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Interactive film explores intimacy and consent in long term relationships

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Interactive film explores intimacy and consent in long term relationships

It’s Valentine’s Day and to mark the romantic occasion the Active Consent team at NUI Galway are releasing an interactive short film exploring intimacy in long term relationships.

John and Becky shows a long term couple who are having less sex than they used to in their relationship, and takes viewers through the experience of how important communication and consent is in relationships.

Like the other films in the Consent=OMFG series John and Becky is an interactive film with viewers making choices for the characters at three key points in the story.

With four possible endings, viewers experience firsthand the multiple directions sexual communication can go for this couple.

Dr Charlotte McIvor, the Director of this film and one of the researchers behind the Active Consent Programme said “John and Becky portrays the complexity of negotiating consent even with long-term partners and the importance of ongoing and proactive dialogue around intimacy.”

“We were interested in exploring how men may experience pressure to be intimate based on commonly-held stereotypes that they are always driven by sexual desire.”

Together with the two films that came before it (Tom and Julie and Kieran and Jake) this film series will make up part of Active Consent’s toolkit for colleges being released this Spring.

It builds on a series of workshops addressing consent which have been running at universities since 2015, and have proven wildly successful among students.

A theatre performance on consent will also be launched later in the year and will be touring third level institutes later this year.

One in five college students in relationships reported in a SMART Consent survey that they would find it difficult to tell their partner that they do not want to have sex.

A similar percentage said they would find it difficult to say a certain sexual activity is not making them feel good.

Dr Padraig MacNeela of the School of Psychology at NUI Galway said that altogether these tools, “will enable colleges to follow through on the commitment to support young people to make positive, active choices in what they do and do not want to consent to with their partners.”

Ten Galway towns to benefit from €500 million fibre broadband plan

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Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Work underway to deliver fibre broadband for 2,500 homes in East Galway

Ten towns in Galway are set to receive high speed fibre broadband over the next five years as part a half a billion investment plan.

Eir’s fixed network investment programme claims it will bring fibre broadband to every town in Ireland with more than 1,000 residents over the next five years.

In Galway the programme is set to bring internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps to Athenry, Ballinasloe, Barna, Clifden, Galway city, Gort, Loughrea, Oranmore, Portumna, and Tuam.

All told ‘Ireland’s Fibre Network’ aims to connect 1.4 million premises in 180 towns and cities.

CEO of eir, Carolan Lennon said this project is “a key step in the evolution of eir’s network, and indeed of the entire telecoms infrastructure in Ireland.”

“We will deliver not just the fastest and most extensive fibre network in Ireland, but also one of the most extensive in the whole world.”

To make this work she said that eir will be creating 750 new positions at regional hubs in Sligo, Limerick, and Cork.

According to eir, Ireland is now in the top quarter of EU countries for broadband coverage, with more than 90% of the population receiving broadband.

Despite these claims many parts of rural Galway still struggle to receive any kind of internet signal.

Eir has also said that its rollout will include roughly 80,000 homes included in the long delayed National Broadband Plan.

Despite the major shift towards fibre broadband, eir will not be making any move to discontinue the use of its old network.

Under the law eir must continue to support the old network until the telecoms watchdog is satisfied that every home has an alternative.

Outside of the fibre-to-home broadband, eir also claims that it will deliver 4G mobile coverage to 99% of Ireland within two years Carolan Lennon said.

“The investment will also see the roll out of 5G services in 2019, delivering the most technologically advanced mobile data services across Ireland’s cities.”

A fitness Journey- Ross Mortimer

By
Andrew Caulfield
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There has never been a better time to be interested in fitness. Go back a few years and you may have been the odd one out in your group. The person who would run, not because you were being chased by something but because you enjoyed it. The person who would pick up the heavy thing, not because it needed to be moved but because you wanted to know you could. Nowadays it’s completely different. You’re one of thousands either continuing their fitness journey or you could even be just taking the first steps, so….Where do you start?

Find your passion.

If you’re coming to an OCR event with us this year, joined the gym or you’re getting ready for a 5km, the principle is the same. If you’ve signed up that means you have at least some degree of interest and if you’re not careful that interest could bloom into a full blown passion. I did my first Tough Mudder in 2017. I knew going into it that it was something I had been interested in doing for a while but I had no idea I would fall in love with events like this to the extend I have. Training can sometimes feel like a chore, especially if you’re new to it but if you have that passion, you’re already half way there.

Identify a weakness.

Whatever you feel is holding you back from taking part in any event, that’s where we’ll start. Don’t think you could run a 5km, no problem, I bet you can walk it. This should be the foundation of your training. Being a Tough Mudder ambassador, it’s a topic I talk about a lot and a common response is “I could never run that distance” and each person I’ve had that conversation with has surprised themselves with how they performed on the day. Just a few weeks of targeted training with a goal in mind can and will make a huge difference. So if you have a 5km coming up, train to run 10. Identify a weakness and make it a strength.

Make it fun.

There is no limit to about of activities you can take part in to start getting ready for your event. Don’t see yourself in a gym, counting reps? No problem, try a group class or just train with a friend. Prefer to be outdoors? Off you go. Find a route that has some hills and either run, jog, or walk it. Play with your child, walk your dog, do some house work. As long as you’re moving, you’re making progress. You’ve been in training for this for months without realising it. You got this!

For Gym  membership information please contact Active 24 Fitnessa and Leisure @ 09131250 or e-mail us at acaulfield@activefitness.ie to start your fitness Journey today!!!

Galway farmers invited to event on the future of the beef industry

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway councillor invites farmers to event on the state of the beef industry

The current challenges facing the beef industry and what lies ahead will be the topic of discussion at an event for farmers taking place in Glenamaddy this week.

County Councillor Peter Keaveney is holding an information evening on Friday “to help inform local farmers on what the industry is facing and an attempt to look into the future where the beef industry is heading.”

A number of industry specialists have been lined up to talk at the event including Darren Carty, livestock specialist with the Irish Farmers Journal, CAP and Brexit correspondent Phelim O’Neill from the Irish Farmers Journal and Teagasc Adviser Gabriel Trayers.

The main topics that will be addressed on the night are: current livestock trends and markets, an outlook for the Suckler cow and beef industry, and what impact Brexit may or may not have on beef farmers,

Speaker will also discuss how the new CAP is coming along and how it compares to the current system, as well as alternatives to the Suckler cow with an emphasis on contract rearing and calf to beef systems.

After each topic is discussed there will be a chance to for farmers to ask each speaker questions.

The event will be taking place in Glenamaddy Community Centre on Friday, 15th February, kicking off at 8pm sharp.

 

photo: Councillor Peter Keaveney on his farm.   Source: Facebook

Galway native celebrates 108th birthday today!

By
Michael Malone
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birthdsy 108-year-old galway

An East Galway native, born before World War I and just before the Titanic sank, is celebrating yet another birthday today.

Bridie Daly (née Duggan) – originally from Woodford – turned 108 today in Boston, where she has lived for many years after emigrating from Ireland in 1929.

Many from Galway have extended birthday greetings to Bridie, including Minister for the Diaspora Ciaran Cannon.

The East Galway TD said that Bridie’s story is an inspiring one and also shows the strong bond that there is among all generations in Irish communities abroad.

“Bridie was born in the district of Woodford on this day in 1911, left Ireland for the US in 1929 and I’m also pleased to see that Bridie is a contributor to the Galway Tribal Diaspora Project, which was launched over a year ago and which seeks to gather the stories and life experiences of Galway people living abroad as part of an online exhibition,” said the Minister.

“Bridie`s story is an inspiring one and a testament to the strength of character of the Irish abroad and I’m also pleased to note from an online news article that Bridie continues to attend Irish events in Boston which shows the strong bond that there is among all generations in the communities of our diaspora.”

Minister Cannon added: “I wish Bridie a very happy 108th birthday on behalf of all in her native East Galway.”

Regional Enterprise Plan aims for 15% employment boost in the West

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Regional Enterprise Plan aims for 15% employment boost in the West

The new Regional Enterprise Plan for the West of Ireland has set itself an ambitious goal of increasing employment by 10-15 percent.

The plan aims to create employment by advancing six objectives key to the west, the life sciences, continued tourism growth, the creative sector, Agricultural Technology , aligning training and education to local current and future skills needs, and enhancing the quality and availability of enterprise space.

Minister for Business and Enterprise Heather Humphreys launched the Regional Enterprise Plan at the Portershed in Galway city this week.

Over €7 million is being invested in strategic projects under the Enterprise Plan, including a €2.5 million investment in the Portershed.

Other projects supported by the plan include Galway City Innovation District, the Páirc na Mara Marine Innovation Development Centre in Cill Chiaráin and the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry.

Galway West TD and Gaeltacht Minister Seán Kyne said the west was fortunate to have strong clusters of particular industries.

He added that creative sector here had benefited immeasurably from the presence of TG4 and the strong Irish language base.

Since the first Action Plan for Jobs in the West was launched four years ago employment figures in the region have gone up by 28,400 Deputy Kyne said.

According to CSO figures unemployment in the west has fallen from 12.6% to 6.6% in the same time period.

The new Regional Enterprise Plan was drawn up by officials from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

During this process consultations were held with the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, the Western Development Commission, Údarás na Gaeltachta and many other interested parties.

Minister Humphreys said the west was ideally placed to come up with “innovative, collaborative projects of scale which can deliver real economic benefits for this region.”

 

photo: Local Enterprise Office Galway/twitter

Delays expected due to N84 roadworks this week

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Three weeks of N84 roadworks begin Monday

Motorists travelling on the N84 on Thursday can expect traffic delays due to roadworks taking place.

Galway county council have said that roadworks will be carried out on the N84 at Sylaun by Galway Truck Centre.

The work is to facilitate the installation of traffic counters.

Work is scheduled to take place between 10am and 4pm on Thursday.

A traffic management plan will be in place throughout the day while work is taking place.

Local scientists show the government how microplastic is polluting our waterways

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news 90% of coastal areas contaminated by microplastics

A group of scientists from Galway have outlined to the government how Ireland’s freshwater and marine bodies are heavily contaminated with microplastic.

Dr. Róisín Nash and Dr. Anne Marie Mahon from GMIT and Dr. Kevin Lynch from NUI Galway were giving evidence in the Dáil about how microplastic pollution finds its way into rivers, beaches and even contaminates animal life.

The Oireachtas Committee of Housing, Planing, and Local are scrutinising a bill which meant to cut down on the amount of microplastic into out oceans and rivers.

The Bill would place restrictions on the manufacture or import of goods containing plastic microbeads commonly found in exfoliating creams, toothpaste, or other cosmetic products.

These are tiny spheres of plastic less than a millimetre across that are almost impossibly to catch and last for hundreds of years in the environment.

According to Dr Mahon a study funded by the EPA in 2015 found that even in well regulated plastic industries with on site treatment, there was still plastic being discharged into the sewers.

While wastewater treatments are able to capture roughly 90% of the plastic that finds its way into the sewers “The remaining 10%, which is not a low figure, ends up in our rivers and lakes.”

“We do not really know where the microplastics go from there or what impact they may have on the environment or human health.”

Dr Kevin Nash said that plastic pollution is seriously affecting the food chain, with microplastics building up inside animals that live in the ocean, and then in the predators that eat them.

“There is evidence of microplastics in both the blue mussel and nephrops in Galway Bay and on the west coast generally, which means that they are in the food chain, which gives real cause for concern.”

Dr Nash added that microplastics have also been found in seabird eggs, and they are looking for ways to reduce that.

The scientist were supportive of the Bill to regulate microbeads, but added they are only a small part of the problem with microplastic.

Speaking for the Irish Cosmetics Detergents and Allied Products Association, Ms Síobhán Dean said that the industry plans to phase out the use of non-biodegradable, synthetic plastics in cosmetic products by 2020.

She also said that the cosmetics industry only contributes 2% of marine litter at most, arguing that the majority of microplastic marine litter comes from comes from the breakdown of bigger items like car tyres and synthetic clothes fibres.

Galway 2020 recruiting new wave of volunteers

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Galway 2020 is stepping up its preparations for the Capital of Culture, opening up recruitment of its Wave Maker volunteers this week.

The Wave Maker programme is recruiting volunteers who want to get an inside look at the Galway 2020 and help out with all the main events.

They’ll be at the heart of the entire experience right through the year.

Volunteers will help make Galway 2020 happen through stewarding at large scale events, ushering, meeting and greeting, assisting with the box office, merchandising.

Wave Makers is launching at Tribeton on Merchant’s Road this Saturday, February 16.

Anyone interested can come along and meet the 2020 team, hear from people who’ve volunteered before, and enjoy live music by My Fellow Sponges from 5.00pm with free finger food.

Eric Costello is a Lab tech from UHG who has been volunteering with Galway 2020 since the bid phase.

He said that it’s been an gratifying experience to meet incredible people and contribute to Galway’s cultural experience.

“I got to meet some wonderfully positive and creative people,” Eric said.

“I went to places and events that I wouldn’t otherwise have. I also gained a great sense of satisfaction from being part of the successful bid. But most of all, I had lots of fun.”

Decision due this week on plans for new Aldi in Tuam

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news Aldi unveils revamped Loughrea store in €160 million national investment

A decision is due this week on whether an Aldi store in Tuam will be granted planning permission.

The new Aldi would be built on the site of Glynn’s Homevalue on the Ballygaddy road in Tuam.

To make way for the 1,816sq metre store Aldi plan to demolish a timber yard and warehouse on the site.

Other works included in the planning application include erecting five illuminated signs, two freestanding and three gable signs, and two non-illuminated signs.

According to the plans submitted to the county council the store would have a car park with 97 spaces.

An objection to Aldi’s plans has been submitted by the Retail Grocery Dairy & Allied Trades Association which represents independent and family owned stores.

Their submission states that such a large scale project placed placed where it is “represents a significant threat to the vitality and viability of the town centre”.

Having such superstore on an “edge of centre” location in Tuam will hurt the goal of revitalising retail in the Town Centre laid out in the Local Area Plan the RGDATA claims.

Concerns were also expressed that there is not enough parking including in the design, which could cause a traffic hazard on the Ballygaddy road.

Guidelines in the Local Area Plan would suggest that a development of this scale should have 152 parking spaces.

A traffic assessment carried out on behalf of Aldi said that this was excessive and that 97 spaces was sufficient considering the location and looking at the situation in other Aldi stores.

A report by McCarthy, Keville, O’Sullivan Planning and Environmental consultants said the development “will contribute to the generation of more jobs by providing employment in the town of Tuam.”

The report also says that this store will further the economic development of Tuam, identified as hub town in the county development plan.

A retail assessment of the store’s potential estimated that by 2023 people living within the catchment area of this store will spend €32 million a year on convenience goods.

Galway county council is due to make a decision on Aldi’s planning application by February 16.

Timeline for exploring legal options for DNA sampling at Tuam Home confirmed

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily news Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme

The Terms of Reference and timeline for examining legal options regarding DNA sampling at the former Mother and Baby Home at Tuam have been confirmed.

Dr Geoffrey Shannon is currently looking at the options available under existing laws regarding DNA sampling following calls for samples to be taken immediately.

Dr Shannon is working closely officials in Minister Zappone’s Department and will provide a report to the Minister within 8 weeks.

Minister Cannon explained: “…Dr Geoffrey Shannon has been requested to consider what actions may be possible under existing laws following a call from the Tuam Home Survivors’ Network to Government to begin collecting their DNA samples immediately in light of the age profile and health status of survivors.

“The purpose of collecting samples would be to compare against any DNA profiles which may be generated from the juvenile human remains found at the site and, if possible, to make positive identifications.”

Dr Shannon will consider what may be possible within the current legislative framework, with a particular focus on:

  • the collection of biological samples for comparison purposes;
  • the extent to which any relevant family rights under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights might apply; and
  • how best to ensure that the rights of those who wish to give biological samples could be safeguarded in respect of sensitive personal data and informed consent.

Minister Cannon added: “I also welcome the fact that Dr Shannon will consult with officials in Minister Zappone`s Department throughout the course of his work and provide a report to the Minister within 8 weeks.”

Cutting edge research into cancer, fish farming, and autonomous lifeguards awarded over €600,000

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Planning sought for massive new development at University of Galway

Five research projects at NUI Galway have been awarded over €600,000 to develop new technologies to fight cancer, treat high blood pressure, create an autonomous lifeguards and more.

Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys announced €4.5 million in funding for 38 research projects this week, to help projects backed by the government to become viable businesses.

The grant money being awarded is part of Science Foundation Ireland’s Technology Innovation Development Award programme which provides third-level researchers with development funding and entrepreneurship training.

Dr Eimear Dolan, a biomedical engineer, has been awarded €129,995 for her ImmunoCell project, an implantable device to help your immune system fight ovarian cancer tumours.

Professor Michael Madden and Dr Enda Barrett have been granted €124,367 to further their autonomous lifeguard and search system.

ALIVE (Autonomous LIfeguard and Vision Environment) uses computer vision and machine learning techniques to locate people in noisy aquatic environments.

Dr Adrienne Gorman is developing a new therapy to treat triple negative breast cancer using protein inhibitors for which he has been awarded €128,440.

With aquaculture and fish farming becoming such a massive industry, Professor Mark Johnson’s Blooms2Feeds+2 project is creating processed seaweeds to blend into salmon feeds.

The aim of this project is to create better fish welfare and nutritional value for the humans eating them, earning a grant of €123,956.

And lastly Dr Haroon Zafar has been awarded €91,205 for the ‘Smart Renal Denervation’ project creating a medical device to provide real-time feedback to clinicians to verify the successful operation of Renal denervation to treat high blood pressure not controlled by medication.

The researchers will will use this funding to demonstrate if their applied research project is technically feasible, and has the potential for further commercial development.

Professor Lokesh Joshi, Vice President of Research at NUI Galway said “Our university has a great track record in knowledge transfer and research commercialisation.

“Our five new projects demonstrate this drive to maximize the impact of ideas and technology generated by our research,” he added.

“The depth and breadth of innovative technologies reflect the strengths of our region such as ICT, MedTech and marine.”

Minister Humphreys said that these awards will help ensure that Ireland maintains its place as a leader in cutting edge research.

Ros na Rún seeking new stars at Galway auditions

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

Ros na Rún,the premiere Irish language soap opera, is holding auditions in Galway next month to find new talent to join their cast.

The first of many upcoming auditions for Ros na Rún will take place at the show’s purpose built set in Spiddal in March at a date yet to be decided.

Those who show the greatest promise will be shortlisted for a chance to appear in Ros na Rún’s upcoming 24th season.

Of course, on top of being able to act their arse off anyone that wants a part is expected to have Irish.

Series Producer, Déirdre Ní Fhlatharta admits she gets excited before holding auditions at the thought of meeting the next new star of a soap she’s been associated with since it’s first broadcast in 1996.

“We have been incredibly lucky over the years to have found people who had natural acting talent who fitted comfortably into our existing cast line-up,” Déirdre said.

This year the show is particularly looking for a male in his early to mid twenties, a woman in her mid forties and another woman in her mid fifties.

“We are obviously looking for people who speak Irish and have that natural ability for acting,” according to Déirdre.

This year we are looking for a few specific actors to fill the role of new characters for our  upcoming 24th season, we also use these annual auditions to scout out other talent as it keeps us aware of who’s out there.”

“And sometimes we do find a gem and we do develop a role for them rather than the other way around. It can be an organic process at times,” she said.

Filming for each season on TG4 takes place on a purpose built set in An Spideál over a six month period.

Though many of the younger actors joining the show have taken some form of acting or theatre class, many come straight from amateur drama groups and have shown no difficulty in adapting to a weekly filming routine.

If you would like to take part in the March auditions send an up to date CV and headshot photo to leiriuchain@rosnarun.com

Tenders being prepared for 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital reports high flu circulation

Tender documents are being prepared to begin work on a new 50 bed unit at Portiuncula Hospital amid fears that the children’s hospital overspend will cause delays.

Galway-Roscommon TD Denis Naughten said that planning permission has been granted for Portiuncula Hospital and the project is now awaiting funding approval from the HSE and Health Minister Simon Harris.

In response to a request by the Independent TD the HSE said that they are preparing a tender for Portiuncula Hospital “with a view to progressing the procurement process and commencing an enabling works contract in 2019.”

“The commitment by Government to the Portiuncula development is clearly set out in Project Ireland 2040 and I expect that to be fulfilled,” said Denis Naughten.

“Furthermore, we are being told that the Department of Health will prioritise increasing capacity in our hospitals as part of the current review of all building projects as a result of the overspend on the National Children’s Hospital.”

The HSE noted in its response to Deputy Naughten that the timeline for work to begin is subject to funding, and that no money will be allocated to any project until the 2019 Capital Plan has been agreed on.

The massive overspend on the National Children’s hospital is casting a long shadow over all major capital investment projects.

Savings of €100 million will have to be found in this year’s capital budget to cover just part of the cost overrun from the children’s hospital.

More than half of those savings will come from the Department of Health, with a number of infrastructure projects likely to be delayed as a result.

“As the new 50 bed ward block at Portiuncula will increase bed usage and can also provide additional beds in the hospital system, I believe that this project should be prioritised,” Deputy Naughten said.

Higher planning authority upholds permission for 19 city apartments

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

An Bord Pleanála has upheld a decision to allow three uninhabited buildings in Galway city to be demolished to make way for three blocks of apartments.

K King Construction had been granted planning permission for 19 apartments on St. Brendan’s Avenue in Woodquay by the city council last May.

The development consists of 19 residential apartments with a mix of one, two, and three bed units gathered in three blocks.

They will be built on the site of three unoccupied houses at 33-35 St. Brendan’s Avenue which will be demolished.

In granting permission the city council required K King Construction to make a development contribution of €148,124 and perform archaeological testing at the site before any work could begin.

The decision to grant planning permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by An Taisce and the Woodquay Residents Association.

Common complaints in the appeals were that the project is “premature in advance of a long promised but never delivered civic amenity improvement scheme, an environmental improvement scheme for open spaces and a public realm strategy, which are objectives of the City Development Plan.”

An inspector for An Bord Pleanala declared that any consultation or amenity improvements would not be affected by this development.

Both parties also pointed out the proximity of the site to the Galway Medieval Town Zone of Archaeological Potential.

An Taisce also said that two builds being demolished to make way for these apartments are 150-200 year old farming cottages which are uninhabited but not derelict.

In response McCarthy Keville O‘Sullivan, Planning & Environmental Consultants said that the site does not contain any protected structures, nor is it in a Zone of Archaeological importance itself.

The appeals also argued that this project breaches the city Development Plan which calls for neighbourhoods to be enhanced with varied types of homes to which the developer said that this project included a mix of apartment types.

It was decided to by the planning board to uphold the decision by the city council with revised conditions.

Hundreds of students line Eyre Street for Donegal Tuesday

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway daily news massive crowds of students turn out for Donegal Tuesday

Students are out in huge numbers today to celebrate Donegal Tuesday, the main event of the unofficial Rag Week.

Each year hundreds of students line Eyre Street in their jerseys from the early hours of the morning to get into the Hole in the Wall pub for Donegal Tuesday.

The pub has extra security staff on the street to manage the crowds of students waiting for their chance to get into the packed venue.

Lines have formed down the length of the street and around the corner towards Eglinton street as students wait for a long time to be let in.

NUI Galway and GMIT ended any association with Rag Week years ago, but it has persisted as an unofficial student event.

An email sent round to NUIG students on Monday from Pól Ó Dochartaigh, Registrar and Deputy President of the university, and President of the Students’ Union Megan Reilly dodn’t mention the Rag Week celebrations specifically, but cautioned students to be on good behaviour this week.

“While acknowledging the many positive achievements, there are occasions when the University receives complaints about student behaviour,” the email read.

“You should be aware that all such complaints are followed up by the University, and in cases where our Student Code of Conduct has been breached, then sanctions or disciplinary procedures are put in place.”

https://www.facebook.com/galwaydaily/videos/590847118095998/

 

Additional garda patrol units are also on duty in the area today, as they are every year, as the ‘festivities’ are expected to continue well into the night.

Connemara island home to 7th century monastery on the market for €1.25 million

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily new Connemara island on sale for €1.25 million

If you’re in the market for a seafront home in Galway then this Connemara island could be what you’re looking for, though it’s a bit of a fixer upper

High Island or Ardoilean is an island about 3km off the coast of Connemara near to Claddaghduff and Inishbofin.

Covering approximately 80 acres of, Ardoilean has two natural freshwater lakes and the remains of a monastery with an intact beehive hut.

It’s listed on Myhome.ie with a price tag of €1.25 million.

The monastery on Ardoilean is credited to Saint Féichín, believed to have died in the 7th century from the Black Death.

At that time there could have been between 50 and 70 people living on the island.

All that remains of the monastery now are the walls of the church and its alter in sheltered valley on the south western edge.

The ruins of three more beehive huts can be found to the west of there, and just south of the monastery are the remains of an old water mill.

Investigations have shown that this is the oldest monastic mill in Ireland, and the oldest surviving of its kind in Europe.

During the 18th century the Martin family, one of Galway’s great tribes, owned the island and leased it out for a brief go at copper mining.

From 1969 to 1998 it was the property of poet Richard Murphy a resident of Inishbofin, who said that he was excited at the prospect of preserving this historical site.

Today it is a Special Area of Conservation for the bird species that call it home.

The monastery is a protected historical monument maintained by the OPW and is excluded from the sale.

UHG hosts exhibition celebrating pregnancy and life with a newborn

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news art exhibition celebrates pregnancy and childbirth

An art exhibition celebrating the journey that people go on through pregnancy and welcoming a newborn into your life is on throughout UHG this month.

CREATE: The Art of Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond was developed by the HRB Mother and Baby Clinical Trial Network to spotlight topics around pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn children.

It touches on a wide range of issues that can be beautiful and heartbreaking such as perinatal mental health, bereavement and pregnancy loss, IVF, prematurity, labour and birth experiences, and breastfeeding.

It also casts an eye on the future by exploring how health research helps women and newborns.

While it may be easy to think of pregnancy as a nine month experience, it can be the result of years of trying for a child, and its impacts will certainly resonate in life for many years after.

Some of the works on display throughout the campus of University Hospital Galway as part of this free exhibition include The Other Side, a new work by Emma Sheridan exploring perinatal mental health.

A self portrait of her own exhaustion, doubts, and terror after the birth of her first child, Emma said that when people look at it she wants them to be able to relate their own struggles.

“For others to look into her eyes and say, that feels like me and not me alone. This painting is also full of hope and positivity.”

“The colours are vibrant, I feel beautiful, I am owning all of it. Yes, I am tired and it is hard but I am no longer trying to be perfect and neither is this painting. It is me.”

The Children’s Remembrance Tree is a striking collaborative community project, led by the Bereavement team in Cavan Hospital.

During a remembrance service in 2015, families were given colourful beads to hold on to – as a physical symbol of the baby or child families were there to remember, the grief they carried and the uniqueness of each story.

After the service, the beads were collected and over the following three months were sewn onto the fabric by a local craft group with help from friends and family.

The Tree, its branches, and its falling vibrant leaves, represents strength, family, the fragility of life, and the sense of belonging to a community and the support that brings.

Everyday Breastfeeding is a series of simple black and white illustrations capturing the wonderful, mundane reality of breastfeeding every day.

While breastfeeding is the common theme, it is not the central focus of these images; it is simply one component of life as a parent of babies and toddlers.

These images seek to counter an idea that’s often expressed that breastfeeding is somehow incompatible with modern life.

These illustrations portray modern women’s relationships to breastfeeding, as part of their modern lives as a part of work, family, socialising, and travelling.

This free exhibition is on at UHG until February 28.

The full list of artworks and events is available at www.hrb-mbctni.ie/create and www.hrb-mbctni.ie.

City council pushes ahead with taking ownership of Lenaboy Castle

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news

Galway city council has decided to push ahead with taking ownership of Lenaboy Castle in Salthill from the Sisters of Mercy despite concerns about a lack of funding to renovate it.

The Sisters of Mercy are giving Lenaboy Castle to the city council as part of the redress scheme agreed by the religious orders and the government after the findings of the Ryan Report into child abuse.

On top of handing over the castle at Taylor’s Hill the sisters also agreed to make a voluntary donation of €750,000 to help turn it into a Children and Young People’s Creative Hub for young people.

The city council had previously secured a grant of €1.7 million from the European Regional Development Fund to renovate the castle and make it fit for use.

However the council was unable to take ownership of Lenaboy Castle within the timeframe required to draw down that money.

Chief Executive Brendan McGrath said he didn’t think it likely Galway would secure funds from there soon, as it has already awarded €3.5 million for the Salmon Weir pedestrian bridge from the fund.

The council announced in September 2017 that it would be taking ownership of the castle, but the transfer has been held up while geophysical and archaeological reports were completed on the site.

Fears had been expressed that the former St. Anne’s orphanage could have human remains buried on site, drawing comparisons to the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

Brendan McGrath firmly quashed that speculation this week, telling the council that it “couldn’t be further from Tuam.”

An exhaustive archaeological dig was carried out after a geophysical survey, and found no trace of any human remains.

Support for the project was strong among councillors, with the common feeling that it was good that a place associated with so much misery in the past would be used to create positive experiences for children.

There were concerns expressed that without the European funding to get Lenaboy Castle into shape it would be sitting unused for several years, while the city council would rack up bills guarding and maintaining the site.

The €750,000 given by the sisters will be used to help bring the site into a state of “reasonable repair” and waterproof it while the council searches for additional funding.

The upkeep of the site after that will be handled through the city’s revenue account.

Despite any misgivings Chief Executive McGrath said that the site has incredible potential for the city with 80 rooms between the main building and the annexes.

He added that the council will consider all possible sources of revenue including going to the Department of Culture, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, applying for different EU funds, and looking for philanthropic help.

It would also be beneficial if the Sisters would consider amending the agreement to allow the site to be used for related educational purposes as that would open up more funding according to the Chief Executive.

Brendan McGrath said that the contracts to transfer ownership are with the solicitors and could be signed in a matter of weeks.

The council unanimously voted to proceed with acquiring the castle on behalf of the city.

Galway pub shortlisted for Best Live Music Venue of the Year Award

By
Michael Malone
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0
monroes galway pub galway daily

A Galway pub has been shortlisted for an IMRO Live Music venue of the Year Award, which celebrates venues with a dedication and passion for live music.

Monroe’s is no stranger to the award, winning it in 2012 and 2013.

Venues were judged on their commitment to providing the core elements that make for a great live music venue – atmosphere, sound and lighting, staging, diversity of programming and importantly, the staff and management of each venue.

Monroe’s Tavern has been providing top class live music since the Tavern opened its doors over 50 years ago.

Monroes regularly showcases the finest in international, national and local acts including sell out gigs to Kodaline, The Game, The Pharcyde, Damien Dempsey, The Blizzards, and Versatile among many others.

Speaking about the nomination, Gary Monroe said, “We are thrilled to be nominated for the award again this year. A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes by the amazing team we have here.

“Everyone works so hard at Monroes, so it’s good to be recognised for that work.”

Of the Awards, Victor Finn, IMRO Chief Executive said: “Over the course of the past decade, the IMRO Live Music Venue Awards have become a much anticipated date in the music industry calendar.

“We feel it is vital to acknowledge the important role that venues and festivals play, not only in supporting and providing a platform for Irish songwriters and performers, but also the significant contribution they make towards local areas both in economic and social terms.”

Niall Stokes, editor of Hot Press said: “Irish music is going through an extraordinary period of richness and diversity, with a greater number than ever of our artists scaling the heights internationally.

“What is doubly impressive is that Irish songwriters, bands and performers are achieving real, significant success in places like China and Brazil, among others, that might have seemed too far away or impenetrable in the past.

“Hot Press is proud to be associated with the Live Music Venue Awards, as a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work that is done – and the risks that are taken – by venue owners and bookers across the country. With new venues coming on stream all the time, and familiar ones being upgraded, it’ll be really fascinating to see how this year’s awards shape up.”

Fans of Monroes can simply log on to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/imrovenueawards choose their favourite from the shortlist provided, by 5pm February 22nd. One lucky voter will win an iPad!

The ceremony will also see the presentation of the award for Hot Press Live Music Venue of the Year via The Readers Poll which is contributed to by Hot Press fans and can be viewed here.

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