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Corrib Oil fined for missing vehicle records

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily courts Corrib Oil fined for missing vehicle records

Corrib Oil was fined €2,500 at Galway District Court this week failing to produce records about the use of its trucks.

The company, based out of Galway Technology Park in Parkmore, faced 5 charges of not having records required by an inspector from the Road Safety Authority.

The charges related to an inspection made by RSA Transport Officer Michelle Shepard of Corrib Oil’s fleet of trucks on December 14-15, 2016.

Giving evidence in court Ms. Shepard said that she requested records from a four month sample period from July 9 – October 10 of that year, however Corrib Oil were unable to supply all the records she requested.

While in use the trucks are supposed to track who is driving, when they started and stopped, and the miles logged, but during her inspection Ms. Shepard found that the recorded mileage of ten of the trucks didn’t match what was on the odometer.

The amount of missing information varied greatly from truck to truck, the lowest recorded was 76km while one of the trucks was missing 5,956km from its records.

The affected vehicles were all outfitted with analogue monitoring devices which require the driver to punch in and out.

A solicitor for Corrib Oil said that prior to this incident they had contracted out the work on their vehicles to the FTA at a cost of €400 a month.

Since then, he said, Corrib Oil has spent more than €80,000 converting its fleet of over 80 vehicles to a digital system which automatically backs up records to a server.

The defence also made the point that the charges were solely related to missing records and there was no evidence given that any of their vehicles weren’t otherwise compliant with regulations.

The court fined Corrib Oil a total of €2,500 with four months to pay, and also awarded costs of €750 to the RSA.

 

 

Arthouse cinema criticised by charities regulator over handling of public donations

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Palas cinema founders on latest tax defaulters list

The Charities Regulator has criticised Galway’s arthouse cinema for reporting no income after 2007 despite receiving charitable donations.

The report by the charities regulator says that donations to the Solas – Galway Picture Palace were instead listed as liabilities, despite that fact that there was no obligation or expectation for the registered charity to repay the donations.

Several other areas of the management of the arthouse cinema by the charity’s trustees were also subject to intense scrutiny by the regulator’s report.

In 2016 the charity came to an agreement to transfer a large portion of its assets and liabilities to a third party operator, Element Pictures.

According to inspectors for the Charities Regulator, trustees didn’t get an independent valuation of the charity’s assets before transferring them, or make a serious effort to keep those assets in the public sector.

The inspectors said, “The trustees’ decision to enter into negotiations with one preferred operator effectively removed any potential opportunity for the asset to remain within the charitable sector, which may have been a motivation of public donation.”

CEO of the Charities Regulator John Farrelly said that poor management decisions undermine public confidence in charities: “It is important that the disposal of charitable assets is done in a way that is transparent, fair and in the best interests of the charity.

“While there is now an arthouse cinema in Galway, the lack of oversight and sufficient competence to manage a capital project of this size evidenced in this case serves to undermine public trust and confidence in the management and administration of charities.”

The renamed Pálás cinema opened this February after years of delays and controversy about the mounting costs of the project.

€9 million price tag of public money for arthouse cinema

Public interest in the Solas, now Palás, cinema rests on the fact that over its ten year development the project received €7 million in funding from public bodies, as well as living virtually rent free.

Galway city council purchased the site for the arthouse cinema at a cost of €1.9 million, and though the council still owns the freehold, a 30 year lease was signed as part of an agreement with Element Pictures, with very favourable conditions.

For the first 25 years of the lease Element Pictures will pay only €1 in rent a year, and for the final five years will pay market value rent, whatever that amount might be at the time.

The inspectors recommended that the regulator review the legal responsibilities of trustees of a charity; Mr. Farrelly has confirmed that a Code of Governance for all Irish charities is being written and will be published later this year.

 

Eamon Ó Cuív raises eyebrows with abortion prison sentence suggestion

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily eamon o cuiv eighth amendment abortion

Veteran Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív has raised eyebrows by suggesting that the prison sentence for having an abortion (which can be up to 14 years) could be reduced by treating abortion as infanticide under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act of 2006.

The Galway West TD said in the Dáil that infanticide “can carry a very, very short prison sentence”.

“In the context of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, the then Minister, Senator Michael McDowell, reduced the offence for infanticide to manslaughter, which can carry a very short prison sentence, much lower than the sentence for the previous charge of murder. Using the logic of Senator McDowell’s amendment in 2006, when he said reducing the penalty was about modernising the law,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

“We could look at doing the same thing for abortion. Can the Taoiseach confirm that a person going to a doctor and suffering from the after effects of taking the abortion pill would be protected by the doctor-patient relationship in terms of confidentiality?

“This has been confirmed by the chair of the Referendum Commission so I ask the Taoiseach to stop frightening women off seeking medical aid if they need it, under threat of prosecution which he, as a doctor, knows will not and cannot happen.”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar responded by saying: “If there is a “No” vote on Friday, it will still be a criminal offence. I find it bizarre, however, that the Deputy believes this should be a criminal offence that is not enforced. Why would one keep something as a crime if one does not think it should be enforced? I find that unusual.”

Leo explained to Deputy Ó Cuív why the prison sentence is currently up to 14 years.

“The eighth amendment states that the right to life of the unborn, even at one week’s gestation, is equal to the right to life of a pregnant woman.

“Therefore, the penalty has to be the same. The penalty for having an abortion has to be equal to the penalty for killing a pregnant woman, which is not infanticide because, of course, infants do not get pregnant. The penalty has to be at the level of homicide or manslaughter.”

Today Deputy Ó Cuív said that if it’s a Yes vote tomorrow, then within five years term limits would be abolished – as a requirement of a party entering a coalition.

Your Yes Matters

By
Shelly Hannigan
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Repeal the eighth galway daily

If you have ever sported a “Yes” badge or a “Repeal” jumper, then the term “murderer” might be something you have been called recently.

It is just a word, but it is a powerful one. It is a word that is intended to shame those who put a woman above a fetus.

No one WANTS an abortion, that is not something women dreamt of as young girls, but sometimes it is something that we have to consider.

We may decide against it as it is not the right thing for us or, we may decide that we need an abortion for a variety of reasons. The point is: we should have CHOICE.

Voting No will not stop abortion, it is happening here right now: 10 women today will get on a plane full of worry, shame, and anger. Anger because their own country will not help them; instead, we turn our heads and pretend it’s not happening. But sure, isn’t Ireland just a grand little country?

Voting No will ensure women go online and purchase abortion pills, taking them in fear that something goes wrong and if it does, being too afraid to go to their doctor.

Voting No will make women take a concoction of drugs in an attempt to cause a miscarriage.

Voting No is not the way to go.

Vote Yes for Ms P, Miss X, and Savita.

Vote Yes for any woman in your life who may need it. Those of us voting Yes are not murderers, we do not want everyone to have an abortion, we simply know that life sometimes does not go to plan and that the 8th Amendment is not working right now.

If you think it is, you have clearly not been paying enough attention.

I am a woman living under the 8th, and it terrifies me. I have been told if my life is at risk then of course I will come before the fetus, but is that really the bar we have set? Dying?

Women are more than incubators, we are feeling, breathing people who have relationships with many around us. I am going to be selfish and demand that we come first, always, not just if we are dying.

“But it will be used as contraception up to 6 months!” Women don’t think, “nah babe it’s fine, don’t use a condom tonight, I’ll get an abortion next month”, this is not a reality, it is scaremongering. As for up to 6 months, the proposed legislation is unrestricted up to 12 weeks, 3 months, not 6. Anything near 6 months is a much, much wanted pregnancy and is only terminated due to a serious issue.

Vote Yes tomorrow. 

Image result for together for yes

Tributes paid after tragic death of fisherman in Clifden

By
Michael Malone
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FISHERMAN dies in clifden

Clifden RNLI has extended its sincere sympathies to the family of the fisherman, 62 who died yesterday off Cruagh Island, saying “Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”

Galway Bay FM has named the fisherman locally as Vincent Leggett.

The alarm was raised by another fisherman shortly before 5pm yesterday.

Both of Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 inshore and the Mersey class all-weather lifeboats launched and made their way to the scene off Cruagh Island, approximately seven miles from the station.

The Rescue 115 helicopter from Shannon was also tasked.

Once on scene, a search commenced and the helicopter crew spotted the casualty in the water and guided Clifden RNLI’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat to him.

The man was then transferred into the lifeboat where the lifeboat crew began to administer casualty care. He was subsequently brought to Clifden lifeboat station where he was transferred into the care of ambulance paramedics and then airlifted by helicopter to hospital.

Speaking this morning following the death of the fisherman, John Brittain, Clifden RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: “All at Clifden RNLI would like to extend their sincere sympathies with the family of this man. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

GALWAY GAA: GALWAY’S GREATEST FOOTBALLER – THE FINAL!

By
Darren Kelly
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Padraic Joyce, Sean Og De Paor, Jarlath Fallon, Michael Donnellan,

The semi-finals concluded in the early hours of Thursday morning (24TH May) and now, our twitter competition to declare ‘Galway’s Greatest Footballer’ is down to the FINAL FOUR! 

In a shocking twist, it’s the class of 1998 that dominate the final group with four members from Galway’s first successful win in 32 years making up the selection to decide the best of them all.

That means that older legends like Enda Colleran, Mattie McDonagh and Sean Purcell had to be content with semi-final spots along with multiple county champion Kieran Fitzgerald.

After not being in the top four after the first round, Padraic Joyce topped the poll with 84% after he came through his semi-final.  He beat McDonagh (12%), Pat Donnellan (2%) and Noel Tierney (2%).

Next highest was Michael Donnellan who’s also gained momentum over the three rounds.  The Dunmore native finished with 70% ahead of Fitzgerald (18%), Jimmy Duggan (6%) and Tomas Mannion (6%).

After topping the poll in the previous two rounds, Jarlath Fallon finished third this time but was still a comfortable semi-final winner getting 69%.  Next was Colleran (15%) followed by Val Daly (10%) and Gary Fahey (6%).

And in the biggest surprise of the round, Sean Og De Paor edged home in the tightest contest getting 41%.  In what looked a three-horse race until near the finish, the An Cheathru Rua man beat favourite Purcell (31%), current Galway manager Kevin Walsh (21%) and early poll topper Derek Savage (7%).

The final, starting shortly (Thursday) is a straight shoot-out between the four semi-final winners.  The top player will be crowned by our followers as ‘Galway’s Greatest Footballer.’

As mentioned before the competition started, any ties would be settled by the adjudication committee and but they were not called upon to make any decisions in this round.

The polls will stay open for 18 hours and the WINNER will be declared on Friday.

All You Need to do is go to our Twitter page and select your favourite player.  Please LIKE and SHARE!

  1. JARLATH FALLON – 69%, Enda Colleran – 15%, Val Daly – 10%, Gary Fahey – 6%

2. PADRAIC JOYCE – 84%, Mattie McDonagh – 12%, Pat Donnellan – 2%, Noel Tierney – 2%

3. SEAN OG DE PAOR – 41%, Sean Purcell – 31%, Kevin Walsh – 21%, Derek Savage – 7%

4. MICHAEL DONNELLAN – 70%, Kieran Fitzgerald – 18%, Jimmy Duggan – 6%, Tomas Mannion – 6%

Ronan Mullen slated for ‘shocking’ comments in final referendum debate

By
Michael Malone
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ronan mullen nui galway 8th amendment comments mental health

Senator Ronan Mullen has been slated for comments he made about mental health during last night’s debate on the Eighth Amendment on TV3.

Mullen, who served as NUI Galway Students’ Union President in the early 90s, said during the debate that “mental health has no evidence base”.

The Senator was also heavily criticised for comments he made after an audience member, Saoirse, bravely spoke about her experience of walking around Birmingham alone for hours after travelling to the city to have an abortion.

“Saoirse, you deserve love and respect regardless of what you’ve ever done,” said Mullen, which was met by audible gasps and jeers from members of the audience.

With less than 24 hours until the country heads to the polls, the No campaign needed strong performances at the final debates.

The current President of the Students’ Union at NUI Galway shared his own views on the Eighth Amendment on social media yesterday.

The debate, hosted by Pat Kenny, was one of two debates shown on TV3 last night, with Mary Lou McDonald and Micheal Martin representing the Yes campaign in the other debate.

Voting opens for Galway Islands

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Voting opens on Galway islands

Polling stations have opened this morning for residents of the Aran Islands and Inishbofin.

Residents of the Galway islands and eight others off the Atlantic coast are voting a day ahead of the mainland to allow time for the ballots to be collected and returned for counting.

Polls opened at 7 this morning and will remain open until 10pm.

Voters will choose whether or not to approve of the 36th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, which repeals the 8th Amendment and allows for the provision of abortion by law.

The campaign surrounding the referendum has been heated for the last few weeks with heavy campaigning by both sides on social media and in the streets.

Outside of Galway, residents of the Arranmore, Gola, Innishboffin, Innishfree, and Tory islands in Donegal and Innishbiggle, Innishturk, and Clare islands in Mayo are also voting today.

However the Cork islands are casting their ballots tomorrow alongside the mainland.

Rcently, Galway West TD and prominent NO vote campaigner Éamon Ó Cuív introduced legislation to the Dáil which would see islanders vote at the same time as the rest of the country in future elections.

Unique production of Dancing at Lughnasa takes to the stage on Thursday

By
Michael Malone
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dancing at lughnasa galway

Brian Friel’s masterpiece takes to the stage in Galway Town Hall theatre tomorrow (Thursday) night as Blue Teapot presents a uniquely authentic production of Dancing at Lughnasa.

The production will cast Jennifer Cox, an actor with an intellectual disability, as Rose; exactly as she was written – a first for Irish theatre.

Speaking about her role, Jennifer Cox said: “Rose is the same as me… she’s fun and cheeky, she’s cheeky just like me!”

Petal Pilley, Blue Teapot’s Artistic Director, talked about casting an actor with intellectual disability.

“A couple of years ago, I began to investigate existing plays that had characters with intellectual disabilities in them. Working with disabled and non-disabled actors in a series of workshops I titled Hidden, we explored texts such as Shakespeare’s King Lear, Patricia Burke Brogans Eclipsed and Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa.

“I called the process Hidden because it was so clear that although disabled characters were there on the page in black and white we rarely, if ever, see them performed by actors with intellectual disabilities. They are literally hidden in plain sight,” said Petal Pilley.

She added: “As Dancing At Lughnasaas an iconic piece of Irish Theatre it was the natural choice – I really like the idea that many theatre goers will know the play but will experience an authentic Rose for the first time.”

Set in County Donegal in 1936, during the harvest festival of Lughnasa, this powerful play takes you on a compelling journey of a family unravelling.

The Mundy sisters’ lives are precariously balanced with Kate the only real breadwinner in the house. The return of their brother missionary priest Father Jack back from Uganda after 25 years is anticipated by the sisters with the hope of restoring their standing in the small community.

In this play, the dynamics of a family are both greatly enriched and made more vulnerable by the presence of a sibling with an intellectual disability. Casting Jennifer Cox as Rose will deepen the audiences’ experience of an Irish theatre classic, one they may be familiar with but have not experienced in this way.

Dancing at Lughnasa is a new direction for Blue Teapot as it features an integrated cast of some of Galway’s finest stage actors which includes Tara Breathnach, Diarmuid de Faoite and Rod Goodall. A specially commissioned original score has been composed by Traditional Irish musician Brendan O’Regan who is musical director.

Dancing at Lughnasa opens in the Town Hall Theatre Galway on Thursday 24thMay and runs until Saturday 26thMay at 8pm. Preview performance at 12pm on Thursday 24thand Saturday matinee at 3pm.  Tickets available now from Box Office (091) – 569777 or online www.tht.ie/2917/dancing-at-lughnasa

Gerry Barrett wins contract to develop new urban quarter at Ceannt Station

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news Galway train service disruptions this weekend

Property developer Gerry Barrett has been chosen by CIE to develop an 8.2 acre site next to Ceannt station.

The new urban quarter in the city centre will reportedly by made up of shops, offices, apartments, a hotel, and a transportation interchange.

According to the Irish Times, CIE was impressed by his pitch for the area and his track record of of developing city centre areas before the recessions such as Kirwan’s Lane in Galway, Mount Kenneth in Limerick, and Scotch Hall in Drogheda.

The Ceannt station site is potentially one of the most lucrative developments in city history, a large plot of undeveloped land located right in the city centre – during a housing crisis.

At least 30% of the development will be solely for residential units, which could mean as much as 400 badly needed apartments for the city centre where rental properties have become extremely scarce and expensive.

The largest single part of the development will be a retail centre which, according to plans, will take up roughly one third of the project’s 1.5 million sq. feet on land.

The inclusion of a 200 room hotel in the plans also marks Mr. Barrett’s reentry to the hotel business in Galway since he lost control of the Meyrick and G hotels in a fight with Deutsche Bank last year.

Plans for redeveloping the Ceannt station site were first considered way back in October 2006, at the height of the property development boom in Ireland.

However, they were impacted by the recession along with developments the length of the country, and got shelved in 2012 after failing to attract sufficient outside investment.

More recently CIE decided to work with a developer to build up the site rather than sell it outright so as to guarantee a steady stream of income.

Advertisements for tenders for the development of the Ceannt Station site were put out by CIE last September.

This is one of two major urban developments in Galway that Barrett is helming right now, the other being the proposed €100 million development of Bonham Quay.

An Bord Pleanála held an oral hearing about the Bonham Quay development last week.

 

GALWAY GAA: BALLINDERREEN AND MULLAGH/KILTORMER ALL SQUARE AFTER THRILLER

By
Darren Kelly
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Under 14 B1 Hurling Final – Sunday, 20th May 2018 

Ballinderreen 2-5 Mullagh/Kiltormer 2-5 

Darren Kelly in Kenny Park 

A late goal means these two teams will do it all again after Kealan McNamee’s late goal secured a draw for Ballinderreen.

Mullagh/Kiltormer were in control after substitute Adam Rocke struck a 30th minute goal that gave them a four-point cushion but they had to withstand an onslaught from their opponents desperately trying to save the tie.

David Mannion converted a point two minutes later but Ballinderreen couldn’t find a way through until four minutes from time.  Ciaran Bailey’s run opened a chance and McNamee took advantage of a slip to get the equalising goal.

Mullagh/Kiltormer would be gutted for letting this slip after starting in dominant fashion as they led 1-2 to 0-0 after just five minutes.

Their goal came in the first attack with Oisin Coen hitting the net.  Ben Bleahen set up Conor Dolphin for a point before Coen added a free.  It could have been better as Cian Daly and Adam Nevin combined for another chance and Ballinderreen finally opened on eight minutes thanks to Matthew O’Connor’s free.

However, 60 seconds later they were back in the contest.  Stephen Mannion’s free led to Bailey forcing a stop from Matthew Lyons before Niall Delaney finished to the net making it 1-2 to 1-1.  And after being fouled himself on 13 minutes, Bailey converted a free to level affairs.

It was an exciting game enjoyed by a packed stand as Coen drove a free between the posts from 60 yards before O’Connor replied for Ballinderreen on 18 minutes.  But another Coen placed ball gave Mullagh/Kiltormer a 1-4 to 1-3 interval advantage.

When Bailey added another score 58 seconds after the restart to restore parity for the third time, a tight 20 minutes were expected.  But it compared more to a rollercoaster with both teams having their moment in the ascendancy.

A Rory Lyons free on 28 minutes gave Mullagh/Kiltormer back the edge before Rocke was perfectly placed to get their second goal.  It looked the winner but after Mannion got one back, McNamee secured the draw.  That replay will take place in Kenny Park on Saturday (26th May) at 5pm.

Scorers: 

Ballinderreen – Niall Delaney 1-0, Kealan McNamee 1-0, Matthew O’Connor 0-2 (both frees), Ciaran Bailey 0-1 (free), David Mannion 0-1

Mullagh/Kiltormer – Oisin Coen 1-3 (three frees), Adam Rocke 1-0, Conor Dolphin 0-1, Rory Lyons 0-1 (free)

Ballinderreen: Shane Cassidy; Paul Kelly, Michael Leahy, Ronan Larkin; Donnacha Ganly, Matthew O’Connor, Ross Valentine; Stephen Mannion, David Mannion; Kealen McNamee, Eoin Moylan, Ross Ruane; Darragh Lyons, Ciaran Bailey, Niall Delaney.  Subs used: Conor Murphy for Ruane (32 mins).

Mullagh/Kiltormer: Matthew Lyons; Joseph Frehill, Cormac Callanan, Ronan Kelly; Mark Kilkenny, Rory Lyons, Tomas McCann; Tiernan Coen, Cian Daly; Ryan McDermott, Oisin Coen, Cillian Finnerty; Ben Bleahen, Adam Nevin, Conor Dolphin.  Subs used: Adam Rocker for Nevin (26 mins), Conor Coen for Frehill (38 mins).

Referee: Adrian Mooney

GDPR – the final countdown!

By
Paul Caplis
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0

Irish firms make final push to comply with GDPR as new data laws loom.

The biggest overhaul of data privacy regulation in the history of the internet will come into force on Friday of this week as companies and businesses race to a level of readiness to comply with the new rules.

From May 25, the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will give people in the EU new powers to access and control their personal data.

These new rules also give regulators greater power to levy fines on firms who mishandle data or where where companies fail to disclose how they collect and use personal information.

In the build-up to the rollout, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has moved to calm confusion among some businesses over the need to get fresh consent from customers in order to comply with the regulations.

As part of GDPR, company requests for consent on gathering data must be “clear and distinguishable” in easy-to-follow language and provide a simple way to withdraw consent.

This has resulted with a significant number of firms sending out emails asking customers to confirm they have their consent to continue to contact them.

But while the ICO said GDPR does “set the bar high” for consent, the regulator has warned that in some cases, sending further emails could risk non-compliance through difficult to follow messages, breaching new openness and transparency rules.

“Where you have an existing relationship with customers who have purchased goods or services from you, it may not be necessary to obtain fresh consent,” deputy information commissioner Steve Wood said in a recent blog post.

“It’s also important to remember that in some cases it may not be appropriate to seek fresh consent if you are unsure how you collected the contact information in the first place, and the consent would not have met the standard under our existing Data Protection Act.

In his blog, Steve went on to say “We’ve heard stories of email inboxes bursting with long emails from organisations asking people if they’re still happy to hear from them. So, think about whether you actually need to refresh consent before you send that email and don’t forget to put in place mechanisms for people to withdraw their consent easily.”

The new laws also strengthen the jurisdiction of EU regulators, with the regulation applying to all companies and data controllers who handle the data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company itself is based.

The rules will also give people the right to access the data firms have gathered on them, as well as request it be deleted if that is what they wish.

GDPR will roll out at a sensitive time for large technology firms and interest in data privacy –  particularly in recent light of Facebook’s Cambridge Analytica incident.

 

 

 

Brass band in Eyre Square to become regular weekend event

By
Kate Robinson
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0
Galway news - Norwegian brass band plays Eyre Square

A ‘fairly impromptu’ brass band concert that charmed Galway visitors and residents alike last Saturday in Eyre Square is set to continue through the summer.

That’s according to tuba player and band secretary Shane O’Malley from the Galway-based St. Patrick’s Brass Band, which organised the concert.

The local brass band played along with guest bands from Castlebar and Norway on Saturday afternoon.

Watch a clip of special guest band Moi Musikkorps from Norway playing in Eyre Square last weekend:

Although the concert had been planned, the decision was made to hold it outdoors due to the sunny skies, and O’Malley says the band will continue to play in Eyre Square on summer weekends – weather permitting.

Despite almost no advertising the free event drew quite a crowd – with tourists and Galwegians of all ages smiling and chatting in the relaxed atmosphere of Eyre Square.

“We’ve only just come across it but it’s really really good, really brilliant,” said Amanda Dunne, a Kildare native who was up with a friend on a weekend trip.

St. Patrick’s Brass Band has been a Galway institution for over 120 years. Founded in 1896 as a fife and drum ensemble, the band is comprised of both full-time and amateur musicians from all over Galway.

O’Malley commented: “The purpose of this is just to make connections with other bands and people and spread the love of music. That’s the beauty of amateur groups…We love learners, and we’re happy to help teach music. We’re always up for people joining and learning!”

He went on to say that the band plan to perform in Eyre Square regularly on Saturday afternoons in June and July, “so keep an ear out!”

GALWAY’S GREATEST FOOTBALLER – THE SEMI-FINALS!

By
Darren Kelly
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0

The second round of twitter voting concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning (23rd May) in our competition to select ‘Galway’s Greatest Footballer’ and the 56 still standing were reduced to just 16 players. 

For the second time in succession, Jarlath Fallon topped the poll scoring an amazing 90%.  After surprisingly not making the top four in Round One, Padraic Joyce moved up the rankings getting 87% while Michael Donnellan and Sean Purcell both scored 81%.

The top player from each of the 14 quarter-final polls qualified for the semi-finals along with the two best runners-up.  Kevin Walsh (44%) and Gary Fahey (37%) remain in the competition with Johnny Geraghty (36%) just missing out.

The semi-finals, which start this morning (Wednesday) will see the remaining participants in four groups of four.  Only the winners advance to Thursday’s final.

As mentioned before the competition started, any ties would be settled by the adjudication committee and but they were not called upon to make any decisions in this round.

Some big names to depart after the quarter-finals included 1998 winning captain Ray Silke, Frank Fox, Frank Stockwell, Michael Meehan, Geraghty, Bosco McDermott and Tommy Joe Gilmore.

The semi-final pairings will appear below shortly after the quarter-final results and the polls will stay open for 18 hours.  The FINAL takes place on Thursday.

All You Need to do is go to our Twitter page and select your favourite player in each group.  Please LIKE and SHARE! 

  1. JARLATH FALLON – 90%, Ray Silke – 8%, Liam O’Neill – 3%, John Tobin – 0%

2. ENDA COLLERAN – 63%, Sean Armstrong – 31%, Frank Cunniffe – 6%, Jack Mangan – 0%

Enda Colleran

3. DEREK SAVAGE – 49%, John ‘Tull’ Dunne – 19%, Jack Cosgrove – 16%, Willie Joyce – 16%

4. SEAN PURCELL – 81%, Frank Fox – 11%, Cyril Dunne – 4%, Mick Ferriter – 4%

5. MICHAEL DONNELLAN – 81%, Frank Stockwell – 13%, Seamus Leydon – 6%, Sean O’Domhnaill – 0%

6. PADRAIC JOYCE – 87%, Michael Meehan – 10%, Gareth Bradshaw – 3%, Declan Meehan – 0%

7. SEAN OG DE PAOR – 68%, John Donnellan – 18%, Joe Bergin – 14%, Jack Mahon – 0%

Sean Og De Paor

8. NOEL TIERNEY – 41%, GARY FAHEY – 37%, Liam Silke – 15%, Stephen Kinneavy – 7%

9. KIERAN FITZGERALD – 46%, Johnny Geraghty – 36%, Johnny Hughes – 11%, Seamus McHugh – 7%

10. MATTIE McDONAGH – 50%, KEVIN WALSH – 44%, Johnny Heaney – 3%, Christy Tyrell – 3%

Mattie McDonagh

11. JIMMY DUGGAN – 46%, Richie Fahey – 25%, Gay McManus – 21%, Dinny Sullivan – 8%

12. VAL DALY – 63%, Tomas Meehan – 23%, Damien Comer – 10%, Martin Newell – 4%

13. PAT DONNELLAN – 68%, Bosco McDermott – 25%, Hugo Carey – 4%, Billy O’Neill – 3%

14. TOMAS MANNION – 77%, Tommy Joe Gilmore – 13%, Tom Naughton – 7%, Frank Evers – 3%

Tomas Mannion

Captain’s Charity Day has Raised €50,000 for Breast Cancer Research

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Breast Cancer
Attending the cheque presentation of €50,000 raised at the 2018 Captain’s Charity Day at Galway Golf Club, ‘Play in Pink’ Am Am for Breast Cancer Research were: Captain of Galway Golf Club Phillip Duffy, Miriam Hand Breast Cancer Research, Patricia McLoughlin Chairperson Breast Cancer Research, Prof. Michael Kerin Research Director, Breast Cancer Research and Lady Captain of Galway Golf Club, Julia Porter. Photo: Tom Taheny

Captain’s Charity Day has raised €50,000 for Breast Cancer Research.

Friday May 18th last, saw a large turnout at the Galway Golf Club in Salthill for the Captain’s Charity Day which was being held in aid of Breast Cancer Research.

The “Play in Pink” event saw over 120 golfers compete over the beautifully prepared 18-hole layout and the novel format of the “Champagne Pink Ball Scramble” certainly added to the enjoyment of all those present.

Taking part in the 2018 Captain’s Charity Day at Galway Golf Club, ‘Play in Pink’ Am Am which raised €50,000 for Breast Cancer Research were; Pat O’Toole, Stephen Duffy, Captain Galway Golf Club Phillip Duffy and Tom Dempsey. Photo: Tom Taheny

The golf was followed by a three course dinner in the club dining room, a charity auction and prize giving.

A total of €50,000 was raised on the day for Breast Cancer Research a national charity based at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research at NUI Galway.

Speaking at the event Club Captain, Philip Duffy expressed his delight at the total of the funds raised on the day and thanked everyone who played their part in making the day a huge success.

The committee involved in this day wish to extend their deepest thanks to the support of the club members, team entrants and the very many generous sponsors including Platinum Sponsors, Galway Golf Club, Burkeway Homes, Tom Dempsey Carpets and Flooring, Future Financial Services, The Front Door Pub & Glenlo Abbey Hotel.

Taking part in the 2018 Captain’s Charity Day at Galway Golf Club, ‘Play in Pink’ Am Am which raised €50,000 for Breast Cancer Research were; Maeve Coyle, Bryde Glynn, Anna O’Donnellan and Anne Treacy. Photo: Tom Taheny

Probation for young man who made “foolish decision” in carrying a knife

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily court Kitchen knife drawn

A young man who confessed to carrying a knife because he felt threatened made a, “foolish, foolish decision” Galway District Court heard this week.

Walled Ahmad (19), who has no previous convictions, was allowed by the court to make to make a donation to the poor box instead of facing a criminal conviction.

Garda Aidan Quinn gave evidence to Galway District Court that on May 30 of last year he received a call at 22:40pm about a young man carrying a knife on William St.

According to Garda Quinn when he arrived at Willaim St. he encountered Mr. Ahmad, who matched the description of the person mentioned in the call.

He searched Mr. Ahmad but didn’t find anything, however a search in a nearby bin turned up a knife which Mr. Ahmad admitted to putting there.

A representative for the defence told Galway district court that Mr. Ahmad was carrying a knife because he had been threatened recently, in what counsel described as a foolish decision on Mr. Ahmad’s part.

He said that Mr. Ahamad only took the knife out that night because his friends asked to see it, and when he thought the gardaí were coming he panicked and threw it away.

The court ruled that if Mr. Ahmad gave €300 to the court poor box before July 30 he would remain conviction free and receive the Probation Act instead.

New MADRA mascot unveiled for weekend’s Dogathon 2018!

By
Michael Malone
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new madra mascot galway

MADRA’s new mascot was unveiled to the public this week on the Salthill prom, in time for their 2018 ‘Paws on the Prom’ Dogathon, which takes place on Sunday, May 27th at 1pm.

The event begins at the Claddagh and all money raised will go to the Connemara-based dog rescue and adoption charity.

The mascot, who is still without a name, will lead the way on Sunday, taking over 1,000 paws along the prom to Blackrock.

Photo by Darius Ivan www.divmedia.ie
Photo by Darius Ivan www.divmedia.ie

In 2017, MADRA rescued 789 dogs and pups from Galway and Mayo and the charity is dedicated to finding new homes for unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs.

MADRA General Manager, Jonathan Kent, is hoping for a record breaking year, in what is their biggest fundraising initiative of 2018.

Running costs are now at approximately €370,000 per year.

All money raised at the Dogathon event goes directly to supporting the canines in their care.

“There has been a great reaction to our new mascot!” explained MADRA General Manager, Jonathan Kent.

“We hope the, as yet unnamed, mascot will encourage families to join us on Sunday for what will be a great day out. The Dogathon is so important to MADRA. The event helps us to raise the much needed funds to keep our services going.

“The money raised allows us to rescue and rehome as many dogs as we can. It’s also a great chance for the people who support MADRA – whether they be volunteers, donors, adopters, or those interested in our work – to come together and show their support for the charity.

“Last year was such a great day. There was a really positive vibe and attitude from everyone that I met. I was overwhelmed to see all of the dogs on the day, all breeds big and small. It’s just a wonderful sight for any dog lover. The event is aimed at everyone and will be a lovely family fun day out,” Mr Kent added.

For more, visit www.madra.ie.

Craic, Ceol agus Greann – Oíche Oscailte Seán Keane sa Taibhdhearc Aréir

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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oíche oscailte

Bhí Oíche Oscailte Seán Keane ag An Taibhdhearc lán do craic, ceol agus greann aréir.

Aréir, Dé Luan an 21ú lá de Mí na Bealtaine, bhí oíche oscailte Seán Keane ag An Taibhdhearc áit ar thug sé seó iontach mhaith don slua measartha beag a bhí i láthair le cabhair ós na ceoltóirí a bhí in éineacht leis.

In aice Seán Keane ar an oíche sheas an fear ó Chonamara, Pat Coyne, fear ó Béal Feirste, Fergus Feely agus na beirt leaids ó Béal Easa, Co Maigh Eo, David Doocey agus Stephen Doherty.

Tá gaol ann idir an amhránaí cáiliúl Dolores Keane agus Seán Keane, mar gurb í an amhránaí cailiúil agus mór le rá deirfiúir le Seán.

Ar an oíche bhí sé éasca le feisicnt go raibh sean cleachta ag na ceoltóirí ar fad a bheith ag seinnt le chéile mar go rabhadar ag magadh agus ag pleidhcíocht eatarthu féin ar an stáitse.

Is léir go raibh ceimic mhaith eatarthu agus chuir sin leis an oíche chomh maith.

Bhí Seán ag fulaingt le ionfhabhtú cliabhraigh ach níor stop sé an canadh nó an seinnt. É sin ráite thug sé deis don beirt a bhí taobh leis, Pat Coyne agus Fergus Feely, amhráin a chanadh freisin.

Gan dabht bhí sé deas, an beirt fhear a cloisint leo féin, ach bhí chuile duine sásta nuair a tháinig Seán thar n-ais ar stáitse.

Las sé An Taibhdhearc suas lena caint, a chraic, agus an ghreann a bhí aige. Is léir go raibh sé ag baint taithneamh as an oíche agus bhí an cuma ann gur bhain an slua ana shásamh as an oíche oscailte freisin.

Beidh Seán thar nais ins An Taibhdhearc chuile Dé Luan ar feadh 9 seachtainí eile.

Mar seo a leanas, is iad seo na dátaí a bheas Seán thar nais sa Taibhdhearc:

Bealtaine 28ú
Meitheamh 4ú, 11ú, 18ú, 25ú,
Lúnasa 6ú, 13ú, 20ú, 27ú. Tá costas €25 ar na ticéid ach is féidir luach níos íseala a fháil do grúpaí le 10+

Is féidir tuilleadh eolas a fháil trí ríomhphoist a chur chuig An Taibhdhearc ag: eolas@antaibhdhearc.com

Tá na ticéidí ar fáil ó Box Office An Taibhdhearc ar 091-562024 nó ar líne anseo

Cutting edge programme at GMIT gets €1.4 million in government funding

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news GMIT hosts European Hitel and catering School competition

A science programm at GMIT will receive €1.4 million in government funding over the next five years to provide cutting edge developments for Irish industries.

The purpose Medical and Engineering Technologies (MET) Gateway at GMIT is to provide technology based solutions for industries in the MedTech, Engineering, and Lifesciences sectors.

GMIT is one of 11 Institutes of Technology taking part in the Enterprise Ireland Technology Gateway Network which brings together 300 skilled researchers, along with specialist equipment and facilities.

Announcing the funding, the Minister of State for Training and Skills John Halligan said, “The Technology Gateway Network programme aims to bring Irish companies together with the researchers in the Institutes of Technology to provide near-to-market innovation and solutions in a range of areas, both regionally and nationally.”

Between this year and 2022 the government will invest a total of €26.75 million in the Technology Gateway Network, which has completed over 2,750 projects working with 1,250 Irish based companies since it was first established in 2013.

Minister Halligan also announced that an Irish Food Tech programme would also be set within the Galway Network.

“The aim of Irish Food Tech is to optimise the power of the Network and connect industry with researchers in a wide selection of areas that include bio-processing, food for health, process control and packaging.”

Researchers in the MET Gateway have worked on a wide variety of subjects including new polymers, pharmaceuticals, mobile technology, biotech and industrial design.

Dr Rick Officer, VP of Research and Innovation at GMIT says the new funding will deepen the relations between industry and higher education in the region.

“We have seen unprecedented growth in collaborations between the MedTech sector and GMIT’s MET Gateway since its inception. Enterprise Ireland’s Technology Gateway funding will ensure MET continues to deliver technology-based solutions for industry at both a regional and national level.”

According to Gerard Mooney, Manager of Research and Innovation at Enterprise Ireland, many of the projects completed by the Technology Gateway Network don’t require any state funding to be viable.

“The most common mechanism by which companies engage via the Gateways is through projects they pay for completely themselves without leveraging any State funding. This is a testament to both the trust built up between the companies and the Gateways, and the capability of the research community.”

Typical MET Gateway projects involve creating a new product or service, or optimising an existing process within an industry.

 

Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Week 13) – Tuesday, 22nd May 2018 

By
Darren Kelly
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Eamonn Deacy Park and Pairc Ui Chaoimh

Last Sunday, I officially reached the three-month mark in this challenge and it nearly passed me by as I had four matches.  Was aware leading up to the date but on the day, things were hectic that I never really got a chance to take it all in. 

But yes, Darren Kelly is three months off cigarettes and in two weeks’ time, this diary will be finished.  The drop to weekly entries felt strange after our 40 daily get togethers but the point is approaching to stop talking about quitting and start getting on with life.

However, if we hadn’t included the weekly entries, it would have been very easy to slip up.  Cravings never really go away.  There are just less common now and less as challenging.  The body is used to not inhaling anymore even if the mind occasionally wants to tempt faith.

I’ve noticed in recent weeks that I seem to be talking about anything else but cigarettes but the truth is I don’t think about them that much anymore.  I’m running (not as often as I should), have cut down on sugar (not as much as I should) and am drinking very little (much less than I’d like 😀).

https://twitter.com/Rizzmigizz/status/997649030846001152

And this weekend, I’ve two massive gigs that has got me buzzing as I’ll cross off two firsts on Friday and Saturday.

I’m going to start with Saturday as I will finally visit the famous Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the Munster Senior Camogie Final.  It’s one of the few main venues in Ireland I haven’t worked from yet but I can finally add to my list.

Tipp FM have asked me to do the game between Cork and Tipperary which is very exciting.  Sometimes, it’s nice to do something different and I’m really looking forward to the game.  I just hope the Tipperary supporters don’t get a shock when I get caught up in the excitement 😀.

And on Friday, the Airtricity League and Galway Bay FM’s soccer department will finally get to experience the Dazzler waxing lyrical about the beautiful game.  I’m covering Galway United’s game against Drogheda United in the First Division.

It’s my first soccer game for the radio I think but definitely my first soccer commentary.  I know I can’t go a mile a minute like we do for the camogie or ladies football but I’ll work on whipping listeners up into a frenzy.  And Eamonn Deacy Park, it’s another big venue to cross off the list.

I shouldn’t, and wouldn’t, forget that the weekend isn’t complete until after I return from Kinnegad on Sunday.  Galway have a massive All-Ireland under 14 Ladies Football semi-final against Cavan and I’ll be there.

But it’s a good job I’ve been asked to cover the soccer on Friday as I’d have the dreaded situation of effectively picking between two children had I been left to Ladies GAA matters.

The County League Camogie Final between Mullagh and Oranmore/Maree is fixed for Duggan Park on Friday at 7.30pm.  And the County League Ladies Football Final between Claregalway and Kilkerrin/Clonberne is fixed for Tuam Stadium on Friday at 7.30pm.  And I’m no Padre Pio!

Now, before anyone thinks I’m going on a rant, let me assure you I’m not!  I’m aware that both organisations are looking at ways to co-exist better.  And I’ve no doubt that Paul Gannon and Gerry Hennelly (the respective chairman) will continue to enhance women’s GAA in the county.

But it’s things like this that highlight how important it is for the two organisations to work together (and I mean that nationally too).  The GAA can weed out the dual players all they want because they have the players and have the publicity guaranteed.

But women’s sport doesn’t yet in Ireland bar maybe the rugby and Katie Taylor.  Ladies Football have made massive strides but they still have some way to go.

I was at both league finals in 2017 and enjoyed both games.  Imagine if I had to decide which one to go to.  Clashes can’t be avoided over a year but these are two key games.  I’m all up for Friday night matches but did it have to be the same one?  Whichever I picked would have been the wrong match!

And as things stand, the county finals in both codes are set for the same weekend (October 7th).  It’s important these groups do work closely to enhance both sports and I’ll gladly assist should that relationship develop over the course of 2018.

But for now, I’ll depart.  It’s back-to-back crazy weekends and I’m still catching up on articles from the last few days.  But when we chat next week, I’ll have commentated in Eamonn Deacy Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  And that’s cool! 🙂

Darren

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