Back for Business programme launched to help returning emigrants start businesses

Galway Daily news Additional Dog fines will have little effect without more Dog Wardens

Galway East TD Seán Canney has welcomed the confirmation from the Department of Education that funding has been allocated to 15 schools in East Galway.

This funding has been approved and will be allocated for the purposes of improvement works.

The Minister of State for Rural Affairs, Natural Resources and Digital Development said: “9 schools will benefit from funding to replace windows.”

To add to this, “5 schools will benefit from funding for structural improvement works’ while ‘1 school will receive funding for curricular requirements.”

The National Schools to benefit from this funding are listed as follows:

Annagh Hill National School,

Kilnadema National School,

St. Pat’s National School Tuam,

St. Brendan’s Loughrea,

Belcare National School,

Kilsolan National School Ballinasloe,

St. Coleman’s National School Cummer,

Gurteen National School,

St. Kerrills Ballinasloe &

Newtown National School Abbeyknockmoy.

It must also be noted that the following Post Primary Schools will benefit from this funding:

Seamount College Kinvara,

Holy Rosary College Mountbellew,

Presentation College Headford

& Colaiste Mhuire Ballygar.

The Independent TD congratulated the schools and praised their efforts in making applications for funding.

The TD emphasized the vital importance that Educational Facilities are up to the highest standard possible for students.

The origin of the funding can be attributed to a part of the €40 Million ‘Summer Works Fund’ announced today by the Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh.

Galway choir the TribeTones round off extraordinary year in O’Connell’s Bar this week

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December 17, 2018

The TribeTones, Galway’s Contemporary Choir, will be rounding off an amazingt year this Thursday, 20 December, in O’Connell’s Bar at 8.30 pm.

After a very busy month since launching their Christmas Charity single at the opening of the Galway Christmas Markets, Galway’s hottest new choir will be hanging up their festive hats for a well earned break.

A Winter’s Tale, an original song written by choir director Sean Rowland has seen the choir catapulted into the lime light both locally and nationally performing the song at public and private events all throughout the county to audiences including Sharon Shannon and X Factor’s Brendan Murray.

A highlight for the choir was also performing live on the nation’s favourite breakfast Show Ireland AM recently.

“We like to have fun. And the new weichnachtstmarkt at the famous O’Connell’s Bar is the perfect place for us to perform our final Christmas Set of 2018,” said Sean.

The choir also include many other non festive hits in their set list including a huge crowd pleaser “Shake A Tail Feather” where The TribeTones can be seen performing a choreographed dance to the famous Blues Brothers number.

In addition the choir also have their own Galway themed version of White Christmas.

Starting from 8:30pm, the public can enjoy The Paulaner Weihnachtsmarkt with Paulaner Steins, a signature winter warmers menu by Yes Beverages and a new festive special from The Dough Bro’s Wood Fired Pizza all whilst listening to the TribeTones.

The charity single, A Winter’s Tale will also be available to purchase in aid of Rosabel’s Rooms.

The charity was set up by Gary Monroe and Suzanne McClean in memory of their beloved daughter, Rosabel, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2017 aged 16 months and in conjunction with the Irish Hospice Foundation, now provide support and assistance to other families who have suffered child loss.

The choir are on track to raise substantial funds for the charity and are confident the ideal stocking filler will be a welcome gift for any family member or loved one.

The CD is available in over 25 local stockists and online, all info can be found on www.thetribetones.com

Approval given for block of apartments with creche in Gort

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December 17, 2018

Galway Daily news Green light for new apartment complex in Rahoon

Planning permission has been granted for the alteration of a mixed use development in Gort to include the construction of 11 new apartments and renovations to a creche in the building.

The building on Tubber Road, Gort has a number of commercial units which are being removed to make way for seven 2-bed apartments on the ground floor, and four apartments on the first floor.

The county council made a request for further information in July which was answered by the developer last month.

The council requested that a Natura Impact Statement be submitted and and the number of car parking spaces for the site be recalculated due to the increase in residential units from an earlier application.

With the additional apartments and the staff of the creche it was decided that 22 parking spaces were needed.

The NIS submitted said that the development would not impact on a nearby Special Area of Conservation.

Galway County Council gave permission for the development to go ahead with 17 conditions attached.

Gaeltacht students becoming business moguls

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December 17, 2018

Galway Daily news Gaeltacht students taking part in entrepreneurship competition — Photo:-Mike Shaughnessy

More than 750 Transition Year students from the Gaeltacht are taking part in a national programme to encourage budding entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.

Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Clár na gComhlachtaí encourages students in the Gaeltacht areas of Galway, Cork, Donegal, Mayo, Meath, Kerry and Waterford to start their own mini enterprises and take part in a national competition.

Clár na gComhlachtaí is a hands-on business learning experience developed and delivered in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland and taught through Irish.

The programme gives young people from the gaeltacht a chance to develop their academic, business, and leadership skills.

Local businesses volunteer their time together with development executives from Údarás na Gaeltachta to mentor the students alongside teachers as they take a concept from being an idea through developing, marketing, and selling it.

Galway West TD and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Seán Kyne launched the 2018/19 programme in Coláiste na Coiribe, Galway recently.

Students from the Knocknacarra gaelscoil were there to give a preview of some of the ideas they’ve been working on so far this year.

Minister Kyne said the skills they learn doing this, “Will no doubt be of long-term benefit to the Gaeltacht as these young people move on and become the heart of the Gaeltacht economy.”

“Údarás na Gaeltachta and Junior Achievement Ireland are to be congratulated for continually increasing participation in the programme in all Gaeltacht areas.”

Students will take part in the Regional Finals next March where they will showcase their finished products at trade stands and be interviewed by a judging panel.

After that they’ll make their business pitch pitch to the public on stage in a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills they’ve picked up over the year.

The students who are successful will go on to the National Finals in April 2019.

Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said “The Clár na gComhlachtaí programme is an ideal opportunity to instil a sense of entrepreneurship in our younger generations which will lead to an even brighter future for Gaeltacht areas.”

JAI, Chief Executive Helen Raftery said “Entrepreneurship education programmes led by role models from outside the school community complement the work of our teachers.

“Thanks to Údarás na Gaeltachta, Clár na gComhlachtaí students in Gaeltacht areas throughout the country will benefit greatly from this real to life entrepreneurial experience.”

Again? This is getting silly – fresh weather warnings for wind and rain

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December 17, 2018

Galway Daily weather Fresh weather warnings for wind and rain in Galway

More heavy wind and rain are inbound for Galway from Monday evening as yellow weather warnings have been issued for much of Ireland.

A status yellow wind warning has been issued covering Connacht, Munster, and Donegal.

Winds will reach sustained speeds of 50-65km/hr and at times strong gusts of 90-100km/hr will also be felt.

Met Eireann cautions that conditions may be worse in coastal areas.

The warning is in place from this afternoon until 4am tomorrow morning.

A separate rainfall warning has been issued for Connacht, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Donegal, Clare, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford.

Heavy rainfall will see up to 40mm of accumulating overnight, possibly higher in mountainous areas.

The forecaster is warning that there may be flooding as a result of the rains.

This warning will come into effect at 7pm this evening and last until 7am tomorrow morning.

These fresh weather warnings come on the heels of last week’s Storm Deirdre, which thankfully spared Galway the worst of the damage.

An orange warning was briefly issued for Galway, but downgraded to status yellow on Saturday afternoon as it became clear the worst of the weather was concentrated in the south.

GoBus is advising passengers travelling with them to allow for additional travel time for the weather.

And the Road Safety Authority is also urging any on the roads today to drive with caution.

Feature film submissions open for the 31st Galway Film Fleadh

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December 17, 2018

Submissions are now being taken for feature films for the 31st Galway Film Fleadh, which will take place between 9 and 14 July next year.

The Early Bird deadline is Friday 18 January at 5 pm and these entries are offered at a discounted rate of €30.

After the Early Bird Deadline, the fee will increase to the regular price of €40 and the deadline is Friday 15 March at 5 pm.

The Film Fleadh is Ireland’s leading film festival, known internationally as the discovery place of New Irish Cinema, and host to the boldest new films from around the world each July.

It is also host to the Galway Film Fair, Ireland’s only film marketplace.

The Galway Film Fleadh awards feature films selected for competition in the following categories:

Best Irish Debut Film
Best International Debut Film
Best Irish Film
Best International Film
Best Irish Documentary
Best International Documentary
Best Cinematography in an Irish Film

Winners in recent years include The Dig, Katie, Gutland, Michael Inside, God’s Own Country, Sanctuary, A Date for Mad Maryand, The Young Offenders, among others.

Over 20 Galway schools to undergo major improvement works next summer

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December 17, 2018

education ireland Galway Daily news two galway school introduce PE and Computer science subjects

Over 20 schools in Galway will undergo major improvement works over the summer months in 2019.

Minister for Education Joe McHugh today announced that 307 schools across the country will receive more than €40 million for Summer Works projects for delivery in 2019.

Minister McHugh confirmed that 16 primary and seven post-primary schools in Galway will receive funding.

Among the schools in Galway included are:

Killeenadeema NS – Structural improvements
Baile Mór Síol Anmcadha (Laurencetown) – Structural improvements
Bunscoil Phádraig Naofa (Tuam) – Structural Improvements
S N Breandan Naofa (Duniry) – Structural Improvements
S N An Croí Ró Naofa (Belclare, Tuam) – Windows
S N Muire Gan Smal – (Ballycrissane, Ballinasloe) – Windows
S N Cill Solain (Killasolan) – Windows
St Colman`s Mixed NS – (Cummer, Tuam) – Windows
Gurteen Central NS – Windows
Newtown NS, Abbeyknockmoy, Tuam – Windows
Annagh Hill NS – Ballyglunin, Tuam – Structural improvements
Coláiste Mhuire (Post-Primary) Ballygar – Curricular requirements
Presentation College (Post-Primary), Headford – Windows
Seamount College, Kinvara – Windows
Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew – Windows.

Minister Ciaran Cannon said: “It is great that this announcement is being made now in advance of next year, to give schools more time to prepare for the planned works.

“The works will be carried out in schools mainly over the summer months in order to keep disruption to students, teachers and other to a minimum.

“The projects receiving funding relate to applications submitted by schools in categories 7, 8 and 9 under the multi-annual scheme. For any schools who applied under category 10, which relates to external works such as upgrade and resurfacing of yards and car parking, there will be further news on this next year.

“Given the scale of the projects involved further detailed analysis of these applications is required with a view to enabling approved applications to proceed in 2020.”

People’s favourite games consoles of all time revealed – what’s yours?

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December 17, 2018

Galway daily life & Style Irish adult reveal their favourite games console of all time

With Christmas just around the corner and gaming having made the long march from outsider habit to the world’s largest entertainment industry, plenty of kids will be finding the latest console under the tree.

But gaming has been around for a long time, and what is Christmas about if not nostalgic callbacks to your own childhood, remembering the best of what Santa brought and gifts that were never more fun in your life.

With consoles becoming ever more advanced, and retro gaming making a massive comeback, DID Electrical asked 2,000 adults to think back and remember their favourite console that swallowed up hours of time over Christmas.

The Playstation 1 was the top choice by a wide margin with 30.1% of the vote with games like Rayman, FIFA 96, Road Rash, Tekken and Mortal Combat 3 filling the year of its release in 1995.

While people’s favourite handheld console was the original Nintendo Gameboy (38%) that brought Pokemon onto the world stage.

Second place goes to an older generation of gamers playing on the NES in 1986, where a certain Italian plumber and his brought made the transition from arcade to the living room.

The full list goes across nearly every company involved in the video games industry from its roots to the modern day.

And a shout out to those older folks who showed their stout support for Atari and the Commodore 64.

PlayStation 1 (30.7%)
Nintendo NES (18.8%)
Sega Megadrive (16.1%)
Xbox (12.5%)
Super Nintendo (SNES) (12.3%)
Nintendo 64 (8.8%)
Atari (0.4%)
Commodore 64 (0.2%)
Other (0.2%)

Back with handheld consoles, in second place jumping a generation or so of people, the Nintendo DS was the choice that resonated most with younger people, taking 27% of the vote.

Other entries include Sony’s first experiment with handheld gaming the PSP, and plenty more from the Gameboy.

Gameboy (38%)
Nintendo DS (27%)
PlayStation PSP (13%)
Gameboy Colour (8%)
Gameboy Advance (8%)
Sega Game Gear (7%)

Well, what do you think if this list? Does it match your experiences or was it a different console that topped your childhood?

Funding to save Galway Autism Partnership announced

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December 17, 2018

Galway daily news Funding to save Galway Autism Partnership secured

Funding to help Galway Autism Partnership continue operating into the new year has been announced amid serious worries the service would close by Christmas.

Galway East TD and Minister for Community Affairs Seán Canney has approved €30,719 in support of Galway Autism Partnership.

“The money will fund an inclusive and extensive calendar of support to parents, carers and the family unit of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” said Minister Canney.

“The ‘Take Care’ project will offer supports comprising of training and education for parents and carers, clubs for siblings, peer support for family members including male carers, family and community events, and therapeutic support.”

The money for this grant comes from the Dormant Accounts Fund Measure 2: Training and Support for Carers.

Galway Autism Partnership is one of thirteen projects nationally that have been approved for a total of €1.7 million in funding.

While this is no doubt a welcome boost for the organisation, it is less than the €75,000 the group has said it needs to keep running on a sustainable basis.

Despite the fact that more than half of the referrals to the Galway Autism Partnership are from the HSE and other state bodies, it has never received any state funding.

Late last week an emergency meeting was held between the GAP and HSE to try and find a solution to the crisis facing the organisation.

After the meeting the HSE said that it would work with the group to secure funding.

GAP had previously applied for part 39 funding from the HSE, but was rejected at the time.

Founded in 2011, Galway Autism Partnership provides support for some 500 people around the city and county.

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly has said that it is an essential organisation as mental health services in Galway are so inadequate.

NUI Galway study wants parents’ input on understanding children

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December 17, 2018

Galway Daily news NUI Galway is surveying hundreds of parents on understanding children's behaviour

Strange, alien creatures that they are, there’s still a lot we can learn about children and how parents can form strong bonds with them.

A team of researchers at NUI Galway is looking to hear from 1,000 parents for their ‘Childin Mind’ survey of parents’ experiences with their children.

They hope that through this they can better understand how parents can better understand what’s going on inside their kids head, and what their behaviour means.

The researchers are keen to hear from both fathers and mothers of children aged from two up to 18 years, and in particular the experiences with their eldest child.

Noella Lyons from the School Psychology at NUI Galway, explained, “This research hopes to explore a concept called reflective functioning.”

“This relates to how we understand the thoughts, feelings, intentions and behaviours of ourselves and of other people.”

“Through research like this we are beginning to understand more about the importance of how strong parent-child attachment can protect children’s social and emotional wellbeing, thereby leading them to become more resilient as teenagers and adults,” she concluded.

Young children in particular often don’t have the language skills to explain their feelings, so they act out to express it.

In the case of older children, it can take more exploratory work by parents to find out what they’re feeling that’s causing issues.

Dr Jonathan Egan, who is co-leading the study with Dr Lyon, said they hope their finding will help existing parenting programmes become more effective.

“Feeling like you are being an effective parent builds up a sense of being in control of your family’s direction and also leaves you feeling like a better and more competent mum or dad, which can only be a good thing.”

The survey only takes 10-15 minutes to complete, if someone is interested in contributing they can fill it out online here.

Water storage facilities in the works for three Galway communities

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December 16, 2018

Galway Daily news Latest EPA report shows one Galway public water supply deemed "at-risk"

Irish Water are seeking to build additional water storage facilities in three Galway townlands.

According to Irish Water Letterfrack, Kilkerrin, and Gort all have insufficient facilities for storing water.

The agency is seeking planning permission for treated water storage tanks to serve each of the areas.

Letterfrack in Connemara draws its water from a spring on Diamond Hill overlooking the village.

The Water Supply Zone for Letterfrack serves 249 customers, which is projected to grow by a quarter over the next six years.

Currently there are now facilities for storing treated water in the area.

To solve this Irish Water plans to build a partially buried storage tank with a capacity of 150m³

The chosen site is currently a peat bank on land owned by the county council.

At Slieveroe, Kilkerrin in east Galway it’s proposed to build a water storage tank with a capacity of 1,020m³.

The Kilkerrin-Moylough WSZ serves 1,932 people in the area and draws its supply from a nearby water treatment plant.

There is an existing water tower for storing treated water, but this can only hold enough for six hours usage in the event of supply interruption.

With this new tank the area would have 24 hours worth of stored water in the event of a problem.

The population of this are is projected to grow by 10 the next six years.

In the townland of Rindifin, Gort Irish Water wants to build a storage tank with a capacity of 1,500m³.

Gort WSZ draws 90% of its water from the river Gort, with the remaining 10% coming from boreholes.

The WSZ, which serves approximately 3,000 people, currently has no facilities to store treated water.

The area is expected to see a massive jump in population over the next six years, with projections of a 41% increase.

Irish water says that not having any water storage facilities puts that community at the mercy of supply interruptions and changes in the raw water quality.

The water storage tank would be built on land owned by Galway county council which is currently used as pasture for horses.

Galway County Council is due to make a decision on the three applications by January 9.

€2.7 million funding announced for NUI Galway’s Irish Language School

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December 16, 2018

Galway Daily news Petition against 4% rent hike at NUIG garners over 1,000 signatures

€2.7 million in funding has been allocated to NUI Galway’s Irish Language Academy, An tAcadamh.

The allocation will provide €900,000 per year for three academic years, commencing with the 2018/19 academic year.

Speaking from the Acadamh in An Cheathrú Rua, Minister Sean Kyne, said he was delighted to announce the funding of 2.7 million.

“The funding is guided by a service level agreement between my department, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge which was established in 2004.

“The Acadamh operates from NUIG’s main campus in Galway and three centres in the Gaeltacht – An Cheathrú Rua and Carna in Connemara and Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal.

“It plays a vital role in developing and provided higher education through Irish including the provision of courses and classes for Irish language learners of all levels and of all ages, said Minister Kyne.

The Acadamh is a centre of learning for more than 2,000 people each year including students undertaking third level courses through Irish, students training to become primary and secondary teachers, students studying for the Diploma sa Ghaeilge as well as international students.

It also conducts research on ways to promote and preserve the Irish language, in particular in Gaeltacht communities, and also plays a role in the language planning process.

Minister Kyne continued: “The contribution of the Acadamh to the local economy is significant with direct employment for approximately 80 people, including 35 in Connemara, as well as the boost that students bring, especially those on residential courses.

“This funding from my department, which fulfils objectives of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language, will help the Acadamh continue its work which is so vital to An Ghaeilge and the Gaeltacht.”

Vital roadworks in Killimor expected to cause traffic delays this week

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December 16, 2018

Galway Daily news Roadworks to disrupt traffic near Portumna on Tuesday

Minor traffic delays are expected tomorrow and Tuesday on the N65 in Killimor as vital works are carried out.

Lagan Asphalt Ltd, acting on behalf of Galway County Council, will commence Road Resurfacing Overlay Works tomorrow, Monday, for a duration of two days on the N65 Heathlawn, Killimor.

The works are seen as vital as the section of road is on a busy route for motorists travelling between Portumna and Loughrea.

A temporary traffic management system will be in operation on this section of the N65 between the hours of 7.30 am and 6 pm.

Motorists on this road should allow additional time for their journeys.

Minsiter Ciaran Cannon said: “While these delays will cause some minor inconvenience, the work is vital as this is a busy route for motorists travelling between Portumna and Loughrea and all the more so at this time of year when people are shopping and visiting loved ones and friends.

“I therefore welcome this work and the contribution it will make to improved road safety conditions on the N65 for all users and in particular the local community.”

Galway politicians express disgust at ‘disgraceful’ homelessness crisis in Galway

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Paul Kelly

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December 16, 2018

Recently released figures state that as of October 2018 there are 458 people in the West of Ireland living in emergency accommodation.

Galway Daily news Homelessness increases

Among these figures, 167 are children.

This tragedy is compounded by the fact that this displays a 57% increase in homelessness compared to October last year.

To add to this rents has risen 41% in Galway over the past 3 years.

The Galway Simon Community has declared this is utterly acceptable.

It is clear from these statistics that the severity of this current crisis is showing no signs of lessening whatsoever.

Several political representatives spoke to Galway Daily to give their thoughts on these grim statistics.

Niall Ó’Tuathail – Social Democrats General Election Candidate

Niall Ó’Tuathail expressed his disillusionment over the unprecedented levels of homelessness.

The Social Democrats representative was also quick to express his disappointment over the increasing amounts of family budgets which are being used to pay rent.

Ó’Tuathail advised Galway Daily that these problems are set to get much worse.

The activist criticized the lack of construction of new houses to keep up with the current demand.

“We are not even building enough to keep up with population growth, let alone making a dent in the massive shortage of homes in Galway,” he said.

Ó’Tuathail than outlined a possible solution to alleviate the scourge of homelessness from our community.

This comprised of a multi-billion Euro state fund being raised to either finance or directly build housing in Galway.

In explaining this idea Ó’Tuathail stated how this multi billion Euro fund could sell 70% of affordable homes to families and keep 30% as social housing.

The activist rounded off by declaring that this was the sort of ambition which was required to solve this crisis.

Joe Loughnane – People Before Profit Local Election Candidate

Joe Loughnane lambasted the fact that there are 27 empty properties for every person in emergency accommodation in the country.

Loughnane emphasized his belief that the right to housing should be enshrined expressly in the constitution.

In addition he exclaimed how the vast majority of the Irish population believe housing should be guaranteed in the fundamental law of this country.

The People Before Profit activist castigated politicians as being totally out of touch with communities on the ground regarding this serious crisis.

The activist pledged that the Galway branch of People Before Profit would be focusing on building a large housing movement in Galway City. The purpose of this is to put housing/homelessness at the forefront on the Council agenda

Eugene Murphy – Fianna Fáil TD

Eugene Murphy blasted the latest figures as shocking and disgraceful.

Speaking to Galway Daily, the TD condemned the fact that every initiative to control and reduce the severity of this mess has failed.

The Roscommon – Galway TD expressed his belief that every initiative would continue to fall short until more local authority housing is finally built.

Murphy chastised the slow process in which local authority housing is currently being built.

The TD described the current situation on the ground in his constituency. ‘In Roscommon – Galway we are getting people coming forward in very serious and difficult conditions’.

The TD described this as both alarming and concerning.

The Fianna Fáil TD stated how this current crisis is a result of a complete and utter failure of the system and is completely unacceptable.

Sean Canney – Independent & Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

Sean Canney illustrated his concern regarding the ongoing increase in homelessness over the last year in Galway.

The sheer ‘depth of the problem’ was an issue of specific concern for the Minister of State while also acknowledging that the Government is doing what it can to resolve the issue.

The Independent TD agreed that more needs to be done regarding the crisis while also declaring that a problem of this magnitude would naturally take time to fully resolve itself.

The TD, who has a background in construction, affirmed his view that having no social housing policy in the Country for the last 20 years was the primary cause of the current crisis.

Due to the length of time social housing was neglected, he warned it could take 4 to 5 years for supply to catch up to demand.

The former Quantity Surveyor, who also has worked to construct housing with the local authority in the past, described the delays which can be attached to building social housing. He attributed these delays to the issue of planning permission.

The Galway East TD however, spoke of the obvious importance of thorough planning procedures for the purpose of accountability.

He than finished off, emphasizing the inevitable trade off between accountability and the length of time it takes to implement those procedures necessary for robust accountability.

Family raise over €2,000 for Galway Hospice in memory of mother

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December 16, 2018

Galway Daily news Galway Hospice being redesignated for financial stability

Family members of the late Eileen Larkin recently presented a cheque for €2,105 to Galway Hospice in her memory.

Eileen’s family and friends raised the money to honour her memory through a fundraising quiz in Ballinderreen.

The cheque was presented to Orla Feeney of Galway Hospice by the family this week.

Galway Hospice thanked them for their “time and support” along with anyone who attended the quiz.

Family members of the late Eileen Larkin recently presented Orla Feeney of Galway Hospice with a cheque for €2,105, which they raised through a fundraising quiz. Sincere thanks to Eileen’s family and friends for their time and support, as well as to all who attended the quiz. pic.twitter.com/9nkvYpY0lB

— Galway Hospice (@GalwayHospice) December 15, 2018

It’s been a good week for the hospice as the Newbridge Ladies Club also raised €2,000 in donations.

The money was raised through their annual Coffee Morning in support of the hospice.

And the children of Marie Gavin Dance Academy in Gort showed their support, donating €700.

The kids raised this money for the hospice at the 27th annual Gort Feis that took place in October.

Galway Hospice is the primary palliative care unit serving the city, with inpatient and day care facilities.

Recently, it has been moving ahead with plans to build a much larger facility on the grounds of Merlin Hospital.

This will double the number of patient rooms and provide many more modern amenities.

COPE Galway launches safety leaflet for victims of domestic abuse

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December 16, 2018

Galway Daily news domestic, sexual and gender-based violence services

COPE Galway have released a new leaflet “Staying Safe, Getting Out” to help women experiencing domestic abuse to plan for their safety.

This new leaflet comes at the end of 16 day campaign by COPE tackling some of the myths and misconceptions that have sprung up around domestic abuse.

“Staying Safe, Getting Out” offers advice to women about escaping from abusive relationships, and tips on planning for your safety in those relationships.

Some of the tips include saving the number of the local police station or domestic abuse services on your phones under a different name.

It also advises people to put some money aside and keep a second set of keys and your important documents on hand.

Dr Carol Baumann, Manager of COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service explains that domestic abuse doesn’t always come with a blow.

“Sometimes it’s about control; it isn’t something that happens to poor people, or in ‘some’ cultures: it can happen to any woman.”

One-in-five women in Ireland will be abused by a partner at some point in their lives, which is why women need resources to help them out of abusive situations.

If you feel you’re in imminent danger COPE advises avoiding a confrontation and moving towards the nearest exit.

Avoid rooms with potential weapons that an abuser could use, the kitchen or garage, and don’t lock yourself in a room where there is not other escape.

“It’s there on our website to assist a woman to plan for her safety in an abusive situation,” she said.

“The leaflet is also for each of us who might know this woman and who might be in a position to help her by giving her useful information and helping her put a plan in place.”

The full leaflet and all the advice therein is up on COPE’s website and social media channels.

if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or is affected by any of the issues mentioned above phone COPE Galway Domestic Abuse Service at 091 565 985 (open 24hrs).

Wealth report shows Kinvara has the most expensive properties in the west

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December 16, 2018

Kinvara is the most expensive place in the west of Ireland to buy a home according to a new Wealth Report from property website Daft.

According to Daft.ie, Galway tops all the lists for the property market in Connacht and Ulster.

Kinvara is the single most expensive place to buy a home with an average property price of €332,000.

Also, a list of the most expensive cities and counties in Connacht/Ulster is topped by Galway City (€288,000) and Galway county (€200,000) respectively.

According to Ronan Lyons, economist and author of this report, roughly two thirds of people in Ireland own the home they live in.

Though it makes up less than 1% of the country’s landmass, urban Dublin accounts for 40% of all property wealth in Ireland.

This report shows that the real estate market is going through another boom as 17 properties worth over €1 million are soled every week.

There are 5,305 “property millionaires” in Ireland, up nearly half a million from this time six months ago.

The most expensive property to go this year was Inniscorrig on the Colimoe road, Dalkey, Dublin.

This Gothic Revival mansion on the Dublin coast sold for €7.8 million.

In its time it has played host to two English kings, Edward VII and George V, and boats its own private harbour.

Galway United forms partnership with Puma

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December 16, 2018

Galway daily sports Galway United partners with Puma

Galway United have announced that Puma will be the new official sponsor of the club’s kit.

Going into 2019, it’s been revealed that Puma will launch new home and away kits for Galway United.

The official design for the new Puma kits was revealed on Sunday and have gone on sale as of today.

Puma will also be releasing a full range of club leisurewear and merchandise which will be shown to Galway supporters soon.

John Fallon of Active Sportswear said that he was pleased to see the club link up with Puma for the next two seasons.

“We’re thrilled that Galway United will become the first SSE Airtricity League club to partner with PUMA,” he said.

“We’re very excited to be bringing the PUMA brand to the SSE Airtricity League with Galway United.”

He went on to say that he’s had great experiences working with the club through the years and was pleased to be their official kit supplier again.

“We’re excited about the future and what we can do together going forward,” he said.

The Galway United Christmas Store is open in Eyre Square shopping centre today with official gear as well as tickets for the 2019 season on sale.

🎄 The Galway United Christmas Store in the Eyre Square Shopping Centre is open today from 12.00pm – 6.00pm.

2019 season tickets and merchandise such as club hats, scarves and mugs are available. Call in and get the perfect stocking filler! 🎁 #GUFC pic.twitter.com/sjUzTWHNol

— Galway United (@GalwayUnitedFC) December 16, 2018

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December 16, 2018