NUI Galway projects awarded significant European Research Council grants

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July 27, 2018

A GoFundMe page has been set up in aid of Tommy Kelly who suffered second degree burns while attending a bonfire last month.

Tommy Kelly of Rosscahill, Co. Galway moved back home from Australia at the end of 2017, with his partner Claire Flatley and their two small girls, Evie 3 yrs and Lauren just 1 year old.

Since then, Tommy’s focus has been to build a house and prepare for the arrival of their 3rd child, due in October’18.

Unfortunately, while attending a bonfire on June 23rd, there was a sudden explosion which resulted in Tommy getting second degree burns on over 50% of his body.

Tommy has been in St.James Hospital, Dublin since then, and Claire has also been supporting him while also trying to take care of the two girls.

Tommy, is now slowly on the mend, however he still remains hospitalised with a long road to recovery ahead of him, involving many medical treatments for burns treatments, physiotherapy etc.

As he is unable to work for the forseeable future due to the nature of his injuries, many people have expressed an interest in supporting him and Claire financially at this time.

Stephen Kelly, first cousin of Tommy set up the GoFundMe page and has said: “The GoFundMe page is not yet open 24 hours and we are delighted with the response from Tommy’s wide circle of support both here at home and from Melbourne Australia.

“There will be some local fundraisers organised, however, we would like to invite people to make donations online via this GoFundMe page.

“All funds received will go directly to Tommy and his family – every little helps, and will be greatly appreciated by Tommy and Claire.”

For anyone who would like to donate to the GoFundMe page you can do so at this link here.

Concern at delay to establishment of all-party group on Commemorations

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July 27, 2018

A Galway West TD has called on the Minister for Culture, Heritage & the Gaeltacht to explain why she has failed to re-establish the All Party Group on Commemorations.

Éamon Ó Cuív TD says that in June this year, Minister Josepha Madigan promised to convene a meeting of the All Party Group ‘within the next few weeks’ but that this has not happened yet.

Given that the Dáil is in recess, Deputy Ó Cuív has expressed concern that this will not happen until the autumn at the earliest.

“I have repeatedly raised the issue of the importance of the All Party Group on Commemorations with Minister Madigan but she has made no firm commitments to re-establish the committee.

“This is particularly worrying given the fact that the commemoration of the first Dáil is only months away, and will be followed by the anniversary of many other events leading up to our independence. It is imperative that the committee is set up,” explained Deputy Ó Cuív.

“Last year, the then Minister Heather Humphreys wrote to the Ceann Comhairle to ask that the Business Committee nominate Deputies and Senators to the group. Parties in Northern Ireland, which are not represented in the Dáil or Seanad were also invited to make nominations.

“Despite this, and despite an assurance given to me last month in reply to a Parliamentary Question that a meeting of the All Party Group on Commemorations would be convened “within the next few weeks”, nothing has happened. It now looks likely that it will be the autumn before the group meets.

“I find it very disrespectful to those who wish to have input into the commemorations and am calling on Minister Madigan to explain why the process has been delayed.”

4 days remain until voting for patron of Galway’s new second-level school closes

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July 27, 2018

There are just 4 days remaining for parents to get their votes in before the voting for patron of Galway’s new second-level school closes.

Parents have until the 31st of July before the voting for patron of Galway’s new second-level closes and they are urged to support Educate Together.

https://www.facebook.com/get2ls/photos/a.291968260898554.62843.267915256637188/1797294333699265/?type=3&theater

The Department of Education and Skills is currently gathering parent’s preferred school patron. This will help them decide the patronage of the new second level school that will open in Galway in 2019.

To be eligible to vote you must be a parent or guardian of a child due to enter second level school between 2019 and 2023 and live within the Galway City and Oranmore catchment area.

With a mere four days to go until voting closes Educate Together are urging parents to vote to ensure increased diversity in school options in the region.

“Educate Together is the patron body of the growing network of schools in Ireland that are run according to the Educate Together Charter.

“It is an independent NGO that runs schools that guarantee equality of access and esteem to children ‘irrespective of their social, cultural or religious background’, are learner centered in their approach to education and are run as participatory democracies, with respectful partnerships between parents, pupils and staff.”

8 year old Annie from Galway Educate Together spoke at a recent GET2LS public meeting and urged parents to vote for Educate Together to run Galway’s newest secondary school.

https://www.facebook.com/get2ls/videos/1795652667196765/

Tuesday 31st July marks the final day for parents to vote and Educate Together strongly urge parents to consider Educate Together when they vote for the patron of Galway’s newest secondary school.

Parents can vote for their preferred patron here.

Léacht Rathúil ag an Dr Francesca La Morgia inné

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July 27, 2018

Ag teacht ó fad is i gcéin bhí lá iontach acu siúd a d’fhreastal ar an Léacht a thug an Dr Francesca La Morgia inné.

Thug an Dr Francesca La Morgia léacht i Leabharlann Westside, tráthnóna inné áit a raibh sí ag caint faoi tógaint clainne dátheangach agus í ag freagairt ceisteanna a bhaineann le sin.

Labhair Julie Anne De Brún, faoin áthas a bhí orthu maidir leis an léacht den scoth a bhí acu tráthnóna inné.

Is duine de coiste Máthair Teangacha(MotherTongues) í Julie Anne agus beidh sí ag tabhairt cabhair leis an bhFéile MotherTongues/Ílteangacha Gaillimh 2019 a eagrú.

Bíonn Julie Anne ag scaipeadh an t-eolas maidir le cursaí oideachas, ceol agus Gaeilge agus is múinteoir bunscoile í freisin.

“Bhí thart ar 50 tuistí is páistí ann as tíre ar fud na cruinne. Bhí an suim acu as an méid a bhí a rá ag Dr Francesca ó thaobh dhá theangas is íltheangas,” a dúirt Julie Anne De Brún.

“Tháinig daoine ón Údarás na Gaeltachta is Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta freisin. Tháinig slua deas ó Conradh na Gaeilge agus Gaeilge Mhaigh Cuilinn freisin.

“Labhair fear ón gcoiste don scoil nua dara ET a fháil agus é ag lorg go mbeadh daoine ag vótáil ar son na Gaeilge. Is pátrún a bheith mar sraith Educate Together”

Is ar an 31ú Iúil an deis dheireanach do vóta a chaitheamh don “Scoil Educate Together”a bheas á tógáil in Óran Móir nó sa Cathair agus táthar ag iarraidh go n-úsáidfidh chuile tuismitheoir a vóta. Is féidir an t-eolas ar fad maidir leis an Scoil Educate Together a fháil anseo.

Is léir ón tráthnóna a bhí acu i Leabharlann Westside go bhfuil ana chuid suim ag daoine ó tíortha eile an méid gur féidir leo a dhéanamh ó thaobh an dteanga nádúrtha a choiméad beo sa mbaile.

“Uaireanta bíonn na fadhbanna céanna ag chuile tuistí ar fud na cruinne a dteanga féin a chur chun cinn sa teaghlach”, a dúirt an Dr Francesca ó thaobh dhá theanga.

Chuir sí deireadh leis an léacht le cheisteanna ó na tuistí agus éinne eile a bhí ann maidir leis an dhá theangas. Bhí an slua an dóchasach ag deireadh an léacht agus seisiún ceoil ílteangach curtha ar siúl dos na páistí is tuistí.

“Bhain siad go léir sult is tairbhe as an gceol is na himeachtaí ealaíne a bhí ar siúl i rith an léacht,” a dúirt Julie Anne De Brún.

Léacht rathúil a bhí ann inné agus tá sé théis an cosán a oscailt don Féile MotherTongues/Ílteangacha Gaillimh a bheas ar siúl i 2019.

Is féidir na pictúirí ón lá a fheiscint anseo. Buíochas le Julie Anne De Brún duine de choiste MotherTongues as ucht na pictúirí a chur chughainn.

Pictúirí ón Léacht Rathúil a thug an Dr Francesca La Morgia inné

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July 27, 2018

Thug an Dr Francesca La Morgia léacht rathúil inné i Leabharlann Westside.

Seo agaibh pictúirí ón léacht rathúil a thug an Dr Francesca La Morgia inné i leabharlann Westside. Buíochas le Julie Anne De Brún duine de choiste MotherTongues as ucht na pictúiri a chur chughainn.

LGFA: History Making Galway Deliver Another All-Ireland

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July 27, 2018

(for full report, CLICK HERE to see ladiesgaelic.ie)

All-Ireland under 16 Ladies Football Final – Wednesday, 25th July 2018

Galway 3-16 Kerry 3-12 AET

Darren Kelly in Toomevara

(Report: courtesy – Ladies Football Association)

In another amazing decider showcasing all the excitement of ladies football, Galway won a rollercoaster decider to take their second All-Ireland title win of 2018.

It was also the first time that the Tribesgirls won back-to-back under 16 crowns but that only began to tell the story of an encounter that was the pendulum swing to the extreme throughout the 80 minutes.

Galway were six points ahead thanks to two Aoife O’Rourke goals inside four minutes, Kerry were six clear at half-time thanks to a Siofra O’Shea hat-trick before six unanswered points for the Connacht champions forced extra time.

🗞️**REPORT**

🏆 A magnificent All-Ireland U16 A final in Toomevara (@ToomeGAA) went @GalwayLgfa's way after extra-time.

🏐Kate Slevin scored 1-7 for the winners as 3-6 for Síofra O'Shea wasn't enough for @kerryladiesfoot @ConnachtLGFA @MunsterLGFA https://t.co/NDT45XzPxu

— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) July 25, 2018

Scorers:

Galway – Kate Slevin 1-7 (three frees), Aoife O’Rourke 2-0, Niamh McPeake 0-4, Shauna Brennan 0-2, Laura Kelly 0-1 (free), Eva Noone 0-1, Ellen Power 0-1

Kerry – Siofra O’Shea 3-6 (0-6f, 1-0 pen), Rachel Dwyer 0-1, Mary O’Connell 0-1, Rachel Kilgallen 0-1, Ella Teahan 0-1, Clodagh Evans 0-1, Mary Collins 0-1

Galway: Ava Murray; Louise Coen, Megan Walsh, Samantha Fahy; Sophie Healy, Emma Madden, Chellene Trill; Therese Kinnevey, Hannah Noone; Niamh McPeake, Laura Kelly, Shauna Brennan; Eva Noone, Aoife O’Rourke, Kate Slevin. Subs used: Ciara Murray for Walsh (25 mins), Ellen Power for Healy (40 mins), Lucy Hynes for O’Rourke (70 mins).

Kerry: Ciara Butler; Maud Kelly, Rachel O’Connor, Ava Doherty; Gemma Kearney, Rachel Dwyer, Aoife Dillane; Mary O’Connell, Aisling O’Connell; Rachel Kilgallen, Danielle O’Leary, Ella Teahan; Clodagh Evans, Siofra O’Shea, Mary Collins. Subs used: Ciara McCarthy for Collins (49 mins), Chloe O’Connor for Kelly (56 mins), Ciara Fitzgerald for A. O’Connell (60 mins).

Referee: Des McEnery (Westmeath)

Two Galway schools introducing P.E and Computer Science subjects

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Briain Kelly

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July 27, 2018

education ireland Galway Daily news two galway school introduce PE and Computer science subjects

Two Galway schools will receive funding for equipment to introduce P.E and Computer Science as Leaving Cert subjects this September.

The Convent of Mercy school in Tuam is one of 40 schools in Ireland introducing Computer Science to the curriculum this September, and Gort Community School is one of 64 introducing P.E.

Galway East TD Sean Canney congratulated the teachers at these schools for “taking on the challenge presented by these new subjects and wish the students all the best in their studies.”

The Convent of Mercy school will receive €3,000 for connector devices for the school computers, and Gort Community School has been granted €350 for digital devices students will use on course assessments and €750 for uploading hardware.

The two Galway schools are part of Phase 1 of the new subjects rollout; nationally they will be added to the curriculum in 2020.

Minister for Education Richard Bruton announced this week that €450,000 will be spent implementing the two subjects this year.

“The introduction of Computer Science as a Leaving Certificate subject is part of our ambition to make Ireland a STEM leader among our European colleagues.

“The grants being issued to schools, from this September will complement other recent grants given to schools to support them in embedding digital technology in teaching and learning.”

€30 million in grants to schools for information and computer technology was recently allocated by the government, on top of another €30 million last year.

All told, the government has committed to investing €150 million in ICT infrastructure over the next three years.

Minister Bruton also said that P.E not only builds physical health, but is good for young people’s mental health and promotes team-building skills.

“The introduction of Physical Education as a full examinable Leaving Certificate subject reflects the priority this government puts on promoting healthy lifestyles and choices.”

In addition the the monetary grants, the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) has developed a comprehensive training programme to support these new subjects.

The programme started training teachers earlier this year and will continue over the next two years.

“With these additional grants, and the comprehensive teacher professional development we are providing, the teachers and schools offering these new subjects from this September will be fully prepared to deliver these new subjects over the next two years.” said Minister Bruton.

“The experience of these two new subjects will inform both the national rollout of these subjects but also, the possibility of incorporating digital technology more widely in the assessment of other subjects.”

The €450,000 in grants announced this week are a one off payment for schools taking part of Phase 1 of the new subjects introduction.

Other Galway schools that will begin studying them in as part of the national rollout will have to make sure the have necessary ICT equipment in place through Digital Strategy for Schools grants.

Three German Tourists Rescued by RNLI Lifeboat from Hare Island

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July 26, 2018

Galway Daily news Coast Guard and RNLI remind people to stay safe around the water over Christmas — RNLI/Galway

Earlier this afternoon (Thursday 26 July 2018) three young German tourists were rescued from Hare Island on Galway Bay by the Galway RNLI lifeboat.

The three students found themselves trapped on the Hare Island, which lies off Renmore, after the tide came in shortly before 12.30pm.

A person on the shore spotted them in difficulty and rang 999.

Galways RNLI’s lifeboat was requested to the scene and arrived within ten minutes. The three young German students were completely surrounded by water and were assisted into the lifeboat by the RNLI volunteer crew.

They were transported back to Galway Docks in the city, where they were staying and did not require medical assistance.

The lifeboat crew on this call out were Sean King (Helm), Cathal Bryne, Greg Cullen and Olivia Byrne.

Olivia Byrne says, “This highlights the dangers of going out to Hare Island when the tide is coming in. These young men got completely cut off in a short space of time.

“Luckily a diligent observer on the shore came to their assistance and contacted the emergency services straight away.”

Gardaí urge Pope-goers to leave cars at home

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July 26, 2018

An Garda Síochana and the National Transport Authority have advised people to leave their cars at home for Pope Francis’ Masses in Phoenix Park and Knock.

“For those going to Knock, take public transport, get on a coach or car share,” they said in a statement this afternoon.

The Pontiff visits Dublin and Knock on the weekend of 25 and 26 August on the invitation of the World Meeting of Families 2018.

Knock

Road closures will be in place from 6pm on the Saturday evening and from 6pm on Saturday the centre of Knock Village will be closed (except to residents).

The N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 12 midnight on Saturday until at least 3pm on Sunday.

For those who live and work near Knock, a business and community liaison team is in place to handle queries, working closely with Claremorris Garda Station.

The Gardaí are advising people to get on a private coach or carpool to and from the event as car park spaces are limited and may be some walking distance from the Shrine.

Coaches will have a designated parking area on the N17 and this will result in the shortest distance to walk to and from the Knock Shrine via a short walkway.

There is a considerable walk from the car parks due to the size, scale and location of the event and there will be no shuttle bus facility available between car parks and the event site.

If cars are necessary, carpooling and car sharing is essential.

A bus shuttle service will operate from Claremorris train station to take people to Knock shrine. For those who have a ticket for the event, the bus shuttle service will be free.

There will be no public viewing opportunities at Knock Airport and it will not be possible for the public to view Pope Francis arriving or departing due to security limitations.

Those flying into and out of Ireland West Airport Knock on Sunday will have some access with strict limitations. Only those named on airline passenger lists and those transporting named passengers will be able to access the airport between 12 midnight on Saturday and 11.30am on Sunday

Speaking on this matter, Garda Superintendent Thomas Murphy said: “This is the largest event Ireland has organised in nearly 40 years.

“It simply will not be possible to accommodate all the people who have indicated they want to travel by car to the Mass.

Therefore we are urging people to go by train, bus, coach or Luas to this event. While walking is inevitable, you will be minimising your walk to and from the event by taking public transport or private coaches.”

Very heavy traffic across Galway City this evening

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July 26, 2018

Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

There are very heavy delays across the city this evening; the AA say that wet road conditions could possibly be adding to the delays.

There are long delays crossing the city from the Browne R/A on Seamus Quirke Rd, over Quincentenary Bridge right through to GMIT on the Dublin Rd.

Traffic is very heavy both ways on Bohermore between Prospect Hill and Cemetery Cross, with the Tuam Rd is also very slow in both directions between here and the Bóthar na dTreabh jct, with inbound delays back to Two Mile Ditch.

Bóthar na dTreabh itself is busy approaching the Tuam Rd jct from the Terryland side, and in the other direction approaching the Kirwan R/A and onto the Headford Rd.

The Headford Rd has heavy delays both ways too; inbound from the Kirwan R/A to Woodquay, and in the opposite direction from University Rd to the Bodkin jct.

Traffic is busy from Parkmore onto both the Monivea Rd and Tuam Rd.

Road traffic accident near Carraroe left pedestrian with “life changing” injuries

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Briain Kelly

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July 26, 2018

A serious road traffic accident near Carraroe left a pedestrian with serious injuries to his spine, leg, and foot.

Liam O’Maille (27) from Maumeem, Lettermore was sentenced to two years imprisonment, with 15 months suspended, at the Circuit court for hitting Raymond Byrne with his car on July 11, 2016 outside Carraroe.

O’Maille had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury before the Circuit Court on May 8 of this year and was in for sentencing today.

The court heard that in the early hours of Sunday morning Raymond Byrne (31) was walking home from a night out with his housemate, headed in the direction of Carraroe village.

Just as they were passing the entrance to Aras Mac Dara nursing station O’Maille, who was coming from the same club, struck him from behind in his car at around 3am.

Other pedestrians, who had been walking roughly 100m behind Byrne and his housemate, ran up to check on him.

O’Maille stopped just down the road outside Carraroe Ambulance Station where he got out of the car with several friends and came to ask if Byrne was alright.

Luckily two paramedics and a nurse who were inside came out immediately and started treating Byrne.

They asked O’Maille to move his car as it was blocking the ambulance bay. He drove it a short distance down the road towards Carraroe and stopped.

Byrne was brought to UHG by ambulance where he began receiving treatment at 4am.

Investigating the traffic accident

Garda Maria Doherty told the court that gardaí from Salthill attended the scene of the accident because there were no local officers on duty that night.

It took them a while to arrive as they had to stop at another traffic accident at Inverin on the way.

She said that when they arrived on the scene O’Maille, had left the scene.

But it was accepted by Garda Doherty that O’Maille had only moved at first because the paramedics asked him to, and stayed nearby asking pedestrians about Byrne’s condition for some time after.

Gardaí didn’t arrive on the scene until nearly 4:30am, the defence argued.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan acknowledged that O’Maille did return to the “stricken” victim and asked people how he was after moving his car, but he “thereafter failed to remain at the scene.”

At the scene garda Doherty interviewed several witnesses who had been walking behind Byrne who said that a car passed them going at a “normal speed” just before the accident.

The witness statements showed there was no evidence of speeding or erratic driving that night, the defence argued.

The morning after the accident O’Maille, who lives with his mother at Maumeen in Lettermore, got in contact with Garda Doherty when they heard the garda appeal for information about the accident.

He was interviewed at Mill street station and said at the time that he didn’t want to speak to a lawyer beforehand.

O’Maille told Garda Doherty that he had been out most of that day with his friends watching sports at two pubs before going to the club later that night.

He admitted to drinking six cans of Bulmers during the day, and one vodka at the club that night, but because he didn’t stay at the scene that night an alcohol test couldn’t be performed.

Prior to this O’Maille had no criminal record of any kind, and had never come to any garda attention.

CCTV footage from the nursing home and ambulance centre clearly showed the entrance Byrne walked past and had a perfect view of the traffic accident.

The footage showed O’Maille mounting the path and hitting Byrne in the back.

Garda Doherty said that O’Maille was fully co-operative with the investigation and didn’t want a solicitor, even after being shown the cctv footage.

She interviewed O’Maille a second time after reviewing the footage and he took full responsibility.

“Life changing” injuries

Garda Doherty told the court that as a result of the accident Byrne suffered fractures to his foot and leg, as well as cervical spinal fractures.

He had to have spinal fusion surgery where his C5 vertebrae was removed entirely.

Byrne, a Wicklow native who was staying in Connemara as part of his teacher training course, took the stand to say how his injuries have affected his life.

That night he was walking home with his housemate. The next thing he said he remembered was opening his eyes lying on the ground, and slipping in and out of consciousness in the ambulance.

He spent the next 16 hours strapped to a spinal board

For six weeks after being let out of hospital Byrne was forced to live with his sister as he needed a wheelchair and zimmer frame to get around, and his house in Connemara wasn’t wheelchair accessible.

“The though of spending the rest of my days in a wheelchair,” had a massive impact on his emotional state while recovering, Byrne admitted.

He was also unable to work for three months after being let out of hospital which caused him financial difficulties.

Two years after the accident, Byrne said, he still has difficulty with mobility and has been to therapy to help him come to terms with what happened.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan acknowledged that Byrne had suffered “horrific, and to extent, life changing injuries.”

O’Maille apologised to Byrne from the stand, saying: “This should not have happened to you and you did not deserve it.”

He said that he was deeply ashamed of his actions, for the difficulties he put Byrne and his family through over the last two years, and for letting down his family.

The defence presented several people who spoke to O’Maille’s character including his boss from the factory he works at, who said he was a hard working young man, and a manager at the local GAA club who said O’Maille was a popular coach with the kids.

O’Maille’s mother also took the stand and said that her son was crying when he told her what had happened the following morning.

She said he wasn’t someone who went out drinking very often, and had become very depressed in the time since the traffic accident.

Sentencing

Before delivering his sentence Judge O’Callaghan praised the actions of the three healthcare workers who were on the scene that night for their response.

Judge O’Callaghan said O’Maille’s culpability was not from “a brief momentary lapse of attention,” but came from his decision to drink and drive.

“A car is a weapon which becomes, quite literally, a loose cannon when under the control of someone who drank,” the judge said.

However, he acknowledged that O’Maille had co-operated fully with gardaí during the investigation and was deeply ashamed and remorseful for his actions.

O’Maille was given a two year sentence, with the last 15 months to be suspended, and disqualified from driving for five years.

Barna, Oranmore and Galway City to benefit from €2.3m Irish Water investment

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July 26, 2018

Galway daily news Water outages in multiple areas of Galway due to burst mains

€2.3 million will be invested to develop Drainage Area Plans for Galway City including Barna and Oranmore which feed into the Galway City network, Hildegarde Naughton TD has confirmed.

The investment by Irish Water will help to improve the performance of the wastewater network, protect the environment and facilitate social and economic development over the coming years.

The Galway West Fine Gael TD announced that contracts have recently been signed by the utility and RPS Environmental Management Ltd to carry out extensive surveying and mapping of the existing wastewater treatment network in these areas.

Parts of the network date back to the start of the last century and much of it has never been mapped previously.

The information gathered from this project will allow Irish Water to identify areas where urgent repair or upgrade work is required and to effectively plan its investment in the wastewater treatment network.

Eunan Canavan, Capital Programmes Regional Lead with Irish Water, said: “This work is part of Irish Water’s commitment to protecting Ireland’s waterways and coastal areas and ensuring that the wastewater infrastructure is in place to support population growth and economic development.

“Much of the sewer network is in poor condition due to its age and decades of under-investment. In addition, only a small portion of it has been accurately mapped and assessed to determine its condition.

“Data gathered from this project will allow us to improve the wastewater treatment network across Galway by identifying the areas most urgently in need of upgrading and allowing us to plan our investment so that we can meet the needs of these Galway communities now and into the future.”

The works will involve using CCTV to survey and assess the condition of over 42km of sewers, mapping an estimated 2,000 manholes, and monitoring the wastewater and rainwater flows in the network.

The surveys, which will get underway in August 2018, will be focussed on key areas such as flooding locations, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants, areas of predicted future growth and locations experiencing operational issues at present.

Mary Lou McDonald meets local buskers in Tig Cóilí

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July 26, 2018

The Sinn Féin President has met with local buskers in Galway this afternoon to discuss their campaign to keep busking as a key cultural asset to the City.

Mary Lou McDonald TD and Cllr Mairéad Farrell met with the buskers in Tig Coilí as part of a day of meetings with local groups and trade unions around the city and county.

Sinn Féin representatives were in Galway today for a community visit, which included a meeting with Mandate, Forsa, SIPTU and the INMO to discuss issues including conditions for health workers.

Maidin Maith Galway @Farrell_Mairead Just on @Galwaybayfmnews pic.twitter.com/raJwPGHPGL

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 26, 2018

They then met with the Galway Traveller group.

Lashing rain in Connemara so indoors talking to Hill Farmers & community activists . #CeantarÁlainn @Farrell_Mairead pic.twitter.com/3Ils2ZWhKM

— Mary Lou McDonald (@MaryLouMcDonald) July 26, 2018

Camogie: Duanes Daybreak Intermediate Championship Round 2 Wrap Up

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July 26, 2018

(Check the Galway Daily Sports Section for Match Report and Reaction from manager Carl Donlon)

The four semi-finalists booked their places in the 2018 intermediate camogie championship with a game to spare and will now have a work out against each other before the serious business of making the final commences.

Castlegar will meet Craughwell in Round Three, and Ahascragh/Fohenagh will take on Carnmore. The winner of each match will face the loser of the other in the semi-finals.

The other four teams aren’t finished yet as they’ll want to avoid relegation with the remaining games (Kiltulla/Killimordaly vs Shamrocks, Kiltormer vs Mountbellew/Moylough) effectively acting as semi-finals to avoid the drop.

Group A

Castlegar 4-7 Shamrocks 2-12 (Tuesday, 10th July 2018, Tynagh)

Two goals in each half gave Castlegar their second victory and secured their place in the semi-finals. Shamrocks fought back in the second half but were agonisingly one-point short at the finish.

Craughwell 1-14 Kiltulla/Killimordaly 1-9 (Wednesday, 11th July 2018, Duggan Park)

CAMOGIE: Freaney’s Dozen Gives Craughwell Semi-Final Place https://t.co/UEUAvaKUlU

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) July 17, 2018

WATCH: “It’s Nice To Get There” – Hannah Rabbitte https://t.co/vr0aa6uhwY

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) July 17, 2018

Group B

Ahascragh/Caltra 2-7 Mountbellew/Moylough 0-10 (Wednesday, 11th July 2018, Duggan Park)

CAMOGIE: Ahascragh Caltra Win North County Derby https://t.co/JLi4vXIers

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) July 17, 2018

WATCH: “A Super Victory” – Noel Higgins https://t.co/HITjp5wXFd

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) July 17, 2018

Carnmore 7-14 Kiltormer 2-5 (Thursday, 12th July 2018, Cappataggle)

Group A	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Craughwell	2	2	0	0	35	24	6
Castlegar	2	2	0	0	39	31	6
Shamrocks	2	0	0	2	30	37	0
Kiltulla/Killimordaly	2	0	0	2	25	37	0

Group B	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Ahascragh/Caltra	2	2	0	0	56	18	6
Carnmore	2	2	0	0	55	27	6
Mountbellew/Moylough	2	0	0	2	26	33	0
Kiltormer	2	0	0	2	19	78	0

Litir Grá don Gaeilge ag Láithreoir TG4 mar chuid de Sheoladh Clár Imeachtaí Bhliain na Gaeilge

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July 26, 2018

Litir seolta mar chuid do seoladh oifigiúl tarna leath do Bhliain na Gaeilge

Litir grá don Gaeilge ag láithreoir TG4, cheann dos na litreacha grá a sheoladh inné mar chuid de sheoladh chlár imeachtaí Bhliain na Gaeilge.

Inné sheol an Aire Stáit agus Príomh-aoire an rialtas Joe McHugh TD an dara chlár imeachtaí de chuid Bhliain na Gaeilge i nGleann Cholm Coille, Co. Dún na nGall. Ar an lá seoladh litir grá don Gaeilge a bhí ag láithreoir TG4 Micheál Ó Ciaraidh agus pearsantaí eile.
https://www.facebook.com/gaeilge2018/photos/pcb.1782609501775678/1782601581776470/?type=3&theater

Mheabhraigh an tAire Stáit don lucht éisteachta gurb é an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar a dhein an seoladh oifigiúil ar Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018 ag deireadh na bliana seo caite, rud a léiríonn tiomantas an Rialtais don Ghaeilge agus don bhliain speisialta seo chun teanga dúchais na hÉireann a chur i lár an aonaigh, sa bhaile agus thar lear.

Labhair an tAire Stáit faoin cheangal idir Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018 agus an Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus an sprioc comónta chun úsáid agus eolas ar an nGaeilge a mhéadú de réir a chéoile. Sa comhthéacs sin, threisigh sé go bhfuil ról criticiúil ag an phobal féin i ndáil le todhchaí na Gaeilge.

Rinne sé tagairt don chlár breá d’imeachtaí agus tograí a eagraíodh sa chéad leath den bhliain agus dúirt sé go mbeidh clár leathan ar fáil don dara leath don bhliain freisin.

“Is liosta le háireamh é na roghanna atá ar fáil, idir béarbaiciúnna, ceardlanna, féilte, drámaí, filíocht, siúlóidí, léachtaí, turais stairiúla, ceolchoirmeacha, picnicí, ranganna céilithe, draíocht agus open mic,” a dúirt an tAire Stáit.

Labhair sé faoin ócáid mhór Ceiliúradh 125 Bliain a bheidh ar siúl i gceanncheathrú Chonradh na Gaeilge ar an 31 Iúil agus faoin láthair champála oifigiúil do na Gaeil a bheidh ar fáil don chéad uair riamh ag Electric Picnic i gContae Laoise.

Ag féachaint ar an chlár atá leagtha amach de réir míosa d’aimsigh sé féidearthachtaí suimiúla eile ar nós ceardlann cócaireachtai gCiarraí, ióga i nDoire, tráth na gceist i Nua Eabhrac, gearrscannán sa Ghearnáin, oíche airnéail i nGlaschu agus carúil na Nollag i Washington.

Thug an tAire Stáit McHugh ardmholadh do Chonradh na Gaeilge agus d’Fhoras na Gaeilge atá ag comhoibriú le páirtnéirí eile ar nós Údarás na Gaeltachta, RTÉ, TG4 agus a Roinn féin chun an fhís do Bhliain na Gaeilge 2018 a bhaint amach.

Mar chlabhsúr, d’impigh an tAire Stáit ar an lucht éisteachta an dea-scéal maidir leis an Ghaeilge a scaipeadh.

“Is linne an teanga agus beatha teanga í a labhairt. Is féidir linn difríocht mhór a dhéanamh má thapaíonn muid an deis le linn Bhliain na Gaeilge le bheith níos gníomhaí ó thaobh na teanga agus le daoine breise a spreagadh chun ár dteanga dhúchais a labhairt fosta.”

Tá tuilleadh eolais agus an clár don dara leath den bhliain ar fáil anseo.

WATCH: “It Was A Tough Game Actually” – Carl Donlon

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July 26, 2018

Manager Carl Donlon saw his Carnmore team secure a second win in the 2018 Duanes Daybreak & Hardware Intermediate Championship after a 7-14 to 2-5 win over Kiltormer in Cappataggle on Thursday, 12th July, booking their place in the semi-finals.

Local authorities in Galway have no migrant integration strategies

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July 26, 2018

Local authorities in Galway have no migrant integration plan, it has been revealed.

Today’s Immigrant Council of Ireland report shows that Galway County Council‘s Integration and Diversity strategy expired last year.

Just three councils across the state currently have integration strategies: Dublin City, Kildare and Carlow.

Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan TD, who provided a foreword to today’s report, said: “The National Migrant Integration Strategy calls for Local Authorities to update their Local Integration Strategies.

“The practical recommendations in this document will be particularly helpful and I strongly encourage Local Authorities to adopt them as part of a living action plan to help communities become friendlier, more welcoming and ultimately more inclusive places for migrants living in Ireland.”

Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “Despite approx. one in eight people in Ireland coming from a migrant background we have yet to see local and national government take the necessary steps to prioritise integration activities.

“Resourcing pro-active, positive measures will strengthen communities and build cohesion in Irish society.

“People live their lives in their communities – it’s where they live, work, go to school, meet up and join groups. It makes sense therefore for integration plans to start here.

“However our new report has found only three Local Authorities around the country have an in-date integration strategy. This is despite the fact it’s one of the key recommendations in the Government’s integration policy document.”

CAMOGIE: Carnmore Complete Semi-Final Line-Up

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July 26, 2018

Duanes Daybreak & Hardware Intermediate Camogie Championship – Thursday, 12th May 2018

Carnmore 7-14 Kiltormer 2-5

Darren Kelly in Cappataggle

Kiltormer gave a much-improved showing from their first outing against Ahascragh/Caltra but still found the intermediate championship’s ‘Group of Death’ too much as Carnmore took their place in the semi-finals.

A Niamh Fox hat-trick along with goals for Michelle Heffernan, Aishling Kelly, Laura Tyrell and Niamh Ruane wrapped the tie up but Kiltormer were much better than the scoreboard suggested.

Indeed, had they not fluffed many straight forward opportunities during the opening 25 minutes, they would have been in a much better position than the 1-6 to 0-3 deficit indicated.

Michelle Heffernan, Sarah and Niamh Fox were among the scorers as Carnmore built up their lead with Niamh Fox taking advantage of Ruane’s industry on 10 minutes to get the first goal.

Chloe Quinn Reilly (2) and Celine Donnelly got the Kiltormer points but they hit five wides during a strong mid half spell and paid the price before the half-time whistle.

Fox set up Heffernan for the second Carnmore goal on 28 minutes making it 2-6 to 0-3 before Aishling Kelly added a point. But Kelly struck again with a major on 30 minutes before Fox’s second in injury time sent Carnmore in 4-7 to 0-3 ahead.

It was a bitter blow to swallow for Kiltormer but they began the second half in positive mood and kept this contest entertaining even if the result was beyond doubt. Reilly and Donnelly combined to force Elaine Grealish into a save but on 33 minutes, they got their reward.

Rachel Larkin came in from the right for a goal their efforts deserved but the elation was short lived. Rachael Hughes sent over a Carnmore point before Ruane overturned possession to get a goal and Carnmore were 5-8 to 1-3 clear.

An injury to Aisling Killilea took some of the gloss of Carnmore’s evening but they continued tallying through Sarah and Niamh Fox, and Heffernan. Shauna Duane replied for Kiltormer but after adding a point, Niamh Fox completed her hat-trick on 51 minutes making it 6-12 to 1-4.

Hughes and Reilly traded scores before Carnmore’s seventh goal came from substitute Laura Tyrell. But Corina Goode gave Kiltormer reason to cheer with a consolation green flag on 56 minutes before Tyrell concluded Carnmore’s account.

The expected result completed the final four for the 2018 intermediate camogie championship and Carmore will get to test themselves against Ahascragh/Caltra before facing Castlegar or Craughwell in the semi-finals.

Scorers:

Carnmore – Niamh Fox 3-3, Michelle Heffernan 1-5 (four frees), Aishling Kelly 1-1, Laura Tyrell 1-1, Niamh Ruane 1-0, Sarah Fox 0-2, Rachael Hughes 0-2.

Kiltormer – Chloe Quinn Reilly 0-3 (one free, one ‘45), Rachel Larkin 1-0, Corina Goode 1-0, Celine Donnelly 0-1, Shauna Duane 0-1

Carnmore: Elaine Grealish; Mary Lardner, Jennifer Davoren, Emily Duggan; Patricia Kelly, Christina Hanley, Aisling Killilea; Aishling Kelly, Rachael Hughes; Michelle Heffernan, Sarah Fox, Valerie Coleman; Niamh Ruane, Niamh Fox, Siofra Leonard.

Kiltormer: Laura Frehill; Lisa Kelly, Edel Kelly, Aibhe Hanlon; Saoirse Waters, Marian Kelly, Leona Larkin; Hannah Flynn, Shauna Duane; Rachel Larkin, Aoife Dolan, Corina Goode; Celine Donnelly, Mary Kilkenny, Chloe Quinn Reilly.

Referee: Mike Ryan

Human rights based approach involves looking at possibility of re-burial at Tuam

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July 26, 2018