Thief hits the maximum sentence the district court can impose

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July 11, 2018

Captain Ryan Duffy receives the Ocean Hygiene under 16 B hurling shield trophy from Galway Juvenile Hurling Board Chairman Pauric Lohan in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Greg Thomas was Man of the Match.

‘Save Rusheen Bay’ – Rusheen Bay School risks being “lost forever”

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Michael Malone

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July 11, 2018

Watersports enthusiasts and parents have come together to attempt to purchase Rusheen Bay Windsurfing School, which is due to be auctioned next week.

Rusheen Bay School is being auctioned on 20 July for an asking price of €200,000, however the local group – made up of its former owner, managers and instructors – have formed a club and want to buy the school to use it as a not-for-profit sustainable community club.

They believe the school risks being “lost forever unless people act fast”.

They want to use the school to teach watersports and land-based activities to children and adults in Galway City and County and finance itself through sustainable, commercially-run watersports camps during the summer months.

Rusheen Bay has been used as a watersports amenity in Galway city for twenty seven years.

Over 25,000 children and adults have learned how to sail, paddle, and have fun in one of the worlds most idyllic venues for teaching and learning watersports.

Níall McNelis, Mayor of Galway City supports the cause, and said: “Galway is a City by the sea – a Green Leaf city – and needs to protect maritime amenities like Rusheen Bay for generations to come. This would be a shame if it was lost to the community.”

GALWAY GAA – Under 16 Final: Ballygar 4-17 Tommy Larkins 2-5

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July 11, 2018

Ocean Hygiene Under 16 B Hurling Shield Final – Monday, 9th July 2018

Ballygar 4-17 Tommy Larkins 2-5

Darren Kelly in Duggan Park

Ballygar delivered a dominant display to take county silverware in Ballinasloe as they led from start to finish in this under 16 B Hurling Shield Final.

Two Frankie Quinn goals and majors for John Calligy and Evan Duffy ensured Frank Harkin’s team were always destined for the winners’ enclosure despite conceding second half green flags to Cathal O’Hehir and Keith Dervan.

Ballygar led 0-3 to 0-0 inside seven minutes thanks to Evan and Ryan Duffy, and Eammon Trayers before Conor Slattery opened Tommy Larkins’ account. And after Ballygar’s Greg Thomas and Larkins’ Augustine Lyons traded minors, two more Thomas frees made it 0-6 to 0-2 on 13 minutes.

BALLYGAR PRODUCE POLISHED DISPLAY!

Ocean Hygiene Under 16 B Hurling Shield Final Latest in Duggan Park

RESULT!@BallygarHurling 4-17@tommylarkinsgaa 2-5@GalwayDaily #galwayhurling #GAA

— Darren Kelly (@DazK1978) July 9, 2018

It was an entertaining final played and the Woodford/Ballinakill team played their part in keeping it competitive in the opening 30 minutes. Keith Dervan and Slattery tallied placed balls to reduce arrears to two but 1-3 unanswered from the north Galway team was significant.

Evan Duffy made it 0-7 to 0-4 on 19 minutes but after Quinn’s dangerous ball from the right four minutes later, the alert Calligy got the touch for Ballygar’s first goal. Further points for Thomas and Evan Duffy left it 1-9 to 0-4 at half-time.

Ballygar seized the initiative and Evan Duffy also threatened goal before the break. But they put their lead to double digits five minutes after the restart when Quinn got his first three-pointer.

Dervan hit back for Tommy Larkins but they struggled to open any routes back. Trayers and Ryan Duffy both troubled the umpires by the 42nd minute to make it 2-11 to 0-5.

It was certain that Liam Hanley’s team needed goals and they got a break when O’Hehir capitalised on a moment of defensive uncertainty following Lyons’ delivery for their first goal.

But Ballygar’s character shone through as they replied with two Thomas frees by the 50th minute.

Dervan did send a Tommy Larkins free to the net seven minutes from time giving them a glimmer of hope. But it proved to be their final score as Ballygar finished with 2-4 without reply.

Trayers pointed before Evan Duffy finally got his goal on 54 minutes. And after Ryan Duffy added a point, Quinn’s second goal was the icing on the cake.

Evan and Ryan Duffy bookended the scoring finishing with further white flags to conclude a quality Ballygar showing giving great hope for the club’s future.

Scorers:

Ballygar – Evan Duffy 1-4, Greg Thomas 0-7 (five frees), Frankie Quinn 2-0, Ryan Duffy 0-3 (one free), Eammon Trayers 0-3, John Calligy 1-0.

Tommy Larkins – Keith Dervan 1-2 (all frees), Cathal O’Hehir 1-0, Conor Slattery 0-2 (one free), Augustine Lyons 0-1

Ballygar: Jamie Doyle; Brian Kelly, Tom Collins, Edward Kileheeny; Aaron Hannon, Seamus Langan, Paddy Downey; Ryan Duffy, Greg Thomas; Evan Duffy, Frankie Quinn, James Connelley; Gerard Calligy, Eammon Trayers, John Calligy.

Tommy Larkins: Ciaran Sheil; Eoin Cunningham, Cian Daniels, Brian Tuohy; Paul Fahy, Donal Keane, Denis O’Connor; Keith Dervan, Shane Whyte; Cian Duggan, Conor Slattery, Geraoid Hanley; Noel Sheil, Cathal O’Hehir, Augustine Lyons.

Referee: Owen Shaughnessy

WATCH: “It Was a Great Win” – Leo Murphy (Annaghdown)

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July 11, 2018

Leo Murphy was Annaghdown’s manager as they beat Padraig Pearses, Roscommon 2-7 to 2-2 in the 2018 Galway under 14 C Hurling Shield Final in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.

WATCH: Annaghdown Under 14 Hurling Presentation

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July 11, 2018

Captain Sean Mulrooney receives the Under 14 C Shield Hurling trophy from Galway Juvenile Hurling Board Chairman Pauric Lohan in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Daithi Kilcommins was Man of the Match.

GALWAY GAA – Under 14 Final: Annaghdown 2-7 Padraig Pearses 2-2

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July 11, 2018

Ocean Hygiene Under 14 C Hurling Shield Final Replay – Monday, 9th July 2018

Annaghdown 2-7 Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 2-2

Darren Kelly in Duggan Park

Despite a poor start conceding two early goals, Annaghdown came back to take the county title at the second time of asking with a man of the match performance from Daithi Kilcommins.

Kilcommins was the Galway side’s scorer-in-chief but after striking a second major in the opening minute of the second half, he reverted to a sweeper role to ensure Padraig Pearses were never given another chance.

The Roscommon team were hoping for better fortune on their return to Ballinasloe having lost their Feile final in June. And they got off to the perfect start when they stormed into a 2-0 to 0-1 lead in five minutes.

DAITHI'S DOUBLE ALLOWS ANNAGHDOWN DOMINATE!

Ocean Hygiene Under 14 C Hurling Shield Final Replay Latest in Duggan Park

RESULT!!!@Annaghdowngaa 2-7@propearses 2-2@GalwayDaily #galwayhurling #GAA

— Darren Kelly (@DazK1978) July 9, 2018

Their twin threats up front made a name for themselves on the national stage and continued that trend. After Kilcommins had opened for Annaghdown, Charlie Mooney finished to the net on four minutes to give Pearses the lead.

And it looked like this replay would be a cause for celebration for the club based just four miles outside the town when Sean Canning, nephew of Joe, got the second major to put five between them.

Annaghdown hadn’t settled but started to play their way back. Kilcommins converted a free and they nearly got a major when Kenneth Shaughnessy’s run was denied for a 65.

Kilcommins added two more scores and in the 14th minute, Leo Murphy’s team seized an advantage they never surrendered as Kilcommins finished to the net.

Mooney responded with a Pearses free but they struggled to create chances and another Kilcommins score gave Annaghdown a 1-5 to 2-1 interval lead.

And their hold on this final strengthened after the restart when Kilcommins got the second goal. Captain Sean Mulrooney was growing in influence through his raiding runs down the right and he did the work for Kilcommins’ second green flag putting four between them.

As other started stepping up, Annaghdown started tightening up their defensive lines though Kilcommins did set up John Lynn for another point on 24 minutes.

Mooney struck a free but Pearses just couldn’t find a way through though they did nearly reap dividends on 29 minutes when Jack Flynn found Mooney only for the effort to go wide.

Shaughnessy tallied beforehand to make it 2-7 to 2-2 with 12 minutes remaining. It proved to be the game’s final score but Shaughnessy and Mulrooney did force two top saves from Pearses’ keeper Jack Ryan before the finish.

Scorers:

Annaghdown – Daithi Kilcommins 2-5 (three frees), John Lynn 0-1, Kenneth Shaughnessy 0-1

Padraig Pearses – Charlie Mooney 1-2 (two frees), Sean Canning 1-0

Annaghdown: Eoin Concannon; Darren Burke, Daniel Cosgrove; Jamie Hession, James Joyce, Donnagh Kilcommins; John Lynn, Sean Mulrooney; David Quinn, Ryan Lynchehaun, Kenneth Shaughnessy; Daithi Kilcommins, Stephen Curley.

Padraig Pearses: Jack Ryan; Eoin Canning, Conor Ryan; Shane Glennon, Keelan Ryan, Keith Daly; Cathal Carty, Michael Cruise; Jack Nevin, Cian Grenham, Jack Flynn; Sean Canning, Charlie Mooney.

Referee: Christy Browne

Darren’s Diary (Wednesday, 11th July 2018): Could Football Really Come Home?

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July 11, 2018

By the time many people read this, that opening headline could be pointless, the question could be answered and another period of hype will have faded into memory with a glorious exit for our neighbours across the water.

England play their biggest match in 28 years when they meet Croatia in tonight’s World Cup semi-final and France are waiting in the decider. It seems all set up for a team lacking star names who are supposed to be using this tournament as a transition to Euro 2020 and the Qatar World Cup.

Sure, they’re managed by a guy famous for missing a penalty the last time they reached the semi-final of a major tournament but Gareth Southgate has really galvanised the troops, and the country. And they will be singing all night should they reach a first final since (and you have heard of it) 1966.

Imagine if England won the World Cup and Southgate said ‘Fuck Brexit’ in his victory speech. That’d be a pretty good day.

— John Niven HQ (@estellecostanza) July 11, 2018

I’ve never really subscribed into the let’s hate England’s soccer team mentality that many friends and peers enjoy. Yes, I do engage in a good old-fashioned ribbing from time to time but I consider hating their soccer team pointless when Irish fans make regular trips across for Premiership games.

I’m not going to start a rant about why pubs fill to watch Liverpool or Man United (I support the latter myself) and only 800 go see Galway United. I understand why we do as our top internationals ply their trade there. But some heroes can’t suddenly be “p*****” because they put on a white shirt.

I’ll never forget a night out years ago when I would have been drinking heavily and football matches in the pub were another excuse for Guinness. A close friend (no names, no venue, just a story) was roaring such abuse at Stephen Gerrard on the television, I thought the player must have cheated on his sister.

Every name came out over 90 minutes of an England friendly. However, and this is the great irony, my friend was a Liverpool fan. He wore the jersey with pride and when Gerrard scored a screamer in the FA Cup final a few months later, he was jumping for joy claiming he was the best in the Premiership.

Tonight, we’ll all sit down and watch, even the non-soccer fans, out of curiosity, because we want to see the drama unfold. Whether England are the heroes or villains of the piece is up to you to decide, but everyone wants to see how it works out.

It wouldn’t even have to be England as the World Cup is a sporting spectacle that brings all supporters together. I remember we had a great night out for the Italy vs France 2006 World Cup Final including many people who’d only watch a match once every four years.

Galway GAA ask Fifa to delay World Cup Final kick-off https://t.co/t6lZGJmMOp

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) July 7, 2018

And it’s that reason alone that I just can’t understand the GAA in fixing the Galway vs Kerry match (or any for that matter) on at the same time as the World Cup Final. It’s not as though they didn’t know the World Cup Final would be on then as FIFA did fix their schedule before the GAA did.

And don’t tell me the Dublin game’s move to Saturday has nothing to do with events in Russia!

There are diehard Galway fans that don’t care and they’ll be in Croke Park along with similar Kerry stock. But on the first weekend of the Super8s, wouldn’t maximising coverage be a priority if this new format it to stick.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t Darren giving out because he can’t watch both games. I’ve always felt common sense needs to be used in fixing games clashing with events known in advance.

I don’t think any county should play club games the day of the All-Ireland Hurling and Football Finals. Galway GAA have done this in the recent past as have Galway camogie.

And counties shouldn’t fix club games if they are participating in the All-Ireland camogie or ladies football finals. Galway GAA’s fixing of a Salthill/Knocknacarra senior football semi-final in 2013 meant Seamie Crowe, a camogie selector, had to miss the biggest day in Galway camogie’s history.

The government make certain sporting events free-to-air because there is a mainstream interest. The All-Ireland Finals and World Cup Final are examples. There’s no point giving out about Sky Sports having GAA matches when other events important to sports fans aren’t being respected.

Either way, we’ll all sit down and watch England vs Croatia tonight. And we’ll wave red and white Cork flags for our Eastern European neighbours or some will dare start singing ‘Football’s Coming Home.’ I still wouldn’t be rushing out to bet on it happening yet. But it could!

TUAM and DISTRICT Sports Notes (Tuesday, 10th July 2018)

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July 11, 2018

Tuam AC Juveniles — Sarah Oifoh came third in the 80m to win an All-Ireland Bronze! Well Done Sarah!

Covering local sports news in Tuam and the surrounding areas including Glinsk, Abbeyknockmoy, Milltown, Killererin, Kilconly, Claremorris, Williamstown, Sylane, Cahergal, Corofin, Dunmore, Kilkerrin, Clonberne, Cortoon, Moylough, Glenamaddy, Garrafrauns and Ballymoe.

TUAM CAMOGIE

6 clubs, 17 teams, over 120 participants from Tuam, Abbeyknockmoy, Carnmore, Sylane, Turloghmore, and Westport all played in the home blitz for Tuam Camogie Club at St Pat’s pitch, Dublin Road on Sunday 8th July.

Great day of Camogie for all involved and everyone left a winner. Well done to all.

Training will continue at Tuam Stars Lower pitch, Saturday Mornings, from 10am -11.15am, cost per session is €2.00 and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.

TUAM AC JUVENILES

Tuam AC Juvenile athletes made their way to Tullamore in big numbers again on Saturday for the National Inter-Club Relays and All Ireland Juvenile B Championships.

As ever all athletes performed to the very best of their ability and can take a great deal from the day’s events.

With the extreme heat creating challenging conditions for all competitors, all Tuam athletes were glad of the shade and refreshments provided throughout by their crowd of supporters over the course of the day.

First in action were Oisin Kelly and Cian Rafferty competing in the U12 long jump and high jump respectively. Both boys jumped well and both finished in a creditable 5th position.

Saoirse Hunter was in action in the U12 shot put and threw very well finishing just outside the medals in the final standings.

The heats of the sprints were soon underway on the track, with Cian Rafferty again lining up and running in heat 2 of the 60m to secure an automatic spot in the final where he ran quicker again to clock a 9.02 second run.

Saoirse Hunter also ran in the girls 60m sprint and ran a super heat to continue her progress on the track over the past season. Michael Hartnett was up next in the u13 Boys 80m sprint.

He was also an automatic qualifier from his heat and clocked the exact same time of 12.02 in the final showing his consistency over the sprints. Just outside medals this time, but great running.

Our U14 Girls trio of Jenni Reidy, Emily Kenny and Sarah Oifoh were up next to run in the 80m. Both Jenni & Emily ran very well and were just outside qualifying for the final.

Sarah Oifoh ran a super heat and finished 1st but was 4th fastest in qualification for the final. When she lined up for the final she knew she had to find an extra gear, and she did just that by running a great race to finish in 3rd place and win All Ireland bronze.

Well done, Sarah!

With the focus still on the sprints and the U15 Girls up next to run the 100m heats. Aoibheann Phelan, Emma Morrow and Shannon Daly all took to the blocks to go fast to the finish line.

Aoibheann and Emma have been in great form of late, coming off the back of two fast legs in the Connacht relay finals. They ran well again here but were just pipped to a place in the final.

Shannon Daly also brought great form to the track and was flying in her heat only to mistime one stride causing her to surrender the lead but still just hold on to 2nd place to secure a final spot.

Shannon went on to run a PB of 13.62 in the final, and finish in 4th place. A super run and time in a fast final…her time would have secured silver in the U16 race which shows the standard of sprinting in her own age group.

The attention switched then to the long jump pit, with Ella Zywczyk and Emily Kenny in the U14 competition. Both jumped really well and rounded their season off with a solid display.

Natasha Zywczyk was in action in the U15 long jump and was unlucky to finish just outside medals, jumping a super 4.18m with her last jump to finish in 5th overall.

Conan Tobin took to the shot putt circle in the boys U14 competition. Conan threw really well and finished in 7th overall in a very strong contest.

Shane Coleman was also throwing in the U13 competition and again found himself in a high standard competition in which he performed very well to finish 9th overall.

Aoibheann Phelan was in the U15 girls shot put, performing well as usual and finished in 5th place.

Shane and Conan were also in action on the track, running 600m and 800m races at U13 and U14 level. Both of the lads put in really strong runs on the track in very hot conditions. Well done lads.

Eva Burke was in heat 3 of the U12 600m, she ran a super heat pushing on in the final stages where with another few meters of track she would likely have finished in first place. Eva was unlucky not medal, but a super run to round off her season.

Daragh Kenny went in heat 2 of the boys U12 600m and ran a great race to finish second in a fast heat and clock a PB of 1.50 and finish in 5th overall. Good running.

The relays were the focus of attention for the remainder of the day. Some excellent performances by the Tuam teams in action, the highlight of which was the girls U12 team finishing 2nd in their heat to qualify for their final in which they ran very well.

The relays are top class standard and it was super to see our athletes competing with the best in national competition.

Tuam relay teams in action were:

U12

Aine Maguire, Abbi McGrath, Myah Gallagher, Danielle Moynihan & Eva Burke (s)

Cian Rafferty, JJ Oifoh, Daragh Kenny, Oisin Kelly & Cian Halligan (s)

U13

Michael Hartnett, Oisin Phelan, Daragh Mannion, Roan Heslin & Sam Tynan (s)

U14

Shauna Hession, Emily Kenny, Jenni Reidy, Sarah Oifoh & Ella Zywczyk (s)

U15

Emma Morrow, Isabelle Moynihan, Natasha Zywczyk, Shannon Daly & Aoibheann Phelan (s)

A huge well done to all athletes on a top day of competition. Thanks to all parents for your support and thanks and well done to the numerous coaches involved with all teams and athletes.

Onwards to next weekend for the National Track & Field Championships on once again on in Tullamore.

KILKERRIN UNITED

U10 girls had an exciting game against Castlerea Celtic in Kilkerrin on Wednesday evening last. Emily Stephens was in top form scoring a hat-trick.

U12 boys defeated Ballaghaderreen FC 5-3 with goals from Enda Keane (3) & Daniel Stephens (2) but disappointingly lost out 3-0 to Cloonfad United.

U16 boys lost out 4-1 to Cloonfad United despite Oisín Gilligan’s goal and drew 1-1 with Castlerea Celtic thanks to a Cian Carton strike.

U18 boys had an impressive 4-0 win over Ballinasloe Town with goals from Oisín Hynes 2, David Madden & Brian McDermott.

Last week’s RDFL lotto numbers were 6, 12, 18 & 19. There was no jackpot winner. 12 match three winners but unfortunately nobody local to Kilkerrin.

SYLANE HURLING CLUB

Intermediates drew 2-16 to 1-19 with Killimor in Killimor on Friday evening in the league. They remain unbeaten after three rounds of the intermediate hurling league.

U13s lost to Padraig Pearses 4-11 to 3-2 in round three of U13 B championship played in Ballymacward last week.

Sylane Hurling Club will host GAA Kelloggs Cul Camp this year from July 23rd to July 27th. This is a great week of Hurling and Camogie for all from 6yrs to 13 yrs of age. Bookings can be made online now through Kelloggs Cul Camps 2018

Sylane OsKaRs fundraiser: The club together with Sylane Camogie and in association with Kevin Rowe events promotions will hold the OsKaRs night on November 3rd in Clayton Hotel Galway.

The proceeds from this fund raiser will ensure work will commence on the clubhouse revamp and extension. An information evening will be held on Monday 23rd July in Corralea Court Hotel at 8pm.

The club are looking for volunteers to act in one of seven films. Rehearsals will begin in mid-September with filming on weekends 13/14 October and 20/21 October.

The Gala awards OsKaRs evening will be held in the Clayton Hotel Galway on November 3rd when ten minutes of each film is shown on the big screen and 10 OsKaRs will be presented on the night.

Please email sylaneoskars@gmail.com if interested in helping out with your contact details.

Lotto Numbers drawn on 2nd July 2018 for jackpot €9,000 were 2,13,16,19. No jackpot winner and no match three winner. Draw takes place in clubhouse every Monday night at 9pm and is open to the public.

Congratulations to Galway senior hurlers on retaining the Leinster Senior Hurling title.

Well done to the Galway minor hurlers on a comprehensive win (1-20 to 0-12) over Limerick last Sunday and to Keelan Creaven on a great performance which included 0-3 from play.

The club would like to extend its sympathy to the Brady family Ardskeamore, Cummer on their recent sad bereavement.

KILCONLY LGFA

Kilconly Ladies 50/50 draw winners:
Congrats to Adrian Ansbro and Enda Boyle who won the last 2 weeks.

Congrats to you both please keep supporting draw every sat night.

Also our u12 team just won the league final and our juniors won first round of championship against Micheal Breathnachs.

DUNMORE MACHALES LGFA

Our next 50/50 lotto draw will be held on 30th July. Lotto collectors for Sunday 22nd July are Yvonne & Paul kearney & Paul & Deirdre Cheevers.

Our Senior ladies played their first Championship game of 2018 on last Friday evening. Their opponents on the night were Claregalway, with the game being played in Claregalway.

Both teams were very evenly matched and half time saw a score of Dunmore 1-05 to Claregalway 0-10.

The 2nd half proved more challenging and when one of the Dunmore Ladies was sent to the line, being sin-binned, each and every one of the team really raised their game and stepped up to the challenge, putting in tremendous performances.

Unfortunately it wasn’t enough though and Claregalway ran out eventual winners by just 2 pts with a final score Dunmore 4-09 Claregalway 0-23.

A special word of mention must go to the underage players, who stepped up a level to play Senior championship football and put in huge performances on the night.

Well done to all of you, and massive thanks also to the management team and trainers for all their preparatory work for Championship 2018.

Best of luck to our U14 ladies who face Glenamaddy Williamstown on Wednesday in a replay of last week’s Sheild Semi-Final. It is at 6pm in Glenamaddy, all support appreciated.

U16s return to training this week. Please make every effort to attend. Times communicated via Viber group.

Well done to Sophie Healy and the Galway U16’s beating Donegal in the All Ireland Semi-finals. Galway 3-22 Donegal 4-4. Galway will now face Kerry in the final on 25 July. Good luck to girls and management.

Well done to Lorraine Meehan and the Galway minors in their defeat of Cavan in the All Ireland Semi Finals. Final score after extra time Galway 6-12 Cavan 4-13.

Well done team and management and wishing them the best of luck as they now face Cork in the final on July 15th.

Cash for clobber collection continues at the dressing rooms. Please leave bags of unwanted clothing to raise much needed funds for the ladies club. No duvets please.

ABBEYKNOCKMOY HURLING

Hard luck to our U-16’s defeated by Meelick- Eyrecourt on Wednesday night in Ballinasloe by 4-16 to 1-12 in the county final.

This is a young Abbey team with many underage again so hopefully they can go one better next year.

Well done to all the kids who took part in this week’s Cúl camp in Abbey. It was a great success. Thanks to all the coaches for their excellent training and to the organiser Mary Coleman.

Our U15’s played a challenge game last Sunday morning week on way to Croke Park for the Kilkenny match against our recent Feile guests Graignamangh of Kilkenny.

We had a super game of hurling with both sides well matched and neither side willing to back down but we managed to grind it out in the last quarter of second half and come away with a few points to spare.

Many thanks to Michael and Graignamangh for the sporting game and great to meet up with them again.

Sincere thanks to James Dolly and son Luke (who donned and played for Abbeyknockmoy H.C for the day) for organising the use of their facilities for the morning and for refreshments afterwards it’s much appreciated.

Then it was on to Croker for the big match and we may have been spotted stopping for a Supermacs en route West that evening!!

Lotto Numbers 2 July: 18, 22, 25, 28

No Winner or no Match 3

Lucky Dip: Mike Vaughan

Thanks to all for supporting us in our lotto.

Play online at: www.abbeyknockmoy.gaa.ie/club-lotto

You can purchase 10, 25 or 52 draws.

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

The club wishes a speedy recovery to Brendan Connolly after his recent accident.

COROFIN GAA

RESULTS:

We defeated Caherlistrane by 4-8 to 0-14 in the league, division 5 (North) played in Caherlistrane on Saturday evening.

Our division 4 team had one point to spare over St Gabriel’s, winning by 1-12 to 1-11, played in Corofin on Sunday evening.

Well done to both teams.

FIXTURES:

We play Tuam Stars in the league, division 1 in Corofin on Tuesday evening at 8.30 pm.

We are scheduled to play Killannin, also in division 1, at 7.00 pm on Sunday evening in Killannin.

GALWAY FOOTBALL:

Galway footballers return to action on Sunday when they take on Kerry in Croke Park at 4.00 pm. Best wishes to the team.

Galway’s other two games in the “Super 8s” are against Kildare in Newbridge on the weekend of 21 / 22 July, while they will play Monaghan in Pearse Stadium on the weekend of 4 / 5 August.

HURLING:

Congratulations to the Galway hurlers who retained their Leinster Championship with a seven-point victory over Kilkenny in Thurles on Sunday. Congrats to Daithí Burke who put in another excellent performance in the game. Congrats also to Galway minors, and to Sylane hurler, Keelan Creaven, who defeated Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter final also played in Thurles on Sunday.

SYMPATHY

The Club offers its sympathy to the families and friends of the following who died recently: Mai Kirwan, Kilcurriff and Stephen Brady, Ardskeamore.

May they rest in peace.

CLUB LOTTO:

No winner of lotto jackpot. Numbers drawn 1, 5, 7, 23. Five match 3s Mary Canney, Francis Tyrrell, John Fahey, Tommy & Mary Collins, Mike O’Brien. Seller’s prize Brian Loughlin. Next week’s jackpot €6,350 and draw in Club Office.

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

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

GALWAY GAA Fixtures: (July 10th – 17th 2018)

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July 11, 2018

Connacht Minor Football Final

Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Dr. Hyde Park, (Final), GALWAY vs Roscommon 19:30,

U12 Football Group 1
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Barnaderg , (League Final), Tuam Stars V Caherlistrane 18:00,

All-Ireland Senior Football Quarter-Final

Sun, 15 Jul, Venue: Croke Park, (Round 1), GALWAY vs Kerry 16:00,

Additional services operating for @Galway_GAA supporters travelling to @CrokePark on Sunday 15th July. More Info: https://t.co/PilAnV0fvg … #GAA

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) July 10, 2018

All-Ireland Minor Hurling Quarter-Final

Sun, 15 Jul, Venue: Semple Stadium (Round 2), GALWAY vs Kilkenny 12:00,

1-5 ag Donal O’Shea @Galway_GAA mac le iar-bhainisteoir Thiobraid Árann Eamon.
Highlights of the @ElectricIreland minor quarter-final between #Galawy & @LimerickCLG at 8pm on @SportTG4 pic.twitter.com/LWSLmILqtk

— GAA 2020 (@GAA_2020) July 9, 2018

U16 Football Division 1 North
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Caherlistrane, (Round 7), Caherlistrane V Annaghdown 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Dunmore MacHales, (Round 7), Dunmore MacHales V St. Gabriels 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Glenamaddy, (Round 7), Northern Gaels V Monivea-Abbey 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Corofin GAA Pitch , (Round 7), Corofin V Ballinasloe 19:00,

U16 Football Division 1 West
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 7), St Michael’s V Oranmore-Maree 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Salthill-Knocknacarra, (Round 7), Salthill-Knocknacarra V Mícheál Breathnach 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Páirc Maigh Cuilinn, (Round 7), Moycullen V St. James 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Páirc na bhForbacha, (Round 7), Barna V Claregalway 19:00,

U16 Football Division 2 North
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Tuam Stars, (Round 7), Tuam Stars V Milltown 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Kilconly, (Round 7), Kilconly V Loughrea 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Caltra Pitch, (Round 7), Caltra V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 19:00,

U16 Football Division 2 West
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Clifden, (Round 7), Clifden V An Spidéal 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Leitir Móir, (Round 7), Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir V An Cheathrú Rua 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Clonbur, (Round 7), An Fhairche – Clonbur V Oughterard 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Killannin Community Pitch, (Round 7), Killannin V Carna-Caiseal/Na Piarsaigh 19:00,

U16 Football Division 3
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Ballygar, (Round 7), St Brendan’s V Headford 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Clonberne, (Round 7), Kilkerrin-Clonberne V Cortoon Shamrocks 19:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Mountbellew, (Round 7), Mountbellew/Moylough V Menlough 19:00,

Terrific @Galway_GAA @ConnachtGAA #CùlCamp in @cumannathanri #150children @bluetone12 Top class coaches @AidanHarteGort @CoachingGalway @TribesmenGAA pic.twitter.com/GCZVeoadbt

— Damien Coleman (@DamienColeman4) July 9, 2018

Under 13 A1 Championship
Thu, 12 Jul, Venue: Clonfert, (Playoff 2), Meelick-Eyrecourt V Gort 18:45,

Under 13 B Championship
Thu, 12 Jul, Venue: Skehana, (Playoff 3), Skehasna-Mountbellew/Moylough V Craughwell 18:45,

Under 13 C Championship
Thu, 12 Jul, Venue: Tommy Larkins Park, (Playoff 2), Tommy Larkins V Mícheál Breathnach 18:45,

Senior Hurling League Group 1
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Castlegar Pitch, (Round 5), Castlegar V Clarinbridge 19:30,

U14 Football Division 1 North
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Caherlistrane, (Round 7), Caherlistrane V Tuam Stars 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Monivea-Abbey, (Round 7), Monivea-Abbey V Corofin 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Dunmore MacHales, (Round 7), Dunmore MacHales V Ballinasloe 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Mountbellew, (Round 7), Mountbellew/Moylough V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 19:00,

U14 Football Division 1 West
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Cregg, (Round 7), Annaghdown V Killannin 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Mervue, (Round 7), St. James V Oranmore-Maree 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Baile Doite Pitch & Clubhouse, (Round 7), Moycullen V Salthill-Knocknacarra 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Claregalway Lakeview, (Round 7), Claregalway V Barna 19:00,

U14 Football Division 2 North
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: St Brendan’s Loughrea, (Round 7), Loughrea V Kinvara 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Kilconly, (Round 7), Kilconly V Craughwell 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Headford, (Round 7), Headford V Clarinbridge 19:00,

U14 Football Division 2 West
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: St Michael’s, (Round 7), St Michael’s V Carna-Caiseal/Na Piarsaigh 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Páirc an Chnoic, (Round 7), Mícheál Breathnach V Oughterard 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Leitir Móir, (Round 7), Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir V An Spidéal 19:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Clifden, (Round 7), Clifden / Renvyle V An Cheathrú Rua 19:00,

Division 2 League
Thu, 12 Jul, Venue: Páirc na bhForbacha, (Round 6), Barna V An Spidéal 20:00,

Division 4 League
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Clifden, (Round 6), Clifden V Dunmore MacHales 17:00,

U15 Division 2 North
Sun, 15 Jul, Venue: Mountbellew, (Round 4), Mountbellew/Moylough V Dunmore MacHales 19:00,

Intermediate Hurling League
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Cregg, (Round 3), Annaghdown V An Spidéal 18:00,

John Dunne Cup
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Barnaderg , (Quarter Finals), Killererin V Claregalway 20:00,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Headford, (Quarter Finals), St. James V Headford 20:30,

Under 13 B1 Hurling Championship – Group 1
Thu, 12 Jul, Venue: Cregg, (Round 3), Annaghdown V Portumna 18:45,

Cahill Cup
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Williamstown GAA Club, (Semi-Finals), Williamstown V St Gabriel’s 20:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Clonbur, (Semi-Finals), An Fhairche – Clonbur V Mountbellew/Moylough 19:00,

Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 1
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 5), Skehana V Craughwell 18:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 5), Salthill-Knocknacarra V Sarsfields 18:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kinvara, (Round 5), St Mary’s GAA Athenry V Ardrahan 18:00,

Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 2
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Kinvara, (Round 4), Liam Mellows V Gort 19:30,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 4), Clarinbridge V Ballygar 19:30,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Clarinbridge, (Round 4), Mícheál Breathnach V Kilnadeema-Leitrim 16:30,

Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 3
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Duggan Park , (Round 2), Tommy Larkins V Turloughmore 16:30,

U13 Football Division 1A
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Corofin GAA Pitch , (Round 5), Corofin V Mountbellew/Moylough 11:30,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 1
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Clarinbridge, (Round 7), Clarinbridge V Oranmore-Maree 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Sylane, (Round 7), Sylane V Turloughmore 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: New Inn, (Round 7), Sarsfields V St Mary’s GAA Athenry 11:00,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 2
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kiltormer, (Round 7), Mullagh/Kiltormer V Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Craughwell, (Round 7), Craughwell V Carnmore 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Moycullen, (Round 7), Moycullen V Cappataggle 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Loughrea, (Round 7), Loughrea V Killimordaly 11:00,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 3
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: The Priarie, (Round 7), Salthill-Knocknacarra V Michael Cusacks 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Na Forbacha, (Round 7), Bearna-Na Forbacha V Liam Mellows 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Gort, (Round 7), Gort V Annaghdown 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Tonabrocky, (Round 7), Rahoon-Newcastle V Kinvara 11:00,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 4
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Portumna, (Round 7), Portumna V St Thomas 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kilconieron, (Round 7), Kilconieron V Killimor 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Ballinasloe, (Round 7), Ballinasloe V Tommy Larkins 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kilnadeema, (Round 7), Kilnadeema-Leitrim V Ardrahan 11:00,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 5
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Abbeyknockmoy, (Round 7), Abbeyknockmoy V Skehana 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Ahascragh, (Round 7), Ahascragh/Fohenagh V Ballygar 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: St. Dominics , (Round 7), St Dominics V Pádraig Pearses 11:00,

Under 12 Hurling League – Group 6
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Ballinderreen, (Round 7), Ballinderreen V Mountbellew/Moylough 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Meelick-Eyrecourt, (Round 7), Meelick-Eyrecourt V Mícheál Breathnach 11:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Padraig Pearses GAA Ground, (Round 7), Pádraig Pearses V An Spidéal 11:00,

Junior Championship North – Group A
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Cregg, (Round 1), Annaghdown V Milltown 19:30,

Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 1
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Mullagh Hurling Club Grounds, (Round 5), Mullagh V Ballinasloe 19:30,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Beagh, (Round 5), Beagh V Rahoon-Newcastle 18:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kilconieron, (Round 5), Kilconieron V Abbeyknockmoy 18:00,

Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 2
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Killimor, (Round 5), Killimor V Cappataggle 19:30,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Baile Doite Pitch & Clubhouse, (Round 5), Moycullen V Loughrea 18:00,

Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 3
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Padraig Pearses GAA Ground, (Round 5), Pádraig Pearses V Kiltormer 18:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Portumna, (Round 5), Portumna V Ahascragh/Fohenagh 19:30,

Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 4
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Carnmore GAA Club , (Round 4), Carnmore V Oranmore-Maree 19:30,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Ballinderreen, (Round 5), Ballinderreen V Carnmore 19:30,

Junior C Hurling Championship – Group 1
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Kilbeacanty, (Round 5), Kilbeacanty V Sylane 18:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Menlo Emmetts, (Round 5), Menlo Emmetts V Killimordaly 18:00,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Craughwell, (Round 5), Craughwell V Ballinasloe 19:30,

Junior C Hurling Championship – Group 2
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Ballyloughane, (Round 2), Liam Mellows V Ballinderreen 19:30,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Bullaun, (Round 5), Sarsfields V Ballinderreen 19:30,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Tommy Larkins Park, (Round 5), Tommy Larkins V Liam Mellows 19:30,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Ballygar GAA Pitch, (Round 5), Ballygar V Clarinbridge 19:30,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Meelick-Eyrecourt, (Round 5), Meelick-Eyrecourt V Turloughmore 19:30,

Junior C1 Hurling Championship – Group 1
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Baile Doite Pitch & Clubhouse, (Round 5), Moycullen V Kilnadeema-Leitrim 19:30,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Skehana, (Round 5), Skehasna-Mountbellew/Moylough V Ahascragh/Fohenagh 19:30,
Tue, 17 Jul, Venue: Salthill-Knocknacarra, (Round 5), Salthill-Knocknacarra V An Spidéal 19:30,

Junior C1 Hurling Championship – Group 2
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Craughwell, (Round 5), Craughwell V Gort 19:30,
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Kinvara, (Round 5), Kinvara V St Thomas 19:30,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Tuam, (Round 5), Tuam V Mullagh 18:00,

Ard Ri Hotel Division 6 (North)
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Tuam Stadium, (Play Off), Kilconly V Kilkerrin-Clonberne 20:00,

Ard Ri Hotel Division 8A League (North)
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Claregalway Lakeview, (League SemI Final), Claregalway V Mountbellew/Moylough 20:00,

Car Parts Warehouse Division 5 (West)
Fri, 13 Jul, Venue: Maigh Cuilinn, (Round 7), Moycullen V Na Piarsaigh 20:00,
Sat, 14 Jul, Venue: Pearse Stadium, (League Final), Fr Griffins/Éire Óg V An Cheathrú Rua 19:00,

Car Parts Warehouse Division 6 (West)
Wed, 11 Jul, Venue: Westside, (Round 5), St Michael’s V Salthill-Knocknacarra 20:00,

Car Parts Warehouse Division 7 (West)
Sun, 15 Jul, Venue: Inis Óirr, (Round 5), Oileáin Árainn V An Cheathrú Rua 12:00,

Ladies Football – OPINION: It Just Didn’t Feel Like A Championship

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July 11, 2018

The 2018 Claregalway Hotel Ladies Football Championships kicked off Friday evening (6th July) with three games in the senior championship and three in the intermediate.

Six games in the top two tiers of Galway Ladies Football took place on Friday evening at six different venues…. at the same time!!!

It’s a glorious era for Ladies Football nationally with 46,000 attending the 2017 All-Ireland Finals and the occasion was fitting for the spectacle. But that just doesn’t seem to carry through at domestic level where games are played without any of the grandeur of the most important competition of the year.

Now, firstly this isn’t an attack on the co-ordinators as I know first-hand how hard it is to organise matches when every club, understandably, has its own agenda. But even the 2017 county senior final didn’t seem to carry any more prestige than a glorified challenge match.

KILKERRIN/CLONBERNE BEGIN TITLE DEFENCE IN EMPHATIC FASHION!!!@irishweddings Senior @GalwayLgfa Championship Latest in #Caltra

RESULT!!!@KilClonGAA 10-24@caltra_gaa 0-8#CALvsKC #ProperFan

— Darren Kelly (@DazK1978) July 6, 2018

Let me give you an example, we were in Caltra’s ‘old pitch’ for the defending champions Kilkerrin/Clonberne’s opening contest as they began their six-in-a-row ambitions – their first game since winning the county title last year.

There was no gate, no programme, no scoreboard and a personal pet peeve of mine – no flags being used by the umpires.

We’re not lying here! This is the opening round of the Galway Senior Ladies Football Championship and for the entire second half, two umpires at one of the goals are beside each other having a chat, barely waving their hands to indicate a score or a wide.

In fairness to referee David Breslin, he was kitted out properly and looked like someone who came to referee a championship match. The supporters from both teams were vocal behind their teams but for anyone pass Caltra Cemetery on that evening wouldn’t have known how big a contest this was.

Now, at the end of the day, nobody would have been expected to fork out €5 to watch one team beat the other by 46 points but it got us thinking. Why were the six games all on at the same time? And why couldn’t two of the three games be put together as a double header at a neutral venue.

But it’s not just the Executive that need to look at how they can raise the profile of their main domestic competition. The clubs need to start doing more too. A quick glance at the three Facebook pages of the winning senior teams and it would have been hard to know that this was championship action.

In fairness to Moycullen, they posted up a picture of their winning team after the game. But Kilkerrin/Clonberne only put up one post with the score. And Claregalway didn’t even mention their win over Dunmore MacHales.

It was much better among the intermediate teams with St. James acknowledging their win and Tuam/Cortoon mentioning the score along with pictures. But it took ‘Ballygar Banter’ to actually make one of the six games feel important with their fantastic pictures from the St. Brendan’s vs Barna contest.

Imagine if Moycullen vs Annaghdown was put together with Claregalway vs Dunmore in a suitable neutral venue. A good match programme and it was advertised properly a week in advance. If possible, a national anthem played before the second game. Just imagine.

It happens in camogie! Duggan Park always play ‘Amhran na bhFiann’ for senior and intermediate games. The County Final is in a county ground and carries LIVE radio commentary. Last year’s ladies football final didn’t have a scoreboard. Come to think of it, there wasn’t even neutral linespeople!

We’re not trying to have a go at all those hard workers who are doing brilliant work in bringing through quality young players in wearing the maroon and white. And running clubs is a hard and thankless task that requires volunteers giving up their own free time for little or no reward.

But at home, the domestic senior club championship should be the marquee event leading to a final day bringing all of Galway together, just like what happens among hurling, football and camogie fans. And there should be the opportunity to see more than one game.

The next round isn’t until the end of August as everyone gets behind the county now. But the club players deserve their occasion too. The players put in the effort and give up their time. Let’s give them a stage fitting of their talents, abilities and dedication.

Camogie – OPINION: Ardrahan Need to Make Up the Numbers

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July 11, 2018

An exciting opening round of the Senior and Intermediate Camogie Championships in June provided some massive results, talking points and some humour as 20 teams began their summer campaigns.

Many readers will now be aware now of the commitment Galway Daily is giving to the ladies championships for 2018 with four matches covered with reaction. Simply put, there are 4,000 words written elsewhere on the opening round which is over five times more than has ever before.

We were in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Friday, 22nd June for a double header but we only covered one match due to an amusing set of circumstances involving Ardrahan’s senior camogie team.

COUNTY SENIOR CAMOGIE!!!

Where else would you want to be on a glorious Friday evening?@GalwayCamogie96 Double Header in Duggan Park!!!@PearsesCamogie vs #Davitts 6.30pm@ArdrahanCamogie vs @mullaghgaa 8pm

Follow action on @GalwayDaily #DAVvsPEA #ARDvsMUL #galwaycamogie pic.twitter.com/dDaEJhdA4t

— Darren Kelly (@DazK1978) June 22, 2018

Now before anyone gives out, we are not knocking Ardrahan. They put in a credible effort despite missing numerous players and the suspended Rebecca Hennelly. But if we are going to give coverage that camogie deserves, we are going to highlight things as well.

Supporters paid €5 to enter the Duggan Park and received a match programme. At the very least, clubs should ensure that the numbers worn correspond to that. This was only half the story in this case.

When reporters go to club matches, we always double check the numbers as things can occur that involve a difference from the printed sheet. When we checked with Ardrahan, everything was on board.

However, we couldn’t help that their full forward was wearing number one and it definitely didn’t look like Claire Higgins. It was Eleanor Stafford, who were informed would be wearing the number 24 jersey instead of Andrea Mullins. A quick look around saw multiple changes from the designated team sheet.

The jerseys were late arriving and players pretty much grabbed one and got out onto the field so we believe. Ok, that shouldn’t happen (and it shouldn’t!) but it was an exceptional situation and we’re not here to knock anyone.

The funny part of this story is we checked with referee Enda Loughnane at half-time who had a team sheet with numbers corresponding to the programme. Ok, not ideal but sure if they change the numbers on the sheet, we at least can put a report together on the game.

But that would be too easy! Ardrahan came out for the second half with their jerseys changed to the original sheet. In other words, players were wearing completely different numbers to the first half!

Now, it may have made life much easier for supporters though I suspect it would have confused them as well. But what if a referee booked a player in the first half and sent off a completely different player in the second half.

And, and it has happened, there would be outrage if Galway Daily named a wrong player in a match report. It would have made our trip to Ballinasloe pointless only for Davitts’ excellent display against Pearses for the opening game.

I have a great relationship with Ardrahan camogie club and saw signs that they will be semi-final contenders. And while complete outsiders in 2013, we saw what happened next and they ended up being the width of a post from being All-Ireland champions.

But clubs across all codes have to be fair to everyone trying to generate interest in their games. If reporters are expected to attend games, and supporters are expected to pay €5 to watch, they deserve an accurate match programme.

For the record, Sarah Dervan scored four goals in a 4-14 to 1-9 win as Mullagh announced their championship intentions. But Ardrahan had two first half penalties that could have created a different result. Just a pity, an accurate match report was too difficult to write!

Renewed calls for Greenway Strategy as progress stalls over land access

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July 11, 2018

Galway Daily news Two Galway Greenways awarded €315,000 in funding

Renewed calls are being made for Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport Shane Ross to publish a Greenway Strategy without which projects have become stalled.

Without a Greenway Strategy in place, with guidelines on how to handle land ownership negotiations and ensure there is proper funding, it has fallen on the county council and campaigners to try and deliver piecemeal gains.

Galway West TD Eamon Ó Cúiv says greenways are of proven benefit to local communities and need government backing.

“The Greenway Strategy is an important part of our tourism, nature and healthy lifestyle offering and in places where greenways have already been developed, the local economy has thrived.”

Minister Ross had previously been indicated that the Greenway Strategy would be delivered by the end of Q2 2018.

“We are now into the third quarter of the year and we’re still waiting,” said Deputy Ó Cúiv, “Until the strategy is published, we cannot proceed with the development of the greenways by agreement with landholders.”

Land usage negotiations without a Greenway Strategy

The lack of clarity on the question of land use and land ownership has been particularly concerning to farmers who have greenway routes running through their properties.

After meeting with farmers in Galway, Rural Development chairman with the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers Association Seamus Sherlock has insisted that the threat of Compulsory Purchase Orders be dropped as a negotiating tactic.

“CPOs are viewed as heavy handed in the extreme and fill landowners with absolute fear and confusion. Many feel they are being forced into a David versus Goliath position and have to deal with all the stress and anxiety that goes with that,” said Mr Sherlock.

Mr. Sherlock insists that farmers, like other landowners along proposed routes, support the development of tourism initiative like greenways.

A proper consultation process with landowners is the best way for them to raise concerns he says, while adding their own considerable local knowledge to the initiative.

“By working together I have no doubt that a consensus on workable routes could be reached and these projects could move forward with goodwill,” he said.

“It is widely accepted that the goodwill of local communities is a vital element for the success of tourism initiatives.”

The Connemara Greenway

Some progress on delivering greenways in Galway has been made even without a centralised Greenway Strategy. In May a 6km section of the Connemara Greenway opened to the public.

The proposed Connemara Greeenway route runs for 76km along the old railway line between Galway and Clifden. The 6km section of the route that opened goes from Athry and Cloonbeg.

Planning permission has been granted for the entire Oughterard to Clifden section, which includes the 6km already open.

But the Galway-Moycullen section, which was once expected to open in 2015, has long been stalled on land access difficulties.

“The policy to-date has been to try build greenways by permissive access that is only available on a week-to-week and day-to-day basis,” said Deputy Ó Cúiv

“This is utterly foolish, because it means that having invested millions of euro in greenways, there is always the chance that permission could be withdrawn. It is also an unjust policy, as it expects rural people to make land available for free, amounting to an abuse of their hospitality and generosity.”

An online petition to establish a greenway along the closed railway line from Athenry to Collooney in Sligo passed 15,000 signatures just this week.

The chage.org petition was set up by the group Western Rail Trail, and asks Minister Ross to support the move which they say would create tourism jobs and foster civic pride in the rural towns and villages along the route.

Assault victims asked for compensation to be donated to charity

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July 10, 2018

Galway Daily news Galway has Ireland's 3rd highest number of charities

Two men who were assaulted in 2016, Marek Bluma and Seamus Leonard, asked for their court ordered compensation be donated to charity.

Ciarán Savage, of 20 Wellpark Grove Galway, was ordered to pay €800 in compensation to the two men at his last appearance before the District Court.

The court also ordered a Garda Behavioural Report for Savage to be prepared for today.

Gardaí said the results of the report were promising, and that Savage hadn’t come to their attention since then.

Savage, who has seven previous offences, was charged under Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against Person Act, which covers less serious assaults.

Solicitor for the defence Brian Gilmartin said his client had €700 in court, which was all he could save.

Since neither victim was in court to designate a charity to receive the money, Judge Fahy ordered it be given to Galway Hospice.

Savage received a four month sentence for each assault charge, to run concurrently, which were suspended for 12 months.

President Michael D Higgins announces intention to run for second term

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July 10, 2018

galway daily news President Higgins to officially open Galway 2020

President Michael D Higgins has delivered the expected news that he will seek a second term as Uachtarán na hÉireann.

It was widely reported last month that President Higgins informed the cabinet of intention to run for a second term, but his office declined to make a statement at that time.

When he ran for office in 2011 Michael D Higgins said that he would only be a single term president. But, in a statement today, announced that he had changed his mind and would be running again as an independent candidate.

“I have given long and careful consideration to this decision. I believe there are good foundations for the further development of the Office of President and that the experience I brought to, and have gained within the role, could be of particular value as we enter a period of great challenge and possibility, at home and abroad.” he said.

Other candidates who have expressed interest in running for the office of President include Senators Gerard Craughwell, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, and Joan Freeman (founder of Pieta House).

Senator Michael Craughwell was highly critical of President Higgins’ decision to leave his announcement this late.

He said that it left other candidates with little time to seek the backing of four local authorities and was a strategic move to stop an election from happening.

In order to qualify to run for President a candidate must have the support of 20 members of the Oireachtas, Dáil or Seanad, or four local authorities.

However Fianna Fáil leader Mcheál Martin has said that he supports President Higgins decision to run and Fianna Fáil will not be backing another candidate.

It is expected that Sinn Féin will put forward a candidate of their own, as party leader Mary Lou McDonald had said that she feels its important that an election takes place, but that the matter would ultimately be decided by the party’s Ard Comhairle.

It’s not known yet what Fine Gael’s plans are, chairperson of the Fine Gael parliamentary party said it will be discussed at the weekly meeting of TDs and Senators.

Michael D Higgins has strong roots both personally and politically, in Galway. He was a student and later a lecturer at NUI Galway, where he still returns on occassion. His wife Sabina is from Galway, and it was here he began political career; serving as Mayor of Galway and as a TD for Galway West until 2011.

The 2018 presidential election, if one takes place, has been set for October 26 or 27, the same date that voters will go to the polls on two referendums on language in the constitution about blasphemy and women’s place in the home.

Galway 2020 hires British consultant to advise on creative strategy

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July 10, 2018

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

Galway 2020 have hired Martin Green, former leader of a British Capital of Culture team, to consult for them after losing Creative Director Chris Baldwin.

Mr. Green was the chief executive of Hull’s capital of culture team in 2017 when the British city held the designation. He has been hired to work with the Galway 2020 team for a four week period.

Aside from his work on Hull Capital of Culture, other noted projects Mr. Green has been involved with include his times as Master of Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

According to the Irish Times Mr. Martin had been hired by Galway 2020 to help design and implement “its new creative strategy.”

Chris Baldwin resigned his position as Creative Director in May, less than a year into his contract, in what the team at Galway 2020 said was a mutual decision.

While his departure sparked some speculation about problems within company, at a special meeting with Galway City council last month Chairperson Aideen McGinley and Chief Executive Hannah Kiely said we’re “on track” to delivering Galway 2020 as expected.

Chairperson McGinley said at the time that there would be an announcement about the position in July, but didn’t comment further on Mr. Baldwin’s departure.

Galway 2020 will be funded to the tune of €46 million to deliver 52 flagship events across the city and county for the ‘Small Towns Big Ideas’ programme.

90% of the projects that were outlined in the bid for Capital of Culture have already been locked in. These will make up roughly 70% of the total programme, with some space left over for any ideas that come forward in the interim.

CEO Kiely said people claiming that it was going to be a disaster were jumping the gun, noting that: “The first event is 18 months out, but the last event is 30 months out.”

At that meeting the city council gave its full backing to the full team at Galway 2020 to deliver on its promise.

Claregalway Hotel Intermediate Ladies Football Round 1 Wrap-Up

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July 10, 2018

Group A

St. James 4-12 Glenamaddy/Williamstown 1-4 (Friday, 6th July 2018)

Five years ago, St. James’ were plying their trade in Junior C but they have bigger plans following this comprehensive win over former Connacht champions Glenamaddy/Williamstown.

Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
St. James	1	1	0	0	24	7	3
Clonbur	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Milltown	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Glenamaddy/Williamstown	1	0	0	1	7	24	0

Group B

Tuam/Cortoon 5-4 Menlough/Skehana 1-10 (Friday, 6th July 2018)

Tuam/Cortoon’s young stars continued their amazing progress as they began life in the second-tier with a five-star display against the 2017 finalists.

St. Brendan’s 7-15 Bearna 2-2 (Friday, 6th July 2018)

St. Brendan’s have an established tradition in Galway ladies football and look like they want to create new memories after a dominant opening round result.

https://www.facebook.com/1594891350800032/photos/pcb.2124932924462536/2124922061130289/?type=3&theater

Team	Pld	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
St. Brendan’s	1	1	0	0	36	8	3
Tuam/Cortoon	1	1	0	0	19	13	3
Menlough/Skehana	1	0	0	1	13	19	0
Bearna	1	0	0	1	8	36	0

City council slams plans for student apartments at Westwood hotel

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July 10, 2018

Galway Daily news Council rejects off-licence plans for student accommodation

City Councillors expressed their dissatisfaction with plans for a 364 bed student accommodation project at the Westwood Hotel as being too large and with not enough parking.

At the July council meeting councillors said that plans for a five storey complex of student apartments would overshadow the Newcastle area, as well as cause illegal parking all over Newcastle and increase traffic on the Thomas Hynes road.

While the council acknowledged that there are large numbers of students in need of somewhere to live, the prevailing opinion was that accommodation should be built on campus rather than putting hundreds of students into a residential suburb.

The application, which will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála is for the demolition of the Westwood Hotel in Newcastle and the construction 63 student apartments with a total of 394 bed spaces.

Senior Executive Planner with the City Council Liam Blake presented a draft report by the Chief Executive on the application to gather the council’s opinions before making a submission to An Bord Pleanála.

Student facilities at Westwood development

The application says that this development will have 394 bed spaces among 63 apartments. This will be made of 24 4-bed apartments, one 5-bed apartment, one 6-bed apartment, 13 7-bed apartments, and 25 8-bed apartments.

It will also include a 150 sq. metre café/restaurant, a tv/cinema room, gaming pods, study areas, laundry facilities, a lounge, and a gym.

During the summer and a short period around Christmas, a total of 20 weeks in the year, the apartments will be available for tourists to rent out short term.

At 5 storeys high and with a total floor space of 11,876sq metre, the executive’s report says the current application is 30% larger than what the City Development Plan would allow on a site that size.

View onto the courtyard of the proposed complex

Councillor Ollie Crowe said that a development of that height and density would unreasonably overshadow residents of Tudor Lawn and Dangan Heights.

Multiple councillors also said that just including a café in the development would not offset the loss of the Westwood itself, which provides a valuable amenity for the area.

However councillor Mike Crowe said it wasn’t his place to comment on the economic viability of the Westwood, “Just because it might be suitable for various functions in the area, doesn’t mean it’s viable.”

There were also concerns about how the presence of so many students would affect the character of the residential suburb.

Councillor Terry O’Flaherty pointed out that students are a transient population, who don’t fully integrate into a neighbourhood.

Noise pollution in the neighbourhood was councillor Frank Fahy’s concern with the size of the project, asking: “How can you expect residents, many of whom are elderly, to deal with the noise of students coming home at three or four o’clock in the morning?”

Parking & Traffic issues at Westwood site

The planning application states that there will be only 10 parking spaces at the complex, two of which will be disabled spots.

Initially, the developers proposed for there to be 35 spaces, but the city council transport services requested that they be reduced, and the number of bike spaces increased.

Under the proposed plan for the complex, students with a car, “must have access to a legal off street parking space,” or else they will not be allowed to stay.

“Are they only expecting to have two disabled residents?,” asked councillor Frank Fahy. Councillor Declan McDonnell pointed to a recent demonstration in Eyre square about the difficulties of finding disabled parking anywhere in the city.

Parking rules would be harder to enforce during the summer months when tourists are coming and going, Mr. Blake admitted, but during that period 14 temporary spaces on the basketball court would be added.

Councillor Donal Lyons noted that private houses are required to have one and a half car spaces in order to get planning approval under the City Development Plan, but the Westwood application only has ten spaces for nearly 400 people.

The application seeks to reassure that there is plentiful parking nearby, saying: “There is currently ample ‘pay and display’ parking open to the general public within 500m of the Residence.”

Councillor Billy Cameron expressed disbelief with that claim, noting that double yellow lines or other measures have been put in place at almost every estate in Newcastle to combat illegal parking, and this will only make it worse.

Councillor Fahy wondered if all of Newcastle would have to be converted into a parking meter zone, noting that would cause problems for permanent residents.

The application also says residents will be encouraged to make use of public transport. The development is sited next to the 404 bus route which is going to be made more regular under the Galway Transport Strategy.

Councillor Mark Lohan expressed his skepticism at the application relying on bus and cycling infrastructure, “That doesn’t even exist at the moment.”

Chief Executive’s Report

Mr. Blake said the Executive’s report would recommend the project by reduced in size by approximately 30%, including removing the fifth floor altogether. This would bring it in line with the requirements of the City Development Plan.

However, since this development is over 200 beds the application can be submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála without requiring planning permission from the City Council first.

The council cannot make material alterations to the application, only submit recommendations. Similarly, this meeting was only to informally gather councillors’ views, which will be attached to the report.

Though the current application is 30% larger than the City Development Plan would allow, when asked by Councillor Conneely Mr. Blake said that An Bord Pleanála can ignore the CDP is it pleases.

Mr. Blake said that though there were concerns about how the development would affect the Newcastle area, it would ultimately free up traditional housing around the city by taking hundreds of students out of estates.

Councillors have until the end of the week to submit their concerns in writing to the planning department for inclusion in the Chief Executive’s submission to An Bord Pleanála.

Afternoon update: Traffic, gorse fires, collision on M6

By

Michael Malone

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July 10, 2018

Updated: 17.03
- Gardai have cleared the crash from the left lane of the M6 eastbound between J15 Ballinasloe West and J14 Ballinasloe East.
- Firefighters are at the scene of a gorse fire at Truskey West, Bearna.
- A picture taken by a lecturer from NUI Galway also appears to show a fire.

That doesn’t look good. #nosmokewithoutfire pic.twitter.com/0y0zZlLwDB

— Andrew Ó Baoill🌹 (@aobaoill) July 10, 2018

City Traffic

It’s slow on the N84 both ways at Corrandulla where works are in place.

The Tuam Rd is slow inbound approaching the Bóthar na dTreabh jct.

There are also delays on Bóthar na dTreabh itself approaching this junction from the Terryland side.

It’s quite slow on Father Griffin Rd from the Whitestrand Rd jct through to Spanish Arch

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Claregalway Hotel Senior Ladies Football Round 1 Wrap-Up

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July 10, 2018