Woman (80s) dies following crash in the West

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March 24, 2023

Finding Your Perfect Match on Sofia Date is as easy as a breeze

Looking for love can be a daunting task, but with Sofia Date, you need not worry any longer. This user-friendly online dating platform boasts a massive community of eligible singles, making it easier for you to find your perfect match without any stress. The website is designed to provide a seamless and effortless experience, leading you to your desired partner in a matter of minutes.

Thanks to the platform’s advanced and efficient matching algorithm, you can easily filter and browse through profiles to find someone who shares your interests and values. Try Sofia Date today and connect with like-minded people without any hassle!

Efficient Matching Algorithm

Sofia Date’s Efficient Matching Algorithm is an amazing feature that makes finding your perfect match effortless. It is the result of years of research and development to ensure that users get the best possible experience. The algorithm takes into account your profile information, your preferences, and your behavior on the platform to suggest potential matches that are compatible with your personality and interests.

The matching algorithm is so effective that you can easily find a perfect match within minutes of signing up on the platform. The suggested matches are always relevant, and the algorithm is constantly improving to ensure that users get the best possible matches. The algorithm makes real-time suggestions so that you can quickly connect with your perfect match and start building a relationship right away.

If you’re serious about finding love online, then Sofia Date’s efficient matching algorithm is the best way to go. The high-quality matches that the algorithm suggests make it easy for you to find someone who shares your interests and values, saving you time and effort that you would have otherwise spent looking for a perfect match. Join Sofia Date today and let the algorithm do the hard work for you!

Diverse Community of Singles

Sofia Date takes pride in its diverse and vibrant community of singles who are searching for that special someone. The platform caters to all kinds of people, whether you’re looking for a serious relationship or just a casual fling. You’ll find like-minded individuals who share your interests and values among the thousands of members who use the site.

One of the great things about Sofia Date is the ease with which you can find someone who ticks all the right boxes. With a range of search criteria available, you can filter potential matches based on their location, age, and common interests. This way, you can find someone who is not only compatible but also someone who shares your passions and pastimes.

Apart from that, another benefit of having a diverse community is the opportunity to learn about different cultures and backgrounds. Finding love on an international platform like Sofia Date can be a thrilling experience because it exposes you to people from different parts of the world. This creates a unique opportunity to take in new perspectives and cultures, something that can broaden your horizons.

In summary, Sofia Date’s diverse community is one of the key reasons why it has become so popular. It’s an excellent place to find love for people of all backgrounds and nationalities. By finding someone who shares your interests and values, you’ll be well on your way to building a meaningful and lasting relationship.

User-friendly Features

Sofia Date is designed to make the online dating experience as hassle-free as possible. The platform’s user-friendly features are tailored to help you find your perfect match with ease. The instant messaging feature allows you to strike up a conversation with any compatible singles in seconds, while the user profiles give you a glimpse into your match’s personality, interests, and hobbies.

With Sofia Date’s photo galleries, you can get to know your match on a visual level, and the compatibility feature allows you to see how compatible you are with other users based on various factors like interests and values. The platform also has a search feature where you can filter matches based on location or age range to narrow down your search results.

The platform’s search algorithms are optimized to provide results that are most likely tailored to your interests and preferences. Additionally, you can save your searches and revisit them later if you want to take more time going through the profiles. The user-friendly design ensures that users can easily navigate and find what they need on the platform, making your online dating experience with Sofia Date an enjoyable one.

Privacy and Security

At Sofia Date, your safety and security are of utmost importance to us. We understand that sharing your personal information and interacting with new people online can be concerning, which is why we have taken extensive measures to safeguard our platform. Our state-of-the-art security features protect your data and personal information from any potential fraud or hacking attempts.

Moreover, we have a strict policy in place to ensure users’ behavior is respectful and appropriate at all times, making sure you can find love in a secure environment. At Sofia Date, our commitment to your privacy doesn’t just end there. We will never share your details with any third-party services, ensuring your peace of mind as you proceed with your search. We take your privacy seriously, so you can focus on finding your perfect match with confidence.

Success Stories

Sofia Date is more than just another online dating platform – it’s a community of like-minded individuals who are looking for love, companionship, and meaningful relationships. With its simple and effective tools, Sofia Date helps users connect with compatible singles who share similar interests and values. Whether you’re searching for a casual fling or a long-term commitment, Sofia Date is your go-to destination to find your perfect match.

One of the standout features of Sofia Date is its efficient matching algorithm, which analyzes your profile, preferences, and behaviour to suggest relevant and compatible matches in real-time. This means that you can save time and effort, as the platform does the heavy lifting for you.

What’s more, Sofia Date has a large and diverse community of singles from all walks of life, so you can easily find someone who ticks all your boxes. The platform allows you to filter your search based on location, age, interests, and more – making it easy to find your ideal partner, no matter where you are.

But that’s not all – Sofia Date also offers a range of user-friendly features, such as instant messaging and photo galleries, that help you get to know potential matches better. Plus, their compatibility feature allows you to see how well you match with other users based on a variety of factors.

At Sofia Date, your privacy and security are of utmost importance. The platform uses advanced security measures to protect your personal information from fraud or hacking, and has strict policies in place to ensure that users behave respectfully and appropriately.

Finally, the platform has many success stories from happy customers who found love and companionship through the site. You could be the next success story by signing up today and starting your journey to finding love on Sofia Date. So why wait? Join today and find your perfect match with ease!

The Role of Graphics and Visuals in Games

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March 24, 2023

Graphics and visuals play a vital role in the gaming industry. They not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to the overall success of a game. From the early days of gaming, graphics have come a long way. Games have now evolved into an art form, where the visuals are just as important as the gameplay.

Storytelling

Graphics and visuals play a crucial role in storytelling in games. Modern gaming defines the storyline as just as important as the gameplay itself. The use of stunning artwork can help to immerse the player in the game’s story and create a memorable experience.

In games like The Last of Us and God of War, for instance, the use of visuals and graphics helps bring the games’ stories to life, making them an unforgettable experience for players.

Strategy

Gaming visuals have the ability to create opportunity for true immersion. These graphics can transport players into a game’s world and make them feel like they are a part of it. This level of engagement is particularly crucial in games that require strategic thinking, such as online slots.

In online casinos, graphics are essential when creating an environment that mimics that of a physical casino. Slot games, in particular, rely heavily on stunning visuals to attract and retain players. One of the most popular slot games available today is Starburst, and its success can be attributed to its immersive graphics and vibrant visuals which make it a treat to play.

Apart from enhancing the user experience, graphics and visuals can also be used to convey information to the player. In strategy games, for instance, they can be used to represent different elements such as terrain, units, and resources. This can help players make better decisions, and ultimately, improve their gameplay.

Brand Identity

Moreover, graphics and visuals have become crucial in creating a brand identity for games. Game studios use unique art styles and graphics to differentiate their games from competitors, creating a recognisable brand identity that players can associate with them alone. This has become increasingly important in the mobile gaming industry, where games often have to compete with similar titles in app stores.

Emotional Impact

Finally, graphics and visuals can be used to create an emotional impact in games. From the stunning vistas in games like Horizon Zero Dawn to the heart-wrenching scenes in The Walking Dead, visuals have been used to evoke emotions in players.

This emotional impact can help create a more memorable experience for players, making them more likely to recommend the game to others and ultimately leading to the game’s success.

The Future of Graphics and Visuals

Advancements in technology have allowed game developers to push the boundaries of graphics and visuals even further. With the introduction of new technology, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), gaming visuals have become even more immersive, and no doubt artificial intelligence can improve them even further.

Players can now step into a fully realized virtual world, with environments that are almost indistinguishable from reality. This level of immersion has opened up new possibilities for game developers, allowing them to create entirely new genres of games and experiences.

Furthermore, the use of graphics and visuals in gaming has also led to new career opportunities in the industry. Graphics artists, designers, and animators are now in high demand as game studios strive to create the most stunning and immersive visuals. This has led to a thriving gaming industry that not only creates entertainment but also provides employment opportunities for talented individuals.

In conclusion, graphics and visuals play an essential role in the success of a game. From creating an immersive experience for players to conveying information, storytelling, creating brand identity, and evoking emotions, they have become an integral part of modern gaming. Whether it’s strategy games or story-driven games, stunning visuals and graphics are key to creating an unforgettable gaming experience.

Connacht aim for five in a row with home game against Edinburgh

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily rugby The Sportsground to be renamed Dexcom Stadium in partnership deal — Photo: INPHO/Connacht Rugby

Five changes have been made to the starting lineup for Connacht in this weekend’s home game against Edinburgh.

Connacht are trying to keep a hot streak going, after Andy Friend’s side have so far achieved four straight wins in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Director of Rugby Andy Friend said that Saturday marks the start of a “massive block of games” for Connacht.

“We’re where we want at this stage of the season, with our destiny in our own hands knowing if we keep winning games then we reach playoff rugby.”

There are three changes in the pack with Peter Dooley, Oisín Dowling and Jarrad Butler coming in, while there are starts for Diarmuid Kilgallen and Oran McNulty in the backs.

Dylan Tierney-Martin and Jack Aungier are alongside Dooley in the front row, while Dowling has Niall Murray for company in the second row. The pack is completed by flankers Cian Prendergast and Conor Oliver.

Caolin Blade again captains the side from scrum-half with David Hawkshaw alongside him, while for the fourth straight game the centre pairing is Cathal Forde and Tom Farrell. John Porch completes the side on the left wing.

Friend spoke positively about the good feeling their current winning streak has brought, and the positivity of having the home crowd on Saturday.

“We’ve won 4 in a row in the URC so there’s a real sense of momentum within the group, and with a massive crowd behind us at The Sportsground we’ll do everything to keep that run going.”

CONNACHT RUGBY MATCHDAY 23 VS EDINBURGH RUGBY
Saturday 25^th March, 15:00 @ The Sportsground

Number/Name/Caps

15. Oran McNulty (13)
14. Diarmuid Kilgallen (14)
13. Tom Farrell (93)
12. Cathal Forde (10)
11. John Porch (75)
10. David Hawkshaw (12)
9. Caolin Blade (164)
1. Peter Dooley (14)
2. Dylan Tierney-Martin (18)
3. Jack Aungier (46)
4. Oisín Dowling (38)
5. Niall Murray (50)
6. Cian Prendergast (41)
7. Conor Oliver (57)
8. Jarrad Butler (110)

16. Dave Heffernan (178)
17. Jordan Duggan (36)
18. Dominic Robertson-McCoy (77)
19. Darragh Murray (7)
20. Shamus Hurley-Langton (14)
21. Kieran Marmion (224)
22. Tom Daly (73)
23. Shane Jennings (1)

Damien Comer teams up with Specsavers to shine light on eye and hearing health

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March 24, 2023

galway daily news damien comer visits specsavers store in headford

GAA star Damien Comer has teamed up with Specsavers ahead of the Championship season to encourage people to take a more proactive approach to their eye and hearing health.

The Galway footballer visited the Specsavers store on the Headford Road to receive an eye test and hearing test to ensure his sight and hearing are in the best condition ahead of the upcoming Football Championship fixtures.

Speaking about his visit, Damien said that by playing football he has come to understand how important his sight and hearing is to his life and his GAA career.

“Being a teacher off the pitch, I also want to try and encourage my students, their families and other GAA players to consider how important their eye and hearing health is to them,” he said.

“Coming into the Specsavers store has made me realise how much I rely on both these senses in sport, in my day-to-day life and at work.

“People my age and younger will often ignore their eye and hearing health but it’s important to stay on top of it and incorporate a regular tests into your health routine at least every two years.”

Damien’s visit to his local Specsavers store comes off the back of Specsavers’ partnership with the GAA on a Social Initiative, where it teamed up with nominated GAA clubs across the country to help reconnect older and more vulnerable people of the GAA community.

The aim of the initiative was to support those who may have fallen out of the habit of going to games in recent years and who otherwise might not be able to attend a social outing.

Each club was given a bursary from their local Specsavers store to cover match tickets or transport for a special outing to an Allianz League Game.

For Galway, the result of the initiative was incredible with Salthill Knocknacarra GAA and Castlegar GAA both bringing older members of their community to county games and reconnecting them with the club.

Specsavers Headford Road retail director, Annette Flanagan, said that they were delighted to welcome Damien Comer into the store during his recent visit.

“GAA plays such a huge role in the Galway community and it’s a great way of bringing people together. We are delighted to be working with Damien to educate people about the importance of looking after their eye and ear health now and into the future,” she said.

Galway traffic: Delays in Tuam due to emergency roadworks

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily news New access roads needed at Roscam Estates to combat heavy traffic

Galway County Council has advised road users that there are delays in Tuam due to emergency works.

The roadworks are causing delays outside The Birches estate in the town.

The council said that motorists can take the N17 Bypass route at the N17 Business Park to avoid the traffic.

Road users can also take the N17 bypass route at the junction with the N83 to avoid delays.

Grants announced for groups delivering music education

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily news grant for music groups

Minister for Education Norma Foley has announced the opening of applications for grants for various groups which allow for activities such as group music classes to take place in the community.

The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2023 will provide grants to organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding.

The total budget available in 2023 under the bursary scheme is €100,000.

Minister Foley said that it is vital that we provide our children and young learners with as many opportunities as possible to express themselves and show their creativity.

“I strongly believe that this grant can enhance, empower and enable community organisations to continue providing music tuition and classes for the remainder of the year,” she said.

The purpose of the scheme is to provide support by way of a cash grant, to established, smaller-scale, non-mainstream music education or community music initiatives.

Grants can be used to purchase instruments, other equipment and tuition. Grants are not intended for use on capital expenditure such as structural or building costs.

Interested parties can find the application form on the department’s website at the following link: gov.ie – Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme.

Galway student achieves best in world ranking in accountancy exams

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March 24, 2023

galway daily news student wins best in ireland in accountancy exams — Lucy O’Donoghue receives an award marking her top ACCA result in Ireland. Photo by Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography.

AccountancySchool.ie student Lucy O’Donoghue from Galway City recently celebrated success in her ACCA (Association of Certified Chartered Accountants) exams, where she achieved first in Ireland and 19th place in the world in the Financial Management exam.

Lucy has completed a Masters in International Management from University of Galway and joined the graduate programme at the Central Bank.

With her interest in the areas of business, finance and strategic management, it was a logical next step to look at studying for ACCA qualifications with AccountancySchool.ie.

Lucy said that when she was starting out on her ACCA journey, 12 exams felt like a ‘mammoth task’ and at times ‘the road felt never-ending’.

“So, I think the best advice I would give to someone in a similar situation would be not to get bogged down by how far you have to go – take it exam-by-exam and keep chipping away at it. Eventually it will all come together!”

Dave O’Donoghue, Managing Director of AccountancySchool.ie, congratulated Lucy on her great results.

“We are delighted to again be celebrating a number of best in Ireland and best in the world results this year,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

“Our students consistently achieve the highest marks both locally and internationally.

“For all of our students, we give them the keys to a hugely rewarding career in accountancy and financial management. Currently, there is an acute shortage of accountants not just in Ireland but globally and ACCA trainees, affiliates and members are in high demand throughout the world.”

Funniest bingo rewards out there

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March 24, 2023

Bingo is a staple pastime all around the world, and friends of all ages get together and stamp the numbers in hopes of winning the main prize of the evening. If you’re playing for fun with your friends, you can create a group chat and decide on an award. It can be anything from actual cash to a little pet animal! You may be shocked to hear of this, but once upon a time, a woman won a huge farm animal playing charity bingo! You don’t believe us? Well, just read on and see for yourself!

What Do People Usually Win At Bingo?

Usually, people play bingo for money. One only needs to take a look at the leading bingo site, Foxy Bingo, to see how big bingo jackpots can actually get. But, there are some differences in the prizes. The size of your win will depend on how many lines of your ticket you stamp, and logically if you block out the entire sheet, you may truly win a lot!

Plus, not all bingo games are the same. There are huge bingo rooms that have prizes of six and even seven figures, while at your local bar, you may only go home richer by a hundred pounds.

Winning A Cash Cow

Some play bingo in hopes to win vast amounts of cash and hopefully change their lives, while others are more hopeful to have an amazing evening with friends. This is what a young American woman had in mind, but then something very unexpected happened. She went home with her own cash cow!

Yes, a real milky cow was the top prize during this charity bingo game. She wasn’t anticipating her reward since other players had already taken home all the great prizes, such as smartphones, TV sets, and kitchen appliances. But the first prize was yet to be taken, and her name was called out. Of course, she was thrilled to win, but we aren’t sure where she put the cow. We hope not in her New York apartment!

Sexy Underwear

Most people, we’re confident, have at least heard of the well-known adult retailer Ann Summer, known for its selection of seductive products, including underwear. They decided to launch their own online bingo site back in 2007.

You can probably guess what the rewards for these bingo games were as well. That is correct: plenty of lingerie and some raunchier prizes too. While their platform didn’t survive long, their rewards are some of the funniest ones out there.

Your Favourite Bingo Reward

Next time you organise a bingo night with your friends, we urge you to come up with a funny bingo prize and have a collective giggle at the end of the night. Some of our suggestions are lingerie, whose funny factor will be taken up a notch if your manliest of friends win it, or a little pet fish which can become a loving low-effort pet. If you decide on a fish, make sure that you have an aquarium that goes with it. Plus, it will already have a name – Bingo!

UHG still highly overcrowded with almost 60 on trolleys today

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

University Hospital Galway continues to be highly overcrowded this week, with almost 60 patients on trolleys today.

The 57 patients at UHG without a bed according to INMO Trolley/Ward Watch figures, making it the third worst in the country for overcrowding today.

Of those patients admitted, there are 44 on trolleys in the emergency department, and a further 13 without a bed in the wards.

The Saolta Group said in a statement to Galway Daily that due to the ongoing pressure, elective day case and adult inpatient procedures are continuing to be postponed.

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

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

“People who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend EDs where they will be prioritised.”

“The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.”

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe there are a further 10 patients who have been admitted with no beds available as of this morning.

Half of those patients are on trolleys in the emergency department at Portiuncula, and half are in the wards.

Nationwide there are a total of 548 patients in Irish hospitals for whom no bed is available today.

The worst affected in the country is University Hospital Limerick (79), followed by Cork University Hospital (62), and UHG (57).

Green light for new restaurant in long vacant Oranmore units

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new restaurant in long vacant Oranmore units

Long vacant commercial units in Oranmore will get a new lease of life as a restaurant under plans approved by the county council.

Planning permission has been granted Raviolo Verde Limited for the conversion of Units A – D of the Carraig Lair Shopping Centre in Oranmore.

The development will involve amalgamating all four units, and for changing their use to a restaurant.

The four commercial units are currently vacant, and have not been used since the shopping centre was first built.

A cover letter for the projects states that it is expected that the new restaurant will create 10 permanent jobs for the area.

“There is ample car parking on site to cater for the patrons. There is both surface car parking, and a basement car park which is available for use.”

“The restaurant is also located in Oranmore village so patrons can easily walk to same without having to drive.”

“As the restaurant forms part of a larger commercial holding, there is an established delivery practice and set down area.”

The restaurant will primarily operate as a dine-in business, the cover letter states, with an ancillary takeaway option.

Planning permission for the project was granted by Galway County Council with eleven conditions attached.

Heinous betrayal exposed and revenge plans in Ros na Rún

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March 24, 2023

Heinous betrayal exposed and revenge plans in Ros na Rún

Malachaí exposed the heinous betrayal of Michelle, Caitríona’s gonna get a gun, and Noreen puts Conall in his place in Ros na Rún.

Malachaí exposes Greg and Sorcha’s horrific betrayal to Michelle, making sure she knows the lengths they went to in order to get their hands on her money.

Truth in hand, Michelle plots her revenge coldly, and plans to play the long game. But just what retribution does she have in mind?

That’s not all, as thanks to Michelle, Malachaí is able to destroy all the evidence Greg planned to use against him.

Caitríona, on seeing an old gun in Micheal’s possession, believes it may have been used to kill her great uncle. If only she could get her hands on it.

Conall believes Noreen does too much as it is, in Tigh Thaidhg’s, and should find better employment.

But Noreen soon puts him straight and has Conall wondering if he should take a leaf out of her book.

Vera loses all respect for Diana when she refuses to arrest a petty criminal. Will Diana regret this decision?

Catch up on all the latest plotting and drama in Ros na Rún in a double this Sunday on TG4.

Most common FAQs about seeking financial advice

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March 24, 2023

Seeking financial advice is one of the most important decisions for you and your finances and often brings about many questions for people who require the advice of an expert.

We’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about seeking financial advice.

Read on to gain more clarity and understanding on financial advice and how it can work for you.

Who can seek financial advice?

Many people wonder whether they might benefit from financial advice, and whether there are any criteria for seeking expert guidance.

The truth is, anyone can seek financial advice and benefit significantly from insight into their finances.

Regardless of your financial situation, there’s no better time to start seeking financial advice than now.

For example, Netwealth financial planning has expert advisers who are experienced in dealing with a wide range of clients, each with their own situations, challenges and needs.

Your adviser will tailor their advice to your unique circumstances, whatever it may be, to help you build your wealth as effectively as possible.

What can financial advice help with?

Financial advice can help you with a variety of different financial situations, challenges, and goals including:

Retirement planning – You can receive guidance on how to grow your wealth for retirement, and to be tax efficient with your pension savings.

Asset allocation – Your adviser can help you allocate your assets in a way that best suits your current financial situation, and your goals for the future.

Navigating a divorce – There are many aspects of your finances to consider when going through a divorce, and an adviser can help you make the best decisions to protect your wealth.

Inheriting money – When inheriting money, an adviser will help you understand all the tax rules that may apply, so you can achieve the best financial outcome from your inheritance.

Your expert adviser will help you take the necessary steps to achieve your goals, that are both beneficial to growing your wealth, and realistic in terms of your financial situation.

What type of financial advice is best?

The type of financial advice you need will depend on your specific situation, and what your adviser will recommend as the best approach.

Two key forms of advice are:

One-off financial advice – This is when your financial situation calls for a one-off session with an adviser. They will analyse your finances, understand your requirements, and give you advice that’s focused on a specific goal, or to cover a particular aspect of your finances.
Ongoing financial advice – This is used to provide a more in-depth and proactive relationship with an adviser. You’ll have regular sessions where your adviser will review your finances, and help you navigate the various impacts that might affect your situation.
How can financial advice help with investing?

A crucial aspect of your financial health is how you manage your investments, and an adviser can offer expert guidance.

For example, they can help you find the right balance of risk and potential reward with your portfolios. This will ensure you’re making the right investments to build your wealth, while also investing in a way that’s suited to your current financial circumstances.

Your adviser will also take into account all of your financial goals, and analyse your income, expenses, etc., to find out how much you should be investing according to your unique requirements.

For example, they could help you explore the Three Pot Theory and how it can optimise your finances, and help direct your investments.

Where can you find appropriate financial advice?

A good place to find meaningful financial advice is with an expert wealth management service.

There are many things to consider when seeking the right wealth manager. But you should opt for a service with experienced and qualified professionals, that offers highly competitive fees and powerful technology so you can better access their expert guidance.

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Please note, the value of your investments can

Major leak in Galway City was losing 850,000 litres of water a day

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily news Moycullen water outage

Repairs to a major leak in the Galway City Water network have stopped the loss of 850,000 litres of water a day.

The amount of water saved each day after a leak was detected on Rosary Lane off Taylor’s Hill is equivalent to what is used by the entire population of Ballinasloe.

Gerry O’Donnell, Leakage Reduction Programme Manager with Uisce Éireann, described the find as “one of the largest savings of our precious resource this year in the North-West Region.”

“It’s hard to understand that more than 850,000 litres of clean drinking water were disappearing underground every day.”

“Water is a valuable resource and expensive to produce so finding this leak and successfully repairing it was of paramount importance.”

Uisce Éireann and Galway City Council recognised a spike in water usage in the Taylor’s Hill area.

However, there was a challenge in identifying the exact location of the water loss on the underground public network as there was no water surfacing.

The exact location of the leak was pinpointed using step testing and specialised detection equipment, allowing it to be fixed.

“As a result of the collaboration between Galway City Council and Uisce Éireann, customers are enjoying a more secure and reliable water supply,” Gerry O’Donnell said.

“For our leak detection team to have found this leak and the subsequent improvement to the network is a massive win”.

Weather Warning in effect with possible coastal flooding today

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March 24, 2023

Galway Daily weather Rough weekend forecast as weather warning issued by Met Eireann

A Status Yellow weather warning for strong winds and possible flooding is in place for Galway today.

The wind warning issued by Met Eireann for Galway and Clare will be in effect until 5pm on Friday evening.

There will be very strong and gusty winds today, Met Eireann has warned, with the possibility of coastal flooding.

A marine Gale Warning is also in effect for western coastal waters from Mizen Head to Loop Head to Erris Head today.

Southwesterly winds will reach gale force at times today, with the yellow warning in place until 7pm on Friday.

It’s forecast to be a miserable day all round in Galway on Friday, with rain developing this morning and persisting throughout the day.

Highest temperatures on Friday of 8 to 9 degrees, with winds easing off heading into the night, but remaining moderately strong.

Conditions will improve over the weekend, with only scattered showers on Saturday and Sunday, and some sunshine amidst cloudy skies.

Man jailed for sexually assaulting woman on bus

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man due before court for alleged stalking of female politician

A 53 year old Connemara man has been sentenced to two years in prison for sexually assaulting a stranger on a bus in Galway.

Patrick O’Toole was sentenced at Galway Circuit Court for multiple charges related to assaulting a woman on a bus in Galway in 2019.

O’Toole, who has an address at Gleanntrasna, Rosmuc, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, two counts of attempting to commit sexual assault, and one charge of simple assault.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan handed down a sentence of three and half years, with the final 18 months of it suspended for a period of two years after his release from prison.

All of these offences occurred on a bus travelling between Moycullen and Clifden on the afternoon of August 6, 2019.

Garda Peter Naughten gave evidence to the court that on August 8 of 2019, he took a report from a woman who said she had been assaulted on a bus two days prior.

On the afternoon of August 6, shortly after 3pm, she had boarded a bus from Moycullen to Clifden. An man she didn’t know, later confirmed as Patrick O’Toole, sat next to her.

He began speaking to her, and offered her vodka, and quickly this talk escalated to become sexually explicit. He groped her thigh and breast, and attempted to forcibly kiss her

Gardaí spoke with the bus driver, who confirmed that O’Toole had been on the bus, as well as the taxi driver who collected the victim, who told them that she was clearly distressed and crying when he picked her up.

O’Toole was arrested by Gardaí on September 18, and interviewed on two occasions by Gardaí, in which he admitted to being on the bus, but did not admit to the assault.

In a victim impact statement which Garda Naughten read for the court, the victim said that she still doesn’t feel safe going out unless her mother is with her.

“I don’t think this man realises or cares what this has done to me or my mom”, the victim said, adding that she wants to have a family, but is afraid to meet people to this day.

Mr O’Toole’s barrister Bernard Madden SC said that his client, who lives with his 83 year old mother, has a serious alcohol problem.

The defence said that the plea of guilty was of benefit to the victim, as it meant she did not have to give evidence in court.

The court heard that O’Toole has a total of 18 criminal convictions between Ireland and the UK, split half and half before and since this incident, including one for assault causing harm here, and one for grievous bodily harm in the UK.

Judge Brian O’Callaghan noted that the report from the probation services showed that there was victim blaming from O’Toole, as he claimed that the injured party wanted to come home with him.

His plea of guilty was “the one good thing you’ve done”, the Judge said of the case, noting that the victim was a vulnerable person, and that O’Toole wouldn’t have been let on the bus if he was truly drunk.

The judge said that he “knew damn well” what he was doing and saying. “You invaded this lady’s space and dignity, and it’s quite obvious that you couldn’t have cared less.”

The judge set a headline sentence of 4 and a half years due to the harm done, and high level of moral culpability.

He reduced the sentence to three and a half years after taking the plea of guilty into account as mitigation.

In addition to the final 18 months being suspended, O’Toole must also come under the supervision of the probation services for 18 months after release, and has also been registered as a sex offender.

Green light for new branch of Galway City café chain

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily news Green light for new branch of Galway City café chain

Galway City Council has given the green light for a popular café chain to open a new branch in the city centre.

A planning application by Daniel Sajfert to change the use of No. 34 Prospect Hill from retail to café/restaurant use has been approved.

The Jungle Café chain already has a branch on Forster Street, as well as a coffee dock and snack stand at Ladies Beach in Salthill.

The new city centre café would be located in the ground floor of the building, with a total internal floor space of 102m².

The business will also feature an outdoor seating area located to the rear of the premises, which also contains external parking.

Planning permission for the new café was granted by the city council with eleven conditions attached.

Connacht Rugby signs Argentinian International Santiago Cordero

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily sport Connacht Rugby signs Argentinian International Santiago Cordero — Photo: Connacht Rugby/INPHO

Connacht Rugby have announced that the club has signed on Argentinian International Santiago Cordero in a two year deal.

The 29 year old full-back/winger will be joining Connacht next season, moving to the west from Bordeaux Begles, where he has scored 29 tries in 67 appearances for the club across four seasons.

Santiago said that he’s very excited to be joining Connacht from next season, and can’t wait to “move there and meet all the boys and people” with the team.

“I visited Connacht recently for a few days, and I thought Galway was a beautiful place and I can’t wait to play my rugby there.”

“I had a lot of good chats with Pete Wilkins, Tim Allnutt and Jack Carty, and they are sure I can play my best rugby in Connacht. It’s a great team and when picking my next club I was sure Connacht was the right one.”

“Connacht love to play rugby the right way from everywhere on the pitch and they’re always in attack mode, and that’s what I like.”

Prior to his move to France, Cordero spent two seasons with the Exeter Chiefs, where he scored 10 tries in 33 appearances.

While there, he also took home the Gallagher Premiership Player of the Month award, and was nominated for the prestigious RPA Player of the Year award in 2019.

On the international scene, the 29-year old has made 45 appearances for Argentina. His performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup earned him significant plaudits across the world, helping his native country to a 4^th place finish in the tournament.

He beat 31 defenders, more than any other player in the tournament, and also came 2^nd in clean breaks and 3^rd in metres run.

Connacht Rugby Head Coach Pete Wilkins said that they’re thrilled that Santiago has chosen to move forward with them, and called the signing a “real statement of intent” from the club.

“He is a genuine world class talent with a wealth of experience at the highest level, and being in the prime of his career he will no doubt make an immediate impact.”

“Having got to know Santiago during the recruitment process, it’s also clear he is also a brilliant bloke who will bring energy and character to the club, both on and off the field.”

“I know our supporters will be very excited by this news, and like them I look forward to seeing Santiago wearing the green of Connacht for the next two years.”

Connacht Hospitality Group renews partnership with Galway Races

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March 23, 2023

Galway Daily life & style Connacht Hospitality Group renews partnership with Galway Races

The Connacht Hospitality Group is partnering with the Galway Races once again for the summer racing and fashion festival.

The CHG will be the title sponsor for the renowned Best Dressed competition on Ladies Day for the second year as a row, as well as keeping their long running sponsorship of Monday’s feature race.

The Galway Races Summer Festival is shaping up to be a massive event when crowds return to Ballybrit from July 31 – August 6.

Last year saw 120,000 people pass through the turnstiles at Ballybrit in the first year fully back since the pandemic, and massive crowds are expected once again in 2023.

Connacht Hospitality Group’s Marketing and Innovation Manager Eveanna Ryan spoke about the continued partnership, saying that it was fantastic to once again sponsor the Summer Races.

“We’re expecting plenty of thrills over the course of the seven days, and we’re looking forward to another fantastically fun few days in July and August.”

“It’s a continued pleasure for the Group to work with the team at Galway Races which showcases so much, from phenomenal racing to incredible fashion.”

She added that she’s also looking forward to their feature sponsorship race on the opening Monday of the Festival.

The Connacht Hotel (Q.R) Handicap will be the fourth race of the day on Monday, taking place at 6:40pm, the 15th year running in which the hotel has sponsored this race.

“The easy part was sponsoring the Galway Races in the first place – the hard part will be waiting for all the excitement to start in four months’ time!” Eveanna said.

Group General Manager, Wayne Neilon also commented that, “The Connacht Hotel has been sponsoring the QR Handicap for 15 years – and it’s a continued honor to do so.”

“The QR Handicap showcases some of the finest rising stars in horse racing, and we’re delighted to put our name behind it.”

“The race features those looking to make a name for themselves, something that our Group values – after all, it was founded by a trailblazing family who like to pioneer in brilliant ways,” Wayne added.

The Connacht Hospitality Group is the group behind popular hotels like The Connacht Hotel, Residence Hotel, and HYDE Hotel, while they also own An Púcán, 1520, and HYDE Bar.

The family-owned Group is run by the Fitzgerald family and company Director John Carmody, together with their leadership team.

2023 TidyTowns competition is launched

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March 23, 2023