The 6.10 Tote Mares Handicap Hurdle was won by Bercasa who was priced at 10/1 on Day 3 of the Galway Races.
In behind Bercasa in second place was I Am A Star Too (14/1) in the third race of the evening.
Like An Open Book (16/1), finished third, while Ena Baie (8/1) finished in fourth place.
The favourite Walking in Memphis failed to place.
Punters will be pleased that the 11/4 favorite I Like The Way Your Thinking won the 5.40 Tote Handicap Hurdle in the second race on Day 3 of the Galway Races.
The horse ridden by Daragh O’Keefe cruised to victory down at the racecourse.
Coming in second behind the favorite was Sweet Home Chicago (25/1) followed by Whats your Status in third (16/1).
Dawn Raider came in at 4th place (33/1).
In second place was Days Without End followed by Sky Marshal in third place in the first race of the evening on Day 3 of the Galway Races.
The favourite Dancing on my own came in at a disappointing 4th place out in Ballybrit.
Representatives from Tusla appeared before the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs today to discuss last week’s RTÉ Investigates programme.
In response to a question by Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, it was revealed that on Tusla’s risk register, which has four levels, 37 crèches are at the highest level of ‘critical’.
“We weren’t provided with a breakdown of what type of services, so we don’t know if they’re full day or half day, or indeed where they are in the country,” said the Fianna Fáil TD following the meeting.
She said that it is clear that Tusla doesn’t have the adequate powers to deal with crèches which are in breach of regulations.
“There’s no sense of openness or transparency in the current inspection system,” she said. “Parents are left in the dark if a crèche isn’t adhering to the regulations because Tusla doesn’t have any legal powers to tell parents or to force crèches to tell them either.”
To provide parents with peace of mind, the Galway TD called on all crèches to let parents know where they can access their inspection reports and said that crèches should voluntarily let parents know if they’re in breach of regulations and what steps are being taken to address the issues concerned.
“Transparency is key here and at least then, parents can make an informed decision as to what they feel is best for their child.
“There’s an even greater sense of urgency around this now and it’s vital the relevant amendments to legislation are tabled as soon as possible.
“This is something I would be aiming to do once the Dáil returns in September,” added Deputy Rabbitte.
This is a dramatic increase on the figures for June when there were 546 patients on trolleys in University Hospital Galway.
In total 9,439 patients were forced to wait on trolleys in Irish hospitals this month, up by a third on July 2018, and nearly three times higher than when records began in 2006.
According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, these are the worst ever figures recorded for the month of July.
By far the most overcrowded hospitals in July were University Hospital Limerick (1,293) and Cork University Hospital (1,079), with UHG in third place with 707 people on trolleys.
Also in Galway there were a further 41 patients on trolleys in Portiuncula University Hospital, and improvement on 80 in the same month last year.
INMO Director of Industrial Relations, Tony Fitzpatrick said “Each day there are hundreds of patients languishing in corridors, waiting for a hospital bed. Currently over 700 patients cannot be discharged from hospital.”
“In the meantime, hundreds of frontline nursing and midwifery posts are currently vacant due to the HSE’s dysfunctional and bureaucratic employment control processes.”
“Vital roles across all services, at all grades, in all hospitals are left unfilled. This has direct negative consequences for patients,” he added.
“We expect increased demands on the health service in winter, but now even summer sees patients crammed into corridors on trolleys. It is creating unacceptable risks for patients and health workers alike.”
Veteran racing correspondent, George McDonagh hosted the event and was joined by Grand National Winner, Davy Russell and award winning female jockey, Rachel Blackwell.
A part of the discussion focused on the notorious Galway Plate race which takes place at 7.20pm this evening.
Mengli Khan (12/1) was tipped as a talented horse who has the ability to deliver.
Poker Party (12/1) was labeled as having the right profile to win the race but would have to improve on past performances.
In addition, York Hill (22/1) was tipped as an outsider who had potential to cause a shock and produce something.
However, it must be noted that York Hill was also described as an enigma and carrying a lot of weight. To make things more unpredictable the horse is known to “jump violently left”.
Pravalaguna (14/1) and Pylon The Pressure (9/1) were also suggested as potential winners.
When it comes to the 6.45 race, Rachel Blackwell commented that she couldn’t see past the favourite Build Me Up Buttercup (4/11).
Davey Russell, on the other hand, opted for Run for Mary (9/2).
When it comes to the opening race at 17.10 there was more agreement with the bookies.
The three horses that were discussed as potential winners were Dancing On My Own (EVS), Diamond Hill (2/1) and Days Without End (7/2).
The road closure will be in effect from 8am to 6pm for 12 days starting Monday to facilitate roadworks being carried out by Irish Water.
The street will be closing from the junction with School Avenue to the junction with St. Dominick’s road from Monday, August 5 through to Friday, August 16 inclusive.
The utility provider has been laying fresh water mains in the Claddagh throughout July.
Local access will be maintained for the duration of the works and diversion signage will be in place before work begins.
The final section of this series of public works will be carried out on School Avenue later in August.
The much-anticipated trailer of Martin Scorsese’s gangster film The Irishman has been released.
The Netflix movie stars Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci and is described as an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran – a hustler and hitman who worked alongside some of the most notorious figures of the 20th century.
Spanning decades, the Irishman chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organised crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream politics.
The beautiful framed blue and yellow ceramics sculpture was unveiled by the artist to MetLife employees in their Innovation Centre on Augustine Street.
Fiona Lally General Manager MetLife says the company “has to be creative in every area and to celebrate innovation. To inspire others to think outside the box. This gets at the heart of what we do here at MetLife.”
Tatiana created this piece as part of the ‘DesignWorks’ programme created by Caroline McDonagh of the Local Enterprise Office Galway and Ricky Conneely of IDA Ireland, which pairs an artist with a multi-national corporation in order to create something truly unique.
Tatiana spoke about how this project had changed the way in which she will approach her work in future, saying that she will “significantly change my design process after this project.”
“It had previously been more intuitive but now will be a little more structured. The work expresses time and the connected nature of all of the internal processes in the company.”
Tania Banotti, Director Creative Ireland spoke about their support for the creative industries. “We believe that participating in creative activities increases people’s wellbeing, individually and collectively.
“We have an ambitious plan for the creative and design industries. This project brings together these agencies and really good businesses in Galway, it’s what we are all about.”
Other designers participating in the project include Niamh Daniels at Genesys, Tommy Carew at Mathworks, Eva Lynch at Smartbear and Finbar McHugh is exploring the design process at EA Games.
The project is a collaboration between IDA Ireland, the LEO Galway, Creative Ireland and the City Council.
photo credit: Martina Regan
The Gort Cemetery Committee is seeking planning permission to build to columbaria close to Gort Library on Church street.
A Columbarium is a building specifically meant for housing funeral urns, which is usually designed with floor to ceiling niches for urns.
St. Coleman’s Gort Graveyard is a rectangular graveyard surrounding the Library which performs both Church of Ireland and Catholic burials.
The planning application includes a letter from the Sisters of Mercy Western Province leadership team giving the committee their permission to pursue this development.
Public submissions related to this project can be made to the county council up to August 8, and a final decision on the planning application is due by August 28.
At Eamon Deacy Park this week the brothers announced that they will be extending their sponsorship agreement with Galway United by two more years.
Since 2013 the Comers have invested roughly €2 million in the running of the Galway football club.
The other major announcement made at this time was that they are providing a 40 acre site at Mountain South, Athenry to develop a centre of excellence for developing young players.
“This will ensure a lasting and fitting legacy of the fantastic relationship the Comers have with our club and provide an environment to ensure a sustainable source of talent for the further growth and development of the club,” a statement from Galway United said.
The Glenamaddy brothers bought the site from the GAA last year for less than €1 million, after the GAA had paid nearly three times that 12 years ago.
Commenting on the facilities announcement Noel Mooney FAI General Manager said “It’s encouraging to hear the progress with Galway United and their development plans for a Centre of excellence in Athenry.
“The FAI Facility Development Department will work alongside Galway United and other stakeholders such as the local authorities to develop a feasibility study on how this proposal can come to fruition.”
“The benefits of a footballing Centre of Excellence in Co. Galway will provide a massive boost to the club and wider community and we look forward to it developing.”
Galway West TD Seán Kyne said that the NTA has told him that the new bus services will include additional departures from the city at 8:15pm and 10:15pm, seven days a week.
The late night buses will be operated by Bus Eireann it was said at a meeting with the Director of Public Transport Services and the Head of Public Transport Regulation Division of the NTA.
“I hope Bus Eireann can ensure agreement for buses and drivers within their organisation for the services to start this Autumn,” Seán Kyne said.
“There is a demand for late evening services to Moycullen, Rosscahill and Oughterard for University and College Students, as well as for those out for the evening in Galway or working later in the evening as well.”
“These are welcome improvements and they come in addition to an increase in the frequency of buses for the South Connemara bus route also.”
Minister Kyne said that the population in the Moycullen/Oughterard area is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, and more public transport services are needed to meet growing demand.
Crown Square Developments Ltd are seeking a ten year grant of planning permission for three blocks of housing with 288 apartments.
The eight storey Block G will include 104 units, there will be a further 136 units in the seven storey Block H, and the remaining 48 units will be in Block J which will be five storeys high.
These units will be broken down into 75 one-bed apartments, 185 two-bed apartments, and 28 three-bed apartments.
The housing element in these plans is supported by a commercial element including a restaurant, a café, a convenience store, and a pharmacy, fitness and leisure centre, along with five other undetermined commercial units.
The plans also include a creche, something which is required in all residential development about a certain scale, and a medical centre.
This is Phase II of a mixed use development at the Crown Square site on the junction of Monivea Road and Joyce’s Road which has gone unused for years.
The entire project, which also includes a hotel and five office blocks which could provide space for the employment of thousands of people.
That commercial/office side of the project was granted approval by the city council back in March.
This application for the housing element of the project was made directly to An Bord Pleanála under its fast track process for Strategic Housing Developments.
Other work contained in the application includes Public realm and landscaping works, including pedestrian and cyclist linkages.
Car parking will be provided via 288 underground parking spaces to serve the residents, as well as visitor parking.
In addition 733 secure bicycle parking spaces will be located in the upper basement level.
The application will be supported by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement.
An Bord Pleanála is due to make a decision on this application by November 4 of this year.
The Streets of Galway 8k road race will take place on 10 August and the Galway Sanctuary Runners are hoping the local community comes out in support of those in Direct Provision.
Former Racewalking World Champion and Olympic medallist Olive Loughnane will run once again for the Sanctuary Runners, as well as former All-Ireland winner Alan Kerins.
There are 372 asylum seekers in Galway today, 210 in the Eglinton centre on the proms in Salthill and another 162 in the Great Western House (an all-male centre) in Eyre Square.
Graham Clifford, who set up the movement, said: “We know Galway has a big heart and the Sanctuary Runners want people to show those in Direct Provision friendship and respect on this night. We are not a charity, our focus is on solidarity. By wearing the top and running you’re saying ‘we see you as a person, not a statistic, and we stand with you.’”
He added: “Its so difficult to show humanity to those in the immigration system. Often they are hidden away. But this is an opportunity to extend that hand of friendship in a positive and healthy way. Its an opportunity not to be missed.”
“We are so grateful to Galway City Harriers and the organisers of the Streets of Galway for their support this year. It’s such a wonderful race to be part of,” added Clifford.
Register here.
The Irish Academy of Engineering is an all-island body with a mandate to provide independent advice to policy makers on matters involving engineering and technology.
Fellowship of the Academy recognises outstanding distinction in engineering in Ireland and overseas, covering academia, public sector, industry and engineering consultancy, with a current membership of 146.
This distinction has been bestowed on Professor Pandit by the Academy in recognition of his “exceptional career and contribution to the advancement of engineering and economic and social progress in Ireland”.
CÚRAM is a research centre into developing Medical Devices based at NUI Galway, with a multi-disciplinary team funded by Science Foundation Ireland.
Professor Pandit’s own research integrates material science and biological systems in developing solutions for chronic diseases.
His work has helped create advanced drug delivery systems to deliver highly localised treatments of “biomolecules to target injury mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels.”
Prof. Pandit has been recognised many times over for his work, being elected to many national and international bodies, published more than 250 papers in peer-reviewed journals, filed numerous patent applications and has licensed four technologies to medical device companies.
He has coordinated four EU grants to date and has generated research contracts from industry and government funding agencies totalling €90 million.
Speaking about his Fellowship, Prof Pandit said that it was a great honour to be elected to the Irish Academy of Engineering.
“I look forward to building on this achievement to further enhance the impact of tissue engineering at NUI Galway and to further the growth and international recognition of the medical device sector here in the West of Ireland.”
President of NUI Galway Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh said “On behalf of colleagues at NUI Galway, I extend warmest congratulations to Abhay on this recognition”.
“His election to Fellowship signals the immense and continuing contribution which Abhay continues to make to the field of engineering in Ireland, in particular to the area of tissue engineering. I’m delighted to see his achievements so justly recognised by the Academy in this way.”
With their faces painted to resemble skeletons, they marched through the city centre behind a coffin, where they were greeted with support from the wider community.
The short demonstration ended at Eyre Square.
Extinction Rebellion Galway is calling on the local authorities and the Irish Government to take radical action to combat climate change, to act like and acknowledge that we are currently facing an emergency unlike anything before.
In a satatement, the group said: “We demand that the Irish government act to immediately halt biodiversity loss and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2030, while reversing all policies not in line with that position.”
School strikes are planned to go ahead on the 20th of September before the broader Earth Strike on the 27th.
The second global non-violent rebellion will begin on October the 7th.
Details of a €100m scheme to help beef farmers has been announced by the Government.
The scheme has been set up to help offset the downturn in the beef industry as Brexit approaches.
Small dairy farmers are included in the scheme, which involves €50 million from the European Commission, matched by €50 million from the Government.
Commenting on the announcement, Galway East TD Sean Canney said: “I very much welcome the launch of this demand-led scheme, which is squarely focused on beef farmers.
“It is right that the factories will not be benefiting from the scheme.
“We are very conscious of the present state of the beef sector, which has dis-improved since this scheme was first announced in May.”
The Minister added: “I am encouraging everyone eligible to put in their applications as soon as possible.”
Three young Sudanese asylum seekers, one 20 year old man and two 16 year olds, were found hidden on a truck down by the Big Top at Fisheries Field last Wednesday, July 24 during the early afternoon.
It’s understood that the men had stowed away on the truck in France and were hidden in it for days as it made its way to Ireland for the GIAF.
In a series of posts on twitter Two Door Cinema Club said that they were shocked that this had happened, but expressed their hope that these men will be welcomed here in Ireland.
“When we arrived in Galway on Friday, 3 young men: two 16 year olds and a 20 year old, came out from the spare tyre compartment in the undercarriage of our truck.”
“These young men were from Sudan and we struggled to completely understand each other but what we can gather is they got into the truck somewhere in France and had stayed hidden through hundreds of miles of driving and an 18 hour ferry crossing.”
Gardaí were called to the scene and are investigating the incident with Interpol, and the National Immigration Bureau are processing them.
The band said that they have been told the men were treated well by immigration officers and that they hope they will find more compassion.
“There is so much hate out there directed towards asylum seekers like these three men and it breaks my fucking heart. We need more compassion and empathy, not less.”
“I can’t even begin to imagine the journey that these young men have undertaken or the lives they’ve left behind. I feel helpless and sad but also hope. Hope that they’ll be accepted by the awesome people of Galway”.
When we arrived in Galway on Friday, 3 young men: two 16 year olds and a 20 year old, came out from the spare tyre compartment in the undercarriage of our truck. These young men were from Sudan and we struggled to completely understand each other but
— Two Door Cinema Club (@TDCinemaClub) July 29, 2019
The police were called when they were discovered at @GalwayIntArts and we’ve been assured that Irish Immigration Officers treated them well but there’s been a nagging feeling in me ever since that I have to get out
— Two Door Cinema Club (@TDCinemaClub) July 29, 2019
There is so much hate out there directed towards asylum seekers, like these 3 young men and it breaks my fucking heart. We need more compassion and empathy, not less.
— Two Door Cinema Club (@TDCinemaClub) July 29, 2019
I can’t even begin to imagine the journey that these young men have undertaken or the lives they’ve left behind. I feel helpless and sad but also hope. Hope that they’ll be accepted by the awesome people of Galway.
— Two Door Cinema Club (@TDCinemaClub) July 29, 2019
More love. More empathy. More compassion.
— Two Door Cinema Club (@TDCinemaClub) July 29, 2019
The Galway Race Committee has received planning permission for the development of three parcels of land at the eastern end of the racecourse with significant demolition and construction work.
The project will involve the demolition of a toilet block, saddling stalls, turnstiles canopy and the closure of entrance ‘A’.
It will also involve the construction of a new parade ring with a winners enclosure and podium.
A new hospitality and amenities building with spectator viewing and an external courtyard will be built at the north parade ring.
While at the south parade ring it is intended to build a hospitality restaurant building with a roof mounted external screen.
The new west parade ring will have a double sided spectator viewing terrace and additional unsaddling and wash down areas and horse walk routes are also to be developed.
The final new construction included in the plans is a pre-parade ring with 18 saddling boxes and a spectator viewing terrace.
Modifications will be made to the existing weigh room/office building to provide improved participants facilities, reception space, and stewards rooms.
Refurbishments are also planned for the main Millennium Grandstand at Galway Racecourse and the extension with a new glazing line to provide a hospitality area for owners, trainers, and members.
The racecourse offices, associated car parking, and electric vehicle charging points will be relocated to accommodate this project.
A Design Report prepared for this application stated that “The Eastern End Redevelopment Project aspires to raise the quality level and spectator experience at Galway Races through the shaping of strategic elements”.
The report said that by “providing a range of new facilities and spectacular new view amphitheater to create a special atmosphere” it could deliver an appropriate setting for the Galway Races in the 21st century.
An Ecological Impact Assessment Report, Appropriate Assessment Screening, and Bat Survey were submitted with this planning application.
There were no public submissions made to the city council concerning the redevelopment of the racecourse and planning permission was granted with a total of 10 conditions attached.
Roads across Co. Galway will undergo works following confirmation that the county will receive funding of over €400,000 from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
Galway County Council will get €414,117 to facilitate the essential works related to drainage, road strengthening and repairs to footpaths.
Among the Galway roads to benefit from the funding will bet the N65 at Gortymadden, the N84 Headford to Shrule, the N67 at Kinvara, the N83 at Tuam, the N63 at Mountbellew and the N17 Tuam to Milltown.
Minister Ciaran Cannon welcomed the funding, and said: “All of these roads are an important aspect of daily life for the communities and motorists who use them in addition to visitors to the region and I`m pleased that this funding will ensure the undertaking of these important maintenance works.”
© 2026 GalwayDaily. All rights reserved. | Designed by Web Design Ireland
