Weather in Galway is forecast to take a turn for the better next week, with little rain and plenty of sunny skies ahead, improving as the week goes on.
Monday will start off the week mostly cloudy, but with some sunny spells developing in the later afternoon according to the forecast from Met Eireann.
It will be a warm day tomorrow, with highest temperatures of 14 – 16 degrees, and just mild variable to southeasterly winds not bearing any bite in them.
Tuesday will be an improvement on the start of the week, as partly cloudy skies early in the day give way to clear sunshine by the afternoon, continuing to the evening’s end.
Temperatures on Tuesday will again reach highs of 15 – 17 degrees during the day, with mild easterly winds and no rain.
Wednesday will be more overcast, but remaining dry, with the best hours of sunshine coming in the morning.
Winds will be a little stronger in the midweek, remaining easterly and of moderate strength. A little chillier on Wednesday, temperatures will reach highs of 10 – 13 degrees in the early evening.
Headed into the latter half of the week, Thursday promises to be the sunniest day yet, broken only by a few scattered showers in the early morning.
Highest temperatures of 12 – 15 degrees on Thursday, with gentle to moderate easterly winds.
Gardaí are appealing to the public for their assistance in locating a woman in her 50s missing in the west of Ireland for several days.
58-year-old Jacqueline (Jackie) Commins was last seen on Friday, April 14 in Swinford, Co. Mayo.
Jacqueline is described as being 5 foot 8 inches in height with a slim build. She has shoulder-length blonde hair.
When last seen, Jacqueline was wearing a blue shirt and blue trousers.
It is understood Jacqueline is travelling in a gold-coloured Volkswagen Golf car with partial registration 161-D.
Gardaí and Jacqueline’s family are concerned for her welfare.
Anyone with information on Jacqueline’s whereabouts is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Planning permission is being sought to demolish a derelict building in Woodford to make way for a residential development.
A planning application has been made to demolish a derelict ruin of a building on the corner of Main Street and Barrack Lane in Woodford.
In its place the developer intends to build five two-bedroom townhouses, with two on street parking spaces fitted with electric charging points.
“The proposed site is an infill site located in the village core of Woodford,” a cover report for the residential development states.
“The sitting and layout of the building have been designed to enhance the existing village streetscape on the Main Street. The remaining houses are located to the rear off barrack Lane.”
A decision on this planning application is due from Galway County Council by May 2 of this year.
Údarás na Gaeltachta remains committed to developing the Pairc na Mara marine industries centre in Cill Chiaráin despite two planning refusals.
Last month saw An Bord Pleanála rejected an appeal by Údarás na Gaeltachta against a decision by the county council to refuse planning permission for the marine park on environmental grounds.
The marine innovation park was a central pillar of Údarás’s strategy for increasing employment and reversing community decline and rural flight.
Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive, Tomás Ó Síocháin attended a public meeting on the future of the project in Cill Chiaráin this week
He was with the Director of Regional and Community Development and Language Planning, Rónán Mac Con Iomaire and the Údarás na Gaeltachta executives steering the Páirc na Mara project.
Representatives from Ryan Hanley Consultants were also present to answer questions on the An Bord Pleanála’s Inspector’s Report on Páirc na Mara.
The message that emerged afterwards was that Údarás remains committed to Pairc na Mara, and is examining its next steps.
“Údarás na Gaeltachta firmly believes that Páirc na Mara could play a pivotal role locally and nationally,” Tomás Ó Síocháin said after the meeting.
“It will create employment, provide training and research opportunities and greatly contribute to the economy of Connemara and the west of Ireland more broadly.”
“This project is indicative of our commitment to the natural resources sector, which will grow exponentially in the coming years.”
“We believe it is important that Páirc na Mara is brought to completion and we are currently examining the best way in which to ensure that.”
He added that the issue of planning is complex, particularly for something of this scale, and that they will be consulting before deciding their next steps.
“We have several weeks in which to fully examine the issue and we feel that it is important to do so in a prudent and measured manner.”
He added that Údarás is grateful to the community of Iorras Aithneach in Connemara for their longstanding support for the project.
Artists, creative organisations, and local communities are being invited to apply for the Galway City Creative Communities Grant 2023.
These grants are offered as part of Galway City’s Creative Communities Programme, which aims to improve access to Ireland’s culture and creativity.
The two strands of funding are for grants that will allow creative practitioners to put on events before the end of October this year.
There are two strands of the programme, one set of grants for professional organisations or individual creators, for which up to €7,000 is available.
The community at the centre of the proposed project should be actively involved in the proposed research and development activities and in delivery of the project.
The second strand is for community groups with projects that promote active participation, understanding of creativity, and creative engagement within their communities.
Grants of up to €4,000 for each project are available under this strand of the scheme.
The closing date for applications to the 2023 grant scheme is May 5 of 2023.
Traffic disruption is expected on the Tuam Road in Athenry over the coming weeks as work is underway replacing water mains.
Uisce Eireann is replacing roughly half a kilometre of old water mains which were prone to frequent burst and leaks along the Tuam Road.
On top of costing much water, this also led to frequent outages and supply disruptions for customers.
“Working in partnership with Galway County Council, we have prioritised leakage reduction works to those areas which need it most,” said Gerry O’Donnell with Uisce Eireann.
“This project will see the replacement of approximately 460m of old water mains. Replacing these pipes will address water pressure, supply and leakage issues which affect some homes and businesses in the Athenry area.”
He added that, “Part of ensuring that safe and reliable drinking water is produced every day in County Galway, is driving down the amount of clean, treated water lost to leakage.”
“We would like to thank customers for their continued cooperation and patience while we continue to upgrade and improve the water supply across the county.”
The pipe laying works are being carried out by Farrans Construction on behalf of Uisce Eireann, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of May.
Traffic management will be in place to facilitate the works however local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.
The works will also involve laying new water service connections from the public water main in the road to customers’ property boundaries and connecting it to the customers’ water supply.
If the existing service connections on the public side are lead these will be replaced as part of these improvement works.
Uisce Eireann is also carrying out works this summer to upgrade the Inverin water mains network with new replacement pipes.
A new limited series from TG4, Saol Ella tells the story of teenage girl Ella growing up in the Connemara Gaeltacht, when her life is turned upside down by new arrivals.
Bursting with excitement to be getting out of school, Ella spends her time hanging out with her friends and looking forward to months of summer adventures, boyfriends, first kisses and all the fun of a carefree teenage life ahead of her.
She is then numbed to find out her family have decided to take in Gaeilgóirí – Irish College Students for the entire summer.
What a dread for Ella, who now has to share her bedroom with her gran and her life will be literally upside down with all these strangers in her home learning “Gaeilge” for the summer.
It will be chores for Ella, a complete upset to all her lovely summer holiday plans, her family are stressed out, but needs must, and the neighbours aren’t happy either.
Set in a fictional coastal village on the Wild Atlantic Way, where Gaeilgeoirí, and the Coláistí Gaeilge have been part of summer life for generations, Saol Ella depicts the story of Ella and a group of local teenagers, a host family and what the visiting Gaeilgeoirí bring to their lives.
Ciara Cox as main character Ella in new TG4 teen drama limited series
There’s the upset of losing your lovely bedroom and moving out of the house and the dread this brings, the work that Mom and Dad give you for the summer and then there’s the girls coming to your road and potentially taking your boyfriends and eye candy, not to mention the drama of being a teenager.
On the other hand Coláistí Gaeilge have so many fond memories for all who attended: first time away from home without your parents, the Céilí’s, first kiss, your first boyfriend or girlfriend and of course speaking Gaeilge for three weeks not to mention outsiders meeting the native Gaeilgeoirí.
A six part drama series, Saol Ella premiered in the Eye Cinema in Galway this week ahead of its first broadcast on TG4 at 5pm on Thursday, April 20.
Cast members Colm Seoige( Ronan), Caitriona Ní Threasaigh (Mamó), Sean McDonagh (Dan), Ruairc Ó Confhaola (Liam) Ciara Cox (Ella) and director Eamonn deNorradh pictured at the premier of TG4’s brand new Teenage Drama Series Saol Ella at the EYE Cinema Galway. Photo:-XPOSURE.ie
The lead character Ella is played by teenager Ciara Cox from An Spidéal, who’s no stranger to TG4 screens as she’s already established in TV acting as Maeve in Ros na Rún.
The transition year student said that she was “beyond thrilled” to be cast as the main character, which hits on something that she’s very familiar with.
“This is another lovely role for me and it’s very different to my character Maeve on TG4, but growing up in an Spidéal, I’m very familiar with Gaeilgeoirí visiting for the summer and the fun we have,” Ciara said.
“So its brilliant to showcase the story from a local family’s perspective and how we live our summer holidays with the Coláistí Gaeilge Students who come to learn Gaeilge”.
Directed by Eamonn de Norradh, from Navan who’s credits include Ros na Rún, Fair City and the feature film, Making It.
The cast also includes Sean McDonagh, Siobhán O’Kelly, Caitríona Ní Threasaigh and a number of wonderfully ambitious teenage actors from all over the country.
Produced by Danú Media and written by Ailbhe Nic Giolla Bhríghde and Gemma Breathnach, the drama series was filmed in an Spidéal and the south Connemara Gaeltacht area during the summer of 2022.
An official reopening of Corry’s Field park walkway will take place next week to mark the completion of €250,000 in upgrade works.
Over the past six weeks, resurfacing and upgrade works have been carried out on the paths in the lakeside park.
An official reopening ceremony will be held at the main walkway entrance next Monday, April 17 at 1:15pm.
Work on the project began in 2019 with an in-house design of the proposed walkway upgrades.
Funding for the project was allocated the following year under the “July Stimulus” Active Travel Measures during the pandemic, and planning approval was granted by An Bord Pleanála in 2022.
“The walkway has been a wonderful amenity for Loughrea Town for many years and the recent work represents a significant enhancement of this amenity.”
“The construction work is the final phase of a project that has been in the pipeline for several years,” the county council said.
The reopening will be hosted by Cathaoirleach Michael “Moegie” Maher.
A devil’s bargain, the snooping Superintendent, some regrettable shenanigans from Tadhg, and much more in Ros na Rún this week.
Sonia tries to get a good deal on one of the modular homes Sonny is selling, as she thinks that what’s best for her, Mack, and Sam. What could go wrong?
O’Shea is less than impressed to see Tomás, Diana’s father and the Chief Superintendent, snooping around in her business. Has someone had a word in his ear?
Annette wants to keep her job in the café, so she puts her all into impressing Berni. But is it enough?
Noreen is far from pleased with Tadhg’s shenanigans and tells him he may live to regret his ‘Fear Feasa’ posts. Surely not.
Caitríona tries to manipulate Annette to support her at the upcoming board meeting, with uncertain success.
Catch all the latest manipulation, snooping, and relationship drama in Ros na Rún on TG4 this Sunday at 7:30pm.
Take part in the Inis Mór Half-Marathon this month on the stunning Aran Island, and support critically ill patients at the Mater.
The Aer Arann Islands Half-Marathon will take place on Inis Mór next Saturday, April 22 in aid of the Mater Foundation.
This is a wonderful opportunity to run, walk or jog in the spectacular and scenic surroundings of Inis Mór and to soak up the atmosphere, ceol and culture that the island has to offer, all while helping a worthy cause.
Funds raised from this year’s Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon will support a vital, life-saving project to secure twelve mechanical ventilators for the Mater Public Hospital’s new Intensive Care Unit.
These machines are a lifeline for critically ill patients who are fighting for their last breath. They literally save lives.
The crucial funds raised through the Half Marathon will allow doctors and nurses in the Mater to provide the very best care to these patients when they need it most.
Mary Moorhead, CEO of the Mater Foundation said, “We are so proud and honoured to work with the Aer Arann Island’s Half Marathon Committee on this exciting event.”
“The funds raised will help us do so much for seriously ill patients by funding cutting-edge equipment that saves lives.”
She added, “Whether you’re a walker, jogger or runner, the Half Marathon is for you. Inis Mór is a simply magical setting for this event, and we are so looking forward to immersing ourselves in the sights, sounds and warm welcome that can only be found on the island.”
“We hope that you’ll join us for an unforgettable experience, all while supporting patients in the Mater Public Hospital who need it most.”
Jarlath Conneely, Managing Director, Aer Arann Islands said that they are delighted to work with the Mater Foundation, and the community on Inis Mór, the create an “unforgettable and enjoyable” experience for a good cause.
“The entire route passes through magnificent coastline scenery with world famous views of wide bays and sandy beaches. So, whether you run, walk, or jog, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon is a unique and memorable experience for all involved.”
To find out how you can take part on the day, visit www.materfoundation.ie, contact Mater Foundation Community and Events Specialist Angela McNulty at amcnulty@materfoundation.ie or call the Mater Foundation on 01 830 3482.
Sunshine is set to make way for more unsettled conditions over the weekend, with rain and high temperatures of just 9 to 11 degrees forecast on Saturday.
After a bright and clear day on Friday across most of the county, Saturday will begin dry with sunny spells before cloud builds from the southwest during the morning followed by outbreaks of rain and drizzle.
Afternoon temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees are forecast by Met Éireann, with moderate southerly winds, which may be fresh at times.
Saturday night will be largely cloudy with some showers, and Sunday will start much the same with lingering patches of mist and fog.
Sunday will become drier as the day goes on, however, with some sunny spells developing.
It will also be much milder on Sunday, with high temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees, possibly reaching 18 degrees, with light to moderate southerly breezes.
THE OPACAS Shine On, a new fly-on-the-wall documentary following Galway band The Opacas, will be screened in The Eye Cinema on April 22.
Young Galway film-maker, Greta Thornton,Greta Thornton followed The Opacas over the last few months as they wrote and prepared to record their tenth single, ‘Shine On’.
Greta, who won the Audience Award at the Ulster Regional finals at the 2022 Fresh International Film Festival, gained exclusive access to capture how the band create and write songs.
Shine On also involved The Opacas doing something they never did before — collaborating with a full choir.
Lead singer Steve Talbot explained that the band met Tomás Ó Cáinte after a show last year and discovered he was involved with Moycullen Musical Society.
“We had a song we did a few times in rehearsal and thought a collaboration with a choir would lift the song to a new level. Plus it would be a bit of fun to work with a full-on choir!”
Shine On is a tribute to a close colleague who passed away in his sleep in 2019. Damon Marshall was 42 when he died and The Opacas have invited his mother, father, and son, Thomas, to the screening.
“Damons sudden death was a real wake-up call for me,” said The Opacas’ Pat Boyle.
“It really brought home how transient life is, and we have to make the most of every moment we have. The song is a cry out to the universe for his spirit to ‘Shine On’.”
Rehearsals for the song took place in The Forge in Moycullen and the song was performed live in St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church at the start of March.
Greta followed the band through every step of the way and captured the band writing and rehearsing the song, then working it out with the choir.
“It’s been a really creative journey for me,” said Greta, “trying out new things and doing the live recording, following the rehearsal and seeing how it built up to the gig.
“The Opacas have been very encouraging and were open to the ideas and suggestions I made.
“Meeting the band and the choir was also great and seeing how it became a kind of community. I liked connecting with all these people from different backgrounds – acting, music – and seeing how I can use that creatively as well.”
The Opacas Shine On documentary will be screened in The Eye Cinema on Saturday 22 April at 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale from www.Opacas.com
The Opacas will be live in Monroes on May 26. Tickets for this show are also on the website.
credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'
A 35 year old man with a Galway address has appeared before court charged with the possession of child sexual abuse images.
Detective Garda Gerard Carroll gave evidence to Galway District Court of arresting and charging one Piotr Novak that morning.
Garda Carroll said that the accused made no reply to the charges after being caution.
Novak, who has an address on Fairhill Road Lower, The Claddagh has been charged with three counts of knowingly possessing a total of 2,164 images of child sexual abuse on three hard drives.
The first charge is alleged to have occurred at an address in the Claddagh on December 16, 2019, relating to 959 images.
The other two charges are alleged to have occurred on a date unknown between April 30, 2017 and December 16, 2019 at the same address, for 916 images and 289 images respectively.
All of the charges are under Section 6(1) of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. The DPP has directed that the case should be prosecuted on indictment.
The prosecution had no objection to the accused man being granted bail, subject to certain conditions.
He must reside at the address provided to Gardaí, and sign on at a Garda station once a week each Monday.
Judge Marie Keane granted free legal aid for solicitor Michael Cunningham.
The case will next come before the District Court in May for the service of a book of evidence on the accused.
Connacht Rugby have named their matchday squad for this weekend’s URC game against Cardiff at home.
Connacht will face off against the Welsh side this Saturday at the Sportsground, with kick-off at 7:35pm Irish time.
Andy Friend said that there’s a great deal of excitement surrounding this weekend’s clash, and that everyone is focused on achieving a good outcome.
“There’s a great buzz around the place this week. We’re all very aware of the importance of tomorrow’s game, and we’re really focussed on ensuring we’re at our best from minute one to the final whistle.”
There’s a bevy of players back from injuries this week, including Captain Jack Carty and Irish international Finlay Bealham, with six total slotting into the starting XV.
Carty has missed the last 3 games with a hamstring issue, while Bealham hasn’t played since a knee injury sustained in Round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations.
Also back in play are Denis Buckley, Jarrad Butler, Josh Murphy and Diarmuid Kilgallen after overcoming injuries.
The seventh and final change from the side that lost to Benetton is the inclusion of Dylan Tierney-Martin, with Eoin de Buitléar named among the replacements.
“Having six men back from injury for this game is a huge boost for us, and it also means that we’ve had make a number of really difficult selection decisions and some quality players are missing out.”
“As much as that’s a headache, its a brilliant place to be at this time of year,” Andy Friend commented ahead of the game.
“With a big home crowd expected and with their energy behind us, we’ll be doing everything in our power to get us closer to that playoff spot”
Eight players who are departing from Connacht will be presented for the crowd at the end of the game.
CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS CARDIFF RUGBY Saturday 15th April, 19:35 Irish time @ The Sportsground
8-year-old Galway student, Emily Acheson from Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Tuam, was a winner in the 69th Texaco Children's Art Competition. She is pictured with her prize-winning self-portrait with her mother Jennifer and father Tim.
Five talented Galway students have won top prizes in this year’s 69th Texaco Children’s Art Competition.
In the 7-8 years age category, the first prize was won by 8-year-old Emily Acheson from Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Tuam for her self-portrait.
Her work is described by Final Adjudicator, Professor Gary Granville, as “a work that captures a sense of the person behind the paint.”
Emily Acheson’s self-portrait
Four other Galway students won Special Merit Awards for artworks that Professor Granville said “were imaginative and displayed high levels of skill and creativity.”
They were Lauren Duffy (17) from Presentation College, Tuam; Sadhbh Mitchell (7) from Scoil Mhuire, Moycullen; and Riham Hammar (6) and Blanka Matysiak (6), both pupils at Knocknacarra Educate Together National School.
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition is popularly regarded as the longest-running sponsorship in the history of arts sponsoring in Ireland, with an unbroken history that dates back to the very first Competition held in 1955.
This year, as has been the case throughout its life, it has been a platform on which young artists from Galway and counties throughout Ireland have had their talents recognised and their creativity commended.
Significant disruption is expected to train services on the Galway – Dublin rail line this weekend due to engineering works.
Irish Rail is carrying out line improvement works between Sallins and Kildare this Saturday and Sunday.
As a result of these works, a number of regularly scheduled Galway trains have been cancelled, or will be operating as bus transfers for part or all of the journey.
The bulk of the disruption will be this Saturday, with only minor alterations to train services on Sunday, April 16.
Bus transfers will cover a significant portion of journeys on Saturday, with trains from Dublin to Galway only heading as far as Athlone.
Multiple Galway – Dublin trains will only have replacement bus services for the entirety of their journey.
Irish Rail has laid out the following service alterations:
Saturday, April 15
15:35 Heuston to Galway will operate to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Woodlawn, Athenry and Galway
16:30 Heuston to Galway will operate in an altered path to Athlone only, bus transfers direct from Athlone to Galway, second bus transfer from Athlone to Athenry and Galway, third bus transfer from Athlone to Ballinasloe, Woodlawn, Athenry and Galway
17:10 Heuston to Athlone is cancelled
17:30 Heuston to Galway will be substituted by bus transfers from Heuston to Athlone and Galway; second bus transfer from Heuston to Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway; third bus transfer Heuston to Clara, Athlone, Athenry, Oranmore and Galway; fourth bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore, Athlone and Galway
18:30 Heuston to Galway is cancelled
19:35 Heuston to Galway will be substituted by bus transfers from Heuston to Athlone and Galway; second bus transfer from Heuston to Tullamore, Athlone, Ballinasloe, Athenry and Galway; third bus transfer from Portarlington to Tullamore, Athlone, Woodlawn, Oranmore and Galway
17:20 Galway to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers from Galway direct to Heuston; second bus transfer from Galway to Athlone, Tullamore, Portarlington, Kildare, Newbridge and Heuston; third bus transfer from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Tullamore, Portarlington, Kildare, Newbridge and Heuston
18:10 Galway to Athlone will be substituted by bus transfers from Galway direct to Athlone; second bus transfer from Galway to Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone; third bus transfer from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe and Athlone
19:20 Galway to Heuston will be substituted by bus transfers: first bus transfer from Galway direct to Heuston; second bus transfer from Galway to Athlone, Clara, Tullamore, Portarlington and Heuston; third bus transfer from Galway to Oranmore, Athenry, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Clara, Tullamore, Portarlington and Heuston
16:30 Galway to Athenry is cancelled
16:55 Athenry to Galway is cancelled
Sunday, April 16
08:00 Heuston to Galway will be bus transfers from Heuston to Kildare and Portarlington, train at 09:15 from Portarlington to Galway
Another free electrical waste collection will be help for Galway County householders this weekend.
The WEEE collection event will be held this Saturday at Loughrea Mart, Station Road from 10am – 4pm this Saturday, April 15.
The collection will allow county householders to dispose of any household waste electrical items, batteries or energy-saving lightbulbs, large or small.
From phones to fridges, printers or power tools, anything with a plug or battery is accepted.
Further collections will take place over the following three weekends in Mountbellew, Maam Cross, and Gort.
These collections will allow people from towns and villages across the county to dispose of any household electrical equipment and batteries in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.
Thousands of homes in Connemara are without power this morning after Storm Bert brought heavy wind and rain overnight.
Power outages are continuing to affect...
Visiting restrictions have been imposed at University Hospital Galway due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug (norovirus) in two wards.
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