New project to support nutrition based entrepreneurs

-

August 4, 2018

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

A man who was killed in road traffic collision on the Monivea road on Thursday afternoon has been named as William Donoghue from Briarhill.

The 70 year old Mr. Donoghue lost his life in a crash on the Monivea road between Carnmore Cross and Briarhill junction shortly after 1pm on Thursday afternoon.

Mr. Donoghue was driving his car when it collided with a trash truck. The driver of the truck was uninjured.

The road was closed while garda forensics units analysed the scene.

Gardaí are still investigating the reasons behind the accident and have appealed to the public for information or witnesses.

Any with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda station at 091-538000.

EU expert panel warns Galway 2020 against ‘losing track’ of project

By

-

August 3, 2018

Galway Daily news Galway 2020 appoints new Creative Director after eight month vacancy

The European Commission’s Expert Panel on Capitals of Culture has warned Galway 2020 against ‘losing track’ of the project according to a recently published report.

The panel met with representatives of the board of Galway 2020 and two representatives of Galway city council to discuss progress on delivering the event in Rijeka on June 28 and produced this report from the meeting.

Several key issues were identified at the meeting including concerns over the budget, difficulties in communicating its message with the public, and a lack of leadership in the cultural programme since the departure of Creative Director Chris Baldwin.

According to the report, Galway 2020 is preparing a revised budget of €39.7 million compared with the initial €45.75 million mentioned in the bid book.

This is in case the €6 million contribution originally planned from Galway county council is not delivered in full.

The panel asked why there was a higher budget for the project in 2019 than 2020, and a “dramatic drop of the budget for 2021” when staff contracts would be ending in March 2021, which it was warned put the legacy phase of the project in jeopardy.

According to the 2020 team, the majority of funding from the government will be delivered in 2019 accounting for the funding jump.

The panel also pointed our an apparent “loss of enthusiasm” when it came to communicating the project to stakeholders and the public.

It was pointed out that there were only three upcoming projects announced on the 2020 website which “was not a good signal.”

They advised that the company should take immediate steps to, “Improve communication at all levels and ensure the spirit and the progress of the project is well understood by all diverse stakeholders.”

The delegation from Galway 2020 said that after the bid phase they had to stop and focus efforts on appointing the board, the main team, and review their plans, but were now fully engaged with stakeholders.

They pointed to the Galway 2020 “Creating the Legacy” conference at GMIT in June as something that has allowed for renewed ownership of the project by stakeholders and improved connections with the people they’re trying to reach.

In addition it was said that the company is working on a Communications Strategy to be presented to the panel in November, and that the website has gone out to tender as it needs updating.

Also addressed was how the departure of Creative Director Chris Baldwin would impact on the programme, “In a phase when the programme is supposed to move from conception to implementation without losing its integrity.”

To that end, Martin Hull former CEO of Hull Capital of Culture in the UK, has been brought aboard on a temporary contract to propose a strategy while a new creative leadership team is being put in place.

The panel welcomed the move but insisted on the need to quickly appoint a new leadership team or risk “incurring further delays.”

CAMOGIE – Preview: GALWAY vs DUBLIN (Saturday, 7.15pm Pairc Ui Chaoimh)

By

-

August 3, 2018

On Saturday night around 9pm, one of these teams will take the long, lonely road from Cork back home knowing their summer is over while the other will be getting ready to mix it up two weeks later.

All form points to Galway taking their place against Cork or Kilkenny in Semple Stadium on August 18th as they haven’t failed to reach the All-Ireland semi-finals since 2005.

However, Wexford were in a similar boat 12 months ago and came unstuck against the Liffeysiders who reached their first semi-final sine 1990. The Slaneysiders haven’t recovered since and Galway must be on their guard.

Two disappointing defeats to Kilkenny in 2018 has raised serious questions about the Tribeswomen’s ability to close a five-year gap to their previous O’Duffy Cup success. But the manner of defeat has supporters (those that do travel) on their guard.

Forgot something….Already Through to All-Ireland Quarter, Semis and Finals….
Galway Senior Football and Hurling, Galway Minor Hurlers and Footballers, Galway U21 Hurlers,Galway Senior and Intermediate Camogie, Galway Senior Ladies Footballers , Galway U16 Camogie…..WOW!

— John Mulligan (@Mulliganj) July 29, 2018

The league semi-final loss led to a change of management with Sarsfields’ county hurling winning manager Cathal Murray taking the reins and it began perfectly with a Gael Linn success followed by wins over Clare, Waterford and Limerick.

But after Denise Gaule struck a penalty in Nowlan Park two weeks ago (July 22nd), a promising start seemed to unravel as Ann Downey’s charges powered to a comfortable win. The time for Galway to respond is now!

In fairness to the maroon and white, they’ve kept some of their best performances for Dublin scoring 14 goals in their last three championship.

Orlaith McGrath, Noreen Coen and Ailish O’Reilly scored in the 2014 3-21 to 1-5 victory; an O’Reilly hat-trick and Coen brace delivered a 5-9 to 1-7 result two years later; and they had a 3-18 to 1-12 win in 2017 thanks to Aoife Donohue (2) and Rebecca Hennelly.

Interestingly, those three results came under three different managers – Tony Ward, Ollie Bergin, Mark Dunne – and Tony O’Donovan has passed through before Murray’s appointment in April. Stability hasn’t helped Galway’s quest but they still possess quality players who can turn their year around.

Sarah Healy is assured between the sticks; Sarah Dervan, Heather Cooney and Lorraine Ryan bring experience to the defence; Niamh Kilkenny will the main midfielder; while O’Reilly, Niamh McGrath and Aoife Donohue are key up front.

The loss of Niamh Hanniffy to a knee ligament injury is a major blow and Dublin will be fired up to take advantage enjoying a spread of scores in the championship.

Dublin county board, in conjunction with FODH will run a supporters bus 2 Pairc Ui Chaoimh Sat next 4 @LibertyIRL All Ireland Quarter Final v Galway. €10 return.North and south side pick up/drop off. Limited https://t.co/cG6UKAYOlO via secretary.dublin@camogie.ie #dublincamogie pic.twitter.com/flk3VIr3Tf

— Dublin Camogie (@CamogieDublin) July 29, 2018

Orla Beagan and Siobhan Kehoe have shared 5-29 and lead the attack alongside Ali Twomey; Roisin Baker and Eimear McCarthy are solid midfielders; while Aisling Carolan and Laura Twomey form the defensive spine in front of All-Star nominee keeper Faye McCarthy.

Dublin are in relaxed and confident form and sense another shock. Galway have kept their head down which augurs well for a positive response. The Tribeswomen need to reward supporters who do take the long trek down that they are still serious championship contenders. They can but it won’t be easy!

Verdict: Galway

Sonraí don siúlóid 300km ó Bá an Daingean go Bá an Gaillimh

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

-

August 3, 2018

Beidh Ronan Scully iar-iomatheoir Operation Transformation ag tabhairt fé siúlóid 300km ó Bá an Daingean go Bá an Gaillimh.

Beidh sé ag tosú an siúlóid 300km Dé Domhnaigh seo an 5ú Lúnasa ó Bá an Daingean agus chuireann sé fáilte roimh cách tabhairt fé an siúl leis.

Seo a leanas na sonraí don siúlóid a bheidh á tosnú ar an Domhnach.

Dé Domhnaigh 5ú Lúnasa – Ó Bá an Daingean ag tosnú ag 8r.n ó Bá an Daingean le paidir ar an slí go Trá Lí. (ag fanacht i lóistín i dTrá Lí istoíche.) 43kms

Luan 6ú Lúnasa – Ag tosnú thart ar 7/8 i dTrá Lí ón áit ar críochnaigh an siúl an oíche cheana agus ar aghaidh ansin go Lios Tuathail. (Ag fanacht i lóistín i Lios Tuathail an oíche seo.) 22kms

Máirt 7ú Lúnasa – Ag tosnú ag 7 ar maidin ón áit ar chríochnaigh an siúl an lá cheana agus ar aghaidh ansin go Ráth Caola. (Ag fanacht i lóistín i Luimneach an oíche seo.) 40kms.

Céadaoin 8ú Lúnasa – Tosnu 7/8 ar maidin ó Rath Caola ón áit ar chríochnaigh an siúl an lá cheana agus ar aghaidh ansin go Luimneach. (Ag fanacht i lóistín i Luimneach arís.) 30kms

Déardaoin 9ú Lúnasa – Tosnú 7 ar maidin ó Luimneach agus ar aghaidh ansin go Inis. (Ag fanacht i lóistín in Inis an oíche sin) 40kms

Aoine 10ú Lúnasa – Tosnú 7/8 ar maidin ó Inis tríd an Leacht (Lahinch) agus ar aghaidh ansin go Dúlainn. 40kms

Satharn 11ú Lúnasa – Tosnú 7/8 ar maidin ó Dúlainn go Cinn Mhara. (Ag fanacht i lóistín i Cinn Mhara) 40kms.

Domhnach 12ú Lúnasa – Tosnú 6 ar maidin ó Cinn Mhara go Bá na Gaillimh chun a bheith ag tús an 5km siúlóid cathartnachta a bheas ar siúl ag 3i.n agus atá oscailte do chuile duine. Beidh an siúlóid seo ag tosú ó halla an Cladach go dtí an prom ar Bóthar na Trá agus thar nais. (35km).

Más mian leat deontas a thabhairt do na catharnachtaí atá Ronan Scully ag bailiú an t-airgead dóibh is féidir é sin a dhéanamh tríd an nasc seo.

Galway Autism Partnership needs just 20 minutes of your time

By

-

August 3, 2018

Galway daily news Local TDs demand funding for Galway Autism partnership in crisis

Galway Autism Partnership is asking people to give just 20 minutes of their time this weekend to help out with their City Church Gate Collection.

On Saturday and Sunday August 4-5 Galway Autism Partnership is collecting at six churches around the city and is looking for 40 volunteers to help them man the gates.

Since 2011 Galway Autism Partnership has worked to ‘Bridge the gap’ between the needs of the autistic community and existing services with autism awareness talks, peer support groups, family days, and different camps and clubs.

At their headquarters in Tigh Ronain in Laurel Park they have great facilities for children with autism including rooms for play, music, or arts & crafts.

There’s an outdoor area with a large garden,playground equipment, and an ever popular sensory room.

GAP is a self-funded charity that relies on collections and other fundraisers to continue their work, even as the demand for its services continues to grow.

Churches and times where GAP is collecting this weekend

Everyone who takes part in the collections this weekend will be entered into a draw for two free tickets to an upcoming GAP event at the Clayton Hotel this November.

If you’re interested in helping out, please call the GAP office on 091 5888 99 or email coordinator@galwayautismpartnership.com.

Galway Atlantaquaria joins European Association of Zoos and Aquaria ahead of Brexit

By

-

August 3, 2018

Galway daily news Galway Aquarium leading effort to foster an 'Ocean Literate' generation

Galway Atlantaquaria has been awarded full membership of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria to ensure the best standards of animal conservation.

This will allow the Atlantaquaria full access to breeding programmes, collaboration on zoological research projects with other zoos, aquaria, and universities, and guarantee free transport of animals within the EU.

The Atlantaquaria is already a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria, but it became essential to become a part of the EAZA in order to keep working with other European zoos and aquariums after the UK leaves the EU.

But Mathew Hawkins, Manager of the Atlantaquaria said this hasn’t just been a panicked reaction to Brexit, “This award has taken many years of work from our volunteers, staff and education team.

“We are looking forward to continuing develop our Aquarium community, breeding, conservation and education programmes to meet the highest quality and standards expected of a professional Aquarium.”

The EAZA is the largest professional association of zoos and aquariums in the world.

It was founded in 1992 to promote collaboration on the continent in the areas of conservation, education, and research.

Cooperation on breeding programmes between different institutes has begun in a less formal sense seven years earlier in 1985.

After those seven years zoo and aquarium directors felt there was more that could be achieved by working together in different areas of research and education.

David-Williams Mitchell, EAZA Director of Communications and Membership, welcomed the Atlantaquaria: “EAZA is thrilled to welcome Galway Atlantaquaria as a new Member of our community.”

“We look forward to working closely with them on species conservation, public education and scientific research over the long term. It’s a great institution, and one we are proud to represent.”

Some of the specific goals of the EAZA for zoos and aqauria are to contribute funding manpower to conservation projects aimed at protecting animal populations and their habitats.

Maintaining viable animal populations within human care to ensure their long term survival.

Educating visitors about animals and their habitats and providing them with the knowledge and opportunities they need to live sustainably as part of nature.

And to research all aspects of animal biology to improve our understanding of animals and how they live and interact.

The Galway Atlantaquaria is Ireland’s largest aquarium with nearly 100 species of fish and other sea life to be found there.

Tributes paid to trans woman who died in Direct Provision

By

Michael Malone

-

August 3, 2018

Tributes have been paid to a transgender asylum seeker who died in Direct Provision in Galway last night.

It is understood that the trans woman was held in the men’s wing of the Direct Provision Centre.

She was in Direct Provision for just over a year.

Social Democrat candidate Niall Ó Tuathail recently called for the end of Direct Provision, which was introduced as an emergency short term measure in 1999.

“My party colleague Róisín Shortall TD is quite right to compare the institution of direct provision to the shameful institutions of the past like the Magdalene Laundries. The time is long since past that the Irish state should be able to force vulnerable people into dehumanising institutions,” he said.

Self-taught artist’s work goes on display at UHG

By

-

August 3, 2018

Galway Daily news self-taught artist's work goes on display at UHG

Local woman Catherine Cooley, who taught herself to paint to help her recovery from mental illness, is having her work displayed at UHG this month.

Inspired by the works of Van Gogh and Yeats, Cooley’s work is noted for its rough beauty, emotional honesty and bold colours.

When she paints, Cooley draws from the cityscape of Galway, the landscape of its surrounding areas and the rural farming scenes of her childhood memories.

Learning to paint, or teaching herself rather, “has helped me on the road to recovery from mental illness, giving me something to focus on when things were difficult,” Cooley notes.

At Céim Eile Day Centre Cooley has found others to support her in her recovery and her art, making friends with exceptional people who share their life experiences and their thoughts on each others’ creations.

Before this Cooley has had small solo exhibitions and taken part in group exhibitions at the Céim Eile Day Centre.

Now her ‘Colour of My Life’ collection is going on display at UHG where it will be managed by the Galway University Hospitals Arts Trusts.

The Arts Trusts integrates art and creation into the healthcare process in the belief that access to art promotes positive health.

Catherine clearly agrees with this ethos as she says that embracing art has increased her self-esteem, confidence and created success for her in life, adding that “without art and the encouragement to continue with it,” her mental well being wouldn’t be where it is.

The trust works to increase access to art and encourages people to try their hand, thus enriching the hospital community and everyone that comes through those halls.

The message is that art art can have a positive and transformative impact on people’s lives at a time when they need something to focus on.

Catherine Cooley’s ‘Colours of My Life’ will be on display at UHG until August 31, and many of the pieces seen there are available for purchase.

Enquiries to Margaret Flannery, Arts Director, Galway University Hospital Arts Trust, 091 544979 or guhartstrust@hse.ie.

Gardaí appeal for witnesses to fatal crash on the Monivea road

By

-

August 3, 2018

Gardaí are asking for anyone with information about a fatal crash that took place on the Monivea road yesterday afternoon to contact them.

A man in his 70s was killed yesterday when his car collided with a truck on the Monivea road.

The road traffic collision took place yesterday afternoon shortly after 1pm between Carnmore Cross and Briarhill junction.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and his body was removed to University Hospital Galway.

The driver of the truck is understood to have been uninjured.

The road was closed for a period yesterday to allow Garda Forensics Investigators to examine the scene but re-opened later in the day.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Galway Garda station at 091-538000.

GALWAY RACES: Sharjah’s Day in Thursday Hurdle Recap

By

-

August 3, 2018

Willie Mullins maintained his stranglehold on the 2018 Galway Races as Sharjah came out from the pack to take the Guinness Galway Hurdle on Thursday (2nd August).

It was his third winner of the day to take the €300,000 prize at 12/1 on Patrick Mullins. Earlier, Minella Beau delivered in the opening race with Ruby Walsh. And Calie du Mesnil was successful in the Novice Hurdle at 4pm through Danny Mullins before Patrick Mullins brought home Sharjah.

The weather proved difficult for many horses but also was a challenge in the Ladies Day competitions before the winners were announced. Charlene Byers from Co. Down was the winner of the ‘Best Dressed’ Competition while Kilkenny’s Moira O’Toole won the ‘Best Hat.’

Winner of Best Dressed Lady at Galway Races is Charlene Byers from Newry Co Down and winner of Best Hat is Moira O’Toole from Kilkenny @rtenews #GalwayRaces #bestdressed pic.twitter.com/tOM9WA4hs6

— TERESA MANNION (@TeresaMannion) August 2, 2018

Other winners on the day included Rasheen, Honor Oak and Yulong Gold Fairy. Trainers Colin Kidd, Tom Hogan and Dermot Weld respectively saw their horses come home by Davy Russell, Billy Lee and Shane Foley.

Billy Lee also enjoyed his own double as he rode John Joseph Hanlon’s Camlann to glory in the penultimate race. And You Raised Me Up took the spoils in the final race.

Our luck didn’t return as only one winner came in for the Galway Daily Tipsters after kicking off with a one-two in the first race through Minella Beau and second placed Caltax.

The fifth day sees action returns to the evening (Friday) with racing beginning at 5.10pm with seven races and the last starting at 8.25pm.

The feature is the €100000.00 Guinness Handicap which goes to post at 6.50pm.

Thursday Results

1.40 Guinness Beginners Steeplechase

Winner – MINELLA BEAU – 6/4f

GALWAY RACES: Beginners Steeplechase Goes to MINELLA BEAU https://t.co/OQ0ML5PVbi

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

2.15 Open Gate Brewery Novice Steeplechase

Winner – RASHAAN – 6/1

GALWAY RACES: Rashaan Comes Through in Open Gate Steeplechase https://t.co/jizv9DQsv9

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

2.50 Rockshore Handicap

Winner – HONOR OAK – 11/2

GALWAY RACES: Honor Oak has the Rockshore Handicap https://t.co/iTMCKRDusW

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

3.25 Arthur Guinness Irish EBF Corrib Fillies Stakes

Winner – YULONG GOLD FAIRY – 13/8F

GALWAY RACES: Yulong Gold Fairy Sparkles in Corrib Fillies Stakes https://t.co/TvgSnNtilp

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

4.00 Guinness Novice Hurdle

Winner – CALIE DU MESNAL – 8/1

GALWAY RACES: Caley Du Mesnil Gets The Novice Hurdle https://t.co/2OiiAymDQk

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

4.35 Guinness Galway Hurdle Handicap

Winner – SHARJAH – 12/1

GALWAY RACES: SHARJAH wins THE GALWAY HURDLE https://t.co/zn1lwot1t0

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

5.15 Open Gate Pure Brew Handicap

Winner – CAMLANN – 9/2

GALWAY RACES: Camlann enjoys the Pure Brew Handicap https://t.co/uRZbP4dec0

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

5.50 Good Time for A Guinness Flat Race

Winner – YOU RAISED ME UP – 9/4

GALWAY RACES: You Raised Me Up Has a Good Time https://t.co/LN130Rp6KS

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) August 2, 2018

New car sales in Galway are down so far this year

By

-

August 3, 2018

Galway daily news new car sales in Galway drop in first half of 2018

The number of new car sales registered in Galway in the first seven months of 2018 is down compared with the same period last year.

New figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show that a total of 4,251 new cars were registered in Galway so far this year, nearly four percent less than in 2017.

SIMI released these figures along with their second quarterly industry review of 2018.

The decline in new car sales in Galway is largely in line with projections that SIMI had previously made for an overall drop of 4.8% around the country.

The report points the finger for the drop in new car sales to used car imports from the UK, “the depreciation in the value of sterling since the end of 2015 has made life more difficult for the Irish motor trade, with new car sales been displaced by used imports from the UK.”

Looking ahead to the rest of 2018, Economist and author of the SIMI report Jim Power said: “The economic fundamentals that underpin new car registrations look set to remain positive but continued strong growth in used imports will continue to undermine new car sales.

“For 2018, the used import market is projected to grow by around 12% to reach 104,660. New car registrations in 2018 are forecast at around 125,000, which would represent a decline of 4.8% on the 2017 outturn.”

The most dramatic changes in new car sales were in Cavan, which saw a 16% drop compared with last year, and Wexford, which bucked the national trend by selling 6% more new cars than in the first seven months of 2017.

The top selling car brand in Ireland so far this year has been Volkswagon, which sold over 12,000 units despite being rocked by scandals in the past year that have seen police raids and arrests around the world over faked emissions tests.

Despite the drop Alan Nolan, Director of SIMI, feels positive about the Irish car industry: “The 182 sales period has been a good month with new car registrations only slightly down on the same period last year,”

“While registrations in the commercial sector in particular are showing positive signs of growth, with businesses investing in the renewal of their fleets. Electric vehicle registrations have seen a marked increased despite currently only holding small percentage of the marketplace and will continue to grow over the coming years.”

So far this 940 commercial vehicles have been registered in Galway, 10% more than in 2017.

The impact of Brexit continues to be the source of much instability and uncertainty in the motor industry, the report alledges, and its effect on the value of the pound is what’s driving the increase in imports from the UK.

Darren’s Diary – (Friday, 3rd August 2018) – Thurles, Cork and Common Sense

By

-

August 3, 2018

Well, if you love sport, you’ll have loved the last week and on top of all that, we’ve Ballybrit and the Galway Races to maintain that summer feel despite the weather finally reawakening from a slumber that confused Irish folk with its continental drift.

It still feels strange that we had an All-Ireland semi-final in July and in two weeks, it’s going to be stranger getting ready for an All-Ireland Senior Final with no signs of school uniforms in sight.

Of course, we need to get there first and that’s no certainty. Ninety minutes of magic also came at a cost and how much damage was done to possible injuries won’t be known until the teams line out in Thurles. Sunday is all about the hurling even if half an eye might still be racing.

I wouldn’t envy the GAA fixtures committee their position as they always seem to make the wrong call. But for the life of me, I don’t understand their thought process.

A month ago, they decided that Kildare couldn’t host their football qualifier with Mayo because the capacity was too small leading to the ‘Newbridge or Nowhere’ campaign. They hadn’t stated any conditions beforehand so fair play Kildare for winning their battle.

But there were no restrictions for the Galway vs Clare hurlers and Croke Park is sitting idle next Monday (Bank Holiday). The drawn match attracted 54,000; the same pitch is available; why in the name of himself is it fixed for a ground that holds 46,000?

Some have commented on Dublin’s game with Roscommon but this has nothing to do with that. Once Croke Park was designated Dublin’s Super8 home venue, they are entitled to have their Sunday.

But Croke Park isn’t open Saturday and it isn’t open Monday! I can understand GAA authorities might have been thinking about bringing them closer to home. But if that was a factor, why wasn’t it played in Semple Stadium originally.

CAMOGIE

An organisation that should be thinking about distance travelled to venues is the Camogie Association ahead of this Saturday’s All-Ireland senior quarter-finals. Galway are playing Dublin in Cork! Yes, you read that correctly!

The Camogie Association deserve immense credit for securing LIVE! television coverage for more than just the Croke Park finals and they will be showcased on two coveted Saturday night slots on August 4th and 18th.

But how good is coverage if you’re looking at a near empty ground. And why wasn’t a thought spared for the travelling supporters when these fixtures were made.

I can’t imagine that a venue needed to be decided before the announcement of the games on RTE. I was recently in Nowlan Park for Kilkenny vs Galway. And while we were disappointing, the atmosphere was electric. The Camogie semi-finals haven’t felt the same since leaving there some years back.

But if Pairc Ui Chaoimh, which is a fantastic venue, was set in stone, surely the Galway vs Dublin game could have gone on first. I can understand this game looks the bigger draw with both being in the 2017 All-Ireland semi-finals. But all that seems to have been achieved is guaranteeing people will stay home.

Those cheering Galway and Dublin are highly unlikely to get home before 12am and that’s hardly ideal if they were considering bringing children. This could have been planned much better.

INTERMEDIATES

The camogie is getting a right go this week but when I got phoned about this on Thursday, I shook my head. This is the last round of group games in the intermediate championship and originally, they set the games for Saturday, the same day as the camogie quarter-finals.

Requests went in to move it to the Sunday before Galway and Clare’s senior hurling replay was announced. But now subsequent requests, and we believe both teams are happy to move it forward to 12pm, has been denied.

So, Galway face Kilkenny in the Liberty Insurance All-Ireland intermediate championship this Sunday at 2.30pm in Kenny Park, Athenry. And Galway face Clare in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-Final at 2pm in Semple Stadium. What would you pick?

RACING

I’m not a massive racing fan but I’m enjoying the craic playing tipster this week. We started off nicely with seven winners in the first two days but it’s slowing up since. It’s a sharp reminder that no matter how good you think you are, you can’t beat the bookies!

So, just enjoy the day and the weekend! I’m going to! Previous readers of Darren’s Diary will know why!

A Galway Connection to the Fleadh Cheoil

By

Erin Breen

-

August 2, 2018

If you are from Galway way, from Ireland in fact, or even ever listened to traditional Irish singers you already know who Sean Keane is.

If not, you are in for a treat. He has been referred to as ‘the most distinctive voice in Ireland.’

And he’ll be a big part of this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda in a few weeks. He was born in Caherlistrane, Co. Galway, with a voice that would set him apart in this world.

He won his first Fleadh Cheoil at the age of just six, which means he didn’t have a lot of time to hone it. It just was. By the time he was 13, he had 13 All-Ireland championships under his belt for traditional singing.

He took a hiatus from singing for a few years after the heartbreak of losing his wife to pancreatic cancer, but has reestablished himself as a leader in the art. He will be one of the 15-thousand traditional musicians traveling to Drogheda for this year’s celebration.

A half-million fans of traditional music are expected to come from around the world to hear them compete.

He will have a one man show there called, ‘Sean Keane: Granny’s Suitcase’ on Thursday August 16, at the Drogheda Arts Center. It starts at 4 pm. And that concert will blend in with dozens of others for the largest annual celebration of Irish culture in the world.

It runs from Sunday 12, August through Sunday 19, August in Drogheda. And the Boyne Valley is excited to be hosting it.
For more information on events, schedules and tickets go to
https://fleadhcheoil.ticketsolve.com/shows?page=3

To volunteer contact Grainne Berrill at http://fleadhcheoil.ie/volunteers/

And for a taste of traditional music that Drogheda celebrates every month with it’s Music at the Gate, check out this episode of Erin’s Isle.
http://www.erinmeehanbreen.com/blog/2018/7/2/episode-10-music-at-the-gate

Survey will document the experiences of LGBT+ migrants in Ireland

By

-

August 2, 2018

A new survey has been launched to document the experiences of LGBT+ migrants in Ireland in order to better understand how to support this community.

Two years ago the National LGBT Federation conducted a massive scale consultation of LGBT+ people in Ireland called the Burning Issues 2 study.

One finding that it turned up was that those who had migrated to Ireland, in particular those who came seeking asylum, were in need of greater understanding and support.

Led by Dr. Chris Noone from NUI Galway in collaboration with the LGBT Federation, this new survey aims to produce recommendations for the government on how to support this community.

Dr. Noone, a lecturer from the School of Psychology, said: “If you have come to Ireland from another country to live, work or study and you identify as LGBT+ then we would like to learn about your experiences.”

“Having an understanding of the experiences of LGBT+ migrants in Ireland will help to provide information about how, as a country and as a community, we can become more aware of their needs and act on them.”

The questions on the survey were carefully chosen after workshops with LGBT+ migrants in Galway and Dublin where topics were selected collectively by the people who attended.

While Ireland has been liberalising its attitudes towards LGBT+ people in recent times, there are many parts of the world where LGBT people and relationships are a subject of discrimination from society and the law.

“The information we will obtain from this survey will improve our understanding of the experiences of migrants in our community and allow the government to respond to the needs of LGBT+ migrants and asylum seekers”, added Dr Noone.

The study has been funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Ireland.

To participate in the survey visit https://gcn.ie/aims/ or view You Tube link at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38XEIpbBJy0&feature=youtu.be

Dangerous bacteria found in bathing water at two Galway beaches yesterday

By

Michael Malone

-

August 2, 2018

swimming prohibited at two galway beaches

Galway City Council has said that swimming at two Galway beaches is prohibited after unsafe bacteria were detected in samples taken from the water.

Swimming is not allowed at both Ballyloughane and Grattan Beaches after water sampling results returned elevated levels of Ecoli and Intestinal Enterococci.

The samples were taken on Monday 30 July and Wednesday 01 August.

Galway City Council’s current advice is “not to swim”.

Another sample has been taken today (2 August) and information will be released when results are received, possibly on Saturday 4 August.

GALWAY RACES: You Raised Me Up Has a Good Time

By

-

August 2, 2018

Galway Races — 2018 Galway Racing Festival Day 3, Ballybrit, Galway 1/8/2018 Barbara and Gabrielle Dunne from Oranmore, Galway Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Day 4 – Thursday, 2nd August 2018 – Race 8/8 (Final Race)

5.50 Good Time for A Guinness Flat Race

YOU RAISED ME UP 9/4
Doctor Duffy 11/8f
Golden Spread 7/2

(Trainer – Martin Brassil, Jockey – JJ Codd)

Galway Daily Winners Today – 1 (Minella Beau)

Nice one, @CoddJJ – You Raised Me Up lands the Good Time For A Guinness Flat Race, the finale on day four at @Galway_Races: pic.twitter.com/EWR0mjHVcW

— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 2, 2018

Monivea road reopens after serious collision this afternoon

By

-

August 2, 2018

Galway daily news Ambulance personnel to stage 24 strike next week

The Monivea road has reopened after being closed this afternoon due to a serious road traffic collision.

Emergency services attended the scene of a two vehicle collision between Carnmore Cross and Briarhill junction that took place shortly after 1pm.

The Monivea road was closed, causing delays in Ballybrit where there is already a high volume of traffic this week with the Galway Races, but is now open to traffic again.

Outside of the city Emergency services are currently at the scene of collision on the N59 at Corcullen between Moycullen and Bushy Park.

The accident has created long delays for traffic going both directions, but especially inbound.

Housing estate in Gort to receive €108,000 for flood relief

By

Michael Malone

-

August 2, 2018

Sliabh Carran in Gort will benefit from €108,000 in funding for flood relief, Sean Canney TD has confirmed.

The Office of Public Works allocated the funding to Galway County Council to carry out flood relief measures in the housing estate and the council will be carrying out the works in the coming months.

The housing estate was affected by serious flooding in 2009 and Sean Canney says this money will provide the basis for solving this long running saga.

The Galway East TD said: “When the flood works are complete the way will be paved for all other works to be carried out in the estate to bring it to a standard for taking in charge.

“I want to acknowledge the work of the local County Councillors, Council officials the Office of Public Works and the residents for all of their efforts with this project.

“I am also delighted that the Office of Public Workshave responded positively to my representation on this matter. I expect Galway County Council to commence the works shortly and this will bring much relief to the residents who have suffered so much flooding in the past.”

GALWAY RACES: Camlann enjoys the Pure Brew Handicap

By

-

August 2, 2018