Salthill B&B among the top ten in Ireland

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January 24, 2019

galway daily bacteria project nui — Repro Free: Dublin 15th January 2019. The Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen, T.D, launched Science Foundation Ireland's Plan for 2019. Pictured are . Picture Jason Clarke

Almost €420,000 in funding has been awarded to NUI Galway for developing new technology for faster clinical detection and diagnosis of bacterial infections which can lead to mortality in Cystic Fibrosis patients.

Dr Joseph Byrne from NUI Galway received his award as part of a government investment of €10.8 million in Irish research funding through Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Starting Investigator Research Grant (SIRG).

With awards ranging from €376,000 to €425,000 over four years, the projects funded will support 20 researchers and a further 20 PhD students in the research areas of health, energy, environment, materials and technology.

Speaking about his funding award, Dr Joseph Byrne from NUI Galway, said: “Rapid diagnosis of bacteria is vital to inform appropriate medical treatment strategies and combat increasing antibiotic resistance globally.

“By providing a new methodology for rapid diagnosis of bacterial infection, my work will facilitate quicker decision-making on targeted medical treatment strategies for patients.

“In Ireland this would be particularly valuable for rapid diagnosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, a significant risk factor for cystic fibrosis patients (as well as others with compromised immune systems).

“More generally, helping clinicians avoid the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics would help combat the global challenge of increased antibiotic resistance.”

Welcoming the announcement, Professor Mark Ferguson, Director General of Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government of Ireland, said: “Science Foundation Ireland supports researchers at every stage of their careers.

“The SIRG awards help early-career researchers develop the essential skills and experience necessary to lead Ireland’s future research in areas such as health, energy, materials and technology.

“Having passed through a rigorous competitive international merit review process, these projects continue to advance Ireland’s international research.”

A native of Newbridge, Co. Kildare, Dr Joseph Byrne joins the School of Chemistry and CÚRAM, following a Marie Curie Research Fellowship at Universität Bern, Switzerland.

Council comes under pressure to reverse controversial Barista Bus ban

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January 24, 2019

Galway City Council has come under pressure to allow the much-loved Barista Bus to continue trading opposite Blackrock.

Large blocks have recently been placed at the site where it traded as the council has deemed it to be an unauthorised development.

The bus, which serves coffee and treats to tourists and locals visiting the area, has been a success since its creation last Summer.

But the large blocks now prevent it from trading, and the seating area has also been removed.

Some locals have claimed that the area has now lost its charm and a very welcome service to the area.

Commenting on the council’s decision to ban the Barista Bus, Social Democrats Candidate for Galway City West John Crowley called for a rethink to its heavy handed approach on this issue.

“Heavy handed approaches by the council like this are strangling new startups from reaching their full potential.

At a time when entrepreneurship is once again blossoming our public representatives are unwilling to move with the times and frankly are impeding creativity & progress,” he said.

Mr Crowley called on the council to reverse its decision and to change the use on this small patch of land, to allow the Barista Bus to resume trading.

Galway’s students bring Pippin – The Musical to the Black Box theatre

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January 24, 2019

Galway Daily life & style Galway university students bring Pippin the Musical to the Black Box Theatre — GUMS Pippin Launch: Pictured are NUI Galway students and members of Galway University Musical Society (GUMS) who will perform ‘Pippin – The Musical’, from 5-9 February in the Black Box Theatre.

The Galway University Musical Society is presenting its 19th annual show ‘Pippin – the Musical’ at the Black Box theatre.

Based on the premise of a mysterious troupe of performers led by a Leading Player, Pippin tells the story of a young prince on his search for meaning and significance.

Originally a 1972 musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson, Galway’s university students are bringing this hit to local audiences next month.

GUMS is an amateur society run by students with a passion for musicals.

Their work has been nominated many times at the Associations of Musical Societies awards, most recently for Best Choreography in 2017.

Every show they put on has been well received by audiences and critics alike throughout their years at NUI Galway.

Many of the performers in GUMS have been inspired to follow a career in drama and study musical theatre in London.

Speaking about the upcoming show, Auditor of GUMS Cian Elwood said, “Pippin is an amazing theatrical experience from the moment the audience sits down to the finale.”

“Be prepared to be blown away by the one of the best GUMS’ shows to hit the BlackBox stage,” he added.

NUI Galway Societies Officer Riona Hughes sai,: “From September the Musical Society has been rehearsing tirelessly for this year’s production of Pippin.

“We are all very excited to see what they have in store for all to see in the Black Box Theatre.”

Pippin is on at the Black Box Theatre next month from February 5 – 9 at 8pm each night.

Tickets are €15 or €12 for students and OAP, and can be purchased now at the Town Hall Theatre and the Socs Box in Áras na Mac Léinn, NUI Galway or online at www.tht.ie.

Rural housing development in Furbo approved

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January 24, 2019

Permission has been granted for a housing development in Furbo that involves demolishing and replacing existing structures.

A planning application was submitted to demolish an existing house and outbuilding at Ballynahoun, Furbo and replace it with five new houses.

The designs submitted for the development consist of three 4-bed houses and two 5-bed houses.

They are intended to be built as an informal cluster of two storey homes with a central courtyard space.

The county council received a number of submission from local residents objecting to the development.

Main points of concern expressed were the number of houses proposed for the size of the site.

It was expressed that the density of the development is out of character with the surrounding area, which is largely rural.

Concerns were also raised about the possibility of flooding and water run-off from the site onto neighbouring lands, as well as the height of the homes.

The planning application state that the specific location and orientation of each home was chosen to avoid any concerns with overlooking.

Galway county council gave permission for the project to go ahead with 18 conditions attached.

Clean Coasts head inland for community clean up at Terryland Forest Park

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January 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Community clean up at Terryland Forest park this Saturday

Clean Coasts is hosting its first ever forest clean up at Terryland Forest Park in Galway city this weekend.

Rubbish in our parks and forests is becoming a huge problem, with Merlin Park and Terryland Forest Park being particular black spots for dumping.

It takes the constant effort of volunteers to keep our parks in any kind of a shape where they can be enjoyed by the local community.

The community forest clean up is being jointly hosted by Clean Coasts and Galway Atlantaquaria this Saturday, January 26 from 10am to 12pm and all are welcome to take part.

Clean Coasts admitted this was a unique step for them, as the mostly operate on the shoreline but, “as 80% of marine litter comes from land based sources, it makes sense to raise awareness of this issue.”

Galway Atlantaquaria is a Think Before You Flush Advocate, pointing out that whatever you put down he toilet will eventually make its way to the sea, assuming it doesn’t make vile clog in the sewers.

Terryland Forest Park was chosen by Clean Coasts for a number of reasons, including highlighting how lucky Galway is to have an urban forest in a busy city.

“This is of huge value to many people as it provides a much needed ‘break’ from the hustle and bustle of city life.”

The forest is also notable for the wide variety of plant and animal life it contain, and its economic value to the city as an amenity.

All of that is degraded by rubbish being left lying where it’s tossed.

A recent community clean up at Terryland Forest Park removed 59 bags of rubbish collected over a two hour period.

Keeping our parks clean has become a hot topic lately as local environmentalist Brendan Smith led a protest outside city hall calling for dedicated park wardens to keep them clean.

That is due for consideration at a meeting of Galway city council on February 4.

In the meantime its up to concerned citizens to look after our green spaces, so if you have time on Saturday morning be sure to come by.

Art auction raises over €10,000 for COPE Galway

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January 23, 2019

Galway Daily news art auction raises over €10,000 for COPE Galway

An art auction held in Clifden raised over €10,000 for COPE Galway to combat Galway’s homelessness crisis.

The annual ‘Help Galway’s Homeless’ event was held in Foyle’s Hotel in Clifden in December to raise money in support of the work COPE does to tackle homelessness.

The event included an art auction, raffle, and cake sale to bring in people of every interest, and raised a total of €10,889.

COPE expressed their gratitude to Patricia Keane, Ellen van Boeijen & Sarah McLoughlin for organising this “tremendous initiative” for yet another year.

Also up for thanks were “the numerous amazing artists who donated their work for auction” and the businesses in the area who contributed prizes and for the raffle and brought in cakes for sale.

“Most of all thank you to all those who attended and supported this event! Amazing work – thank you!”

Wearable device is a huge leap in keeping people with Parkinson’s mobile

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January 23, 2019

Galway daily news Wearable device helps people with Parkinson's stay mobile — DIGITAL CAMERA

Engineers from NUI Galway have developed a simple wearable device that has shown great benefits towards helping people with Parkinson’s stay mobile.

A clinical study found that a sensory electrical stimulation device significantly reduced the number of instances of Freezing of Gait in people with Parkinson’s as they completed walking exercises.

Freezing of Gait is one of the more debilitating motor conditions affecting people with Parkinson’s Disease that leaves them feeling like their feet are glued to the ground no matter how much they want to move forward.

Professor Gearóid Ó Laighin and the research team from the Human Movement Laboratory in CÚRAM at NUI Galway developed a device which can be worn easily around the waist to combat this.

The cueStim device was recently tested in an independent clinical assessment by the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde where it showed great promise.

The team at NUI Galway is now looking for clinical partners to join them in a long term study looking at how this can improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s according to Professor Ó Laighin.

Ms Lois Rosenthal from the NHSGGC said, “Freezing of gait is one of the most frustrating and difficult symptoms for patients to suffer and specialists to treat.”

“This common feature of Parkinson’s is not improved by Parkinson’s medications, and is inconsistently responsive to cueing techniques trialled by physiotherapists.”

This new approach shows great promise in tackling this intractable problem she added, and it now needs to be taken further to evaluate its “real-life practicality”.

The cueStim system was developed by Dean Sweeney as part of his PhD studies in the Discipline of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at NUI Galway.

Freezing of Gait came to prominence recently when comedian Billy Connolly spoke candidly about how it was affecting his life and his performances.

“I didn’t know how standing there would feel… I discovered that I got kinda rooted to the spot and became afraid to move,” the much loved comedian said.

“Instead of going away to the front of the stage and prowling along the front the way I used to do I stood where I was.”

The full study and its findings were recently published in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering.

New chairperson appointed for Galway 2020

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January 23, 2019

Galway daily news Call for further transparency on Galway 2020 finances

Galway 2020 has announced the appointment of a new chairperson to take the place of Aideen McGinley.

Well known film and theatre producer Arthur Lappin is the latest new appointment to the board of Galway 2020 after the company Artichoke was announced as the new Creative Director last week.

Patricia Philbin, CEO Galway 2020 welcomed the appointment, “Arthur is renowned in the industry and we are delighted that, as Chair, he will play a significant part in the delivery of Galway 2020.

“With his unrivalled knowledge and experience, we believe he is a superb addition,” she added.

Aideen McGinley announced in December that she would be stepping down from her role as chairperson as soon as a successor had been found.

She said that she was leaving as she felt that as the project moves to a new phase it was time for leadership with a fresh skill set.

“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of our outgoing Chair, Aideen McGinley and thank her sincerely for her commitment and leadership during her tenure,” Patricia Philbin said.

In his time working in the industry Arthur Lappin has produced 16 feature films including classics like My Left Foot and The Boxer.

His films have been nominated for 16 Academy Awards and won 4, as well as many other international awards.

Arthur has also worked on over 20 stage productions that have been in every major theatre in Ireland and toured the UK and Australia.

He said that he was honoured to be trusted with this position on the board of Galway 2020.

“My work during the bid process showed me how transformative this could be for Galway – not just for the work that will be presented during 2020, but for the legacy which it will sew for the future.”

“I am excited about the opportunity that Galway 2020 presents, now is the time for us all to stoke the flames of public enthusiasm.”

“Together, we will generate waves of excitement and brilliance to demonstrate that Galway is indeed the capital of culture.”

Photo: Galway 2020/Facebook

Galway festivals to receive over €360,000

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January 23, 2019

Galway festivals are set to receive over €360,000 in funding this year.

The funding will be provided by Fáilte Ireland and is expected to boost tourist numbers in Galway and increase the footfall to local businesses.

The Galway Film Fleadh will receive €16,000 and the Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival is set to receive €30,000.

The Galway International Arts Festival will receive the largest allocation, of €300,000, while the Vodafone Comedy Festival will get €10,000, and Clifden Arts Festival will receive €8,500.

Commenting on the announcement today, Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “These festivals really add to the character of the area and are great for generating community spirit.

“The allocation of funding will be used to enhance existing festivals, develop new festival ideas and support St. Patrick’s Day celebrations here in Galway.”

Clarity needed on plans for five council owned houses vacant for over 10 years

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January 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Grant funding for exciting new exhibition at Galway City Museum

Galway TD Catherine Connolly has said there needs to be greater clarification on plans for five council owned which have been left vacant for over ten years.

The city council acquired five houses on Merchant’s road Lower in 2007/8 to develop as culture and arts venues as part of development of a cultural quarter that includes a major expansion to the city museum.

Independent TD Catherine Connolly had made queries to city management about why the five houses remain vacant after so long back in August 2018.

“That these houses have remained unoccupied since that time in the midst of a housing crisis is totally unacceptable,” said Deputy Connolly.

“These houses were purchased with the express intention to be used as dwellings for artisans, and if they are not going to be used for that purpose, they should be used for housing people.”

Also discussed was progress in delivering a major expansion to Galway city museum which has been in the works for many years.

Since opening in 2006 the museum has grown in its attraction as a part of the city’s cultural offering, and now brings in 250,000 visitors every year

In December the council received approval to draw down a €3.5 million loan to advance the project, subject to Fáilte Ireland granting funding of not less than €5 million.

According to Deputy Connolly, city manager Brendan McGrath confirmed to her that a funding application was in train from Fáilte Ireland under its ‘Large Grants Scheme’.

“While I welcome this progress, this is a substantial amount of public money which has to be openly accounted for and every step of the drawdown of the money has to be publicly accounted for.”

She added that the city council must disclose the details of any agreement that is drawn up with Fáilte Ireland, and that the city museum must remain “open and available to all” without any entry fee.

“This is the essence of what a museum is all about and it is one of the great success stories of the Galway Museum that more and more people are visiting this public building and using it as an educational facility.”

Campaigners against ‘Ireland’s biggest environmental threat’ to host city meeting

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January 23, 2019

environmental threat shannon estuary lng galway daily

Campaigners trying to stop what they see as ‘Ireland’s biggest and most urgent environmental threat’ will be speaking in Galway city this Friday, to oppose a gas import terminal being introduced on the Shannon Estuary.

The campaigners, part of a community group called Futureproof Clare, say that the huge gas import terminal would lock Ireland and the EU into using climate-polluting fracked gas from the US for decades to come.

An international coalition of campaign groups is opposing Shannon Liquified Natural Gas on the grounds that it threatens people’s health, the local environment and tourism.

They say it would also drag Ireland and Europe away from renewable energy and leave Ireland facing ever bigger EU fines for missing climate change commitments.

As the High Court prepares to hear a Judicial Review later next week on Shannon LNG’s planning permission, campaigners are hosting awareness-raising events across the region.

The Galway event will be hosted by the Galway Feminist Collective and held at the Galway Arts Centre this Friday, 25 January, at 7.30pm, where campaigners will discuss how Shannon LNG would affect people living in the Western region and its implications for climate change.

Anne Marie Harrington of Futureproof Clare, said: “As well as locking Ireland into fossil fuel dependency for decades, Shannon LNG would threaten 21,000 tourism jobs across the Wild Atlantic Way in Clare and Kerry, endanger the Shannon Estuary’s fragile ecosystem and harm communities in the US where the shale gas would be fracked.

“The Government, the gas industry and the EU are pushing this LNG terminal on the basis that Ireland needs it for ‘energy security’.

“This argument was well and truly debunked in November when a major report by four leading academics found that Ireland does not need any new gas imports.”

The report’s lead author, Prof Barry McMullin of DCU, said: “Based on Ireland’s large natural resource of renewable energy coupled with the use of large-scale energy storage, rapid fossil fuel phase-out is not only technically feasible, but can progressively eliminate the security-of-supply risks associated with all imported fossil fuels, while simultaneously decarbonising at the scale and urgency demanded by … the Paris agreement.”

Search continues for Robert Murray as Corrib safety petition passes 20,000 signatures

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January 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Search continues for missing Robert Murray as Corrib safety petition passes 20,000 signatures

The search for missing Galway man Robert Murray will continue on Wednesday as an online petition for improved safety features on the Corrib has passed 20,000 signatures in less than four days.

Robert Murray (25) has not been seen since January 8 when he was captured by cctv near Shop street.

Extensive searches have been carried out in Galway city and around the local coast, but nothing has been found yet.

Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit is carrying out another search today from Galway Bay Sailing Club in Renville, Oranmore.

It was reported that a young man was seen going into the Corrib River from O’Brien’s bridge at roughly 10:30pm on Wednesday, January 9.

Rob’s plight sparked a massive online reaction with thousands of people joining a Facbook community dedicated to sharing information that might help locate him.

A candlelit vigil is being held at the Spanish Arch at 9pm this Friday in memory of Robert.

Meanwhile an online petition calling for improved safety measures on the river Corrib has gathered more than 20,000 signatures in less than four days.

The petition calls for more ladders, and cctv surveillance along the Corrib in Galway city to protect and identify people who fall in the river.

Without them, going into the Corrib “is like falling into lava” the petition claims.

Though it’s one of the shortest rivers in Europe, the Corrib is also the fastest flowing city river in Europe, making it a great danger to people who fall in.

Mother and Baby Homes report delayed for another year

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January 23, 2019

Galway Daily news Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme

Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone has acknowledged that the families invested in the investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be disappointed at having to wait another year.

The Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation requested another year to complete its work, a request which the government granted this week.

However, Minister Zappone insisted that this extension will not in any way impact the excavation of the Tuam Mother and Baby Home which is due to begin later this year.

The Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation was established in 2015 after revelations made by Catherine Corless about the Tuam Home.

This is the second time the Commission has sought an extension of one year to complete its work.

The delays have been attributed to the massive volume of material to trawl through, not just about the Tuam Home but on Mother and Baby Homes nationwide.

In the meantime the Commission’s 4th Interim Report is being published by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

“I know this is not the news which survivors and their families wanted to hear,” said Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone.

“I know they will be disappointed by this development but the Commission is confident that with this additional time it can comprehensively report on its terms of reference.”

She added that while the final report will come next year, the Commission will deliver a report on burial arrangements at major institutions by March 15.

Through the work of its Confidential Committee the Commission has acquired the personal testimony and experiences of 519 connected witnesses.

This line of inquiry with former residents and others is expected to be completed by the end of January.

Beyond that the Commission is still gathering evidence about conditions at Mother and Baby Homes from former residents, workers, and authorities.

Minister Zappone said that any delays come from pursuing “multiple lines of inquiry relating to the operation of quite different institutions over a period of more than three quarters of a century.”

She added that the public and former residents benefit “by facilitating the Commission to conduct the comprehensive analysis required to make its findings and recommendations.”

Salthill woman’s jewellery highly commended at showcase event in Dublin

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January 22, 2019

berina kelly salthill jewellery galway daily — pictured at the launch of the Local Food & Craft Gift Fair in the Black Box, showcasing local designers, hand crafted goods and artisan produce. Photo Martina Regan

Salthill woman Berina Kelly was highly commended for her jewellery products at SHOWCASE 2019, the Local Enterprise Showcase held in Dublin earlier this week.

Eight companies from Galway took part in the showcase at the RDS, where they had the opportunity to meet buyers from all over the world.

Berina Kelly Jewellery was highly commended by a panel of judges as part of the Showcase Best Products Awards.

The Salthill woman designs and makes exhibition and collectable pieces in precious metals, using contemporary applications.

She was one of eight Local Enterprise Office clients to attend the showcase; also at the event were Ambrose and Brid O’Halloran woodturning, Susan Meaney’s Burren Flower Fairies, Nicole Jackson of QBU accessories, Canvas to Candle by Bernice Cooke, artist Lorraine Fletcher, Niamh Daniels Scarves and Peppermint hand-made jewellery by Joanna Cronin.

The Local Enterprise Showcase was opened by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, who met many of the businesses involved at the event.

Minster Humphreys TD said: “The quality of the work on display at Showcase is a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of the design and craft sector which makes an immense contribution to Ireland’s economy and culture and provides vital sustainable jobs in every region of the country.

“Export diversification is essential for the design and crafts sectors to build resilience.

“This annual fair offers ambitious Irish designers and makers eager to break into the export market or expand their existing international presence an unparalleled opportunity to connect with buyers from around the world and secure orders for the coming year, maximising the potential for future growth and job creation.

“I wish both exhibitors and buyers a very productive show and every success throughout 2019.”

The Galway businesses were selected by the Local Enterprise Office and were given the chance to meet over 2,500 buyer companies from 26 countries across the world.

The businesses worked closely with their Local Enterprise Office ahead of the event on selling techniques, stand preparation and marketing themselves at the event.

Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland, said: “Showcase is central to the Design & Crafts Council of Ireland’s strategy of supporting client companies in the domestic market and building the international reputation and commercial potential of the Irish design and craft sector.

“Each year the show provides a unique platform for hundreds of designers and makers from across Ireland to meet and do business with domestic and international buyers, enabling them to potentially grow and scale up to extend their market reach.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in supporting and guiding client companies in their commercial development.

“Working together, our aim is to ensure our clients continue to grow, innovate and successfully compete at home and abroad and to support them in addressing the challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit while uncertainty continues in the marketplace.”

Over 100 homes hit by power outage in south Galway

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January 22, 2019

Galway Daily news More than 15,000 properties in Galway without power after Storm Ellen

An electrical fault in south Galway has left over 100 homes without power this evening.

According to the ESB an electrical fault developed at 5:50pm this evening near Gort.

The fault has caused a power outage that is currently affecting 104 homes in the Gort area.

The ESB has said that it is aware of the issue and repair crews have been dispatched.

It’s currently estimated that power will be restored by 9:30pm tonight.

New wave of female entrepreneurs graduate from EMPOWER programme at GMIT

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January 22, 2019

Galway daily news Female entrepreneurs graduate from EMPOWER programme at GMIT

The second round of participants in the EMPOWER programme for female entrepreneurs at GMIT recently emerged from a Dragon’s Den style roasting where the presented their business ideas.

Fifteen women pitched their business to a panel of judges comprising Gillian Buckley (WDC), Diane Nevin (Galway Business School) and Tony O Kelly (New Frontiers at GMIT)

Up for grabs were funds from the WDC along with enterprise space in iHubs or Roscommon County Council Building and membership to Network Mayo, Roscommon or Galway.

Cepta Mahon, founder of ‘Cookalicious’, emerged the winner with runners-up including Olga Klofac, Fairy Specs, Asumpta Gallagher, Best-Practice, Caitriona Fahey, O/T Coach, Lou Brennan, Lou Brennan Design, and Anita Patil.

Cookalicious is all about delivering a bespoke cookery class that comes right to your kitchen, so you can learn in a place where you’re comfortable.

Cepta Mahon (Cookalicious )with Maria (right) and Gillian (left)

Gillian Buckley, Investment Manager with the Western Development Commission chaired the panel of judges in the ‘Den’.

He said that the calibre of ideas and entrepreneurs which came before the judges was extremely high.

Gillian also praised the initiative of creating a bespoke course to encourage female entrepreneurs in the region.

Maria Staunton, who manages the EMPOWER programme said, “This year we had over 80 ladies applying to the EMPOWER Programme.

“These ladies who pitched today all have a very bright future ahead of them. They all had to carry out extensive market research during the programme testing the viability of their idea.”

Over the course of the programme each of the entrants also had to develop skills in marketing, sales, finance, social media and pitching themselves to prospective investors.

“I, along with other State agencies in the region, look forward to working with them to progress their businesses,” Maria Staunton said.

The EMPOWER programme is run by the GMIT Innovation Hubs and aims to fast track female-led businesses based in the West of Ireland by addressing the specific challenges they face.

It’s delivered in two parts; EMPOWER Start for early stage ideas or businesses less than a year old, and EMPOWER Growth for females in Business for two years or more.

The Start programme takes place one day a week over 12 weeks, while the Growth side takes place one Saturday a month over a year.

he next recruitment for EMPOWER Start will be September 2019. Anyone interested should contact EMPOWER office 0949043198 or see www.fb.ie/empowerher.ie or www.empoerher.ie

Community shave raises €6,000 for Galway Hospice

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January 22, 2019

Galway daily news Head and beard shave in Loughrea raises €6,000 for Galway Hospice

A recent Head and Beard shave in Loughrea brought out local support to raise €6,000 for Galway Hospice.

Galway Hospice said they were “particularly touched” to learn that a number of people had signed up to shave their heads and beards at An Teach Beag pub in Loughrea recently.

The hospice praised everyone who took part for their “selflessness and courage” and extended their gratitude to everyone who supported this event in the local community.

“Sincere thanks to everyone who took part in this fundraiser, as well as to everyone who showed their support for both the participants and for Galway Hospice.”

“Thank you also to Brian Daniels of An Teach Beag for his continued support.”

Head and Beard Shave Fundraiser raises €6000 for Galway Hospice

Sincere thanks to everyone who took part in a recent head/beard shave in An Teach Beag, Loughrea in aid of Galway Hospice, resulting in €6000 being raised for the organisation. #friendsofgalwayhospice pic.twitter.com/hr6w6d9H7b

— Galway Hospice (@GalwayHospice) January 17, 2019

Galway Hospice is the main local provider of palliative care with residential and day care facilities.

It heavily relies on the donations of generous souls to keep providing this essential service to look after the most vulnerable people in our society.

Pictured here for the cheque to the are Jason Griffin, Brendan Griffin, Mike Larkin, Colette Dodd (Hospice), Brenda Kerins, Brian Daniels (An Teach Beag), Brendan Phelan, Damian Nunan, and Mike Crotty

Candle vigil to take place in City for Rob Murray

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January 22, 2019

A candle vigil will be held this Friday for Rob Murray who lost his life to the River Corrib earlier this month.

The vigil will take place at the Spanish Arch at 9pm on Friday, 25 January.

Rob went missing on 8 January and it has since been confirmed by CCTV footage that he fell backwards into the River Corrib.

Searches are still underway to try to bring home his body.

The Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit announced that the search will recommence tomorrow, Wednesday 23 January at 11am.

Today, political representatives have called for a long-term strategy to tackle water-based deaths along the Galway river.

This follows a petition this week that called for increased action to address river deaths, which has garnered around 20,000 signatures.

In an effort to bring Rob home, a Facebook group – ‘Let’s Find Rob Murray’ – has been created, which now has over 5,000 Facebook members from Galway and abroad, consisting of Rob’s friends, family, and people who have been moved by Rob’s story.

For those who can’t make the vigil, the organisers have asked that people ‘go live’ on Facebook with a candle, or post a candle.

Support programme seeks the input of people with multiple chronic health conditions

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January 22, 2019