Public consultations get underway on €450 million Ceannt development

Galway News - Desperate family on brink of homelessness - Meet The Molloys

A Galway family previously reported by Galway Daily as being on the brink of homelessness is now getting help from various people and organisations to find a home.

Laura Molloy of Camillaun Park, Westside told Galway Daily a month ago that she and her family were expected to move out by the end of September.

With skyrocketing rents and not one house in Galway available for those on rental assistance, they had nowhere to go.

And their story is sadly all too common in this severe housing crisis, as more than 9,800 people – and nearly 1,800 families – are homeless in Ireland.

Now the 32-year-old mother says that things are looking up.

Although they still have yet to secure a home, the family have been contacted by various people – including a Galway city councillor and a TD – who are helping them find a place.

The Molloy Family — Laura and Joe Molloy with their sons Sean and Rian

Laura had gotten a message from the landlord over the summer telling the family to move out of the house by September.

They had been living there for the past seven years.

She was “desperate not to be homeless” and worried that her family would end up on the street.

But according to Laura, Threshold wrote a letter to the family’s landlord on their behalf, stating that by law they have until January to move out.

“I’ve heard nothing back from him,” Laura says.

But she remains hopeful.

“I’m applying and looking for houses every week, so fingers crossed something will come up,” she says. “I won’t be on the street.”

Only two Galway TDs voted to change housing policy

By

Kate Robinson

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September 27, 2018

Galway daily news Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil leaders agree on framework for government

Only two Galway TDs voted in support of a motion of no confidence in current housing minister Eoghan Murphy during Tuesday’s Dáil vote.

Catherine Connolly of Galway West and Michael Fitzmaurice of Galway-Roscommon supported the motion, which comes in the midst of a severe housing crisis and widespread criticism of perceived government inaction.

The motion called for the Government to accept the failure of the two-year-old Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness and remove Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy from office.

Murphy has held the position for 15 months.

The motion – led by Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin of Dublin Mid West – also called for a new housing plan to provide affordable public housing and tackle homelessness with less of a reliance on emergency accommodation.

It narrowly lost by ten votes, 59 to 49.

Notably, two independent Galway TDs were among those who supported the Fine Gael government’s handling of the crisis.

Seán Canney (Galway East) and Noel Grealish (Galway West) both voted against the motion despite not being tied to a political party.

Galway’s Fianna Fáil TDs chose to sit out the vote, with Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West) and Anne Rabbitte (Galway East) both recorded as not present.

More than 20 TDs absented themselves during the vote, mostly from Fianna Fáil.

The rest of the party abstained.

“I have no hesitation in supporting this motion,” Catherine Connolly said.

“I have been here for just over two and a half years, and I have listened to three successive Ministers…All three have one thing in common; they relied utterly on the market to provide.”

Connolly called the current housing policy “appalling” and noted that the market sees homes as commodities for profit.

Among the solutions she offered were for the government to recognise housing as a human right and to use public land to build public housing.

“There is a serious emergency and we require a serious solution that [the Minister] is not giving us,” she added.

Deputy Fitzmaurice commented:

“The reality is there is chaos in every aspect of housing currently. In fairness, no Minister can click his or her fingers and build houses overnight. Sadly, the figures that have come out over the past two years have been lies and damned lies.”

He cited “false figures” for house builds and “major discrepancies” in the government’s numbers as reasons for supporting the motion.

Dublin Mid West TD Eoin Ó Broin introduced the motion by stating that both Deputy Murphy and the Rebuilding Ireland housing policy have failed.

“Since the plan was published over two years ago homelessness has increased by 60%, child homelessness has increased by 77% and pensioner homelessness has increased by an unimaginable 80%…

“This is the reality of Rebuilding Ireland. Behind every statistic is somebody’s brother, sister, mother or father. Every one of the more than 10,000 homeless people, including the 4,000 children who will sleep tonight in emergency accommodation, is being failed by Deputy Eoghan Murphy and his housing plan.”

Deputy Murphy responded that the crisis is “complex”.

“Not everything has worked out like we hoped it would, such as the repair and lease scheme for example, but other initiatives have worked out better such as our fast track planning process.

“Progress will not always be linear and we will face setbacks. However, real, tangible progress is being made in terms of homes being built…

“More new homes will be provided this year than in any year in the past decade. Over 20,000 new places to live in will be delivered and still we have more to do. My job as Minister is to get it done but I will not be distracted by populist nonsense that contributes nothing to the challenges that we face,” he said.

Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship granted permission for new place of worship

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September 27, 2018

Galway Daily news Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship given permission to use building as place of worship

Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship have been granted permission to use an existing building as a place of worship and local youth centre.

Galway county council gave permission for the converted use of the building in Dunlo township, Ballinasloe.

Council planners carried out an inspection of the site earlier this month and raised no objection to the application.

Operating hours on Sunday morning and Wednesday evening should be agreed with the planning authority before the centre opens.

No music or other amplified noise can be broadcast into the street, or in such a manner as to be a nuisance to neighbours.

It was also stipulated that no signage or advertisement structures outside of what was contained in this application can be put up without a further grant of planning permission.

Plans for the place of worship were first submitted to Galway County Council by the Ballinasloe Christian Fellowship in late July.

Galway county council gave permission for the planning application with a total of four conditions attached.

Justice Minister backs Garda forum after dozens of Galway students report sexual assaults

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September 27, 2018

Galway Daily news Justice Minister back garda forum after many Galway students sexually assaulted

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has said that he supports an urgent forum of the Gardaí, Rape Crisis Centres, and Colleges after reports of up to 50 students being sexually assaulted in Galway.

The Minister was responding to a question in the Dáil from Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin.

Mr Martin expressed alarm at news this week that 45 – 50 students in Galway have reported being raped or sexually assaulted in the past six months, and three students in Cork have reported being raped since the start of the college year.

The Opposition leader said that, “The most alarming fact is the three women did not feel they could go to the Garda because of the circumstances of the sexual assault and the rape.”

“They went to the rape crisis centre. They felt it was their own fault as alcohol was involved. Two of the three women have already dropped out of college.”

When news of the high number of students becoming victims of sexual assault came out this week, Executive Director of Galway Rape Crisis Centre Cathy Connolly said that September and October are busy months for them when the college year begins.

She warned that the reports from Cork likely don’t show the true number of people being sexually assaulted and raped, as many victims will go months or more before the feel able to report it.

Deputy Martin asked the Minister to, “convene an urgent forum involving the Garda Commissioner, representatives of the Rape Crisis Network, leaders of third-level institutions and the Higher Education Authority to begin the process of looking at this in a more comprehensive way than we have done to date.”

The Justice Minister’s response

Minister Flanagan said that he was equally concerned by the reports and has been meeting with garda management and other advocacy groups about the problem.

“There is merit in making contact with the management teams in our third-level colleges,” he said, ” I acknowledge the importance of the Garda protective services unit, which is engaged on the ground in ensuring those who report crime of a sexual nature are dealt with in a most compassionate and comprehensive way.”

He urged any young person, and women in particular, who are sexually assaulted or rape to, “report the matter to the Garda Síochána where there are structures available.”

The Minister finished by referring to the review of how sexual offences are reported and prosecuted underway by NUI Galway Professor of Law and practicing barrister Tom O’Malley.

Spásanna ar fáil go fóill sa rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge a bheas ag tosú go luath

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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September 27, 2018

ColourStrings i nGaeilge a bheas ag tosú go luath- Galway Daily

Tá spásanna fós ar fáil sa rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge a bheas ag tosú go luath.

Beidh an rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge á tosú Dé Satharn an 6ú Deireadh Fomhair ag a 11i.n. i Scoil Chroí Íosa.

S’éard atá i gceist leis an rang ColourStrings ná rang ceol a bheas na páistí ábalta amhráin Gaelach agus idirnáisiúnta a fhoghlaim le gluaiseacht agus nodaireacht ceoil.

Déanann na páistí bunchéimeanna damhsa traidisiúnta agus dámhsa éagsúla mar aon le cnaguirlsí a casadh agus bíonn an-spraoi acu ag imirt cluichí ceoil.

Tugann na ranganna deis iontach do na tuismitheoirí agus na páistí eispéireas dearfach ceoil a fháil trí mheán na Gaeilge. Faoi láthair tá spásanna fós ar fáil más mian leat do ghasúir féin a thabhairt chuig na ranganna.

Dúirt Julie Anne de Brún atá i mbun eagrúchán an rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge,

“Tá spás agam sa rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge faoi láthair. Beidh an rang ColourStrings i nGaeilge ag tosnú i Scoil Chroí Íosa, gar d’Ospidéal Ollscoile na Gaillimhe, maidin Dé Satharn ag 11i.n. ar an 6ú Deireadh Fómhair.

“Tá súil agam go mbeidh sibh in ann teacht chuig an rang. Is rang fíor álainn í is bíonn sult is spraoi i measc an rince, canadh is ceoil.

“Is féidir libh an foirm seo a líonadh má tá suim agaibh.”

Loughrea students place second at international Formula 1 in Schools competition

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September 27, 2018

Galway Daily news St. Brigid's Loughrea place second at international Formula 1 in Schools competition — Andrew Denford, F1 in Schools,Ross Brawn, Formula One Managing Director of Motorsports, Chase Carey, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of the Formula One Group and F1 in Schools on the podium at Formula One World Championship, Rd15, Singapore Grand Prix, Qualifying, Marina Bay Circuit, Singapore, Saturday 15 September 2018.

Students from St. Brigid’s College in Loughrea did Galway proud in science and sports, placing second at the international Formula 1 in Schools championship in Singapore.

Formula 1 in Schools is the world’s largest STEM competition for second level students, with over 20 million people taking part across five continents.

Students form their own Formula 1 team and compete to design, build and race miniature CO2 powered race cars.

These aren’t your old scalexrix toys though, as the cars are capable of reaching 120km/hr on the track.

St. Brigid’s team CCJ AutoVinco were the only European competitors on the podium after the world finals at Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit last Sunday.

They were pipped for the top spot by the Australian team by the merest .01 of a second.

Ruth Conway (17), Seán Fahey (17), Sinéad Kennedy (17), Alannah Curley (17), Bhagya Bowatte (17) and Ciaran Connors (17) have spent almost three years working on this project to compete at the world stage.

Irish motorsports legend Eddie Jordan met the team at the famous F1 paddock to congratulate them over the weekend, and came away suitably impressed.

“As a group of students these guys epitomise everything that is good about Irish people, ultra-professional and meticulous in their approach,” he said.

“Competing with the very best in the world and not afraid to be there, but also able to deliver it in a uniquely Irish way with buckets of personality, I can see these guys running another Irish F1 team in years to come.”

The prizegiving for the secondary school pupils was the first time since Heinz Harold Frentzen put Eddie Jordan’s team on the top step in 1999 that the tri-colour has adorned the F1 podium.

Over the course of the competition, the students were assessed on every aspect of their work.

From the research, design, and manufacturing of their, right through to their enterprise and management with the team.

As well as taking overall second place, St. Brigid’s team were nominated for the best engineered car and enterprise awards, and received the top award for sponsorship and marketing.

CEO of Formula 1 Chase Carey said to the three ranking teams at the awards, “I want to thank and congratulate tonight’s competitors, who are the most impressive group of young people that I have ever met in many years.”

“Your energy and passion are incredible and my hope is that some of you will end up in Formula 1 at some point in the future, but what is clear is the world is yours.”

“You are an incredibly talented group of individuals and all of you have exciting futures ahead of you. If the future of the world is based on our youth, the future of the world is in good hands.”

From home, Loughrea’s CCJ AutoVinco were sponsored by John Campion, Irish American businessman and owner of CJJ Motorsport.

John has been a tremendous supporter of Irish Motorsport, and youth talent in particular, over the last number of years with the Team Ireland scholarship programme for up and coming Irish drivers.

The team also partnered with many other Irish businesses including Supermac’s, DHL Ireland, the GRETB, 3D Technology Ltd., Avaya, Dawnlough Precision, Logstrup Ireland, Alkermes, and ALS Minerals.

GALWAY GAA – Opinion: Franny’s Still Got It!

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September 27, 2018

Media outlets are not famed for covering Junior C Hurling Finals. With so much sport, especially in a county like Galway, it’s hard for the various local publications or radio stations to fit time or resources into covering these games.

Now, there’s no questioning they should do them, and with Galway Bay FM, they have when possible. Indeed, I’ll never forget two consecutive cold December Saturdays when I was starting out in sports reporting back in the early 2000s and campaigns were only getting finished.

I can’t remember the games themselves, but I can remember how numb my fingers were. But, while struggling to gain a composed voice for the radio links, I was determined to treat this game like any other final – Senior, All-Ireland etc.

These are county finals! And the players competing have given up their time to compete (and train) for the chance to gain silverware. For some, it could be their first or last shot at glory! For others, family or work reasons counter against the necessary commitment and this grade allows them stay involved.

Of course, for others, it might just be handy 😀. Now, I am being unfair but I smiled coming into Kenny Park on Saturday (22nd September) watching a player remove his gear from the boot.

He was chatting away to a colleague, got his gear out and locked the car, and then lit up a cigarette and headed to the pitch! It was priceless! I even tweeted about it. It now felt like a County Junior C Final!

You'd know well its the day of a County Junior C Hurling Final when you pull into the car park, see a player getting his gear and then lighting a cigarette before heading to the pitch 😁

— Darren Kelly (@DazK1978) September 22, 2018

Of course, that’s just going along with the stereotype and all these players, including our smoking buddy, were treating this game seriously and it showed when Kilbeacanty and Turloughmore locked horns and eventually ended all square.

However, supporters, pundits or followers are always looking for someone who goes that extra step. I was there to do commentary for Dermot Flaherty Video and below our commentary position, there was one player putting himself through a rigorous warm-up on his own beforehand.

At first glance, I thought it was him. Then it certainly was him. And I checked the match programme to confirm.

More famous now as the right-hand man flanking Galway senior hurling manager Micheal Donoghue (or under 21 hurling manager Tony Ward), there was Franny Forde putting himself through a drill no different to what he’d watch Joe Canning, Padraic Mannion et all do in the maroon and white.

I’m 40 and while I won’t out him, I believe Franny is a couple of years ahead of me. He may have been the oldest player lining out. But his dedication and commitment was second to none. And is showed out on the field.

Kilbeacanty Junior C Hurling — The Kilbeacanty team which drew with Turloughmore in the Junior C final, Back row, left to right: Cathal Fahey, John Curley, Tom Broderick, Justin Fahey, Tommy o Donnell, Gerry Lally, john Fordham, Jordan Mullins, Pat Fahey, Frank Gillane, Noel Glynn, Mike Coen, Steve Carey, Willie Fahey, Daragh Reilly. Front row, left to right: Pat Mulkerins, Kenny Corless, Simon O Grady, Mike McNamara, Oisin O Donnell, Conor Hennelly, Shane Moylette, Aaron Gilchrist, Declan Donohue, Hamish Donaldson, Conor Diviney. (Photo: Joe Keane)

His rampant runs were causing the Kilbeacanty defence no end of problems before he sent a crossfield ball into Joe Hession’s direction leading to Turloughmore’s goal on nine minutes.

And in the second half, he struck three superb points from play, added two frees and was unlucky to see another bounce of the upright. He produced a man of the match performance (along with Kilbeacanty’s Conor Hennelly) and will be influential again in the replay.

Indeed, Hession is the senior manager and he wouldn’t be ill advised to consider Forde’s status after the replay takes place.

On a weekend where the golfing world marvels at the return of Tiger Woods to the winners’ enclosure, another dedicated craftsman continues to perfect his game on a smaller scale. No doubt, if he’s reading this, he’ll be quick to point out no trophy has been won and wonder why this article made print.

But sometimes, it is important to note the contributions of our unsung heroes and acknowledge their efforts. From a Croke Park Sunday just five weeks previously, a misty low-key affair doesn’t diminish the determination to succeed.

He’s still got it! Glad I was there to see it!

Turloughmore Junior C Hurling — The Turloughmore Junior C team which drew with Kilbeacanty in the county final, Back row, left to right: Back row from left Jamie Joyce, John McGrath, Paric Nestor,
Sean Collins, Robert Dunleavy, Christy Kearney, Conor Feeney, Mark McGrath, Shane Dunleavy, Ronan O Shaughnessy, Micheal Holland, David Rabbit, Sean Hughes, James Collins, Keith Fahy, Brian Morris, Martin Spellman, Paul Kearney, Keith Hession. Front row left to right: Adrian Morris, Tom Costello, Francis Forde, Joe Hession, John O Brien, Tom Murphy, Shane Morris, Tom Caulfield, Denis Forde, Donnacha Hughes, Sean Shaughnessy, P.J. O Brien, Stephen Kearns, David Barret,
Mascot in front is Luke Dwyer.

GALWAY GAA: Kilbeacanty and Turloughmore to go Again

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September 27, 2018

County Junior C Hurling Final – Saturday, 22nd September 2018

Kilbeacanty 0-16 Turloughmore 1-13

Darren Kelly in Kenny Park (Pictures: Joe Keane)

Kilbeacanty and Turloughmore will be forced to go again after a contest level seven times. With 10 minutes remaining, Turloughmore were destined for victory as they led 1-13 to 0-12. But Kilbeacanty managed to finish with four unanswered points started by two Conor Hennelly frees.

Kilbeacanty could have taken it on 58 minutes but Kenneth Corless’ shot saw an excellent save from Keith Hession even if the point was conceded. But when Hennelly equalised in injury time, the inevitable stalemate was set. It was no surprise taking events over the hour into account.

Kilbeacanty went 0-4 to 0-1 ahead on seven minutes. Shane Moylette came close to an early goal after a Patrick Fahey delivery but Hennelly converted the resulting 65 before adding another free.

John O’Brien opened Turloughmore’s account but Kilbeacanty looked strong. Moylette set up Thomas Broderick for the third white flag before Fahey and Mike McNamara were influential in Hennelly’s point from play. However, Turloughmore weren’t to be undone and got back on level terms.

Francis Forde sent the ball across to the awaiting Joe Hession who struck first time off the ground to the net. Oisin O’Donnell replied but Turloughmore were starting to win the exchanges. Robert Dunleavey (2) and Donnacha Hughes put James Collins’ team 1-4 to 0-5 ahead on the quarter hour.

Kilbeacanty vs Turloughmore — Kilbeacanty full forward Shane Moylette breaks through the Turloughmore defence as Joe Hession of Turloughmore gives chase (Photo: Joe Keane)

Noel Glynn and Hennelly levelled, two more Hughes placed balls restored Turloughmore’s supremacy but Mike McNamara and Hennelly left it 1-6 to 0-9 at half-time. Three Hennelly frees gave Kilbeacanty a 0-12 to 1-7 lead on 35 minutes before Turloughmore seized the initiative.

Francis Forde was the catalyst with two points inside a minute before frees for Shane Morris and Francis Forde (2) gave Turloughmore a 1-12 to 0-12 cushion entering the final 10 minutes. When Francis Forde registered on 50 minutes, it looked curtains for Kilbeacanty but they came back.

Kilbeacanty vs Turloughmore Junior C Hurling — Kilbeacanty midfielder Cathal Fahey makes a vital late break through the Turloughmore to set up a vital score despite the challenge of Turloughmore defender Ronan O’Shaughnessy. Also in the photo are Kilbeacanty’s Noel Glynn and Turloughmore’s Joe Hession. (Photo: Joe Keane)

Scorers – Kilbeacanty: Conor Hennelly 0-11 (eight frees, two ‘65s), Mike McNamara 0-1, Noel Glynn 0-1, Oisin O’Donnell 0-1, Thomas Broderick 0-1, Kenneth Corless 0-1.

Scorers – Turloughmore: Francis Forde 0-5 (two frees), Joe Hession 1-0, Donnacha Hughes 0-3 (all frees), Robert Dunleavey 0-2, Shane Morris 0-1, Mark McGrath 0-1, John O’Brien 0-1.

Kilbeacanty: Jordan Mullins; Pat Mulkerins, Thomas O’Donnell, Gerry Lally; Patrick Fahey, John Fordham, Frank Gillane; Justin Fahey, Conor Hennelly; Mike McNamara, Noel Glynn, Stephen Carey; Oisin O’Donnell, Shane Moylette, Thomas Broderick.

Subs used: Mike Coen for Broderick (HT), Aaron Gilchrist for Fahey (47 mins), Kenneth Corless for Coen (53 mins).

Turloughmore: Keith Hession; Tom Caulfield, Tom Costello, Shane Dunleavy; Keith Fahy, Shane Morris, Ronan O’Shaughnessy; Mark McGrath, Robert Dunleavy; John O’Brien, Joe Hession, Conor Feeney; Denis Forde, Donnacha Hughes, Francis Forde.

Subs used: Tom Murphy for Hughes (HT), Christy Kearney for D Forde (48 mins), Sean Hughes for O’Brien (53 mins).

Referee: Vincent Burke (Ballygar)

Vodafone submits plans for 30m antennae near Athenry to improve coverage

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September 26, 2018

Galway Daily news Mobile tower plans to address broadband "blackspot" near Recess

Vodafone has submitted a planning application with Galway County Council to erect a 30m high antennae mast near Athenry.

The mobile network says the additional infrastructure is needed to improve their mobile and broadband coverage in the area.

The lattice structure would include multiple antennae, satellite dishes and ground based equipment surrounded by security fencing.

Vodafone plans to build the antennae structure at Caherateemore South, Belleville just north of Athenry.

Also included are submissions from the landowner, Mr John Bane, consenting to the application to build on his land, and Three Ireland.

The letter from Three says that with the rollout of 3G and 4G services, more telecommunications sites are needed for networks to meet their licence obligations.

It adds that in accordance with the county development plan and government guidelines, they share antennae structures for telecommunications equipment.

Thus the development could also improve Three’s coverage in the area.

Public submissions about the development can be made to Galway county council up to October 7.

A decision is due from the council on whether to grant planning permission by the end of October.

Spriocdháta don Chúrsa Aistriúchán i gCarna ag teannadh linn

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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September 26, 2018

Cúrsa Aistriúchán i gCarna - Galway Daily

Tá an spriocdháta don chúrsa Aistriúchán i gCarna ag teannadh linn.

Níl ach cúpla lá fágtha agat chun chur isteach ar an gcúrsa Aistriúchán a bheas ar siúl i gCarna. Tá Europus ag fógraíocht an Dioplóma Iarchéime/Teastas i nGaeilge Fheidhmeach agus Aistriúchán faoi láthair.

Tá an Dioplóma Iarchéime/Teastas i nGaeilge Fheidhmeach agus Aistriúchán á reáchtáil ag Europus i gcomhar le Údarás na Gaeltachta agus GMIT(faoi réir fhaomhadh Bhord UnaG).

Is comhlacht aistriúcháin agus comhairleoireachta teanga é Europus atá suite ar an gCeathrú Rua i gCo. na Gaillimhe. Cuireann an comhlacht seirbhísí aistriúcháin, comhairleoireachta, agus fotheidealóireachta ar fáil.

Beifear ag cur an chúrsa don Dioplóma Iarchéime/Teastas i nGaeilge Fheidhmeach agus Aistriúchán ar siúl ag tosú ar an 18ú Deireadh Fómhair. Beidh agallamh agus scrúdú scríofa ar iarrthóirí agus roghnú randamach i gcás an iomarca iarrthóirí. Cúrsa 6 mhí atá i gceist i gCarna i gConamara, agus níl aon táille i gceist.

Iarratais faoin 5:00pm an 28 Meán Fómhair 2018 chuig Europus, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe.

Gach eolas ó Europus 091 595492, eolas@europus.ie nó cliceáil anseo.

Nearly 50 students in Galway report being sexually assaulted in six months

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September 26, 2018

Galway Daily news Tusla admits failing in case of three girls abused in Galway foster care

Almost 50 students in Galway have reported being the victim of rape or sexual assault in the past six months.

Galway Rape Crisis Centre have said that between 45 and 50 students have come to the them in the past six months, with September and October always being busy months.

The figures from Galway Rape Crisis Centre have emerged after news that three students in Cork reported being raped in the first week of college.

The Irish Independent reported that the head of Cork Rape Crisis Centre shared those figures with the city’s Joint Policing Committee on Tuesday.

Executive Director of Galway Rape Crisis Centre Cathy Connolly said that those numbers are not uncommon,

She also said they don’t reflect the true number of incidents, as many will not report sexual assault for several months.

According to her, a trigger might cause people to decide to report what happened, or to seek help, some time after the assault take place.

Some of the victims that come to the Galway Rape Crisis Centre can be as young as 14, she added.

In addition, Ms Connolly confirmed that it’s always a busy period for them when the college year starts in September of October

“We are always very busy when colleges come back. First-years can be quite vulnerable, but you might not see the figures straight away.”

The issue of consent surrounding sexual encounters between students has become an increasingly repeated topic of conversation in out colleges lately.

This year NUI Galway’s Students’ Union is rolling out consent workshops for first year students at Corrib Village and Goldcrest Students Residencies.

NUI Galway falls 100 spots in world university rankings

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September 26, 2018

NUI Galway has fallen 100 places in the latest World University Rankings compared with last year.

The Times Higher Education Rankings for 2019 just released place NUI Galway in the 301 – 350 category of the world’s top universities, a major drop from last year when it ranked in 201 – 250.

The significant drop in university rankings this year has seen NUIG slip in its placement among Ireland’s colleges.

In the 2018 rankings released last year NUI Galway placed second in Ireland behind Trinity, but this year has seen it fall below UCD and the Royal College of Surgeons as their rankings stayed steady.

Most institutes in Ireland have either fallen in university rankings or else held static in their position.

Trinity remain the highest ranked higher education institute in Ireland at 120th place, down three spots from last year.

DIT, the only Irish Institute of Technology on the list dropped dramatically from 601 – 800 down to 801 – 1000.

UCD and the Royal College of Surgeons both held steady at 201 – 250, as did DCU at 401 – 500 and University of Limerick at 501 – 600.

But UCC and Maynooth University both bucked the trend by climbing the rankings. UCC went up from 351 – 400 to 301 – 350, and Maynooth placed in 351 – 400, up from 401 – 500.

While NUIG and other universities have fallen many places compared to their global counterparts, the results are less because of an overall decline in quality than because investment simply isn’t keeping pace what’s happening around the world.

The THE Higher Education Rankings marks universities based on five categories: Teaching, Research, Citations, Industry Income, and International Outlook.

At NUIG those scores largely remained steady, with only Citations seeing any significant decline from a score of 80.5 last year to 71.9 in the latest results.

Ellie Bothwell, ranking editor for the Time Higher Education Ranking said that Ireland has the potential from Brexit and the US turning inwards, but that this will require heavy investment.

Funding for higher education in Ireland was slashed dramatically during the financial crisis and has yet to properly recover.

The Department of Education has said the government is spending €100 million more on higher education than two years ago, and will invest €2 billion in the sector of the next decade.

But other international markets are on the rise, with the number of Chinese institutes ranking undergoing dramatic growth.

Overall 72 Chinese institutes feature in the table this year, up from 63 last year. This year also marks the first time a Chinese institute, Tsinghua University, has topped the list of Asian entries.

The top of the list remains dominated by the same names as previous years, with Oxford and Cambridge keeping the top two spots and all of the top ten being from the UK or United States.

GALWAY CAMOGIE: Intermediate Semi-Finals Take Centre Stages

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September 26, 2018

The 2018 Duane’s Daybreak & Hardware Intermediate championship semi-finals are the feature event in Galway camogie this Saturday (29th September) with a double header in Gort GAA Grounds.

Carnmore will take on Castlegar at 12.30pm before Ahascragh/Caltra and Craughwell meet at 2.15pm.

All four teams qualified for the knock out stages with a game to spare before Carnmore and Craughwell took morale boosting victories over Ahascragh/Caltra and Castlegar respectively to top the two groups.

The winners from each game will contest the 2018 county final and in the event of either game finishing level, extra-time will be played.

There’re also the intermediate championship shield semi-finals occurring with the two contests scheduled for Sunday (30th September).

Mountbellew/Moylough and Kiltullagh/Killimordaly will lock horns in Killimordaly at 12pm. While Shamrocks and Kiltormer will collide in the second semi-final at 2pm in Tynagh.

Two outstanding Lough Rea Hotel & Spa Senior Championship games are still outstanding and they are expected for this weekend. Killimor are scheduled to meet Pearses, and Cappataggle are due to face Kinvara. Both games will affect quarter-final pairings and the relegation final.

In the Gullane’s Hotel Junior A championship, a play-off between St. Dominic’s and Salthill/Knocknacarra takes place on Saturday (12pm The Prairie) with the winners advancing to the semi-finals.

https://www.facebook.com/592705510778527/posts/1834437533271979/

Fixtures (29th/30th September 2018)

Saturday (29th)

Gullane’s Hotel Junior A Championship Play-Off

St. Dominic’s vs Salthill/Knocknacarra (12pm The Prairie)

Duane’s Daybreak & Hardware Intermediate Championship Semi-Finals

Carnmore vs Castlegar (12.30pm Gort)

Ahascragh/Caltra vs Craughwell (2.15pm Gort)

Sunday (30th)

Duane’s Daybreak & Hardware Intermediate Shield Semi-Finals

Kiltullagh/Killimordaly vs Mountbellew/Moylough (12pm Killimordaly)

Kiltormer vs Shamrocks (2pm Tynagh)

To Be Confirmed

Lough Rea Hotel & Spa Senior Championship

Cappataggle vs Kinvara, Killimor vs Pearses

GALWAY CAMOGIE: Senior Round-Up (Sunday, 23rd September 2018) https://t.co/CkEP61oMuU

— Galway Page (@galwaypage) September 24, 2018

RACING: Galway October Meeting Launched in The Yard

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September 26, 2018

The launch for the 2018 Galway Races October Meeting took place in the Yard Restaurant on Tuesday evening (25th September).

The meeting will take place from Saturday 27th to Monday the 29th of October including a very special fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research (BCR) on Saturday the 28th.

Some pictures from tonight’s October Racing Launch 🍁🐎#Galwayraces #RaceInPink #Fundraiser #Research #BreastCancer #AutumnRacing pic.twitter.com/C8eaYG0Pm1

— Galway Races (@Galway_Races) September 25, 2018

October’s Bank Holiday Meeting is full of Fun and Entertainment with themes on all three days.

The ‘Spooktacular Halloween Themed Family Race Day’ takes place on Saturday, the Breast Cancer Research Fundraising Day is Sunday, and The Student Race Day is on the Monday.

As part of this new October Festival, on Sunday 28th Galway Races will host a dedicated fundraiser for Breast Cancer Research (BCR). The team at Galway Racecourse are proud to be working with Professor Michael Kerins and his dedicated team at BCR to organise this event.

The Mayor & the Stallion…. @niall_mcnelis pic.twitter.com/AWyIRGTwvQ

— Kieran O Malley (@GalwayPlayer) September 25, 2018

The first day will be focused around fun, ‘Spooktacular’ Halloween themed family activity!
Racegoers can enjoy the usual great facilities in the enclosure such as delicious food, bar facilities, on-course bookmakers, the big screen, live music and of course great horse racing.

Monday sees the return of our show stopping Student Raceday in conjunction with the NUIG Voluntary Services Abroad and NUIG Rugby Club, with 7 action packed races, live music, fashion competitions and much more.

Tickets for this event can be purchased from the NUIG Socs Box, which include a return bus from NUIG to the racecourse, entry to the races and entry to nightclub afterparties included in ticket price of €20.

The turnstiles open at 11.30am each day, two hours before the first race and there is free car parking. Adult and student admission is just €15 where they can enjoy on-course music and fantastic competitions.

And children under 16 are free!

LGFA: Only Three All-Star Nominations for Galway

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September 26, 2018

"Sinead Burke" "Nicola Ward" "Tracey Leonard"

Galway’s senior ladies football team can feel very hard done by after the 2018 All-Star nominations were announced on Tuesday (25th September).

The Tribeswomen received just three nods as Sinead Burke and Nicola Ward were named in defence; while captain Tracey Leonard is nominated in the attack.

However, fellow losing semi-finalists Donegal received eight nominations (including four in defence despite conceding 11 championship goals – Galway conceded six but get two defensive nods).

And Leonard will have to battle Dublin’s key attacker Noelle Healy for the centre forward slot, despite the latter primarily playing her football in the full forward line.

While failing to reach the All-Ireland Final makes nominations scare, Stephen Glennon’s charges will have genuine grievances as they beat Mayo (league finalists) twice and were emphatic winners over Waterford and Westmeath.

Players like Emer Flaherty, Louise Ward, Olivia Divilly, Roisin Leonard and Caitriona Cormican were unlucky. But certainly, Ailbhe Davoren and Leanne Coen merited inclusion in the final 45.

Video: Quickest goal of the day! See Louise Ward hit the net for Galway against Westmeath after 18 seconds! @SportTG4 All Ireland SFC @LadiesFootball @GalwayLgfa pic.twitter.com/zr0tmP5zjx

— Jerome Quinn (@JeromeQuinn) July 28, 2018

In the end, Galway were clearly punished for their poor semi-final first half against eventual winners Dublin and it was no surprise that the back-to-back winning Metropolitans lead the way with 14 nominations, while runners-up Cork are honoured with 12 players on the list.

Next were Donegal (8), Galway (3), Kerry (2) with Armagh, Cavan, Mayo, Sligo, Tipperary and Tyrone getting one each.

Seven players from the 2017 All Star team are nominated for awards once again.

Dublin goalkeeper Ciara Trant is joined on the 2018 list of nominees by team-mates Leah Caffrey, Nicole Owens, Sky Blues captain Sinéad Aherne and Noelle Healy, who was also the 2017 Senior Players’ Player of the Year.

Cork’s Emma Spillane and Donegal’s Ciara Hegarty were 2017 All Star recipients and they’re nominated for awards again.

One player will be chosen from three shortlisted in each of the 15 positions to make up the final selection.

The 2018 TG4 All Star team will be announced at a gala banquet at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday, December 1, along with the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Players’ Player of the Year award winners, the Provincial Young Players of the Year and the 2018 inductee into the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) Hall of Fame.

2018 TG4 All Star nominations

Goalkeepers

Ciara Trant (Dublin), Martina O’Brien (Cork), Noelle Gormley (Sligo).

Right Corner Back

Treasa Doherty (Donegal), Martha Byrne (Dublin), Eimear Meaney (Cork).

Full Back

Róisín Phelan (Cork), Nicole McLaughlin (Donegal), Aislinn Desmond (Kerry).

Left Corner Back

Sinéad Burke (Galway), Leah Caffrey (Dublin), Melissa Duggan (Cork).

Right Half Back

Sinéad Goldrick (Dublin), Máire O’Callaghan (Cork), Rachel Kearns (Mayo).

Centre Half Back

Ciara Hegarty (Donegal), Nicola Ward (Galway), Siobhán McGrath (Dublin).

Left Half Back

Niamh Collins (Dublin), Emma Spillane (Cork), Deirdre Foley (Donegal).

Midfield

Lauren Magee (Dublin), Neamh Woods (Tyrone), Ashling Hutchings (Cork)

Olwen Carey (Dublin), Caroline O’Hanlon (Armagh), Katy Herron (Donegal).

Right Half Forward

Ciara O’Sullivan (Cork), Karen Guthrie (Donegal), Carla Rowe (Dublin).

Centre Half Forward

Tracey Leonard (Galway), Noelle Healy (Dublin), Aisling Maguire (Cavan)

Left Half Forward

Lyndsey Davey (Dublin), Eimear Scally (Cork), Aishling Moloney (Tipperary).

Right Corner Forward

Geraldine McLaughlin (Donegal), Sinéad Aherne (Dublin), Áine O’Sullivan (Cork).

Full Forward

Doireann O’Sullivan (Cork), Yvonne Bonner (Donegal), Niamh McEvoy (Dublin).

Left Corner Forward

Orla Finn (Cork), Nicole Owens (Dublin), Sarah Houlihan (Kerry).

Wayfair to add 200 new Galway jobs

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Kate Robinson

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September 26, 2018

Galway news - Wayfair to add 200 Galway jobs

Online retailer Wayfair will add 200 jobs in an expansion of its European headquarters in Galway

US online retail company Wayfair will be adding 200 new jobs to its Galway location, the company announced today.

The Boston-based furniture and homewares seller – one of the largest in the world – has had its European headquarters in Galway since 2009.

It currently employs more than 400 people in the West of Ireland.

The new jobs will be in the areas of customer service, operations, sales, and finance in both office-based and ‘virtual’ or remote positions, so many will be able to work from home.

Wayfair has nearly 10,000 employees around the world.

They noted that this expansion is possible due to the rapid growth of the European homewares market.

Liz Graham, vice president of sales and service at Wayfair, commented: “Over the past ten years, as we expanded our Galway workforce from a few employees to more than 400 today, the team has continuously delivered exceptional support for our customers in Europe.

“There is no doubt that the excellence of our Galway team has been a key driver in our tremendous business growth across the region.”

Minister for Rural Affairs and Natural Resources Sean Kyne said: “The expansion by Wayfair in Galway reflects the wealth of skills, including language and ICT, in the West of Ireland.

“That companies like Wayfair have chosen Galway as a hub for their European operations is a boost not only for Galway but for the West and the Atlantic Economic Corridor.

“The launch too of a virtual workforce at Wayfair will ensure the benefits will be felt across the country with team members working in their communities.”

The expansion is supported and welcomed by IDA Ireland.

GALWAY CAMOGIE: Ballinderreen Celebrates 50 Years!

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September 26, 2018

Ballinderreen Camogie Club will celebrate their 50th birthday this Saturday (29th September) with fun-filled day of activities at the GAA pitch.

A special mass will be celebrated on the pitch to begin proceedings before a commemorative tree is planted to mark the occasion.

Afterwards, there will be a Skills Master Class for all underage players between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. This workshop for all ages will be overseen by Galway County senior stars who will join in the celebrations.

There will be a break at 3pm as everybody heads down the road to Kinvara to support Ballinderreen’s Junior B Hurling Team. They take on Oranmore/Maree in the county semi-final replay and a massive attendance is expected.

But they will be back in Ballinderreen for the main event at 5.30pm. The Ballinderreen Legends take on the Current Junior Panel in a battle so keenly anticipated, Galway Bay FM are sending their correspondent Darren Kelly down to report on the action!!!

The party will conclude tea, sandwiches and awards in the community centre afterwards. And a special celebratory Ballinderreen Camogie Top is being commissioned and orders will be taken on the day.

So, join Ballinderreen Camogie Club this Saturday (29th September) as they celebrate a landmark occasion and wish them all a Happy Birthday!

GALWAY UNITED: 2018 Galway Daily Senior Player – THE FINAL!!!

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September 26, 2018

"Eoin McCormack" "Alex Byrne" "Stephen Walsh" "Conor Barry"

The semi-finals of our 2018 Galway United Senior Player of the Year competition closed last night (Tuesday) as the nine contenders were whittled down to the final four.

Eoin McCormack topped the poll with 65% followed by Conor Barry (43%), Stephen Walsh (40%) and Alex Byrne (33%).

The winners from each group advanced to the final which takes place today (Wednesday) and were joined by the best runner-up (Alex Byrne – 33%).

Some of those unfortunate to be eliminated included Marc Ludden, Tadhg Ryan, Alan Murphy and Ryan Connolly.

On Thursday, we will declare the 2018 Galway United Senior Player of the Year.

Any ties will be decided by our adjudication panel. All you need to do is log into (and like) our twitter page and like your favourite player in each section each day. It’s that simple. Each poll will last for 15 hours.

Semi-Final Results

EOIN McCORMACK – 65%, Ryan Connolly – 18%, Gary Shanahan – 17%

CONOR BARRY – 43%, Marc Ludden – 29%, Tadhg Ryan – 28%

STEPHEN WALSH – 40%, ALEX BYRNE – 33%, Alan Murphy – 27%

The post below will show the final draw with the overall results on Thursday (27th September). Best of luck to all players!

2018 GALWAY UNITED SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR!!!

THE FINAL!!!

Who was your top Galway United player in 2018? Vote Below for your favourite!@GalwayUnitedFC @GalwayUnited @gufccoop @SSEAirtricityLg #galwayunited

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) September 26, 2018

Works to remove invasive waterweed from Lough Corrib will return next year

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September 26, 2018