Advant Medical staff raise €1,150 for UHG Pediatric Unit

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November 2, 2019

A visually haunting film shot in Connemara in 1845 will have its world premier in November at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) – one of the largest film events in northern Europe.

Arracht, Tom Sullivan’s first feature film, was produced by Macalla and has been selected for the main competition at the film festival at the end of the month.

This dramatically filmed feature film was shot by the ever impressive Kate McCullough and stars Dónall Ó Héalaí, Michael McElhatton, Siobhán O’Kelly, with a stunning debut from 11-year-old Saise Ní Chuinn.

As an A-list festival, PÖFF, is one of the most distinctive film events in Europe, screening over 250 feature films, having an attendance of over 80,000 and hosting over 1,200 film professionals and journalists from around the world every year.

Arracht is a visually haunting film, a tale of overcoming grief and the fight for survival.

Set in Ireland in 1845, the film centers on Colmán Sharkey, a fisherman, a father, and a husband, who takes in a stranger.

Patsy, a former soldier, arrives in Connemara just ahead of the blight, the crop disease that led to the beginning of the Great Famine.

Director Tom Sullivan said: “I am honoured that our film will have its world premier in the main competition at Tallinn. It has been a life changing experience making Arracht.

“From witnessing the commitment of the cast, particularly Dónall Ó Héalaí, who’s total dedication and immersion in his process inspired us all.

“The crew, who were fantastic, had to battle three Atlantic storms to bring Arracht home. We are all so excited to launch the film in the beautiful city of Tallinn along with so many talented film makers.”

Producer Cúán Mac Conghail of Macalla added: “I am incredibly proud of Tom and this film. Arracht was hard work but a joy for all of us to work on and I am delighted that it has been selected in competition for the Grand Prix.”

Arracht is produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for Macalla, with funding from TG4, Screen Ireland, Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and Section 481.

Other cast members include Dara Devaney, Peter Coonan, Seán T. Ó Meallaigh and Michelle Beamish. The original music score was brilliantly written and performed by Kíla.

Production Design was by Padraig Ó Neill and Mary Crumlish was editor with Outer Limits providing the post production services. Costume Designer is Clodagh Deegan, and Niamh O Loan was the Makeup Designer.

Ambitious Galway-based project aims to get teenagers moving

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November 1, 2019

teenagers galway daily PE exercise education nui galway

A new project based in Galway is aiming to get teenagers moving at school by linking PE with science.

CÚRAM – based at NUI Galway – is launching the project, which will help teachers increase their female students’ interest in learning science and exercising.

The project is being aimed at female students because just 8% of girls at secondary school in Ireland get one hour of PE per week.

At least one hour of Physical Education is recommended by the Department of Education.

The most common reason given for the lack of PE during school hours was time pressure – due to school work.

By linking PE lessons to science, it is hoped that teachers will hopefully not feel as if the time dedicated to PE is not taking away from preparing for exams.

Four lesson plan kits are available that are linked to the Junior Cycle PE and Science curricula, which can also be used for Senior Cycle and later primary school students.

The kits integrate the work of world-leading, Irish researchers with the scientific effects of exercise on different areas of the body to prevent vascular disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders.

NUI Galway researchers featured include vascular surgeon Ms Niamh Hynes, biomedical engineer Professor Laoise McNamara, and neuroscientists Dr Karen Doyle, Dr Séan Fitzgerald, Dr Una FitzGerald, Dr Jill McMahon, and Enrico Bagnoli.

Each kit includes a lesson plan for teachers, a short video, and a flyer covering the topic for students to share with family members.

Additionally, a booklet is available describing unique extracurricular exercises available in Ireland such as cheerleading, Zumba, dance, circus performance, yoga, and CrossFit.

Fitness professionals contributing to the project include Donna Larkin from CrossFit Galway/French Vanoli, Stuntworx Elite Gymnastics and Cheer, Classes Withmel, FITTSteps Training, Ashtanga Yoga Galway, 4M Dance Centre and Galway Community Circus.

Clair Hogan, a PE teacher at Salerno Secondary School, says of the resources: “This is a wonderful pack for the classroom. The lesson plans are fun and easy to implement.

“The videos are excellent and visually allow the students to link the scientific facts they learn in their science lessons to the benefits they get in their bodies when exercising.”

Professor Abhay Pandit, Scientific Director of CÚRAM at NUI Galway, said: “We hope that students will be able to contextualise scientific concepts by understanding the effects of physical activity on their bodies and how it can prevent chronic illnesses.

“We want to make science more personal and relevant to teenagers by linking how the biology and physics involved in exercise affects their health.”

Dunkellin Bridge reopens a year after it collapsed

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November 1, 2019

Galway daily news Dunkelling bridge reopening a year after it collapsed

Dunkellin Bridge is reopening to traffic this evening more than a year after it first collapsed in September 2018.

A central span of the bridge collapsed while flood mitigation works were taking place, causing serious difficulties for local traffic with motorists forced to use long diversions.

Work on the bridge had two main areas. Firstly rehabilitation works had to be carried out on the sections which remained standing to ensure there was no further collapse.

After that was complete work began on building a new stretch of bridge in July to replace what was lost

This was advanced when Ciaran Cannon announced that €200,000 in funding from the Office of Public Works had been secured for the reconstruction project.

Several designs were floated, but it was decided to proceed with a single span construction, as this would not require planning permission and could proceed more quickly.

Work has been progressing quickly since and councillor Joe Byrne says that the bridge is ready to open again this evening with a traffic light system in place.

image credit: Councillor Joe Byrne/via Facebook

Full programme unveiled for Junior Film Fleadh

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily arts & culture Full programme unveiled for the Junior Film Fleadh

The full programme of events has been announced for the Junior Film Fleadh taking place at the Palas Cinema from November 10-14.

The Junior Film Fleadh is a film festival for all generations, that puts young people and their stories in the spotlight.

The programme of cinema for the 2019 JGFF kicks off with Sunday matinees of brand new animation, documentary and drama films, followed by a week of educational screenings, filmmaking workshops, a Society & Inclusivity cinema programme and the return of the JGFF Future Filmmakers Competition.

This year’s Junior Film Fleadh will present some highly anticipated new animation and documentaries.

Children of the Sea is a Japanese animated feature about a girl named Ruka who is drawn into a mystery involving sea life around the world and two mysterious boys she meets in the aquarium where her Dad works.

The anime film has previously played at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival.

Born2Drive is the Fast & Furious of documentary films. Born2Drive follows the world’s youngest rallycross driver, 15-year-old Oliver Solberg, on his journey towards becoming Nordic rallycross champion.

Oliver’s big dream is to race against his father, world champion Petter Solberg, but his father refuses until Oliver has become a good enough driver.

Oliver embraces this challenge and at 15 he moves to France by himself to attend racing school. Race by race his driving skill improves, but everything changes when his father suddenly gets seriously hurt.

Born2Drive is real cars, great passion and 600 roaring horsepower under the hood. It is a movie with fast cars, fast-paced action and huge thrills.

Your Turn is a documentary directed by Eliza Capai about the social and economic crisis in Brazil, where students protested and occupied hundreds of schools, demanding better education and the end of austerity measures.

The film depicts the student movement from the protests of 2013, through the election of the right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro in 2018.

Inspired by the collective voice of the movement itself, Your Turn is narrated by three high school students, who jostle for space and time to tell their story and represent central points of their struggle, including at the intersection of feminist, LGBTQ+ and racist issues of their generation.

While each morning of the festival will feature European film screenings for French, German, Spanish and Irish school groups, each afternoon will feature screenings from the festival’s Society and Inclusivity programme.

The Italian film Dafne is a character-driven family drama about a self-aware and bright young woman with Down syndrome.

Living with her parents, Dafne must attend to her father after her mother dies, on top of processing her own grief.

The multiple-award winning documentary Midnight Traveler is one of the most vital human rights films to come out this year, made by director Hassan Fazili, as he and his family fled from the Taliban in Afghanistan and captured their entire journey to seek refuge in Europe on camera.

Midnight Traveler puts a human face on a global crisis and the many thousands of families out there just like Fazili’s, seeking shelter from violence.

And as 2019 has been a critical time for students doing their part to protest the climate crisis, the JGFF will be continuing the conversation with a screening of The Clean Bin Project, a documentary made by filmmaker couple Jen and Grant who go head to head in a comedic competition to live zero waste for an entire year.

A fun and inspiring call to environmental action that speaks to crowds of all ages, the film will be followed by a discussion with Pauline O’Reilly (Green Party Councillor Galway West) and John Tedders (The Filling Station, Galway) among other speakers.

The 2019 Junior Galway Film Fleadh will close with the return of its Future Filmmakers Competition, screening eighteen short films made by aspiring directors under 18 years of age from all over Ireland.

The winning filmmaker will receive a €250 prize and a place on a Galway Film Centre filmmaking course.

Click here to see the full line-up of feature films, short films and filmmaking workshops taking place as part of the 2019 Junior Galway Film Fleadh.

€200,000 awarded for building footpaths in Killimor and Craughwell

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily news 200,000 for construction of footpaths in KIllimor and Craughwell

€200,000 has been allocated for the construction of footpaths in Killimor and Craughwell under the Town and Village Enhancement Scheme.

Loughrea county councillor Jimmy McClearn said that €100,000 has been set aside for the repair and replacement of multiple footpaths in Killimor.

Work will take place on footpaths on the Ballinasloe road, Moorfield road, Tynagh Road and Loughrea road in Killimor.

“This is great news as these areas were not included in the Major Village Enhancement works which were carried out in 2018,” councillor McClearn said.

In addition Galway East TD and Minister of State Ciaran Cannon confirmed that an additional €100,000 will be spent on the construction of a new footpath in Craughwell.

When complete it will connect the main village to Craughwell National School out the R446.

“I’ve worked closely with Cllrs. Joe Byrne and Michael Maher in making the case for this funding,” Ciaran Cannon said.

“It was wonderful to be able to collaborate with Brian Gorman, Noel Gorman and other members of the Craughwell community in determining what exactly is needed to develop the village further. “

Picture special: House Hotel event in aid of Breast Cancer Research

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November 1, 2019

A fundraising event was recently held at the House Hotel in aid of National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute is a is a national charity that funds a comprehensive research programme from where it is based at NUI Galway.

The research team, in collaboration with universities and hospitals across the globe, focuses on the development and improvement of diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies, to drive real and measurable improvement in clinical outcomes for patients.

In Ireland, 1 in 9 women are affected by breast cancer and there are 3,000 cases diagnosed annually which is set to continue to increase.

As a charity the NBCRI relies heavily on donations and fundraising events like that which took place at the House Hotel on October 24 in order to support its research into new treatments and diagnoses.

Pictured below are some of the many people who came that night to help support a worthy cause.

Attending the recent fundraising event in aid of the NBCRI at the House Hotel were: Rita Hodgins and Sheila Dwyer. Photo: Tom Taheny

Mary O’Shea, Una Murphy Business Development Executive House Hotel and Anne Lillis. Photo: Tom Taheny

Ethelle Fahy and Angela Commins. Photo: Tom Taheny

Julia Kelly and Nollaig Kelly. Photo: Tom Taheny

Pixies tickets sell out in two hours for 2020 GIAF concert

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November 1, 2019

Galway daily arts & culture The Pixies GIAF tickets sell out in two hours

Rock legends The Pixies will be one of the headline acts for the 2020 Galway International Arts Festival, and the anticipation was rife as tickets sold out in just over tow hour this morning.

The Pixies are the first act of the programme for the 2020 Galway International Arts Festival to be confirmed so far, to the delight of fans.

The four person alt-rock band will be playing at the Heineken Big Top on July 17th of next year.

Tickets for that concert went on sale at 9am this morning, and the demand from fans to see these trailblazing legends from the late 80s was clear as the concert was sold out by shortly after 11am.

The Pixies formed in 1986 and released a mini-album year later titled Come on Pilgrim, which they followed up with their first full Surfer Rosa in 1988.

Surfer Rosa featured such popular hits as “Where is my Mind” and “Gigantic” that are still beloved of rock fans today.

Surfer Rosa was well reviewed and became a college hit in the US and UK, catapulting Pixies to fame.

The Pixies had a massive influence on the sound of their time, with their mix of punk aggression and pop melodies paving the way for other bands like Nirvanna to Radiohead to Pearl Jam in the 90s.

Today a whole new generation of music fans are discovering their “loudquietloud” signature sound.

As the UK’s DIY put it, “They’re back. They’re still brilliant. God save the Pixies.”

Disruptions expected as three weeks of N84 roadworks begin Monday

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway allocated over €42 million for local and regional roads

Roadworks on the northern end of the N84 expected to last up to three weeks will get underway on Monday, November 4.

Galway County Council is carrying out roadworks on the N84 between Shrule and Headford.

According to the county council these works are expected to take two to three weeks to complete.

Motorists travelling in the area should expect some traffic disruption as a Stop and Go system will be in place to manage traffic while work is taking place.

Status yellow rainfall warning for Galway lifted

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily weather status yellow weather warning for Galway cancelled

A Status yellow weather warning rainfall which was due to come into effect in Galway this afternoon has been cancelled.

The status yellow rainfall warning was issued for Galway, Clare, Limerick, and Kerry by Met Eireann on Thursday evening.

It warned of 30-40mm of rain accumulating between 2pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday, possible more in elevated areas.

However Met Eireann has now now lifted that weather warning for Galway. It remains in place for the other three counties and Cork. and extended to midnight Saturday.

The upper amount of rainfall expected i those counties has also been increased to 60mm.

That’s not to say that Galwegians should break out the swimming suits and flock to the beaches just yet as heavy showers of rain are still forecast throughout today.

Saturday will also see scattered heavy showers, strongest in the morning and early afternoon.

A separate wind warning for counties Wexford, Cork, Kerry and Waterford has also been issued which will be in place overnight from 11pm on Friday to 6am on Saturday.

People on the water today should also be warned as a Status Orange Gale Warning has been issued this morning covering all Irish coastal waters.

“Southwest gales or strong gales developing later today on all Irish coastal waters and on the Irish Sea. Winds will reach storm force tonight on coasts from Hook Head to Mizen Head to Valentia.”

A status yellow small craft warning issued for boats off the west coast

UHG is the most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

UHG has the ignoble honour of being the single most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today with 52 patients on trolleys according to the INMO.

This is a bad start to the month after figures for October released by the INMO yesterday showed that there were a total of 855 patients forced to wait on trolleys at UHG last month.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has kept a daily tally of the number of patients in public hospitals who are without a proper bed in its Trolley/Ward Watch since 2006.

In total there are 454 patients going without a bed today, with University Hospital Limerick vacating its usual spot at the top of the list to come in second with 49 on trolleys, followed by UH Waterford with 33 and Cork UH with 31.

The INMO has warned that this crisis is going to get worse going into the winter period without almost 1,300 nursing and midwifery positions currently vacant in the public health service.

Far from improving, the INMO warns that the staffing crisis is getting worse with 335 fewer nurses in Irish hospitals now compared with the end of 2018.

“Patients are paying the price for the HSE’s “go slow” recruitment freeze, which leaves many posts unfilled,” INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha warned.

Support the Capital of Culture through the Galway 2020 Business Club

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November 1, 2019

Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Galway 2020 is offering local businesses the opportunity to support the upcoming Capital of Culture year and build their own brand profile with its Business Club.

The Galway 2020 Business Club was created as a way for businesses of all sizes to contribute directly to the Capital of Culture project, building the image of out county around the world and also securing exclusive benefits for the coming year.

The Business Club offers increased brand profile and visibility to its members, as well as invitations to key project and events, B2B networking opportunities and year-round support from the Galway 2020 Development team.

Three levels of support are available: Club member (€2,020 + VAT) Gold member (€5,000 + VAT) and Platinum member (€10,000+ VAT).

Platinum Member Paul Grealish of the King’s Head says “We decided to come on board as a Business Club Member to show our support for Galway 2020 and to help it achieve success.”

“2020 is going to be a huge year for Galway. We see Galway 2020 as a ‘once in a lifetime’ event when all eyes will be on Galway City and County.”

“The Kings Head is a long-standing supporter of the Arts so it makes total sense for us to support Galway 2020.”

Among the first Platinum members of Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture Business Club are: KPMG, Connacht Hospitality Group, The Galmont Hotel, Harbour Hotel, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate and The Kings Head.

Gold members include: Ard-Bia at Nimmos, Snap Printers, Galway Technology Centre, Busker Brownes, LK Shields, Port of Galway, Clayton Hotel, Maldron Hotel Sandy Road and Maldron Hotel Oranmore.

The Business Club also counts among its members: The Ardilaun Hotel, Cantec Galway, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop, Computer Troubleshooters, Grant Thornton, McSwiggans Restaurant and Bar, Power Property, Renvyle House Hotel, Salthill Hotel, Western Hygiene, The Imperial Hotel, Fahy Coaches, O’Reilly’s Bar and Kitchen and The Skeff Bar.

CEO of Galway 2020 Patricia Philbin says, “We want to thank all the companies who have already signed up to the Business Club Membership Programme, their support is very important because an investment in Galway 2020 is an investment in the future of the region.”

“The national and Galway based business community has a critical role to play in Galway 2020, and much to gain through its involvement.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment for companies and the business community as a whole to demonstrate their investment in and commitment to Galway – and to help ensure that next year is a phenomenal success for the people of Ireland.”

Man in his 70s dies after car enters the sea in Kinvara

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November 1, 2019

Galway Daily news Missing 17 year old teenager found safe and well

One man has died in hospital today after an incident where his car went into the water in Kinvara on Thursday evening.

Gardaí are investigating a fatal incident where a car was seen going into the water near the quay in Kinvara at approximately 8pm yesterday evening.

Emergency services responded to the incident after the alarm was raised, including RNLI from the Galway Lifeboat Station.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, a man in his 70s, was rescued from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway in critical condition, but later passed away.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information, particularly any motorists who may have been in The Quay area Kinvara between 7:45pm – 8:15pm who may have dash cam footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí in Galway on 091 538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Almost 1,000 patients on trolleys in Galway this October

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November 1, 2019

There were almost 1,000 hospital patients who were forced to wait on trolleys in Galway this October between UHG and Portiuncula Hospital.

University Hospital Galway was the third most overcrowded hospital in the country last month with 855 patients on trolleys, and another 126 people were left without a bed in Portiuncula.

That’s an increase of 23.6 percent on the same period last year at UHG and a 20 percent increase at Portiuncula.

In total the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says that there were 11,452 patients on trolleys last month.

The union said that this is the single worst October ever recorded for overcrowding, and the second worst month they have ever seen since record keeping of patients on trolleys began.

No surprises the worst affected hospital was University Hospital Limerick (1,450), followed by Cork University Hospital (1,028), UHG (885), South Tipperary General Hospital (753) and Letterkenny University Hospital (693).

INMO General Secretary, Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said “The message from the frontline is clear: patients are being put at grave risk.”

“There is no doubt that this situation will worsen as winter bites, unless staffing becomes a top priority for the government.

“Patients are paying the price for the HSE’s “go slow” recruitment freeze, which leaves many posts unfilled. I have written to the HSE to warn that their recruitment pause is putting lives at risk.”

“We need to be encouraging more nurses and midwives into our system. Instead, we are making an already bureaucratic recruitment process even more difficult.

“In many cases, we’re slamming the door on those who want to work in our public health system,” she concluded.

The INMO has said that since the start of this year there are 308 fewer staff nurses in Irish hospitals, along with 37 fewer Public Health nurses and 87 less midwives.

HSE workforce figures cited by the union are based on the September 2019 Health Service Employment Report’s “Employment by Grade Group” figures, compared with the same report from December 2018.

Overall the INMO says that there are 1,300 nursing and midwifery vacancies within the public health system.

It warns that research undertaken by the UK’s National Institute for Health Research found that when nurse staffing fell below average levels on a ward, the risk of death increased by 3%.

Status Yellow weather warning issued for Galway

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October 31, 2019

Galway Daily weather Weather warning for heavy rain in Galway tonight

A Status Yellow weather warning for heavy rain has been issued for Galway and three other counties in the west and southwest.

“Spells of heavy rain will lead to accumulations of 30 to 40mm during the period, with higher totals possible in upland areas,” the weather warning from Met Eireann said.

The warning will come into effect at 2pm on Friday and remain in place for the next 24 hours until 2pm on Saturday.

Along with Galway the warning also covers counties Clare, Limerick, and Kerry.

A small craft warning is also in effect for boats on the water off the southwest and west tonight.

“Southwesterly winds will occasionally reach force 6 tonight and overnight on Irish Coasts from Hook Head to Mizen Head to Slyne Head”.

The weather forecast for the weekend says to expect conditions to remain unsettled, with more rain forecast even after the weather warning expires on Saturday.

Athenry Gaelscoil facilities to be upgraded with new investment

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October 31, 2019

Galway Daily education Athenry gaelscoil gets funding for new facilities

A gaelscoil in Athenry is set to benefit from new funding for additional facilities, Minister for Education Joe McHugh has confirmed.

Toilet facilities at Gaelscoil Riada in the town will be upgraded as a result of the investment.

Minister Ciaran Cannon welcomed the confirmation, saying that investments such as this are vital to ensuring school facilities are kept refurbished to modern standards and the optimum level.

The East Galway TD said: “I’m pleased to note that Athenry’s Gaelscoil Riada is to receive further investment in its facilities with the approval from the Department of Education and Skills for the upgrading of toilet facilities at the Gaelscoil.

“Investments such as this are vital to ensuring that school buildings are upgraded to modern standards and the optimum level for students and staff and I welcome this continued investment in our school facilities in East Galway.”

The Fine Gael TD added: “The Budget 2020 investment includes a capital allocation for new, bigger and more energy-efficient school buildings (and third level facilities) with a €922m budget for 2020 under Project Ireland 2040.”

Roadworks to improve sightlines at dangerous Adrahan junction

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October 31, 2019

Galway daily news Three weeks of N84 roadworks begin Monday

Roadworks are expected to get underway in the coming days to improve the sightlines at a risky junction outside Ardrahan.

Loughrea District County Councillor PJ Murphy has said that funding has been secured through the Community Involvement Scheme for roadworks at “The Hunting Gate” junction at Cregclare, Adrahan.

“This junction is currently very blind for traffic coming from the Cahirtrim road,” Councillor Murphy said.

He added that, “It is virtually impossible to see traffic approaching from the Craughwell side when stopped at the Junction.”

Work is expected to begin on this project shortly, and will involve improving sightlines and moving back stone walls on either side of the junction.

Councillor Murphy added that numerous people have contacted him about the condition of the Cahertrim Road surface, and said that funding has been made available to completely resurface this road in the new year.

Tadhg plots Katy’s release from hospital in Ros na Rún

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October 31, 2019

Galway Daily arts & culture Tadhg plots Katy's release from hospital on Ros na Rún

The plot thickens in Ros na Rún as Tadhg plans with Katy, Bobbi Lee and Nathan come closer to revealing secrets, and love is in the air for Michelle and Rory.

Tadhg meets with a downbeat Katy. He has a plan to get her out of the hospital and all Katy needs to do is follow his instructions. Will she accept help from Ros na Rún resident schemer?

Bobbi Lee and Nathan, despite initially clashing, soon see eye to eye. Will Nathan reveal his true identity to her?

Berni has an event to go to but cannot find anything to wear. Caitríona suggests she try on some of her dresses. Berni is touched by Caitríona’s generosity. But has Caitríona an ulterior motive?

Michelle is keen to get with Rory and hopes she will at the house party tonight. Will these two finally get it on?

The 18th episode of this season of Ros na Rún will air at 8:30pm tonight on TG4, with a special double billing omnibus on Sunday for people who missed Tuesday’s episode.

Galway Hospitality Group takes home prestigious Customer Service Award

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October 31, 2019

Galway Daily business Connacht Hospitality Group wins prestigious customer service award

Galway’s Connacht Hospitality Group, which comprises multiple hotels and bars in the city has been awarded a much sought after customer service award from Failte Ireland.

In order to receive Fáilte Ireland’s Accredited Service Excellence Award a business must show that at least 75% of its staff have completed the Accredited Service programme to deliver the best in customer service for tourists.

The Connacht Hospitality Group contains some of the most loved hotels and bars in Galway: The Connacht Hotel, currently celebrating 50 years of excellence; the boutique Residence Hotel on Quay Street in the heart of the city’s cultural life; and the stylish Forster Court Hotel which has recently been revamped.

It also represents the multi-award winning An Pucán, one of the best places to watch sports in Galway; Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour with its unparalleled collection of gins; and 1520 Bar in the heart of the Latin Quarter.

Also under the umbrella of the group comes the 24-hour Active Fitness Gym & Leisure Centre.

Group General Manager Wayne Neilon said “We are delighted to have received the Failte Ireland Service Excellence Award for our properties.

“This is an excellent initiative from Failte Ireland supporting front line customer service teams,” he said of the tourism agency’s Service Programme and Award.

“The feedback from our teams on the training provided was very positive and the training was delivered in a very professional and pragmatic way that allowed the team to practically apply their learnings in their day to day roles.”

“As a company we are very appreciative of the training support received from Failte Ireland. We are proud to employ over 350 staff in the city and we pride ourselves on our passion for taking care of our team and who then in turn, take care of our customers.”

Hyde Bar & Gin Parlour and Forster Court Hotel

In the ever-competitive world of the Irish tourism industry top class customer service is now more important than ever.

Ireland is not seen as a low cost destination, but needs to compete with places with cheaper prices. One way to achieve this is by ensuring visitors to Galway are given the royal treatment.

One key opportunity which must be taken and advocated for is “the provision of best in class service experiences” the outcomes of which will benefit the visitor, the business and Ireland Inc.

The Connacht Hospitality Group is the only hospitality group in Galway which has so far achieved the Accredited Service Excellence Award from Fáilte Ireland.

Martina Kerr Bromley, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Operations, Enterprise, Food & Hospitality, said that this award is a “great testament to the staff, management and teams of the Hotels, Bars, Restaurants & Fitness businesses across the group”.

She added that the Service Excellence Programme is a benefit to staff and management who “see real value in going the extra mile, in not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of our visitors”.

Weather forecast: Heavy rain and wind for much of the weekend

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October 31, 2019