St Patrick’s Day celebrations kicking off with biggest ever parade today

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March 17, 2023

2920000 episodes ros Na Run (002) — Latest and youngest star actor Ciara Cox who plays Maeve celebrating with actors for the very 1st episode Máire Pheter Uí Dhroighneáin who plays Máire, and Josie O Cualáin aka Michael TG4's Ros na Rún 2,000 episode of broadcast ion the set of Ros na run Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

The long running TG4 soap opera Ros na Rún, filmed in Galway, crossed a milestone on Thursday evening with the broadcast of its 2,000th episode.

Ireland’s only rural based TV drama series, Ros na Rún has long established itself as the world’s only Irish Language drama series.

Filmed in a purpose-built fictional village in An Spidéal, the show is always delivering a high propensity of drama centred on the social issues affecting rural Ireland.

Ros na Rún was first broadcast on the 3^rd of November 1996 and has never shied away from topical and controversial issues, such as bringing Irish TV audiences the first gay kiss in 1997.

While its creative script writers bring the challenges of rural and Gaeltacht life to the fore in their presentation of life, humour and comedy always filter through.

“We’re beyond thrilled to have reached such an historic milestone of 2,000 episodes”, says Siobhán Ní Ghadhra Executive Series Producer.

“We’re hugely grateful to our inspiring cast, talented script writers and committed crew, who take such pride in the production and delivery of each episode of Ros na Rún”.

Five of Ros na Rún’s original cast members continue to be at the heart of the popular TG4 drama series, including the village rogue and bully, Tadhg Ó Direáin, played by Abbey Theatre Actor, Macdara Ó Fatharta, Máire played by renowned Connemara Actress and Sean Nós Singer, Máire Pheter.

Also at the core is feisty Caitriona Ní Lóideáin played by An Spidéal native Máire Éilis Ní Fhlatharta who’s currently embroiled in a homelessness story line with Micheál played by Connemara native Josie Ó Chualáin.

This season has also seen Ros na Rún lead character Bernie face another series of highly challenging storylines.

Played by Fionnuala Ní Fhlatharta viewers are this week keen to see if the highly volatile Bernie will have any contact with Vera following her hidden camera incident.

Vera has broken all privacy guidelines out of concern for Berni as she plays the role of the local Miss Marple with her favoured iPad.

Ros na Rún has also welcomed high profile personalities include Stephen Fry, Nathan Carter, Francis Brennan, Alan Hughes and the Hot House Flowers star Fiachna O Braonáin has featured in storylines.

Most recently Páraic Breathnach has joined the cast as the controversial developer Sonny Dirrane.

A co-production between Connemara’s Danú Media and Dublin’s Tyrone Production, the show now employs 160 people during its filming season from August to February annually when 82 episodes of the thrilling drama series are created.

76 patients on trolleys in Galway hospitals ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

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March 16, 2023

Some 76 patients are without beds across Galway’s public hospitals today as the health service braces for a busy St. Patrick’s Weekend.

Sixty of those on trolleys are at University Hospital Galway, while 16 patients are on trolleys at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Nationally, 553 people are waiting without a bed, down almost 100 from yesterday’s figures released by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO).

University Hospital Limerick is the worst affected hospital in the State once again with 101 people waiting for beds.

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said yesterday that the level of overcrowding in emergency departments warrants a national response.

“It is clear that the system is now completely overwhelmed. We need targeted measures to tackle this crisis, particularly in the Midwest where the overcrowding is completely out of hand,” she said.

Prices continue to rise as latest inflation stats show worrying picture

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news inflation ireland in february

Inflation in the Irish economy rose to 8.5% in February, up from an annual increase of 7.8% in the 12 months to January 2023.

This is the 17th straight month where the annual increase in inflation has been at least 5%.

CSO data shows that the divisions with the largest price increases in the past year were housing, water, electricity, gas and other Fuels (+26%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (+13.1%).

Education (-6.3%) and Miscellaneous Goods & Services (-0.1%) were the only divisions to show a decrease when compared with February 2022.

The National Average Prices for selected goods and services for February were also published today.

There were price increases for an 800g loaf of white sliced pan (+24c), an 800g loaf of brown sliced pan (+23c), 2 litres of full fat milk (+48c), and a pound of butter (+69c) when compared with February 2022.

A comprehensive list of items included in the National Average Prices and their monthly prices can be found here.

Junior Cert students presented with special Irish recognition award

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news junior cert students receiving award in galway — Students from Coláiste Chroí Mhuire, An Spidéal Iona Warsop, Roise Ní Churraoin, Fionnán Ó Coisdealbha, and Neasa Nic Dhonncha with their teachers, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh and University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

A Special Irish Recognition Award has been presented students who achieved a distinction, between 90% and 100%, in their higher level Irish Junior Cert exam.

Over 100 students from Galway, Donegal, Clare, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon attended a special event at University of Galway to celebrate their achievements.

These students are among the 2.6% of students across the country who achieved a distinction in the higher level T2 Irish paper, or the 3.6% of students who achieved a distinction in the higher level T1 paper in the 2022 Junior Certificate examinations.

Róisín Ní Lionaird from Coláiste na Coiribe, Galway City with University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh and University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

Students from Coláiste Iognáid (back, l-r) Éabha Concannon, Seán Higgins, Daniel Harrison, Brendan O’Gorman, (front l-r) Aoife Bundschu, Alyce Rooney, Lorna Donnelly, Saoirse Ní Chonghaile, and Riona Mannion. Also pictured is their teacher, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh and University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, welcomed the students and their families, and also congratulated the teachers and principals from the 36 schools they are attending while recognising the hard work being done in the schools.

“I am very pleased that we can give the next generation of Irish speakers the respect and recognition they deserve, particularly as the Irish language is so important to us here at Ollscoil na Gaillimhe and that it is such a central part of our identity,” he said.

Fiona Ní Cheallaigh from Clifden Community School, Co. Galway, with her teacher Aisling Ní Chormaic, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh and University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

Eamon Chin from Garbally College, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, with his teacher Eimear Ní Fhátharta, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh and University of Galway President, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh.

Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, also congratulated the students saying: “You should all be very proud of yourselves.”

“You are exceptional students, with exceptional ability in the Irish language, and you are all a great source of encouragement to us as we can rest assured that the future of the Irish language is in safe hands.”

Saw Doctors to play Tuam after more than 30 years!

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news saw doctors gig tuam august 2023

The Saw Doctors gig that fans have been waiting for is set to take place this summer after the band announced an August date in their native Tuam.

The band announced they will return to play their hometown for the first time in more than three decades on Saturday, August 19 in a Big Top marquee in the grounds of St. Jarlath’s College.

Leo Moran and Davy Carton will take to the stage in front of just under 5,000 people in what promises to be one of the highlights of the summer.

Tickets for the concert, titled ‘The West’s Awake’, will go on sale on Friday, March 24 at 9.00m from www.ticketmaster.ie

After a five-year break from touring, The Saw Doctors played a series of ‘comeback’ gigs in Britain last winter, selling out London Brixton Academy, Manchester Apollo and two concerts at the Glasgow’s iconic Barrowlands.

In June The Saw Doctors will play Glastonbury, heading the Acoustic Stage at the festival on Friday, June 23.

Davy Carton, Leo Moran and the Tuam lads will also headline the Wickham Festival in Hampshire in August and the Moseley Folk & Arts festival in Birmingham in September.

Latest: Major power outage in Galway city today

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March 16, 2023

Update: Traffic lights at the Quincentennial Bridge are now restored.

Update: Power has been restored to the east Galway City.

A major power outage in Galway city today has left thousands of homes and businesses without electricity.

The problem was reported this morning and the ESB is currently working on fixing the issue. A total of 7,817 customers in the east of the city are affected by the power outage.

The ESB said that they expect the outage to be resolved by 5pm today.

Galway City Council has asked motorists heading north for the bank holiday weekend to leave the city via the Dublin Road and M6 / M17 motorway to Tuam due to traffic lights outages.

The power outage is affecting traffic lights at Ballybane N6, Tuam Rd N6, Riverside, Liosbaun. ThermoKing on the Monivea Road is also affected.

All road users are advised to exercise caution, and be aware of pedestrians trying to cross.

The ESB said: “We apologise for the loss of supply. We are currently working to repair a fault affecting your premises and will restore power as quickly as possible.”

Thousands of students to descend on Galway for University open day

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news galway university open day 2023

Registration has opened for University of Galway’s annual spring undergraduate open day, which will give thousands of students and their parents or guardians a chance to visit the historic campus.

The open day will take place on the University campus on Saturday, March 25 from 9am to 3pm, and it is open to all senior cycle students, including those doing transition year.

Visitors will meet current University of Galway students and hear from leading professors and lecturers about the courses on offer as well as the innovative research that puts it among the top 2% of universities worldwide.

The event is spread across five exhibitions and the schedule includes the largest ever programme of talks, with more than 100 talks featuring all courses and subjects, along with career and student support.

Some highlights include Student Life, Sport, Study Abroad, Careers and ALIVE volunteering.

The Access Centre will host a session on alternative pathways, mature student supports and the QQI/FETAC/PLC entry route.

Sarah Geraghty, Director of Student Recruitment and Outreach, said it offers prospective students and parents an opportunity to explore courses, subjects, careers and student life at the University.

She said that the event is a great chance to meet and talk to our professors, lecturers and current students.

“We look forward to welcoming students to the campus where they can expect a true university experience with research-led teaching, a focus on employability skills, placements, study abroad and a support ecosystem that prepares individuals to reach their potential,” she said.

“The open day will give senior cycle students a taste of college life and hopefully a sense of great possibility for their future university studies.”

Parents may also be interested in the Parents’ Talk taking place on at 11:30am with advice and guidance on how parents can support the progression to third level.

Kerrane says EmployAbility services must be protected

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news claire kerrane at dáil child maintenance

Roscommon-Galway TD Claire Kerrane has warned the government to avoid changing the payment model for EmployAbility.

Teachta Kerrane made the call ahead of a tender process which is due to be published in April.

The process will see EmployAbility service contracts put out to tender, in a similar way to the tendering of Local Employment Services (LES) and Job Clubs services over the past two years.

EmployAbility services provide sustainable employment opportunities for people with a long term illness, injury or disability and support them into that employment.

Deputy Kerrane said that the details of the tender process and any proposed changes to the current service are not yet known.

The Sinn Féin TD said that it is crucial that Minister Heather Humphreys’ Department “learns lessons from the previous tender process” which she says saw employment services dismantled and the commodification of people seeking employment.

Her party stood against the privatisation of those employment services, and Deputy Kerrane said they will continue to oppose a payment by results model for job activation and employment supports.

“In particular, EmployAbility services support people with longer-term illness, injury and disabilities, and it is simply not appropriate to implement a model which seeks to place them in any job role, which payment by results is all about.

“These are some of our most vulnerable citizens. The community-based, wrap-around services that EmployAbility provides across the State offer must be protected as part of the forthcoming tender process.”

Works begin at Merlin Park Hospital’s new outpatients department

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news merlin park hospital outpatient department

Galway University Hospitals has said that construction of the new outpatients department at Merlin Park Hospital is now underway, with the first phase of the works costing €15.5m.

The development will include a two-storey Outpatients Department (OPD) with parking spaces, bicycle parking, pedestrian footpaths, lighting, and associated signage and landscaping.

The new building will assist in meeting service demands and will provide an improved environment for patients and staff along with dedicated areas for virtual clinics.

It will also allow for some of UHG’s outpatient clinics to be relocated.

Hospital Manager, Chris Kane, said that they are delighted to be progressing this essential project which will “greatly enhance local access to non-acute patient care” in the region.

She said that the first phase of this OPD project is part of a “major capital scheme for Galway University Hospitals”, and they will be “seeking further funding for a second phase to facilitate additional clinical space.”

The development is part of a wider development plan currently being progressed for GUH, where there is a bed capacity deficit of 222 beds.

The Saolta Group and GUH have identified and are currently progressing a number of priority capital projects which are necessary to address capacity issues on site.

These are: a new permanent Emergency Department and Women and Children’s Block; a replacement laboratory department; a ward block and Cancer Centre; and an elective hospital for the region.

GRD delivers equipment across east Galway under loan scheme

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March 16, 2023

galway daily news Loan Equipment Support Scheme in eastgalway — Some of the Galway Rural Development team: Anne Cassidy (SICAP Senior Manager), Steve Dolan (CEO), Sean Broderick (Tús/RSS Senior Manager), Mary Claire Brennan (Admin Senior Manager), Caoimhe Daly (Special Projects), and Catherine Williamson (Tús/RSS).

Galway Rural Development (GRD) has begun delivering equipment around east Galway as part of its 2023 Loan Equipment Support Scheme.

The scheme allows groups to apply to borrow everything from lawnmowers to cement-mixers to assist them in their community work.

GRD has provided community groups with long-term loans of horticultural tools, laptops, printers and other equipment such as sewing machines and air purifiers.

Last year, GRD also bought a new van for use by their Tús and RSS teams to complete deliveries of equipment and other supports between community groups.

This has provided communities with valuable long-term loans of equipment and the means to better share resources.

Over the course of 2023, GRD also plans to support communities in becoming more sustainable.

They confirmed Mountbellew as Connacht’s first ‘People’s Transition’ town an initiative led by TASC and supported by Mountbellew Smart Villages.

Sean Broderick, Senior Manager of the Tús and Rural Social Schemes (RSS), said they are all too aware that community groups have been feeling the pinch in this cost of living crisis, and the demand for extra support is growing.

“While we obviously can’t agree to every request, and there is a waiting period, we have already made a huge difference and I want to thank my colleague Anne Cassidy, the SICAP Senior Manager, and the LCDC for backing this endeavour,” he said.

Senior Manager of the SICAP team, Dr Anne Cassidy, added: “We know that even small assistance, like through the loan equipment fund, can make all the difference in helping community groups.

“We’re proud to have led the way in the country on this and to have made such a difference on the ground.”

Hospital overcrowding out of control ahead of extremely busy weekend

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March 15, 2023

The general secretary of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Phil Ní Sheaghdha has said that hospital overcrowding is out of control once again ahead of an extremely busy weekend.

She said that the level of overcrowding in some of our emergency departments warrants a national response. A total of 651 patients are without beds in Irish hospitals today according to the union.

Fifty-two of those patients are on trolleys at University Hospital Galway, while 12 patients are without beds at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Meanwhile, the chaos at University Hospital Limerick continues with some 116 people on trolleys.

Ms Ní Sheaghdha said the INMO has been in contact with the new Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive seeking an urgent meeting in the next 24 hours ahead of “an extremely busy bank holiday weekend for our members.”

“It is clear that the system is now completely overwhelmed. We need targeted measures to tackle this crisis, particularly in the Midwest where the overcrowding is completely out of hand.”

Call for govt to build trust with farmers on designations

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Farmers getting €13.4 million basic payment scheme refunds

Local TD Seán Canney has called on the Government to build trust with farmers where land is designated for up to 26 years.

Canney, along with TDs Denis Naughten and Carol Nolan recently met Minister Malcolm Noonan and an IFA team to try to instil a sense of urgency and commitment to put a long-term model in place.

The Minister expressed the view that permanent funding is required and confirmed that he is working towards this.

It is expected that a permanent funding model will be in place within two years.

IFA representatives, Pat Murphy, chair of the project team for Designation, and Charlie Killeen, a long-time campaigner, expressed concern that there were two agreements already in place which were never honoured.

In conclusion the Minister vowed to work with farmers and welcomed the fact that the IFA had a dedicated Project Team that the Department can work with.

“There is a lot of work to be done yet and a lot of trust to be built and the onus is on the Minister and Government to demonstrate that the day of false promises are over and direct supports will be provided to farmers with designated lands especially along the Shannon callows,” said Deputy Canney.

Gardaí called 139 times to River Corrib in past 6 years

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Claddagh Watch extending patrol efforts for Rag Week

Gardaí have been called 139 times over the past six years to the River Corrib in Galway responding to persons entering, or attempting to enter, the water.

Data released to Aontú by the Minister for Justice shows that in the first 11 months of 2022, Gardaí were called to the river 30 times.

Responding to the statistics, Aontú’s representative for Tuam, Luke Silke, said that he is “doubtful about the accuracy of these statistics” as it seems to be “very difficult to extract accurate data” from the Garda Pulse system.

He called on the government to look into this, because he said the issue is difficult to resolve unless there is a proper way of quantifying the problem.

Mr Silke volunteers with Claddagh Watch which patrols the rivers and bridges of Galway city at night seeking to prevent people from entering the water.

He said that since July 2019, the group has been involved in 387 incidents where blue light services have been involved.

“Sixteen of these incidents related to people in the water. Volunteers in Galway have given over 12,300 hours of their time across 408 patrols.

“It is truly phenomenal that the founders of the organisation – Arthur and Deborah Carr – can say that we’ve never lost anyone to the water on any night that we’ve been out. There can be no doubt that these patrols are saving countless lives in this county.

“If anyone out there can offer support or wishes to volunteer I would urge them to contact the group ‘Claddagh Watch Patrol’ on Facebook.”

Silke said that the blue light services have been fantastic, and “one cannot but be struck by the speed with which they respond to an emergency call.”

“We in Aontú are of the view that the Garda pulse system needs updating, and we need a proper method of measuring this problem in Galway.

“The statistics as extracted from the pulse system are an underestimate when compared with the data compiled by Claddagh Watch Patrol.

“Galway is a wonderful city to live, work or study in, but we do have a fierce amount of water flowing through the town. I would urge people – especially over the St Patrick’s Day weekend to look out for one another, to stay safe and to stay together.”

Galway PhDs to protest over low pay and poor work conditions

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news €1,000 reduction in college fees comes into effect

PhD researchers in University of Galway are set to protest again over low pay and poor working conditions.

PhDs will assemble at 11am on Thursday, 23 March outside the University’s library, coinciding with a demonstration outside the Dáil.

The latest demo follows a number of protests in 2022 across the country as PhDs looked to secure better pay for their work.

PhD researchers in University of Galway earn, on average, below €18,500 a year – far below the minimum wage and living wages in Ireland and only marginally above the poverty line.

The Postgraduate Workers Organisation Galway (PWO) submitted responses this week to the consultation questions of a national review of state supports for PhD researchers.

PWO Galway presented a full submission to the national review, calling for worker status across Irish universities, being paid a living wage, and receiving equal pay for equal work.

Postgraduate Workers Organisation (PWO) of Ireland emerged as Postgraduate Workers Unions across the country joined forces to collectively work for PhD rights.

A spokesperson for PWO Galway explained why this new union emerged, saying that whilst consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training is ongoing, the national review has so far failed to prioritise the voices of the PhD community.

“The Department should ensure that the national review involves a process of serious and genuine consultation of the PhD researcher community, including by meeting directly with PhD researchers across Irish universities, including at the University of Galway, organising roundtable discussions with us, and listening to our growing needs and concerns.”

The best young talents from Ireland in 2023

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Angela Mc Bride

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March 15, 2023

The best young talents from Ireland in 2023

As far as footballing countries go, the Republic of Ireland is one of the standouts.

This is not just because of its closeness to the spiritual home of the people’s game, the United Kingdom (made up of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), but because it is one of the first nations to form a national team for the sport.

Based on Overlyzer’s live football trends, here are the best young talents from Ireland.

Justin Ferizaj

18-year-old Justin Ferizaj is currently the hottest prospect in Irish football.

Having already made his senior debut with Irish club Shamrock Rovers, the Republic of Ireland under-19 midfielder has been described as having ability way beyond his age. Scouts from the biggest clubs have taken notice and he is now being linked with a move to England or across the continent of Europe.

He is of Albanian descent and has also caught the eye of the Albanian Football Association. Better yet, the immediate past President of Albania, Ilir Meta, is a big fan of the player and has praised him many times.

The Irish football governing body may not find it difficult convincing Ferizaj to pledge his senior allegiance to the boys in green, but with Albania now paying close attention, they will surely be working hard to secure his future with them.

Gavin Bazunu

At 21, the 1.89 metres tall (6 feet 2 inches) Southampton goalkeeper is already giving Caoimhín Kelleher (Liverpool, 24) and Mark Travers (Bournemouth, 23) a run for their money to be Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper.

First, he proved to be better than Fraser Forster at Southampton, forcing the Englishman to move on to another club (Tottenham Hotspur), and then he kept Alex McCarthy far from the starting lineup at the Premier League club to officially become the number 1.

Alongside Kelleher and Travers, he is making the Republic of Ireland stronger defensively, giving head coach Stephen Kenny a lot to think about whenever he wants to pick a starting XI.

At 21, he can serve the nation for quite some time and help them become a team that Irish football fans can be proud of in the coming years.

Evan Ferguson

These days, being able to play for Brighton and Hove Albion means you are one of the best around.

The Seagulls have established themselves as scouting geniuses in recent years. From Moises Caicedo to Jakub Moder, to Alexis Mac Allister and Kaoru Mitoma, the Premier League side have spent little to bring in quality that has made them as string as the big-spending big six of the English top flight.

After making his senior debut at 14 years old for Bohemians in the League of Ireland, Brighton went to war with Liverpool for the striker and won in 2021, sending him to their academy for a further year of development.

Less than a year later, in 2022, he was in their Premier League matchday squad and on his 18th birthday, he signed his professional contract with the club. He is now a key cog in Roberto De Zerbi’s machine as they march on slowly to a top six finish in the ongoing season.

The striker has only two caps for the boys in green which means he is open to switching to England, seeing as he has ties to the country from his mother’s side. The Irish football governing body will be working hard to keep him from switching.

Nathan Collins

The giant 1.93-metre (6 feet 4 inches) centreback is grabbing all the attention in the Premier League.

After impressing as a teenage centreback for Stoke City between 2019 and 2021, Burnley snapped him up for the 2021/22 Premier League season. He made 19 appearances for the Clarets before their relegation.

This was enough to get the other mid-table teams interested and Wolverhampton Wanderers beat the others to his signature. 18 appearances later, Collins is looking like a steal and one who could move on to a bigger club.

He is already one of Stephen Kenny’s most trusted players in the Ireland national team and has even been touted as a future captain. In that regard, the 21-year-old could look to Christian Pulisic of the United States Men’s National team and Martin Ødegaard of Norway.

Collins is also the highest valued player of Irish origin, with his current transfer value of €22 million.

Troy Parrott

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Preston North End in the EFL Championship from Tottenham Hotspur where he spent the final years of his developmental stages.

Spurs believe so much in him that they have refused to move him on, sending him on loan to various clubs so that he can get playing time.

He is a player who is still waiting to stake a claim to being a Republic of Ireland stalwart but after his spell at Milton Keynes Dons, his game has greatly improved and he has carried that form to Preston North End, where he is being watched by other clubs and by Spurs for a possible reintegration into their side.

He is also in contention for a return to the Ireland national team squad thanks to his rapid improvement.

Galway groups urged to enter National Lottery Good Causes Awards

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March 15, 2023

The National Lottery is urging beneficiaries of Good Causes funding to apply for the 2023 awards, where a €35,000 prize is up for grabs.

The awards celebrate the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland.

Thise groups whcih have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities through their work.

Last year’s awards saw winners including Gaillimh le Gaeilge, a non-profit organisation founded 30 years ago with the aim of promoting the Irish language in Galway city.

They do this by providing their services free of charge to business communities and to the people of Galway to encourage them to use the language.

It was this amazing work that secured them the overall Irish language awards at last year’s Good Causes Awards 2022.

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding between the years 2018 and 2022 are eligible to apply.

Applications for the Awards are now open and beneficiaries can check eligibility and enter at http://www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards.

The closing date for applications is March 31st.

The Awards will have seven categories which are:

• Sport

• Health and Wellbeing

• Arts & Culture

• Heritage

• Community

• Youth

• Irish Language

A special category, ‘Hero of the Year’, will also be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation and will receive a prize of €5,000.

Each category winner will receive €10,000 while the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000.

This year’s National Lottery’s Good Causes Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 21 in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.

Come see for yourself what’s brewing at Galway Hooker

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March 15, 2023

Get an up close look at where the magic is made at Galway Hooker Craft Brewing Company with their new brewery tours starting this week.

Getting underway this Thursday, March 16 visitors can get an up close look at what goes into making Galway Hooker’s award winning family of beers.

The brewery, which takes its name from Galway’s iconic boats, is located in the coastal town of Oranmore, providing a scenic setting for what promises to be a fun and interesting experience.

Groups can visit Connacht’s oldest existing brewery as they are taken on a guided journey to hear all about the origin story behind Galway Hooker, right through to the specialised methods and four natural ingredients they use to create their family of beers.

Participants will learn all about how Galway Hooker came to be, the various beers it makes, the craftsmanship involved in transforming a beer idea into reality, and more.

Plus, they will get to experience and taste for themselves the many beers offered by Galway Hooker, including The Original Irish Pale Ale, 60 Knots IPA, Organic Pilsner, and their Honey Beer.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to our brewery in Oranmore,” said Galway Hooker co-founder Aidan Murphy.

“For 17 years now, we’ve been brewing our beers in Galway, and it will be fantastic to open our doors to groups. Welcoming people in to hear how we do it all will be a lot of fun.”

“Everyone will be able to see our brewing floor, hear how we came to be, and – most importantly of all – taste some of the quality beers we brew right here on site.”

“It’s a great way to spend a day out with a big group of mates,” Aidan added.

These tours offer an ideal way for hens, stags, large groups, and more to savour some of the brewery’s distinctive offerings.

Group bookings of between 10 and 40 people are welcome to experience what it’s like to spend an hour in a high-production brewery.

It’s a fantastic way for groups to enjoy Galway Hooker’s core group of beers, plus the tour will also give customers the chance to savour new additions as they are introduced, such as seasonal craft brews and other drinks.

Galway Hooker is part of the Connacht Hospitality Group, and the team has been brewing something special since 2006 when the brewery was originally founded.

What started with a conversation in a pub between two friends has grown into a big success story over the years, and Galway Hooker’s team is always seeking new ways to add to the story with new brews and interesting ideas.

To discover more about Galway Hooker’s tours, why not visit the information page which includes everything you need to know – including how to book.

Best of Irish television to be celebrated at RTS Awards in Galway

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March 15, 2023

Galway Daily news Annual BiG BANG networking event taking place in Galway City — The Galmont Hotel

The best of Irish television will be celebrated in Galway this month at the annual RTS Ireland Television Awards.

The RTS Ireland Television Awards seek to recognise Irish productions and international co-productions which are considered by peer jury members to have made a positive contribution worthy of acclaim by the industry and Irish viewers.

Juries considered over 130 entries from across the industry, and have narrowed down the list of nominations for 10 categories.

Caitlín Nic Aoidh and Cormac Ó hEadhra with special guests will announce winners at a gala event in the Galmont Hotel in Galway on March 28.

RTS Ireland Awards Chairperson Lís Ní Dhálaigh said, “TG4 is delighted to host the RTS awards this year, and we look forward to welcoming producers and programme teams to Galway, a thriving hub for the screen industry in Ireland.”

“The awards are supported by Irish broadcasters TG4, Virgin Media, Sky and RTÉ. The awards are kindly sponsored by Screen Ireland, BAI and Screen Producers Ireland.”

“Category sponsors include Nemeton TV, Egg Post Production, Screenscene, Ardán, IMRO, Piranah Bar, Camerakit Ireland, Windmill Lane and TVM.”

The full list of nominees for this year’s awards is:

1 – THE NOMINEES | DRAMA | with thanks to Screen Ireland

Doineann, DoubleBand Films (TG4)
Every Five Miles, Vico Films (RTÉ)
Holding, Happy Prince, Port Pictures (Virgin Media)
Redemption, Metropolitan Films (Virgin Media)
Smother, Treasure Entertainment (RTÉ)

2 – THE NOMINEES | ENTERTAINMENT | with thanks to Piranha Bar

Callan Kicks the Year, Wonky Chair Media, (RTÉ)
Cumasc: Seisiúin sa Black Gate, Black Gate Productions (TG4)
Dancing with the Stars, ShinAwiL (RTÉ)
Free Gaff, Green Inc Film & Television (RTÉ)
The Ultimate Irish Playlist, ShinAwiL (RTÉ)

3 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL SERIES | with thanks to Egg Post Production

Cois Móire, Cormorant Films (TG4)
Crimes and Confessions (RTÉ)
An Diabhal Inti, Lagan Media Productions (TG4)
Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Inproduction TV (RTÉ)

4 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL SINGLE | with thanks to Nemeton TV

Cyril Cusack: Lár An Stáitse, Dearg Films (TG4)
Speechless, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
The Ghost of Richard Harris, Bright Yellow Films, Samson Films, Groove International (Sky Arts)
Young Plato, Soilsiu Films, Aisling Productions, Clin d’Oeil Films and Zadig Productions (RTÉ)

5 – THE NOMINEES | SPORT | with thanks to TVM

Anton O’Toole – Finscéal de Shaol GAA, Bankos Tales Productions (TG4)
The Connacht Way, Motherland (RTÉ)
Laochra Gael – Terence McNaughton, Nemeton TV (TG4)
Munster Vs South Africa A (Virgin Media Television)
Saipan – Rebel without a Ball, (RTÉ)

6 – THE NOMINEES | NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS | with thanks to Camerakit.ie

The Accountant, the Con, the Lies (RTÉ)
The Death of Ashling Murphy (Virgin Media News)
Eden Heaslip (RTÉ)
RTÉ Investigates: Missing Pieces (RTÉ)
Tragedy in Creeslough (Sky News)

7 – THE NOMINEES | ANIMATION | with thanks to Windmill Lane

Boy Girl Dog Cat Mouse Cheese, Kavaleer Productions, Watch Next Media, Cloud Co (RTÉ)
Fia’s Fairies, Little Moon Animation (RTÉjr)
The Ghastly Ghoul, Dream Logic Animation Studios and Lupus Films (RTÉ)
Kiva Can Do, Kavaleer Productions (RTÉ)
The Presenter, Cardel Entertainment (RTÉ)

8 – THE NOMINEES | SPECIALIST FACTUAL| with thanks to Ardán

An Buachaill Gealgháireach, Imagine Media (TG4)
Francis Bacon, The Outsider, Mount Venus Productions (RTÉ)
Ireland’s Dirty Laundry, New Decade TV (RTÉ & ARTE)
Maeve Binchy: The Magic of the Ordinary (RTÉ)
A Note for Nature, Crossing the Line Films (RTÉ)

9 – THE NOMINEES | CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME | with thanks to IMRO

Blast from the Past, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
Dizzy Deliveries, Macalla Teoranta (RTÉ)
Ireland’s Future is Mine, Tamber Media & Reverist (RTÉ)
The Imagination Machine, Firebrand Productions (RTÉ)
Storybud, Kite Entertainment (RTÉ)

10 – THE NOMINEES | FACTUAL ENTERTAINMENT | with thanks to Screenscene

Bagatelle – Ómós do Liam Reilly, Four Quadrant Films (TG4)
Generation Dating, Coco Content (Virgin Media)
Gogglebox Ireland, Kite Entertainment (Virgin Media)
Lucy Investigates, ADARE Productions (Virgin Media One)
Secrets from the Showroom (RTÉ)

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March 15, 2023