Ar ais le buile, Ros na Rún thar nais ar na scáileán ar HD…

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August 29, 2018

Galway Daily news Irish Water reacts to Loughrea drinking water quality concerns

Parts of the Williamstown Water Supply Scheme will experience disruptions tomorrow, as the scheme connects to Lough Mask.

All areas of the scheme supplied by Kilnaleg reservoir will see their water supply temporarily switched off as the connection is made to Lough Mask Regional Supply.

Galway county council advises that the interruption will last from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, August 30.

Other parts of the scheme, including the town, will not be affected.

The Williamstown water supply scheme was recently taken off the EPA’s blacklist with the completion of the extension to Lough Mask.

The €10 million upgrade to the Williamstown supply scheme involved laying 23km of pipes, as well as building a new pumping station at Ballyhaunis in Mayo, and a reservoir at Garranlahan.

Williamstown had been on the EPA blacklist since 2016 because it was at risk of developing Trihalomethanes, a carcinogenic chemical that forms when chlorine mixes with dissolved organic matter in water.

UHG has the second largest number of people on trolleys in Ireland again today

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August 29, 2018

University Hospital Galway is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland this morning with 38 patients waiting on trolleys.

UH Limerick takes home the grand prize with 47 patients waiting for a bed, and UH Cork comes in close third place where there are 37 patients on trolleys.

That’s according to today’s TrolleyWatch figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

In Galway’s other main hospital at Portiuncula, 11 patients are currently without a bed.

Throughout Ireland’s public hospitals, 381 patients are waiting on a trolley.

According to TrolleyWatch, only once this month has there been less than 300 patients on trolleys in Ireland on any given day.

On Friday, August 3 there were a mere 265 people without a bed in our hospitals, though that shot up to over 400 the next day.

Of the 20 days in August so far that TrolleyWatch has a breakdown of numbers by hospital available, UHG has been among the top three most crowded 11 times.

Four times so far this month, UHG has been the most overcrowded hospital in the country, while UHL is the most consistently overcrowded.

The INMO has been warning recently that over 200 nurses are needed to make up the shortfall in staffing at our Emergency Departments.

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

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August 29, 2018

"Noelle Connolly" "Olivia Divilly" "Caitriona Cormican" "Tracey Leonard"

The semi-finals of our 2018 Galway Daily Senior Ladies Footballer of the Year competition closed last night (Tuesday) as the 12 contenders were whittled down to the final four.

Glenamaddy/Williamstown’s Noelle Connolly topped the polls with 65%, followed by Tracey Leonard (53%), Caitriona Cormican (51%) and Olivia Divilly (48%).

The winner from each group advanced to the final which takes place today (Wednesday).

Some of those unfortunate to be eliminated included Emer Flaherty, Ailbhe Davoren, Sinead Burke and Leanne Coen.

On Thursday, we will declare the 2018 Galway Daily Senior Ladies Footballer 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

CAITRIONA CORMICAN – 51%, Sinead Burke – 25%, Roisin Leonard – 24%

TRACEY LEONARD – 53%, Emer Flaherty – 30%, Louise Ward – 17%

OLIVIA DIVILLY – 48%, Ailbhe Davoren – 29%, Nicola Ward – 23%

NOELLE CONNOLLY – 65%, Leanne Coen – 25%, Sarah Lynch – 10%

The posts below will show the semi-final draw and we will have winners each day along with the overall results on Thursday (30th August). Best of luck to all players!

2018 GALWAY DAILY SENIOR LADIES FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR!!!

THE FINAL!

Who was your top Galway senior ladies footballer in 2018?

Vote Below for your favourite@GalwayLgfa @ConnachtLGFA @LadiesFootball #galwaylgfa #properfan

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 29, 2018

Fears that forestry is threatening to overwhelm Galway farmlands

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August 29, 2018

Galway daily news Minister faces no confidence motion over forestry licencing backlog Canney says

Rural life and agriculture in Galway are being overwhelmed by too many forestry developments Galway-Roscommon TD Eugene Murphy is warning.

In Galway, 229 afforestation licences were granted between June 2016 and June this year according to Deputy Murphy, with only eight being refused.

Afforestation involves creating an area of forest where previously there was no tree cover.

An afforestation licence is required from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Maine for any forestry development larger than 0.10 hectares.

A licence from the Department is required for any project involving tree felling, aerial fertilisation, afforestation, or forest road construction.

However other than that licensing process forestry operations are not governed by planning permission, leaving the Local Authority with little control over them.

Deputy Murphy is warning that landowners are being crowded in by forestry, “Many rural areas have been inundated with forestry,”

“In some cases homeowners and landowners have been hemmed in on all sides of their property and there is a serious issue with a lack of sunlight.”

Nationally 3,326 afforestation licences were issued in the past three years, while only 93 applications were refused.

The abundance of forestry operations being given the go ahead has been particularly apparent in the west, with Galway, Leitrim, and Roscommon alone accounting for nearly a quarter of all licences issued: Galway (229), Roscommon (291), Leitrim (243).

The high number of developments going ahead in the west is also seen in the fact that of the 93 applications refused in the past three years, 25 were in those three counties.

These figures come from a parliamentary question Deputy Murphy submitted to Minister Michel Creed.

According to Deputy Murphy farmers are also feeling the pinch because: “Large commercial interests or timber companies are buying up large swaths of land for forestry plantations and pricing smaller landowners out of the equation and this is preventing many farmers from being able to extend their farm holdings.”

However the goverment’s midterm review of the 2014 – 2020 Forestry Programme released in February says that the forestry industry currently supports 12,000 jobs in Ireland, mostly in rural areas.

It says that forestry can actually complement agriculture, by having farmers convert the use of land that is unused or unsuitable for crops.

As a tourism and recreational amenity, 18 million people visit Ireland’s forests every year, with the total economic activity created by created by domestic and foreign forest users estimated at €406 million per year.

Climate Change

The 2014-2020 Forestry Programme aims to create 30,000 hectares of coniferous forests, mostly Sitka Spruce.

One of the goals of the forestry programme is too help Ireland meet its climate change targets by increasing our forest cover, which remains very low by European standards.

A hectare of Sitka Spruce can remove roughly 10 tonnes of CO2 equivalent every year.

However, while rapidly growing coniferous forests are ideal for the timber industry, they are not the best suited for absorbing emissions from the atmosphere compared with broad leafed alternatives.

Where afforestation is going ahead, Deputy Murphy believes the government should incentivise alternatives to Sitka Spruce.

“As a former horticulturist, I am not opposed to forestry developments provided that it does not hem in people and their properties. Also I feel that there should be a greater emphasis on broad leaf natives.”

He concluded by saying the government should introduce tax breaks for landowners who lease their land to active farmers to support traditional agriculture.

Beirt Gaillimheach roghnaithe mar Láithreoirí Nua Aimsire ag TG4

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Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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August 29, 2018

Beirt Láithreoirí Aimsire Gaillimheach ainmnithe ag TG4 - Galway Daily

Tá beirt Gaillimheach roghnaithe mar láithreoirí nua aimsire ag TG4 i dteannta Tír Chonailleach.

D’fhógair TG4 níos luaithe i mbliana go rabhadar ag lorg daoine chun chuir isteach ar an phost a bheith mar láithreoir aimsire agus chuireadh iarrataisí isteach ó fud fad na tíre. D’fhógair TG4 inné gur beirt Gaillimheach agus bean ó Tír Chonaill a bheas le feiscint ar bhur scáileán as seo amach.

Is as Teach Mór Thoir in Indreabhán, Co. na Gaillimhe í Catríona Ní Chualáin a bhain amach céim le hOllscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh sa bhliain 2014 agus Maistreacht Ghairmiúil san Oideachas ina dhiadh sin in Ollscoil Mhá Nuad.

Is múinteoir í i nGaelscoil Uí Fhiaich i Maigh Nuad ag múineadh rang Naíonán bheaga. Seo mar a bhí le rá ag Catríona faoina phost nua,

“Bhínn ag rá i gcónaí go mbeadh suim agam i bpost i mo chailín aimsire i TG4, agus bhí mé chomh sásta an deis a fháil tar éis an triail scáileáin a dhéanamh.

“An rud is fearr liom faoin aimsir ná go mbíonn leithscéal agam gléasadh suas chuile lá a mbíonn mé ag obair agus go mbíonn a fhios agam cén sórt aimsire a bheidh againn beagáinín níos luaithe ná chuile duine eile.”

An Gaillimheach eile a bheas le feiscint ar bhur scáileán as seo amach ná Orla Ní Fhinneadha. Rugadh agus tógadh Orla Ní Fhinneadha ar an gCloich Mhóir i gConamara.

Múinteoir bunscoile i Scoil Éinne ar an Spidéal í Orla a bhain a céim san oideachas amach i gColáiste Mhuire gan Smál i Luimneach agus máistreacht san Oideachas sa gColáiste Ollscoile, Baile Átha Cliath.

Amhránaí sean-nóis aitheanta í agus bhain sí amach an triú háit i gCorn Uí Riada ag Oireachtas na Samhna 2017. Bíonn Orla i mbun ranganna san amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós do ghasúir agus is breá léi a bheith ag plé leis an drámaíocht agus leis an ealaíon.

Sí Neasa Bheáid, a rugadh i Gaoth Dobhair a bheas i dteannta an bheirt Gaillimheach agus iad ag roinnt na dualgaisí agus an aimsir a chur i láthair.

Craoltar Aimsir TG4 chuile tráthnóna ag 6.55i.n agus ag a 9i.n. Is féidir tuileadh eolas a fháil ar Aimsir TG4 anseo.

Minister’s letter to Pope is just “publicity stunt” says Tuam Home Survivors Network

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August 29, 2018

galway daily news Tuam Home Survivors Network accuses Minister Zappone of publicity stunt

The Tuam Home Survivors Network has dismissed Children’s Minister Kather Zappone’s letter to Pope Francis about Tuam as a “publicity stunt”.

They accuse the Minister of engaging in a “desperate attempt” to regain personal and political credibility over a scandal that has dragged on for some time now.

Minister Zappone gave Pope Francis a letter about the Tuam Mother and Baby Home on Saturday while he was visiting for the World Meeting of Families.

In it she said that the Church should “willing contribute” towards paying for whatever option the government decides on regarding the Tuam Home site.

In its statement the Survivors Network slams the Minister for repeating a “myth” that she or the cabinet gets to decide what happens to the mass grave in Tuam.

“To be clear once more, the only office-holder with jurisdiction over the mass grave at Tuam is the local Coroner.

“Where a Coroner fails to convene an Inquest, the Attorney General has under s24 of the Coroners Act 1961, the power indeed obligation, to appoint another Coroner to do so.”

Minister Zappone has indicated that the government will soon make a decision on the Tuam Home site following the conclusion of the Commission of Investigation in to Mother and Baby Homes.

An expert advisory group’s report has laid out five possible ways to handle the mass grave at the Tuam Home site, ranging from a simple memorial to a full forensic excavation.

The Minister previously told Tuam residents at public meeting last month that she believed a full excavation should be carried out if at all possible.

A public consultation carried out by Galway County Council on behalf of the Minister asking Tuam residents and other stakeholders what they thought should be done with the Tuam site was also criticised for making people take sides on a highly emotional issue.

The Survivors Network says that the government has been dragging its heels on taking any action for the past two years, “which has prolonged the agony of survivors and those whose relatives may be buried there, by standing in the way of an exhumation.”

The point out that with the heatwave this summer drying out the ground, “an exhumation of the Tuam children could have been speedily accomplished.”

While the Minister’s letter says the Church should contribute reparations for the Tuam Home atrocity, the Survivors Network asks if she or the government has been in contact with the Bon Secours Order which ran the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.

“Can the Minister produce a single piece of correspondence between her or her office, written to the Bon Secours Order, since she became Minister, pointing out their obligations to them?”

Minister Zappone’s office have said they will not be commenting on the Survivors Network’s statement.

18 Post Offices in Galway to close as postmasters retire

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August 28, 2018

Galway Daily news Dáil Committe to discuss closure of rural post offices

18 Post Offices in Galway are set to close under new consolidation plans negotiated by An Post and the Irish Postmasters’ Union.

The Post Offices that will be closing in Galway are: Ballyconnelly, Ballyglunin, Ballymoe, Cloghbrack, Colemanstown, Cornamora, Eyrecourt, Garrafrances, Glinsk, Inverin, Kiltulla, Kylebrack, Lettermullen, Menlough, Moyard, New Inn, Renvyle, and Woodlawn.

One requirement for a Post Office to be allowed to closed was that there be at least one other office within 15km.

In Galway the distance that people will have to travel to reach another Post Office after these closures will range from 3.9km for people in Inverin, now going to Spiddal, up to 10.9km for Eyrecourt, with the next nearest office being in Banagher.

Debbie Byrne, Managing Director of An Post, thanked the retiring postmasters for the work they’ve done in their communities.

“An Post is very grateful for the contribution of the Postmasters over so many years. We will work with the communities that they have served to ensure that their needs continue to be met by An Post for the future.”

Nationally 159 Post Offices in rural areas are closing down with their business being transferred to neighbouring offices as postmasters retire.

This agreement was reached between An Post and the IPU in ‘A New Vision for the Future of the Post Office Services in Ireland’, which the IPU accepted by a 5 to 1 majority in a ballot earlier this year.

According to An Post, 100 of the Post Offices to be closed are in highly remote areas that the 2016 Census defines as having ‘no settlement’.

By the census standards, ‘no settlement’ means there are less than 50 occupied buildings within the area.

However the decision to close these rural Post Offices is likely to harm older residents of rural areas.

They are the people who are most likely to make use of the Post Office on a regular basis, and have the greatest difficulty in travelling to the next town over.

“We fully acknowledge that this process will be difficult for some customers and communities but the end result will be a strengthened, viable post office network serving the needs of our country for the future,” Director Ryan added.

Under the new plan, Post Offices will offer an increased range of services in e-commerce, with a larger range of parcel delivery and collection services.

New financial services including credit cards, loans and foreign exchange products, as well as improved local banking in association with the major Irish banks.

And the option of using the Post Office as a one-stop-shop for a wide range of government services including licensing; payments for local authorities, fines and planning applications; digital ID and authorisations.

“We are committed to ensuring a vibrant network for all our customers through investment and the expansion of e-commerce, financial and government services to drive usage and relevancy of the post office in today’s changing environment,” Director Ryan said.

Details of the future of certain local post office services such as Social Welfare Payments will be posted in each of the local offices within two weeks.

An Post have said that where local offices are closing, they will try and ensure that PostPoint services like stamp sales, Bill Payment and Mobile Top-Up are available at local retailers.

An Gaillimh buailte go dona le 18 Oifig an Phoist ainmnithe le dúnadh

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Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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August 28, 2018

Gaillimh buailte go dona - Oifig an Phoist Galway Daily

D’fhógraíodh inniu go bhfuil thart ar 160 Oifig an Phoist le dúnadh mórthimpeall na tíre agus tá an Gaillimh buailte go dona.

Buaileadh an Gaillimh go dona inniu nuair a d’fhógraíodh go mbeidh 18 oifig an phoist le dúnadh i mbliana sa Gaillimh, an méid is mó Oifig an Phoist sa tír a bheas á dhúnadh. B’iad Dún na nGall le 17 Oifig an Phoist agus Co. Chiarraí le 12 Oifig an Phoist na contaetha eile a bhuaileadh go dona.

Tá seo ag tárlú théis margadh a bheith déanta idir An Post agus Aontas an Máistir Poist áit a mbeidh 160 Máistir Poist ag éirí as mórthimpeall na tíre. Dúradh go bhfuil 16 Oifig an Phoist dúnta cheana agus go bhuil 18 le dúnadh anseo sa Gaillimh.

S’iad na Oifig an Phoist anseo sa Gaillimh atá fógartha le dúnadh ná:

Baile Uí Chonaíle
Baile Átha Glúinín
Béal Átha Mó
An Chloch Bhreac
Baile Uí Chlúmháin
Corr na Móna
Dún an Uchta
Na Garfráin
Glinsce
Indreabhán
Cill Tulach
An Choill Bhreac
Leitir Meallain
Mionlach
Maigh Ard
An Cnoc Breac
Rinn Mhaoile
Móta

Níos luaithe sa mhí, bhí achainí ar líne ag muintir Indreabhán don Oifig an Phoist atá ann agus iad ag iarraidh go gcoiméadfar í de bharr an tábhacht atá ann don pobal ar fad. Ainmníodh an Oifig an Phoist sin ar cheann dos na Oifigí a bheas ag dúnadh.

Is féidir liosta iomlán dos na hOifig an Phoist a bheas á dúnadh mórthimpeall na tíre a fheiscint anseo.

Public meeting to call for a wider separation of church and state

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August 28, 2018

Galway daily news Archbishop of Tuam calls for transparency and charity on Achill Island refugee accommodation plans

A public meeting to discuss a more thorough separation of church and state will be held in the city this week by People Before Profit.

PBP are holding the meeting at Áras na Gael on Dominick Street this Thursday, August 30 at 7:30pm.

They say that the results of the referendum on the 8th amendment show that people in Ireland back being able to make choices about their lives without the interference of the church.

They are calling for the church to be removed from the role it still plays in many Irish schools and hospitals.

Local candidate for PBP Joe Lougnane said, “The Pope’s visit to this country has done nothing to redress the decades of pain, abuse and suffering that people experienced.”

“This was seen in the low numbers attending events supporting his visit, and the high numbers standing in silence at vigils around the country.”

It was predicted before the Pope’s arrival in Ireland last weekend that as many as half a million people might attend the Papal mass in Phoenix Park, but final estimates put crowds at between 150 – 200 thousand.

A silent vigil in Tuam in commemoration of those who died in the Mother and Baby Home there was attended by somewhere in the region of a thousand people.

While several thousand more gathered on the streets of Dublin in a Stand4Truth rally at the Garden of Remembrance.

“People Before Profit stand for a secular state and a secular health and education system. The time for sloganeering is over. The one way to ensure future generations never have to experience such levels of abuse again is by removing schools and hospitals from the control of the Church,” said Mr Loughnane.

The two speakers at this meeting will be Jamie Canavan, a member of Galway Pro-Choice and a PhD candidate with the Irish Research Council who’s researching the history of child welfare in Ireland.

And Kieran Allen, a senior sociology lecture at UCD an author of ‘1916 Ireland’s Revolutionary Tradition’.

One area of the state’s relationship with the church that was singled out for criticism by PBP was the 2002 deal made by the Education Minister Michael Woods with 18 religious orders.

In it the state agreed to indemnify the orders against any further compensation claims if they agreed to pay €128 million in cash and property.

In 2015 it was agreed that the religious orders would pay an additional €226 million, though to date not all of that has been paid over.

The total cost of the Ryan Inquiry in child abuse by the church and the reparations to victims of abuse came to €1.5 billion, with the state and the taxpayer taking most of the cost.

TUAM and DISTRICT Sports Notes (Tuesday, 28th August 2018)

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August 28, 2018

Covering local sports news in Tuam and the surrounding areas including Abbeyknockmoy, Claremorris, Corofin, Dunmore, Kilconly, Sylane and Others.

TUAM GOLF CLUB

Our annual Waltz Open Competition took place last weekend with a fantastic turnout of teams. We thank everyone who came out and supported this fun competition.

1st Giovanni Carroll, Jack Dermody, Stephen Woods and Aidan Bane (94 Pts).

2nd Pete Fahy, Peter Ryan, John Bodkin, Martin Murphy (93 Pts)

3rd Danny McGrath, Francis Canavan, Tom Maher, Sean O Dea (91 Pts)

4th Shona Hendrick, Tom McHugh, Jack Treacy, Seamus Treacy (89 Pts).

Ladies; Jacqui McGrath, Siobhan Joyce, Mary McDonagh, Catherine Canavan (87 Pts).

SYLANE HURLING CLUB

OsKaRs Fundraiser: There is only two weeks to go to the casting night on 10th September 2018. A large number of actors and actresses have already signed up for this fundraising event. If anyone is interested in taking part please email sylaneoskars@gmail.com.

Sylane Hurling and Camogie club will soon begin the process of preparing to film iconic scenes from 7 major movied with local actors, and a major fund raising drove for the club. Each of these 10 minute movies will be filmed in and around Sylane hinterland area in Mid October 2018.

We will have a major red carpet “OsKaRs” Gala night on 3rd November 2018 at which all of the movies will be launched for the very first time at a Glitz & Glamour event. A judging panel will adjudicate on each movie in front of a sold out Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit.

The club is seeking sponors, advertisers and donations for this special event. We appreciate any support that your business may be able to give us we would be happy to discuss any queries you may have.

The dedicated email address for this fund raising event is sylaneoskars@gmail.com. All programme advertisement and logo’s should be emailed to this address.

Launch night will be Friday September 14th in Corralea Court Hotel Tuam when the cast and movies will be announced.

Well done to our U14 hurler Shane Mitchell Dunmore who represented Galway U14’s in the Sonny Walsh/Tony Forristal tournaments played in Waterford last weekend.

U15s will play Skehana/Mountbellew/Moylough tomorrow Thursday at 6.30pm in Skehana in their first group game of U15 B1 championship.

Lotto Numbers drawn on 21st August 2018 for jackpot €9,700 were 7,21,22,28. No jackpot winner and no match three winner. Draw takes place in clubhouse every Monday night at 9pm and is open to the public.

Best of Luck to Alan Morris, Liam Judge and Matthew Cooley who are all part of the Galway Minor Football squad in the All Ireland Minor Football Final in Croke Park this Sunday.

Congratulations to Conor O Shaughnessy who was part of the Connacht U18 rugby squad who won the inter provincials U18 competition last weekend.

DUNMORE MACHALES LADIES

U12s and minors had a game on Monday evening, update on facebook.

Thanks to all players who supported the recent 50/50 lotto draw, if you still have tickets can you please give to your manager or any committee member. Lotto collectors for next Sunday 2nd September are Janette & Jarlath Slattery and Sinead & Padraig Murray.

Hard luck to Sarah & Lauren and all the Galway ladies who were defeated by Dublin in the All Ireland Semi Final last Saturday evening.

The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Eimear Greene & best wishes to all our players who are getting ready for a new school year or heading off to college!

If doing an end of summer clear out, all unwanted clothes, sheets towels etc, just put in black bags and will be collected as part of our “cash for clobber” and can be left outside the gaa dressing rooms, this is a very worthwhile ongoing fundraiser for our club, thanks as always for support.

ABBEYKNOCKMOY HANDBALL CLUB

14 World Championship Medals
4 Gold each for Emma Kinane and Gavin Kelly
Celebration and Parish Tour this Saturday (1st September)

ABBEYKNOCKMOY – WORLD HANDBALL CHAMPIONS!!! https://t.co/Xg3HvDtAlL

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 28, 2018

ABBEYKNOCKMOY HURLING

Congratulations to Crumlin’s Sinéad Coleman on winning the U16 All Ireland with Galway against Cork last weekend. Galway won 3-14 to 1-7 and Sinead started at wing forward. Hopefully the first of many All Ireland’s for her.

The club are looking forward to welcoming her and her teammates to the clubhouse in the near future with the All Ireland trophy.

Our seniors resume championship next Saturday in Ballinasloe V Padraig Pearses at 4pm. Two draws so far in the group has left us in a good place but with Pearses, Athenry and Ardrahan to come we would need to be winning two more games to book our place in the knockout stages.

Well done to our U6’s who hosted Ballygar last Friday and played two great games with some excellent skills on show. For most this was the first time to don the Abbey jersey and they all grew a foot taller with the red and blue on their backs!

Our U8’s also played Ballygar and competed in a great game of hurling. Well done to all.

There is an U11 tournament next Saturday 1st September in Abbey where we welcome Parteen Co. Clare,and St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield, Co. Clare along with Sarsfields of Galway in a friendly tournamnet where very player will receive the same participation medal and treats afterwards.

We welcome back Kevin Mannion, Parteen and formerly of Abbeyknockmoy who has grandchildren on a few different teams!

U15’s have possibility of championship v Kilconieron at home this Thursday.

Our minors are back in action this Wednesday in Abbey.

Note for diary: Sunday 9th September.

We are having a family celebration evening with everyone in the parish invited to attend to see facilities we have available and to honour our recent boys and girls Feile Hurling/ camogie and handball champions 2018. Spread the word

Lotto numbers 20 August: 3, 15, 16, 21.

No Winner. Two Match 3’s: Patsy Devane, Annette Murray.

Lucky Dip: Ryan’s.

Thanks to all for supporting us in our lotto.

Play online at: www.abbeyknockmoy.gaa.ie/club-lotto
You can purchase 10, 25 or 52 draws.

€2 per line or 3 for €5 in normal envelopes in the various pubs and shops in the parish.

Congrats to Abbeyknockmoy handball club who achieved huge success in the recent World Handball Championships in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The team won 10 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. Excellent achievement lads and ladies.

COROFIN GAA

CLUB GAMES

Our seniors returned to action in the Championship, Group 1 when they defeated An Cheathrú Rua by 5-16 to 1-8 played in Clonbur on Saturday evening. Corofin’s opening goal was scored in the first minute by Ciarán Brady.

The second half goals came from Martin Farragher, Gary Sice and Dylan Canney (2). Well done lads.

As a result of this win, the team has qualified for the quarter-final of the championship. They have one game remaining in the group against St. James’.

Donegal Boston won the Boston Senior Championship Final played in Canton, Boston on Sunday. We sent congratulations to Liam Silke who lined out at full back and to Jason Leonard and Dylan Wall who were also involved with Donegal.

The final score was Donegal Boston 0-17 to Wolfe Tones 1-12.

The Junior Championship North – Group B game against Tuam Stars fixed for Saturday, was conceded by Tuam Stars. As a result, Corofin top the group with six points from the three scheduled games.

The Junior C Championship North – Group A game, fixed for Sunday last, was conceded by Loughrea. This team also top the group with 6 points from their three games played.

They have yet to play Annaghdown (at home) and Mountbellew-Moylough (away).

The Junior A team have also topped their group with 6 points from their three scheduled games.

MINOR ALL-IRELAND FINAL
We send best wishes to Tony Gill, Matthew Cooley, Conor Halbard, Rob Carr and to the Galway team who play Kerry All-Ireland Minor Football Final at 1.00 pm in Croke Park on Sunday.

Paid up members wishing to be included in the draw for the Club’s allocation of All-Ireland tickets should text Michael Ryder (086 8063166), Jimmy McHugh (086 3816948) or John Raftery (087 2585843) by 6.00 pm on Wednesday at the latest.

CONGRATULATIONS
The Club congratulates Alan Burke and Laura Gonzalez, who were married in Sitges, Barcelona on Saturday. We wish them a long and happy life together.

Well done to Tommy Farragher, who won 2 gold and 2 silver medals in the All Ireland Athletic championships in Tullamore last weekend. He is the national record holder in the Hammer and will represent Ireland in the World Masters Championships in Malaga next month.

SYMPATHY
The Club offers its sympathy to the family and friends of Eileen Cunningham, Togher, mother of Geraldine Collins, Curry, who died recently. May she rest in peace.

CLUB LOTTO
Lotto numbers 1, 12, 14, 24. No winner of Jackpot and three match 3, Mike Hanley, Stephen Reilly, Eileen Ryan. Seller’s prize Liz Ansbro. Next week’s jackpot is €7,400 and draw in Club Office.‬

Details of upcoming and recent events will be online at 5pm every Tuesday.

If your club or society has any information you want to share, please contact sport@www.galwaydaily.com with news/results/reports/events/pictures etc. You name it, we want it! And anything received before 10pm the previous Monday night will be included.

Finding the right career path for you with a helping hand

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August 28, 2018

Plenty of people find themselves stuck in a job, or even winding down a career path they don’t enjoy, simply because they don’t know what else to do.

There’s plenty of reasons for this. It’s a good paycheck, the job market sucks, or just because they don’t know what they want to do or how to get there.

JobChanger is a company that specialises in helping people find the career path they want to be on, and taking the necessary steps to find themselves walking it.

In a recent survey they conducted, 55% of respondents said that they felt dissatisfied with how they were valued at work.

And at last year’s Jobs Expo here in Galway, over a third of people said they’re looking for new work.

Working somewhere you don’t enjoy, somewhere that bores or stresses you, can lead to all kinds of health problems down the line such as lack of sleep, gaining weight, or alcohol problems.

It’s no good for an employer either as people who don’t feel appreciated or invested in their work, who don’t think there’s any room for advancement, just aren’t going to give it their all.

JobChanger are holding a workshop at the Connacht Hotel next month to help people who feel stuck in a rut find what they’re passionate about and make that work for them.

Over the course of the one day programme participants will come to understand why people leave their jobs and switch career tracks altogether.

Then look to their own passions, skills and strengths and see where they can use those in the job market, or what niche they could carve out.

On the industry side of things the programme also cover topics like how to progress upwards in a career path, what’re the first steps involved in switching careers, and how to become self-employed.

The programme is led by veteran trainer Frank Hynes, who’s spent 27 in public service across multiple sectors and changed roles multiple times.

For the past 10 years now Frank has been working as a trainer and mentor for Enterprise advisers, Education Officers and teachers within Teagasc, private agricultural consultants, and veterinary surgeons in private practice and the department of agriculture.

He brings with him his experience leading teams of people with diverse skill sets from different organisations on projects, and knowing well how to draw the best from people.

The JobChanger workshop will take place on Tuesday, September 11th at the Connacht Hotel from 9:30am to 5pm.

Places can be booked online with tickets starting at €200. Participants who book before August 31 can avail of a 25% discount.

A full prospectus for the course can be found on jobchanger.ie.

For more information, call Frank at 087 283 2761 or email frank@jobchanger.ie

GLENAMADDY and DISTRICT Sports Notes (Tuesday, 28th August 2018)

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August 28, 2018

Covering local sports news in Glenamaddy and the surrounding areas including Kilkerrin and others.

GLENAMADDY/WILLIAMSTOWN LADIES GAA

Best of luck to Intermediate players and Management who play Clonbur in Second Round of Championship next Friday night 31 Aug in Glenamaddy GAA Pitch. Intermediate training continues on Wednesday at 7:30pm in G. C.S pitch.

Under 14 play St Furseys away in the championship but time date not confirmed. Under 16 play Caltra in shield final. No date confirmed yet. Best wishes to all our members returning to school this week.

GLEN CELTIC AFC

The first Senior League match of the Season takes place on Friday evening against Cloonfad United B at 8pm in Glenamaddy. Any player not yet registered forms will be available on Friday night. All new players will be very welcome. If you can support the lads on their first game please do come along.

There are a limited number of Glen Celtic zip tops available to purchase – child and adult sizes. Contact any club member if interested.

Good luck to Conor Raftery and the Galway Minors in the All Ireland final on Sunday

Details of upcoming and recent events will be online at 4.30pm every Tuesday.

If your club or society has any information you want to share, please contact sport@www.galwaydaily.com with news/results/reports/events/pictures etc. You name it, we want it! And anything received before 10pm the previous Monday night will be included.

More Irish coming back than leaving for first time since 2009

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August 28, 2018

Galway Daily news flight cancellation cancelled Government backs credit note refund for Irish travel agent and tour operator holidays

The Prodigal sons (and daughters) return: there are now more Irish coming back than leaving.

For the first time in nearly a decade, this year Ireland experienced net inward migration among Irish nationals.

New Central Statistics Office figures show that from January to April around 100 more Irish people came back to the State than left it.

This represents the first time since the 2009 recession that there has been positive migration to Ireland by Irish nationals.

The lowest level was in 2012, when 29,600 more Irish nationals left the country than returned.

Meanwhile this year (through April) the population overall grew by 64,500 – the largest annual increase since 2008.

Migration to Ireland overall has been positive since 2016, but this year marks the highest level of inward migration in a decade.

Until April this year so far an estimated 90,300 people immigrated to Ireland.

Of these, 28,400 (or 31.5 percent) were returning Irish nationals.

At the same time, 56,300 people emigrated from the State – of which 28,300 (50.3 percent) were estimated to be Irish nationals.

CSO statistician James Hegarty commented: “These combined flows resulted in net inward migration for Ireland in the year to April 2018 of +34,000, the highest level of net inward migration since 2008…[resulting in] an overall increase in the population of 64,500.

“This is the largest annual increase in the population since 2008, bringing the population estimate to 4.86 million in April 2018.”

Hegarty went on to explain that “net inward migration of Irish nationals in 2018 was +100; this is the first occurrence of net inward migration for Irish nationals since 2009.

“It represents a significant increase on 2012 when net outward migration of Irish nationals peaked at -29,600.”

He added: “In the year to April 2018, 61,900 non-Irish nationals arrived to live in Ireland and 28,000 non-Irish nationals emigrated abroad. Therefore net inward migration among non-Irish nationals remained strong and was estimated to be +33,900 in 2018.”

GALWAY GAA – Fixtures: (28th August – 4th September 2018)

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August 28, 2018

Galway Daily sport County senior hurling final replay - All you need to know

All-Ireland Minor Football Final

Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Croke Park, (Final), GALWAY V Kerry 13:00,

U 16 A1 Hurling Championship
Mon, 03 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Final), Cappataggle V Sarsfields 18:30,

U 16 B Hurling Championship
Mon, 03 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Final), Kilnadeema-Leitrim V Craughwell 19:45,

U 16 A1 Hurling Shield
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Duggan Park , (Final), Michael Cusacks V Castlegar 19:00,

U 13 A Hurling Championship
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: TBC, (Final), Clarinbridge V Turloughmore 12:00,

U 13 A Hurling Shield
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: TBC, (Final), St Mary’s GAA Athenry V Sarsfields 11:00,

The Championship Haircut was a hit among fans at last week’s Electric Ireland GAA Minor Hurling Final! We're back at @CrokePark this Sunday for the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Football Final with @kerry_official @Galway_GAA. Come early for a Championship Haircut! #GAAThisIsMajor pic.twitter.com/wUzI0MhUZU

— Electric Ireland NI (@ElecIrelandNI) August 27, 2018

Senior A Hurling Championship – Group 1
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Kenny Park, (Round 3), Craughwell V St Thomas 17:45,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 3), Liam Mellows V Tommy Larkins 16:00,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 3), Kilnadeema-Leitrim V Castlegar 17:45,

Senior A Hurling Championship – Group 2
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 3), Cappataggle V Mullagh 17:45,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Kenny Park, (Round 3), Gort V Sarsfields 16:00,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Kenny Park, (Round 3), Loughrea V Portumna 17:45,

Senior B Hurling Championship – Group 1
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Kenny Park, (Round 3), Clarinbridge V Turloughmore 16:00,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 3), Killimordaly V Beagh 17:45,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 3), Ballinderreen V Ahascragh/Fohenagh 17:45,

Senior B Hurling Championship – Group 2
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 3), Pádraig Pearses V Abbeyknockmoy 16:00,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Pearse Stadium, (Round 3), Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry V Moycullen 17:45,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Gort, (Round 3), St Mary’s GAA Athenry V Ardrahan 13:45,

U12 Hurling Group 6 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Ballymacward, (Semi Final 1), Pádraig Pearses V Mícheál Breathnach 19:20,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Ballinderreen, (Semi Final 2), Ballinderreen V Meelick-Eyrecourt 18:45,

Group 1 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Clarinbridge, (Semi Final 1), Clarinbridge V Turloughmore 18:45,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: New Inn, (Semi Final 2), Sarsfields V Oranmore-Maree 19:00,

Group 2 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Loughrea, (Semi Final 1), Loughrea V Mullagh/Kiltormer 18:45,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Baile Doite Pitch & Clubhouse, (Semi Final 2), Moycullen V Craughwell 11:00,

Group 2 Shield
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Carnmore, (Semi Final 1), Carnmore V Cappataggle 18:45,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Tynagh, (Semi Final 2), Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry V Killimordaly 18:45,

Group 3 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Kinvara, (Semi Final 1), Kinvara V Rahoon-Newcastle 18:45,

Group 3 Shield
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Salthill-Knocknacarra, (Semi Final ), Salthill-Knocknacarra V Bearna-Na Forbacha 18:45,

Group 4 Shield
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Ballinasloe, (Semi Final 1), Ballinasloe V Killimor 18:45,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Tommy Larkins Park, (Semi Final 2), Tommy Larkins V Kilnadeema-Leitrim 18:45,

U12 Group 1 Shield
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Sylane, (Quarter ), Sylane V Annaghdown 18:45,

U12 Group 4 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Ardrahan, (Semi Final 1), Ardrahan V Kilconieron 18:45,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Castledaly, (Semi Final 2), St Thomas V Portumna 18:45,

U12 Group 5 Cup
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Ballygar GAA Pitch, (Semi Final 1), Ballygar V Ahascragh/Fohenagh 18:45,
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: St. Dominics , (Semi Final 2), St Dominics V Four Roads 18:45,

U12 Group 5 Shield
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Abbeyknockmoy, (Semi Final ), Abbeyknockmoy V Pádraig Pearses 18:45,

U16 Football Division 3
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Mountbellew, (Shield Semi-Final), Mountbellew/Moylough V St Brendan’s 19:00,
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Headford, (Shield Semi-Final), Headford V Menlough 20:00,

Under 16 A Hurling Championship
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Lackagh, (Round 7), Turloughmore V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 18:45,

U 16 A Hurling Shield
Mon, 03 Sep, Venue: Gort GAA Grounds, (Semi Final 2), Gort V Moycullen 18:30,

U14 Football Division 1 North
Tue, 28 Aug, Venue: Dunmore MacHales, (Round 2), Dunmore MacHales V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Mountbellew, (Round 7), Mountbellew/Moylough V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 19:00,

Under 15 A Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: New Inn, (Round 1), Sarsfields V Clarinbridge 18:00,

Under 15 A Hurling Championship – Group 2
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Oranmore, (Round 1), Oranmore-Maree V Moycullen 18:00,

Under 15 A1 Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Cappataggle, (Round 1), Cappataggle V Kilnadeema-Leitrim 18:00,

Under 15 A1 Hurling Championship – Group 2
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Carnmore, (Round 1), Carnmore V Tommy Larkins 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Kinvara, (Round 1), Kinvara V Killimordaly 18:00,

Under 15 B Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Mullagh, (Round 1), Mullagh/Kiltormer V Cois Fharraige 18:00,

Under 15 B Hurling Championship – Group 2
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Abbeyknockmoy, (Round 1), Abbeyknockmoy V Kilconieron 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Ardrahan, (Round 1), Ardrahan V Pádraig Pearses 18:00,

Under 15 B1 Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Skehana, (Round 1), Skehasna-Mountbellew/Moylough V Sylane 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Gort, (Round 1), Gort V Salthill-Knocknacarra 18:00,

Under 15 B1 Hurling Championship – Group 2
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Killimor, (Round 1), Killimor V St Thomas 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Clonfert, (Round 1), Meelick-Eyrecourt V Rahoon-Newcastle 18:00,

Under 15 C Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Ballinderreen, (Round 2), Ballinderreen V Four Roads 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Indreabhán, (Round 2), Pádraig Pearses V Mícheál Breathnach 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Ahascragh, (Round 2), Ahascragh/Fohenagh V Craughwell 18:00,

Under 15 C Hurling Championship – Group 2
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Portumna, (Round 2), Portumna V Annaghdown 18:00,
Thu, 30 Aug, Venue: Tuam, (Round 2), Tuam V Ballygar 18:00,
Mon, 03 Sep, Venue: Cregg, (Round 1), Annaghdown V Tuam 18:00,

Intermediate Hurling Championship – Group 1
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Kenny Park, (Round 3), Kinvara V Castlegar 18:30,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 3), Kilbeacanty V Kilconieron 16:00,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 3), Annaghdown V Kiltormer 16:00,

Intermediate Hurling Championship – Group 2
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Pearse Stadium, (Round 3), Rahoon-Newcastle V Carnmore 16:00,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Carnmore, (Round 3), An Spidéal V Sylane 17:00,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Gort, (Round 3), Meelick-Eyrecourt V Oranmore-Maree 12:00,

U15 Division 3
Tue, 28 Aug, Venue: Killererin GAA Pitch, (Round 4), Killererin V Kilkerrin-Clonberne 19:00,
Tue, 28 Aug, Venue: Kinvara, (Round 5), Kinvara V Cortoon Shamrocks 19:00,

Junior A Hurling Championship
Wed, 29 Aug, Venue: Kenny Park, (Pre Lim Quarter Final), Skehasna-Mountbellew/Moylough V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 18:30,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Ballinderreen, (Relegation Play-off), Bearna-Na Forbacha V Kilnadeema-Leitrim 17:30,
Sun, 02 Sep, Venue: Carnmore, (Pre Lim Quarter Final), Ballygar V Mícheál Breathnach 12:00,

U13 Football Division 3 A
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Headford, (Round 3), Headford V Milltown 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Kilconly, (Round 3), Kilconly V Ballinasloe 19:00,

U13 Football Division 3 B
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Caltra Pitch, (Round 3), Caltra V Northern Gaels 19:00,
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Brownesgrove, (Round 3), Cortoon Shamrocks V Killererin 19:00,

Junior Championship West – Group B
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Claregalway Lakeview, (Round 2), Claregalway V Salthill-Knocknacarra 17:30,

Junior B Hurling Championship
Tue, 28 Aug, Venue: Loughgeorge, (Per Quarter Final Replay), Annaghdown V Oranmore-Maree 19:00,

Junior B Championship West – Group A
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Leitir Móir, (Round 3), Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir V Oileáin Árainn 16:00,

Junior B Championship West – Group B
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Carna, (Round 2), Cárna-Caiseal V An Cheathrú Rua 18:00,

Junior B Football Championship
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Tuam Stadium, (Semi Final ), Headford V Williamstown 19:00,

Junior C Hurling Championship
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Ballymacward, (Quarter Final), Sylane V Sarsfields 19:00,

Junior C Championship North – Group B
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Glenamaddy, (Round 5), Glenamaddy V St. Gabriels 20:30,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Caherlistrane, (Round 5), Caherlistrane V Milltown 19:00,

Junior C Championship West – Group A
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: South Park, (Round 3), Gaeil na Gaillimhe V Barna 19:00,
Sat, 01 Sep, Venue: Clonbur, (Round 3), An Fhairche – Clonbur V Oranmore-Maree 18:00,

Junior C Championship West – Group B
Fri, 31 Aug, Venue: Killannin, (Round 3), Killannin V Mícheál Breathnach 19:00,

Minor A Championship North – Group A
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Claregalway Lakeview, (Round 1), Claregalway V Corofin 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Glenamaddy, (Round 1), Northern Gaels V Caherlistrane 19:00,

Minor A Championship North – Group B
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Athenry, (Round 1), St Mary’s GAA Athenry V Monivea-Abbey 19:00,

Minor B Championship North – Group A
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Caltra Pitch, (Round 1), Caltra V Dunmore MacHales 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Headford, (Round 1), Headford V St Brendan’s 19:00,

Minor B Championship North – Group B
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Ballinasloe, (Round 1), Ballinasloe V St Gabriel’s 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Cregg, (Round 1), Annaghdown V Tuam Stars 19:00,

Minor C Championship North
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Menlough, (Round 1), Menlough V Kilconly 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Milltown, (Round 1), Milltown V Cortoon Shamrocks 19:00,

Minor C Championship West
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: An Spideal, (Round 2), An Spidéal V An Fhairche – Clonbur 19:00,
Tue, 04 Sep, Venue: Indreabhán, (Round 2), Mícheál Breathnach V Kinvara 19:00,

My Fellow Sponges at the Black Gate Cultural Centre

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August 28, 2018

Popular local band My Fellow Sponges will be playing the Black Gate Cultural Centre this Thursday.

Fresh from a successful 10-day tour of Poland, the Galway favourites will throw a homecoming show at the intimate venue on 14 Francis Street.

Lively and multi-faceted, My Fellow Sponges comfortably switch from eerie electronica to hip-shaking bossanova, all with a dramatic flair from singer-songwriters Donal and Anna’s theatre days.

Their sound incorporates elements of minimalism, folk, bossa and more recently synth-heavy electro.

The band are finishing work on their second album, which includes influences from Kate Bush, Devendra Bahnhart, Joanna Newsom, Brian Eno, Philip Glass and Django Django.

My Fellow Sponges have been featured on the Irish Independent’s ‘Windmil Lane Sessions’, Tg4’s Clar An Imeall, Lyric FM and Arena on RTE Radio 1.

The video for ‘This Dream Song’ was nominated for Best Music Video at SENE Film Festival 2014.

Watch hit single ‘The Cold Hand’:

The gig starts at 9pm and costs €10 on the door.

It’s expected to fill up fast, so come early!

“My Fellow Sponges are as bizarre as they are brilliant in their peculiar sonic way — that on any given song can include ukulele, glockenspiel, harmonium, banjo, flute, drums. On stage, this progfolk Arcade Fire-on-acid sound can extend to include a brass band playing, as well as mime artists, dancers and actors in excelsis”
-Barry Egan, independent.ie

“A Sponges show keeps you on your toes, with their set changing in tempo and mood throughout.”
-Connacht Tribune

“an endearingly quirky hit of positivity and talent.”
-Irish Examiner

Planning consultant admits organising letter writing campaign for Supermac’s plaza

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August 28, 2018

galway daily news Supermac's owner gets approval for M7 plaza in Portloaise

A planning consultant hired by Supermac’s, Howard Williams, has admitted to being behind the letter writing campaign caught up in forgery scandal.

More than 180 nearly identical letters submitted to Clare County Council in support of Pat McDonagh’s plans for a motorway plaza in Clare have been called in question, with the revelation that at least 40 were forged.

Dozens of people contacted Clare County Council to let them know that they had not written any submission regarding the Supermac’s plaza.

At least one person whose name was used in the campaign has been dead for 15 years.

The Times reports that Mr Williams claims the letter writing campaign was conducted in good faith, and that Pat McDonagh had no input on it.

Mr Williams also claims that he did not produce the letters himself, but that they were gathered by other parties and he simply submitted them to the council.

“Members of Clarecastle community gathered all the letters of support from their community and I submitted these letters, including my own letter of support, in good faith to the planning authority,” he said.

Supermac’s has not commented on Mr Williams statement, but over the weekend called for a Garda investigation of the letter writing campaign.

A spokesperson for the company told The Times that they were giving the parties behind the campaign a chance to explain themselves before commenting.

Mr Williams’ company Inis Environmental Consultants, of which he is director, was hired to produce an environmental impact report for the planning application.

He has also been creating publicity for the Supermac’s plaza, writing to local newspaper The Clare Echo claiming huge local support for the project.

The forged letters emerged when the county council wrote to the people who supposedly supported the Supermac’s plaza acknowledging receipt of their submission and the €20 fee.

Since then at least 14 people, including Fine Gael TD for Clare Joe Carey, have written to the county council asking for the letter submitted in their name to be withdrawn.

It emerged recently that Supermac’s knew about the letter writing campaign, and had previously agreed to cover the €20 submission fee for each of the 180 letters.

Since then the company has disavowed any support conducted illegitimately and has not paid any money towards the letter writing campaign.

Meanwhile the Green Party has called on Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten and Data Commissioner Helen Nixon to conduct an investigation of their own.

The Data Commission has said that it has been in contact with Clare County Council to determine if an investigation is required.

Summer set to return with weekend warm up

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August 28, 2018

Met Éireann are predicting the return of summer later this week as the weather is expected to warm up.

According to the national weather service today (Tuesday) will continue drizzly and cool in Connacht but tomorrow will see drier weather with “some good sunny spells”.

High temperatures on Wednesday will be 15 to 17 degrees but will possibly warm up by Thursday afternoon to 18 or 19 degrees.

Thursday will see continued sunny spells with occasional light passing showers.

The weekend – and the start of next week – will likely be sunny and warm.

Met Éireann have said that Friday will be warm and humid, adding “after some early morning sunshine with a lot of dry weather about generally, showery outbreaks of rain will slowly develop.”

Temperatures on Friday could hit highs of 17 to 21 degrees with moderate southerly breezes.

But Saturday is expected to see sunny weather along with continuing high temperatures in the high teens or low twenties.

The weather service predicts “overall a lot of dry weather…with light southerlies” and “just the odd shower” on Saturday.

“Sunday will see a band of rain move into Atlantic counties,” they added, but overall “high pressure is likely to become established bringing dry calm weather well into next week.”

So put your sweaters back in the closet – we may get one last burst of summer before autumn sets in.

Aontas na Mac Léinn Gaillimh ag cáineadh cíos sracaí do scoláirí

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Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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August 28, 2018

Aontas na Mac Léinn ag cáineadh cíos sracaí

Tá Aontas na Mac Léinn Gaillimh ag cáineadh na praghasanna cíos sracaí do suas go €250 in aghaidh na seachtaine.

De réir mar a thagann lóistín só do mic léinn trasna na cathair, is léir go mbeadh scoláirí i bhfad níos fear morgáiste a thógaint amach in ionad cíos sa chathair sa lá atá inniu ann.

Inné bhí Aontas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh agus Aontas na Mac Léinn Institiúd Teicneolaíocht Gaillimh Maigh Eo(GMIT) ag cáineadh go láidir praghasanna na lóistín só do mic léinn atá ag teacht suas mórthimpeall an cathair.

Tagann seo théis ar fógraíodh lóistín nua do mic léinn ar an margadh ag praghas €250 in aghaidh an tseachtain i lár na cathrach agus ó Ionad eile ar Bóthar Mór a bheas €200 in aghaidh na seachtaine.

Dúirt Aaron Burke, Uachtarán Aontas na Mac Léinn GMIT go b’fhéadfadh an cineál cíos seo brú ollmhór a chur ar tuismitheoirí agus scolairí uilig, go háirithe nuair atáid ag streachailt le fanacht sa choláiste. Dúirt sé freisin nach bhfuil ráta an deontas théis ardú ó 2012 cé go bhfuil praghasanna cíos ag ardú bliain ina dhiadh bliain ar feadh sé bhliana anuas.

Labhair Megan Reilly, Uachtarán Aontas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na hÉirean Gaillimh freisin agus dúirt sí nach bhfuil sé ceart ná cóir go mbeadh scoláirí ag íoc sua go €1,250 in aghaidh an mhí do seomra amháin in árasáin.

Tá an dá Aontas na Mac Léinn ag ullmhú in éineacht le One Galway Movement chun Campout Gearrchéime a bheith acu ins An Fhaiche Mhór ar an 11ú Meán Fomhair.

Chun tuilleadh eolas a fháil is féidir dul i dteagmháil le Aaron Burke, Uachtarán, Aontas na Mac Léinn GMIT ar 0852775075 nó le Megann Reilly, Uachtarán, Aontas na Mac Léinn Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh ar 086 3855502

Mystery mass whale deaths hit record high

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August 28, 2018