Castlegar National School seeks to renovate preschool facilities

Galway Daily news Galway City Council prepares for Storm Dennis impact

The search continues for 25 year old Robert Murray who tragically lost his life to the River Corrib.

25 year old Robert Murray from Salthill tragically lost his life to the River Corrib a fortnight ago Tuesday the 8th of January.

The Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit have announced the search will recommence tomorrow, Wednesday 23rd January at 11am from Galway Bay Sailing Club, Renville, Oranmore.

As the search continues to bring him home the nation of Ireland have united in support for his loved ones and friends.

A Facebook group had been set up when Robert went missing so the public could share any information regarding his whereabouts. The group now has over 5,000 members who all share messages of support and love to Robert’s family and friends.

Over the weekend a petition was started by Sita O’ Driscoll to Galway City Council to improve safety measures along the Corrib River as it passes through the city.

The river Corrib is one of the fastest flowing rivers in Europe and the petition has attracted over 18,600 signatures.

Last night, Monday 21st January a powerful video was shared on Facebook by one of Robert Murray’s close friends crying out for safety measures to be implemented on the bridges near the River Corrib.

Dave Sullivan, a close friend of Robert Murray shared the powerful video last night in the hopes that the council will now listen and act to prevent future accidents like this happening.

The emotional and passionate video has already been viewed by 32.8k people and the powerful message within strikes a chord with each and everyone. Prevention is key.

You can watch the video here:

https://www.facebook.com/dave.sullivan.33/videos/2290133220997778/

Galway’s Sinéad Cassidy is the Rising Star of the Irish Women’s Awards

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January 22, 2019

Galway daily news Sinéad Cassidy from Galway races is the Rising Star at the Irish Women's Awards

Last night the Irish Women’s Awards celebrated top female roles models and their contributions to Irish society and industry.

Galway’s very own Sinéad Cassidy was the Rising Star of the Year at the 2019 Irish Women’s Awards for her work with the Galway Races.

Working as the Marketing Manager of the Galway Races, Sinéad brings people from all over the world to Galway for this internationally renowned event.

Needless to say, she was more than a little chuffed with her award.

😶And so this happened…shocked! Thank you x @CreativeOceanic #WomensAwards #teamwork @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/3LRYbWZCeF

— Sinéad Cassidy (@sineadcas) January 21, 2019

The Irish Women’s Awards are organised by Creative Oceanic to recognise the work women do in every part of society that often goes “un-known or even un-appreciated”.

A spokesperson for the Irish Women’s Awards said “We are delighted to have acknowledged successful women from across Ireland who have managed to stand out among the rest in their profession.

“It is a pleasure to see that empowered women, empower women and this memorable ceremony highlighted exactly that.”

“We hope that The Irish Women’s Awards provided a platform to encourage women at all ages to achieve their goals and spread the message that women can be successful leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, scientists and CEOs.”

“The awards showcased examples of courage, passion, skill, commitment and success that feature in women and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their impeccable achievements.”

Galway Races were quick to offer their congratulations to one of their own on her fantastic victory.

And the winner is…. Our Star 💫 @sineadcas #womensawards @Galway_Races pic.twitter.com/4Ik9ZXSJP6

— Galway Races (@Galway_Races) January 21, 2019

Four women from Galway were finalists for awards in total, with Lisa and Vanessa Creaven of Spotlight Whitening in the running for Best Professional in Business and Dr Carmel Malone of NUI Galway shortlisted for Services to Medicine.

Awards were presented in 31 categories at a black-tie event at the Crowne Plaza Dublin Blanchardstown Hotel on Monday night.

Su Carty, the IRFU’s representative to the World Rugby Council was crowned the overall Woman of the Year.

photo: Galway Races/twitter

Icy roads expected as a cold front sets in overnight

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January 21, 2019

Galway Daily news Snow and Ice warning in effect for Galway this evening

Update: Met Eireann has shortened the weather warning to expire at 11am on Tuesday morning.

Be on the lookout for icy roads and slippery conditions tonight and tomorrow as cold weather sweeps in.

Met Éireann is warning people to be wary if travelling as flurries of snow and ice are expected to accumulate on untreated surfaces.

A Status Yellow weather warning has been issued for all of Ireland from tonight.

Scattered sleet and snow showers are expected, most frequently in Connacht and Ulster, but with some in the east and midlands and the odd flurry in the south.

Accumulations of 1cm to 2cm of snow and ice are expected to gather on untreated surfaces over the next day.

The weather warning applies from 9pm on Monday night and will remain in effect until 7pm on Tuesday evening.

By the end of Tuesday it’s predicted that wintry showers will be confined to the Northern edge of the country.

An Taibhdhearc celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil with a flourish

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January 21, 2019

A Taibhdhearc, Galway’s resident Irish language theatre company, put on a spectacle in the city this afternoon by reenacting the sitting of the first Dáil.

The performance piece began with a parade through the city, with performers dressed to the nines as those first Teachta Dála who attended the first Dáil Éireann.

Along the way the parade stopped at several points in the city to explain the history of how a group of republicans declared themselves the legitimate government of Ireland.

@AnTaibhdhearc celebrate the 100th anniversary of the #FirstDáil with a parade through the streets of Galway and a reenactment of that historic meeting. #Dáil100 pic.twitter.com/Qf6UrWGzWK

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) January 21, 2019

The first Dáil sat at the Mansion House on January 21, 1919, the same day the War of Independence is said to have begun with the Soloheadbeg ambush.

It followed on from the General Election of December 1918 that saw Sinn Féin sweep the majority of Irish seats, and refuse to take them in Westminster.

TDs ratified the proclamation made at the 1916 Easter Rising and adopted a provisional constitution.

Symbolically the proceedings of an Chéad Dáil were held in Irish, something An Taibhdhearc was proud to point out.

The parade went from An Taibhdhearc’s theatre on Middle Street to Eyre Square Shopping Centre.

There, in front of the Tower in the shopping centre, the theatre group staged a reenactment of that historic meeting.

Other event are being held through the city and county and county this evening to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil

Connemara water treatment plant upgrades to cause midweek disruptions

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January 21, 2019

Galway city news Water outages in Salthill due to burst mains today

Upgrade works to a water treatment plant in Connemara will disrupt the water supply to residents in the area during this week.

The water treatment plant at Spiddal is due to have upgrades done over two days this week.

According to Irish Water works will start at 8am on Tuesday, January 22 and continue until 6pm on Wednesday evening.

During this period people in Spiddal and the surrounding areas may see their water interrupted or cut off.

Anyone affected by this or with any inquires can contact Irish Water at 1850 448 448 or through twitter @IWCare.

1,200 elderly people still waiting for homecare in West

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January 21, 2019

elderly people home care packages west of ireland galway daily

A legal entitlement to homecare packages would take some pressure off Accident and Emergency departments by reducing the number of delayed discharge patients.

That is according to Galway City West candidate John Crowley, who called for Sláintecare to be implemented without delay.

The Social Democrats candidate said that there are 1,200 elderly people currently waiting for homecare packages in the West of Ireland.

Crowley said: “Public policy aspires to keep people in their own homes as long as possible but what good is that approach if our government can’t even provide them with the homehelp they require.

“At more than 6,000 on the waiting list nationwide this has become a scandal our elected officials can no longer hide from.

“Our elderly citizens deserve better.”

Crowley said that Simon Harris announcing 550 additional homecare packages in response to 6,000 on waiting lists is ‘nothing short of insulting’.

“It makes little to no sense for the government to be dragging their heels on this as a nursing home or hospital bed would cost 10 times the amount as Homecare.

I’m also sure older people would prefer to remain part of their communities,” added John Crowley.

Family of Galway man missing in Malaysia extremely worried for his safety

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January 21, 2019

Galway daily news Search intensifies in Malaysia for missing Galway man Stephen Warde

The family of a Kinvara man, who has been missing for up to three weeks in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia, have been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs in an attempt to locate him.

Stephen Warde, who is 31 years old, last made contact on the first of January.

His family are extremely worried for his well-being and say that this is out of character.

He is described as being 5”11 with dark brown hair and brown eyes.

The public are being asked to share his photograph across social media in an effort to find him and anyone with information can contact Mary on +601162212631.

Tickets now on sale for Breast Cancer Research Institute’s Valentine’s Ball

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January 21, 2019

valentines ball galway daily — Celebrating the launch of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute annual Valentine's Ball which will be held this year at the Galmont Hotel on Saturday February 16th were; Orla Smithwick National Breast Cancer Research Institute Galway Committee, Prof. Michael Kerin Research Director National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Johanna Downes National Breast Cancer Research Institute Galway Committee . Tickets are available now by contacting the charity at 091 863917 or emailing hello@breastcancerresearch.ie. Photo: Tom Taheny

This year’s National Breast Cancer Research Institute’s Valentine’s Ball will take place on Saturday 16 February in the Galmont Hotel.

One of the highlights of the Galway social scene, the fundraiser will start in with the Ignite Gospel Choir who will entertain guests as they arrive to a bubbles and canapés reception at 7.00pm.

This will be followed by a five-course gala dinner with MC on the night, Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM, keeping the evening’s events moving along while guests then dance the night away to The Jive Buddies.

The annual Valentine’s Ball is one of the major fundraising events nationally for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, based at the Lambe Institute for Translation Research, NUI Galway.

All proceeds from the night will go towards funding the research team lead by Prof. Michael Kerin at the Institute.

Tickets for the Valentine’s Ball are €100 per person and can be purchased directly from the charity by calling 091 863917 or emailing hello@breastcancerresearch.ie.

Galway film festival creation in the running at New York international awards

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January 21, 2019

One of the entries for Galway Film Festival’s 1 Minute Film competition has been accepted into the New York City International Film Festival.

Hello Brother, written and directed by Emma Brennan will feature at the prestigious US film festival in the category of short films up to 15 minutes long.

Galway Film Centre offered their congratulations to the cast and crew including Emma Brennan, Rohan McShane, Paul Sparkes, Conor Tobin, Caimin Agneau, and Fabien Oman of Idiosync Films.

The New York City International Film Festival is produced by the NYCIFF Foundation For the Arts & Films.

It brings top films and new and emerging talent from around the world to audiences in the Big Apple in a celebration of cinematography.

This year’s festival runs from February 25 through to March 1.

Galway club goalkeeper airlifted to hospital after match injury

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January 21, 2019

Galway Daily news Tourist airlifted to University Hospital Galway after fall at Cliffs of Moher

A young football player from Ballymoe FC in the county was airlifted to hospital yesterday after being injured during a match.

The 18 year old goalkeeper was accidentally injured in the penalty box during a match against Boyle Celtic and had to be airlifted to UHG.

As a group of players converged in the after a free kick, the young man was accidentally struck in the face.

It’s understood he suffered a fractured jaw and several broken teeth.

According to the Irish Independent paramedics who attended also feared that he might have a concussion.

The match was called to a halt immediately as both sides tried to assist.

It was determined by paramedics that the injured man should be airlifted to University Hospital Galway.

The match resumed after the air ambulance left.

Ballymoe FC chairman Tommy Shaughnessy said the incident was a “total accident”.

He told the Independent that it happened when “the ball went into the box and a crowd of players just ran for it.”

A group of players collided in the box and the unfortunate goalkeeper came out the worst.

Secretary of Boyle Celtic Richard Kennedy said everyone was very sorry for what happened and wished the injured young man a speedy recovery.

As of last night Ballymoe FC was still waiting to hear back from the hospital.

Corrib safety petition passes 15,000 signatures in under two days

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January 21, 2019

Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

A petition calling for improved safety features along the River Corrib in Galway city has gotten more than 15,000 signatures in less than two days.

The online petition on Change.org calls for more safety features along the banks of the river Corrib in the city.

It claims that without ladders and nets to give people a way to climb out falling into the river “is like falling into lava.”

Despite being one of the shortest rivers in Europe, flowing just six kilometres from Lough Corrib to Galway Bay, it is one of the most dangerous.

The Lower Corrib flowing through Galway city is the fastest river in a city in Europe.

Several steps have been taken recently to try and improve safety along the river which claims lives every year.

The Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force released the ‘Galway Safe App’ in 2017 that uses GPS to monitor if you’re lingering in the are of the Spanish Arch and Wolfe Tone Bridge between 10am and 6pm.

If you spend much time in the area between those hours it asks users to confirm that they’re okay or would like to contact emergency services.

A pilot programme to install thermal imagining sensors along the river also received funding from the government in November.

The thermal cameras will monitor the water and automatically alert gardaí if they detect someone going in.

The Corrib is can be a danger to people out on the town in Galway as much of the nightlife in the city is clustered near it.

This petition claims that good quality CCTV cameras should be installed along the river to help identify anyone who does go into the water.

Galway to commemorate 100th anniversary of the first Dáil with multiple events

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January 20, 2019

Galway Daily news Dail 100 exhibition celebrates 100 years of Dáil Éireann

Celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first Dáil will take place on Monday with events across Galway city and county.

Ireland’s first Dáil met at the Mansion House in Dublin on January 21, 1919 and declared Ireland to bean independent nation.

The ratified the proclamation made at the 1916 Easter Rising and adopted a provision constitution.

That day also saw the Soloheadbeg ambush, often seen as the first engagement of the War of Independence.

A parade through the city celebrating that history occasion is being put on by An Taibhdhearc, Galway’s Irish language theatre.

The parade will go from Middle Street, starting at 2:50pm, to Eyre Square.

It will feature actors dressed as those first Teachtaí Dála and the Tulla Pipe Band from Clare.

At the end of the parade a re-enactment of the fist Dáil meeting will be held at the Tower in Eyre Square Shopping Centre.

Later that evening An Taibhdhearc is hosting a free event back at the its theatre at 5:30pm, where Professor Gearóid Ó Tuathaigh will address the audience.

The county council is hosting two lectures on the Dáil in the city and in Claregalway.

Dr Conor McNamara will speak about the democratic process that led to the Dáil in ‘Revolution at the Ballot Box: County Galway and the 1918 General Election’.

Following that Dr Síobhra Aiken will deliver her address ‘From Suffrage to Soloheadbeg: Reflections on the First Dáil’.

Those free lectures will be on in the city at the County Hall on Prospect Hill from 1pm – 3pm.

Later that day you can catch them at the Claregalway Hotel in Claregalway from 7:30pm – 9:30pm.

And finally the Galway Council of Trade Unions is hosting a special commemorative discussion at the Mechanics Institute on Middle Street at 8pm.

Historians Dr. Padraig Yeats, Dr. Sarah-Anne Buckley, and Dr. Mary Harris will talk about the circumstances surrounding the first Dáil.

Political developments in Galway, the labour and women’s movements, and the republican vision of Sinn Féin.

This pane style discussion is meant to have plenty of audience participation.

Social housing estate in Connemara gets the green light

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January 20, 2019

Galway Daily news Planning appeal over 91 houses & apartments in Athenry

A social housing estate in Letterfrack has been granted planning approval to build 11 new homes.

The Cluid Housing Association submitted plans for Phase 2 of a social housing development to the east of Letterfrack.

Phase 1 was completed in 2016, with tenants at the estate drawn from Galway County Council’s housing waiting list.

This second stage of the development will consist of six two-storey, 3-bed, semi-detached houses; four semi-detached, 2-bed bungalows, and one detached, 2-bed bungalow.

The estate has already been approved for CAS funding from the Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government.

Concerned about the presence of three nearby sites of archaeological significance, the council ordered the developer to carry out an assessment of the area.

The Archaeological Impact Assessment found that there were no artifacts of significance in the area being built on.

But it recommended that an archaeological monitor be on hand for the duration of the works.

Cluid Housing Association will mange the open spaces and homes in the social housing estate.

It’s expected that management of the roads and services will be taken over by the county council at an appropriate point.

The county council gave planning permission for the housing development with 15 conditions attached.

Time for Council to face the music on Busking ‘ban’

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January 20, 2019

A legal error means that the busking bylaws passed by the City Council last summer in order to restrict busking on Shop Street cannot go ahead.

Galway City Council is planning to restart the entire process again but local election candidate for Galway City East Owen Hanley has said the Council should ‘take this as a sign to scrap the bylaw.’

Hanley said that the idea that the Council, which is supposed to represent Galway, would attempt to damage one of it’s most iconic features was always a poor decision.

“The entire bylaw process pitted buskers and business owners against each other in what is a deeply symbiotic relationship.

“The city’s buskers have set up a busking code with community guidelines to self-regulate and handle complaints which should be given more engagement,” he said.

The busking bylaw was controversial at the time and saw a 9-9 split on the council decided by the mayor at the time.

The Social Democrats candidate added: “Restarting the debate would take weeks that the current Council does not have left. It should spend it’s time more effectively focused on the massive concerns of traffic, transport, housing, and the environment.

“Similarly the Gardai have other priorities better suited for the resources and personnel required for such enforcement. And if nothing else the widespread public backlash should give the current Council food for thought.”

48 hour game development marathon at Global Game Jam

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January 20, 2019

Game enthusiasts in Galway will be taking part in a marathon session to make their own games with people from around the world at the Global Game Jam 19 next week.

Global Game Jam brings together people from sites around the world for a hackathon event focused on game development.

All the creative process of spitballing ideas, working with others on solutions, and the practical development is condensed down into one 48 hour development cycle.

Game lovers will gather at sites around the world next Friday, January 25 to hear a keynote address and get told the secret theme of this year’s event, and then they’re off.

From there they will have two days to work on their creation and get it ready to be presented by Sunday afternoon.

The jam is known for helping foster new friendships, increase confidence and opportunities within the community, as well as being a way to challenge yourself to build new skills.

For Global Game Jam 2018, the 10th anniversary jam, 42,800 people made 8,606 games at 803 sites in 108 countries.

The Galway Game Jam is taking place down at the Portershed coworking space off Eyre Square, closing at 11pm each night.

This event is free for anyone to take part, all you have to do is create an account and register.

The website also contains information on all the tools and software that will be available for use for people taking part.

Over 8,500 sign petition for safety measures on the Corrib

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January 20, 2019

A petition to Galway city council to improve safety measures along the Corrib river as it passes through the city has attracted over 8,500 signatures.

A petition on the platform Change.org is calling for funding from the government and city council to ‘Make the River Corrib Safer – Let’s Save Some Lives‘.

Though the Corrib is one of the shortest rivers in Europe, stretching just six kilometres from Lough Corrib to Galway Bay, it is one of the most dangerous.

The Lower Corrib which flows through Galway city is the fastest flowing river of any city in Europe.

Lives are lost every year to the waters of the river, either through suicides or tragic accidents, many involving alcohol.

This online petition to the city council says that more ladders are needed along the side of the river to give people who fall in a chance to get out.

A lack of these means that falling into the river in Galway is “like falling into lava” the petition claims.

Without them it’s more than just people who stumble into the river that get hurt, the petition says.

It’s been frequently shown in studies that people who make that terrible decision to end their own lives almost always regret it immediately.

On top of ladders and rope to help people exit the river, this petition calls for the installation of cctv and sensors monitoring the length of the river.

A pilot project to install thermal imaging technology along the length of the Corrib in the city received backing from the government in November.

The project would send an automatic alert to gardaí when thermal imaging detected someone going into the water.

This petition to protect people from danger on the Corrib comes as the search continues for Robert Murray who has been missing from Galway city since Tuesday, January 8.

Ros a Mhíl school gets grant for film equipment

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January 20, 2019

Coláiste Chamuis in Ros a Mhíl has been granted additional funding to buy film and sound equipment to improve the school services.

Galway West TD and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Seán Kyne confirmed that €5,068, or 50 percent of the total cost, has been set aside for the College to buy film and sound equipment, and a rubber walkway.

The final amount awarded will be whichever figure is less, €5,068 or half of the project’s cost.

Coláiste Chamuis said the grant will help them cater to more students and to promote Irish among students, young and old, all year round.

The film equipment will be of great benefit to people organising activities through Irish in the hall.

Minister Kyne said he hoped the grant would help Coláiste Chamuis play an active role in the language planning process and help out with their regularly run activities.

Twelve sports groups in the city, county and Aran Islands get extra funding

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January 19, 2019

Galway Daily news Dozens of Galway City community groups awarded €272,708 in grant funding

Twelve sports around Galway have received more than €400,000 funding to upgrade their facilities.

The money is being granted through the Sports Capital Programme, mainly for groups that succesfully appealed earlier decisions.

Galway West TD Seán Kyne said the improved facilities being introduced will be an immense help to local sports groups to develop and expand.

“The health benefits are significant too with better facilities and equipment helping to encourage and increase participation in sports and outdoor recreational activities,” Deputy Kyne added.

The breakdown in funding allocated and for what is as follows:

Clonberne Community Centre: €69,400 – All-weather playing surface, surround fencing and additional lighting.
Kiltormer GAA Club: €60,500 – The installation of floodlights.
Kilconly Community Recreation Group: €52,400 – Completion of astro turf pitch with lighting.
Caherlistrane GAA Club: €48,000 – Upgrade floodlights on football pitch.
Oranmore Community Development Association: €42,100 – Resurfacing of astro turf pitch.
Corinthians RFC: €33,600 – Construction of sand training pitch.
Tommy Larkins GAA Club: €31,100 – Astro turf pitch with lights.
Rahoon Newcastle Hurling Club: €30,900 – Development of second pitch at Tonabrocky.
Coiste Halla Naomh Eoin: €20,000 – Development of Inis Meain sports grounds.
Corribdale Grounds Committee: €9,900 – Lighting for shared use Trails in Community Park.
Loughrea Tennis Club: €4,000 – Clubhouse re-roofing.
St. Cuan’s College: €3,300 – Gym equipment.

14,000 kids in Galway stuck waiting over a year for the dentist

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January 19, 2019