and Women’s Aid 24hr freephone helpline is available at 1800 341 900.
The Still Here campaign, launched as part of the national response to the Covid-19 lockdown, details other supports available for male and female abuse victims at stillhere.ie.
Planning permission has been granted for an overhaul of The Mall theatre in Tuam to remove and replace its awkward tower style roof section.
The Mall Theatre and Cinema Company intends to remove the tall galvanised roof structure over the main stage.
It will be replaced replaced with a lower roof more “in keeping with the remaining roof over the adjoining part of the building”.
No submissions related to this project were made to the council by members of the public.
The site was inspected on March 20, and the inspectors report notes that the existing roof arrangement is “unorthodox” and was likely to facilitate its original use as a cinema.
The amended roof design “is not considered to adversely impact the visual/residential amenity of the wider area” the inspector said, recommending that it be approved.
Galway County Council granted planning permission with five conditions attached.
Caitríona goes from one desperate act to the next to stay afloat, Noreen is horrified by an unexpected visitor, and it’s time for Andy to face trial on Ros na Rún.
Ferdia pays Noreen an unexpected visit, coming as a delight to most people, but as a horror to Noreen herself.
Andy’s court date has arrived and O’Shea is called to the stand.
Fiach’s big mouth gets Katy in trouble when he lets Dee know Katy hasn’t paid Tadhg back for her shares in Gaudi.
Caitríona keeps digging herself deeper, doctoring an invoice Tommy sent in for the Ionad Pobail CCTV as she struggles with debt collectors.
Malachaí, unhappy with the amount of time Frances is spending with Tadhg, tries to involve himself in a family meeting she has organised.
Ros na Rún, Ireland’s premiere Irish language soap opera, broadcasts twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday on TG4, with a double billing on Sundays at 8:30pm to catch up.
Roadworks on the Glenamaddy to Ballymoe road in North Galway will disrupt traffic for two days while underway next week.
Galway County Council will be carrying out resurfacing overlay roadworks on the R364 at Kilsallagh next Tuesday and Wednesday.
The work is being carried out by Harrington Quarries on behalf of the county council.
A Stop and Go system will be in place to manage traffic while work is underway between 8am and 6pm each day.
“As a consequence, users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys,” a council spokesperson said.
“Harrington Concrete & Quarries and Galway County Council would like to apologies in advance for any inconvenience that may arise as a result of the proposed works.”
Galway Market had a successful return to the streets on Saturday, with a range of new safety measures implemented to ensure social distancing.
The city council thanked stall owners and the public for making sure that the St. Nicholas Galway Market was a success yesterday, after renewed efforts were made to ensure that it could operate in line with Covid-19 restrictions.
“Galway City Council wish to thank all the market traders and the general public for their co-operation today with the market operation and in particular with social distancing.”
The council introduced a new system to manage traffic at the market and ensure better social distancing of shoppers on Saturday after mishaps last weekend.
The market was forced to close early on the advice of gardaí on its first day of reopening after social distancing issues.
This weekend, after consultations throughout the week, the food traders were spread out beyond their usual area, with half placed in the car park of the school across the street.
A new one way system for pedestrian traffic through the market was also introduced, with the pathway marked out on the ground.
“While the one way system took a bit of getting used to, it worked extremely well and this was enhanced by the number of volunteers who came to help.”
“We would especially like to thank the hot food traders who operated in the school carpark rather than from their usual pitches.”
Night time water restrictions have been imposed in the Ballinasloe area this week due to increased demand and dropping reservoir levels.
Irish Water and Galway County Council have advised customers in and around Ballinasloe, particularly in the Kiltormer, Cloonlahan and Cloontuskert areas, that water restrictions will be in place from 9am to 9pm with immediate effect.
These restrictions are being imposed to ensure a “continuous daily supply” for the affected areas.
The need for conservation has been brought on by a long spell of warm, dry weather, with drought water levels in rivers, lakes and boreholes affecting reservoir levels.
The Ballinasloe Water Treatment Plant is operating at capacity due to the demand, and supplementary pumps have been deployed to the River Suck because of the low river levels.
People in Ballinasloe, Laurencetown, Eyrecourt and Kiltormer are urged to “reduce water usage” in every way possible to protect the supply.
HSE handwashing guidelines for the Covid-19 crisis, and the fact that people are spending far more time at home in lockdown, are part of the reason why domestic household water usage has jumped 20% since February.
Each person in a household is now using an average of 24 litres of water a day figures from domestic meter readings showed.
Irish Water’s Asset Operations Lead for Galway, Tim O’Connor, said that it’s important that people the HSE’s guidance, but that there are easy ways to conserve water.
“We are thankful to the residents on Inis Oirr and Inis Mór who have been conserving water where possible for a number of weeks now and where there are already nightly restrictions in place.”
“We would urge consumers supplied by the Ahascragh, Dunmore, Gort and Ballinasloe water supplies to be particularly mindful of their use at this time due to depleting water levels in their water sources.”
Ballinasloe is the third such water supply in Co. Galway to be impacted by increased demand and the recent prolonged dry weather conditions.
Along with nightly water restrictions on Inis Oirr and Inis Mór, there are restrictions on public water supplies in Ahascragh, Gort, Dunmore and Ballinasloe which are at risk of reaching drought levels.
Confirmation of LEADER funding of almost €71,000 for different projects in Galway has been welcomed.
Galway Rural Development has been awarded €35,000 for a biodiversity programme which will benefit a number of primary and secondary schools between Oranmore and Loughrea – as well as some community organisations, East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon has said.
Over €13,000 has also been awarded for a study to enhance facilities at Lackagh Museum and over €22,000 has been allocated for a study of the heritage of the estate at Kilcornan.
“I’m delighted that Minister Ring has approved further LEADER funding for this region of the county with almost €71,000 in grants for different projects,” said Minister Cannon.
“These projects will be of great benefit to the understanding of heritage and biodiversity in the region, the latter of which is most important as the past week has seen people called upon to engage in online activity to mark National Biodiversity Week 2020.
“I wish to acknowledge Minister Ring for his ongoing support of this region and these projects through important funding channels like LEADER.”
Aran Island Ferries clearly isn’t worried about business dropping off in the future, with the announcement that their newest fleet addition will be Ireland’s biggest domestic ferry.
It was announced this week that Aran Island Ferries will be adding a sixth ferry to its fleet this August.
The 40 metre vessel will be able to able to accommodate 400 passengers when it takes to Galway Bay.
Making the announcement the ferry company said they can’t wait for people to get to see her in the water.
We have a VERY exciting announcement to make.. 📣😁
In August, we will make history when IRELAND'S LARGEST DOMESTIC FERRY becomes the sixth member of our fleet!! This 40-metre vessel with a capacity of 400 will sail to Galway Bay, and we can't WAIT for you to see her!😍⛴ pic.twitter.com/xCB89lG2VR
— Aran Island Ferries (@AranIslandFerry) May 29, 2020
Since Ireland went into lockdown Aran Island Ferries have not been taking any tourists or mainlanders to the islands.
But daily services have continued to run to allow islanders to make essential trips to the mainland, and for emergency/essential workers to reach the Aran Islands.
Stevo Timothy has said he is “lost for words” as his fundraiser for the Irish Wheelchair Association surpassed €50,000 before his 5k cycle later today.
Almost €53,000 has been raised by over 2,500 people in the fundraising campaign which has exceeded all of his expectations in recent weeks.
The challenge has caught the attention of the Irish public and a plethora of well-known sports stars and celebrities, with Twitter being bombarded with messages of support today for the Galway comedian.
Today this man is making a totally unnecessary trip during lockdown. The science says he can’t. But he’s been saying feck the science all his life. He’s already done a shorter ride to check his eyesight. Give him your support if you can… https://t.co/wKeF0DRRA0
And after raising almost €53,000 for the Irish Wheelchair Association, donations continue to flood in – and now the aim is to raise a total of €60,000 for the charity before the cycle at 7pm at the Westside Running Track.
Stevo took to social media last night and posted a heartfelt message, thanking everyone who donated and supported the campaign.
“Just reached 50 thousand euro. I’m lost for words for the first time in my life. I really am,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who donated, shared, RTd etc. Every one of you are keeping my mother’s memory alive and for that alone I am forever in your debt.
“It’s a weird feeling lying here in me bed looking at a picture of her. I wished she could have seen this.
“I wish she could have shared in this moment. She can’t but at least it will go to helping people like her. People suffering. People in chronic pain. People ignored and castigated by society because of their disability. Discounted and wrote off.
“I hope everyone can now see what a person with a disability is capable of and the inner strength of those who we once institutionalised.
“I will go now before I ball my eyes out but thank you, thank you, thank you.”
The sports industry has ballooned in recent years, with many sectors such as football and tennis becoming virtually impenetrable for anyone looking to break out a new team, or a company heavily invested in the sport.
However, Irish sportsmen and businessmen alike have found novel paths to make their way into more niche sports, such as Conor McGregor making the UFC his private playground and MTK Global developing the biggest stable of world class and domestic level boxers to be found anywhere on the planet.
Here’s how Matthew Macklin started MTK Global and how the company has since become a global player, in a sport made sexy again by the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
MTK Global are striking deals with the likes of American giants Top Rank and ESPN
Establishing a Stable of Fighters
Boxing has long been seen as a sport where the fighters are at the behest of promoters rather than the other way around, with athletes being duped into signing exploitative contracts.
Being a former fighter himself, Macklin saw a gap in the market to provide an all-inclusive management service for fighters, one which would look after all of the murky business dealings the sport employed, allowing the fighters to train in peace, or as much peace as you can be in whilst sparring.
Starting out in 2012, it only took the company 8 short years for it to now have pound-for-pound champions such as Tyson Fury, Carl Frampton and Josh Taylor on its books, with many more looking to follow in their wake.
In 2017 MTK Global branched out into MMA
Moving into the World of MMA
Having established themselves by 2017, the company went out on a limb to try and get a foothold in the burgeoning MMA market, led by Ireland’s prodigal son, Connor McGregor.
They made immediate waves by briefly working with the popular Darren Till and still represent a whole host of UFC stars, as well as those who compete in other MMA franchises, supporting fighters as far afield as Las Vegas and Kazakhstan.
The Tyson Fury Effect
Events in Las Vegas again shaped how the company was viewed when early in 2020 Tyson Fury went to Sin City to claim the one heavyweight world championship belt that had eluded him during his career, the WBC title.
During his post-fight speeches Fury made constant reference to how helpful MTK had been in getting him back to the top after his well-documented battle with depression. This would turn out to be the golden ticket for MTK, allowing them to expand further still.
Deal with Top Rank and ESPN Launches MTK into the Boxing Big Time
Suddenly with the universally recognised number 1 heavyweight on the planet in their ranks, MTK’s ability to negotiate better deals for its fighters culminated in them signing a deal with the biggest US boxing promoter Bob Arum and his television partners ESPN, the latter agreeing to feature as many MTK fighters as possible on their shows both in the US and overseas.
It seems only a matter of time before other big names join the MTK banner as they look to secure lucrative prime time television slots.
Niggling Controversy
Of course, in the world of business any success comes with some amount of controversy. In the case of MTK that has been its continued tenuous links to Matthew Macklin’s friend and one-time business partner Daniel Kinahan, a man who has been trying to put gloss on his reputation having previously had multiple brushes with authorities.
However, MTK’s management have consistently denied Kinahan maintains any ties to the company, a statement solidified by the company recently handing over the reins of day-to-day business to American businessman Bob Yalen.
This aside, it seems that MTK are sure to be building the next Steve Collins and Katie Taylors of this world for years to come, with their past firmly put behind them; this is something they have in common with many of the fighters they represent.
Plans to place mobile and broadband infrastructure on the spire of an historic church in Clifden have been rejected again by An Bord Pleanála.
Cignal Infrastructure Limited had sought approval last year to attach 6 antennae and 2 dishes to the bell tower of Christ Church in Clifden to improve local broadband and mobile coverage.
The application was rejected by the County County last November as it would impact on the “visual setting and integrity” of the church.
This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála in December, with the argument there would only by a minimal visual impact which could be mitigated.
Cignal also argued that there is a known deficit in mobile and broadband coverage in Clifden which this could address.
The inspector for the higher planning authority recommended that planning permission be granted subject to two conditions, including having a conservation expert oversee the project.
But An Bord Pleanála ultimately decided to reject their inspector’s recommendation that the project be allowed to proceed, agreeing with the county council’s initial decision.
In refusing permission the board considered the scale and industrial nature of the project, versus the historical value of the church and its status as a protected structure.
It was decided that the development would “seriously detract from the visual setting and integrity of the protected structure, and would adversely affect the character of the protected structure”.
It would also “set an undesirable precedent for future similar development affecting
protected structures”, while Cignal had not made a “convincing case” to locate the antennae there.
Galway West TD Catherine Connolly clashed with the Minister for Health in the Dáil this week over the use, or underuse, of private hospitals the state is paying for.
Deputy Connolly said that private consultants at Galway’s two private hospitals, the Bon Secours and Galway Clinic, said that they are operating at between 20% and 30% capacity.
Under a deal agreed for the Covid-19 crisis, the HSE has taken over the running of all private hospitals, which are acting as part of the public health service for the time being.
She also said that the public patients at Merlin Park Hospital’s rehabilitation unit were moved to Bon Secours, while Merlin Park has been “left empty”.
Deputy Connolly referred to an interview on Drivtetime with a consultant gynaecologist in Galway who has 350 patients waiting to be seen, 50 of whom require urgent surgery they cannot get, she said.
“The more I reflect on the Covid-19 crisis, the more it seems to disproportionately affect women and children.”
“There is no cervical screening, no BreastCheck, no elective surgery carried out and emergency surgery is very limited.”
“This is while we have the two hospitals practically empty. It is certainly 70% empty and God knows what the percentage is in Merlin Park University Hospital.
“I could pull a figure out and say 50% but I imagine it is much higher,” Catherine Connolly said.
The Independent TD said that it is “the ultimate insult” that they cannot even see the contract agreed with private hospitals as it’s “commercially sensitive” when it is costing the state €150 million.
Responding to Deputy Connolly’s questions, Minister for Health Simon Harris said that Bon Secours Galway had an inpatient occupancy of 41% in the week of May 18 – 22, while the Galway Clinic had 26% occupancy in the same period.
“I get the point that there are challenges and difficulties. However, I still believe it was absolutely the right thing to do.”
Minister Harris said that while the system does still need some “finesse”, it would be unacceptable for private patients with cancer to receive treatments, while public patients cannot.
He added that 434 patients who never would have been able to “darken the door” at the private Bon Secours hospital have had diagnostics carried out there.
“Some 710 public patients had outpatient appointments in the Bons hospital in Galway as well.”
The Minister said that he has figures for the Galway Clinic as well, and would furnish them to Deputy Connolly.
However Deputy Connolly alleged there is “no equity” in this system
“The Minister is talking about private patients going into the public system where the public system has significant waiting lists”.
It “quickly became apparent” after the deal was struck that “the Minister is paying €115 million for empty hospitals.”
The Cabinet agreed later this week that the current deal with private hospitals will no be extended past June.
The government will instead seek to negotiate a new deal that will allow the state to access capacity at private hospitals in the event of a second wave of Covid-19.
The long awaited Group Water Scheme has received final approval from Minister Eoghan Murphy after many many years.
The €3.4 million Group Water Scheme can now go to tender after the Minister approved funding for the project.
The new scheme will connect 238 houses who have never had a public water supply, as well as upgraded and connecting the 18 houses and non-domestic customers on the Kilcooley network.
Galway East Seán Canney said that this is a “landmark day” now that the project can proceed after so many “false starts”.
“A water source has been provided by Cappataggle Group Water Scheme and everything is in place in terms of the design and costings for the project.”
The Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government is providing €3,133,738 for the project, with a local contribution of €299,464.
“Minister Murphy was very familiar with the task at hand, having met the local committee last year at my request.”
Deputy Canney thanked the people of Cappatagle for offering their water supply, as well as the Kilrickle community for their patience.
“When completed, people living in the area will fulfill their right to a clean and safe supply of drinking water.”
The RNLI and GAA have issued a joint appeal for people to stay safe while on the water this Bank Holiday weekend with sunny weather ahead.
As the bank holiday approaches the charity has seen a sharp increase in lifeboat callouts, with crews launching 30 times in the last ten days.
That’s compared to just 45 callouts over the previous two months during the coronavirus restrictions.
As the good weather is set to continue for the weekend, the RNLI is concerned that lives may be lost as people are beginning to visit beaches again as restrictions ease.
Working together, the RNLI and the GAA are sharing important water safety advice and asking people to share the message and know what to do in an emergency
The key water safety messages from the RNLI and the GAA are:
Protect your family – we must all take great care on the water this summer and look out for our family and our community
Lifeguards can’t be everywhere
Do not use inflatables
In an emergency dial 112 or 999 and ask for Coast Guard
The GAA has been sharing this message across their social media channels and will continue throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
After which the organisations will continue their water safety work over the summer and feature players and RNLI lifeboat volunteers giving tips and advice on staying safe on the water.
RNLI Head of Water Safety Gareth Morrison said, ‘This partnership between the GAA and the RNLI is literally a lifesaver.
“As the coronavirus restrictions start to ease under the Government’s plan, although with the 5km still in place, we are expecting to see increasing numbers of people visit our beautiful coast and take to the water.’
“This has already been evidenced by a sharp increase in the number of callouts for our volunteer lifeboat crews.
Some of the callouts they’ve had in recent days have includes people cut off by tide, stranded on rocks, swimmers and kayakers in difficulty, children blown out to sea on inflatables and leisure craft in trouble.
“Getting safety advice out through the GAA brings the message to our communities,” Morrison said.
GAA President John Horan added, “It has been a pleasure to work with the RNLI on our lifesaving partnership for the past three years.”
“With our shared volunteer ethos and our roots in the community, we know that we can continue to help the charity with their vital lifesaving work.’
“The GAA has not been untouched by drowning tragedies. Many of our players and members have suffered because of drowning.
“It would be unbearable if, as we start to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown and start to spend time with loved ones outside and on the coast, that we might lose a loved one to drowning.”
He urged everyone to heed water safety advice, and that the GAA has been proud to support the RNLI at Croke Park in recent year.
Six more people have died after being diagnosed with COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland and 39 additional cases have been confirmed.
The total number of people in the State who have died after testing positive is now 1,645, while the number of cases has risen to 24,876.
In Galway, three more cases have been confirmed, as of midnight on Wednesday, meaning there have now been 476 people confirmed to have contracted the virus in the county.
Speaking today, Dr. Tony Holohan said: “As we approach the last week of Phase 1 it is encouraging to see ICU and hospital admissions declining, the number of new cases remaining stable and a 90% recovery rate in the community.
“Moving into next week, I would urge everyone to look back at the progress we have made over the past number of weeks and maintain our efforts to suppress COVID-19 into the future.”
Dr. Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer,encouraged people to enjoy the warm weather within recommended guidelines over the Bank Holiday Weekend.
“Public health advice currently recommends outdoor meetings of up to 4 people outside of your household, at a physical distance of 2 metres and within 5km of your home,” he said.
Hospital statistics
Total number of cases
24,837
Total number hospitalised
3,270
Total number admitted to ICU
404
Total number of deaths
1,382
Total number of healthcare workers
7,943
Number clusters notified
856
Cases associated with clusters
9,845
Median age
48
These statistics were measured at midnight on Wednesday 27 May.
A number of public amenities and sites in Galway city are being closed off once again due to recent social distancing problems.
Galway City Council has closed off the Spanish Arch and Claddagh Basin, where social distancing issues cropped up as large numbers of people gathered in the good weather.
Blackrock Diving Tower and the road at the back of the golf course has also been closed.
Parking at Silverstrand and Ballyloughane beach is also being closed off again.
This is after the city had begun cautiously reopening amenities as of May 18 when the country entered Phase 1 of coming out of lockdown.
However there is some good news, as Galway Market will be going ahead as planned tomorrow with new safety measures in place.
These include spreading food traders out between the regular location in front of the church, and the car park of St. Patrick’s school across the street.
A one way traffic system is also being implemented to help social distancing.
Giovanni’s and Venice Restaurant have progressed from Group B and join the likes of Xi’An Street Food and Woozza in the last 16 – but which restaurants will join them? Vote below!
And don’t forget to check out our restaurants page – where you can choose where to eat and order online with the click of a button!
