Home Blog Page 925

RUGBY: My Connacht Champion Competition 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Connacht Champion

With two games to go in the Month of Champions, Connacht Rugby want to celebrate champions all across the province.  

That’s why we’re introducing #MyConnachtChampion, which showcases the champions in communities across Connacht and gives you the chance to win some special tickets to our remaining Month of Champions games.

What Is #MyConnachtChampion? 

Champions are not just the rugby players on the field. They can be anywhere in the West of Ireland. They’re the people who volunteer with their local club or group, or the parents who spend their nights bringing their kids to training or rehearsals.

They are the people who are striving to make the lives of others better, and deserve the recognition as a result.

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/1039901487697154049

How Do I Enter? 

Send Connacht Rugby your nomination on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by tagging them using @ConnachtRugby and the hashtag #MyConnachtChampion.

Tell a bit about the person you’d like to nominate and why they’re a champion in your eyes. If you have a photo or video of your nominee send it in too.

What Do I Win? 

The two winning entries, chosen by their judges, will receive two Hospitality Tickets for either the Guinness PRO14 meeting with Scarlets on Saturday 22nd September 2018, or the interprovincial derby with Leinster on Saturday 29th September 2018.

These hospitality packages include pre-match food in the Heineken Clubhouse, live pre-match entertainment, match tickets and post-game meet and greet with some of the players. Your winning entry will also be showcased on the big screen at half-time of the game.

 When Can I Enter? 

You can enter at any time! The winner of the Scarlets tickets will be announced on Thursday 20th September on Connacht Rugby’s social media, while the Leinster ticket winners will be announced a week later, on Thursday 26th September.

All nominations submitted prior to the Scarlets game will also automatically be included in selection for the Leinster tickets.

CONNACHT RUGBY: Kieran Marmion and Bundee Aki in PRO14 Panel 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Bundee Aki

Ireland international scrum half Kieran Marmion is set to make his first start of the Guinness PRO14 campaign as Connacht take on Edinburgh in Murrayfield on Friday (September 14th). 

The game also marks the return of Bundee Aki who is named on the bench for Connacht’s first away trip of the season.

Marmion’s return is one of four changes to the Connacht starting side that secured a bonus point win over Zebre, with young Sligo prop Conan O’Donnell, lock Ultan Dillane and winger Niyi Adeolokun also included.

21-year-old Academy player Paul Boyle is again named at number 8 after his two tries and Man of the Match performance against Zebre. He is part of an unchanged back row with Captain Jarrad Butler at openside and Sean O’Brien at blindside.

Adeolokun’s inclusion on the wing sees him join a back three that includes Matt Healy on the opposite wing and Tiernan O’Halloran at full back. The centre pairing of Eoin Griffin and Kyle Godwin is also retained with Aki set to feature off the bench.

“It is pleasing that we have some real depth and quality coming through,” said Head Coach Andy Friend. “It’s how we balance it while rewarding good performances at the same time. We also really need that physicality against this Edinburgh side.

“This week we are welcoming back two more internationals. Kieran Marmion will start, having come off the bench last week. He is a real quality player and it is great to have him in our starting team after getting an extra break following Ireland’s tour to Australia.

“The other big addition is to have Bundee back. He starts off the bench and is raring to go. We face a big challenge in Murrayfield and no doubt Edinburgh will be hurting after the loss last weekend – it’s another massive challenge for us.”

Connacht Team vs Edinburgh (Friday, 7.35pm Murrayfield): 

Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Eoin Griffin, Kyle Godwin, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Conan O’Donnell, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham; Gavin Thornbury, Ultan Dillane; Sean O’Brien, Jarrad Butler, Paul Boyle. 

Replacements: Shane Delahunt, Peter McCabe, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, James Cannon, Colby Fainga’a, Caolin Blade, Craig Ronaldson, Bundee Aki.

CONNACHT RUGBY: Eagles Squad vs Dragons 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Connacht Eagles

The Connacht Eagles management team have named their squad for Saturday’s (15th September) Celtic Cup Round 2 meeting with Dragons in Ystrad Mynach. 

Robin Copeland has been named at number 8 as he continues his recovery from injury – he’s joined by Cillian Gallagher and Cian Huxford in the back row.

Peter Claffey and Joe Maksymiw renew their second-row partnership, while the front row is also unchanged with Tom McCartney captaining the team alongside props Matthew Burke and Conor Carey.

Conor Fitzgerald is retained at out-half with Conor McKeon named at scrum-half. There’s one other change from the side that lost to Munster last week with Sean O’Brien coming in at centre alongside Kieran Joyce.

Wingers Colm De Buitlear and Rory Scholes along with full-back Darragh Leader make up the back three.

Connacht Eagles vs Dragons (Saturday, 2.30pm Ystrad Mynach): 

Darragh Leader; Rory Scholes, Sean O’Brien, Kieran Joyce, Colm de Buitléar; Conor Fitzgerald, Conor McKeon; Matthew Burke, Tom McCartney ©, Conor Carey; Peter Claffey, Joe Maksymiw; Cillian Gallagher, Cian Huxford, Robin Copeland. 

Replacements: Jonny Murphy, Jordan Duggan, Conor Kenny, Cormac Daly, Neal Moylett, James Mitchell, Conor Dean, Conor Hayes.

CONNACHT RUGBY: New Alternative Jersey for 2018-19 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Connacht jersey

Connacht Rugby in partnership with BLK Sport, have unveiled their new alternate jersey for the 2018/19 season. 

The new jersey is made with BLK’s exclusive Exotek fabric throughout the main body bound with reinforced cover stitch and lycra paneling. Exotek was created exclusively by BLK to enhance athlete performance, while maximising player maneuverability.

The new alternate jersey draws inspiration from the deep Atlantic Ocean, with a solid navy body, silver lycra paneling and logos, finished with striking fluro green piping and cover stitch detail. The jersey also features a unique silicon gel logo application and fluro green Connacht branding on the lower back.

’We are delighted with our new alternate jersey for the 18-19 season.,” said Brian Mahony, Head of Commercial and Marketing at Connacht Rugby. “BLK have yet again delivered a jersey that is both eye catching and fresh whilst still representing Connacht Rugby.’’

“We’re very excited about this year’s new alternate jersey,” added Bruce Wood, Head of Brand Ireland at BLK Sport.  “We’ve worked closely with Connacht management to develop a new jersey that we feel the fans and players will really enjoy.”

“It’s fantastic to continue our close relationship with Connacht Rugby,” concluded Anne-Marie Hanley, Senior Marketing Manager at Intersport Elverys.  “The new alternate jersey will be available in 15 stores across our network and online along with the new training range.”

The new alternate jersey and training range are exclusively available at Intersport Elverys and online at from Friday 14th September. 

CONNACHT RUGBY – Recap: Under 18 Girls Two Out Of Two 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Connacht Munster under 18 girls

Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Series – Sunday, 9th September 

Connacht 26-10 Munster 

The Connacht Under 18 Girls produced a brilliant performance on Sunday to defeat Munster and make it two wins from two in the Under 18 Girls Interprovincial Series.

With the girls boosted from a late but deserved win over Ulster on the opening weekend, the side were again able to find an additional gear in the closing stages when needed, this time overcoming a late Munster fightback

The opening quarter saw Munster dominate much of the possession and territory, and the pressure eventually told when a quick tap penalty saw them touch down in the corner and a 5-0 lead.

That immediately sparked a resurgence in the Connacht camp, and they got a crucial score just before half-time when Beibhinn Parsons got her first of three tries, showing her lightning pace to set-up an easy conversion opportunity for Meabh Deely which made it 7-5 to Connacht at the break.

For Full Match Report – Click HERE 

Connacht’s under 18 Girls Team conclude their 2018 Interprovincial Series against Leinster on Saturday, 15th September.  Kick-off at Barnhall RFC is 2.45pm. 

CONNACHT RUGBY: Three Teams Named for Interprovincial Finales 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Connacht Rugby

The Connacht U19, Women and U18 Girls teams have all been named ahead of their respective final Interprovincial Series games on Saturday (15th September). 

The under 19s head to Thomond Park to face Munster (k/o 1.30pm), and there are six changes to their starting 15 as they look to end their campaign on a high.

Monivea’s Cathal Fleming and Ballinasloe’s Oisin McCormack (Galway minor footballer) are drafted in to the pack; Creggs’ Tim Lambe is named at scrum half; while Oughterard’s Robert Deacy and Corinthians’ Diarmuid Klicommins are named on the three-quarter line.

Roscrea’s Jerry Cahir (prop) is the other change from a team that also features four Galwegians players (Iarlaith Morrin Laheen, Joshua Dunne, Conor O’Shaughnessy, Oran McNulty).

Connacht u19s vs Munster (Saturday, 1.30pm Thomond Park): 

Oran McNulty; Diarmuid Kilcommins, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Robert Deacy, Conor O’Shaughnessy; Dylan Prendergast ©, Tim Lambe; Jerry Cahir, Billy McVann, Liam Winnett; Iarlaith Morrin Laheen, Cathal Fleming; Donnacha Byrne, Oisin McCormack, Joshua Dunne. 

Replacements: Eoin De Buitléar (Corinthians), Conal O’Griofa (Corinthians), Harry O’Reilly, Fergus Galvin (Galwegians), Hubert Costello (Corinthians), Evan Kenny (Corinthians), Cameron Watson, Saul O’Carroll.

The Connacht Women also go in search of their first interpro win of the season when they host Ulster at The Sportsground (k/o 2pm), and their management team have made three changes from the side that lost to Leinster last time out.

Galwegians’ Ciara O’Connor is re-installed at hooker.  Nicola Caldbeck and Hilary Griffin are the other changes in a team that includes NUIG’s Orla Dixon and either other Galwegians (Laura Feely, Amelie Roux, Denise Redmond, Edel McMahon, Nichola Fryday, Mary Healy, Nicole Fowley, Mairead Coyne).

Connacht Women vs Ulster (Saturday, 2.30pm Sportsground): 

Mairead Coyne; Jill Draper, Catherine Martine, Nicole Fowley, Orla Dixon; Hilary Griffin, Mary Healy; Laura Feely ©, Ciara O’Connor, Ann Marie O’Hora; Nicola Caldbeck, Amelie Roux; Denise Redmond, Edel McMahon, Nichola Fryday. 

Replacements; Moya Griffin, Elizabeth McNicholas (Tuam), Julia Bauer, Clodagh Dunne, Tara Buggie (Galwegians), Shannen Lane (Galwegians), Ellen Taite, Rachel Healy.

Meanwhile the under 18 Girls are one win away from an historic Interprovincial double for the province. With two wins from two so far, victory over Leinster at Barnhall RFC (k/o 2.45pm) would see them emulate the under 18 Boys in sealing the Interprovincial title.

They’ve made three changes from the team that beat Munster.  Ballinasloe’s Claudia McNicholas is named at hooker.

Kayley Mannion and Hannah Johnston are the other changes in a team that features seven other Ballinasloe players (Jordan Hopkins, Emily Gavin, Aoibheann Reilly, Meabh Deely, Hannah Gullane, Beibhinn Parsons, Aine Galvin).

Connacht under 18 Girls vs Leinster (Saturday, 2.45pm Barnhall RFC): 

Aine Galvin; Finola Collins, Beibhinn Parsons, Niamh Kenny, Hannah Gullane; Meabh Deely, Aoibheann Reilly; Mary McLaughlin, Claudia McNicholas, Kayley Mannion; Jordan Hopkins, Grace Browne Moran; Emily Gavin ©, Hannah Johnston, Lily Brady.

Replacements: Macy McDermott, Mia Fahy (Ballinasloe), Sarah O’Rourke, Rachel Cox, Rian Callaghan, Nina Mathastein, Katie Hogan, Ava Ryder.

Over 50,000 on waiting lists for Galway University Hospital

By
Michael Malone
-
0

A record number of people were on waiting lists across Ireland during August, the National Treatment Purchase Fund has revealed.

There were 39,883 people on an outpatient waiting list for University Hospital Galway.

That number rose from 39,082 in July and signifies a rise of 1,466 since the start of the year.

Of the 39,883 people,  over five and a half thousand have been on the waiting list for over 18 months.

There were also 10,181 people on inpatient waiting lists for UHG, virtually unchanged from 10,082 in July.

Over three and a half thousand people are also waiting for an appointment at Portiuncula Hospital, with 217 on the inpatient waiting list.

Nationally, the number of people on outpatient lists  hit 514,585, about 2,500 more than in July.

Of these, 66,191 were waiting for an ENT appointment, 63,324 for orthopaedics and over 20,000 were waiting to see a cardiologist.

 

 

 

GALWAY GAA: Historic Day for Sarsfields on Sunday 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
Sarsfields GAA

Sarsfields GAA club will celebrate a historic day on Sunday (16th September) when it officially opens its GAA grounds in New Inn. 

And to mark the occasion, the club will host a senior hurling championship fixture when Killimordaly and Turloughmore clash at 3.30pm.

A souvenir programme has also being compiled for the day that also features mini games at underage level and opportunities for businesses to advertise with signage on their new pitch.

This development proved a huge undertaking for the parish.  Hundreds of hours of free labour were provided by volunteers from the local community along with much of the €450,000 investment required.

The club extremely grateful for this support and are already witnessing the positive impact this valuable resource has had on the community.  Sarsfields Hurling and Camogie Clubs, local primary and post-primary schools and club members have all become regular users of the facilities.

The event begins at 1.30pm with under hurling mini games involving Killimordaly, Turloughmore and Sarsfields.  The blessing of the grounds by V. Rev. Pat Kenny PP will take place at 3pm followed by the official opening from Club President David McGann.

Turloughmore and Killimordaly’s senior hurlers will take to the field just after 3.10pm with Amhrán na bhFiann playing 15 minutes later.  And referee John McDonagh will throw the ball in five minutes later.

The under 12 camogie players from Sarsfields will entertain supporters with their mini games at half-time in the senior match.  And all are welcome for refreshments and presentations in New Inn Leisure Centre at 5pm.

Killimordaly meet Turloughmore in Round 4 of the 2018 Senior Hurling Championship on Sunday, 16th September.  Throw-in at New Inn is 3.30pm.

GALWAY GAA: Seven Hurlers Make Galway Daily Team 

By
Darren Kelly
-
0
"Padraic Mannion" "Joe Canning" "Daithi Burke" "Eoin Murphy"

Voting concluded on Wednesday (12th September) for the 2018 Galway Daily Senior Hurling Team of the Year and followers opted to keep seven Tribesmen players in their starting 15. 

Padraic Mannion, Daithi Burke, Aidan Harte and Gearoid McInerney were named in the defence; David Burke took a midfield position; while Joe Canning and Conor Whelan took their places in the front six.

The overall breakdown was Galway (7), Limerick (5), Clare (2) and Kilkenny (1).

The All-Ireland champions have Declan Hannon and Sean Finn in defence, Cian Lynch in midfield, with Aaron Gillane and Kyle Hayes in attack.

Clare also have two attackers named Peter Duggan and John Conlon named.  And Kilkenny’s Eoin Murphy took the goalkeeping slot.

Some of those unfortunate to miss out included James Skehill (Galway), Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork), Jonathan Glynn (Galway) and Joseph Cooney (Galway).

Ahascragh/Fohenagh’s Padraic Mannion topped the final poll with 84%, followed by Murphy 74%, Daithi Burke (68%) and Canning (64%).

As stated, we picked the positions based on the 15 players you selected which involves a couple of positional switches but this is our team.  The final poll results are available underneath.

2018 GALWAY DAILY SENIOR HURLING TEAM OF THE YEAR 

  1. Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny) 
  2. Sean Finn (Limerick) 
  3. Daithi Burke (Galway) 
  4. Gearoid McInerney (Galway) 
  5. Padraic Mannion (Galway) 
  6. Declan Hannon (Limerick) 
  7. Aidan Harte (Galway) 
  8. Cian Lynch (Limerick) 
  9. David Burke (Galway) 
  10. Peter Duggan (Clare) 
  11. Kyle Hayes (Limerick) 
  12. Joe Canning (Galway) 
  13. Conor Whelan (Galway) 
  14. John Conlon (Clare) 
  15. Aaron Gillane (Limerick) 

Final Poll Results 

GOALKEEPER 

EOIN MURPHY (Kilkenny) – 74%, James Skehill (Galway) – 26%

DEFENDERS 

DAITHI BURKE (Galway) – 68%, AIDAN HARTE (Galway) – 22%, Dan Morrissey (Limerick) – 7%, Adrian Tuohey (Galway) – 3%

PADRAIC MANNION (Galway) – 84%, SEAN FINN (Limerick) – 12%, Johnny Coen (Galway) – 4%, Richie English (Limerick) – 0%

DECLAN HANNON (Limerick) – 60%, GEAROID McINERNEY (Galway) – 20%, Mike Casey (Limerick) – 14%, Diarmuid Byrnes (Limerick) – 6%

MIDFIELDERS 

DAVID BURKE (Galway) – 41%, CIAN LYNCH (Limerick) – 35%, Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork) – 22%, Aonghus Clarke (Westmeath) – 2%

ATTACKERS 

JOE CANNING (Galway) – 64%, KYLE HAYES (Limerick) – 13%, Graeme Mulcahy (Limerick) – 12%, Cathal Mannion (Galway) – 11%

PETER DUGGAN (Clare) – 40%, AARON GILLANE (Limerick) – 27%, Jonathan Glynn (Galway) – 22%, Patrick Horgan (Cork) – 11%

JOHN CONLON (Clare) – 35%, CONOR WHELAN (Galway) – 30%, Joseph Cooney (Galway) – 18%, Tom Morrissey (Limerick) – 17%

Psych nurse jailed for assaulting colleague with syringe at University Hospital Galway

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily courts Psych nurse at University Hospital Galway assaulted fellow nurse with syringe

A psychiatric nurse at University Hospital Galway has been given a 12 month sentence for assaulting a fellow nurse with a syringe filled with sedative, anti-psychotic medication.

Kofi Kankam (48), with an address at 15, the Clarin, Athenry pleaded not guilty to assaulting Emer Hyland at UHG‘s Psychiatric Unit in February of last year.

Galway District Court heard that on February 5, 2017 gardaí brought a patient into the male ward of the psych unit who was very unwell and required immediate attention.

The Irish Times reports that Ms Hyland testified that on the evening in question she was dealing with a different patient who had fled from the unit.

The young nurse, who is in her twenties, was at the nurse’s station on the phone with security trying to get information on her missing patient when she felt a sharp pain in her side.

Standing near to her were Kankam and another nurse, Donna Long, who were dealing with the patient gardaí brought in.

Nurse Long was holding a kidney dish with two syringes prepared for the patient containing sedative and anti-psychotic medication.

However, their patient opted to take his medication orally, and she was informed there would be no need for the syringe.

Ms Hyland said she jumped when she saw blood coming from her side and went into a closet with Ms Long to examine her side.

Then, she said, Kankam came into the closet after them and apologised to her.

Ms. Lond said that she was holding the dish containing the syringes, which had sheathes covering them, when Kankam grabbed one of them all of a sudden.

When he placed it back on the tray, she could see that there was blood on the syringe.

Hospital management were made aware of the incident and Ms Hyland was brought to the A&E for treatment, while Kankam was escorted to the door and told to go home.

Kankam claimed that he had been bantering with Ms Hyland before the incident and grabbed one of the syringes jokingly.

He said that he saw the sheaths was on the syringe when he picked one up, and that it must have fallen off when he wasn’t looking.

But under cross-examination by solicitor for the defence John Martin, Ms Hyland said she had not been engaged in any talk with Hyland.

She had just come off the phone and her back to him when it happened. “He passed a comment ‘I’ve got the gal’,” she said.

While Ms Hyland said she loved working in Galway, she was traumatised by the incident and has since move to a different psychiatric unit in Mayo.

Addressing Judge Mary Fahy, Kankam said that he never meant to hurt Ms Hyland, that he apologised to her at the time and has written a letter of apology since then.

Judge Fahy said that he might claim to be sorry, but he wasn’t sorry enough to plead guilty and avoid having to bring this to a hearing.

While he had the right to contest the charge, Judge Fahy said, in doing so he put his victim through the trauma of having to come to court and give evidence.

“It’s a very serious assault, to prick someone with a syringe and to have it done to you by another professional working with you is simply outrageous,” she said.

Because he refused to plead guilty, the judge said, there was no possibility of him avoiding a prison sentence.

Mr Martin said that his client, who has been a nurse in Ireland for ten years, had come back from Africa specifically to face this charge.

He asked the judge suspend any sentence, or it would end Kankam’s career as a nurse.

“It should be ended,” Judge Fahy said, imposing a 12 month prison sentence.

Kankam was granted leave to appeal the sentence.

Molscéal bainte le Pobal na Gaeilge agus Aip nua beo acu anois

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
-
0
Aip Molscéal ar an bhfón

Aip iontach úsáideach curtha le chéile ag foireann Molscéal agus é dírithe ar Pobal na Gaeilge.

Nach mór bliain iomlán atá Molscéal ar an bhfód anois agus na scéalta acu dírithe ar an chroí lucht féachana, iad siúd a bhfuil an Ghaeilge mar ghnáth-theanga acu agus ag mealladh an t-aois grúpa 35+.

Dé Céadaoin seo chaite an 5ú Meán Fómhair ag Seoladh Sceideal Fómhair TG4, sa Tribeton, labhair Eagarthóir Molscéal, Deirdre Ní Choistín maidir leis an Aip Molscéal atá beo acu anois agus í éasca le íoslódáil ar an PlayStore agus an AppStore.

Seo mar a dúirt Deirdre ar an lá,

“Tá Molscéal bainte le Pobal na Gaeilge, aon rud bainte le teanga, baineann sé le daoine agus pobal agus tá chuile scéal a bhíonn ar Molscéal bainteach le Pobal na Gaeilge anseo sna Gaeltachtaí agus sna Cathrachaí agus thar sáile.

“Tá painéal do dhaoine a bhíonn ag cruthú ábhar atá lonnaithe ina bpobal féin agus roghnaíonn siad scéalta atá spéis ag an pobal féin iontu.

“San aip atá beo anois ar PlayStore agus an AppStore, tá scéaltaí ann ó gach ceann na tíre. Is féidir do réigiún a roghnú do na scéalta.

“Chuireadh tús le seo nach mór bliain ó shin agus go dtí seo tá 1.6 milliún amharc físeán fáilte. Léiríonn sé go bhfuil éileamh ag Pobal na Gaeilge ar gearrfhiséan i nGaeilge a bhaineann leo féin agus an Pobal agus tá ábharacha agus siamsaíocht don saol agus sin an chur chuige atá anois.”

Aip iontach úsáideach í Molscéal ó thaobh an áisiúleacht de. San Aip seo tá sé rannóg a bheas ann go deo:
1. Nua
2. Nuacht
3. Sport
4. Siamsaíocht
5. Trendáil
6. Cartlann

Is féidir brú trasna ar an roghchláir agus feictear chuile rannóg atá ann, agus tá rannóg eile ann dos na Réigiún. Tá sé iontach áisiúl gur féidir dul isteach sna socruithe agus do rogha réigiún a roghnú.

 

Feictear go bhfuil Connacht roghnaithe mar Réigiún agamsa ach tá sin éasca le n-athrú má théann tú chuig socruithe agus brú ar an réigiún atá ann. Tabhairfidh sin isteach sna réigiún eile atá ann agus is fédir leat pé cheann is mian leat a roghnú théis sin. Mar seo thíos;

Ceann dos na rannóg is ansa liom ó thaobh an Aip Molscéala dé ná an Cartlann agus #anláseo, mar gurb féidir féachaint siar go dtí an la sin blianta ó shin. Sár obair déanta ag Mícheál Ó Floinn a bhíonn i mbun na scéalta #anláseo a roghnú.

Tá Mícheál théis ainmniúcháin a fháil sna #Gradaim 18 do Feachtas Meán Soisialta na Bliana. Go néirí go geal leis.

Seo mar atá daoine ar Twitter ag labhairt faoi Molscéal.

Is léir go bhfuil suim iontach san aip agus cén fáth nach mbeadh. Tá sí iontach áisiúl le n-úsáid agus gearrfhíseán ar fad atá ann do pobal na Gaeilge cruthaithe acu siúd atá lonnaithe sna pobail sin. Bainigí triail aisti. Déan Aip Molscéal a íoslódáil gan moill.

 

Coillte sells stake in Connemara wind farm as part of €136 million deal

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news Plans in the works for Wind Farm near Moylough

Coillte has sold its 50% stake in Cloosh Valley wind farm in Connemara as part of a €136 million deal to divest from wind farm assets in Galway and around Ireland.

The wind farm, built in Connemara’s Cloosh Valley, was co-developed by Coillte and SSE Airtricity, which owns the other 50% share.

Greencoat Renewables has purchased Coillte‘s share of Cloosh Valley wind farm, as well as 50% stakes in Raheenleagh wind farm in Co. Wexford and Castlepook wind farm in Cork, as well as a 25% stake in Sliabh Bawn wind farm in Roscommon.

The Irish based investor in renewable energy paid a total of €136.1 million for all four wind farms, significantly more than their €125 million valuation by Coillte when first put up for sale.

Fergal Leamy, Chief Executive of Coillte said the sale, ” demonstrates the exceptional quality of the renewable energy assets which we have developed over the last four years.”

“This sale clearly demonstrates the value we can create from every hectare of land we own to ultimately deliver enhanced value to our shareholder.

“The proceeds from the sale will be reinvested in the business to generate more value and to enhance the overall value of the Group.”

“Over the coming months we will announce details of how we plan to develop in excess of 1,000 MW of renewable energy generating capacity over the next 10 years across a pipeline of 25 projects we have identified on the Coillte estate.”

The Cloosh valley farm is a major part of Galway Wind Park, making up 36 of the 69 turbines in the largest wind farm in Ireland.

Galway Wind Park came online last year, with the capacity to generate over 600GWh of green energy a year, enough to power every home in Galway city and county.

Over the past four years, Coillte has invested €25 million in developing the wind farms being sold, along with its partners ESB, Bord na Móna, and SSE, on top of contributing the land for them.

The €136 million sale announced this week marks a major return on the investment Coillte has made in renewable energy.

Bernard Gautier, Partner at Greencoat Capital said: “We are delighted with this investment into one of Ireland’s premier infrastructure portfolios, and alongside some of the country’s most experienced and trusted utilities.”

“As a strategic scale asset, this is another example of our ability to find value across the entire market, and allows Coillte to recycle its capital to build out their significant development portfolio. We look forward to deepening our strategic partnerships with SSE, ESB, Bord Na Mona, and Coillte itself.”

While Coillte is selling its stake in the wind farm itself, it will retain ownership of the land in Cloosh Valley it’s built on, which will continue to be a source of revenue as it rents the land for the utilities’ use.

Croí Heart and Stroke promoting blood pressure awareness in Galway this month

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news Galway based heart and stroke charity Croí promote blood pressure awareness

September is World Heart Month and Croí Heart and Stroke charity are asking the people of Galway to ‘Make Your Heart a Promise’ to look after their blood pressure.

President of the World Heart Federation Professor David Wood joined Croí in Galway this week to support their efforts to help people understand how important managing blood pressure is to heart health.

Research conducted by Croí found that 43% of people in the West of Ireland had blood pressure above the recommended target of 140/90mmHg.

Of those who suffered from high blood pressure, 70% didn’t know what the recommended level for a healthy heart and brain was.

Half of those asked hadn’t heard the term ‘hypertension’, and most worryingly, many believed that a person would be able to tell if they had high blood pressure without getting it tested.

Announcing this, Croí Prevention Nurse Lead & Director of Programmes, Irene Gibson said:

“These findings revealed a poor knowledge and awareness of blood pressure and its importance for heart and brain health among those already diagnosed with high blood pressure which is worrying.”

“High blood pressure is estimated to be responsible for at least 25% of heart attacks in Europe and is the leading cause of death worldwide. Our aim for the month of September is to screen over  1,000 people across the West of Ireland for high blood pressure.”

Croí is a charity group tackling heart disease and stroke here in the West of Ireland based out Croí House on Moyola Lane in Newcastle.

In support of the World Heart Federation’s ‘My Heart Your Heart’ campaign, Croí are asking people in Galway to make their own commitment to eat more healthily, make an effort to get active, and avoid smoking.

Over the month of September, Croí will be offering free blood pressure checks across Galway working with local community partners.

The checks will available at the following dates and places:

  • Thursday, September 20 –  Ballymacward and Gurteen Social Club
  • Thursday, September 20 –Evergreen Healthfoods, Eyre Square Shopping Centre
  • Saturday, September 22 –Evergreen Healthfoods, Oranmore
  • Thursday, September 27 –Evergreen Healthfoods, Galway Shopping Centre
  • Friday, September 28 –Eyre Square Shopping centre in association with Boston Scientific
  • Saturday, September 29 – Ardrahan GAA Club

To find out what times tests will be available, check with the local host, or call Croí on 091-544310.

Deontas suas le €54,120 do Choiste Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua.

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
-
0
Deontas ceadaithe chun Pháirc an gCeathrú Rua a gcoimeád gearrtha - Galway Daily

Deontas suas le €54,120 ceadaithe ag an Aire Stáit McHugh do Choiste Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua, don obair deartha ar athchóiriú/atógáil an Halla

D’fhógair Joe McHugh T.D., Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus Aire Stáit don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin, inné, 12 Meán Fómhair, go bhfuil deontas suas le €54,120 ceadaithe aige do Choiste Halla Éinne, An Cheathrú Rua, Co. na Gaillimhe, le cur ar chumas an Choiste comhairleoirí a cheapadh le tabhairt faoin obair a bhaineann le réimse seirbhísí deartha i leith obair athchóirithe/atógála atá i gceist acu a dhéanamh ar an halla.

Is mar Ionad Ealaíne agus Oidhreachta atá sé i gceist ag an gCoiste an Halla agus an suíomh mórthimpeall air a fhorbairt amach anseo, le béim curtha ar chúrsaí Gaeilge, cultúrtha, ealaíne, oidhreachta agus óige.

Is i gcomhréir leis an ngealltanas atá tugtha i leith an Chláir Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga faoi Ghníomhartha 2.13, 2.21, 2.22 agus 5.48 de Phlean Gníomhaíochta 2018-2022 an Rialtais don Ghaeilge, a seoladh i Meitheamh 2018, atá an deontas seo á cheadú.

“Tá súil agam go gcuideoidh an deontas leis an choiste gníomhach seo an togra a bhrú chun cinn,” a dúirt an tAire Stáit McHugh.

“Beidh áis den scoth ar fáil amach anseo don phobal láidir Gaeltachta seo agus is cinnte go gcuideoidh sé le cuairteoirí a mhealladh chuig an cheantar fosta.”

Three departments at Galway University Hospitals shortlisted for medical awards

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news Criticism levelled at slow delivery of Tuam X-Ray facilities

Three departments at Galway University Hospitals have been shortlisted in both categories of the 2018 Medray Awards.

Both the X-Ray Departments at UHG and Merlin Park Hospital have been nominated for the awards, along with the Radiotherapy Deaprtment at University Hospital Galway.

The Medray Awards are run by the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy in partnership with Medray Imaging Systems, for hospitals staff that go the extra mile for patients.

Medray is a leading provider of x-ray equipment in Ireland for hospitals, dentists, and veterinarians.

Chris Kane, General Manager of Galway University Hospitals Galway, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the X-Ray Departments at University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital have been shortlisted for this year’s Medray Awards.”

“The Medray awards aim to recognise where staff go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure their patients and clients receive the utmost of special care and attention and this is what makes it such a meaningful award to be in the running for.”

Galway University Hospitals make up half of all nominations for the 2018 awards. The only other x-ray department in the running is Roscommon University Hospital.

While the Radiotherapy Department at UHG will be competing against the Beacon and St. Luke’s hospitals in Dublin.

The nominations came after a “rigorous inspection process” from the Irish Institute of Radiography and Radiation Therapy that included site visits and a “secret shopper” style undercover inspection.

The winner will be chosen after a mixed public vote and site visit.

Online voting is open until the end of September.

Traffic very heavy around Galway City this evening

By
Michael Malone
-
0
Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

Traffic is very heavy around the City this evening.

The AA have warned that there are delays both ways over Quincentenary Bridge – the eastbound queue continues on to Sean Mulvoy Road and then on to the Dublin Road as far as GMIT.

College Road and Lought Atalia Road are very busy outbound heading in the direction of Moneenageisha. Further along, it’s very slow on Wellpark Road both ways between Moneenageisha and the Monivea Road junction.

Traffic is heavy on Bohermore outbound as far as Cemetery Cross. The Tuam Road is then heavy inbound from before Bothar na dTreabh through to the same junction.

There are eastbound delays on Bothar na dTreabh approaching Briarhill and westbound delays approaching the Kirwan Roundabout.

The Heaford Road is quite busy inbound from the Kirwan Roundabout through to University Road.

Galway facing massive shortfall of nursing home beds

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news Galway faces a massive shortfall in nursing home beds

Galway is facing a shortfall of up to 487 nursing home beds by 2026 as rural counties fall behind in government support under Fair Deal.

Regional counties are expected to be hardest hit by a national shortfall of 7,500 nursing home beds in the next eight years, with Donegal needing up to 581, Cork up to 526, Kerry up to 500, and Mayo as many as 480 beds.

Bank of Ireland has done a county by county analysis of the rise in demand for nursing home beds for the over 65s, versus how many new places are actually being supplied.

According to the Irish Times, the Bank of Ireland report blames the shortfall in regional counties with how much less they get than Dublin in rates under the Fair Deal.

Hillary Coates, head of BoI’s health sector, said that the construction costs for nursing homes have ballooned from €90,000 to €160,000 per bed space in the past four years.

But in the same period, the rates paid to nursing home operators under the Fair Deal scheme have only increased by 3.9%.

Under the Nursing Home Support Scheme, or Fair Deal scheme, the HSE provides financial assistance for people who need long-term nursing home care, paying up to 80% of the cost.

The maximum rates that are paid under the Fair Deal scheme reflect what was paid by the HSE and the health boards before 2009, when the scheme came into affect.

Nursing Home operators in Dublin are paid €1,320 per resident per week, massively more than rural counties like Tipperary, the lowest compensated, where they only receive €760.

Ms Coates said, “Dublin is benefitting from those Fair Deal rates. In reality it may require a change in policy direction and possibly Fair Deal rates to promote a more balanced regional development to ensure that capital investment is directed towards the regions where bed stocks will be most needed and people can actually age in their communities.”

A report on the Fair Deal Scheme published in 2015 said that it was “not fit for purpose”, said Chairman of Nursing Homes Ireland Maurice Pratt.

But a review of the scheme, despite promises that it would be completed by June 2017, still has not been published.

 

 

Water charges were doomed from the start by bad policy Galway study finds

By
Briain Kelly
-
0
Galway Daily news NUI Galway report finds water charges were doomed by poor policy from day one

A new report on public policy making by NUI Galway researchers has said that water charges were poorly conceived, terribly implemented, and ignored expert recommendations.

NUIG’s Whitaker Institute is holding a conference this week on ‘How (Not) To Do Public Policy’ with a report that looks at the abject failure of the water charges, and the success of the  Local Property Tax.

The report used exclusive access to senior policymakers and independent research to examine what decisions led to the success and failure of these policies, and how to avoid repeating the latter.

The general gist of how water charges failed, the report finds, is that the government was trying to achieve too much too quickly, and in doing so completely failed in getting the public onside.

The goal of reforming the water sector and introducing household charges was to create a water utility that was able to independently borrow funds.

This was meant to finance a massive programme of investment in water infrastructure.

Jim O’Leary, Economist and Chief author by of the report said, “A sense of trying to achieve too much too soon is suggested by the approach to the overall water sector reform programme.”

“All in all, in examining policy on water, our reading of the evidence is that it was driven by a vision that would have been more appropriate for a 7–10-year timeframe than a 3–5-year period.”

In order to borrow money on its own, Irish Water first had to become classified as an agency outside of the government sector, the ‘Eurostat test’.

This was never going to be popular, since one of the things that made Eurostat call it a government controlled agency in 2015 was the capping of household fees for water.

“Passing the so-called ‘Eurostat test’ was a treacherous basis for policy,” said Mr O’Leary.

Certain decisions were made before anyone had considered the implications of them, the report found.

Things like universal metering and the universal free allowance that never had alternatives rigorously assessed.

Jim O’Leary points to the Commission of Taxation’s proposals on water charges in 2009, which were ignored by the government who went on to do much the opposite of what it recommended.

Beyond just bad policy decisions, there was a complete disconnect between how the policy was designed, and how water charges were implemented, creating more chaos.

In the end, it was a failure to win hearts and minds that killed the policy, Mr O’Leary said.

And indeed water charges were met with massive public outcry, protests, and a campaign of non-payment by people around the country.

In contrast, the Local Property Tax succeeded as a matter of policy because there was some awareness of the difficulties that might occur in implementing them.

A key decision was giving the power to collect them to Revenue Commissioners rather than the Local Authority, who would have been more reluctant to enforce a potentially unpopular local tax.

This amazing new app lets users know all about Galway’s Westend!

By
Michael Malone
-
0
new galway app news

A new Galway app giving users recommendations about where to stay, eat, and drink has been launched, bringing Galway’s Westend to life on people’s phones.

The app was developed by Galway’s Westend, along with Boon Agency, who decided to make life easier for people visiting Galway and the neighbourhood by developing an app available on all smartphones.

The app lets people know where the locals go, and has interactive walk map trails that bring users through the area and inform them via interactive audio links of key places of interest.

 Malachy Duggan of Galway’s Westend explained: “The recordings were made using people living and working in the westend, so it’s a pure Galway take on an app.

“Once the app is downloaded and you pass a point of interest, you simply scan a QR code and the story of that place can be heard through your phone. We want to encourage people coming to Galway to cross the bridge in the westend and experience life here.

“Our businesses are owner occupied, so you get to meet the people who run and operate each business when you visit.

“It makes the area safer, we care about where we are working because we live here and have such a connection to the neighbourhood.”

Lisa Regan added: “We looked at our area and knew we needed to help people travelling to Galway and indeed living here to know all that is going happening on the other side of the river.

“This app allows people to connect with the people, the businesses and the things you need to be doing in real time when you get here. The app will allow you to never miss a trick, meal, gig or event in Galways westend.”

The Galways Westend app is available for download on all smartphones.

NUI Galway study finds significant improvements in Tusla Child and Family Support Services

By
Michael Malone
-
0
NUI GALWAY TUSLA REPORT NEWS

The UNESCO Child and Family Centre at NUI Galway has finalised a four-year study that has found significant improvements in Tusla’s Prevention, Early Intervention and Family Support services.

The NUI Galway research concluded that the culture of Tusla is changing and that it is becoming more preventative in focus and inclusive of parents and children.

The reports were launched with Tusla-Child and Family Agency today in Dublin.

Key Report Findings

  1. Overall, the research shows Tusla is getting better at providing early help for children, young people and their families.
  2. Significantly, the research is showing that Tusla’s flagship new programme for providing early help, Meitheal, is welcomed by families and is making a positive difference to their lives. When fully in place, the system may help reduce the numbers entering the child protection system.
  3. Importantly Meitheal is improving outcomes for children and young people over time, particularly from the perspective of mothers. Maternal well-being was the most significant predictor of family outcomes suggesting that supporting mothers is key to supporting families.
  4. The study also demonstrates good work by Tusla, benchmarked against international best practice, in listening to and including children, in its policies and the capacity of the front-line workers. There is strong evidence of children and young people’s participation being embedded across Tusla.
  5. The research results indicate promising results from Tusla’s work in supporting parents through its innovative Parent Support Champions programme.
  6. Overall, while the public’s awareness of Tusla increased over the four-year study, the research findings have shown that in the main, families turn to and depend on family and close friends for help and support.

In 2016, 47,399 child protection and welfare referrals were made to Tusla-Child and Family Agency, and 6,267 children and young people were in its care in 2016.

At the launch today, Tusla Chief Executive Fred McBride said: “The Prevention, Partnership and Family Support (PPFS) programme is growing, and with our Tusla National Child and Family Support Week promotional campaign underway from September 17-23, we hope that even more people will seek help from our range of family support services.

“Staff at the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre have been at our side to develop, and critically assess the PPFS programme.

“This work provides us with a rich understanding of the PPFS programme and it’s potential. The research carried out by NUI Galway has been executed in an academically robust and systematic manner, and provides us with a clearly defined body of knowledge that allows us to examine what we are doing, and why we are doing it.”

1...924925926...1,069Page 925 of 1,069