Newest Business Acquisitions in the iGaming Niche

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December 1, 2024

The gambling industry never stops growing. I mean, take a look at iGaming companies. New betting websites and casinos with exciting services pop up every day.

That’s how we got top-tier brands like 1Bet online casino. Aside from recently-launched websites, the iGaming industry continues to expand through mergers and acquisitions.

Blink for a second, and your favorite casino game provider has signed some sort of partnership deal with the competition, combining resources to offer more entertaining gaming options to satisfy insatiable customers.

Mergers and acquisitions in the iGaming sector don’t seem likely to slow down any time soon. We’ve already hit all-time record figures in 2024, with Silver Lake purchasing Endeavor Group Holdings for $13 billion. That’s the most anyone has ever paid for a company in the gambling industry.

Overall, iGaming company sales currently hover around the $16 billion mark from just over 30 deals struck in 2024. For context, we had 77 M&As in 2023 totalling around $7.2 billion. With each passing year, more and more brands are partnering to enhance their offerings and drive industry growth. Here are some of the most recent acquisitions topping the iGaming headlines in 2024:

Silver Lake Buys Endeavor Group Holdings for $13 Billion

Let’s start with the biggest deal in 2024. In April, Silver Lake agreed a deal to purchase Endeavor Group Holdings, a sports and entertainment brand affiliated with the WWE, UFC, and Euroleague Basketball. The two companies had a decade-long business relationship before this move.

Silver Lake bought a minority stake in William Morris Endeavor in 2012, a partnership that led to the acquisition of IMG two years later and the UFC in 2014. With the recent agreement, Silver Lake now owns 100% of any shares not purchased in the 2012 partnership.

But that’s not really what makes this deal significant. The headliner is the $13 billion acquisition cost – the largest individual company purchase in the history of the gambling industry.

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) Seals $3 Million Acquisition Deal With Casinomeister

GiG only recently added AskGamblers and Johnslots.com to its portfolio of iGaming assets, and the company has taken another major step towards expansion this year. Casinomeister is the latest acquisition for the iGaming media giant.

The brand has existed for nearly three decades, offering online casino advocacy and review services. In fact, it is one of the earliest casino review sites to enter the industry. Casinomeister will still retain its brand identity under the acquisition deal with GiG worth more than $3.25 million.

Evolution Enters Acquisition Agreement With Livespins

Unless you’re a newbie to online casinos, you should be familiar with Evolution. The company is a frontrunner in the live casino niche, with well-known games like Lightning Blackjack and Side Bet City.

Evolution also isn’t new to buying out the competition. Recently, it purchased NetEnt and Red Tiger. In a more recent move, the brand agreed a deal to acquire Livespins, a B2B social streaming company.

The acquisition will cost an initial €5 million, with Evolution still paying an earn-out tied to Livespin’s performance in 2026.

SOFTSWISS Breaks into Africa With Turfsport Deal

For gamblers, partnerships between iGaming companies mean new casino slots and enhanced sportsbook services, But they can also mean expansion into new markets, giving more players access to the offerings from a thriving brand.

The acquisition deal between SOFTSWISS and Turfsport is one of those types of partnerships. SOFTSWISS, an iGaming software giant, recently purchased a majority stake in Turfsport – a lotto, horse racing, and sports betting solutions provider based in South Africa.

A groundbreaking move, the partnership between these two established brands will lead to enhanced iGaming software solutions in the African market.

Final Thoughts

I think we can all agree that 2024 has been an amazing year for the iGaming industry. Gambling brands have continued to grow, expanding their portfolio and guaranteeing players more innovative casino games and sports betting technologies. I don’t think the trend of mergers and acquisitions will stop soon, so we can still look forward to some exciting mega deals.

Galway City Council claims two awards for Excellence in Local Government

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Briain Kelly

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November 30, 2024

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Galway City Council took home two awards at the prestigious Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Awards, held last week in the Crowne Plaza in Dublin.

The winning projects were ‘Galway City – Your Council’ Podcast in Communications; and ‘Reflections – A Commemoration of the Irish Women of 1923’ in Sustaining the Arts.

Local authorities provide over 1,100 services, across areas as diverse as beach maintenance, dog pounds, health promotion, strategic planning, tourism promotion, and housing supply.

The ‘Galway City – Your Council’ podcast introduces some of the people delivering these services, and the valuable work they do every day in our city.

“Reflections – A Commemoration of the Irish Women of 1923″: was a programme that honoured the remarkable Irish women who played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history during the crucial year of 1923.

Part of the Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 initiative, this multifaceted project served as a heartfelt tribute to these influential figures.

The public event at St Nicholas Collegiate Church in November 2023 featured a captivating performance encompassing visual art, literature, and music.

Artists included visual artist Áine Philips and the Dún Emer Eastside Collective, writer Emily Cullen and The Comhrá na mBan Centenary Westside Writers Group, musician Tracy Buren and The Women’s Centenary Choir Galway City.

In December 2024, Galway City Museum will showcase and receive the beautiful banners made by the Dún Emer Collective, led by Artist Aine Philips, into the museum collection as part of the project’s legacy.

The innovative pilot conservation grazing project ‘Buaile Bó Ballyloughane’ was also shortlisted in the Sustainable Environment and Biodiversity category.

The Excellence in Local Government Awards, sponsored by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are held to recognise and celebrate the outstanding work being carried out by Local Authorities all over Ireland.

Speaking about the awards, Chief Executive Leonard Cleary, said, “I’m delighted to see the innovative work of the staff of Galway City Council recognised at these awards, which showcase exceptional work by local authorities across the country.”

“To have two category winners and a nomination in these highly competitive awards is a reflection of the dedication of our staff to their communities, delivering services on a daily basis – with these three projects just a snapshot of the work ongoing throughout the City.”

“It’s wonderful to see our work recognised at a national level by the Chambers Ireland judges.”

Repairs completed to major burst water mains in Galway City

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Briain Kelly

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November 29, 2024

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Galway Daily news Water outages in Moycullen

Repairs have been completed to a major burst water mains in Galway City causing outages in many areas today.

A major leak close to the docks caused supply disruptions to a number of customers but specialist crews worked overnight and today to resolve the issue.

As crews finished up on site, Uisce Éireann’s Shay Walsh thanked the customers who were affected along Dock Road, Eyre Square, Middle Street, Victoria Place, Station Road, Lough Atalia and Merchant’s Road for their patience.

“The system is now recharging and a normal water supply will be returning to homes and businesses in the coming hours.”

It can take up to two to three hours for people see their water supply fully restored after repairs are completed as the network refills.

Man whose body was recovered from Galway Bay identified

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Briain Kelly

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November 29, 2024

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The body of a man recovered from the water in Galway Bay earlier this month has been identified.

Gardaí issued a public appeal on Wednesday to help identify a man whose body was found on November 17.

The body had been recovered from the water at Claddagh Quay in Galway City.

Gardaí released CCTV footage showing the man in question, as well as a detailed description, in the hope of identifying him.

An Garda Síochána has since confirmed that the man has been indentified, and thanked the public for their assistance in this matter.

Only 3 in 10 devices recycled in Galway research shows

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Briain Kelly

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November 29, 2024

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galway daily Problems with Apple in Athenry could affect Irish jobs

Almost half of Ireland’s small electronics are bought in November and December, but Galway is lagging in recycling rates, with only three in ten devices returning to the circular economy, new data reveals.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland figures show that nationally, over 11 million small electronic items were bought last year, with 4.4 million sold during Black Friday and Christmas alone.

However, Galway’s recycling trends show that 7 in 10 of these items won’t be recycled when they can no longer be repaired or reused.

The recycling rate is even worse for toys such as gaming consoles and battery-operated action figures, falling to just 10% nationally, leaving millions of devices lying in drawers or discarded irresponsibly.

With 73% of Irish consumers now shopping online, WEEE Ireland is urging Galway residents to embrace sustainable habits by swapping old for new responsibly.

“Electronics are a top category in online purchases, particularly during high-sales periods like Black Friday and Christmas when cost-conscious consumers hunt for deals,” said Elizabeth O’Reilly, Head of Environmental Compliance at WEEE Ireland.

“However, recycling rates in Galway for small devices remain low, particularly for online purchases, despite the availability of free take back services for recycling from the likes of Amazon.

“With the holiday shopping season in full swing, it’s more important than ever for consumers to know their options.

“Whether you shop in-store or online, every retailer is required under Irish legislation to accept obsolete devices for free recycling when selling a similar new one.”

Ms O’Reilly says WEEE Ireland is encouraging people to check their retailers’ take back policies as each offers different ways to return items for recycling.

“Some online retailers offer collection services with their own delivery services and others offer options for free postal or courier return.”

“Then, if you simply swap while you shop, you recycle your defunct device to ensure it doesn’t end up in landfill.

“This small action can make a big impact, helping conserve finite resources while reducing environmental harm, as well as protecting human and animal health.”

WEEE Ireland’s tips for a more sustainable Black Friday and Christmas:

Recycle while you buy: Take advantage of free recycling when purchasing new devices;
Opt for refurbished: Explore nearly new and refurbished device offerings, and related trade-in offers, when looking for replacement items.
Repair first: Extend the life of your gadgets by repairing them before replacing;
Reuse and share: Pass on functioning electronics in good quality to others who may need them;
Recycle responsibly: Use authorised WEEE Ireland collection points for broken devices beyond repair and reuse.

WEEE Ireland offers hundreds of collection points across local authority civic amenity centres, allowing consumers to drop off old electronic devices for free.

Participating online and physical retailers are also part of its nationwide effort to combat e-waste.

Tea Day raises over €24,000 for Western Alzheimers

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Briain Kelly

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November 28, 2024

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The annual Tea Morning in aid of Western Alzheimer’s was held at the Galway Golf Club
last Wednesday November 20.

Over 250 locals attended the event which boasted a magical festive atmosphere, fabulous Christmas Shop, mouthwatering cakes and bakes as well as a live piano recital throughout the event.

The Tea Morning is an annual highlight in the area and goes from strength to strength raising much needed funds for Western Alzheimer’s who provide care and support for people living with Dementia in Galway, Mayo & Roscommon.

The event organising committee put in huge effort ahead of the event with countless hours of planning, ticket selling, prize sourcing for the Super Draw which included hotel stays, TVs, hampers and much more.

The highly sought after Christmas Shop saw a range of donated gifting items for sale from crystal vases to tea sets, candles and jewellery, to cute teddy bears, puzzles and much more.

The selection did not disappoint with many people delighted with their bargains ahead of the festive season.

“Thank you to Raymond Donnellan of iSupply Printing for printed materials donated to
the event. Thank you to all the sponsors who gave prizes, sold tickets and donated
products to sell at the Christmas Shop,” a spokesperson for Western Alzheimers said.

“Special thanks to significant donors who provided prizes for the Super Draw. Thank you to within the Village, Self Catering Accommodation, Simon Heaslip of the Roisin Dubh, Paul Grealish of the Kings Head Bistro, Renvyle House Hotel, Dubarry Leather Goods, Peter Murphy Electrical and Mor Oil.”

“Thank you also to Smyths Toys, Galway Bay Hotel, Carey Developments, Colm’s Pharmacy, Gourmet Tart Company, Centra Salthill, Madden Flowers, David Mortimer of Pro Shop, Owl Tree, Dunnes Stores, Noel Grealish, Atlantic Technological University, Scotty’s Famous Burgers & Wings, Dangan House Garden Centre, Omniplex Galway, Ukranian Group Rockbarton Park Hotel, Ice House Ballina, Foxford Woollen Mills, Salthill Hotel and more who all supported the event.”

Special thanks were also given to the organising committee for the fundraising event, which includes

A cheque for €24,600 was presented to Western Alzheimers, but the committee has confirmed that the final amount of money raised will be higher than that.

“Thank you to Gabriel Cooke and all the team at Galway Golf Club for your hospitality,
patience and professionalism in the planning and running of the event.”

Western Alzheimer’s is a charity organization founded in 1996. It provides care and
advisory services in the community for people and families living with Dementia.

Day
Services are offered in centers across Galway, Roscommon & Mayo.

Garda appeal to help identify man after body recovered from Galway Bay

By

Briain Kelly

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November 27, 2024

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Gardaí are appealing to the public for help identifying a man whose body was recovered from Galway Bay this month.

The body of a man was recovered from the water at Claddagh Quay in the city on Sunday, November 17.

The man is estimated to have been aged in his 60s, and 5ft 7 inches in height. He was of a medium build, 78-80kg. He had blue eyes and a full head of red/grey hair.

He had a grey full beard, with the moustache part of the beard slightly red. He had black-rimmed glasses on his person.

The man is believed to have had an Irish accent.

He was wearing a grey tweed suit jacket and trousers, and a blue/white striped shirt with a flowery print along the seams where the buttons are and inside the collar. He wore size 10 black laced dress shoes, Asos brand.

An Garda Síochána have said that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Superintendent Paudie O’Shea of Gaillimh (Galway) Garda Station said: “Extensive enquiries have been carried out but there has been no positive identification of the deceased to date.”

“I am appealing to owners of guest houses, landlords, hotels, hostels, B&Bs and Airbnbs to check if anybody left their premises and may have left property behind.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Women due before court in connection with 6 pipe bombs and €20,000 worth of cocaine

By

Briain Kelly

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November 27, 2024

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Galway Daily courts Man due before court in organised crime investigation

A woman in her 20s is due to appear before court today in connection with the seizure of pipe bombs and drugs in Galway last weekend.

Three women in their 20s were arrested when Gardaí uncovered six viable pipe bombs during the search of a property in Menlough, Ballinasloe on Sunday.

They also found and seized cocaine with an estimated street value of €20,000, €9,000 worth of cannabis, mixing agent and other drug paraphernalia.

A follow up search at a property in Loughrea turned up more than €9,400 in cash and two mobile phones were seized.

One of the three women in her 20s has since been charged, and is due to appear before Galway District Court today.

The other two young women were released without charge pending the preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pioneers of healthcare innovation honoured by University of Galway

By

Briain Kelly

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November 27, 2024

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Photo Martina Regan — Back Row L-R Marina Donohoe, Prof Aoife Lowery, Prof Faisal Sharif, Prof Garry Duffy, Prof Peter McHugh, Prof Ted Vaughan, Cynthia Yock, Rona Rogers, Dr Sinéad Walsh and Dr Maura Glennon. Front Row L-R Prof Mark Bruzzi, Prof Paul Yock, Dr Joshua Makower and Prof Martin O’Halloran. Photo: Martina Regan

University of Galway has conferred honorary Doctorates of Science upon Professor Paul Yock and Dr Josh Makower, founders of Stanford Biodesign.

This recognition celebrates their groundbreaking contributions to medical technology innovation and their pivotal role in shaping the transformative partnership between Stanford Biodesign and BioInnovate Ireland, a flagship programme at the University of Galway.

As one of the world’s top five medtech hubs, Galway owes much of its prominence to the synergy between BioInnovate and Stanford Biodesign.

This partnership has driven advancements in healthcare innovation, strengthened Galway’s position on the global stage, and fostered a thriving ecosystem where Irish startups flourish alongside leading multinationals.

Since its establishment in 2011, with the support of Enterprise Ireland, BioInnovate Ireland has championed the Stanford Biodesign process, a globally renowned framework for identifying and solving healthcare challenges.

As the only European affiliate of Stanford Biodesign since 2013, BioInnovate Ireland underscores Galway’s leadership in medtech innovation.

Reflecting on this legacy, Professor Mark Bruzzi, Founder and Non-Executive Director of BioInnovate said. “Bringing the Biodesign process to Galway anchored our medtech sector, creating a launchpad for innovative Irish startups and inspiring global collaboration. Paul and Josh have been instrumental in this journey.”

“Professor Martin O’Halloran, Executive Director of BioInnovate added “Their influence is felt not just in the groundbreaking technologies they have developed, but also in the mentorship and generosity that continue to shape Ireland’s medtech landscape. Their honorary doctorates are a fitting tribute to their global impact.”

Over the last 13 years, BioInnvoate has led to 33 start-ups, and 1 in 4 of these are led by female founders.

Professor Yock and Dr. Makower exemplify global leadership in medtech innovation. Since 2024, BioInnovate is supported by the Innovators’ Initiative Programme, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.

Through this programme, BioInnovate Ireland continues to lead the way in developing life-changing healthcare solutions.

Galway’s collaboration with Stanford Biodesign exemplifies the power of global partnerships to drive innovation, improve patient outcomes, and inspire the next generation of health technology leaders.

Visiting restrictions from Vomiting Bug outbreak at UHG

By

Briain Kelly

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November 26, 2024

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Galway Daily news UHG is the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland again this week

Visiting restrictions have been imposed at University Hospital Galway due to an outbreak of the vomiting bug (norovirus) in two wards.

Norovirus outbreaks in St Finbar’s and St Teresa’s mean that visiting in both wards is restricted to compassionate grounds only at this time.

UHG has also been experiencing a high level of pressure on the emergency department this week, with 148 patients presenting on Monday.

With the closure of beds due to the virus outbreak, and the high level of pressure on the ED, people coming to UHG may be waiting a long time for a bed to become available.

“Bed capacity in the hospital is challenged due to a number of bed closures linked to the norovirus outbreak,” a statement from the hospital said.

“Regrettably, this means patients will be waiting a long time to be admitted to a bed from the emergency department.”

“Patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.”

UHG is postponing some elective procedures for Tuesday due to the pressure and lack of beds available.

Urgent, time sensitive cases are being prioritised. Patients are being contacted directly if their procedure is being postponed.

Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

Anyone with recent symptoms of diarrhoea and/or vomiting or who has had contact with others who have these symptoms should not visit patients in the hospital to avoid spreading the virus to sick vulnerable patients.

Boil Water Notice issued for Dunmore/Glenamaddy and Glenamaddy Public Water Supplies

By

Briain Kelly

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November 26, 2024

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Galway Daily news Kinvara Boil Water Notice

Boil Water Notices have been issued for approximately 3,000 homes supplied by the Dunmore/Glenamaddy and Glenamaddy Public Water Supplies.

The notices are due to a deterioration in raw water quality entering the Dunmore Gortgarrow Water Treatment Plant as a result of recent heavy rainfall.

All homes and businesses served by both supplies must boil their water before drinking.

Customers on the following group water schemes linked to the Dunmore/Glenamaddy Public Water Supply are also affected by the notice and must boil their water before use: Boyounagh/Ballyedmond, Brookloon and Cloonkeen.

Uisce Éireann recently took in charge the Garrafrauns, Grange and Cathill Group Water Schemes and customers in these areas are also affected by the Boil Water Notices and must boil their water before use.

The Kilmascahill Group Water Scheme under the Glenamaddy Public Water Supply is also affected by the Boil Water Notice.

Uisce Eireann’s Justin Doran acknowledged the impact of this notice on the community.

“Public health is Uisce Éireann’s number one priority and we would like to assure customers that the notice has been put in place to protect public health. We are working to resolve the issue and lift the notice as quickly as possible.”

Man (30s) dies in crash involving car and lorry

By

Briain Kelly

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November 26, 2024

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Galway daily news Man (50s) dies in single vehicle car crash

A man in his 30s has been killed following a traffic collision involving a car and a lorry in the west of Ireland on Monday evening.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a fatal road traffic collision in Claremorris, Co. Mayo yesterday.

The crash involving a car and a lorry took place on the N17 at Corbally around 5:20pm.

The driver of the car, a man aged in his 30s, was killed in the crash.

An Garda Síochána has said that no other injuries have been reported from this collision.

The road remained closed overnight, with local diversions in place, to allow for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators today.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time of the collision to make this footage available to them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda Station 094 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Pipe Bombs, Cocaine, and Cash found in Ballinasloe Garda raids

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Briain Kelly

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November 25, 2024

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Gardaí arrested three young women in connection with six pipe bombs, drugs, and cash uncovered in raids in Ballinasloe and Loughrea.

On the afternoon of Sunday, November 23 Gardaí searched two homes in Menlough, Ballinasloe, with a follow up search at another property in Loughrea.

They netted three arrests along with the seizure of explosives, cocaine, cannabis, cash, and drugs paraphernalia.

In an intelligence-led operation at around 3.30pm, the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit, with the Armed Support Unit, searched a house in Menlough.

There they found six viable improvised explosive devices, as well cocaine with an estimated street value of €20,000, €9,000 worth of cannabis, mixing agent and other drug paraphernalia.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was requested to attend and safely removed the explosive devices.

During a follow-up search at a home in Loughrea, more than €9,400 in cash and two mobile phones were seized.

Three women in their 20s were arrested and detained at a Garda station in County Galway under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.

One of these women has since been released and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Aoife Raftery named as Galway Motor Club’s champion driver

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Briain Kelly

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November 25, 2024

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468091010_18480073780006559_8206634198593397806_n — Galway Motor Club President Joe Donoghue presenting the JJ Fleming Perpetual Cup to Aoife Raftery at the club’s awards on Saturday night. Photo: Eoin Stapleton/ Eye-to-Eye Photography

Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy member Aoife Raftery has been named as Galway Motor Club’s champion driver at the club’s annual awards presentation on Saturday night.

Members of the club gathered at Maggie May’s Bar and Restaurant in Loughrea to celebrate the year’s successes and achievements.

Craughwell’s Raftery was presented with the JJ Fleming Perpetual Cup in recognition of her results in Europe, Ireland and Britain this season.

The cup is named in honour of the late club member JJ Fleming, one of the club’s most successful rally drivers and a well-known motor and haulage trade operator in the Galway region.

It is presented annually to a Galway Motor Club member who accumulates the most points while competing at home and abroad and is one of the most prestigious and sought after trophies in the club.

Raftery earned the award based on her performances during the 2023 season when she made her debut in the Hankook Tires Junior FIA European Rally Championship alongside a busy programme of events in Ireland and Britain.

“It was fantastic to be presented with the JJ Fleming Perpetual Cup at the Galway Motor Club awards night,” she said.

”Thanks to everyone at Galway Motor Club for their great support all year and their hard work, especially Gary Leonard [Galway International Rally Clerk of the Course] for his dedication and hard work to the club.”

Raftery’s year began by being named the Women in Motorsport Ambassador for the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally in February ahead of her second season in the Hankook Tires Junior FIA European Rally Championship.

Highlights for the Peugeot 208 Rally4 driver included a class win in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship-counting Ulster Rally and a third-place finish in the Cambrian Rally – the final round of the Junior British Rally Championship.

Off track, Raftery was selected as one of 15 talented young drivers to take part in the World Rally Championship’s Beyond Rally initiative that was designed to unearth female rally talent worldwide.

Des Lyons, one of Raftery’s loyal sponsors through his Lyons Plant Hire business was named as Galway Motor Club’s Driver of the Year after strong performances in the Irish National, Border and West Coast Rally Championships events in his Honda Civic.

Award winning podcast from acclaimed storyteller Andy Gaffney returns for a third season

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Briain Kelly

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November 25, 2024

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The critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast Promenade, created by storyteller Andy Gaffney, returns this season with another immersive and emotional journey.

Known for its deeply resonant, true-life stories and acclaimed for its unique narrative style, Promenade’s third season delves into the theme of ‘Moments of Connection,’ weaving tales that explore the powerful, enduring connections that shape and change lives.

From its very first release in November 2022, Gaffney, who lives in Galway, has earned widespread praise for the evocative themes of Promenade, previously exploring the sensory triggers of memory, and received raves as “stories that will burrow their way into your heart.”

Season three takes listeners on a global journey with stories that range from the awe-inspiring to the heartbreaking.

Highlights include a young girl’s unexpected rescue on a Sri Lankan film set in the 1980s, and a Texas radio host’s 71-year-long broadcasting legacy.

There is also an extraordinary encounter where a young barber in the 1960s finds himself in Paul McCartney’s house, witnessing the debut of now-legendary Beatles songs before causing a stir by cutting McCartney’s hair.

Promenade also offers poignant, personal stories, including celebrated writer Louise O’Neill’s deeply moving tribute to her grandmother.

Each story in Season Three is thoughtfully woven into a production theme: a radio signal searching for connection, with each episode merging seamlessly into the next—a hallmark of Promenade’s unique storytelling approach.

Promenade Season Three will be available from Monday 9^th December on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on www.theshift.ie. Listen to Promenade season three and rediscover the connections that make us human.

Storm Bert: Boil Water Notice issued for Over 2,000 Connemara homes

By

Briain Kelly

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November 24, 2024

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Uisce Eireann has issued a Boil Water Notice for more than 2,000 properties in Connemara resulting from issues cause Storm Bert.

The notice has been issued for 2,294 customers supplied by the Carna Kilkieran Regional Public Water Supply Scheme due to power outages which has impacted the water treatment process.

Areas impacted include all customers on the Carna Kilkieran Regional Public Water Supply Scheme including customers in Roundstone.

Water must be boiled for drinking, drinks made with water, preparation of food not cooked prior to eating, infant formula, brushing teeth, or making ice.

However, the water supply is still suitable for hygiene purposes, such as showering and hand-washing.

“Drinking water experts from Uisce Éireann and Galway County Council are working, in consultation with the HSE, to lift the notice as quickly and as safely as possible,” a statement from Uisce Eireann said.

“In the meantime, all customers on this supply are advised to boil and cool their water before use until further notice.”

Storm Bert: Repairs underway to water outages in Mid Galway Water Supply

By

Briain Kelly

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November 24, 2024

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Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Work is underway to restore the water supply to customers on the Mid Galway Water Supply after issues caused by Storm Bert.

The water treatment plant was impacted by a drop in raw water quality intake following Storm Bert, which has resulted in reduced water pressure and some outages.

The affected areas include Abbeyknockmoy, Monivea, Newcastle, Tamplecross, Gurteen, Carrabane, Cahertinny, Caherhenryhoe, Attymon and Kiltullagh and surrounding areas.

Anthony Skeffington, Regional Operations Manager with Uisce Éireann said, “Some customers supplied by the Mid Galway Water Supply Scheme will be impacted by reduced water pressure and water outages.”

“We understand how disruptive unplanned outages are and we regret the inconvenience caused. Crews currently are on site carrying out works and we expect to be able to give more detailed updated later today.”

When the supply is repaired it may take two to three hours for people to see their full water supply restored as the network refills.

PICTURED: Carraroe Spar staff celebrate €7 million Lotto jackpot

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Briain Kelly

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November 24, 2024

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€7m Lotto win at EuroSpar, Carraroe Co Galway 010 — Photo: Nutan Jacques Piraprez / Mac Innes Photography

The staff at Eurospar An Cheathrú Rua in Carraroe celebrated one lucky individual, hopefully a local, who purchased a winning Lotto ticket there this week.

The family run store, which has been part of the village for 50 years, sold the winning ticket for Wednesday night’s €7,028,440 Lotto jackpot.

The shop staff celebrated the news on Friday alongside owner Aodán Breathneach and his wife Jennifer.

Spar shop owners Jennifer and Aidon Breathnach pictured here celebrating the huge win at their shop in Carraroe. Photo: Nutan Jacques Piraprez / Mac Innes Photography

Shop owner Aodán Breathneach was thrilled to get the call from the National Lottery confirming the win.

“Our shop has been a cornerstone in An Cheathrú Rua for over 50 years, across three generations. We’ve had some Lotto and EuroMillions wins before, but never anything this big.”

“We have many regular local customers, so it’s exciting to think that one of them might have had a life-changing win, although it could be anyone!”

“We’re so happy for the winner and hope they’re already enjoying their amazing news. With a team of nearly 50 people, we’re all enjoying the buzz in the shop – wins like this are rare, so we’re making the most of the celebrations!”

Mr. Tayto signing books in Galway City Centre

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Briain Kelly

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November 23, 2024

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Mr Tayto will be holding a book signing in Eason Shop Street on Sunday 23^rd November from 12pm-3pm to mark the launch of the ‘The Story of Tayto’.

Written with humour and style by popular historian Bobby Aherne, this is the definitive story of Tayto over the last 70 years.

Going from the invention of the cheese and onion flavour, and hand-packed paper packets in 1954, to Mr Tayto’s election campaign, the search for Mrs Tayto, and the rollercoaster of Tayto Park.

Beautifully illustrated with hundreds of images from the Tayto archives, packed with stories from the past and present, and sprinkled with just a bit of nostalgia for years gone by, ‘The Story of Tayto’ is the definitive insight into the iconic Irish brand and national icon, Mr Tayto.

‘The Story of Tayto’ is bound in a beautiful black and white cover with bold lettering, making it a coffee table centrepiece and a book for the whole family to enjoy.

Mr Tayto can’t wait to celebrate ‘The Story of Tayto’ with fellow crisp-lovers. To pick up your own copy, and meet the man himself, head to the signing at Eason Shop Street on Sunday 23^rd November where Mr. Tayto will also be giving fans who get a book “signed”, a pack of Tayto to enjoy while reading their book.

Tayto will donate €1.00 for every book sold to its charity partner, Alone. Alone is a national organisation that enables older people to age securely in their homes as well as providing befriending services, advocacy and support. Tayto is proud to support Alone.

Mr Tayto is excited for you to learn how Tayto came to be not only the nation’s favourite crisps, but a part of our national culture through “The Story of Tayto”

Storm Bert: Thousands of Connemara homes without power and roads flooded

By

Briain Kelly

-

November 23, 2024

0

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 more than 3,300 homes, farms, and businesses in Galway, with almost all concentrated in the west of the county.

ESB Networks has said that further outages can be expected throughout the weekend as Storm Bert continues to dominate the weather cycle.

Galway County Council has reported a number of roads flooded across the county this morning, advising people not to travel during the red weather warning.

In particular, the county council said that there is extensive surface water flooding in the Clifden area, along the Galway side of the N59.

River levels are also rising and are being monitored by the county council.

A Statu Red weather warning remains in place until 10am this morning, with a Status Yellow warning staying in place until midday.

Met Eireann has issued another Status Yellow wind warning for Clare, Kerry, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo on Sunday as Storm Bert continues.

This will be in place from 8am to 7pm on Sunday, with strong to gale force and very gusty south to southwest winds throughout the day, strongest in coastal parts.

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