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Tuam-born legend could appear on special stamps

By
Michael Malone
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an post stamps tom murphy galway daily

The late Tom Murphy could appear on a special stamp in 2022 during An Post’s 2022 programme of Special and Commemorative stamps.

That’s if Minister Ciaran Cannon‘s suggestion of including the Tuam-born playwright in the special stamps is considered.

The Galway East TD said he will contact the postal service ‘shortly’ to nominate him.

An Post issued a call for suggestions from around the country for its 2022 programme of commemorative stamps.

And Ciaran Cannon said that Tom Murphy’s inclusion would be even more apt as Creative Places pilot, which was announced in recent months for Tuam, will be in full flight by 2022, ‘adding a whole new element to community engagement with the arts’.

The Galway East TD said: “Such a stamp might also include other images related to the heritage of Murphy’s home town, which had such a formative influence on his work”.

“In recent weeks, it has been suggested that Tuam become the location of a Sludge Hub Centre which is a proposal I do not support.

“Commemorating Tuam’s major contribution to the arts and to Irish theatre is a development far more worthy of the town and it would be nice to think that a a playwright who became a global ambassador for theatre in Ireland would make his way through doors across the world via an envelope.

“I will therefore be contacting An Post shortly to nominate Tom Murphy for inclusion in its 2022 programme of Special and Commemorative stamps.”

Galway medtech startup raises €2.3 million

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily business Galway medtech startup raises €2.3 million investment

The Galway based medtech startup AtriAN Medical has announced that it has raised €2.3 million in seed investment and is ready to begin clinical trials.

AtriAN is a medtech startup which spun out of NUI Galway developing a new device which could radically improve treatments for people suffering from atrial fibrillation.

The irregular heartbeat of atrial fibrillation causes patients to have palpitations, weakness, fatigue and dizziness, as well as making them five times more likely to have a stroke due to the formation of clots.

Atrial Fibrillation affects 2 percent of the population under 65 years and 9 percent of the population over 65.

Ken Coffey, Co-founder and CEO of AtriAN said “We would like to thank our investors for their tremendous support of AtriAN.”

“Securing this seed round funding will allow us to progress towards clinical trials to find long-term resolution of this prevalent and debilitating disease.”

“There is currently no suitable treatment and we believe our technology will offer patients a powerful and safe treatment that should last for years.”

Current treatment options for Afib are limited and carry significant risks. The first method is the anti-arrhythmic drugs. But these are only effective in 30 percent of cases and carry significant side effects.

The next option is to have a cardiac ablation which uses either heating or freezing to create an intentional scar on the heart in a process known as pulmonary vein isolation.

AtriAN are developing a medical device which sends electrical signals that ‘knock-out’ hyperactive neuronal cells at five specific locations on the heart.

This reduces the overall ‘sensitivity’ of the heart to AFib, providing a very long-term, and durable treatment as these hyperactive cells will not regenerate.

Barry O’Brien, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of AtriAN Medical, said “Our technology targets the source of the problem bringing together technical developments relating to pulsed electric fields and recent scientific findings in the field of cardiac electrophysiology.”

“Several years of excellent research at Mayo Clinic and NUI Galway gives us the confidence to bring this forward for patient trials.”

This investment round was led by Western Development Commission and included Mayo Clinic Ventures, Enterprise Ireland, Atlantic Bridge and Xenium Capital as well as private angel investors with a strong med-tech track record.

The current level of investment will support the medtech company through its initial human trials, with patients expected to be tested next year at a specialist centre in Europe.

An Bord Pleanála upholds permission for dog park in Athenry

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Plans in the works for new Dog Park near Oranmore

Plans for a dog park in Athenry can proceed after An Bord Pleanála decided to uphold the planning permission given by the county council

The Athenry Dog Park Committee was given the go ahead to build a fenced area for dogs to socialise and play at Knockaunglass field on the Esker Road in June.

An appeal against the county council’s decision was lodged by Athenry Boys’ School adjacent to the site of the proposed dog.

The school argued that this development would pose a road safety hazard due to increased traffic at a dangerous junction and contravened the County Development Plan.

It was also argued that the dog park would pose noise and safety issues for pupils due to potentially aggressive or uncontrolled dogs.

The plans consist of three separate exercise and socilaisation areas: One area specifically for small dogs, one unrestricted area for dogs of all sizes, and a socialisation area.

The park will be surrounded with a 1.8m high chain link fence, with each of the separate areas for the dogs also fenced in.

Each of the three areas would include equipment such as tyres, planks, tubes and other items to stimulate the dogs at play.

Plans for the dog park also include 20 car parking spaces off road adjacent to the main site.

Aside from the one main objection, the dog park plans have the enthusiastic support of the Athenry Tidy Towns Committee and Galway Rural Development, both of whom have indicated that they would be willing to help maintain the site.

The Dog Park Committee disagreed with the majority of points made by the Boys School, but said that it would support any upgrade to the local road network.

The higher planning authority decided to uphold the original grant of planning permission with revised condition.

One condition imposed by An Bord Pleanála was that the developer is not permitted to use floodlights at the site.

Galway United to face Waterford in the Under-19 final on Monday

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily soccer Galway United announce two new signings

Galway United will face Waterford FC in the final of the under-19 league at Eamonn Deacy Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

Galway United earned their place in the under-19 final by knocking out the Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers in Dublin.

Waterford FC have made their way here by defeating Dundalk and Drogheda United at the RSC.

Kick off for the final is at 6pm in Eamon Deacy Park on Monday, October 28.

Admission to the match is €5. Children under-12 and Galway United season ticket holders go free.

Park and Ride to Galway Airport parking proposed to tackle congestion

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Fianna Fáil City Councillor calls for extension of eviction ban

Galway City East Councillor Alan Cheevers has said that operating a Park and Ride from Galway Airport could help tackle congestion in the city.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that the bus connects and cycling initiatives proposed by transport section of the city council are welcome initiatives, but that the parking space at Galway Airport should be utilised to a greater degree.

“There is parking for hundreds of cars at this facility and it gives the opportunity to service Parkmore and the city as we see the development of Crown in Mervue, Bonham Quay on the docks, and further developments coming on stream.”

He added that with further growth “we will see more cars on our roads that are already gridlocked. Over the last few years we have seen 60% increase on amount of cars entering the city on daily basis.”

“If we present the public transport options commuters will use them and leave cars at home. We cant wait to see our city gridlocked further.”

“If we want to implement a proper climate action plan for city and county council we  need all the transport options available to work towards it.”

Councillor Cheevers said that the city and county councils should collaborate on a pilot scheme for a Park and Ride to and from Galway Airport, and that he has submitted a motion to the city council to that effect.

Galway man elected to Veterinary Council of Ireland

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway elected to veterinary council of Ireland

Galway man Séamus McManus has been reelected to the Veterinary Council of Ireland, one of four people chosen by Irish vets this week.

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and nursing.

Four people were elected to the council this week by registered practitioners who are registered with the council.

Seamus McManus is retired from working as a vet full time after 38 years in the business.

In his time as a practicing vet here in Galway he was involved in setting up Ark Veterinary Clinic in 1977, Oran Vets in 2003, and Ark Vets Knocknacarra 2010.

Along with Seamus, Patrick Gerard Cusack was reelected to the council and two new members Arthur O’Connor and Ian Fleming were elected with them.

The elected practitioners will be appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine Michael Creed to commence their term on 1st January 2020.

Peadar Ó Scanaill, President of the Veterinary Council of Ireland offered his congratulations to all of the candidates who were elected this week.

“I believe that each of them will serve the Council well in the years to come. I am confident they will do their utmost to uphold the highest standards in the best interests of animal health and welfare, and in the interest of our registrants.”

The functions of this council include protecting the welfare of animals through veterinary education, as well as maintaining a registry of licenced practitioners, nurses, and premises.

The council is also responsible for disciplinary action in cases of professional misconduct.

Two men arrested over €200,000 Ballinasloe drugs seizure

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Two arrested over Ballinasloe drugs seizure

Two men were arrested by gardaí in connection with the seizure of €200,000 worth of drugs just outside Ballinasloe yesterday evening.

The Galway Divisional Drugs Unit assisted by the Western Region Armed Support Unit and local Gardaí carried out a search of a wooded area outside of Ballinasloe town on Wednesday evening.

During the search they found a number of sealed containers buried in the ground containing cannabis and cocaine with an estimated street value of €200,000.

Gardaí said that the search was part of “ongoing investigations targeting Organised Crime Groups operating in the Western Region”.

Two men were arrested in connection with the investigation and detained at Mill Street Garda Station under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

They have since been released and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Significant disruption expected to Galway-Dublin trains this Bank Holiday weekend

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news New timetable adds stops on Galway train services
file photo

Trains travelling between Galway and Dublin will experience significant delays this Bank Holiday weekend due to line works taking place.

Engineering works taking place on the Galway-Heuston line between Galway and Athenry, as well as Sallins and Kildare, will cause delays to trains over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Work on the line will take place on Saturday and Sunday October 26 – 27, disrupting rail travel.

Bus transfers will be in operation between Galway and Athenry and Sallins and Kildare for passengers travelling in both directions.

Buses will leave Galway ahead of the scheduled departure time to make up for the slower travel, and trains leaving Athenry are expected to depart at approximately the regular time.

Trains leaving Heuston will depart earlier than regularly scheduled in anticipation of delays.

Passengers travelling by rail this weekend are advised to used Irish Rail’s Journey Planner for their trips to minimise issues.

Beautiful Galway holiday home named as third best in Ireland

By
Michael Malone
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galway holiday home bronze best galway daily

A house in Co. Galway has been named in the top three holiday homes in Ireland in a national travel awards scheme.

The impressive ‘Country View Cottage‘ near Athenry took home bronze in the awards by Sykes Holiday Cottages.

The home, which has a games room including a full-size snooker table and mini bar, was one of 2,500 entries from across Ireland and Britain which were nominated for 30 categories.

But just pipping the beautiful Galway cottage were two holiday homes in Clare and Donegal.

Marino, an impressive rental property in Liscannor, County Clare, took home gold thanks to its cosy living spaces and spectacular sea views.

With a nautical theme, its décor is inspired by the nearby fishing village and harbour.

Silver went to Mulroy View, a five-bedroom cottage overlooking Mulroy Bay near Kerrykeel in County Donegal.

The property is ideal for families and friends celebrating special occasions or looking to explore this part of the country.

Harriet Kerr, commercial director at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: “The Sykes Gem Awards have given us the chance to celebrate unique holiday homes and their owners. More and more travellers are opting for staycations over holidays on the continent, and last year we saw a boost in bookings to Ireland.

“Because of this, those with a second home or money to invest are increasingly turning to holiday letting – who knows, we may see them on the Sykes Gems shortlist next year!”

Graham Donoghue, Sykes Holiday Cottages’ CEO, added: “We launched the awards to recognise and reward the hard work of the owners who are part of the Sykes family. Back then, we had no idea how popular they would be, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the response and this year received a record number of submissions.

“I love being part of the judging panel – you hear about peoples’ passion for holiday letting and everything they do to go above and beyond to deliver unforgettable breaks throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Cormac O’Suilleabhain, from Tourism Ireland, said: “Awards like this one serve to shine a spotlight on Ireland and the brilliant breaks available here.

“I was blown away by the standard of the entries, so it was tough to choose between them, but all three properties are very deserving winners.”

The cottage in Athenry, Co Galway

Legends collide onstage in Doctor Frankenfaust

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts & culture Dr Frankenfaust at Galway Arts Centre

The twisted tale of Doctor Frankenstein and his monster and the warning parable of Faust both loom large over fiction to this day, and Doctor Frankenfaust is the latest to pay homage to these classics.

Put Frankenstein and Faust together and you get… FRANKENFAUST, coming to Nun’s Island Theatre at the end of this month.

The stark metaphors that are still relevant to the scientific and technological dilemmas we face today, and the less overtly applicable warning against turning to magic in order to gain infinite knowledge, have both inspired many tales.

This satirical stage play takes its inspiration from such high camp Gothic as James Whale’s Bride of Frankenstein and old Hammer Horror films.

Creators Tommy Baker and Brendan Murphy explore the themes of modern political occultism, chaos magic and conspiracy theories.

“Consensus reality is falling apart … The world is ruled by Black Magic, psychopathic Satanists … There is a global agenda to enslave the psyche of the whole human race … Or is it all in the mind of Dr. Kevin Frankenfaust?”

“He has built a machine that can summon a host of demons, but as our tech-illogical world becomes increasingly bombarded with ‘facts’ … we have to ask … which ones are real?”

Galway Arts Centre presents this light-hearted, dystopian nightmare for your Halloween viewing pleasure.

Catch a sneak preview of the show here if you dare.

Doctor Frankenfaust will be performed at Nun’s Island Theatre on October 31 and November 1 at 8pm.

The show is 1 hour and 15 minutes long with a 15 minute interval. Tickets cost €12 each, but capacity is limited.

Tuam national school receives go ahead for extension

By
Briain Kelly
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Gardenfield National School in Tuam has been given the go ahead for the construction of an extension to the existing school building.

The Board of Management at the catholic national school sought planning permission for a first floor extension consisting of a classroom with toilets, a general purpose room, and an office.

Gardenfield National School was founded in Tuam in 1885. It moved to its current building in 1948, though it has undergone many extensions and modernising works in the time since then.

The latest expansion prior to this was completed in September 2012 and involved the addition of a new classroom to ensure the newest teacher hired didn’t have to keep working out of the gym.

There are currently six standard teachers and one learning support teacher employed by the Department of Education at Gardenfield.

The planning application was submitted by the B.O.M on July 7, but was delayed slightly when the county council requested further information about the wastewater infrastructure for the school.

In September, updated site plans were submitted which included the wastewater infrastructure and an architect’s report saying that it is sufficient to meet demands.

Planning permission was granted by the county council with five conditions attached.

Galway schools take part in national litter campaign

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily litter campaign galway schools

The Bin It! campaign arrived in the county this week with visits to four Galway school as part of its annual nationwide campaign.

The schools – St Pauls Secondary School in Carrowmanagh, Archbishop McHale College, Mercy College in Loughrea and Gort Community School – are all participating to help raise awareness of issues surrounding litter amongst students.

This is the thirteenth year the Bin it! campaign has toured across the country, with 521 school visits and a total of 57,778 students having taken part since the campaign first began in 2006.

It features an actor-led workshop which visits first and second-year students in secondary schools across participating local authority areas.

The workshop incorporates a theatre-in-education session which encourages students to dispose of gum litter, and litter more generally, in a responsible manner.

Bin It! forms an integral component part of the Gum Litter Taskforce’ (GLT) gum litter education campaign which seeks to encourage correct gum disposal amongst the public.

Established in 2006, the Gum Litter Taskforce includes members of the chewing gum industry, represented by Mars Ireland, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Food Drink Ireland, local authority representatives and civic society.

Speaking of the Bin It! campaign, Chairman of the GLT, Paul Kelly said: “When the GLT campaign first began, gum litter accounted for 26.37% of all recorded litter.

“The most recent report of the National Litter Monitoring Pollution System has shown that chewing gum now accounts for just 7.8% of all litter.

“This reduction points to the fact that the core principle underpinning the campaign, that is that the most effective way to reduce gum litter is to tackle it in the most sustainable way, by educating people of correct gum disposal, is working.

“The campaign however, would not have reached the level of success it has done today had it not been for the enthusiastic buy in from young people in particular in initiatives such as Bin It! and I am delighted to see so many schools across the country sign up again this year.”

Approval given for new Athenry fire station

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Retained firefighters vote to accept WRC proposals to end industrial dispute

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has given the go ahead for a new fire station in Athenry.

This approval means that the design process can now begin for a new fire station to serve the town, after which the project will be put out to tender.

Discussions are ongoing with the IDA about the use of a site on the outskirts of town for the station, and these are reported to be at an advanced stage.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that this is welcome news for Athenry and thanked Minister Eoghan Murphy and Acting Chief Fire Officer for Galway Paul Duffy for helping to make it happen.

Minister Murphy visited the proposed site of the fire station with Ministers Canney and Ciaran Cannon back in July.

“Athenry is a progressive town, which is seeing the benefit of major initiatives such as the new school buildings for the Presentation College and Clarin College, the Link Road, the Waste Water Treatment Centre and the Bia Innovator food project,” Seán Canney said.

“The town will soon have a state of the art fire service to complement the new fire station that was recently opened in Tuam.”

The Independent TD added that plans are also progressing to extend the Loughrea fire station, and that he is working with the Fire Service on that.

“These improvements to essential services in East and North Galway will greatly enhance the safety of all those living in the towns and their surrounding areas.

‘Race in Pink’ for breast cancer at the Galway Races this weekend

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway Races won't be open to the public, if they take place at all

The Galway Races are returning for a three day festival this bank holiday weekend, with the Race in Pink event for breast cancer research at its core.

Last year the National Breast Cancer Research Institute was asked to hold a dedicated fundraiser for the October Galway Races.

The huge success of that day, raising more than €95,000, meant that it was only natural for ‘Race in Pink’ to return this year to support the cause.

Race in Pink raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute based out of the Lambe Institute at NUI Galway led by Professor Michael Kerin.

Speaking about the upcoming ‘Race in Pink’ fundraiser Professor Kerin said that the institute is grateful to the Galway Race Committee for helping them improve diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

“Based at the purpose built Lambe Institute for Translational Research on the grounds of Galway University Hospital, we are in an ideal position to make important discoveries and make changes that have real implications for breast cancer patients.”

“Our research is relevant to everyone and focuses on such diverse areas as genetics, tumour markers, novel therapies, better diagnostics and reconstruction.”

“We are very excited to partner with such a historic and forward-thinking West of Ireland brand as the Galway Races and we look forward to a wonderful event”.

The October Galway Races will take place as a three day festival this weekend from Saturday, October 26 through to Monday, October 28.

The Race in Pink event will take place on Sunday, October 27 and more than 50 tables have already been sold for people looking to help support breast cancer research.

Monday sees the return of our annual ‘Student Race Day’ in conjunction with NUIG Rugby Club and Voluntary Services Abroad, a medical aid charity run by the fourth-year medical students of NUIG.

COPE Galway welcomes €94,000 funding for abuse services

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news COPE

COPE Galway has welcomed the announcement that it will receive €94,000 in once off funding for its abuse services.

The additional funding sees COPE Galway take the lead in developing enhanced outreach services across the county, with €50,000 allocated towards the commencement of a recruitment process for three additional outreach workers.

Another €44,000 is being granted to COPE to support the final costs for the Modh Eile House Domestic Abuse Service which is expected to open early next year.

The new facility will have the capacity of nine family units, which will be a significant improvement and will increase existing accommodation in the current location of Waterside House.

Modh Eile House will also feature enhanced outreach and childcare supports across Galway city and county.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs announced that €1.5 million is being invested in Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Services around the country in collaboration with Tusla.

Dr Baumann of COPE Galway said that the funding they have been awarded, together with philanthropic support “allows us re-focus our efforts with children – particularly in these county areas.

“We know that domestic abuse has an impact on any child living in an abusive home,” Dr Baumann added.

“We work to help the child in dealing with the impact, in understanding the dynamics of their lives, in navigating their relationships with both parents and most of all, in healing and building their own resilience.”

“We also work with mothers on building the parenting relationship with their child, something which often falls casualty to an abusive home.”

COPE has also said that the new outreach workers will allow them to grow their collaboration with the Family Resource Centres and other relevant community and statutory actors around the city and county.

So far this year COPE has supported 507 women with its domestic abuse services of which 48 women and their 55 children were provided with refuge.

They also supported a further 119 women and their 204 children who they were unable to admit immediately to the refuge.

Stranded dolphin rescued at Mutton Island

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Briain Kelly
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Galwat Daily news Stranded dolphin rescued at Mutton Island

A dolphin which became stranded at Mutton Island was saved by the presence of a local man and two Australian tourists who helped it back to sea.

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group reported the story of a bottlenose dolphin which became stuck in shallow water near Mutton Island, but was saved by a local man named Jason and a pair of concerned tourists.

“It happened when I met a husband and wife that were visiting Ireland from Australia,” Jason told the IWDG.

I was telling them about our resident bottlenose dolphin “Nimmo” who is frequently seen off Nimmo’s Pier, in Galway City.”

“They were asking me about Mutton Island which I said was beautiful and you should go there.”

About 1 hour later I was walking down to when I met them again she said ‘we saw the dolphin there’. I said where about, she said ” in calm water near the lighthouse”.

I just knew it was in trouble so I ran down and the dolphin was out of the water alive.  A young man walks over to help, and then a young women who came in too. I have to say they were amazing.

“At this point the tide was going out so I decided as they were wearing scarfs we could use them to move the dolphin.  I made the decision to take it out of the water and lift it to the back of the island to deeper water.

“The four of us did that and were in the water I just went the rest of the way as it was getting dark at that point. With one final push it just started to swim away.”

“I can’t explain how I felt and we did it as a team. An incredible thank you so so much to those who helped, you were amazing thank you.”

 

image credit: IWDG/Jason

Claregalway housing plans rejected again by An Bord Pleanála

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

Plans for a 30 unit housing estate at Lakeview, Claregalway have been shot down once again by An Bord Pleanála.

DWK intended to demolish an existing single storey house on a large plot on the Lakeview Road and build a 30 unit housing estate in its place.

It would have consisted of 20 four bedroom semi-detached houses, 4 three bedroom semi-detached units, 3 four bedroom detached homes, 2 three bedroom terrace houses and 1 two bedroom terraced house.

Planning permission was rejected by the county council in July, but the developer appealed that decision to An Bord Pleanála, which upheld the local authority’s decision.

The plans attracted heavy local opposition, with 20 objections lodged with the county council by a mixture of individuals and local groups.

These included the Lakeview Residents Association, Claregalway Community Development Association, and county councillor Jim Cuddy.

Objections to the housing estate were focused on traffic, road safety for pedestrians, and frequent local flooding.

The county council refused planning permission in July for two reasons. Firstly that the land in question is zoned Residential Phase 2 and that it would contravene the local area plan to grant permission while Phase 1 lands are still available.

And secondly the council said that any residential development in this area would be premature before the local road network is upgraded.

The developer had argued in their appeal that there are a limited number of Phase 1 sites remaining near Claregalway, and the none of them could be developed before the LAP expires in 2021.

It was also argued that this development would help meet the housing need for “100 new houses in Claregalway for the period 2015-2021” identified in the LAP.

An Bord Pleanála upheld the county council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the reason that this land is zoned Residential Phase 2.

Land zoned as such should not be developed while there are still Phase 1 lands available in the area An Bord Pleanála said.

Athenry “ditched yet again” with lack of investment says Rabbitte

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Disability day services returning to full capacity from October

The government and IDA have failed to show a cohesive vision to develop industrial and technology sites in Athenry Anne Rabbitte has said.

The Galway East TD was referring to the news that Apple has announced plans to sell off the 500 acre site near Athenry it had planned to use for its €850 million date centre.

“Athenry has been hit with many setbacks when it comes to job creation and town rejuvenation and something needs to be done,” Anne Rabbitte said.

“The loss of the Apple site was a major setback for Athenry, not to mention Galway County Council losing out on a potential €2 million in annual rates.”

The Fianna Fáil TD went on to say that the issues go further than just the disappointing end to the long running Apple saga.

She also said that the IDA has failed to do anything with a 240 acre site outside of town in its possession which has been lying idle for years.

“It was bought for €36 million and yet there’s been no development. If these sites were developed and companies attracted in, whether technology, pharma or otherwise, it would be a major boost to the town and surrounding areas.”

Deputy Rabbitte said that she has requested a plan from the government on how it plans to utilise this site and tackle repeated “shortcomings” in developing Athenry economically, putting that in question to Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys.

“There’s a Minister in the area and we still haven’t seen any progress being made,” she lamented.

“I’m in the process of organising a public meeting on the rejuvenation of Athenry Town Centre in the coming weeks, which I hope will allow local businesses and residents in the town voice their opinions on what needs to be done. If the government aren’t going to be proactive, we’ll get this done ourselves”.

NUIG academic receives Mayo Clinic award for contributions to medicine

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUIG professor receives Mayo Clinic award

Professor Timothy O’Brien from NUI Galway has received the prestigious Mayo Clinic award for his contributions to the field of medicine.

The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota is a world renowned non-profit medical centre which combines patient treatment with education and groundbreaking research.

Before his time at NUI Galway Professor O’Brien worked there as an endocrinologist and a professor at its College of Medicine.

The Mayo Clinic Award was established by its Board of Trustees in 1981 to acknowledge and show appreciation for exceptional contributions of alumni to the field of medicine.

Professor O’ Brien is an internationally recognised clinician-scientist with expertise in regenerative medicine applied to the treatment of diabetes complications.

His research has had a huge influence on Irish doctors and scientists, and his ties to the Mayo Clinic have allowed trainees from NUIG and Galway University Hospitals to spend time studying there, and vice versa.

He is also a director of the Regenerative Medicine Institute at NUI Galway, lead endocrinologist at Saolta University Health Care Group and co-director of CÚRAM, the medical devices research centre at NUIG.

Research aside, Prof O’Brien keeps active in clinical practice and teaching, treating patients in the fields of internal medicine, diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism, and teaching at the School of Medicine.

He established a Bariatric Medicine Clinic in Galway University Hospitals, one of only two such centres in Ireland, and was twice awarded the Pat McHugh Medal for Best Consultant Teacher.

During his time at the Mayo Clinic Professor O’Brien established one of the first gene therapy laboratories there and published internationally recognised studies exploring the role of nitric oxide synthase in modulating the vascular endothelium.

His scientific contributions at NUIG have included first-in-man studies of mesenchymal stem cell-derived regenerative medicine therapies for diabetes complications.

He has also contributed extensively to the thriving economy for medtech startups in Galway by collaborating with up and coming companies through his research.

Ros na Rún – What’s a letter between friends and will Tadhg face court?

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily arts & culture Ros na Rún episode 16

Intrigue and drama continue this Thursday on Ros na Rún as Bobbi Lee and Berni fall out over her letter, Tadhg and Padraig are headed to court, love’s labours are lost for Michelle, and Caitríona faces financial woes.

Tuesday’s episode of Ros na Rún saw Berni make a fateful decision to withhold a letter about Bobbi Lee’s son’s adoption from her.

Bobbi Lee is furious at this seeming betrayal, but Berni is adamant that it’s for the best to protect the boy from Andy, but will Bobbi Lee listen to his advice against making contact.

Padraig, with Dee egging him on, plans to take Tadhg to court for unfair dismissal. But does the long arm of the law spell trouble for the resident schemer, or does he have something up his sleeve.

Michelle is hopeful that here date with Rory could lead to a renewal of romance in her life, but Sorcha quashes any such notions for her once again.

Meanwhile Caitríona faces some minor embarrassment when her card is declined in a café, but it quickly becomes clear that this is just a symptom of a much bigger problem.

Watch as embarrassment turns to shock as she discovers just how deep in the red her accounts are, and tries to figure out what to do.

Catch Ros na Rún this Thurday at 8:30pm on TG4, with a double episode omnibus on Sunday for those who want to catch up on both of the week’s episode.

 

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