Creative Makers Galway pop-up shop to open next week

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July 13, 2018

Gardaí were responding to a domestic disturbance last year when the accused man threatened to stick a pitchfork through one officer’s head.

David Shaughnessy (29), was charged with two firearms offences for making threats with a pitchfork and a hoe while gardaí were attempting to arrest him.

The court heard that on July 6 last year garda Patrick McPartlan and Pat Casey responded to a domestic disturbance call at 55 Glenbaun, Ballybane, the home of the accused’s mother, where he was staying.

Shaughnessy had been drinking heavily that day and was making threats against his mother.

When the gardaí arrived Shaughnessy’s mother met them at the front of the house and told them that he was in the back garden. She told the officers that she was afraid of him.

Garda McPartlan testified that when he and his partner confronted Shaughnessy, he produced a pitchfork and threatened garda Casey.

“I’ll stick this f*****g fork through your head or anyone else that comes near me,” he yelled, according to Garda McPartlan

The officers called for immediate backup. When Shaughnessy heard this he dropped the pitchfork and fled the fence over the fence of the back garden.

Shortly afterwards officers Casey and McPartlan found Shaughnessy in the back garden of no. 52 Glenbaun, where he again threatened them with a garden implement. This time, a hoe.

An armed response unit quickly arrived on the scene, at which point Shaughnessy exited the garden and surrendered himself to gardaí.

Judge Mary Fahy was incredulous that Shaugnessy would actually violently threaten a garda with a pitchfork,”He actually threatened a garda on duty. To stick him through the head.”

Solicitor for the defence Olivia Traynor said her client understand the gravity of the situation and was pleading guilty to all the charges.

“He can’t get away from the seriousness of what happened.” she said.

Speaking in his own defence, Shaugnessy said that he was up drinking all night previously and hadn’t slept. He also said that he never had any intention of actually attacking the officers.

Judge Fahy told him that was his own decision. She questioned whether Shaughnessy had consumed any other intoxicating substances, and asked him if he had any addictions.

Shaughnessy replied that he didn’t, adding that he doesn’t drink all that often but, “When I do drink I sometimes go a bit crazy.”

Ms. Traynor said that since the time of the incident Shaughnessy has found employment and is back living with his mother.

Shaughnessy’s father also appeared in court to support his son.

Garda Pat Casey was on duty when this case was called in the morning, but appeared later to testify.

“As soon as we arrived it turned into a very serious incident,” he said. According to garda Casey he tried to calm Shaughnessy down, but the more he spoke the more “demented” Shaughnessy became.

Judge Fahy asked garda Casey if the events of that day had affected him. Garda Casey said that he has become more cautious at work since then.

He added that a “more foolish” person might have approached Shaughnessy and been seriously injured.

Shaughnessy was also facing criminal damage and public order charges related to two separate incidents at Paddy’s and Brogan’s pubs in Prospect Hill. These offences also took place in 2017.

Judge Fahy concluded by saying that despite Shaughnessey’s plea, the charges against him, particularly the threat with a pitchfork, were too serious for her to conclude the case that day.

She ordered testimonials to be produced proving that Shaugnessy was working and a Garda Behavioural Report be shown at the next hearing.

In addition she said Garda Casey should receive compensation for any distress the threats against his life may have caused, suggesting €1,000 as an appropriate amount.

The case was adjourned the case to October 10 for sentencing at a special hearing of the District Court.

Afternoon water restrictions likely on Inis Mór as drought continues

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July 13, 2018

There is only enough stored rainfall on Inis Mór to last for another two weeks, meaning an afternoon water restriction is likely to come into force if the drought continues.

Irish Water say that although leak repair works have helped with the critical situation, reservoir levels are very concerning.

Water consumption on Inis Oirr and Inis Meain has increased by 30 per cent in the past six weeks and Irish Water is urging its ‘customers’ to increase their efforts to conserve water on all of the Aran Islands.

The new afternoon restrictions will accompany the night-time restrictions on Inis Mór and Inis Oirr which will continue from 8pm to 8am daily.

Demand for water remains high at 580 cubic metres day, meaning the boreholes that supplement supply are now in danger of being exhausted.

Irish Water’s Corporate Affairs Manager Kate Gannon said: “Our Drought Management team are meeting daily to assess and analyse water demand and consumption levels for every area in the country.

“Met Éireann has forecast that high temperatures will remain for the foreseeable future and this highlights the need for everyone to play their part and conserve water as much as possible, to follow our advice and tips and to comply with the Water Conservation Order.”

Young Galway native stabbed in Cork named locally

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July 13, 2018

Galway Daily news missing teen found safe

Gardaí in Mallow are appealing for witnesses after the death of a 24-year-old Galway native in Co. Cork yesterday evening.

The man was stabbed at approximately 8.30pm yesterday evening, and was taken to Cork University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The man has been named locally as Conor Quinn.

#Cork #News Gardai searching the riverbank near the scene of last night’s fatal stabbing in #Mallow pic.twitter.com/OPbGk928PF

— C103 (@C103Cork) July 13, 2018

The scene at Bridge Street remains preserved for a technical examination and gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

The Gardaí now want to speak to a young man who they believe he was with at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

#Cork #News Garda forensics are examining the scene at Bridge Street, Mallow where a 24-year old man was stabbed and later died last night. Locals have been expressing shock at the violent death pic.twitter.com/7cHHvh3Yav

— C103 (@C103Cork) July 13, 2018

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Hildegarde Naughton appointed Chair of new Oireachtas climate committee

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July 13, 2018

cimate change action hildegarde naughton

Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton has been appointed Chair of a new Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action.

The Fine Gael TD, who is Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, will now also Chair this new committee designed to focus solely on measures we must take to drastically reduce our carbon emissions.

Speaking after the announcement Deputy Naughton said: “We need to ensure that climate action is at the heart of policy making as a matter of urgency.

“The Citizens Assembly have made far reaching suggestions as to what measures we, as a country, must take to tackle climate change.

“The Climate Change Advisory Council has been very clear. We are not doing nearly enough to decarbonise.

“This new Committee will explore all of the various options to make climate action the priority of Government policy and ensure that the appropriate action is taken as a matter of urgency.

“Not doing so puts our future generations at risk of very serious adverse climate consequences.

“We need to encourage every sector to transition to a low carbon economy, through supports and incentives.

“This must include agriculture, transport, industry and construction to name a few.

“It is my plan that we will engage with relevant stakeholders in these sectors and, together, forge dynamic new policies that can drastically reduce emissions and safeguard all our futures.”

Friday July 13 – Movie in the Park shows the classic “Into the West”

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July 12, 2018

Galway Daily what's on Movie in the Park Into the West

Movie In The Park is showing the classic ‘Into the West’ this Friday, July 13 in Fr. Burke Park at 10pm.

It BYOB, bring your own beanbag, seating on the night.

Unless you don’t need a fancy cushion to sit outside like those other people (and don’t mind privately keeping to yourself that you really didn’t think your arse would get this uncomfortable sitting on the grass for an hour and a half. I mean, it’s grass.)

Tickets are €5 with all proceeds going to the Blue Teapot theatre company.

You can get tickets online through the Roisín Dubh or in person from Massimo’s Bar or The Blue Note.

Movie in the Park is hosted by Galway’s Westend and the Blue Teapot

Catherine Connolly challenges government on mental health review

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July 12, 2018

galway daily news Former east Galway Fianna Fail TD passes away

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly yesterday asked the government for a time-frame for the review which is ongoing in relation to A Vision for Change.

The government response was that the review will ‘certainly’ be completed by the end of the year.

Deputy Connolly said: “We have been through this conversation. We had A Vision for Change. It was to be reviewed.

“The Government set up an international review of literature. That took some time and it is over, and now a review is ongoing. When will it be completed?

“A Vision for Change was an excellent document. The difficulty was in its implementation, in addition to the abolition of the independent monitoring group that monitored its implementation and which sat for two three-year sessions.”

Deputy Connolly asked again when the review is to be completed, adding: “If the Government is seriously interested in providing proper services for people suffering from mental health difficulties, why would it not reinstate the independent implementation body?”

Published in 2006, A Vision for Change details a comprehensive model of mental health service provision for Ireland.

It describes a framework for building positive mental health across the community and for providing accessible, community-based, specialist services for people with mental illness.’

Fine Gael TD Jim Daly thanked Deputy Connolly for the question.

“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Connolly as an gceist sin,” he said. “As she will be aware, that is one of the more important reviews that is ongoing at the moment. A Vision for Change was one of the most visionary and revolutionary changes in the delivery of mental health services the country has ever seen.”

He added: “We take the review of that policy very seriously and I do not want to rush it. It will be completed before the end of this year on time. I meet the people who review it on a regular basis to get an update on how that is going.

“I believe I have another meeting with them in the next week or ten days.

“It certainly will be concluded by the end of this year.”

Vodafone apologises for no coverage earlier today

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July 12, 2018

vodafone apology galway — The Arc with Chritmas Lights

Vodafone Ireland has apologised to its customers who were without service for a period of time today due to a network issue.

Vodafone has confirmed on Twitter that this issue has now been resolved and regular service is back in place.

Customers in many counties across the country including Galway were without service, for what Vodafone has described as a “very short period of time”.

@VodafoneIreland is there a problem with yet network in Galway City?

— Aisling McCann (@ashb83) July 12, 2018

@VodafoneIreland Service gone in Galway as well

— cathk78 (@Cathk78_) July 12, 2018

@VodafoneIreland Hi, is your network down? I can’t get any signal in the Galway area.

— Steaks (@Kieron_Steaks) July 12, 2018

@VodafoneIreland is the network down in Galway city?

— x (@iamshanejs) July 12, 2018

Vodafone said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Connemara seafood plant could fold because of fishing quotas

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July 12, 2018

Galway Daily news connemara seafood plant could close due to fish quotas

Management of Iasc Mara Teoranta seafood plant in Ros a Mhíl say that unless they can find a new owner, the plant will close.

Iasc Mara Teoranta has been processing herring and mackeral out of Ros a Mhíl harbour for more than 40 years. But now there’s a good chance it will have to close its doors at the cost of 25 direct jobs, and any wider effect that will have on the community.

It says its present difficulties are caused by fishing quotas being increasingly concentrated into a small number of hands that just aren’t bringing their catches into Connemara.

The seafood plant relies depends on Ros a Mhíl boats bringing in daily catches. But many of those boats have been bought up by Killybegs-based fishing operators.

Speaking to the Irish Times Cathal Groonell, Managing Director of Iasc Mara, says that the government’s plan to forge a link between fishing quotas and coastal communities on those waters just was “not happening on the ground.”

In a statement sent out by the company, they say it has become unsustainable to continue operations with the reduced catches coming in.

The news couldn’t come at a worse time for the government, as An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Michael Creed, and Minster for Rural Affairs Michael Ring will be in Westport tomorrow for a special forum on “Creating Stronger Rural Economies and Communities.”

The event will take place at the Town Hall Theatre in Westport with registration taking place at 11:45am.

Considering what the topic of the day is, it’s a near certainty that questions will be asked about how this news squares with a programme of creating stronger rural communities.

A policy statement on fishing quotas on the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine’s website says fishing quotas are meant to stop ownership from concentrating in the hands of a few operators.

“In Ireland, any movement towards privatisation and concentration of rights into the hands of large companies would seriously risk fishing vessels losing an economic link with Ireland’s coastal communities and undermining the socio-economic importance of the fishing industry in the coastal communities dependent on fishing.”

Mr. Groonell said he had warned Minister Creed about the threat to the plant from loss of supply as recently as the Our Ocean Wealth conference two weeks ago.

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv said that the loss of Iasc Mara Teoranta would be a huge blow, not just costing 25 jobs, but threatening Ros a Mhíl future as a fishing harbour.

He has called for the government to have roundtable discussions with stakeholders to examine what the long term repercussions this would have.

Iasc Mara Teoranta says it hopes it can find a buyer that will use the plant for its proper purpose,

“The factory has modern processing, freezing and cold storage facilities and it is hoped to find a buyer that will continue to operate it as a fish processing facility.”

The seafood plant takes up 3.5 acres of land on Ros a Mhíl harbour, close to the Aran Islands ferry terminal.

Galway work syndicate determined to keep €1m Euromillions win top secret!

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July 12, 2018

euromillions win galway — NO REPRO FEE: 7th July 2018. Someone in Galway woke up a millionaire today after winning a cool €1 million in Friday’s night’s EuroMillions ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ draw. The golden Quick Pick ticket for the EuroMillions guaranteed €1 million euro prize in Ireland was sold at the Spar Store in the Ballybrit Technology Park in Parkmore, Co. Galway on the day of the draw. Staff at the shop Karen Glynn (left) and Christina Mulroy during the celebrations in the shop today. Pic Mac Innes Photography

An ecstatic group of Galway work colleagues embarked on an amazing top-secret mission to Dublin earlier today as they quietly collected a ‘truly life-changing’ EuroMillions prize worth €1 million from National Lottery headquarters.

The group of Galway workers has managed to keep the big win a secret since Saturday morning when the good news filtered through.

The syndicate leader called each member of the group to tell them that they had just won €1,005,000 on the ‘Ireland Only Raffle’ with a Quick Pick ticket purchased at the Spar Store in the Ballybrit Technology Park in Co. Galway.

L-R Karen Glynn & Christina Mulroy, staff at the Spar Store in the Ballybrit Technology Park in Galway celebrate after selling the EuroMillions €1 million.

The leader of the syndicate said that the last week has been very exciting trying to keep the news secret.

“We have been in work all week whispering to each other like school children. Absolutely nobody in work knows that we have won a million euros between us.

“It’s a perfect amount for us to share and we decided to keep the win secret and didn’t want any fuss in work,” they said.

The syndicate described their individual prize share as ‘truly life-changing’ and plans have already been made to clear mortgages and splash out on holidays and new cars:

“The first I heard about the win was Saturday morning. We never expected that it could have been us. Once I checked the ticket I started ringing each member of the syndicate and their reaction was a mixture of pure shock and elation. It’s a nice feeling having to ring people to tell them that they’ve just won a large sum of money.

“We’re eager to get the cheque in the bank and distribute the money. The group have varying plans for spending their share including paying off mortgages and loans, planning holidays and getting new cars.

“The best part of this win is that so many families will benefit from this prize, it’s just magical,” they added.

Man stole six iphones from women’s handbags at city nightclubs

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July 12, 2018

A man who stole six iPhones from women’s handbags at multiple city nightclubs in April 2016 appeared in court with €600 compensation.

Moses Akani (20), of 163 Fearann Rí, Doughiska, was charged with six counts of theft at Carbon, Electric, and Four Four nightclubs between April 8 – 29, 2016. Four of thefts took place in a single night on April 28.

The stolen phones were all high end iPhones, either model 5c or 5s, with a combined value of €2525.

Garda Pat Foley conducted the investigation into the thefts and recovered the phones from Mr. Akani’s bedroom when his home was searched in May 2016.

Judge Mary Fahy ordered Akani to pay €100 compensation to each of his victims at a previous hearing in February for the distress he caused them.

She noted then that young women who are out at night often need their phones for security reasons.

Akani brought that money with him to court this week and Judge Fahy directed garda Foley to see that it reaches the young women its meant for.

Akani had previously failed to appear for a hearing in November last year, and a bench warrant had to be issued for him.

In February, solicitor Sean Acton told the court that it was because his parents, whom he said were very Christian people, were disgusted by his actions and sent him back to Nigeria for a spell so he could appreciate the benefits he enjoyed in Ireland.

In mitigation this week, Akani’s solicitor told the court that these thefts all took place in a short period in 2016 when he was unemployed.

The court heard that since then he has entered into full-time employment and will be returning to university in September.

This week he was assessed for community service and found to be a suitable candidate.

The court ordered him to serve 150 hours of community service with a five month prison sentence should he fail to complete the full order.

Similar concurrent community service orders were ordered for the other theft charges.

Update: This article has been to clarify Akani’s home was searched in May 2016, not March as was previously written.

‘Significant disruptions’ to water supply in 8 affected areas

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July 12, 2018

UPDATE 18.15 : Irish Water says the Mid-Galway Water Treatment is back in operation but that some disruptions may continue.

Irish Water and Galway County Council have confirmed that there is a major difficulty at the Mid-Galway Water Treatment plant at the moment.

They say that there are going to be significant disruptions to water supply in all areas served by the scheme, and that the following areas are affected: Abbeyknockmoy, Annagh, Laragh, Athenry (part of) Monivea, Attymon, Kiltullagh, Gurteen, Carrabane.

It comes as Irish Water reiterated their plea to the public to conserve water as consumption levels remain high in the continued warm and dry weather conditions.

“We urgently need your help and support to conserve water at this time,” said Irish Water.

“You can help by turning off your garden sprinklers, not using your hosepipes, not washing your car and taking shorter showers and not baths.

“The demand is so high, particularly during peak times, that we are struggling to get enough water around the system quick enough. If we can all do our bit this will reduce the risk of lower water pressure or no water at all.”

Creggacareen, Inis Oirr, Inis Meain, Kilcarna, Letterfrack, Ballyconnelly and Cill Rónáin remain “Water Restriction Areas”.

UPDATE 18.29pm : Irish Water say the Mid-Galway Water Treatment is back in operation.

Fine Gael to support second term for Michael D. Higgins

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July 12, 2018

Galway Daily news President Higgins continues to draw NUI Galway pension while in office

The Fine Gael Parliamentary Party has recommended to its Executive Council that the party support a second term for Michael D. Higgins as Uachtarán na hÉireann in the Presidential Election campaign which could take place this year.

The decision was arrived at following the weekly meeting of the parliamentary party yesterday evening where the issue was discussed.

After the meeting, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “The recommendation of the parliamentary party is that we will support President Higgins’ bid for re-election actively and campaign for him.

“President Higgins has done an excellent job, served the country very well and deserves a second term. He brings immense wisdom and experience to his role and I hope that this can continue with a second term for the President.”

Financial Services firm announces new jobs in Galway

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July 12, 2018

Galway Daily business Financial services firm creates new jobs in Galway — An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with EY Managing Partner Frank O'Keefe

Financial Services firm EY has announced 520 new jobs at its Galway office and around Ireland.

The financial services consultancy firm has a high demand for young professionals with a background in STEM and other relevant fields, as well as more traditional tax and accounting qualifications.

Experienced hires can expect an average salary upwards of €65,000 a year, depending on their level of experience.

10 of the new positions will be at EY’s Galway office in Eyre square, while the rest will be spread across their branches in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, and Belfast

New Managing Partner at EY Frank O’Keeffe said: “While geopolitical, uncertainty and technological disruption will undoubtedly present challenges for businesses and the Irish economies, Ireland is facing these challenges from a position of great strength and flexibility.”

While tax and accountancy services will remain the heart of their business, EY is increasingly hiring graduates from STEM backgrounds to work with top entrepreneurs, multinationals, and public sector clients who need more non-traditional services.

“In the last year, approximately 60% of offers we’ve made in Ireland have been to people with non-traditional tax or accounting backgrounds.” said Mr. O’Keeffe.

The 520 jobs are the latest major addition to EY’s existing staff of 2,500 in Ireland. The financial services company has experienced continuous growth for the past four years, and has expanded its staff here by 36% in the last two years.

Speaking ahead of the announcement, An Taoiseach Leo Varadker praised EY for the offering so many positions to new graduates.

“I am pleased to see EY continuing its commitment to graduate employment by providing career opportunities through the recruitment of these 305 college-leavers, helping to copper-fasten our reputation as a leading country for top talent and investment.”

The Taoiseach stressed the importance to the Irish economy of providing opportunities for our brightest young minds at home as well as attracting talent from overseas.

The latest round of hires is 57 more roles than were added at the firm last year, and they consider it crucial to keep adding people with a diverse range of skills to work with different sectors.

“It’s crucial we recruit the best people from graduates through to partners with the type of sector-specific experience that will allow us to provide clients with the insight and advice they need to grow their businesses and customer base.” said Frank O’Keeffe.

“We know that today’s employees expect more from their workplaces, and we are firmly committed to ensuring what we offer will give them huge opportunity to progress and build a successful and fulfilling career at EY.”

City Council approves €1.5 funding for first time buyers in Home Loan Scheme

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July 12, 2018

Galway Daily news Property prices show signs of stabilising in Galway

Galway city council has approved €1.5 million in funding for first time buyers under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme.

The Home Loan Scheme is meant to help first time buyers get who have already been refused by a commercial bank get a leg up by borrowing from the council instead.

Councillors welcomed the news, saying that it was important to help young people get onto the housing ladder at a time when property prices are going up.

61 applications have been received by the city council for the Home Loan Scheme in 2018 so far, 15 of which have been approved.

The total value of the 15 applications, if all are drawn down, comes to approximately €1.9 million.

Requirement for Home Loan Scheme

In order to qualify for the Home Loan Scheme a single applicant can’t have an income over €50,000 and a joint applicants are capped at €75,000 between them.

A 15% deposit and a good savings record are also required for Galway city council applicants, with the council covering 85% up to a property value of €320,000.

Councillor Terry O’Flaherty said that a young couple looking to buy a family home in Galway would have a hard time coming up with a €48,000 deposit on a home at that price.

Applicants who have already identified a home they want to buy must show proof that they’ve been turned down by two banks.

But, it’s also possible for people to apply without identifying a property. If the applicant is successful they can then go back to the housing market having been pre-approved for a loan.

Councillor Donal Lyons asked what the councils options are if borrowers default on their payments.

Dermot Mahon, senior executive officer of corporate services at the council said staff meet with every applicant beforehand, and will tell them if they don’t meet the criteria.

They also work hard with every borrower to work put a payment plan if borrowers get into arrears.

Urgency of applications

Councillor Noel Larkin asked how long it takes for an application to be approved between being submitted in Galway, going to Dublin for approval, and getting back.

“Houses are being snapped up very quickly.” He warned. Saying that even if a home has been identified, it could well be sold by the time the loan has been approved.

Mr. Mahon said applications have a turnaround of about 20 weeks. But if the home an applicant wanted to buy is gone, they are still approved for the loan and can go look for another.

Councillor Collette Connolly asked why they were only asking for €1.5 million if the loans already approved exceeded that. To which Chief Executive McGrath said that half a million in funding was already approved last year.

The €1.5 in funding million the council voted for at this meeting will be a loan from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.

Other councillors asked if applications for the scheme have closed, and if not can they go back to the department for more money.

Mr. Mahon said this just the first round of funding for the Home Loan Scheme. If more applications come in they can go the department for further funding, and have been told it will be granted.

There are three interest rate options available for applicants: 2% fixed up to a 25 year loan, 2.25% fixed up to a 25 year loan, and a 2.3% variable rate.

Of the applicants approved so far, five are council tenants who want to buy out their home under the Tenant Purchase Scheme.

Five haven’t yet identified a property, but have now been pre-approved for a loan, and the last five know what home they want and have already been refused by two commercial banks.

Councillor Declan McDonnell raised a question about a recent government report saying that council shouldn’t sell any more of their housing stock to tenants.

Chief Executive McGrath said that he was aware of the reports’ existence, but the government hadn’t instructed the council to discontinue the Tenant Purchase Scheme, and it would continue until they are so instructed.

Barna – Moycullen Rd closed again as gorse fire rages on

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July 11, 2018

The Moycullen Road out of Barna is closed between Barna Village and Barna Golf Club again as emergency services deal with the gorse fire which has reignited.

Motorists are being advised to use alternative routes as firefighters tackle the blaze which began at lunchtime yesterday.

Several units of the fire brigade were at the scene throughout yesterday, with smoke from the fire being seen from miles away.

The fire is not expected to cause issues into tomorrow, however, rain is not expected in Galway until Saturday.

Large gorse fire in Barna while sunseekers cool off at Silverstrand in Galway today. pic.twitter.com/TDQ2KRBC2F

— Galway Tourism (@galwaytourism) July 10, 2018

RUGBY: Connacht Sign Colby Fainga’a

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Darren Kelly

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July 11, 2018

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce the signing of back row Colby Fainga’a from Australian Super Rugby side the Melbourne Rebels.

The 27-year-old made his Super Rugby debut playing for the Brumbies when Andy Friend was their Head Coach in 2010 and went on to play every game for the club in the 2011 season.

In 2014, Fainga’a joined the Rebels and in his first season was awarded the highest honour in the club when he was named the Players’ Player of the year.

This achievement was followed by his appointment as co-captain of the Melbourne Rising side in 2015.

The versatile back row has gone on to make 100 Super Rugby appearances, the latest coming in the Rebels clash with the Reds last weekend (Friday, 6th July 2018).

#SuperRugby – RESULT:

Reds 37-23 Rebels

The Reds pick up a home win against the Rebels and end a 5-game losing streak. pic.twitter.com/hytJbDssEV

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) July 6, 2018

At international level, Fainga’a captained the Australian Under 20s side in 2011 and made 7 appearances in the 2017/18 season.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Colby Fainga’a ahead of the new season,” said Connacht Head Coach Andy Friend.

“When I was Head Coach at the Brumbies, Colby signed his first professional contract with the club, so I have an in-depth knowledge of the qualities he brings. With 100 Super Rugby appearances under his belt, Colby brings massive experience.

“In addition to his versatility on the field he has a fantastic attitude off it and will be a big addition to Connacht in the seasons ahead.”

Fainga’a will join up with the squad on the conclusion of the Rebels Super Rugby Season which concludes on Saturday, 4th August 2018.

🎥 | What does Colby Fainga’a have to offer? Check out just a snippet of his career so far! pic.twitter.com/B2JPdWJt9e

— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) July 11, 2018

Calls for clarity over ‘vitally important’ N6 Galway bypass project

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July 11, 2018

Transport Minister Shane Ross has been criticised for not indicating when he intends to bring the N6 Galway bypass project to Cabinet.

Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív criticised the minister for not providing a timescale for the project, and said that Minister Ross is failing miserably on transport and infrastructure matters.

Deputy Ó Cuív commented, “The Minister was meant to bring this issue before Cabinet in the early part of this year; it is now July and the project has still not been discussed, and Minister Ross has refused to indicate when he plans to bring it before his Ministerial colleagues.

“I recently asked the Minister to outline when he would be raising this issue at Cabinet.

“Worryingly, Minister Ross appears to believe that he has sole responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the National Roads Programme.

“His assertion is incorrect; he will have to get Cabinet sign-off on N6 Galway bypass as it is such a large project.”

Minister Shane Ross needs to bring a memorandum to government to get sign-off on spending for the project.

“This Minister is more interested in issues outside his remit and is failing miserably on transport and infrastructure matters.

“This project is vitally important to Galway city and people living west of the Corrib and cannot be left on the backburner.

“This government needs to demonstrate that it’s seriously committed to this essential project and I am calling on Minister Ross to clearly outline the timescale for the planning and construction phase”.

WATCH: “A Massive Lift” – Frank Harkin (Ballygar)

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Darren Kelly

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July 11, 2018

Frank Harkin was Ballygar’s manager as they won the 2018 Galway under 16 B Hurling Shield title in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. They beat Tommy Larkins 4-17 to 2-5.

30th Galway Film Fleadh kicks of in style

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July 11, 2018