Galway will face off against Cork in the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Final this weekend, in what promises to be a day of great craic for all the family.

Fans heading to Croke Park on Sunday, August 10th for the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Camogie Senior, Intermediate, and Premier Junior Camogie Championship Finals are in for more than just thrilling sporting action.

They can expect a full day of family-friendly entertainment this weekend, before and after the matches, both on and off the pitch.

Entertainment highlights include:

• Tailgate party in the Croke Park Hotel from 12noon, featuring music, face-painting and more!
• Live DJ Sets and a Dance Cam in Croke Park throughout the day
• T-shirt cannons in Croke Park
• Drumming performances in Croke Park
• Half-Time Shows – including pitch-side appearances from mini teams, U14 Parades, and the Tipperary Jubilee Team of 2000
• Live stadium MCs: broadcasters Aisling O’Reilly and Valerie Wheeler

Matchday will kick off with the Premier Junior Final begins at 1pm, where Laois and Armagh will fight for the Kay Mills Cup.

This is followed by the Intermediate Final at 3pm, which will see Kerry and Offaly compete for the McGrath Cup.

Finally, the day will culminate in the Senior Final at 5:15pm as Galway and Cork battle it out for the O’Duffy Cup.

Brian Molloy, Uachtarán of The Camogie Association, said, “There’s nowhere else you’ll want to be on August 10th than Croke Park.”

“We’ve got something for everyone – from die-hard supporters to families looking for a memorable summer day out.”

“With entertainment from start to finish, the atmosphere promises to be electric, both on and off the pitch. It’s a true celebration of camogie, community and culture – you won’t want to miss it.”

University of Galway today announced that Professor David J. Burn has been appointed the 14th President of the University with effect from September 8.

Professor Burn will succeed Professor Peter McHugh, who has held the position on an interim basis since September 2024.

Professor Burn has served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University since 2017.

There he led transformative change initiatives to restructure faculty, accelerate research performance, advance equality, diversity and inclusion and drive internationalisation.

David is also Professor of Movement Disorders Neurology and Honorary Consultant Neurologist for Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust.

Professor Burn serves as Director of an Academic Health Science Centre, the Newcastle Health Research Partnership, which works to deliver improvements to health and wellbeing for the over three million people living in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria.

Professor Burn is also President-elect of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

David will take up his position as President on the first day of the new term on the 8th of September 2025, joining the many thousands of students returning for the new academic year.

Speaking about the appointment, Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, Chair of Údarás na hOllscoile, University of Galway’s Governing Authority, said: “Following a rigorous and competitive assessment process, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor David Burn as the next President of University of Galway.”

“Professor Burn brings a wealth of experience in University and health care leadership and presents a compelling vision to inspire University of Galway’s staff and students to take this remarkable University to new heights.”

“With a track record of leadership and achievement internationally, Professor Burn brings both the necessary experience and vision to this role, and I look forward to working with him as we begin a new chapter in the University’s journey.”

“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Interim President, Professor Peter McHugh, for his steady leadership of the University over the last year and to wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Commenting on his appointment, Professor David J. Burn said, “I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as the next President of University of Galway.”

“Although born and bred in the Northeast of England, I have had a strong personal connection to Ireland for over 35 years and am therefore no stranger to its rich heritage and vibrant culture.”

“I look forward to working with all staff and students to help University of Galway further realise its incredible potential and am excited about what we can achieve together.”

Three of Galway’s best-known pubs have been named among Ireland’s Top 50 Bars by The Sunday Times, cementing the county’s well-earned reputation for world class hospitality, character and craic.

The Kings Head on High Street, The Crane Bar in Galway’s Westend and Tigh Neachtain on Cross Street have all secured their places on the list for 2025.

Galway has long been celebrated as a city of conversation, music and community, and its pubs have always played a central role in drawing people together.

This latest recognition reinforces what locals have always known, that some of the very best bars are right here in Galway.

The Kings Head, a landmark steeped in history, continues to thrive under the stewardship of the Grealish family.

With roots going back over 800 years, the bar takes its name from Colonel Peter Stubbers, a former resident and the man believed to have executed King Charles I.

Today, it is a far more welcoming place, a warm and lively venue known for serving some of the most distinctive west coast gastropub fare and offering a space where every kind of gathering finds a home.

The Crane Bar, across in the Westend, has long been a haven for traditional music lovers.

The Crane is the sort of place where the pints are creamy, the welcome is genuine and the tunes are taken seriously. If you are lucky enough to get a seat, settle in and take it all in.

Tigh Neachtain, on the corner of Cross Street and Quay Street, remains one of the most iconic spots in the city.

With its colourful façade and labyrinth of snug corners, it is a place where stories are swapped and pints are savoured. It is pure Galway through and through.

This accolade from The Sunday Times is a celebration of the culture and spirit of Galway pubs.

A Galway punter is enjoying a hell of a bank holiday, now €60,394 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in Saturday night’s main Lotto draw.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased on the day of the draw from Tesco, Athenry Shopping, Athenry, Co. Galway.

The winning numbers in Saturday night’s Lotto draw were: 2, 3, 6, 9, 24, 39 and the bonus was 34.

While there was no winner of the Lotto jackpot worth €13,704,859, in total over 109,000 players won prizes in the Lotto & Lotto Plus draws including our Galway player who matched 5 numbers and the bonus in the main Lotto draw.

Darragh O’Dwyer, National Lottery spokesperson, said, “What a fantastic night for one player in Galway who has claimed a life-enhancing €60,394 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in last night’s main Lotto draw.”

“If you bought your ticket in Galway, now’s the time to double-check, you could be Ireland’s newest big winner.”

The National Lottery is urging all players in the Galway area to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning ticket, be sure to contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

Storm Floris is set to bring heavy wind and rain to the west coast on Monday, with weather warnings issued by Met Éireann.

Unseasonably impactful weather is expected for Sunday night and into Monday as a deepening low-pressure system, Storm Floris, will likely track to the northwest of Ireland, bringing a spell of heavy rain and very strong winds.

Two status yellow weather warnings have been issued for Galway, with a wind warning in place from 2am to 1pm Monday, and a rain warning in place from 2am to 10am.

The strong southwest winds and spells of heavy rain with thunder are expected to create hazardous travelling conditions with disruption of outdoor events.

Fallen trees and flying debris may pose a risk to people and structures, as could the possibility of lightning damage.

There is also a risk of flooding from wave overtopping and heavy downpours early on Monday.

Met Éireann Forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock says, “Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday.”

“However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued.”

“However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case.”

“And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west.”

“Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities.”

A teenager reported missing from the Galway area two weeks ago has been found safe and well.

Gardaí made a public appeal for help locating 15-year-old Angel Ndlovu earlier this week.

She had been reported missing from Ballybane, Galway City since Thursday, July 21.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed that she has been found safe and well.

Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

The Labour Party has decided to support Galway TD Catherine Connolly in her campaign for the Presidency of Ireland.

The decision to back Deputy Connolly was made at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and the Party’s Executive Board (EB) on Thursday evening.

At the meeting, PLP and EB members were briefed by the General Secretary on the Party’s membership consultation process which concluded earlier this week.

That consultation showed a clear majority of members in favour of supporting Catherine Connolly TD in the Presidential election.

Following a discussion, the PLP and EB proceeded to agree to support the campaign.

The meeting also appointed Ciarán Ahern TD, as the Labour Party’s co-ordinator with Catherine Connolly’s campaign.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Ahern said that Labour was backing Deputy Connolly for president in the “spirit of supporting the development and growth of the Left across the country and demonstrating that an alternative politics is possible here, a cause which our party leader Ivana Bacik has led and promoted over recent years.”

“While there are issues where we have differed with Deputy Connolly, we are determined that the social democratic values of equality, justice and tolerance should shape the Presidency over the next seven years and follow the legacy of Michael D Higgins.”

“We believe that Catherine Connolly shares those values, and has put them into practice during her political career.”

“Catherine will make an excellent President, campaigning and advocating for the common good.”

Galway City Council’s first-ever rain gardens are in full bloom and bringing a fresh splash of colour to the city.

As part of the recently completed Crescent/Sea Road Junction Upgrade, which was delivered by the Council’s Active Travel Department, two new rain gardens have been installed, along with a suite of safety improvements for all road users.

A rain garden is a novel type of landscaping that helps prevent flooding and enhance drainage by capturing and absorbing rainwater.

Frank Clancy, Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council’s Active Travel Department, has explained the benefits of the new rain gardens.

“Rain gardens are a relatively simple nature-based, sustainable drainage system. They are designed to reduce the rate of rain runoff from roads and footpaths into underground drainage pipes.”

“By using specially selected plants, the rain garden can soak up excess water, act as a pleasant visual amenity in an urban environment and enhance biodiversity.

These rain gardens are the first of their kind in Galway City, and the council intends to replicate their success elsewhere.

The two rain gardens at the junction of The Crescent and Sea Road have been installed in areas which were previously part of the roadway, which has now been narrowed.

New, wider footpaths have also been constructed in this space. By reducing the width of the roadway, both vehicular traffic speeds and crossing times for walkers and wheelers have been reduced, improving road safety and comfort.

This scheme also saw the construction of a new footpath along The Crescent, linking the 401 Bus Stop to the Medical Centre. Prior to this, there had been no footpath on this side of the road.

Two new pedestrian crossings have also been installed, and new safety enhancement works have been completed at nearby Scoil Fhursa as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard has welcomed the completion of this scheme.

“The works on The Crescent and Sea Road are a welcome addition and benefit all road users in this area.”

“By installing a new footpath, new crossings, and enhanced safety measures at Scoil Fhursa, Galway City Council is making active travel more attractive and safer for people of all ages.”

“The new rain gardens are another welcome addition which enhances the aesthetic value of the area while also delivering many important and practical benefits. I look forward to supporting the further rollout of more projects of this nature over the coming years.”

An Garda Síochána and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to all road users to take action and use the roads with care over the forthcoming August Bank Holiday weekend.

Gardaí are carrying out a roads policing operation across the country this Bank Holiday weekend which began on Thursday morning and will continue until 7am Tuesday.

The appeal comes as the RSA publish their 2025 half yearly report which analyses fatalities from 1 January – 27 July. This report based on 91 fatalities which occurred on public roads over this time period, shows that the number of those killed aged 46-65 is now the highest in six years.

In contrast, there has been a year-on-year reduction in the number of young people (25 years old or less) being fatally injured in collisions. A quarter of the 95 people that have lost their lives this year were in this age range – 14 fewer fatalities than this time last year.

35 drivers, 22 pedestrians, 17 were motorcyclists, eight cyclists, eight passengers and one e-scooter rider have been killed. This shows an increase among vulnerable road users i.e. cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists.

Additional findings:

• 27% of fatalities occurred between 12pm and 4pm
• 26% of all fatalities occurred between 8pm and 4am when traffic volumes tend to be lower
• Friday through Monday saw the greatest number of fatalities
• Over half (56%) of all fatalities occurred on 80km/h and 100kmh roads.

Speaking at this morning’s road safety briefing, Minister of State Séan Canney said, “As we head into a Bank Holiday weekend, when many of us may be looking forward to travelling and spending time with loved ones, I urge everyone to be mindful of their own safety and that of others.”

“Simple measures like putting your phone away, slowing down, and paying attention to the road could make the difference that prevents a tragedy.”

Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon said, “This is one of the busiest weekends on the roads. Not just for motorists, but at this time of year, it’s one of the busiest weekends for cyclists and pedestrians.”

“We ask everybody to be very conscious of our vulnerable road users, our cyclists and our pedestrians.”

“We’re asking people to slow down, we’re asking people to just plan their journey ahead. Some will have long journeys this weekend, so take your time and take your breaks.”

“Don’t be using mobile phones or anything that might distract you while driving. We really do not want to be visiting another family with terrible news this weekend.”

“We’re going to be out in force from today straight through to next Wednesday, with extra checkpoints and considerable more enforcement in relation to speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelts. So please drive carefully and drive responsibly.”

HSE West and North West is advising people to be aware of their options of care this August Bank Holiday weekend.

August is a busy holiday period and this combined with the bank holiday weekend can put extra pressure on the health system and people are advised to familiarise themselves on care options available to them.

Emergency departments will see higher than normal attendances due to the bank holiday weekend, and the HSE is asking for the public’s patience during long wait times.

The HSE is advising that all avenues of care should be considered initially, which may result in ED avoidance.

If you urgently need to see a GP over the bank holiday weekend, you should contact your local out of hours GP service.

Westdoc will be operating at increased capacity in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon from Friday evening until Tuesday morning.

You can find your local GP out-of-hours service at https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/.

Clinics are by appointment only so please call 0818 360 000 in advance to make an appointment.

You can also receive advice and over the counter treatments from your local pharmacy.

Another option of care is injury units which treat non life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains and strains, from knees to toes and from collarbone to fingertips. They also treat dislocations and minor burns.

Injury Units are not able to treat serious head, back or neck injuries, abdominal (stomach) pain, medical illnesses or mental health problems. Patients with urgent and life-threatening injuries should still go to the ED.

The Roscommon Injury Unit treats adults and children from the age of 5 and older.

• Opening hours are 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.
• Contact Tel: 090 663 2212
• Further information can be found at : https://www2.hse.ie/emergencies/when-to-visit-an-injury-unit/

Plans are in place across hospital and community services to ensure patients can access the care they need in the right setting.

Galway is celebrating a double Lotto delight this July, as two Galway players have claimed a combined total of over half a million euro in National Lottery prizes.

The first big win came on 16th July, when a Galway player scooped the Lotto Plus 2 top prize of €250,000.

The winning Quick Pick was purchased at Circle K, Newcastle Road, Galway City. In a quirky twist, the player presented their ticket at National Lottery HQ in a ziplock sandwich bag, with the player joking it was “the safest place for it!”

The player recalled the moment they discovered the win. “I was at the kitchen table doing some life admin when I saw the news that the winning ticket was sold where I bought mine. I danced around the kitchen when I realised I had won!”

The player plans to put their winnings towards a new home and dream holidays to exotic destinations around the world.

Just days later, on 19th July, another Galway player matched five numbers and the bonus in the main Lotto draw to win an impressive €314,859. The winning ticket was purchased at XL Laurel Park, Newcastle, Galway.

Speaking from National Lottery HQ, the delighted winner said, “I was watching the draw on TV and playing along with my numbers.”

“I couldn’t believe my eyes as each number matched – I thought I was seeing things! I’m looking forward to sharing the win with family, and a sun holiday is definitely on the cards!”

With excitement building nationwide, Lotto players are reminded that tonight’s jackpot is heading towards an estimated €13.2 million, offering another chance to join Ireland’s growing list of 2025 millionaires.

Uisce Eireann has confirmed that the Cleggan / Claddaghduff Public Water Supply is safe to drink after specialised testing.

Last month, Uisce Éireann was made aware of taste and odour issues which are affecting some customers served by the Cleggan / Claddaghduff Public Water Supply.

Test results have indicated the presence of the naturally occurring compounds Geosmin and Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB) in the raw water source.

This may have led to some customers on the supply detecting an earthy, musty smell and taste from their drinking water.

Speaking about the Cleggan / Claddaghduff Public Water Supply, Uisce Éireann’s Eoin Hughes said, “Our primary focus is the protection of public health, and we would like to reassure customers that the water on the Cleggan / Claddaghduff supply is safe to drink.”

“We understand the concerns raised by some customers in relation to the smell or taste of their drinking water.”

“While the smell and taste can be unpleasant for some customers, these naturally occurring compounds are not harmful, and the water remains safe to drink.”

“As a precaution, we have increased testing on this supply and are keeping the situation under close review,” Eoin continued.

While some customers may continue to experience taste and odour issues, the water continues to meet regulatory standards and is safe to drink.

University Hospital Galway is experiencing extreme pressure on bed availability again today due to a high number of people attending the Emergency Department.

On Monday 272 people attended the Emergency Department (ED), resulting in 55 admissions.

As of this morning, there are currently 28 patients in the Emergency Department and a further 20 patients on trolleys at ward level. Additional surge beds have also been opened.

The hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

All available beds in the hospital are in use. Patients are facing long waiting times to be admitted from the Emergency Department to a bed on a ward.

Some elective procedures are being cancelled due to the pressure the hospital is under, with patients being contacted directly.

Urgent and time-sensitive procedures are being prioritised due to these pressures.

“With the bank holiday weekend approaching and the Galway Races taking place this week, there will be higher than usual numbers of people in Galway,” a statement from UHG said.

“Therefore, we continue to request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation.”

“We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible.”

“The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm daily, to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over the age of five.”

The Galway Anti-Racism Network is holding a rally this weekend, calling on people to take a stand against hate crimes.

The rally, which is in response to recent hate crime incidents against immigrants, is being held in Father Burke Park in Galway City this Saturday, August 2nd at 2pm.

GARN is a grassroots anti-racism network, founded in 2016, in opposition to the government’s discriminatory Traveller accommodation and Direct Provision policies.

GARN member Deirdre Curran said, “As a Vice Dean for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the University of Galway, one of the most culturally and ethnically diverse sites in Galway, I feel a moral obligation to actively oppose hate crime and to give voice to those who are fearful for their safety in our community.”

The network states that government policies on housing, healthcare and justice have contributed to a rise in racist incidents.

Recently, an Indian man was brutally assaulted in Tallaght, while social housing for older people, presumed to be housing for refugees, was burnt to the ground in Ballina.

GARN also says that the organisation has received muiltiple reports of immigrants being harassed as well as plans to hold a ‘national protest’ targeting foreign people in Galway City.

Planning approval has been granted for additional wastewater infrastructure in Galway City to facilitate new housing demand.

Uisce Eireann has been granted planning permission for an underground storage tank at Merlin Park Pumping Station on the Dubin Road.

The development of the underground storage tank will provide additional wastewater storage capacity to the Merlin Park Pumping Station.

This approval paves the way for housing developments across the eastern part of Galway, including the Merlin Woods Social and Affordable Housing Scheme.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard, commented, “It’s great that approval has been granted for this project.”

“This will enable future growth in the east of Galway by addressing wastewater needs and is key to enabling the delivery of new homes and neighbourhoods.”

He added that it will facilitate inclusive growth on the east side of the city and meet rising housing demand with a mixture of social, affordable, and private housing.

Chief Executive of Galway City Council Leonard Cleary said that this is a large step forward for infrastructure in the city.

“This is a very positive development and it will allow progress for priority strategic projects in the east of the City, and in particular will enable much needed housing delivery by the City Council and the private sector.”

Acting Director of Services Elizabeth Fanning added, “This approval for Uisce Eireann is removing a bottleneck that has held back housing development and assists in laying the foundations for Galway’s vibrant and sustainable future”.

University of Galway has dedicated a new ‘book bench’ on its campus in memory of Irish language poet Caitlín Maude, a graduate of the University.

The dedication event was attended by the late poet’s son, Caomhán Ó Luain, and his daughter Fiadh.

The fibreglass bench, shaped like an open book, was created by the Louisburgh Area Men’s Shed in Co. Mayo, with support from the University’s Buildings and Estates team.

It features the Irish language poem ‘Na Blátha’ by Caitlín Maude, along with an English translation by celebrated writer Nuala O’Connor.

Professor Rióna Ní Fhrighil, Head of the Discipline of Irish at University of Galway, said, “Caitlín Maude was rooted in tradition, but she wrote in her own voice, inspired by wider European literary styles.”

“She addresses contemporary social issues in her poetry that still resonate with students today. This strong Gaeltacht woman gave confidence to the Irish language poets that came after her and she continues to inspire young poets today.”

The bench, located in the Máirín de Valéra Garden on the north side of the University’s Quadrangle building, has also been added to the city-wide Galway Poetry Trail.

It is the fourth university location on the trail, joining poems by Terry McDonagh, Louis de Paor, and Michael D. Higgins.

Tom Kenny, co-founder of the Galway Poetry Trail, said, “There are now around 30 poems across the city on the Galway Poetry Trail.”

“It is wonderful to see Caitlín Maude’s poem on the university campus and I’m sure that thousands of people will read it here into the future.”