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Third Connemara North Councillor Gerry King elected

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway County Council shortlisted for Excellence in Local Government Award

The third count in Connemara North is complete and Fianna Fáil’s Gerry King has been elected as its third councillor.

Three of the four county council seats in Connemara North have now been filled, with the other Fianna Fáil candidate Seamus Walsh leading the pack for the final seat.

King picked up 27 votes from Eileen Mannion’s surplus after the second count, while 31 went to Walsh, 28 to Josie Conneelly, 19 to Tom Healy (SF), and 14 to Criostóir Breathnach (Ind).

With only nine surplus votes from Gerry King to redistribute, there is not enough to put any of the remaining candidates over the quota.

But Walsh is well out ahead of the other candidates with 1,312 votes after the third count, nearly double the next closest Josie Conneely who stands at 696 votes.

Galway City Central Tally Results – Mike Cubbard Tops the Poll again

By
Paul Kelly
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Galway Daily news Ring out the year with a cheer for frontline workers in Christmas convoy

Mike Cubbard is the big winner so far today in Galway City Central, with the final tally showing the Independent councillor topping the poll for the second time.

Cllr Cubbard and Fianna Fáil’s Ollie Crowe are both happy this evening with the tally of first preference votes from the City Central district showing that they will both be holding onto their seats.

Mike Cubbard has 1,384 votes in the final unofficial tally, more than 300 over the quota, while councillor Crowe is also safe with 1,003.

Fine Gael are in the running for two seats on the city council with first time candidate Eddie Hoare polling in third place with 845 votes and returning Frank Fahy capturing 8.71% of the electorate with 687 votes.

However councillors Mark Lohan and Collette Connolly are in danger of losing their seats to a wave of new candidates.

Mark Lohan, the only Sinn Féin candidate in the Central Ward, is currently polling at 4.72 percent of the vote and seems likely to lose his seat.

While the final two seats in this district are locked in a close four way battle between the Green Party, Labour, the Social Democrats, and the Independent Collette Connolly.

The Green wave that’s been seen today across the country is making itself felt here in Galway as Martina O’Connor is currently holding a slight lead over the other three with 543 votes.

John McDonagh seeks to hold onto the seat of his retiring Labour colleague Billy Cameron with 528 first preferences in the unofficial tally.

While the Social Democrats are hoping to get a place on the city council with Sharon Nolan in with a chance of gaining a seat at 508 votes.

While councillor Collette Connolly is fighting to hold onto her seat against the progressive parties, currently at 495 votes.

But there is less than 50 votes between the four candidates, making it impossible to call at this stage.

Not too far below them are Imelda Byrne (FF), Cormac O’Corcorain (Aontu), and Joe Loughnane (PBP).

Ballots from the city central district are now in Westside Community Centre for the official counting while tallies from the west ward are moving slowly.

The Galway City Central First Preference Results are as follows:

1. Mike Cubbard (Independent) 1384 16.09%

2. Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fáil) 1003 12.47%

3. Eddie Hoare (Fine Gael) 845 10.68

4. Frank Fahy (Fine Gael) 687 8.71%

5. Martina O’Connor (Green Party) 543 6.74%

6. John McDonagh (Labour) 528 6.62%

7. Sharon Nolan (Social Democrats) 508 6.36%

8. Colette Connolly (Independent) 495 6.26%

9. Imelda Byrne (Fianna Fáil) 477 6.04

10. Cormac O’Corcorain (Aontu) 431 5.49

11. Joe Loughnane (People Before Profit) 379 4.76

12. Mark Lohan (Sinn Fein) 330 4.72

13. Mike Geraghty (Independent) 245 3.10%

14. James O’Toole (Independent) 111 1.47%

15. Daragh O’Flaherty (Independent) 86 1.08%

16. Patrick Feeney (Independent) 1 0.01%

Mannion returned as second Connemara councillor

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Mannion returned as second Connemara councillor

Eileen Mannion has been returned as the second councillor elected in Connemara North today.

The current Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council was elected on the second count in Connemara North with 1,590 votes after Tom Welby’s 685 surplus were redistributed.

The Fine Gael councillor now has a surplus of 135 votes which will be redistributed in the third count.

With two seats left to fill in the Connemara North district Fianna Fáil’s Gerry King is eyeing the finish line as he is currently just 18 votes short of the quota at 1,437.

Currently in fourth place and likely to take the final seat is Seamus Walsh, also from Fianna Fáil, with 1,281 votes as of this count.

Walsh was the biggest beneficiary of Thomas Welby’s surplus, picking up an additional 269 votes, while Eileen Mannion received 190, and King 87.

He is 174 short of the quota and significantly ahead of Josie Conneely who has 688 votes, almost 800 of what she needs to secure a seat.

Trailing at the back of the pack are Sinn Féin’s Tom Healy with 661 votes and Independent Criostóir Breathnach at 198.

Mountain Rescue groups receive €310,000 funding boost

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway Mountain Rescue goes two months without an emergency

Mountain Rescue Ireland has received a funding boost totalling €310,000 this year to improve its lifesaving work.

MRI is a voluntary organisation of dedicated emergency response teams in the most mountainous areas of Ireland with 10 branches including Galway Mountain Rescue, as well as the Search and Rescue Dogs Organisation.

Galway Mountain Rescue provides 24/7 search and rescue services across counties Clare and Galway.

It consists of over 30 voluntary members who specialise in rope rescues, search management, and casualty care for people who are missing or injured.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross announced this week that the organisation would receive additional funding of €310,000 in total.

This is split between a general increase of €250,000 in the level of government funding MRI receives each year, and an additional €60,000 in grants will also be made available to MRI for eligible development projects.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said “These teams perform a great service to the nation and I am delighted that the Minister for Transport has increased their funding.”

“MRI works in close co-operation with An Garda Siochana and the Irish Coast Guard and their services are required more and more with the increased popularity of hill walking.”

Galway Mountain Rescue last deployed on May 12 when they rescued someone with an injured leg from Gleninagh mountain in Clare.

MRI Chairperson Jonathan Shields said “MRI is a 100% voluntary charity organisation and without this increase in funding, MRI would struggle to meet the ever-increasing costs of insurance, training and creating the infrastructure for the teams to operate successfully”

These rescue teams work primarily with An Garda Síochána who task them for mountain search and rescue operations.

They also work closely with the Irish Coast Guard particularly where helicopter assets are required.

 

photo: Galway Mountain Rescue

Connemara’s Thomas Welby becomes the first councillor elected in Ireland

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news EU elections hustings

The first official count from Connemara North is out and Thomas Welby has become the first councillor elected in the four seat district.

The Independent councillor topped the polls in Connemara North by a significant margin with 2,140 votes, putting him more than 600 over the quota require for a seat.

The returning councillor is the first person elected to the county council today.

From the rest of the results coming in from the first count it looks as if the remaining seats will be going to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.

Eileen Mannion (FG) also looks likely to retain her seat as she hovers just 55 votes shy of making the quota after the first count.

In third and fourth place are Gerry King and Seamus Walsh of Fianna Fáil. King has 1,350 votes so far and needs another 105 to get over the line, while Walsh is currently trailing behind him at 1,012 votes.

The quota for a seat in Connemara North is 1,455 votes.

The results from the first count are:

  1. Thomas Welby (Ind) – 2,140
  2. Eileen Mannion (FG) – 1,400
  3. Gerry King (FF) – 1,350
  4. Seamus Walsh (FF) – 1,012
  5. Josie Conneely – 625
  6. Tom Healy (SF) – 583
  7. Criostóir Breathnach (Ind) – 163

MADRA aiming for a thoursand paws on the Prom at annual Dogathon

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Surge in people surrendering their dogs MADRA says

The annual MADRA dogathon is taking place on Sunday to raise money for the animal welfare charity with a target of a thousand paws on the prom.

Mutts Anonymous Dog Rescue & Adoption (MADRA) holds a colossal walk from the Claddagh to Blackrock every year with mutts of every shape and size.

This parade of good boys and girls draws dog lovers from all over to help support MADRA’s efforts to find new homes for unwanted, neglected and abandoned dogs.

“We have a very exciting day planned so we hope all the doggos out there are picking out their finest collars to wear to impress everyone,” the dog welfare group said on social media.

“Your dog can raise sponsorship too to help the many, many dogs who come through our gates month after month.”

Actress Pauline McLynn will be presented with the first MADRA Best Friend award for her animal welfare advocacy work.

Best known for playing Mrs Doyle in Fr. Ted, McLynn has worked with many voluntary organisations against the greyhound industry.

Other special guests will be present at the, with cakes, a raffle and more to encourage all to come along.

People who want to show their support for MADRA can register online here for €10 per adult, €5 per child, or €25 for a family of two adults and two kids.

On Sunday registration opens at Claddagh Hall at 11am with the Dogathon kicking off at 1pm.

Gort-Kinvara tallies show three seats all but locked

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Lease approved for modular homes for Ukrainian refugees in Ballinasloe

The first tallies are in for the Gort-Kinvara county council district and three seats seem all but guaranteed.

Fine Gael’s Joe Byrne is topping the polls in the Gort-Kinvara area by a significant margin at 2,756 first preference votes, more than 1,000 over the quota.

This could prove a significant boost to his party colleagues as transfer votes come into play during the official counting.

Two more seats look reasonably secure as Fine Gael’s PJ Murphy is polling in second with 1,611 first preference votes, and Fianna Fáil’s Martinan Kinane looks likely to secure a third seat with 1,467 votes.

These are just the unofficial tallies being reported and the full result won’t be known until the final count at the Tennis Club which is underway now.

But they paint a comfortable picture for the establishment parties with Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil taking all the top positions.

Emma O’Connell, the Renua candidate is trailing at the bottom of the pack with just over 3% of the vote.

There 11 candidates standing for five county council seats in the Gort-Kinvara area.

The quota for a seat in the district is 1,700 votes

Results from the first tallies are:

  1. Joe Byrne (Fine Gael) – 2,756
  2. PJ Murphy (Fine Gael) – 1,611
  3. Martina Kinane (Fianna Fáil) – 1,467
  4. Gerry Finnerty (Fianna Fáil) – 815
  5. Kevin Fahey (Fianna Fáil) – 795
  6. Fionn Kiely (Fine Gael) – 625
  7. Geraldine Donohue (Independent) – 555
  8. Cormac MacGowan (Independent) – 437
  9. Hubert Geoghegan (Independent – 408
  10. Declan Diviney (Independent) – 387
  11. Emma O’Connell (Renua) – 335

Galway City East first tally shows McDonnell topping the poll

By
Paul Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway city east first tally

The first preference results for Galway City East are in with Independent councillor Declan McDonnell topping the unofficial polls with 1,060 votes.

Fianna Fáil looks likely to pick another seat in Galway City East with Alan Cheevers in second place with 13% of the first unofficial tally.

There are sixteen candidates standing for six seats in the city council’s east district.

Going by the first tally Alan Cheevers will be the only new face with councillors McDonnell (Ind), Terry O’Flaherty (Ind), Mike Crowe (FF), and Noel Larkin (Ind) looking likely retain their seats.

Councillors Mairead Farrell (SF) and John Walsh (FG) are contesting the final seat in the city east with just 54 votes between them in the first tally.

This is just the first unofficial tally and the final result will be not be known until after the official count with transfers.

The first preference votes from the east ward are as follows:

1. Declan McDonnell (Independent) 1060 14%

2. Alan Cheevers (Fianna Fáil) 939 13%

3. Terry O’Flaherty (Independent) 916 12.7%

4. Michael Crowe (Fianna Fáil) 727 10%

5. Noel Larkin (Independent) 676 9.3%

6. Mairéad Farrell (Sinn Fein) 514 7.1%

7. John Walsh (Fine Gael) 460 6.4%

8. Owen Hanley (Social Democrat’s) 420 5.8%

9. Claire Hillary (Green Party) 366 5.1%

10. Neil O’Mahoney (Renua) 219 3.0%

11. Donal Lynch (Fine Gael) 214 3.0%

12. Conor Burke (Solidarity/PBP) 196 2.7%

13. Liam Boyle (Labour) 174 2.4%

14. Michel Tully (Independent) 148 2.0%

15. Nuala Nolan (Aontu) 143 2.0%

16. Pat Hardiman (Independent) 67 0.9%

GMIT art students showcase their talent in first formal exhibition

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style GMIT arts students showcase first formal exhibition

Final year art students at GMIT are making their break into public life as artists with an exciting exhibition of their work across a range of mediums this summer.

Twenty five art students from the BA in Contemporary Art programme at the School of Design and Creative Arts will showcase their work across sculpture, ceramics, paint, video, textiles, print, photography and digital media.

Galway-based, award-winning Swedish artist Cecilia Danell will open the exhibition at GMIT’s Cluain Mhuire campus on Saturday, June 1 at 2pm.

Áine Doherty from Oughterard, one of the art students exhibiting said that “The last four years here have been life changing.”

“As a mature student, I had expected to face challenges, and I was right,” she added.

“The environment created by the tutors and students here compels you to re-evaluate the very foundation by which we construct our thought processes about the world we come from and the freedom to imagine a future without boundaries. This is a safe place where wonder can happen”.

This exhibition is one of the cultural highlights of the summer art season in Galway, and marks an important milestone in the lives of these students as artists.

The ’25’ exhibition formally launches their careers to the public and invited guests and provides opportunities to promote their work and even experience their first sale as an artist.

The collating of the exhibition is largely self-led as students garner skills through past modules such as curation, professional practice and sustaining practice, to produce a show of appreciable value.

The graduating art students this year are from counties such as Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Laois, Monaghan, Cork, Dongeal and Cavan.

Celine Curtin, Head of the Centre for Creative Arts & Media at GMIT said “The diversity of creative expression in this the end of year show is a clear reverberation of the unique voice of the exhibitors.

“We celebrate each artist and their work whilst also preparing to bid farewell to each and every one of them as they ready themselves to embark on their individual journey.”

After opening this show will run from 11am to 6pm daily until June 8.

 

photo: l-r Deirdre Crowley ‘The Riverbank’, Hugh Murphy ‘Displaced Nation lifeboat’, Maria Donegan ‘Going West’

Permission for Cappagh Road apartments upheld

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Knocknacarra social housing

An Bord Pleanála has upheld planning approval for 14 apartments on the Cappagh Road.

Galway city council granted approval in November 2018 for the demolition of two derelict buildings and the construction of two blocks of duplex apartments.

The proposed development will consist of two separate three storey apartment blocks close to the junction with the Western Distributor Road.

The number of units in this development was increased from 14 to 16 after meetings with the planning department of the city council.

It will consist of 6 one-bed apartments, 7 two-bed units, and 3 three-bed units.

21 caprparking spaces will be provided with this development, primarily to the rear of the duplexes except for five parking spaces located centrally.

Roughly half of the development site will be given over to open amenity space which will be landscaped by the developer.

One local resident who had objected to the project appealed the grant of planning permission to An Bord Pleanála.

The appeal cited several procedural errors in the planning documentation submitted with the city council.

Concerns were also expressed that the duplex blocks and their design are out of character with the surrounding area and will overshadow neighbouring properties.

The appellant also said that the scale of the project was an overdevelopment of the site and lacked sufficient parking.

In response the developer said that there were some inaccuracies with the initial documentation but that these had been corrected by way of further information.

It was also pointed out that the number of units in the project was increased at the request of the city council.

An Bord Pleanala said that while there were issues with the documentation at first, that should not be considered enough to derail a planning application.

The planning authority also said the size of development was not unique to the area and that “three stories cannot be considered of significant scale and height even in an outer suburban area such as Knocknacarra”.

An Bord Pleanala rejected the appeal and upheld planning permission with 25 revised conditions.

The developer must pay €129,746 to the city council for the provision of public infrastructure and amenities.

In addition, before work begins the developer must enter an agreement with the city council to provide affordable or social housing at this development to meet their Part V planning obligations.

Loughrea pharma company is Ireland’s best International Family Business

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Chanelle Pharma to create 60 new jobs in Ballinasloe

The Loughrea based Chanelle Pharma has been named the International Family Business of the Year at the Energia Family Business Awards.

The inaugural Energia Family Business Awards were organised to showcase the best of of Ireland’s family owned business, from SMEs to multinational giants.

The Chanelle Group is one of Ireland’s leading exporters, manufacturing generic pharmaceutical products for humans and animals.

It holds 1,700 animal health licences in the EU, a further 500 globally, along with 800 registered licences in human medicine.

The Loughrea based company is owned by the local Burke family, with founder Michael Burke serving as Managing Director.

2018 saw the pharmaceutical company enjoy great success as pretax profits doubled while employee numbers also increased.

Chanelle currently employs almost 300 people in Loughrea, with hundreds more jobs expected to be created at a new manufacturing facility being built this year.

Last November it was named the overall pharma industry company of the year at the Irish Pharma Industry Awards, the first native Irish company ever to win this award.

The inaugural Family Business Awards recognised companies in the categories of Food & Drinks Producer, Transport & Logistics, Longevity, Innovation, Retail & Wholesale, Manufacturing & Engineering, Professional & Business Services, International, Customer Service, Sustainability, Tech, CSR, Fastest Growing, Small Business, Hospitality, Agriculture, Property & Construction, and a Special Merit award.

The overall winner named at the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday was the Waterford based food exporter Dawn Meats.

Galway man dies on Mount Everest expedition

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway man dies during Mount Everest expedition

A Galway man and father of two has died on an expedition to Mount Everest this week.

Kevin Hynes (56) from Galway lost his life while descending from Mount Everest on Friday morning as part of a group with 360 Expeditions.

“It is with the greatest sadness that we have to confirm that one of our Everest team has passed away,” the company said in a statement.

“Kevin (56 yrs) was one of the strongest and most experienced climbers on our team, and had previously summited Everest South and Lhotse.”

The experienced mountaineer was part of an expedition attempting to summit the 8,843m high mountain with experienced Sherpa, Dawa Sangee, “who himself has summited Everest south twice, Everest North and Makalu twice.”

On May 22 the group reportedly made base camp at 8,300m, and the next day while the summit climbers were heading higher Kevin began making his descent.

He passed away in the early hours of the morning of May 24 in his tent on the Tibetan side of the mountain.

“His wonderful wife, Bernadette and two children, Erin and James are comforted by all the communication that Kevin sent out from his expedition, letting them know that this was proving the most fun he had had on any one of his expeditions and the team was amazing and that he was loving being with Rolfe,” 360 Expeditions said.

“We thank everyone for your understanding and respect in the light of this tragic event. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with all Kevin’s family and his friends.”

“He really was a wonderful man and it was a great privilege to have him on our team.”

Kevin is understood to have lived and worked in the UK and had previously summitted Everest last year from the Nepal side.

Kevin Hynes is the second Irish climber to lose his life on Mount Everest in the past week after the death of Seamus Lawless from Wicklow.

Mr Lawless went missing when he fell over 500m from the balcony section of Mount Everest after completing his summit.

The search for Mr Lawless is continuing, but has been hampered by poor weather.

Three other climbers have also been reported to have died on the mountain recently amid warnings that overcrowding is causing deadly conditions for climbers.

LGBT+ activists and local tattoo artists raise €3,400 to help save Teach Solais

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Local tattoo artists help raise €3,400 to help save Teach Solais

Local tattoo artists from AWOL Tattoos and Piercing helped raise over €3,400 to help save Teach Solais LGBT+ resource centre at a day long tattooing event.

The ‘Big Gay Charity Flash Day’ on May 17 was organised by Dublin based activist tattoo artist Ciaran O’Brien, offering €50 tattoos from a range of designs at AWOL with all proceeds going to Teach Solais.

The day was a smash hit, taking in a whopping €3400.92 to help the struggling resource centre.

Teach Solais is run by Amach! LGBT+ charity as an important community hub in Galway that is used for a wide range of essential health and peer support services.

However the centre is completely reliant on the public to remain open with no permanent funding from the government.

Without the help of the people of Galway Teach Solais could be forced to close its doors in November due to a lack of funding.

A crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to ‘Save Our Teach Solais‘ has so far raised over €7,000 out of a target of €10,000.

In a response to the amazing outcome of the day Teach Solais said “We honestly can’t put in to words how amazing this is.”

“Our whole community is so thankful. This was such an amazing day that all of us here at the centre will cherish.”

“I would like to give one last shout out to Ciaran, if it wasn’t for Ciaran this amazing day would never have happened. You have helped us keep our vital safe space for the LGBT+ community open.”

https://www.facebook.com/TeachSolaisLGBT/posts/619757881839864?__xts__[0]=68.ARBhVF9_4rbE0TPZrqjFDrFAfA70tSRIwceh22dSYPdM1JVsz8aHbTAItb_DETWlxo4H5YDDnH8mwe2XI5VHw4ba00wiZ9KIINh04lTmW_uQh3PCBg99Xezqcdw4XI0j0i8-IZ8PgOH_P131BLW-ziKSpTRgstKyS7Cy03n4yuw8e0frHYF5No919cEOGxhjKbbqZhI8XtEyitWEB15_0yE3W2eQfG-fAiYd4qr2lqZ78sbFo_sR6mWbBpXjkTAF_3Yl8Uw4c2WAVDWBhmhEXlwksg9XRsECqT5lxcDtY_RWlSqBmK7_AWFPGibGqcGWpPmRQ69GY5K7MzQ19JPzRCPWG3Jq4zmZFX9z1pggswowh0Ti0ymVU6fzmbJl_0FWqYXV2rREybDYzgrHBUB7eI1B9hlInybVycd3LLZ7LRux&__tn__=-R

 

Ciaran O’Brien posted on Instagram “thank you to each and every person who came out to be tattooed!

“I know we had to turn a huge amount away and people traveled from very far! But we still managed to raise €3400! Which is only the beginning! I can’t wait for bigger gay flash day 2.0 convention style”

He asked everyone who is considering donating their time or money, or considering a fundraiser of their own to “consider the smaller organisations before donating to bigger government funded ones, while doing marathons, skydive fundraisers etc.”

Some of the designs inked by the Dublin based tattoo artist on the day included Galway classics like the Claddagh ring.

AWOL Tattoos and Piercing thanked everyone who took part for their patience and understanding while the busy artists tried to get to as many people as possible.

“So sorry to everyone we couldn’t get to! We never expected such an AMAZING response, there was a queue out the door from 11 and we managed to tattoo over 50 people!” the tattoo parlour said on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/awol.tattoos/posts/1679666795469598?__xts__[0]=68.ARCSdQGBLqZBKAUBMb8Mo_xQ1clZ4HAKnAQCGQshW-1ykesUQX06AmUEkKQ57ETl3vEWo7gF00Ge1ZqlUHnTaNesLFSRrzTpLJtLm9XVN2ubPX63LAL68rM8mXzv6uKEjyvGz1L5SX8kpHlaW11A3A4uX9ULazdvn29Yoep7NmyTP_NIj6WvSb_Uc5IB94-fh7qVei0e0bzToKkH_PS3LOIpowL6FlsQeWPSddpqn5dfeGaBoiSiwN_8gVrDRTKrwBTKtrEef2n_8d-R86Erdx7oHv9OMSQMQj5CpY0pTu-U-VciQIjyyI5Wm6OYPGu1pnjRhrppYKqnZFakwwjgwJdh-Y9TjQOpGiHCTNzuuUuWWinBA5QmXHkbNBeopad9zl-q-4jkEK6C5q7btBtWiBXH-ViimAo7o2dKGhfcDAH2fRFJ3JXeA9e-vXxhVjTbauKecL4Yb-PJ2KVh2knNVYl2Hk5BzDgRLWVUY5UUL7loSD40a3TPx9rScicRMZcerWW63Nr78Rn2vSyEr1NoUzscoIzt8v3JFK7CgqKOeHAvBkc1xLtIefoJGX_5QmtSO_IrDpv62DY&__tn__=-R

Galway’s iconic Dough Bros draw big crowds in Dublin

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway daily life & style Galway's Dough Bros draw big crowds in Dublin

Galway’s iconic Dough Bros are showing Dublin how great pizza is done this week with a pop up store on Camden Street.

Pizza and a pint is the order of the day as the Dough Bros have teamed up with Birra Moretti for this little slice of heaven.

In addition to their regular menu the duo have created the a new recipe, ‘The Baffo’ pizza.

This mouth water dish has Crushed San Marzano Tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano D.O.P, Fresh Basil, Buffalo Mozzarella D.O.P, Double Guanciale, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pecorino Romano and Post Oven Pepper.

The store has already proven a huge hit with people who know good pizza when they smell it, drawing large crowds of hungry diners.

https://www.facebook.com/thedoughbros/photos/a.458300867592477/2295817200507492/?type=3&theater

Rightfully known as having some of the best pizza in Galway and through Ireland, the award winning Dough Bros is the creation of brothers Eugene and Ronan Greaney.

Since starting out with a food truck in 2013, the pizzeria has gone from strength to strength, getting their first taste of working at a full premises with a pop up shop on Abbeygate street a year later before moving to their current home on middle street.

Along the way they’ve picked up awards from the Irish Restaurant Association and the prestigious McKenna Food Guide.

Pizza Birra Moretti with the Dough Bros will be open on Camden street, Dublin until Tuesday May 28.

No bookings, strictly walk-in, open until 10:30pm each night.

If you’re a Galway local in the capital this week or a Dublin native who wants to taste the finest Italian pizza from the west coast then grab a slice while it’s there.

 

photo: The Dough Bros Wood Fired Pizza/Facebook

NUIG embraces the future with artificial intelligence programmes

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Briain Kelly
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0

AI technology is advancing in leaps and bounds with computers capable of deeper insights than ever before, and NUIG is embracing that future with two new Masters programmes in Artificial Intelligence.

Minister for Higher Education Mary Mitchell O’Connor came to Galway earlier this week to launch the artificial intelligence courses along with over 60 representatives from 20 companies, almost all based in the west.

One of the Masters programmes is entirely online and is aimed at people working industry who need to deepen their computer knowledge, with a specific focus on artificial intelligence, while the other is classrooms based.

The online MSc in Artificial Intelligence is a two-year, part-time online course by the School of Computer Science, co-funded by Technology Ireland ICT Skillnet to help meet the need for AI skill in Irish industry.

The one-year full-time Masters in Computer Science – Artificial Intelligence is a classroom based course aimed at recent graduates of computer science and related degrees.

The students will get the opportunity to work with collaborators in industry on their capstone AI projects to complete the course.

Speaking at the launch Minister O’Connor said the government wanted to tun Ireland into “an AI island” by supporting innovative education and industry needs.

“There are currently around 100,000 tech professionals working in Ireland with another 60,000 projected job openings over the next four years.

“These two innovative Master’s programmes at NUI Galway will help to ensure graduates have the highest skills needed to meet this demand and to make Galway and the West of Ireland a leader in Artificial Intelligence.”

artificial intelligence courses launch
l-r: Caroline Cawley, CEO, ITAG, Paul Healy, CEO, Skillnet, Minister for Higher Education, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Registrar and Deputy President, NUIG and Prof Michael Madden, School of Computer Science. photo credit: Aengus McMahon

Prof Michael Madden, Chair of Computer Science at NUIG added that these programmes will help to create an ecosystem of AI companies in the West of Ireland with the support of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, and the IT Association Galway.

Though the area of research goes back decades, it is only recent breakthroughs in hardware capacity and computer algorithms that have made past dreams of intelligent machines a reality.

“Within NUI Galway, we have a 20-year track record of research and teaching in machine learning and AI, in the Data Science Institute and right across the School of Computer Science,” Prof Madden added.

All students taking part in these course will have to study AI Ethics “because we recognise the important ethical issues that can arise in modern AI applications.”

To complete their courses students will engage in capstone projects, conducting research and building prototype systems that use bleeding-edge artificial intelligence technologies.

For further information about the two new Masters programmes, visit www.nuigalway.ie/artificial-intelligence/.

Ambulance personnel to hold 24-hour strike next week

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Ambulance personnel to stage 24 strike next week

Ambulance staff will hold the first of several planned 24 hour strikes next week over demands to be represented by the union of their choice.

Roughly 500 ambulance personnel who are members of the Psychiatric Nurses Association will stage a 24 hour strike on Friday, May 31 for the right to be represented by the PNA.

The HSE currently does not recognise the PNA or its associated branch, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association, as representative of ambulance personnel.

The PNA has said that the first strike will take place from 7am on May 31 through to 7am on June 1, with further 24 hour strikes to be announced in the coming weeks.

Earlier this month ambulance personnel from around the country staged a protest in front of Leinster House on May 15 calling for the right to be represented by the union of their choice.

Prior to this in January PNA members held six hour work stoppages and engaged in work to rule, with the HSE deploying qualified managers and military personnel to plug the gap.

Peter Hughes, PNA General Secretary said that this escalation in industrial action is of the HSE’s making for refusing to engage with them.

“It has become very clear that not alone has the HSE refused to engage in the normal industrial relations protocol of agreeing contingency plans for our previous strike days, but it has also exploited the professionalism and dedication of ambulance personnel to ensure that ambulance services are provided even in a strike situation.”

“HSE management have sat back and placed the responsibility of maintaining ambulance cover on our members. As we move to 24 hour strikes it is incumbent on the HSE to comply with custom and practice and negotiate contingency arrangements for the planned 24-hour strike days.”

Mr Hughes said that the demands of the 500 PNA members for representation has strong cross party support in the Dáil.

However, despite Health Minister Simon Harris’ comments that he wishes this referred to the Workplace Relations Commission he has not been able to get the HSE to cooperate Peter Hughes said.

“It should now be a priority for the new HSE Director General, Paul Reid, to bring this dispute to an end, and stop trying to force ambulance personnel into unions that they have made it clear they are not prepared to be members of.”

“Mr Reid has an opportunity to end this dispute which is impacting on performance and morale within the ambulance services – a vital area of frontline health services.”

The HSE has said that healthcare personnel already have adequate union representations, with the National Ambulance Service recognising Siptu, Forsa, and Unite for frontline staff.

Ambulance staff in Siptu and other unions are not part of this industrial action.

Galway heads to the polls for elections and referendum

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news EU elections hustings

Polls are open across Galway today for the Local and European elections and the divorce referendum.

The two elections will see Galway’s voters choosing their city and county councils, MEPs, and whether to make changes to the constitution’s provisions on divorce.

In the city 47 candidates are standing for 18 council seats across the East, Central, and West Wards.

There are 78 candidates standing for 39 seats on Galway county council across the municipal districts of Athenry-Oranmore, Ballinasloe, Connemara North, Gort-Kinvara, and Tuam.

In the European Parliament Galway is part of Ireland’s Midlands-North-West district where 17 candidates are contesting four seats.

The divorce referendum is asking voters whether to approve two measures, one to recognise foreign divorces and another to remove a requirement that couples must be separated for four years before a divorce can be granted.

Voting began yesterday in the islands where there are just over 1,200 registered voters across the Aran Islands and Inishbofin.

This will be the last time that the islands vote ahead of the mainland with a law for same day voting set to come into effect after these elections.

Results from these elections will not begin to come in until tomorrow, with ballot boxes opening at 10am to begin the count.

King and Queen of Sweden visiting Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Marine Institute welcoming university students for 2023 Bursary programme
Marine Institute Headquarters at Renville, Oranmore

The King and Queen of Sweden are visiting Galway today as part of a three day state visit to Ireland.

King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden met with An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar yesterday in Dublin and attended a state dinner with President Michael D. Higgins that evening.

Today the royal couple are visiting the Marine Institute in Oranmore where they will be met by Galway TD and Minister of State Seán Kyne, as well as senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Speaking ahead of the visit Deputy Kyne said that he was looking forward to welcoming the King and Queen to Galway.

“The visit supports the shared interest between Ireland and Sweden to sustainably manage and develop our marine resource.

“I hope the visit encourages further collaboration between our two countries to observe and understand how our ocean is changing and respond to current and future patterns of change.”

King Gustaf has long been a proponent of the conservation of marine life, serving as Chairman of the Swedish organisation of the World Wildlife Fund since 1988.

He is also guardian of the Baltic Salmon Fund, which promotes the sustainable management of wild salmon in the Baltic sea and the rivers along the Baltic coast.

Marine Institute scientists will speak to the King and Queen of Sweden about surveying and assessing fish stocks in Irish waters.

This is part of efforts to to assist in sustainably monitoring and developing Ireland’s fisheries resource.

The royals will also view a series of artworks produced as part of the EU-funded BlueFish Project.

This project aims to spread awareness of how we use our marine resources and the impact that climate change will have on marine ecosystems in Irish waters.

CEO of the Marine Institute Peter Heffernan said they were looking forward to showcasing the institute’s work on ocean observation and fisheries assessment and monitoring.

“Providing scientific advice and services in these areas is one of the Institute’s key roles, and essential to Ireland achieving a sustainable ocean economy, as well as protecting and managing our marine ecosystems.”

After finishing their visit to the Marine Institute the King and Queen will depart for Clare where they have engagements in the Burren.

Clifden brewery creates two craft beers for transatlantic flight centenary

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style Clifden brewery creates two craft beers for transatlantic flight centenary

Clifden’s Bridewell Brewery has brewed two special edition craft beers for the centenary celebrations of the first non-stop transatlantic flight by Alcock and Brown.

The two limited edition craft beers will be available in the Clifden area all through the summer of 2019, and especially during the centenary celebrations taking place in June.

Pilot is a Transatlantic Gold inspired by American Golden Ales but brewed with the European equivalent of each ingredient.

Navigator is a Transatlantic Brown inspired by American Brown Ales and similarly brewed with European ingredients.

The two craft beers won medals at the Dublin Craft Cup back in March during the Alltech Craft Food & Brews Fair.

James Alcock and Arthur Brown made the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June 1919 in a modified WWI bombers.

They flew from Newfoundland, Canada for the best part of a day through every kind of weather imaginable before crashing down in a field outside Clifden.

During their perilous flight the pair reportedly survived on sandwiches, chocolate, coffee and beer.

The centenary celebrations of this milestone in aviation history taking place in June will include a recreation of their landing in 1919 and a ‘fly in’ involving several planes at Cleggan airstrip

To celebrate Indie Beer week, Bridewell are holding a beer tasting in Clifden Supervalu on Thursday, May 23 at 7pm of Pilot and Navigator craft beers.

Galway City Central Preview: What do your candidates stand for?

By
Paul Kelly
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Galway daily news

The Galway City Central Ward is one of the more unpredictable wards.

There is a total of 16 candidates running in the Ward with 6 seats being up for grabs.

Fine Gael – Frank Fahy & Eddie Hoare 

Fine Gael will be hoping to keep their two seats in the City Central Ward.

To make this happen Frank Fahy must be re-elected to the Council Chamber.

The Menlo native became a Councillor in 2011 while serving as deputy Mayor that same year.

He served as Mayor of Galway in 2015.

He was involved in the campaign to stop Galway City Council putting a road through Merlin Woods

The Fine Gael Councilor also helped to prevent the removal of the roundabout at the Menlo Park Hotel on safety grounds,

He also secured funding of €25,000 to restore the Gate Lodge at Menlo Castle.

Eddie Hoare is seeking to fill the void left by retiring Fine Gael Councillor Pádraig Conneely.

The St Michael’s Midfielder intends to promote and encourage the active involvement of people in community sports, clubs and societies.

The chartered accountant is a keen supporter of local business and vows to fight for a supportive environment for businesses to thrive in the city.

The first time candidate is a supporter of increased investment in social and affordable housing.

Fianna Fáil – Imelda Byrne & Ollie Crowe

It will be a good day for Fianna Fáil if they can mange to add an extra seat in the Galway City Central Ward after coming very close in 2014.

Ollie Crowe was comfortably re-elected in 2014 and should have no issues regaining his seat this time around.

The sitting Councillor is looking to work to resolve the Housing and Homeless crises.

He promises to campaign for better health services while promoting Galway City at home and abroad.

He has also outlined his support for local sports bodies and amenities.

Imelda Byrne is hoping to capture a second seat for Fianna Fáil in the City Central Ward.

This second seat has alluded Fianna Fáil over the last few elections.

In 2014, the second Fianna Fáil candidate Nicola Deacy narrowly lost to Sinn Féin for the last City Central seat.

Imelda Byrne has pledged to deliver more social housing units and better access to affordable rents.

She is a supporter of rate increases being rolled out over a period of 5 years instead of 1 year to help SMEs across Galway.

The Henry Street native intends to push for investment in roads, and increasing the transport facilities available to local residents.

Sinn Féin – Mark Lohan 

Mark Lohan was co-opted onto Galway City Council in October 2016 and is a well known figure through his work as a trade union official.

When it comes to parks and playgrounds the Sinn Féin representative wants to ‘continue to protect Terry Land Forest Park, Merlin Woods and all our great recreational and amenity areas’.

The former president of the Galway Council of Trade Unions previously built social clauses into public procurement contracts in Galway City.

The purpose of these clauses is to ensure that local construction workers are hired on publicly funded construction projects over a certain euro threshold.

If elected, he has promised that these clauses are enforced and expanded to include more Galway workers on these projects.

The Menlo man says he will push for affordable homes for people in Galway City who are not on the social housing list but yet cannot secure a private mortgage.

Labour – John McDonagh

John McDonagh will be running in place of the veteran Labour Councillor Billy Cameron who will not be seeking re-election.

The retail worker will have big shoes to fill with Councillor Cameron having served 3 terms on Galway City Council.

John McDonagh outlined his priority of increasing the provision of Social and Affordable housing.

The Shantalla resident wants to be a direct link between community groups and Galway City Council.

He is also strongly in favor of the development of waterways and green areas.

Green Party – Martina O’Connor

Martina O’Connor will be looking to secure the Green Party’s first seat on Galway City Council since 2004.

The latest polling has indicated a surge in support for the Green Party nationally but whether this translates to the Galway City Central Ward is a different story entirely.

Martina O’Connor is running a campaign that emphasizes the importance of the provision of green spaces which ‘effect the mental and physical health of local residents’.

Furthermore, the issues of health care and planning are at the forefront to her campaign.

Solidarity/People Before Profit – Joe Loughnane

Joe Loughnane is known around Galway for his dedicated activism.

The Lough Atalia resident is well recognized as the founding member of the Galway Anti-Racism Network.

The first time People Before Profit candidate is seeking to ‘stop the sell-off of public land such as the docks and Nuns Island and use it to build public housing’.

He has promised to push for suitable accommodation for students, travellers and people with disabilities.

The long-time community activist has pledged to vote to reduce the property tax and lobby to scrap it.

Social Democrats – Sharon Nolan 

Sharon Nolan wants to be a progressive addition to the City Council.

If elected, she wants to see public housing increased and will support the rights of renters.

She has highlighted the need to support better public transport and cycling infrastructure.

The Social Democrats activist has also promised to push for investing in playgrounds and recreational facilities.

Aontu – Cormac Ó Corcoráin 

Aontu will be making their debut on the ballot paper in Galway City Central.

The newly formed pro-life party will be running Cormac Ó Corcoráin who ran unsuccessfully as an Independent candidate in 2014.

Ó Corcoráin wants to fight for ‘jobs in Galway, boosting local business and reducing rates’.

He is in favor of reduction in the property tax.

In addition the Aontu activist would like the arts to be ‘accessible to all’.

Independent – Mike Cubbard 

Independent candidate Mike Cubbard topped the poll in 2014 with 13% of the first preference vote.

The Councillor is seeking re-election by ‘prioritizing youth engagement programs and mental health awareness’.

He has identified housing as a key area.

During his time as Councillor, he proposed a 12-week limit on rent arrears for cases delayed in assessment. This was subsequently passed by the city council.

He has promised to continue to fight for those in need of housing.

Moreover Mike Cubbard has promised to seek a greater Garda presence on the streets of Galway City.

Independent – Colette Connolly 

Colette Connolly was co-opted onto the Galway City West Ward in 2016 when her sister Catherine Connolly was elected as a TD for Galway West.

If re-elected, The sitting Councillor will seek to deliver public and affordable housing.

The former Labour representative declared that implementing a climate action policy will be a priority for her.

She intends on developing a strategic plan for Galway’s waterways and supports the appointment of a Bio-diversity Officer.

Independent – Mike Geraghty

Mike Geraghty is once again running in the Galway City Central Ward.

The Independent candidate unsuccessfully ran for City Council in 2014.

Among other things, Mike Geraghty has called for the restoration of Menlo Castle for multi recreational use.

He is in favor of park and ride facilities to be established.

If elected, the Newcastle resident intends to campaign for a bus service directly from Knocknacarra to Eyre Square and on to Parkmore.

Furthermore, the Independent candidate believes the Mayor should be directly elected.

The remaining three candidates in the Galway City Central Ward are Patrick Feeney, Daragh O’Flaherty and James O’Toole all of which are running as Independent candidates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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