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GALWAY GAA: HELP US PICK GALWAY’S GREATEST FOOTBALLER 

By
Darren Kelly
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Galway Senior Football Team 1966

While the debate continues over the hurling selections, we have decided to do it all again and ask our followers to help us decider who is ‘Galway’s Greatest Footballer.’ 

We decided to keep it to 108 entrants again using the same format to the hurling.  But even we didn’t realise the calibre of names we’d be leaving out.  However, we do hope that we covered all the bases regarding serious contenders for the overall title.

There are two special teams that will have a big say on this.  The 1960s produced the three-in-a-row teams captained by John Donnellan and Enda Colleran.  And they included many great players including Johnny Geraghty, Martin Newell and four-time All-Ireland winner Mattie McDonagh.

Then there was the millennium class who won All-Irelands in 1998 and 2001.  Padraic Joyce, Michael Donnellan, Jarlath Fallon, Kevin Walsh, Tomas Mannion, Sean Og De Paor, Martin McNamara, Ray Silke, Gary Fahey – the list is endless!

And outside of these teams, there’s plenty of quality.  Many have considered Sean Purcell to be the best ever in the country and his partnership with Frank Stockwell is legendary around Tuam.  Val Daly was highly rated among the greats to wear the maroon and white during the 1980s as was Michael Meehan in the 2000s.

So, how are we going to work this out?  Galway Daily’s 108 players to be reduced to the final four over as many days and we will have four rounds of 18-hour twitter polls to decide the overall winner.

Our format for selecting was (1) 2017 starting team, (2) All-Stars, (3) All-Ireland winners, (4) League Winners, (5) Wild Cards until we got past the 100 mark.  There’s no fool proof method in picking the starting line-up but we hope we’ve all our angles covered.

Round One will consist of 27 groups of four players with 56 qualifying (top two in each group plus two best third placed players based on percentage gained).  Any ties will be decided by the Galway Daily adjudicating panel.

Round Two on Tuesday will see 14 groups of four players with 16 advancing (the winners and two best runners-up).

Round Three on Wednesday will have four groups of four with the winners advancing to Thursday’s final.  A random draw has sorted the opening day polls but the percentage gained will see the participants in the subsequent rounds.

So, it’s simple!  Go on to our Twitter page and vote for your favourite.  We’d hope you would like our page as well.  And follow our reports every day until we learn who the Galway Daily followers have decided is Galway’s Greatest Footballer.

Athrú dáta don cruinniú mór poiblí atá á reachtáil maidir le PTBC

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Cruinnithe Poiblí - Gaeilge Maigh Cuilinn

Tá athrú dáta tagtha ar an cruinniú a bheas á reachtáil go luath maidir leis an Pleanáil Teanga, Bearna – Cnoc na Cathrach.

Bhí an cruinniú poiblí a bhí eagraithe don Máirt an 29ú lá de Mí Bhealtaine ar siúl anois ar an Céadaoin an 30ú maidir leis an Pleanáil Teanga, Bearna – Cnoc na Cathrach.

Dúirt urlabharaí ón Coiste Pleanáil Teanga Bhearna/Chnoc na Cathrach,

“Seo’d é an dáta atá cinntithe againn mar go raibh orainn an dáta a athrú ach tá súil againn fós go mbeidh daoine ann ar an oíche.”

Reachtáilfear an cruinniú poiblí seo i gColáiste na Coiribe ag 7.30i.n, ar an 3oú agus beidh cuid mhaith do tae/caife, soláistí agud ceol ar fáil óna 7.15 ar aghaidh.

Tá an cruinniú á reachtáil chun stádas an teanga sna bailte seo a phlé agus faoi láthair tá an choiste ag fiosrú an bhfuil suim ag daoine an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn i mBearna agus i gCnoc na Cathrach.

Tá suirbhé le fáil ar líne gur féidir líonadh isteach nó is féidir do smaointí féin a chur in iúl, mar aon le moltaí agus coincheapanna a sheoladh chuig an rúnaí ag pobal@ptbc.ie nó glaoch a chuir ar 089 6173978.

Caithfear ríomhphoist a sheoladh chuig pobal@ptbc.ie más mian leat a bheith i láthair ar an oíche.

Ná deán dearmad is ar an 30ú lá, de Mí an Bhealtaine, Dé Chéadaoin a bheas an cruinniú ar siúl anois.

GALWAY’S GREATEST HURLER – THE RESULT!!! 

By
Darren Kelly
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Joe Cooney - Galway's Greatest Hurler

After a week involving debates, opinions and some massive results, Galway Daily’s ‘Galway’s Greatest Hurler’ competition finished on Friday morning (18th May) with the original JC picked as the winner. 

Sarsfields legend JOE COONEY came out first in the final poll between the top four participants getting 46% of the vote in a keenly contested contest.

Cooney, the poll topper after every round, was chiefly the centre forward in the Galway senior hurling team that won the All-Ireland titles in 1987 and 1988.

He made this debut in 1983 and also won three Connacht titles, three National Leagues, four Railway Cups and played in six All-Ireland finals between 1985 and 1993.

And he didn’t just gain legendary status in his 35 appearances in the maroon and white before retiring in 2001.  He also was part of Sarsfields’ historic back-to-back All-Ireland club successes in 1993 and 1994.

Portumna’s Joe Canning finished second in a tight battle for the runners-up spot getting 24% of the vote.  And just behind him was Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry’s Kevin Broderick with 22%.  Killimordaly legend Tony Keady finished with 8%.

We’d like to thank everyone who supported the contest and the results of the final are listed below.  And as an extra treat, here is the greatest Galway team ever based on your results.

  1. JOHN COMMINS 

2. SYLVIE LINNANE 

3. DAITHI BURKE 

4. OLLIE CANNING 

5. PETE FINNERTY 

6. TONY KEADY 

7. GERRY McINERNEY 

8. JOHN CONNOLLY 

9. DAVID BURKE 

10. JOE CONNOLLY 

11. BRENDAN LYNSKEY 

12. JOE COONEY 

13. KEVIN BRODERICK 

14. EUGENE CLOONAN 

15. JOE CANNING

Galway Sash was handed over to a New Rose on Saturday Night at the Clayton Hotel

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Sár agallamh tugtha ag Rós na Gaillimhe ag Féile Idirnáisiúnta Trá Lí - Galway Daily

Saturday night saw the selection of a new Galway Rose as Niamh Elwood who had been an ambassador for the City of The Tribes over the last year handed over the sash.

On Saturday night at an event in the Clayton Hotel, Niamh Elwood who has spent the last year being an ambassador for Galway handed over her sash to the 2018 Galway Rose Deirdre O Sullivan.

Deirdre O’ Sullivan (24) was being sponsored by Croí on the night. She is from Corrandulla and a primary school teacher in St Clare’s Primary School, Dublin.

The 24 year old spent her childhood summers in Tralee, and the Rose Festival was always the highlight.

A proud volunteer with Croí, she enjoys being a leader for the active school flag at work, part of which involves coaching hurling. She has recently launched an active school walkaway in St. Clare’s.

As a former member of the Galway Youth Orchestra, Deirdre plays the flute at a professional level and has played in The National Concert Hall.

She entertained the audience by playing the classical flute onstage at he 2018 Galway Rose Selection Night.

After the Summer of 2017 touring Europe, a trip to Ghana to volunteer is planned for this Summer. Travel is very important to Deirdre, but her greatest passion is teaching.

Deirdre was one of 29 girls who were all hoping to be crowned this years Galway Rose, with Deirdre winning out in the end as she now takes the Sash onto Tralee in August.

Deirdre has been receiving much love and support from family and friends as well as sponsors following the selection night. Her sponsor Croí tweeted their delight at her selection.

The Galway Rose Centre are delighted to welcome Deirdre O’ Sullivan as this years Galway Rose but also thanked Niamh Elwood for her year long stint as an ambassador for the City of The Tribes.

 

Fears that Airbnb is contributing to homeless crisis in Galway

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily news fears airbnb adding to homeless crisis

COPE Galway have said that Airbnb is contributing to keeping people homeless in Galway.

The charity group says that rental properties being used for Airbnb need to be made available to address the shortfall in long-term housing for families and individuals.

COPE points to a Daft.ie Insights report  which says that half of all rental properties in Dublin are now only available for short-term letting by tourists, and says that “an even more stark” situation applies in Galway.

Martin O’Connor, spokesperson for COPE says the government should discourage people from using homes for Airbnb full-time.

“This is a situation the government are in a position to tackle if they are serious about addressing the current homelessness crisis that so many families and individuals are experiencing.

“The introduction of measures to disincentivise the full-time use of homes for Airbnb purposes and the enforcement of planning laws already on the statute books are measures government can take now.”

According to COPE, last Wednesday there were a total of 2,212 active Airbnb rentals across Galway city and county. 52% of those were entire homes, and 38% were available for letting full-time according information from AirDNA.

On the same day there were just 118 rental properties available on Daft.ie for all of Galway city and county.

“You have the ironic situation of tourists living in homes while people without homes are having to live in B&Bs and hotels” said Martin O’Connor.

“While we understand that revenue from Air BnB is an important source of income for struggling homeowners, our concern is that accommodation which is available all year round and in the form of entire homes, is accommodation taken out of the rental market.

“Measures need to be introduced such as those introduced in London to ensure whole homes are not available on the Air BnB market full time, but still allow for people to rent out their accommodation for a certain number of days a year.”

 

Bog Week 2018 – A Festival to bring you back in time.

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Tionscnaimh Straitéiseach

If you want to get outside in the Irish landscape and enjoy nature in its finest then the Quaker Village of Letterfrack in North Connemara is the place for you, as it’s the annual Connemara Bog Week Festival.

The Connemara Bog Week Festival which kicks off on Sunday 27th May and finishes on Bank Holiday Monday June 4th is being run by the Conamara Environmental Education & Cultural Centre (CEECC).

The CEECC was founded in 1984 by local school teachers Leo Hallissey, Clare O’ Toole and Aingeal Ní Chonghaile to raise environmental awareness and provide heritage education at a local and national level.

The centre is located in the village of Letterfrack, North West Conamara, Co. Galway, Ireland. Over the years the CEECC have won various awards for their work… Taisce50, Better Ireland Award, Local Heroes Award, ESB Conservation Award, Iarnrod Eireann Award, Galway County Council Premier Arts Award, Galway County Council Heritage Award (Premier Award).

The Bog Week Festival provides a space for the creative force which is at the heart of Connemara. This award-winning, multi-disciplinary, family friendly festival allows visitors to explore a sense of place while experiencing the breath-taking landscape, archaeological and historical heritage of the area.

Throughout the week people are encouraged to experience Connemara’s famous Bog lands with a guided walk each day in the Connemara National Park.

The exquisite Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey will play host to one of Ireland’s finest singer/songwriters Luka Bloom.

There will be an exhibition by acclaimed photographer Tina Claffey, who’s book has been greatly praised and gives a real insight into the beauty of Irish peat lands. The talk will be followed by an exhibition of Tina’s work aptly titled ‘Tapestry of Light’.

Informative guided walks of Omey Island with archaeologists and ecologists will also take place over the week and guest are invited to experience life in the Bronze Age where there will be a re-enactment of cooking using a Fulacht Fia (hole in the ground).

As the sun sets, the rafters in the Gothic Church will ring once more with the amazing sounds of Elasafty Armstrong and Browne, featuring Siobhan Armstrong on harp, Ronan Browne pipes/flute/whistle and great sean-nós singer Roisín Elsafty, this promises to be a memorable night in the company of this internationally acclaimed trio.

During the Connemara Bog Festival some of the finest poets, artists, musicians, chefs and ecologists rub shoulders to create a truly magical experience like no other with just a hint of madness to delight both young and old.

For a full schedule of the weeks events visit here.

It should be noted also that booking is essential for Gothic Church Concerts – see website www.ceecc.org for more details.

New grant scheme to unlock Connemara Coast and Aran Islands for tourists

By
Briain Kelly
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Galway Daily life & style film competition to capture the beauty of the coast

Fáilte Ireland is launching a new grant scheme to bring more tourists to the Connemara Coast and Aran Islands.

The New Horizons Capital Grant Scheme will provide funding of up to €200,000 to projects which promote the growth of tourism along the Connemara coast and Aran islands.

Miriam Kennedy, head of Fáilte Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way says the new plan will improve visitor experiences by developing new and existing attractions.

“We are delighted to announce the New Horizons on the Wild Atlantic Way 2018 Grants Scheme for the Connemara Coast and Aran Islands which will assist new and operating visitor attractions to develop the stand-out experiences,

“This funding will help local tourism businesses encourage visitors to engage with the true essence and story of the area and, crucially, drive visitor numbers to lesser known areas and attractions.”

Fáilte is now accepting grant applications from tourism businesses on the Connemara Coast and Aran Islands who want to improve their visitor experience.

Two workshops will be held in Galway on Monday, May 21 to help people who wish to apply.

The first workshop will take place at Ostan Oileain Arainn on Inis Mór at 2pm and the second will be at An Cruiscin Lan Hotel in Spiddal at 7pm.

Earlier this year a development plan for the Connemara Coast and Aran Islands was drawn up by Fáilte Ireland in consultation with key stakeholders and businesses in the tourism sector.

The New Horizons grants will provide funding to projects which implement that plan, which Ms. Kennedy says is part of a larger investment in the region.

“Fáilte Ireland’s vision for the Wild Atlantic Way is to deliver sustainable growth to all areas of the West Coast which will deliver real benefits for local communities and businesses.”

Development plans have also been created for four other areas along the Wild Atlantic Way: The Burren, Co. Clare; Three Heads (Ballydehob to Kenmare), Co. Cork and Co. Kerry; Dingle peninsula, Co. Kerry, and Malin Head, Co. Donegal.

 

SCORCHING TEMPERATURES SET TO HIT GALWAY THIS WEEKEND!

By
Michael Malone
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galway weather forecast High temperature weather warning for Galway this weekend as 29C forecast

After a miserable start to the week with a weather warning issued by Met Éireann for heavy rain, things will get better from Tuesday onward!

And the early indications are that next weekend (25th – 27th May) will be the best weather we’ve had so far this year, with temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees with clear blue skies.

Tuesday will bring brighter spells after a rainy day tomorrow, and it will get progressively better from then, with no rain forecast for the rest of the week.

The good weather will start as early as Wednesday, with a sharp rise in temperatures to over 20 degrees, and the weather will get slightly better each day until at least Sunday.

Wednesday will likely see some cloudy spells as well as some sunshine, with a similar outlook for Thursday.

Friday, however, will be warmer and there will be much less cloud, and Saturday and Sunday look like they will be scorching with temperatures well into their twenties.

Many are hoping that the summer will make up for the long, miserable winter that we experienced here (and across Europe) and with some sunny days in the past few weeks and some great weather on its way, this could be the start of it!

 

Heavy rain set to last 24 hours – Weather Warning issued for Galway

By
Michael Malone
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Galway Daily weather status yellow weather warning for Galway cancelled

A status Yellow weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann for County Galway, as heavy rainfall looks set to last from this evening until tomorrow evening.

The status Yellow rainfall warning also extends to Longford, Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Sligo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.

A spell of rain will lead to accumulations of 25mm to 35mm of rainfall over a 24 hour period.

The warning was issued earlier today and is valid for one day, from today, Sunday 20 May at 7pm – until 7pm tomorrow, Monday 21 May.

There is some good news though – as things are looking good for later in the week, with a long-lasting heatwave ready to hit the country from Wednesday, with the best of the weather coming next weekend!

Historic Open Day to take place at St. Pat’s School as it welcomes girls for first time

By
Michael Malone
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st pat's enrolls girls for the first time galway daily

St Pat’s Primary School on Lombard Street in Galway City opened its  doors in 1954 as a boys only school in the heart of the City – and for the first time, the School will be enrolling girls from this September.

Since it was established, ten men have taken on the role of principal of St. Pats, however in 2017 history was again made with the appointment of the first female principal of the school, Ms. Marian Barrett.

Ms. Barrett in following the proud tradition of St. Pat’s is leading a “Holistic approach to children’s education & development, placing emphasis on developing healthy minds and bodies. Each child is nurtured, cherished and encouraged to reach their full potential while responding to individual needs.”

Traditionally St Pat’s would have enrolled boys only from second to sixth class but now are fully embracing changes that respond to the rapidly evolving needs of education in a modern cosmopolitan city.

This includes the introduction of Co-educational infant and junior classes.

St Pat’s, a school of excellence, is one of the largest established primary schools in the city, founded by the Patrician Brothers in 1827.

While the ethos is Catholic, the school welcomes and values all children whatever their religious beliefs or backgrounds. It is an inclusive happy school, which embraces diversity and responds to individual needs.

The St Pat’s Brass Band, the school choir along with national achievements in with their Athletics/ Running club, Football, Hurling, Gaelic football & Olympic handball as well as the Green Flag status means that students at the school are involved and interested in a range of extra circular activities and projects, making school about life learning as much as possible.

New initiatives already in operation and proving to be a huge success include Breakfast club, Pre-school and After-school club until 6pm.  As well as their traditional in- school and after-school activities, which include music, sport, debating, chess and school choir, there is a whole array of exciting new initiatives planned for the future.

The school which is an integral part of the city’s make up is well known for its wall murals which feature many well known Galway scenes. These were completed in 2017 and were driven by the teaching staff and have added a welcomed pop of colour to the school and to Galway.

St Pat’s are hosting an Open Day for all prospective pupils and parents on Tuesday 22nd May from 10am -12pm. Everyone is welcome to pop in, chat with teachers and explore the school grounds.

For enrolment details contact the Principal, Ms Marian Barrett on 091 568707, or email on saintpatricksgalway@gmail.com. You can follow St Pat’s on www.facebook.com/StPatsGalwayand Twitter @stpatsgalway. A night for past pupils is also happening in the school hall on Friday 15th June at 8pm.

6 Jobs Lost as Independent Brewing Ceases Production

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Independent Brewing

6 jobs have now been lost due to Independent Brewing having ceased its production.

It has been said that Independent Brewing will no longer continue to produce its beer.

Located in Carraroe, in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht, Independent Brewing has been trading since January 2014, and had the distinction of being the only craft brewery in the Connemara Gaeltacht.

Yesterday afternoon saw local business man Michael Coyne tweet his disappointment that Independent Brewing were to cease production.

Today numerous people have shown support as they displayed their shock and sadness that the business will be no longer.

Michael Coyne, spoke about the effect this is going to have on the Connemara Gaeltacht.

“I have such pity for them. They did so much of their work by hand. It will be hard to fill the void, local beer made in Connemara.”

Coyne also said that it will be a big blow to tourism also and that it is now very clear to see how hard it is to start a business, and to keep it running when the tourism season is over.

“This is a huge blow for Connemara tourism. It shows how hard it is to run a business, to begin it and to make a profit in the economy that is here in Connemara. It’s hard when a big company like this ceases its craft.

“It also shows how important tourism is and that the tourism business will always be seasonal.”

After four years in production Independent Brewing are ceasing production. This is a huge blow to the Gaeltacht of Connemara, to the people of Connemara, the local businesses and especially the six people who have lost their jobs.

Galway solidarity march for cervical smear victims

By
Kate Robinson
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Galway News - cervical test solidarity march

A solidarity march for the women affected by the recent cervical smear test scandal is set to take place this Saturday afternoon at 3pm in Eyre Square.

After a moment of silence held for the 18 women known to have died due to the mishandling of their cervical screening tests, there will be a solemn procession through the town from Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch.

Organisers of the march are hoping to show solidarity as well as demand justice for victims.

Community activist Suzanne Daly commented:

“The cervical cancer scandal is so shocking that people need a way to show their sadness and their anger. At the time of calling this march we have just heard that the number of women known to have died as a consequence of the handling of the screening tests has risen to 18! More may have followed by the weekend.

“As the brave women who are now terminally ill have said, we need accountability. Why has this scheme been allowed to go so badly wrong? Why is our health service being allowed to fail us?”

Co-organiser Dette Mcloughlin added: “The women, their partners and their families need us to show that we care about this dreadful state of affairs and that we demand justice, we demand action, we demand better. The authorities must be forced to listen and act as drastic change is essential in the health service.”

The cervical smear test scandal emerged in late April when Limerick mother Vicky Phelan won a High Court settlement for damages after a 2011 cervical smear test returned a false negative.

Although a review of the test subsequently revealed the mistake, Phelan was not informed until after she was correctly diagnosed with cervical cancer in July 2014.

She now has less than a year to live.

It has since come to light that more than 200 women’s tests by the CervicalCheck national screening programme were mishandled in this way, with more than 160 women not told that there may be a problem with their result.

Thus far 18 women are known to have died due to delays in informing them of a cancer diagnosis.

The solidarity march in Galway is in protest of the scandal, which been called a ‘cover-up’ by Phelan and bereaved husband Stephen Teap, whose wife Irene died last year.

All are welcome to attend the march.

However, organisers ask that attendees respectfully prioritise and focus on the cervical cancer test scandal, not the current referendum campaign, as the demonstration should be united in support of victims. Flowers and placards are welcome.

Ambitious New Play at An Taibhdhearc This Summer 2018

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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BAOITE - Taibhdhearc

An Taibhdhearc, The National Irish Language Theatre will produce BAOITE, a new play by Darach Mac Con Iomaire as part of Galway International Arts Festival this July.

At an event which took place at 6pm in the Meyrick Hotel, Galway City on Thursday evening, BAOITE was launched as part of this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, and will be produced by An Taibhdhearc.

Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) now in it’s 41st year will take place from the 16-29 July 2018. GIAF is a major cultural organisation, which produces one of Europe’s leading international arts festivals; develops and produces new work that tours nationally and internationally’ and presents a major discussion platform, First Thought Talks.

BAOITE is a thriller about a fishing family who lead a desperate fight to defend their coastal community form the imminent threat of offshore fracking – but as the constant pressure of campaigning mounts, hidden fractures appear in the once – solid clan, as lies, legacies, deceit and ultimate betrayal undermine the family and destroy the community.

An Taibhdhearc, the Abbey Theatre and Galway International Arts Festival have come together to produce this newly written work by Darach Mac Con Iomaire. Cast includes Macdara Ó Flatharta, Siobhán O’ Kelly, Diarmuid de Faoite agus Seán T. Ó Meallaigh. Design will be by Aran Island artist Seán Ó Flaithearta. The author will direct the work.

Chairperson of the Board of An Taibhdhearc, Aodh Ó Coileáin, said:

“This partnership provides new opportunities for theatre in Irish. The production of Irish language drama to a high standard can often fall into a vicious circle.

“Arguments are advanced as to the extent of the available audience. This in turn raises doubt as to the wisdom of spending large amounts of money on such productions.

“On the other hand, there isn’t a chance of enticing a large audience into the theatre if the show doesn’t reach the highest possible production standards.

“This of course costs money, An Taibhdhearc is allocating a substantial budget to the staging of BAOITE this summer.”

An Taibhdhearc recognises the need for partnerships in order to achieve the highest standards of production. ‘The Abbey Theatre commissioned BAOITE from Darach Mac Con Iomaire’ said Ó Coileáin, ‘ and the Abbey is also investing some money in the production.

“Co-productions of this type are very important for An Taibhdhearc. The National Irish Language Theatre is depending on an an annual grant of €320,000 from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

“This sum is used to produce theatre, run and maintain the building and employ staff. More plays need to be co-produced, it makes good artistic and economic sense.”

BAOITE will run at An Taibhdhearc July 12-22nd at 7.30p.m. with previews on July 12th to 14th, and matinees on July 14th and 22nd at 2.00pm.

Further information can be got through contacting Emer O’ Flaherty, Manager, An Taibhdhearc, 091 562024 or send an email to emer@antaibhdhearc.com

Tionscnamh Uaillmhianach Dramaíochta sa Taibhdhearc an Samhradh seo.

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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0
BAOITE - Taibhdhearc

Tá tionscnamh uaillmhianach dramaíochta le bheith ar siúl sa Taibhdhearc an samhradh seo.

Léireoidh An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, an dráma nuascríofa BAOITE le Darach Mac Con Iomaire mar chuid de Fhéile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíne na Gaillmhe i mí Iúil.

Bhí ócáid ar siúl in Óstán an Meyrick i gCathair na Gaillimhe ag a 6i.n. tráthnóna Déardaoin, áit a dheineadh BAOITE a sheoladh mar chuid de chláir Fhéile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíne na Gaillimhe.

Tá Féile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíne na Gaillimhe ar an bhfód le 41 bliain i mbliana agus is eagrúchán cultúrtha é, a feidhmíonn mar an Féile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíne na hEorpa amach ar tosaigh. Forbraíonn sé agus feidhmíonn saothar nua agus déantar turasanna go náisiúnta agus idirnáisiúnta.

Scéal iontach a tháinig ón ócáid ar an Déardaoin ná go raibh BAOITE roghnaithe le bheith bainteach leis an Féile Idirnáisiúnta Ealíne na Gaillimhe.

Scéinseir é BAOITE faoin lánúin iascaireachta atá sáite in agóid in aghaidh comhlacht idirnáisiúnta fraiceála mara. “…is é ciúnas a chreimfeas an ceantar seo – níos measa ná ceimiceán ar bith…” Cothaítear teannas sa dúthaigh, sa phobal, ‘sna lánúin agus sa duine aonair go dtí go gceistítear an beart atá ceart agus an beart nach bhfuil.

Tá an Taibhdhearc, Amharclann na Mainistreach agus Féile Idirnáisiúnta Ealaíne na Gaillimhe tagtha le chéile chun an dráma nuascríofa seo a stáitsiú á stiúr ag an údar, Darach Mac Con Iomaire.

Glacfaidh na haisteoirí Macdara Ó Fátharta, Siobhán O’ Kelly, Diarmuid de Faoite agus Seán T. Ó Meallaigh páirt sa dráma. Is é an t-ealaíontóir Árannach, Seán Ó Flaithearta a bheidh i mbun dearaidh. Dúirt Cathaoirleach Bhord na Taibhdheirce, Aodh Ó Coileáin:

“Soláthraíonn an pháirtnéireacht seo deiseanna nua don drámaíocht trí Ghaeilge. Uaireanta luaitear fáinne fí le soláthar drámaíochta ar ardchaighdeán i nGaeilge.

“Cuirtear argóintí chun cinn faoi fhairsinge an lucht féachanna agus dá réir an fiú airgead mór a chaitheamh ar na léiriúcháin.

“Ar an taobh eile de, níl seans ar bith lucht féachana mór a mhealladh gan an caighdéan léiriúcháin cuí agus ar ndóigh cosnaíonn sé seo airgead.

Tá buiséad substaintiúil á chaitheamh ag an Taibhdhearc ar léiriú an dráma BAOITE an samhradh seo.”

Aithnítear sa Taibhdhearc an gá atá le comhpháirtíochtaí d’fhonn obair den chaighdeán is fearr a chur i gcrích.

“Choimisinigh Amharclann na Mainistreach an saothar BAOITE ó Dharach Mac Con Iomaire” arsa Ó Coileáin “agus tá an Mhainistir ag infheistiú roinnt airgid sa leiriú freisin.

“Tá comhléiriúcháin den chineál seo thar a bheith tábhachtach don Taibhdhearc d’fhonn drámaí d’ardchaighdeán a stáitsiú.

“Tá Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge ag brath ar dheontas bliantiúil €320,000 ón Roinn Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta, bítear ag iarraidh drámaí a chur ar stáitse, an foirgneamh a reachtáil agus foireann a fhostú ar an tsuim airgid seo.

“Caithfear níos mó drámaí a chomhléiriú, tá ciall ealaíona agus eacnamaíochta leis.”

Feicfear BAOITE ar stáitse na Taibhdheirce: 12-22 Iúil. Réamhthaipeántais 12-14 Iúil, 7.30i.n agus ag 2i.n 14 & 22 Iúil.

Is féidir tuilleadh eolais a fháil ó Emer O’ Flatherty, Bainisteoir na Taibhdheirce, 091562024, nó ag emer@antaibhdhearc.com

Galway schools will have 40 new special needs assistants this year

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway daily news Calls for mediator to be appointed in special needs education dispute

40 new special needs assistants will support students at primary, secondary schools across Galway this year.

According to Galwat West TD and Junior Minister Seán Kyne, the new appointments mean there will be a total of 820 SNAs providing assistance at schools in Galway come September.

30 of the new SNAs will be going to secondary schools, bringing the number from 482 up to 512, while the remaining ten will be at primary schools where there will now be 181 assistants.

None of the new SNAs will be sent to special schools where there are currently 126 posted.

Deputy Kyne highlighted the importance of SNAs in, “providing vital support and assistance to pupils helping them to participate and reach their educational potential.”

The Fine Gael says the number of special needs assistants in Galway schools has increased dramatically under the current government.

“With today’s allocations the number of Special Needs Assistants in Galway will, by September, have increased to 819.9 from 599 in October 2011 – an increase of over 36%.”

Minister for Education Richard Bruton said last year that schools will know of their specific allocation of special needs assistants by the end of May.

With this week’s allocations there will now be over 15,000 special needs assistants at schools nationwide.

The government has said it is investing €1.75 billion in special needs education this year, almost a fifth of the entire education budget.

City council cannot run Christmas market without a contractor report says

By
Briain Kelly
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0
Galway Daily news Galway Christmas Market closed due to Storm Bram

Galway city cannot run the Christmas market without contracting an operator according to a report given to the city council.

“Galway city council staff do not have the ability to run the Christmas market.” said Gary McMahon, Acting Director of Services at the city council.

An interim report on the Christmas market with feedback from visitors and traders was delivered to the city council at the May meeting this week.

Councillor Declan McDonnell pointed out that in the budget for 2018 adopted by the council last November €150,000 was allocated by the council to take over the running of the Christmas market, “It was not for any operator,” he said.

Councillor Mike Cubbard added that while the council was debating the funding, they were never told that that there wasn’t the capacity to take over operations.

The €150,000 allocated for overhauling the Christmas market was added on the day of the budget as part of amendment proposed by councillor McDonnell to fund community projects.

City management had not asked for or expected to to receive that funding, or a mandate to take over the Christmas market, said Mr. McMahon, “it came as a complete surprise to me.”

But Mr. McMahon said that his understanding was that the money would be used to enhance the entire Christmas experience across the city and he hoped to bring a proposal to the June meeting.

The majority of the council accepted this position from city management, with councillor Mark Lohan saying he would like to see if the council could run the market itself, but acknowledged the interim report says that the current model has the least risk to the city.

Councillor Billy Cameron was another voice of caution against making drastic changes to the the running of the Christmas market saying that it, “isn’t broken, and doesn’t need fixing. It needs a little debating, a little tweaking.”

However, not all members of the council were satisfied with last year’s operator, with councillor Pádraig Conneely saying it was, “cheap, shoddy, badly run, and badly organised.”

Mr. McMahon was quick to reassure councillors that the money budgeted last year wouldn’t be going in the pockets of an operator, In fact the operator pays a fee to the council to run the Christmas market he said.

He also said that just because the council wouldn’t be handling the day-to-day operations of the market, that didn’t mean it wouldn’t be overseeing it, “There’s a difference between operating a Christmas market, and managing one.”

A final report on the Christmas market has not yet been delivered as engagement hasn’t yet completed engaging with stakeholders like promoters and taxi drivers to get their complete feedback.

A meeting was scheduled to take place in January with Mayor Pearce Flannery, but that didn’t happen as the promoter couldn’t attend at the time.

A number of councillors expressed frustration that they were only receiving an interim report in May, as they couldn’t make any decisions until the final report was received.

Councillor Peter Keane urged Mayor Flannery to meet with stakeholders as a matter or urgency to avoid a last minute rush of decisions on the market as happened last year.

Other issues related to last year’s Christmas market at the meeting included a perceived overabundance of food stalls, the beer tent, and how to accommodate taxi drivers losing space to the market for several weeks.

 

Dancing on Diamond Hill for Special Olympics Ireland

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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Special Olympics Ireland

A young Roscommon girl danced on top of Diamond Hill as she and her mother took part in the 5 peaks challenge in aid of Special Olympics Ireland.

The Five Peaks Challenge took place along Connaught’s Wild Atlantic Way on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th May 2018, with the main aim being to raise funds for Special Olympics sporting heroes.

The 5 peaks challenge included :

  • Truskmore
  • Benbulben
  • Nephin
  • Diamond Hill
  • Croagh Patrick

Truskmore (2,123ft) – which is on the border of County Sligo and County Leitrim. It is the highest peak of the Dartry Mountain range and the highest in the county. It is the highest point on a large plateau stretching across north east Sligo and north west Leitrim. The edges of this plateau are marked by high cliffs. The RTE transmitter is located on top of this mountain.

Benbulben (1,725ft) – is a large rock formation in County Sligo. It is also part of the Dartry Mountain range and is located in an area called Yeats Country. Benbulben is a protected site, designated as a geological site by Sligo County Council. This famous landmark is immortalised in the poetry of W.B. Yeats.

Nephin (2,644ft) Among the most interesting of Connaught’s mountains is Nephin, which has been climbed and revered for generations. Nephin is a majestic mountain, which dominates the landscape for miles around. It is a conical shaped quartzite mountain standing alone overlooking Lough Conn. It is the second highest mountain in Connaught, second only to Mweelrea also in County Mayo.

Diamond Hill (1,450ft) The ridge is a narrow fin of quartzite roughly half a kilometer long, which culminates in a cairn that marks the summit. From here, you can see, Inisbofin, Inishturk and Inishshark. To the north and east, the Twelve Bens are nothing short of sensational. Kylemore Abbey’s gothic turrets stand out from neighbouring Kylemore Lough. Directly north, the summit of Mweelrea can be seen.

Croagh Patrick (2,507ft) Nicknamed the Reek, as it is climbed by pilgrims each year on Reek Sunday, this is the third highest mountain in Co. Mayo. Sitting 8 kilometres from Westport above the villages of Murrisk and Lecanvey, it forms the southern part of a u shaped valley flowing into Clew Bay.

Laura Ganley spoke about why she initially took part in the 5 peaks challenge.

“Myself and my mum Martina took part in the 5 peaks challenge in aid of Special Olympics Ireland on the 12th on 13th May. On the Saturday 12th we climbed Truskmore, Benbulben and Nephin.  Then on the Sunday we climbed Diamond Hill and Croagh Patrick.

“Special Olympics is something that is extremely close to my heart as I am an Intellectual Disability Nurse. I have also traveled to Lourdes the last 2 years with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust bringing kids and teenagers with illnesses and disabilities.

“I am also an  entertainment officer volunteer at the upcoming Special Olympics games in Dublin in June.”

Laura is a 3 time lreland Sean Nós dancing champion from Ballaghderreen Co. Roscommon. She has been dancing for the last 8 and a half years and teaching dance for the past 4.

They raised €1800 for Special Olympics Ireland through taking part in the 5 peaks Challenge over the 2 days. Below you can watch Laura dancing her way to the finish line with Croagh Patrick being the last peak the had to climb. Video Credit: Martina Ganley.

https://www.facebook.com/100019330872078/videos/167768797210815/?q=Martina%20Ganley 

 

6 Post imithe de bharr go bhfuil Beoir Chonamara ag stopadh an táirgíocht

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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0
Independent Brewing

Tá 6 post imithe anois de bharr go bhfuil Beoir Chonamara ag stopadh an táirgíocht.

Dúireadh nach mbeidh Beoir Chonamara (Independent Brewing) ag leanúint ar aghaidh leis an táirgíocht, d’á chuid beoir a thuilleadh.

Lonnaithe ins an Ceathrú Rua, i croí Chonamara, tá Independent Brewing ag trádáil ó Eanair 2014 agus ‘sé an t-aon grúdlann ceardaíochta sa Ghaeltacht Chonamara.

Ar Twitter níos luaithe inniu, d’fhág fear gnó áitiúl Mícheál Ó Cadhain stádas chomhbhrón faoi Beoir Chonamara ag stopadh leis an táirgíocht.

Labhair Micheál Ó Cadhain faoin éifeacht a bheidh ar Gaeltacht Chonamara de bharr seo.

“Is mór an trua atá agam dóibh. Rinne siad go leor don obair as lámh. Beidh sé deacair an bearna sin, beoir áitiúl déanta i gConamara a líonadh.”

Dúirt Ó Cadhain freisin gur buille ollmhór atá ann don thurasóireacht agus go bhfuil sé soiléir anois cé chomh deachair is atá sé gnó a bhunú, agus a coiméad ag rith nuair nach mbíonn na turasóirí ann.

“Buille mór go thurasóireachta Chonamara é. Taispeánann sé cé comh crua is atá sé gnóth a rith agus a bhunú agus brabús a dhéanamh leis an saol eacnamaíochta atá i gConamara. Tá sé deachair le comhlacht mór ar nós é seo agus é ag éirí as a gcuid ceird.

“Tá bialann agamsa agus go leoir táirgí aitiúl agam ann – b’shin cheann dos na rudaí, beoir áitiúl. Bhí na lipéidí ar na buidéal ar fad déanta fé lámh an slí cheart – ach d’éirigh sé as.

“Dúirt sé go raibh sé tinn dó. Níl a fhios agam ar b’shin é go díreach ach ní raibh an ceird ag íoc na billí -bíonn cíos ard.

“Taispeánann sé freisin go bhfuil an turasóireacht fíor thábhachtach agus go bhfuil an gnó turasóireacht séasúrach i gcónaí.

“Ó thaobh na turasóirí bhí sé ar nós fógra, lár na Gaeltachta, beoir áitiúla againn, iasc áitiúl, an Gaeilge agus Gaeltacht agus mar sin de agus ansin an chéad rud eile tá an beoir imithe.

“Is buille mór domsa mar gnó freisin é, mar caithfidh mé braith ar Galway Hooker, ach do bhí an Beoir Chonamara fíor áitiúl.

“Tagann daoine go Cill Chiarán, i lár na Gaeltachta agus iad ag iarraidh an Ghaeltacht a bhlaiseadh freisin. Cloisfidh siad an Gaeilge agus feicidís an saol atá sa Ghaeltacht.

“Tá sé difriúl le taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht ar nós Gaillimh nó Baile Átha Cliath. Bhlaiseann siad an Ghaeltacht é féin agus gortóidh an buille seo faoi Bheoir Chonamara go mór é sin.”

Taréis ceithre bhliain ar an bhfód tá Beoir Chonamara (Independent Brewing) ag éirí as, buille throm do muintir na Gaeltachta ar fad, muintir Chonamara, na gnólachtaí áitiúla agus go háirithe an seisear atá taréis phost a chailliúnt.

NUI Galway Student wins Mayor’s Award for Young Volunteer of the Year

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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0
voluntary

NUI Galway Student has just won the Mayor’s Award for Young Volunteer of the Year.

NUI Galway Student, Jason Sherlcok, was recently announced as the Galway City Council Young Volunteer of the Year, at the 15th Annual Mayor’s Awards.

The Mayor’s Awards are a yearly initiative by Galway City Council to acknowledge voluntary work carried out by people within Galway City. The awards acknowledge

The Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Pearce Flannery presented the top award to Jason in recognition of his voluntary effort and fundraising activities for a number of groups within Galway.

The awards acknowledge outstanding people and organisations that, throughout their commitment to participating in unpaid community and voluntary activities, have made a significant impact on the quality of their communities in Galway City.

Jason, from Galway City, recently completed the School Leavers Access Programme. He is a weekly charity shop volunteer with The Society of St.Vincent de Paul, where he sorts donations of books and clothing while helping customers as a sales team member.

Jason has volunteered for a number of Galway Charities supporting their fundraising events. The Galway Simon Community Sleep Out, Croí, The West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation Fun Run, and Ability West bag packing event have all hosted Jason as a volunteer.

He is also a volunteer with the Civil Defence, after recently completing the F.A.R course, the newest education and training standard to ensure volunteers can provide first aid for a person who becomes suddenly unwell or injured until the arrival of emergency medical services.

Jason said, “I learned to be more caring and giving, and learned to give back. I’ve learned to work as part of a team and to communicate effectively and to take criticism positively.”

Lorraine Tansey, NUI Galway Student Volunteer Coordinator, said: Students like Jason are willing to engage and we thank community projects in Galway for hosting students who are seeking to learn and bring their energy and enthusiasm.

Jason is keenly aware of the root issues facing communities and a critical citizen, which is what we strive for in higher education. The next generation are not only caring about social needs but striving to see changes.NUI

Play in Pink AM-AM for Breast Cancer Research

By
Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich
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0
For Breast Cancer Research

Galway Golf Club, in Blackrock, Salthill is hosting a Play in Pink AM-AM sporting event which is set to begin at 1.30pm this afternoon, Friday 18th May.

The Breast Cancer Research Charity is delighted to announce this exciting new sporting event, Play in Pink AM-AM, as they aim to raise significant funding for vital Breast Cancer Research.

In Ireland, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Breast Cancer Research is a National Charity that funds a comprehensive research programme at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Research has improved the diagnosis, treatment options, and outcomes for those who develop the disease. By funding this research the aim is to positively impact future outcomes for breast cancer patients.

In collaboration with Universities and Hospitals across the globe, the Breast Cancer Research team at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research at the National University of Ireland, Galway focuses on areas including personalised medicine, breast regeneration, and innovative diagnostics and therapeutics.

One area of research focuses on identification of a novel biomarker of disease that could be detected in the bloodstream and used to diagnose breast cancer, or predict how a patient will respond to treatment.

This has the potential to support early detection of the disease thus improving patient survival, and ensure patients receive the optimal personalised therapy.

Another strand of research examines mutations in genes that may increase a person’s likelihood of developing breast cancer, to identify individuals who would benefit from regular screening. Understanding these mutations and how they influence breast cancer progression may also lead to development of novel treatments for the disease.

Treatment of breast cancer that has spread to other organs remains a major challenge. The work of Breast Cancer Research investigates the potential to engineer adult stem cells and their products as vehicles for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to breast tumours, while sparing healthy surrounding tissues. This has future potential to target advanced disease and prevent further spread.

The Charity raises funds for research from charity events, community-based fundraising campaigns and support from individuals and companies.

For additional information, on Breast Cancer Research you can contact 091 863 917.

Today’s sporting event being held at Galway Golf Club in Salthill at 1.30pm hopes to raise lots of money for Breast Cancer Research.

On the day there will be an AM-AM golf tournament open to teams of four at a cost of €600 per team. The day will begin with a 1.30pm shotgun start followed by an evening reception in the clubhouse restaurant.

This exciting fundraising event will also include the opportunity for guests to take part in the evening auction, with the chance of buying some excellent prizes.

Sponsors are given the opportunity to sponsor a tee-box and/or green at the price of €100. By sponsoring this event, your company’s brand will reach all guests attending and will be included in publicity and marketing materials before and at the event.

Other opportunities for sponsors include:

  • Platinum Sponsorship
  • Raffle Items
  • Auction Items.

Platinum Sponsors of the event are:

  • Tom Dempsey Flooring
  • Galway Golf Club
  • Burkeway Homes Ltd.
  • Future Insurance Galway
  • The Front Door Galway
  • Glenlo Abbey.

As the sun continues to shine it looks like the day is set to be a cracker as the event begins with a shotgun opening at 1.30.pm this afternoon.

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