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Lifeboat crews rescued 43 people in Galway last year

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Lough Derg RNLI rescue two people after boat strikes rocks

Lifeboat crews at Galway, Clifden and the Aran Islands RNLI stations are calling on people to support Mayday, the RNLI’s annual national fundraising campaign.

The appeal for support comes alongside the release of rescue figures for Lifeboat crews in Galway last year.

In 2018 lifeboats were launched 78 times from different stations in Galway, rescuing a total of 43 people.

The Aran Islands crew were deployed 47 times, saving eight people, while Galway city lifeboat volunteers launched 14 times, bringing 9 people to safety.

The Clifden RNLI station had the largest number of rescues, saving 26 people in 17 deployments.

For the month of May, the RNLI’s Mayday campaign is asking people to ‘do their bit, to fund our kit’.

The charity is hoping to raise €780,000 to pay for the essential gear their volunteers rely on including lifejackets, helmets and the RNLI’s yellow wellies.

There are over 1,500 volunteer lifeboat crew members in Ireland providing a 24-hour search and rescue service.

RNLI Resilience Coxswain Mechanic Tommy Dirrane who is based on the Aran Islands said, “Being a lifeboat crewmember with the RNLI, I know first-hand the commitment it takes.”

Our crews drop everything when their pagers go off to launch the lifeboat and head out to help those in trouble. Our lifeboat crew kit gives us the confidence to face all weathers and conditions, day or night.

“The right kit is vital in helping to make sure we do what we are trained to do and bring loved ones home,” he ended.

RNLI Fundraiser Mary Nolan Hickey added, “People think I am mad doing this, but I have unfinished business for the lifeboat crews.

Last year 65-year old Mary raised over €72,000 for the RNLI in a marathon run around the coast of Ireland.

She said that she had no idea when she started up, but calling into lifeboat stations and seeing the work they do in coastal communities made up her mind.

“I saw the incredible work the crew are doing and it made up my mind that if I had the energy, I would do this encore, so here I go.”

This year she is planning to cycle counter-clockwise around Ireland with a target of €100,000 to raise for the RNLI.

People who want to get involved should visit RNLI.org/Mayday to register for a free Mayday pack which comes with a host of fundraising ideas.

More traffic delays expected as repairs continue on Headford road water leak

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Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

More traffic disruption is expected on the Headford road as efforts to repair a major water leak continue.

The leak has been located near Dunnes Stores, more than three metres below the surface of the ground on the Headford road dual carriageway.

A spokesperson for Irish Water said “Because of the topography of the ground which is soft in nature and the traffic levels, a major repair will be undertaken overnight, tonight.”

A traffic management plan will be in place overnight while repair works are taking place.

Two lanes of the Headford road will be closed to traffic to facilitate the works, with motorists diverted onto the adjacent lanes.

Irish Water will also be delivering more stores of tankered and bottled water to businesses in the area which are currently without a water supply.

The leak was first reported on Sunday and caused major traffic problems on Monday as repair crews worked on the leak.

Irish Water and Galway city council have apologised to motorists and local residents who have been affected by this disruption.

Further updates on the situation will be available through Irish Water’s Supply and Service page, or people affected can call 1850 278278.

Galway International Arts Festival receives warm welcome at Irish Embassy in London

By
Michael Malone
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giaf galway daily arts festival london

Galway International Arts Festival received a warm welcome at a reception held at the Irish Embassy in London this week.

Ambassador of Ireland to the UK, Adrian O’Neill, welcomed GIAF as well as representatives from the Irish business community in London, the Irish cultural community, Tourism Ireland and Galway 2020.

The Festival is in London with its production of ROOMS by Enda Walsh, which has opened to rave reviews at the Barbican Centre and runs until this Friday.

As part of the Embassy event, GIAF presented a First Thought Talk with Irish artist John Gerrard, which was live-streamed on the Festival’s Facebook page.

John Gerrard is one of Ireland’s most unique and internationally celebrated artists best known for his large-scale and site-specific works. Paul Fahy, GIAF Artistic Director joined John Gerrard in conversation to discuss Gerrard’s work, and his exciting collaboration with GIAF for 2020.

Galway International Arts Festival has commissioned John Gerrard to create two major artworks as part of the programme for Galway 2020 European Capital of Culture.

Ambassador of Ireland, Adrian O’Neill said: “I am delighted to host the First Thought Talk at the Embassy in association with Galway International Arts Festival.

“GIAF plays a hugely important role in profiling Ireland as a vibrant and inclusive cultural destination.

“It is also encouraging to see exciting cultural collaboration & partnerships between the Festival and organisations here in the UK.

“I am especially pleased that UK-based artists are taking part in the Festival, and am really looking forward to seeing Rooms at the Barbican later this week.”

Paul Fahy, GIAF Artistic Director said: “I’d like to thank Ambassador Adrian O’Neill for extending such a warm welcome to GIAF during our visit to London with Rooms by Enda Walsh, and for hosting the Festival’s First Thought Talk with Irish artist, John Gerrard.

“We first presented his work at the Festival in 2013 and it was wonderful to talk to John about his work, and about our exciting collaboration for Galway 2020.”

Marine innovation park “vitally important” for Connemara

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Údarás na Gaeltachta to make fresh planning application for Marine Innovation centre in Connemara

The development of the Pairc na Mara Marine Innovation Centre in Connemara is “vitally important” for the future of Cill Chiaráin and the surrounding area of Connemara said one local candidate.

Kevin O’Hara, Sinn Féin candidate for South Connemara, said that the decision by An Bord Pleanála to overturn planning permission for the Marine Innovation Park was worrying.

The higher planning authority overturned the county council’s decision to grant planning permission to Údarás na Gaeltachta for an administration building at the site.

An appeal against the county council’s decision was brought by Galway Bay Against Salmon Cages, who were concerned that it would be developed into a large scale salmon farming facility.

“Targeted and planned long-term development is crucial for the survival of isolated communities throughout Ireland, and the Páirc na Mara project in Cill Ciaran has the potential to provide important long-term employment in the area,” Kevin O’Hara said.

He added that the shellfish industry in Cill Chiaráin Bay has been revitalised in recent years, and there is also a nearby Marine research station at Carna run by NUIG, and a thriving seaweed industry in the area.

Mr O’Hara went on to say that “Páirc na Mara may well not provide all the answers but its development is vitally important for Cill Ciaran and its broader hinterland.”

He warned that the Connemara Gaeltacht is in a “struggle for survival” and that if investment projects like Pairc na Mara fail it will continue to erode “until all that is left is a commuter belt servicing Galway City”.

Report on Tuam Mother and Baby Home says that people “must have known”

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Legally permissible for Tuam Home survivors DNA sampling

The fifth interim report on the Tuam Mother and Baby Home has been released, saying that the burial ground may extend beyond the memorial garden and it was likely known about decades ago.

The Tuam Mother and Baby Home is one of six institutions being investigated by the Mother and Baby Homes Commission.

The Tuam Home was a former workhouse which was owned by the local council, and operated by the Bon Secours Sisters until its closure in 1961.

The Commission found that of the 973 children believed to have died under the responsibility of the Tuam home, 79 died at the Glenamaddy workhouse which had its own burial ground.

However the report states that there are no burial records for the period in question so it cannot be verified if they are interred there.

Some also died in a hospital or other medical institution. but the vast majority of the children,it’s estimated 802, died at the Tuam Home itself.

The report is plain the memorial garden where they were buried was not a recognised burial ground and did not afford these children the dignity of a proper internment.

Twelve mother who were resident at the Mother and Baby Home also died, the majority from complications in childbirth.

One theory that has been spoken about frequently, the possibility that some of the children believed dead may have been ‘sold’ to America, was dismissed by the Commission which said there was “little basis” for the theory.

Mother and Baby Home records

The Commission said that it had difficulties in finding solid information, noting “There is remarkably little official documentation available about many aspects of the Tuam Children’s Home and there is virtually no information about burials”.

As the Mother and Baby Homes was owned by the local council, there was a legal requirement to keep a register of burials, but the Commission notes that “There is no evidence that such a register was compiled”.

Evidence seen by the Commission found that Galway county council was likely aware of the existence of the burial ground by the 1970s.

The fifth interim report noted minutes of council meetings from the 70s which referred to “a memorial site, a children’s Burial Ground, and another Burial Ground” at the Tuam Home.

The council also inspected the burial ground in 1991 after letters were written complaining about its condition.

Evidence was also gathered from numerous local residents in the Tuam area which found that people knew about the buried children at the time as well.

In a response to the findings of an excavation which said that children were interred in a structure meant for sewage, the Bon Secours order said that it was possible the structure was built with human remain in mind.

But the Commission said that it’s design was more in line with something meant for waste, including narrow access points not readily usable by people.

The final conclusions of the report were that the children were likely buried at the Mother and Baby Home between 1937 and 1961.

It also said that the county council must have known as “Council employees would have been in the grounds of the Home quite frequently as they carried out repairs to the building and possibly also maintained the grounds.”

The burial grounds themselves may also extend beyond the area of the current memorial garden.

Major policing conference to take place in Galway

By
Michael Malone
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A major conference on ‘Policing, Human Rights and Communities’ will take place in Galway next week.

The event will be hosted by the School of Law and Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway on Friday, 26 April.

Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, and Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Drew Harris, will address the conference, which will focus on the main recommendations of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland published last September.

The report  acknowledged human rights as the core purpose of policing and committed to the ideal of policing with communities.

The conference will also consider new arrangements for national security that are being put in place as part of the implementation plan for the Commission’s report.

David Anderson, who was the Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation for the United Kingdom, will speak about these new structures and the appropriate level of oversight required.

Professor Donncha O’Connell, School of Law at NUI Galway and a member of the Commission on the Future of Policing, said: “This conference provides an invaluable opportunity for a wide range of stakeholders to engage critically with the process of policing reform currently under way in Ireland, especially as the reform process relates to the core issues of human rights and policing and policing with communities.

“There is already huge interest in the event and, in order to include the widest possible audience, we will be livestreaming proceedings for the entire day and making videos of each session available afterwards.”

More time sought to build 54 homes in Headford

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

An Extension of Duration is being sought to planning permission for a residential development in Headford consisting of 54 homes.

Planning permission for the homes on the Cong road, Headford had previously been granted by the county council in July 2009, and a prior extension of duration was granted on March 20, 2014.

The original plan was for an estate of 110 houses, but this was subject to an appeal by An Taisce in 2009.

The planned housing development would of 16 four-bed detached homes; 26 four-bed, semi-detached houses; 32 three-bed, semi-detached houses; 35 three-bed terraced units, and a creche facility.

An Bord Pleanála ultimately decided to allow work to proceed on 54 houses on the southern half of the site, while concluding that the northern end was not suitable for development.

Work on site began on February 21, and has so far entailed beginning the creation of a new access road from the N84 according to planning documents.

Other work that has been carried out to date includes the construction work on the site compound and boundaries.

The developer is seeking for planning permission to be extended to 2021 to complete these homes.

Galway county council is due to make a decision on this application for an extension of planning permission by May 5.

Galway astronomers measure the diameters of stars

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news NUIG astronomers measure the diameter of stars

Astronomers at NUI Galway have played an integral part in an international effort to measure the diameter of stars using an array of gamma-ray telescopes.

The VERITAS array consists of 12 gamma-ray telescopes at the F.L. Whipple Observatory in southern Arizona which astronomers use to to detect very-high-energy gamma radiation from exotic objects in space.

They do this by measuring the brief flashes of visible light that occur when these gamma rays hit the earth.

This project sought to turn the VERITAS array to a different usage, testing an innovative way to directly measure the diameters of far off stars.

Dr Gary Gillanders of the Centre for Astronomy at NUIG said that because stars are little more than points of light in the sky, astronomers usually have to try indirect methods of measuring temperature and brightness to estimate their size.

Instead of this, the team at VERITAS is using the telescope array to record micro eclipses when asteroids pass between the earth and the star they’re pointed at.

By measuring the angle cast on the earth by the asteroid, they are able to calculate the diameter of the star, a method that has already been applied to two stars.

Amy Joyce was a MSc student at NUIG who was part of the observing crew who measured one of those instances.

She said that it is a lot like a mini solar eclipse “although it is extremely faint and only lasts a few seconds”, making VERITAS an ideal instrument to detect it.

“Normally we use VERITAS to observe objects like the supermassive black hole in M87, recently imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope,” said Dr Mark Lang of the School of Physics at NUIG.

He added that this experiment shows the versatility of VERITAS in taking other kinds of measurements.

The study was led by Dr Michael Daniel of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Dr Tarek Hassan of DESY, the German high-energy physics institute.

Other Irish partners involved include researchers at UCD and Cork IT.

€1 million fund announced to link digital hubs in the west

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news €1 million fund announced to develop digital hubs on the west coast

A fund of €1 million has been revealed to link digital hubs pushing enterprise and innovation along the west coast.

Galway East TD Seán Canney announced the new fund for digital hubs at the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre this week.

This funding will be used to create a network of Enterprise Hubs and Digital Spaces along the western seaboard, from Kerry to Donegal.

This area forms the Atlantic Economic Corridor which combines the economic hubs and catchments of the region to attract investment, support job creation and improve the quality of life for those who live there.

This development of the Atlantic Economic Corridor Hub Network is a flagship project in the Western Development Commission’s new five-year Strategy.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Canney said that economic strategies such as this one are an attempt to ensure a balanced regional growth in the economy.

“The initiative will help to attract more people and more investment to the western part of Ireland, which is a vibrant area of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as being a great place to live.”

“This project builds on the excellent work already being carried out in the region by enterprise and innovation hubs in the private, public and social enterprise sectors,” Seán Canney added.

The WDC will assist these digital hubs in forming a collaborative network to better support business development and job creation in the region.

“The hub network will also provide a social dividend by making the hubs available to communities and those who may be economically, socially or educationally disadvantaged,” Deputy Canney said.

The funding for this initiative is being made available through the Dormant Accounts Fund, and comes on top of half a million already given by the Department of Rural and Community Development to the WDC this year.

“The Western Region can provide an unrivaled quality of life, opportunities for innovation and enterprise, and can compete on the national and international stage.”

“This is an exciting time to live and work in the West of Ireland.”

Galway TD appointed UNICEF global champion for education

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

Galway TD Ciarán Cannon has been appointed a UNICEF global champion for education.

His appointment is part of a new UNICEF initiative to see that every young person between the ages of 10 and 24 will be in school, training or age-appropriate decent employment by 2030.

As Minister for the Diaspora and International Development much of Deputy Cannon’s work focuses on supporting Ireland’s international aid efforts.

He will serve as one of seven Generation Unlimited Champions who will advocate worldwide for the development of the ‘Gen U’ programme.

“I’m honoured to be chosen as one of UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited Champions and to be asked to make a strong case for continued investment in education and training worldwide,” Ciaran Cannon said.

“Particularly for our young people who find themselves furthest behind when it comes to educational opportunity.”

The government has committed €1 million in funding to support the new UNICEF Generation Unlimited initiative in this year.

Gen U aims to improve education access through enhancing public/private investment and engaging young people as co-creators to encourage their investment in their education.

The programme will have a “special focus on empowering young women and girls,” Deputy Cannon added.

He went on to say that supporting UNICEF has been one of Ireland’s most important goals in international development.

“In 2018, Ireland contributed over €20m to UNICEF, which remains one of Ireland’s largest and most important development partners and since 1993, Ireland has provided over €250m in funding to UNICEF.”

“Throughout my political career I have consistently highlighted the transformative power of education,” he added.

“We in Ireland have experienced an incredible transformation through education over the last fifty years.”

“In accepting UNICEF’s invitation to act as a champion for Gen U, I will be focusing my efforts on ensuring that all of the world’s young people can experience that transformation for themselves.”

Dozens of watchful eyes attached to trees in local children’s park

By
Michael Malone
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galway trees have eyes
“The Trees have Eyes” Deputy Mayor Cllr. Donal Lyons officially launched “The Trees have Eyes” Project on Friday the 12th April. Pictured at the launch in Children’s Millennium Park is artist Bernadette Bradley along with participants from both the Cape and Westside Youth Projects, Amy and Jodie. PHOTOGRAPH BY AENGUS MC MAHON

Twenty-three surveillance sculptures will cast their watchful eyes on visitors to Children’s Millenium Park in a creative new anti-litter initiative.

The Trees have Eyes Project was launched on Friday by Deputy Mayor Cllr. Donal Lyons and included young people from two youth groups in Galway.

Cape Youth Project and Westside Youth Project took part several art workshops led by artist Bernadette Bradley and twenty-three fun scuptures can now be found around the park.

Research suggests our behaviour when we are being watched is very different to when we are acting unobserved.

The aim of the initiative is that the presence of animated junk will encourage park goers to pick up after themselves.

All the pieces were created using recycled materials, including paper boxes, plastic bottles, lids and tops. Jigsaw pieces, corks, coloured glass pieces, lampshades, CDs and CD racks, car tyres, metals, curtain poles, chairs, a gramophone speaker and a vast assortment of electronic junk.

“The Trees have Eyes”
Deputy Mayor Cllr. Donal Lyons officially launched “The Trees have Eyes” Project on Friday the 12th April. Pictured at the launch in Children’s Millennium Park is artist Bernadette Bradley along with participants from both the Cape and Westside Youth Projects. PHOTOGRAPH BY AENGUS MC MAHON
Pictured at the launch in Children’s Millennium Park is artist Bernadette Bradley along with participants from both the Cape and Westside Youth Projects, Firdaws, Tina and Marianka. PHOTOGRAPH BY AENGUS MC MAHON
Pictured at the launch in Children’s Millennium Park is artist Bernadette Bradley along with participants from both the Cape and Westside Youth Projects, Hannah and Nicole. PHOTOGRAPH BY AENGUS MC MAHON

Man denies murder of Galway woman in her London home

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts man denies murder of Galway woman in her London home

A man before the court in London today pleaded not guilty to the murder a Galway woman who was found tied up, gagged, and stabbed in her London home.

Catherine Burke (55) was a retired civil servant and mother originally from Galway, who lived at a home in Mussel Hill in North London before her murder.

The Irish Independent reports that the Metropolitan police had to force entry to the home on November 16, 2017 after concerns were expressed about her wellbeing.

Scotland Yard launched a murder investigation when her cause of death was given as stabbing.

Kasim Lewis appeared before a court in London via video link from prison.

The 32 year old, who has no fixed address, only spoke to deny the charge of murdering Catherine Burke.

His trial is set to begin on July 15 and is expected to last three weeks.

Plans to convert Clifden hostel to apartments

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

Plans have been submitted to the county council to convert a hostel and walking centre in Clifden into a block of apartments.

Planning permission is being sought for a residential development of 13 two-bed apartments, 3 one-bed units, and 2 three-bed duplex units.

The development will involve renovations and a change of use of Inn to the West hostel on the Westport road in Clifden.

Work on the development would also include alterations to the existing elevations and other ancillary site works.

Galway county council is due to make a decision on this application by May 1.

Killimor ladies raise €7,500 for Galway Hospice

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Killimor ladies raise €7,500 for Galway Hospice

Killimor ladies Noeleen Reilly and Mary Guinan recently raised €7,500 for Galway Hospice.

The two women held a tea dance in Treacy’s Bar in Killimor in aid of Galway Hospice which got a huge response fro the community.

The hospice team gave them a shout out on facebook, saying “A huge thank you to Noeleen, Mary and everyone who supported the night”.

Seen in the picture above are Noreen and Mary presenting the cheque for €7,500 to Trisha Burke from the hospice.

Galway Hospice is the primary source of palliative care in the city with a day care and 18 bed residential unit at its premises in Renmore.

The hospice is hugely dependent on the goodwill of people in the community and fundraising efforts like that undertaken by Noreen and Mary to keep its services going.

Local Election candidate pledges to fight for youth and minorities

By
Paul Kelly
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Joe Loughnane Galway City Council Candidate Local Elections 2019

This week, Galway Daily caught up with long time political activist Joe Loughnane.

The People Before Profit candidate will be running in the Galway City Central ward for the upcoming local elections.

The 32-year-old Galwegian holds a Masters in Human Rights Law from NUI Galway.

He has been involved in political and community activism for over ten years. His dedication led him to be one of the founding members of Galway Pro-Choice and the Galway Anti-Racism Network.

The activist outlined his vision and what he plans to bring to the table as a Councillor if elected this May.

Housing

The People Before Profit activist was quick to outline his solutions to the prevailing housing crisis.

The solutions range from a number of measures such as capping the price of building land to create affordable housing, pushing for an increase in the provision of social housing and the introduction of effective rent controls.

He vowed to vote to build public housing on public land as he proclaimed his staunch opposition to the sell-off of public land.

He gave the examples of the Docks and Nuns Island in Galway City and declared that these spaces should be used to build public housing.

The Lough Atalia-based activist promised to be a voice for renters in Galway City.

This would comprise of him vigorously encouraging the idea of a renters union to strengthen tenant rights in the city.

Loughnane pledged to fight for the provision of suitable accommodation for students and people with disabilities.

Furthermore he emphasized the importance of building culturally appropriate accommodation for members of the Travelling Community.

Local Environment

When it comes to the local environment, Loughnane intends to push for better recycling facilities if elected.

The community activist insisted that this isn’t merely limited to an increased number of bottle banks.

Although stressing the importance of recycling facilities being widely available in every estate, Loughnane proclaimed the importance of creating an environmental culture to increase recycling and reduce plastic usage.

To add to this, Loughnane explained the necessity of moving the focus from families onto big polluters when it comes to looking at damage to the environment.

It is for this reason Loughnane promised to oppose the carbon tax if elected to City Council. He claimed the carbon tax unfairly targets working class people and that the carbon tax should be for corporations and not people.

In addition, the People Before Profit member outlined his resistance to the ‘privatization of waste management’ while pushing to bring back waste disposal into Council ownership.

Water Charges

The City Central candidate was firm in his opposition to water charges and promised to stand against any attempt to reintroduce the controversial tax.

Transport 

First and foremost, Loughnane declared he was against the construction of the ring road around Galway City.

The controversial plan for a €600 million road around Galway city has resulted in Compulsory Purchase Order notifications being sent to roughly 500 landowners in Galway.

The activist was adamant that the solution to Galway’s current traffic congestion was not simply the construction of more roads, nor is he requesting ‘working class people give up their cars’.

Loughnane claimed the crisis could be alleviated through the production of alternative means of travel.

He stated this could be achieved through an efficient integrated network with proper cycle lanes which connect villages and residential areas to the center of the city.

He also listed various measures he would support, such as the provision of more bus routes, cycle lanes,  green ways and long term support for light rail which could transform transport in Galway.

In stressing the importance of this, Loughnane said that ‘Galway City is somewhere to live not somewhere to drive through’.

He also declared his long term support for investment in the Western Railway Corridor.

Expose Corruption

When it comes to exposing corruption, Loughnane promised to pull no punches.

If elected, he promises to never go on any junkets. For those unaware, a junket is a trip enjoyed by a Councilor at the public’s expense.

In addition to abstaining from junkets, Loughnane committed to oppose and expose any public representative who abuses the public purse.

City Planning 

Loughnane told Galway Daily that he believes it’s crucial to have adequate consultation with communities when it comes to city planning.

The activist said it was important not to force more construction on already clogged estates while supporting the provision of green spaces in residential areas.

In doing so, he promised to protect and enhance current green spaces around Galway City such as Terryland Forest Park.

Arts & Culture

Loughnane vowed to be a strong supporter of local art and community groups.

The avid supporter of Galway’s underground music scene said he would vote against busking by-laws and oppose by-laws which would prevent people drinking in the Spanish Arch.

‘If we really are the City of Culture for 2020 we should at least have a community hub for community groups, DJs, artists and graffiti artists to have their own space in which they can practice, train and promote their trade’.

All in all Joe Loughnane promised to be a man who can relate to the working class, minorities and young people due to the fact that he himself ticks all the above boxes.

‘I live a life that young people can relate to, I rent off a private landlord and a lot of my wage goes on rent’.

He promised to fight for young people who are subject to zero hour contracts and help expose the lack of rights young people have in the workplace.

Joe Loughnane hopes to be the first elected People Before Profit representative in Galway come the 24th of May.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same day island voting bill approved by the government

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news

A bill which would see the people of the islands voting on the same day as the mainland in future elections has received the approval of the government.

The Electoral Amendment Bill was brought forward by Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív to end the practice of the island voting in the midweek in elections and referendums.

It received the backing of the government to be advanced to the next stage at a cabinet meeting today.

Before it could progress any further the bill had to wait for a money message from the Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform.

The bill will still have to pass through the Dáil and Seanad before it becomes law.

But Deputy Ó Cuív has expressed optimism that if it is not delayed then same day voting could be in place in time for the local and European elections in May.

GMIT Voices named Best Newcomer at prestigious choir competition

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style GMIT Choir named best newcomer at 2019 SCCUL Choir Factor

GMIT’s new workplace choir Voice was named the ‘Best Newcomer’ at the annual SCCUL Choir Factor Competition which took place in Clarinbridge over the weekend.

The 65 strong choir took to the stage singing Choir Director Sean Rowland’s own a capella arrangement of “Down to the River To Pray” followed by Katy Perry’s “Rise” with piano accompaniment.

Their efforts were well received by the judges and crowds alike, earning rapturous applause on top of the prize.

Chairperson of the Healthy Campus Committee Anita Mahony said “GMIT Voices has had a wonderful effect on the staff of GMIT and the culture of the Institute.

“Over 100 staff have come to some of our choir practices and more are still planning to join when their schedules are less hectic,” she added.

The sold-out event was in aid of the SCCUL Sanctuary who run tailored therapeutic retreat days for community groups and members of the public who are facing a crisis in their lives or in need of healing.

GMIT’s Voices managed to won over stiff competition from ‘High Fidelity’ from Fidelity Investments and ‘Local Vocals’ from Galway Corporation/Council.

Formed just two months ago as part of the college’s Healthy Campus workplace initiative which promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, GMIT Voices is under the direction of local pianist and teacher Sean Rowland.

“The choir have worked extremely hard and I am so pleased for them. It’s a great boost for the staff and the college itself. This was the choir’s first ever public performance outside of GMIT and I couldn’t be any more proud” said Sean.

Voices are planning further performances, including returning to Choir Factor next year, where it’s hoped that a second group will be taking their place in the newcomer section, as the GMIT students are also planing to launch their own choir come September.

Galway TD expresses sadness after Notre Dame fire

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily notre dame cathedral france

A Galway TD has expressed solidarity with the people of France following yesterday’s fire at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral.

East Galway TD Ciaran Cannon described the building as  ‘one of the crowning architectural achievements of civilisation’.

He said that the fact that it appears to have been an accident does not make its near destruction any less distressing or horrifying for the people of France and across Europe.

“This building represents one of the crowning architectural achievements of civilisation and one cannot say enough in praise for the firefighters who tackled the blaze and the emergency workers who formed a human chain to save priceless artefacts from the flames.

“Only last month, hundreds of participants in the Pari Roller, one of the largest street-skating events in the world, carried bright green glow-sticks through the streets of Paris.

‘They did so as part of the Global Greening initiative, in honour of the 17th March and to acknowledge the contribution of our diaspora across the world,” said Minister Cannon.

People across the world have expressed their sadness at the fire, but the French authorities say that the main structure has been saved by firefighters.

Billionaires from France and across the world have offered hundreds of millions to pay for the reconstruction works and the Vatican said it will also offer assistance.

Minister Cannon added: “As the people of France today take in the full horror of what has happened to one of their foremost cultural beacons, I know that Irish people across the globe will stand in solidarity with them and also cheer on the work towards rebuilding this iconic structure.”

Galway startups encouraged to apply for 8-week Google programme

By
Michael Malone
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startup galway daily

Startups from across Galway are being encouraged to apply for Google’s Adopt a Startup Programme which this year launches in an exciting new format.

The new programme will last for 8 weeks and will focus on Priority Growth Areas which can have a huge impact on a startup’s development and success.

The Priority Growth Areas include 4 crucial stages of growth: Understanding Your Customer, Building Your Brand, Growing Globally and Scaling Your Organisation.

The new programme offers startups full support though a series of exclusive lectures and workshops, 1-on-1 on-site support with a team of passionate Googlers, and unique networking opportunities at Google’s EMEA Headquarters.

Paddy Flynn, Director, Google said: “We’ve achieved a lot of success over the past five years but we are always looking at ways to improve our impact.

“We’ve listened to feedback from startups and have reshaped this next iteration of the programme, including reducing the number of startups from 30 to 15 for this cycle.

“This will allow us to deliver a more intensive programme, will focus on 4 crucial stages in a startup’s growth cycle and will give participants more direct engagement with Google experts.

“We hope that this focus will enable them scale more effectively and learn from each other through the programme.”

Following the 8 week programme, each startup will have the opportunity to pitch their growth plan to a panel of select judges, with some unique prizes up for grabs including €10,000 in Google Ads credit and eligibility for the Google Cloud Programme which includes $100,000 in Google Cloud Credit.

Places on the programme are limited to 15 companies, with applications closing on 22 April.

More information can be found here.

Galway’s hospitality rakes in the prizes at the Irish Hotel Awards

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway rakes in the prizes at the Irish Hotel awards
1520 Bar in the Latin Quarter

Galway’s 1520 Bar was named the Best Hotel Bar in Ireland at the recent Irish Hotel Awards, one of several Galway winners at these prestigious awards.

The 2019 Irish Hotel Awards were held at The Galmont here in Galway city, which pulled out all the stops to deliver an unrivalled evening of fine dining, celebration and craic.

The 1520 on Quay street is a funky bar with an old school vibe attached to the boutique Residence Hotel.

Galway Daily life & style 1520 a medieval themed bar with a 21st century kick
1520 Main Bar

The Forster Court Hotel was named the Best Three Star Hotel in Connacht, while the 1520 also took the regional prize for Hotel Bar.

Eveanna Ryan Group Sales and Marketing Manager for the Connacht Hospitality Group said “We are thrilled to receive this recognition from the Irish Hotel Awards.

“It’s a reflection of the fantastic work by Barry Donovan and his team in The Forster Court Hotel and similarly James O Neill and team in The Residence Hotel.”

“We were delighted to be nominated given the calibre of Hotels in the region so these are awards we are truly proud of.”

Forster Court Hotel

The Forster Court Hotel is 50 bedroom hotel in Galway’s East Village. It opened just under two years ago and has quickly gained popularity for its bright, modern decor and central location.

It is also home to the Hyde Bar and Gin Parlour, famous for its truly comprehensive gin bible.

The Residence is a boutique hotel with a funky decor styled on pop culture, while the 1520 right next door offers a warn place with cosy places to sit and an eclectic range of posters, portraits, and artifacts dotting the walls.

Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis opened the night, saying “It is a huge honour for me to welcome you all here to Galway.”

He added that “I recognise how much you give back to your communities in terms of providing opportunities and employment.”

The Galmont Hotel

The Galmont itself was named the Best Business and Conference Hotel in Ireland, as well as Spa Hotel of the Year in Connacht.

And in a category celebrating the people who work to make hotel stays memorable for all, Sabrina Gabrowska and Laoise O’Connor were named Best Housekeeper and Best Spa Therapist of the Year respectively.

 

 

photos: The Forster Court Hotel/Galmont Hotel/1520 Bar

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