Galwegians urged to apply to join An Garda Síochána during new recruitment campaign

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news perovskite solar panels

An Bord Pleanála has refused planing permission for a solar farm near Loughrea, rejecting an appeal by Engie Developments Ireland against an earlier decision.

Engie Developments Ltd had intended to create a solar farm with 19,608 solar panels at Cahernamona, Loughrea with an expected lifespan of 30 years.

Galway county council had refused permission for the 27,602m² development next to the N65 last year because of the danger glare from it would pose to motorists.

This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála who sided with the council and upheld its decision to refuse planning permission.

Engie Developments said in its appeal that neither the county council nor TII referred to its assessment of the risk from glint and glare thrown off by the solar panels.

According to the developer there would only be a risk of glare to motorists traveling northbound at certain times of the day due to the positioning of the solar panels.

However Transport Infrastructure Ireland responded to the appeal, saying that “Any occurrence of glint and glare (reflection) that is a distraction to road users is unacceptable to TII”.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening was submitted by Engie which said it was not likely the solar farm would have any impact on Special Areas of Conservation.

However the developer did not produce a full Natura Impact Statement which would have examined this in greater detail.

In refusing permission An Bord Pleanála noted that the proposed solar farm is near an elevated section of the N65 “at a location where particular vigilance is required, and glint and glare from the proposed development would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard and distraction of drivers”.

The board also said that without a Natura Impact Statement it cannot be satisfied that the development wouldn’t have an adverse impact on protected sites in the area.

This is one of several solar farms that Engie was working on in the area.

A similar scale project at Ardnamona East, Loughrea was also rejected by the county council, but on appeal An Bord Pleanála sided with the developer and granted approval.

Galway tech company sold for more than €10 million

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway based tech company sold for over €10 million

Galway based tech company NetFort has been sold to the US data analytics company Rapid7

While details of the deal have not been published, the Irish Times reports that industry sources have said that the tech company was sold for more than €10 million.

NetFort is a software company creating network traffic and security monitoring programmes working out of Galway Technology Park in Mervue.

Founded in 2002, they currently employ 16 people working with clients such as the Department of Health, the US Treasury, Honda, Trinity College and more.

John Brosnan, CEO and co-founder of NetFort told the Irish Times that they were delighted with the terms of the deal.

This is the second Irish tech company Rapid7 has bought recently after acquiring the UCD startup Logentries for €68 million.

Percenatage of Galwegians who pay their litter fines is shockingly low

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway fails to crack 'Clean' list in latest litter survey

Less than half of all fines for littering in Galway were paid last year.

People Before Profit representative Joe Loughnane said it came as no surprise that only 45% of Galway people paid thier fines, and blamed the council for not tackling the causes of littering.

The local activist said that the biggest cause of the dumping of household waste has been the privatisation of waste collection and the rising prices that have accompanied it.

He added that his party warned at the time that increased illegal dumping would be the inevitable result of privatisation.

Joe Loughnane said: “Waste collection is a vital public service, necessary for the health of people and the environment. For decades it was a free service paid for by the government, recognising its importance in keeping our streets clean.

“The people of Galway have shown that they will use the recycling facilities if they are available. But due to the shortage it can be difficult for people to bring their recycling to the nearest location. This leads to increased amounts of waste that could be recycled going to landfill or being dumped illegally.”

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg meets Galway TD in Dublin

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April 3, 2019

mark zuckerberg hildegarde naughton galway daily

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg met Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton yesterday in Dublin where they discussed protecting children online.

Deputy Naughton warned about the risks to children of all ages because of the advancements of technology and the ways social media interacts with all sections of society.

The Fine Gael TD described the meeting as ‘positive’ and said Zuckerberg told her that Facebook was working proactively on the issues raised.

“However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we will see what measures are implemented or what necessary actions we, as legislators, need to take,” Deputy Naughton said.

On the issue of age verification, which experts indicate is one of the vital ways that we can protect children online, Deputy Naughton told Mr Zuckerberg that people or children should not have to provide biometric data or their PPS numbers to Facebook.

“What I did say to Mr Zuckerberg was that there were various ways that people can prove their age. We need to find a way to verify age without having to share sensitive data directly with Facebook or any other social media platform,” said Deputy Naughton.

“My concern in this area is due to paedophiles online masquerading as young people and preying on and grooming children.

“I asked Mr Zuckerberg to put his words at the weekend into action and engage with the International Grand Committee when it meets in Dublin in November. Mr Zuckerberg has agreed to consider my request,” she said.

The International Grand Committee is a meeting of parliamentarians from throughout the world and which considers matters related to social media regulation.

“He also indicated that he wants the GDPR framework to be adopted worldwide as he felt it was a balanced framework. That is to be welcomed.”

Galway writer Mike McCormack inducted into Hennessy Literary Awards Hall of Fame

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily life & style Mike McCormack inducted into Hennessy Literary Awards Hall of Fame

Mike McCormack has been inducted into the Hennessy Literary Awards Hall of Fame in yet another recognition of the great contribution to literature made by the Galway based writer.

Originally from Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, Mike McCormack has published two collections of short stories, Getting It in the Head and Forensic Songs and three novels – Crowe’s Requiem, Notes from a Coma and Solar Bones.

McCormack has garnered many honours over the course of his career, first winning the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature in 1996.

In 1998, Getting It in the Head was voted a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and then in 2006, Notes from a Coma was shortlisted for the Irish Book of the Year Award.

His latest novel Solar Bones tells the story of a dead man returning to rural Mayo on All Souls’ Day, and received wide praise for its depiction of modern life in small town Ireland.

It won the Goldsmiths’ Prize, was voted ‘Novel of the Year’ at the Irish Book Awards 2016 and won the International Dublin Literary Award of €100,000, the largest literary prize in the world for a single novel published in English.

Professor Sean Ryder, Chair of English at NUI Galway said that Mike McCormack’s induction into the Hennessy Hall of Fame is a “timely recognition of the impact of his astonishing and innovative fiction, not just recently, but over a writing career of many years.”

“His work has continually tested new possibilities for the ways stories can be told, and has given voice to unforgettable characters and compelling visions,” he added.

“This award confirms what we know already: he is one of the most original writers of our time.”

Mike wasn’t the only winner from Galway at the Hennessy awards, NUIG Masters in Writing graduate, Eamon Doggett, was presented with the First Fiction Award for his story Flipping Burgers.

Eamon said that his story was “loosely based on a friend’s work experience and times I spent in a Burger King in Dublin.”

“Fast food places have their own tics and customs, and aspirations seem to me to hang in the air; people swaying between dreams and their own destruction and the world’s.”

Seán Ryder said that Eamon’s award was a “gratifying affirmation of an exciting emerging talent”

Local community rallies around Teach Solais

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April 3, 2019

Galway daily news Local community rallies around Teach Solais

The local community in Galway has rallied to the aid of Teach Solais LGBT+ resource centre since Amach! LGBT+ warned that this important hub would shut unless a funding crisis could be addressed.

A emergency meeting to address the funding crisis facing Teach Solais held recently was packed out with members of the LGBT+ community and supporters, local elected officials and political and community activists.

Amach! Chairperson Cameron Keighron and Vice Chair Maria Molloy presented an overview of the services on offer at the resource centre, the people they collaborate with in the community, and the challenges currently facing them.

The meeting was well attended by local representatives including TDs Hildegarde Naughton, Seán Kyne, and Catherine Connolly along with Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis and multiple city and county councillors.

All presented expressed their support for Teach Solais and spoke to the incredible service it provides across Galway city and county.

Deputy Naughton committed to setting up an urgent meeting with Health Minister Simon Harris following the recent disappointment of an application for sustainable funding from the HSE.

While Seán Kyne, who is Minister of state for the Gaeltacht, suggested that there may be funding opportunities from his department due to the Gealtacht and rural element of the work Teach Solais undertakes.

Local candidates for election to the councils and Dáil also attended and expressed their support for the resource centre.

There’s been an outpouring of support from more than just political representatives. The ‘Save Our Teach Solais‘ crowdfunding campaign has already raised more than €5,000 on Gofundme in less than 20 days out of a goal of €18,000.

Others in attendance at this meeting, community members and allies of the LGBT+ community in Galway also spoke of the place Teach Solais now has in Galway, as a welcoming place, a site of refuge for many isolated and marginalised people, offering support and making suggestions of how funds might be raised.

Amach Chair Cameron Keighron thanked everyone for attending, stating the crowd was far more than they expected, but the show of support was most welcomed.

He reiterated the dire financial situation, and that without stable ongoing funding the resource centre could not continue.

Current funds will keep the service operating for the next few months, but the current conditions mean Teach Solais would be closing come November 2019.

Ten outstanding young Galway people presented with prestigious awards

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April 3, 2019

Ten outstanding young people from across the county have received awards in the Galway Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award 2019 at a ceremony in Galway Bay Hotel.

Three young people from this group were then chosen to represent Galway at the national finals in Dun Laoghaire where another ten young people, from across the country, will receive awards across different categories.

The highly-esteemed initiative from the Junior Chamber International Galway aims to recognise young people who are making great progress in their chosen fields and creating a positive impact on other people, their community and society.

A total of 38 young people were nominated for the awards this year.

JCI Galway President Keith Killilea said: “We hope that there will be more outstanding young people to be seen and recognised as we can see that there are many young people based in Galway breaking boundaries with personal achievements, business accomplishments and creating positive change in their communities.”

The Ten TOYP Awardees

Paul Killoran – Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment

Alan Farrelly – Business, Economic, and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment

Aisling Glynn – Political, Legal and/or Governmental Affairs

Aideen Ryan – Medical Innovation

Jess Murphy – Humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership

Sean Rowland – Cultural Achievement

Patrick Mungovan – Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment

Cameron Keighron – Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights

Tom Dillon – Scientific and/or Technological Development

Niall McDonagh – Moral and/or Environmental Leadership

National Finalists

After this amazing Top Ten was selected, the judges had the tougher job of selecting the top three winners to go on to the National Awards run by JCI Ireland.

The awards ceremony will be held in Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on May 18th and Aisling Glynn, Sean Rowland and Niall McDonagh will represent Galway as nominees at these awards.

If they are selected for JCI Ireland’s Top Ten then they will be put forward for the JCI World TOYP awards.

These awards recognise winners from all over the world at the 2019 JCI World Congress in November in Tallinn, Estonia.

Shocking rise in homelessness figures across West “deeply frustrating”

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news COPE Galway extremely worried at record homelessness levels

Galway Simon Community has described as ‘deeply frustrating’ new figures which see the number of people in emergency accommodation nationally pass the 10,000 mark with further significant increases in the West of Ireland.

According to the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government’s figures, 556 people were in emergency accommodation in the West of Ireland in February, representing a 39% increase on the same period last year.

These numbers included 79 families with 201 children.

Karen Golden, CEO of Galway Simon Community explained the disappointment around these figures and why prevention needs to be the focus of the government.

“It is deeply frustrating to see the emergency accommodation numbers continue to increase month on month; with more and more people being affected by homelessness and having their lives turned upside down.

“The number of people in emergency accommodation in the West of Ireland in February increased by 39% compared to the same period last year – this is 8 times the rate of the national increase,” Karen said.

“Just last week, Minister Eoghan Murphy spoke on Morning Ireland from Galway and recognised that the homeless figures do not represent the full extent of the crisis.

Mr Murphy went on to say that it was inappropriate to compare the situation of those in living emergency accommodation to those living in other forms of homelessness such as sofa surfing or overcrowding.

If we were to include those who are sometimes referred to as the ‘hidden homeless’ – those who are sleeping rough, involuntarily sharing or living in domestic refuges – the homelessness figures would be much higher,” she added.

Galway Simon Community says there are over 350 adults and 200 children are living in emergency accommodation in the West, and called for more housing to be built across all tenure types.

Long time Galway councillor Michael Fahy passes away

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Galway councillor Michael Fahy passes away

One of the longest serving local councillors in Ireland, Michael “Stroke” Fahy has passed away after decades serving the people of Galway.

Michael Fahy was first elected to the county council in 1979, and was handily returned in every election since.

He ran as a Fianna Fáil candidate until breaking away from the party to run as an independent in 2009 and 2014, though in recent months he had rejoined Fianna Fáil and planned to run on the part ticket again this year.

Fahy’s long political career also included two unsuccessful runs for the Dáil in 1987 and in the last election.

He passed away at Galway clinic on Tuesday evening.

Galway TD Anne Rabbitte said that Michael Fahy “served the people of south Galway with distinction and pride”, adding that he was “a local legend in politics”.

In 2007 Fahy was convicted of fraud and served several months in prison before his conviction was overturned, and eventually quashed completely by the Court of Criminal Appeal.

Councillor Joe Byrne, who served alongside Fahy in the Loughrea municipal area, described him as a “legend” and a “true friend”.

“A colleague in Galway Co Council for the past 5 years I first remember Michael meeting my father Toddie in 1979 before his first council election,” councillor Byrne said on facebook.

Byrne added that Michael Fahy “Served the people of South Galway with distinction for 40 years”.

He was one of four candidates selected by Fianna Fáil to run in the Gort/Kinvara area next month.

Four Galway schools chosen for €7 million energy efficiency programme

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news Four Galway schools in €7 million energy efficiency pilot project

Four schools in Galway have been chosen to take part in an €7 million energy efficiency pilot programme to reduce energy consumption.

Laurencetown NS, Dunmore Community School, Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew and Colaiste Mhuire, Ballygar will be upping their energy efficiency this year by retrofitting the schools with upgrades for doors and windows, lighting and heating systems, insulation and the use of renewable technologies.

Galway East TD Seán Canney said that it is important for public services to show leadership when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint.

“We need to take action on climate change and it is absolutely right that the public service should show leadership in this way.”

More schools are expected to join in this pilot programme ahead of a major retrofit of schools beginning in 2022 according to Deputy Canney.

The goal is for each school taking part in this pilot programme to cut its total energy emissions by 33%.

Sean Canney said that the benefits of cutting energy usage go beyond environmental concerns “Reducing energy use helps lessen our carbon footprint. It also means that we can use the money saved to spend on teaching.”

The programme is jointly funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and the Department of Education and Skills with the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

The SEAI supports schools with energy efficiency learning through student workshops and resources, with more than 50,000 students taking part each year.

It has also provided energy management expertise to more than 700 schools to date and provided a system of reporting and monitoring energy data for more than 2,000 schools last year.

photo: Holy Rosary College/facebook

Local filmmaker celebrates nationwide release of first feature film

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April 3, 2019

Galway Daily news omniplex cinema in ballinalsoe

One budding local filmmaker is making a big splash this month as his first feature film is releasing in cinemas nationwide.

Alan Mulligan, Bachelor of Commerce graduate from NUIG, was 30 years old when he first heard the silver screen calling his name and took up a career in film.

Without any previous experience in the industry, Alan left behind his career in finance to become a producer, director and writer.

That graft is paying off now as his first full-length feature, psychological thriller ‘The Limit Of’, is releasing in Irish cinemas nationwide this month.

‘The Limit Of’ is a story based on Alan’s career as a young banker during the Celtic Tiger years, and the crippling recession that followed.

James Allen, played by actor Laurence O’Fuarain, is a successful, controlling, thirty-something banker where a family tragedy occurs at the hands of his employer.

He decides to take action which forces him to face a terrible childhood secret. Meanwhile, his mysterious co-worker Alison, played by IFTA-nominated Sarah Carroll, has her own agenda, which puts her on a collision course with James, triggering a dark spiral of deceit, revenge and murder.

‘The Limit Of’ captures the all-consuming greed that came to dominate the financial sector, along with the demand for control that characterises modern society.

When it premiered at Galway Film Fleadh in 2017, ‘The Limit Of’ garnered a standing ovation, and earned itself invitations to multiple international film festivals and nominations for many awards.

It has won Best First Feature at the Portugal International Film Festival, 2018; and the Director’s Choice Awards, Best Emerging Filmmaker (non-New England), at the Woods Hole Film Festival, Cape Cod, 2018.

A native of Charlestown, Co. Mayo, Alan said ‘The Limit Of’ never would have happened if not for his experiences at NUIG.

“I know that I didn’t study film in university, but without the business background and techniques I learned through my education, I would not have been able to produce, direct and write a feature film.”

“Most of the film making process is very much business related, it’s just all built around creativity,” he added.

The Limit Of’ is releasing throughout Irish cinemas from April 5, with Galway’s Eye Cinema hosting a special screening on April 9 which will include a Q&A with Alan and cast members.

Permission for Loughrea Hotel & Spa expansion refused

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April 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Public Consultation opens on Draft Loughrea Local Area Plan

Loughrea Hotel & Spa has been refused planning permission for a proposed expansion hotel.

Atlantic Troy Ltd had submitted plans for an expansion to the Loughrea hotel that included demolishing an unoccupied dwelling on the site and building a new guest wing in its plans.

The expansion would have consisted of a building with eight bedrooms and amenity spaces adjacent to the existing hotel complex.

The Loughrea Hotel & Spa also intended to create a new parking area, which would be connected to their existing parking spaces, to accommodate the expanded guest intake.

One submission was made to the county council from a local resident with privacy concerns about the two storey building.

Galway county council ultimately rejected the hotel operator’s planning application.

Public talk from health experts on healthy ageing

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April 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Croi Connects Helpline

Croí Heart and Stroke Charity are hosting a public talk on the secret to healthy ageing in Galway next week.

Health experts will discuss the keys to reducing age related heart and stroke conditions, one of the key aims of Croí’s Third Age Programme for healthy ageing.

The guest speakers on the night will be Dr. Faisal Sharif, Dr. Aidan Flynn, and Ms Alan Soo who will talk about high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation & heart failure, and heart valve disease respectively.

The event will take place at Croí Heart and Stroke Centre on Moyola Lane in Galway city on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30pm.

Attendance is free, but places are limited so anyone who is interested should book at slot at www.croi.ie/galwaytalk or by calling Croí at 091-544310.

Five weeks of roadworks near Loughrea to get underway on Monday

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April 2, 2019

Galway Daily news Some traffic disruption is expected at the Galway-Roscommon county line today near Mountbellew due to roadworks taking place

Roadworks near Loughrea will get underway next Monday and may cause traffic delays for five weeks while taking place.

A section of the L4213 at Rafarn, Loughrea will be closed for five weeks to allow roadworks to take place from Monday, April 8 according to the county council.

A spokesperson for Galway County Council said “In order to facilitate these works a temporary traffic diversion will be in operation on the section of the L4213 in question between from Monday April 8th 2019 until Friday May 10th 2019, and as a consequence users of this road are requested to expect delays and as such should allow additional time for their journeys.’’

The contract for the Surface Water Upgrade Works was awarded to the Laurencetown based company Kenny Civils and Plant Ltd.

Galway 2020 opens applications for Small Towns Big Ideas projects

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April 2, 2019

Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Galway 2020 is now accepting funding applications from local communities for the second wave of its Small Towns Big Ideas projects.

Galway 2020 has €200,000 to distribute to community groups with ideas for projects celebrating ‘Meitheal’, the ancient Irish tradition of coming together for a common purpose.

Interested groups are asked to submit proposals that demonstrate collaboration, ambition, creativity, community involvement, European dimension, and match the core Capital of Culture themes of Landscape, Language and Migration.

Proposals for projects should be submitted through the Galway 2020 website before the closing date of 5pm on 10 May.

Over 50 projects in Galway city and county were awarded funding from the first round of Small Towns Big Ideas, mobilising local communities and artists to celebrate the diversity of Galway.

More than 20 of those projects have already taken place, with the remainder scheduled to happen over the remainder of 2019.

Successful applicants for the second wave will make up a big part of the programme for 2020 itself when Galway receives the Capital of Culture designation.

Galway 2020 has struggled with funding issues for some time, as the company has failed to collect the amount it expected from sponsorship and other sources.

It’s understood that

Despite these concerns Helen Marriage, Creative Director of Galway 2020 has said they will put on a “truly memorable” year for Galway, of which Small Towns Big Ideas will be a big part.

“Small Towns Big Ideas offers opportunities for groups across the county to get involved through their arts projects and be part of an amazing artistic and cultural programme, that will draw on distinctly Irish roots, revealing and looking beyond Galway and Ireland towards Europe.”

A number of information sessions for Small Towns Big Ideas in the coming weeks:

Clifden Station House Theatre, Tuesday April 9, 7pm
Galway 2020 Offices, 16 Merchant’s Road, Wednesday April 10, 7pm
Builín Blasta Café, Spiddal (this meeting will be as Gaeilge), Thursday April 11, 7pm
Ballinasloe Library, Tuesday April 16, 7pm

Over €250,000 awarded for work on Connemara piers

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April 2, 2019

Galway Daily news over €250,000 announced for Connemara piers

Over a quarter of a million million euro in funding has been allocated to Galway for improvements to three piers in Connemara.

The piers at Carna, Lettermore, and Roundstone are getting a share of €2.2 million announced for Local Authority Harbour projects by Minister for the Marine Michael Creed this week.

Galway County Council will spend €93,750 on Crumpáin Pier in Carna to extend the pier and a new slipway, €78,750 will be spent on similar works at Droim in Lettermore, while work to extend Roundstone Pier and improve access has been awarded €82,500.

Minister Creed said this money has been allocated to local authorities for the “repair and development of fishery and aquaculture linked marine infrastructures under their ownership”.

These harbours play a crucial role in the “social and economic wellbeing of rural coastal communities” Michael Creed said.

Twelve coastal local authorities are partaking in this €2.2 million grant scheme for 39 projects that include improvements to piers, sea walls, pontoons and other infrastructure.

This programme is part of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marines’ 2019 Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Under this scheme the department provides 75% of the funding for approved projects, with the remainder coming from the local council.

NUI Galway hosting Ireland’s first Open Science Week

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April 2, 2019

NUI Galway is hosting Ireland’s first Open Science Week to showcase the best in scientific research and education that is accessible to all without restrictions or paywalls.

Open Science is a global movement towards scientific research and educational practices that puts an emphasis on collaboration and transparency.

It aims to make the publications, data, research outputs and teaching and learning resources of scientific research and education publicly available as quickly as possible to encourage as many people as possible to participate in the building of knowledge.

The inaugural Open Science Week at NUIG will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, and the general public with events targeting several elements of Open Science, including Open Data, Open Access, Open Education and Citizen Science.

It’s estimated that €250 billion is spent each year in Europe on publicly funded scientific research, but much of that is locked away in expensive journals that make it harder to access, to use, and to peer review.

This event will try to answer questions around making sure that research is reproduceable, eliminating the pressure to publish that can can on occasion stain research with falsifications, and asking if there is a better model than peer-review.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway, commented that said that scientific scholarship plays a major role in our economy and is an important area to scrutinise for potential to improve.

“Investment in education and research which generates such knowledge is harvested by increased public access to and engagement with knowledge outputs: publications, data and a greater sense of relationship between the citizen and knowledge.”

Open Science Week will run from April 8 – 12, with events like a screening of the movie ‘Paywall: the Business of Scholarship’, questioning the benefits that come from academic publishers which rake in over €25 billion a year.

The ‘Wikipedia edit-a-thon on Women in Science‘ highlights how women in science are under-represented on Wikipedia, with just 18% of biographies for women, while Data Conversation – Talking Historical Data aims to bring together data science practitioners to discuss sharing of information.

For registration and full details on all the events taking place visit: www.nuigalway.ie/openscienceweek and follow #OpenSciGalway on Twitter.

Ros na Rún holding fresh auditions due to popular demand

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April 2, 2019

Galway Daily news 40,000sqft film studio at Galway Airport could create 200 jobs

Due to the massive level of interest shown at auditions for new cast members for Ros na Rún last month, the Irish language drama is holding another round of try outs at the end of April.

Candidates with the greatest flair and acting ability will get to join the cast of Ros na Rún for the show’s 24th season which begins filming in August.

Marion Ní Loingsigh, Series Producer, said that she has been incredibly impressed with the standard of talent she has already seen.

But a fresh round of auditions is being to meet the demand of all those candidates disappointed that they didn’t get a chance to attend in March.

With new characters introduced every season this year the producers of Ros na Rún are looking in particular for a woman her 40s, a woman in her 50’s/60’s and a young man in his mid-twenties.

That said actors and actresses of every age are welcome to try out as you never know what talent you’ll stumble across.

It goes without saying that on top of acting ability, any candidates must have Irish.

Marion said that through the years the show has been fortunate “to have found cast members among local amateur groups in Gaeltacht communities.”

“Indeed, many of these have adapted so naturally to their characters and been so popular with viewers that their roles have been expanded.”

The drama takes place in the fictional village of Ros na Rún in Spiddal and is the largest independent production commissioned in the history of Irish broadcasting.

The team behind Ros na Rún consists of 150 core members of crew, directors, writers and actors as well as about 80 extras a week.

Roughly 150,000 people tune in to its twice weekly broadcasts on Tuesday and Thursday, along with the subtitled omnibus on Sunday.

If you would like to take part in the April auditions send an up to date CV and headshot photo to leiriuchain@rosnarun.com, or call Christina on 091 558400

Embrace the music of sunny Portugal in From Europe with Love

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April 1, 2019