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Atlantic Lifeboat Summer Swim Launch with the RNLI

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Galway Daily news Atlantic Lifeboat Summer Swim Launch with the RNLI
Team members of Atlantic Masters Swimming Club attend the RNLI lifeboat station to launch the 6th annual Atlantic Lifeboat Swim

Last week saw the launch of the annual Atlantic Lifeboat Swim , hosted by the Atlantic Masters Swimming Club.

In its 6th year, the popular event will be held at Renville Pier on June 29, and is a key fundraiser for both the RNLI lifeboat station in Galway and the Oranmore Maree Coastal Search Unit.

Both of these organisations are entirely volunteer-run, and rely on fundraising efforts to purchase and maintain essential equipment.

The event has two distances for swimmers, a 400m at 10:30am, which is perfect as a first open water swim event, or for those who might be getting started. The swim route will run along the shoreline for 200m, to a turning point, and has full safety cover.

The 2km distance will kick off at 12:30pm, and will bring swimmers out across the bay before returning to the slip.

This year’s event will be rounded out with a BBQ in O’Reillys from 5pm, open to swimmers and non swimmers alike.

Over the previous 5 years, this event has raised in excess of €35,000. With this year’s event tying in with both Atlantic Masters 10 year anniversary, and the 200th year of the RNLI, the organisers are hoping to make this the best one yet!

Spokesperson for Atlantic Masters, Eimear Keane says, “We have all seen such a huge increase in the number of people swimming especially since Covid, it’s always reassuring to know that if anything was to happen in the water, we have these exceptional organisations that are there to help.”

“We hope we never need them, but we’re proud to be able to say thank you for their work by raising these funds.”

Galway chocolate company wins at National Enterprise Awards

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galway daily news gra chocolates at national enterprise awards
The Grá Chocolates team brought home the West Region award at the National Enterprise Awards held recently at the Mansion House in Dublin. Photo: Conor McCabe Photography.

Galway company Grá Chocolates were announced as winners at this year’s National Enterprise Awards which took place at the Mansion House in Dublin.

Grá Chocolates took home the ‘Best in the West Region Award’ at the annual awards organised by the Local Enterprise Offices.

Gráinne Mullins founded Grá Chocolates in her hometown of Kilchreest in 2020, and the business has gone from strength to strength.

Her creations use ethically sourced Valrhona Chocolate, Casa Luker cocoa butter and Irish cream and butter – resulting in decadent, small batch treats.

Grainne overcame the challenges of starting a new business during a pandemic and has built a strong brand and a sustainable business.

“I am so thrilled to have won the West of Ireland Award at the National Enterprise Awards,” said Grainne.

“To be recognised beside all of these incredible businesses is truly an honour after just a few years in business. Massive thanks to Team Grá for their relentless hard work!”

Acting Head of Enterprise at LEO Galway, Caroline McDonagh congratulated Grainne on her success at the National Enterprise Awards, saying that it is a testament to her work and values.

“This will be listed among some of her other accolades which includes having been listed on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023 for her innovation and leadership.

“We wish Grainne the best of luck next week in Copenhagen where she will be representing Ireland in the Creative business Cup.”

The overall winner at the National Enterprise Awards was Dreamdev Technologies who are supported by Local Enterprise Office Kildare.

DreamDev was set up by Eoin Barry and Douglas Augiar in 2019 with the aim of utilising online tools and software to enable faster digitalisation for companies.

Their flagship product, ‘the dot-star enterprise’ software platform enables software engineering teams to create their own bespoke software programmes which deliver results with significantly reduced resourcing requirements.

Several other companies won across a range of categories at the Awards, which were established by the Local Enterprise Offices to celebrate the impact and quality of small businesses across the country.

The National Enterprise Awards also celebrated 10 years since the inception of the Local Enterprise Offices in 2014 with several former winners attending on the evening.

Civic Reception honours Keith Finnegan after career spanning over 30 years

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Pictured left to right at the Civic Reception: Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council; Keith and Joan Finnegan; and Alison and Liam Carroll (Councillor and Cathaoirleach). Photo Galway County Council.

Galway County Council has hosted a Civic Reception in honour of Keith Finnegan who recently announced his departure from Galway Bay FM after a radio career spanning more than three decades.

The former host of the long-running ‘Galway Talks’ programme was joined by family and friends at the ceremony held in Áras an Chontae.

Keith launched his broadcasting career in 1989 with Galway Bay FM, then called Radio West, and has stayed with the station through the years since.

Keith hosted weekend music shows and was later appointed CEO of the radio station and the anchor presenter of the popular morning current affairs programme. He presented his final show during April.

Councillor Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “A Civic Reception is the highest honour that Galway County Council can bestow on any organisation, group or individual – and one that is – for Keith Finnegan – thoroughly deserved.”

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council added, “For 34 years, Keith has been a familiar voice to the people of Galway. His programme reached tens of thousands of people every day and, importantly for listeners, they too were able to reach him.”

“Combining social media and local radio has been central to the success of Galway Talks as it helped to strengthen community participation, especially for those whose voices otherwise would have gone unheard.”

He added, “Throughout my career, I have always valued the importance role that local media plays in Irish society.”

“Galway Bay FM affords local authorities like Galway County Council with a platform to communicate our message to the wider public but, more significantly, it also holds us to account in the work we do.”

“I wish Keith the very best for the future as I know he has plans for new projects and new adventures. His voice and the passion he showed for everything Galway over the past 34 years will be sorely missed from the airwaves,” concluded Mr. Conneally.

What Should I Look For in a Weight-Loss Program?

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A successful weight-loss programme such can assist with weight loss and help people to adopt a healthier lifestyle, encouraging good behaviours that might make you both lose the weight safely and more importantly, keep the weight off. It is important that whatever weight-loss program you choose offers full support on your weight loss journey. Check for these features in any weight-loss program you are thinking about trying.

Realistic Weight-Loss Goals

Effective weight-loss programmes will help you to set personalised realistic goals for your weight loss. Medical experts suggest that an initial goal weight-loss in the first 6 months should be 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your starting weight. If you weigh 200 lb, your goal can be to lose approximately 10 lb in the first 6 months.

A Low Calorie Healthy Eating Plan 

The fact is, those that are successful in assisting people to lose weight and keep it off do so by offering guidance and support to help you adapt to a calorie-restricted healthy eating plan.

Wherever the science takes us, there are a number of eating and drinking plans that can help to support weight loss, however, not every plan will work for you and different ones may be more or less compatible. What we know is that the best plan is the one that is science-based, that is optimised to your health, your cultural needs and preferences, and your values, and one that you will be able to stick with over the long-term.

Physical Activity Plan

Find out if the program you are interested in offers ways to help you be more physically active. Your weight-loss programme should include a plan for getting regular physical exercise. How much activity and what type you do depends on your individual health and physical ability. While higher levels of physical activity aren’t likely to make a big contribution to your own weight-loss efforts, they do have an important health benefit that isn’t dependent on weight loss. Some people might, over time, work up to 150 minutes or more a week of aerobic activity (jogging, dancing, swimming, biking, etc), or anything that gets your breathing and your heart rate up. For many people, physical activity may help them keep off any weight they do lose.

Guidance and Support for Adopting Healthy Habits

Proven weight-loss programmes support you in setting clear goals and tracking your progress in developing healthy lifestyle habits. The program should provide:

  • Monitoring your eating and drinking each day, monitoring your sleep each day, monitoring your activity each day, weighing yourself each week.
  • Advice or counselling on how to set and maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including goal setting, overcoming barriers and relapses.
  • Regular feedback, monitoring, and support throughout the programme­–face-to-face, by telephone, online, or a mix of the above methods.
  • The option of social support from a group.
  • A plan for keeping the weight off.

Summary

Keeping weight off is far from easy, especially as you get older. It’s important to keep up with the new changes of habit changes that led to the weight loss. Goals that can help you to stay off can include:

  • Following an appropriate eating plan for your new weight.
  • Getting 150 to 300 minutes or more of physical activity per week.
  • Monitoring your weight at least once a week.

Look for a programme that has had numerous success stories and offers post-weight loss support, perhaps counselling, to keep the weight off.

Galway electrical wholesaler wins at Ireland’s second AEW awards

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Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland (r) presenting Tommy Curran of Peter Curran Electric Ltd Galway with an award for 'Best Performing Branch’ for lighting recycling at Ireland’s second Association of Electrical Wholesalers (AEW) awards in Dublin recently. Sponsored by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the awards celebrated the best performers in lighting recycling across AEW’s 130 members in Ireland last year. Peter Curran Electric Ltd Galway was recognised for its green, sustainable business practices for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in 2023. Photo: Philip Magowan

Peter Curran Electric Ltd Galway scooped the award for ‘Best Performing Branch’ for lighting recycling at Ireland’s second Association of Electrical Wholesalers (AEW) awards in Dublin recently.

Sponsored by Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Ireland, the awards celebrated the best performers in lighting recycling across AEW’s 130 members in Ireland last year.

Peter Curran Electric Ltd Galway was recognised for its green, sustainable business practices   for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) in 2023.

“We are thrilled to be recognised for our commitment to recycling waste lighting from our customers,” said Tommy Curran of Peter Curran Electric Ltd Galway.

“This award is a significant morale boost for our team and reaffirms our dedication to making a positive environmental impact, no matter how small.”

A total of 14 lighting recycling recognition awards were handed out across the six wholesale trade buying groups that form the AEW – CEF, EWL Electric, Fegime, IEBG, Kellihers and the Independents – with two awards presented per group for Best Performing Branch and Most Improved Branch.

An additional two new awards were handed out for Best Performing Group, which went to IEBG, and Best Performing Branch for ‘WEEE Handling and Presentation”, awarded by WEEE Ireland’s recycling partner, Irish Lamps Recycling.

Twelve staff training awards were also presented along with two special recognition awards for individuals who have dedicated significant time and energy to the AEW and the electrical industry, serving as longstanding electrical wholesaler sector lighting recycling partners of WEEE Ireland.

Tony Cullen of Euro Sales received the first special recognition award for his 13-year tenure as AEW Treasurer, his involvement in setting up the WEEE Recycling scheme, and his strong advocacy for the AEW Staff Training Programme.

The second special recognition award was given to Noel Simpson of NJ Simpson Ltd, who has been a prominent figure in the AEW for many years, serving as both President and Chairman.

“A big well done to all our winners whose recycling efforts are delivering a positive impact on the environment over the long term,” said Leo Donovan, CEO, WEEE Ireland, as he presented the awards.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the AEW and its chair, Ken Legros, for their longstanding support of lighting recycling as well as Tony and Noel for their energy and commitment.

“WEEE Ireland is proud to continue its partnership with the lighting industry, particularly AEW members, to provide environmentally positive solutions for the takeback and recycling of waste lighting materials.”

WEEE Ireland works in partnership with AEW to facilitate the return and recycling of waste lighting across all 26 counties.

Recycling partner, Irish Lamps Recycling, works with electrical wholesalers and  contractors to collect waste lighting directly from their premises for processing at their EN 50625 certified facilities in Athy, Co Kildare.

Recycling lighting waste ensures that any harmful substances are removed safely and the valuable raw materials used in the production of these items can be recycled and given a new lease of life, supporting the circular economy.

Garda appeal for missing 84-year-old woman

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galway daily news

Gardaí are appealing to the public for help to locate 84-year-old Teresa Tannian, who has been missing from Gort since Saturday, May 25.

Teresa is described as approximately 5’2″ in height, of slim build, with short white hair.

She was last seen at approximately 7pm on Saturday evening at her home in Killina, and her family is anxious to make contact with her.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gort Garda Station at 091 636407, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Green light for affordable homes in County Galway

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Galway County Council has received planning approval from An Bord Pleanála for a new affordable housing development in Claregalway.

The council plans to build 88 new residential units divided into 39 houses and 14 apartment buildings on a 2.7-Hectare site owned by Galway County Council at Lakeview Road.

The project, which also features a crèche and community playground, will now progress to detailed design before being tendered for construction. It is envisaged that construction works will commence in 2025.

Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council said the scheme will deliver much needed housing for the area.

He added, “I have been impressed by the quality of the design proposed and I welcome the fact that the scheme includes landscaped open spaces and a playground facing Lakeview Road which will be accessible not only to the residents of the scheme, but to the entire community”.

The Baile Chláir scheme is the first Galway County Council own development under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ policy that will include for affordable housing in the county.

The development includes 2 four-bedroom, 19 three-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom houses and 14 apartment buildings made up of 15 three-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom and 13 one-bedroom units.

The houses are proposed to be 2 storeys high, while the apartment buildings will range from 2½ to 3 storeys high.

The development further includes car parking, hard and soft landscaping, site clearance works, roads, footways, amenity facilities, public lighting, signage, connections to existing services, and all ancillary site development works.

According to Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, “The development is in a highly desirable area, with local services and schools on its doorstep, and within a 10km commute to Galway City.”

“Uniquely, this development is in the Galway Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan (MASP) area and, as it is situated in a Gaeltacht, a number of the new units will be restricted to use by those who can demonstrate the ability to preserve and protect the language and culture of the Gaeltacht”.

Michael Owens, Director of Services complimented the staff of the local authority’s Housing section and the external design team led by VHA Architects for their work involved in bringing the proposal to this stage.

“One of the main features of this proposal is the considerable number of different unit types and buildings being offered, which are complemented by high quality useable open spaces,” added Mr. Owens.

“The proposal is in response to the envisaged variety of residents that will want to live in this new development.”

The Opacas to perform in Galway before recording new songs at Abbey Road

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galway daily news the opacas crossing the street for new documentary
Following in the footsteps of The Beatles, Galway band The Opacas will head to Abbey Road studios in London to record new songs – an experience that few Irish bands can boast of.
Ahead of the recording session, the band will play a show at The Loft @ Seven, Bridge Street, on Thursday 6 June where they will perform original material and covers of new songs by local emerging artists Jamie Colohan and Tomás Ó Cáinte.
Band members Steve Talbot, Peter Tobin, Pat Boyle, Mark Raynor, Mike McLoughlin, and Joe Treacy have been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to their debut album Carpe Diem, released last year.
The gig in The Loft will feature many songs from the album, as well as new material the band is set to record at the legendary Abbey Road studios in London – where The Beatles and Pink Floyd recorded ground-breaking and iconic albums.

“When the band started, our goal was to play as a support act in the Big Top at the Arts Festival,” says lead vocalist Steve Talbot, “but we just can’t seem to make that happen, so our goals are changing.

“Our new goal is to follow in the footsteps of The Beatles and do a recording session in Abbey Road.”

“When you get to our age, it’s all about living the dream. The live session we are going to do in Abbey Road will be released as an EP and you will hear our sound is developing from 1960s inspired vocal harmonies to a more edgier rock sound. I hope people like it,” said drummer Mike McLoughlin.

Support in The Loft will be provided by the fabulous Galway female vocal trio, KaRoSal (Kara Donohoe, Róna O’Riordan and Sarah Toomey).

A highlight of the gig will showcase a new single, ‘You Know Me’, which The Opacas and KaRoSal have collaborated on.

Many people will know the song from performances in Monroes and Roisin Dubh – this is a chance to hear it live before the single is released later this summer.

The collaboration with KaRoSal continues the consistent theme with The Opacas of working with local artists. The band are also going to perform covers of new songs by local emerging artists Jamie Colohan and Tomás Ó Cáinte.

“We saw Colohan play with Aileen Henderson at the Hopespace charity concert in April where they performed a new song called Barcelona,” said bass player Pat Boyle. “We loved it instantly and asked him if it would be OK for The Opacas to cover it. So that’s what’s happening.”

Last year Tomás Ó Cáinte collaborated with The Opacas as part of a documentary filmed by local filmmaker Greta Thornton.

The documentary followed The Opacas as they created and performed a song, ‘Shine On’, with Moycullen Musical Society. The documentary has been submitted to Galway Film Fleadh and will hopefully get screened this year.

As part of the engagement, Tomás played a song he wrote called ‘Billy the Kid’. The Opacas loved it and Tomás has given them permission to perform it as part of the set in The Loft.

Tickets are available at www.opacas.com

€13 million Athenry sewerage upgrades to be completed by Autumn

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Galway Daily news €13 million Athenry sewer upgrades

A €13 million upgrade to the sewer network in Athenry is in its final stages, and is due to be completed this Autumn.

The upgrade works have spanned over four kilometres of pipeline across key locations in Athenry, including L3103 (Raheen Woods Road), Gort Mhaoillir, Court Lane, Caheroyne Road and Bridge St among others.

All works have been completed, save the completion of permanent road surfacing. These final works will be completed over the summer months to minimise disruptions.

Additionally, a new pumping station at Pairc na hAbhainn has been built, commissioned, and connected to the existing wastewater treatment plant.

Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager Colm Claffey noted that the project will address non-compliant overflows into the River Clarin and sewer flooding in the town, whilst also enhancing the overall capacity and operational efficiency of the town’s sewer system.

“This new wastewater infrastructure will meet the needs of homes and businesses, while providing capacity for current and future growth and development in Athenry,” he said.

Coffey Construction Ltd is delivering the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann and we will continue to update the local community in Athenry as this project nears completion.

Effective Coursework Writing Strategies for Students at National University of Ireland, Galway 

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Galway Daily news NUIG and GMIT receive almost €500k for mental health supports

The first step to successful coursework writing is understanding the assignment’s requirements. Read the instructions carefully and make sure you grasp what is expected of you. Identify the key points, deadlines, and grading criteria. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask your professor or teaching assistant for clarification. If you still find yourself struggling with understanding or meeting the requirements, consider using a coursework writing service like Ukwritings. This service provides professional assistance from experienced writers who can help you comprehend the assignment instructions and craft a well-written coursework that meets all the necessary criteria. 

  • Plan Your Time

Proper time management is crucial for completing coursework effectively. Break down the assignment into smaller tasks and create a schedule that allocates time for research, writing, and revisions. Start early to avoid last-minute rushes and ensure you have enough time to produce high-quality work.

  • Establish a Conducive Study Environment

Creating a suitable study environment can significantly enhance your productivity and focus. Find a quiet space free from distractions, where you can concentrate on your coursework without interruptions. Ensure you have all the necessary materials and resources within reach, including your research materials, writing tools, and any relevant software or applications.

  • Conduct Thorough Research

Effective research is the foundation of a well-written coursework assignment. Instead of considering the question “Should I pay someone for my paper writing?“, focus on developing your research skills, as they are essential not only for coursework but also for future scholarship applications and academic pursuits. Use the university library and online resources to gather relevant and credible information from academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Take notes, organize your sources, and ensure you have a solid understanding of the topic before you start writing. 

  • Develop an Outline

An outline serves as a roadmap for your coursework, helping you organize your thoughts and ensuring a logical flow of ideas. Start with a clear introduction that states your thesis or main argument. Then, divide your body paragraphs into subsections that address different aspects of your topic. Finally, conclude with a summary of your key points and any final thoughts or recommendations.

  • Structuring Your Outline

When creating your outline, consider using a hierarchical structure with main points and supporting sub-points. This will help you visualize the flow of your ideas and ensure that each section builds upon the previous one. Additionally, you can use bullet points or numbering to organize your thoughts and make it easier to rearrange or expand on specific sections as needed.

  • Write a Compelling Introduction

Your introduction is the first impression your reader will have, so make it count. Engage your audience with a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, or a relevant anecdote. Clearly state your thesis or main argument, and provide a brief overview of the key points you will cover in your coursework.

  • Support Your Arguments

Throughout your coursework, provide strong evidence and examples to support your arguments. Use quotes, statistics, and other relevant data from your research to back up your claims. Ensure that your sources are properly cited according to the required citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

  • Integrating Sources Effectively

When incorporating sources into your coursework, aim for seamless integration. Avoid excessive quotations and focus on paraphrasing and summarizing the key ideas in your own words. Additionally, be sure to provide a brief analysis or commentary after each quote or paraphrased passage to demonstrate your understanding and critical thinking skills.

  • Use Clear and Concise Language

Effective communication is essential in academic writing. Use clear, concise language and avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. Remember, your goal is to convey your ideas in a way that is easy for your reader to understand.

  • Active Voice and Transitional Phrases

Whenever possible, use active voice to make your writing more direct and engaging. Additionally, incorporate transitional phrases and words (e.g., “furthermore,” “however,” “in addition”) to establish logical connections between your ideas and create a smooth flow throughout your coursework.

  • Review and Revise

Once you have completed your initial draft, take a break and return to it with fresh eyes. Read through your coursework and identify areas that need improvement. Check for logical flow, clarity, and proper use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Don’t be afraid to revise and rework sections to enhance the overall quality of your work.

  • Proofreading Techniques

Effective proofreading is essential to catch any errors or inconsistencies in your coursework. Consider reading your work aloud, as this can help you identify awkward phrasing or unclear sentences. Additionally, you can use online tools or writing centers to assist with grammar, spelling, and style checks.

  • Seek Feedback

Before submitting your coursework, consider seeking feedback from your peers, a writing tutor, or your professor. They may provide valuable insights and suggestions that can help you strengthen your arguments, improve your writing style, or address any weaknesses in your work.

  • Incorporating Feedback

When receiving feedback, approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take the time to carefully consider the suggestions and determine which ones align with your vision for the coursework. Remember, feedback is an opportunity for growth and improvement, not a personal critique.

  • Follow Formatting Guidelines

Pay close attention to the formatting requirements specified by your professor or the university. This may include guidelines for font, margins, line spacing, headings, and citations. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates your attention to detail and respect for academic conventions.

  • Conclusion

By following these effective coursework writing strategies, you can produce high-quality assignments that showcase your knowledge, critical thinking skills, and commitment to academic excellence at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Remember, writing is a process that requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to continuously improve. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that coursework writing presents, and use them as stepping stones toward becoming a more confident and proficient academic writer.

The Longest Day Swim 2024 – ‘Swim the Corrib – County to City’

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Menlo Castle seen from across the Corrib

On June 22, Galway Swimming Club is proud to be hosting the Longest Day Swim 2024 down the river Corrib.

This charity river swim gives participants the chance to swim down the fabulous River Corrib, passing many of Galway’s favourite landmarks including the University of Galway, Menlo Castle, Steamboat Quay and swimming under the Quincentennial Bridge.

This is a not to be missed opportunity to see Galway from a unique perspective!

The inaugural running of the event was in 2019, since when it has steadily grown and is now a key race on the Galway Open Water Swimming Calendar.

With previous competitors including Ex-US Olympic swimmers Gunnar Bentz, Peter Vanderkaay and Davis Tarwater, the event has earned praise for its charity support and welcoming atmosphere!

The Longest Day Swim is a timed, open water river swim for over 18’s which attracts all standards of open water swimmers and triathletes: from fun swimmers to elite athletes, all are welcome.

The event aims to promote awareness of the positive physical and mental health benefits of swimming, whilst raising crucial funds for this year’s charity partner, Claddagh Watch.

There are two swims available, with each distance having Male/Female and Skins/Suits categories. A 4km swim starting at Glenlo Abbey and a 2.5km version starting at the slip in Dangan.

Swimmers will have to navigate their way across the Corrib from their starting points and then head downstream to the finish line at Steamers’ Quay (Woodquay just above the Salmon Weir).

The 4K swim starts from The Glenlo Abbey Hotel, while the 2.5K swim starts from NUIG Dangan. Both swims finish up at the Commercial Boat Club at Waterside, Woodquay.

Participants will get a GSC “Longest Day Swim” swimming hat, a Longest Day Swim 2024 gift, a goodie bag filled with water, fruit etc, some tasty food after your swim where you can relax at the Awards ceremony, as well as supporting the GSC and Claddagh Watch charity.

You can register at: https://www.galwayswimmingclub.ie/longest-day-swim

Cois Fharraige community showcased in TG4 series

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The stretch of coast along Galway Bay running west from Na Forbacha to Ros an Mhíl is widely known as Cois Fharraige. With its proximity to Galway City, the area is a popular tourist destination and home to a creative and vibrant rural community.

In this new series, we spend the summer months of 2023 in the company of some of Cois Fharraige’s characters during their busiest time of year.

In the first episode of Pobal Cois Fharraige, we meet Breda Hughes from An Spidéal Tidy Towns Committee who want to ensure the village looks well in the lead up to the summer months.

We meet Diarmuid Ó Conghaile and his rowing crew during their final training session before the Féile an Spidéil regatta. We join Tony Antaine Ó Curraoin and his son Antoine from An Cnocán Glas on one of their trips to the shore to collect shellfish and seaweed.

The show will also provide insight into this year’s Féile an Spidéil, whose organisers are hoping for fair weather and a fiercely competitive day of boat racing.

In the second episode of Pobal Cois Fharraige, we meet Tommy and Patrick Connolly who are embarking on a journey with their new business venture Galway Girl Cruises. It’s a big day for Coláiste Chamuis and Siobhán Bairéad as hundreds of students start to arrive at the Irish College.

We visit Sorcas Le Croí, an Irish language circus that has arrived in the area and meet local student Colm Seoighe from Ros an Mhíl who will perform in the circus for the very first time.

In this episode we meet Caoilfhionn de Bhaldraithe from Sruth Yoga as she sets up her beach yoga classes. We visit the craft village in An Spidéal, where the owner of An Spailpín Fánach, Gearóid Ó Murchú, is celebrating a special occasion.

Catch up with the Connolly brothers who are preparing for Galway Girl Cruises’ maiden voyage. Bean an tí Linda Geoghegan has a full house of Irish language students and we meet Máirtín Ó Cualáin who is waiting patiently for a spell of good weather so he can save his hay.

In the series finale we return to Coláiste Chamuis who are celebrating fifty years since they began welcoming students to the Gaeltacht. We’ll join the local community at Taispeántas Chois Fharraige who proudly display the fruits of the summer’s labour.

The big day has finally arrived for Tommy and Patrick Connolly and their new business venture Galway Girl Cruises as they prepare for its maiden voyage.

We’ll catch up with Máirtín Choilm Ó Cualáin to see if he has managed to save any hay given the bad weather. Is there fine weather on the horizon?

Buy TikTok Followers: Top 8 Rated Sites You Must Try

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The TikTok realm is a sprawling landscape of quirky dances, audacious trends, and the relentless quest for eyes on your content. But let’s be real – building a dedicated throng of followers takes serious hustle. If catapulting your TikTok presence into the spotlight is the goal, sometimes a strategic boost might be just what the algorithm ordered. That’s where services that sell TikTok followers step onto the stage.

The Top 8 TikTok Follower Services

Before we move ahead with our top 8 picks, a word of caution – the world of TikTok growth services is as murky as an unfiltered iced latte. You’ll encounter promises of instant fame and legions of bot followers, but navigating this territory demands a discerning eye.

1. Buzzoid: Bold Claims with a Solid Backing

It’s a familiar tune – promises of rapid gains and whispers of mysterious algorithms doing the heavy lifting on your behalf. However, Buzzoid throws a curveball by positioning itself as a champion of gradual growth. They suggest that flooding your account with followers overnight is a recipe for raising TikTok’s suspicions. Instead, they offer packages catering to different appetites for growth. This approach might instill a sense of cautious trust, but whether their followers deliver real engagement or are a slightly fancier breed of bot… that’s something worth investigating.

2. Twicsy: Promise of Quality Over Quantity

Their philosophy rests on delivering real followers, not just digital ghosts haunting your follower count. Think of it this way: fake followers might inflate your vanity metrics, but you can’t expect them to suddenly develop a deep appreciation for your niche cat content. Twicsy’s focus on fostering a following of actual TikTok users suggests potential for authentic engagement. They weave in notions of organic growth, where the initial boost they provide can serve as a springboard for attracting even more genuine followers as your freshly embellished profile catches some eyes.

  • One of the best sites to get mostly organic followers.
  • Can give a big boost to any TikTok account. Good results across social media platforms. Also, expect a major boost to the TikTok likes you get.

3. TokMatik: Tangible Results, Now

TokMatik’s pitch revolves around the claim of instant gratification and tangible results. They understand the yearning for the telltale tick-tick-tick of that follower count climbing. While tempting, it’s the classic battle of short-term reward versus the longevity of your TikTok persona.  TokMatik positions itself as a quick fix, a jolt of popularity when you’re impatient for the spotlight. Their promise of safety and refill guarantees might offer some degree of security, but don’t let that distract you from the potential artificiality of the growth they provide.

  • Increase your number of followers with not just fake bots, but real people and actual TikTok fans that move the needed.
  • A bunch of active TikTok followers drip-fed to your account can bolster your social media presence and take your TikTok profile to a wider audience.

4. Rushmax: A Diversified Arsenal

While known for its Instagram growth services, it casts its net toward the land of TikTok as well. They offer an intriguing twist – the ability to target followers who align with your content niche or hail from a specific location. If crafting a dedicated local following with shared interests is your goal, this targeted approach might prove alluring. However, this added layer of customization might come at a premium cost, something to weigh against the potential gain of niche followers.

  • Buy real TikTok followers are lower rates. Rushmax offers quality services with a good mix of active users, as in authentic followers, and fake accounts.

5. UltraTok: Decent Alternative

UltraTok doesn’t just sell followers, it sells an attitude. It scoffs at playing by the rules, boasting “disruptive” tactics to hack the algorithm and unleash viral potential onto your profile. It’s a siren call for those with a rebellious streak, those who see the steady grind of organic growth as a relic of the past. UltraTok winks with the promise of quick, head-turning numbers, and a sprinkle of controversy might be part of the package.

But be warned – such promises often come with the risk of leaving your account worse for wear if TikTok’s all-seeing eye catches onto the antics.

  • Overall good for social media marketing, but can’t be used to build a fan base.

6. TikTokNow: Well-Rounded Service

TikTokNow doesn’t concern itself with flowery promises or complex strategies. It positions itself as the no-nonsense answer to your follower woes. Instant delivery is the name of the game – if patience isn’t your strong suit, TikTokNow offers the jolt of instant gratification. Yet, its simplicity also raises questions. Just how “real” are these lightning-fast followers? Will they disappear as quickly as they arrived?

It’s a gamble, a shot in the dark for those desperately seeking a quick visual boost.

  • No game-changer here, but the service does offer low prices.

7. Follow24: For Short-Term Boosts

Follow24 takes a more methodical approach. It preaches the value of consistency, its packages touting steady follower deliveries spread across days or weeks. This strategy aims to mimic the patterns of natural growth, hoping to slip undetected under TikTok’s watchful gaze.

They play the long game, promising a gradual climb to influencer status without the fireworks of overnight popularity explosions. Whether this methodical approach yields a more authentic following remains to be seen.

  • Ideal for businesses looking for a proper growth strategy focused on the short term.

8. Violetnova: Ideal for Small Businesses

Violetnova arrives cloaked in the language of technology and innovation. They speak of advanced algorithms, customized targeting, and hyper-personalized follower matching. It’s enough to make any TikToker’s head spin with visions of a perfectly tailored audience. Their approach seems designed to instill a sense of confidence, a belief that science and data are driving the results.

But a healthy dose of skepticism is always wise – how much of this is sophisticated marketing, and how much is truly groundbreaking in the unpredictable world of TikTok growth services?

  • One of the most reliable service providers for small business needs (mainly with online presence).

What to Know Before You Buy?

If you do choose to buy, make it an informed decision. Scrutinize the services, consider the potential risks, and be realistic about your expectations. Sites like Twicsy, Buzzoid, Rushmax, and  TokMatik each offer distinct advantages, from slow-burn quality to instant gratification. Finding the best service for you means understanding your specific needs. Need lightning-fast delivery for a limited-time promotion? Buzzoid might be your answer. Long-term, audience-specific growth your goal? Take a closer look at Twicsy and its targeted approach.

The checkout process shouldn’t be a mystery, so prioritize sites with clear pricing and secure payment options like Apple Pay. If any red flags pop up, trust your instincts. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a service’s support team with any questions or concerns. Ultimately, the world of TikTok followers is a tool at your disposal.

Wield it wisely, always keep an eye on those TikTok reels, photos, and views, and use it strategically to build the social presence you’ve envisioned. Because at the end of the day, followers are just a number – but genuine engagement with your audience is where the real magic happens.

Before committing to any service, take the time to do your research. Look for options that align with your budget and growth goals. Does fast delivery matter, or are you okay with a more gradual boost? Do you value detailed targeting or is a quick burst of general followers enough? Most importantly, choose services that prioritize safety. Opt for those promising real followers and accounts to avoid getting flagged by the TikTok algorithm.

Don’t let buying followers be your only strategy. Even the best service can’t magically replace quality content and smart hashtags. Think of followers as fuel for your TikTok growth engine, but you’ll still need to design the vehicle and steer it in the right direction. Look for providers with a helpful customer support team that can offer guidance, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before your purchase. Sites like Twicsy and  TokMatik offer reliable customer support, which is key.

Who Should Be Buying TikTok Followers?

Let’s cut through the sugarcoating – buying TikTok followers is a dance on the edge of the algorithm’s fickle tolerance. It’s a gamble with your online reputation and a shortcut with unpredictable results. So, who dares tread this path?

  • The Impatient Influencer: You’ve got the moves, the charisma, and a burning desire to stand out amidst TikTok’s crowded stage. You create killer content, but the organic growth feels agonizingly slow. A strategic boost of followers may give your profile the eye-catching edge it needs to snag some genuine attention. But remember, bought followers won’t replace quality content in the long run.
  • The Budding Business: Your brand is fresh on the TikTok scene, and you need some traction to showcase social proof. A dash of purchased followers could spice up your profile, making it seem established enough for potential customers to take you seriously. Just keep in mind, those followers won’t buy your products – you’ll still need to charm them into loyal customers the hard way.
  • The Experimental Marketer: You’re a data hound, a curious soul who isn’t afraid to peek behind TikTok’s veil. Buying followers becomes less about vanity metrics and more about analyzing how it affects your overall reach and engagement. There’s potential knowledge to be extracted here, but tread lightly because TikTok is wise to such schemes.

Note: Buying followers is like a shot of adrenaline for your TikTok presence. It might give you a temporary boost, but it’s no substitute for the steady heartbeat of authentic engagement and quality content. Consider it a risky tool, not a recipe for lasting success.

Making the Choice

Okay, let’s shuffle these services like a rogue algorithm and see which ones rise to the top of the feed. We’ve got a motley crew here, so understanding their strengths and quirks will help you choose.

Twicsy and Buzzoid seem to be leading the pack with their focus on real followers and a touch of strategic thinking. If you’re searching for some semblance of authenticity within this risky endeavor, these two deserve consideration.  TokMatik comes in a close third with its promises of fast results, but its long-term value remains questionable. Rushmax’s niche targeting might be a wildcard, especially if your goal is building a highly localized or specialized audience.

UltraTok and TikTokNow are like those friends who always invite you on questionable adventures. UltraTok is wild and a potential red flag for TikTok’s watchful eye, while TikTokNow’s simplicity might just mask a swarm of very basic bots. Proceed with extreme caution.

Follow24 and Violetnova are shrouded in a mix of promises and buzzwords. Follow24’s slow and steady approach offers a touch of realism, while Violetnova’s tech-focused lingo might be more smoke and mirrors than revolutionary algorithms. They might hold potential but remain high-risk bets.

Picking the “best” service is like searching for a needle of genuine engagement in a haystack of digital facades. Even with the top-rated services, there’s always an element of chance when you’re buying followers. It’s crucial to weigh potential benefits against the risk of damaging your account’s reputation. If you decide to take the leap, tread lightly, keep your expectations realistic, and always prioritize the creation of truly engaging content.

In Conclusion

In today’s visually-driven social media world, amassing a large TikTok following can seem like the key to influence and success. But do those coveted “followers” really translate to something tangible? The answer, as with many things on social media, is nuanced.

  • Humans are inherently social creatures. Whether consciously or not, we look to others to gauge what’s interesting, trendy, and trustworthy. On TikTok, a high follower count acts as a sign of social proof. Seeing that thousands of others are interested in what you have to say builds credibility and makes potential new followers more likely to hit that “follow” button themselves.
  • It’s no secret that TikTok’s algorithm can be ruthless. Having a larger network of followers increases your chances of showing up in For You feeds and suggested content. This organic reach can be invaluable. However, it’s important to remember that engagement matters – purchased followers who don’t interact won’t help you much with the algorithm.
  • For aspiring influencers and content creators, a substantial follower base is like a currency. It attracts brand partnerships, paid sponsorships, and those coveted “swipe up” opportunities. A large audience signals to businesses that you have the power to influence purchasing decisions.

All in all, we’d say that if you do it right, buying high-quality TikTok followers can do wonders for you.

Ready to dive in? Whether you’re looking for cheap TikTok followers to test the waters or premium followers to supercharge a campaign, the options outlined in this article give you a great starting point. Secure payment methods add convenience. Just remember, provide your correct TikTok username, explore the range of packages carefully, and most importantly, keep creating content worth following!

Distributors are making efforts to meet e-commerce clients’ demands

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Young latin man and entrepreneur with a lot of orders at his online shop. Business owner writing customers' information on a clipboard

After a supply chain stretch and market disruption that extended over several years, distributors are enhancing their e-commerce growth strategies and adapting to the demands of their clients. In doing so, they focus on providing more value and ensuring a better experience for careful buyers. Today’s world is moving at a fast pace, and in such an environment, convenience becomes essential for customers – this is particularly true after the pandemic, which shifted in-person interactions to the digital realm, leading B2B procurement teams to navigate digital services. As a result, they still expect a streamlined personalization in a post-pandemic world.

But with these greater expectations comes a more significant risk because distributors can’t afford to take their customers for granted anymore – making a mistake could be costly, causing them to lose valuable customers for good. Therefore, it becomes essential to go above and beyond to ensure a solid customer base, which will keep your business thriving in the long run. Distributors are well aware of these things and are taking the necessary actions to step up their game and meet customers’ shifting expectations as much as possible. Let’s further take a look at the tools they are employing in the process. 

E-commerce personalization

E-commerce personalization has become popular not only in the B2C space but also for B2Bs, with customers expecting distributors to offer a tailored experience. But is this achievable? And if so, how? First and foremost, it has a lot to do with customer segmentation, namely, defining who the customers are. This can be challenging at first, but it’s all about splitting customers into market segments and then deciding how to implement a sales approach that offers a certain level of personalization at a larger scale. Let’s say that an industrial customer logs into a distributor’s website. In this case, they expect to see specific categories and promotions or find an extra business value benefit unique for this particular customer. One essential aspect of this segmentation could be the integration of ERP data, but there are other ways you can add a personalization touch, like using the customer’s name to greet them or incorporating their brand’s logo on their login screen. 

All of this may sound complicated, but personalization is essentially about understanding your customers and serving them effectively with your services and products. However, since customer interactions are so varied, it can be challenging to provide tailored experiences by relying on traditional data analytics only, which is why many distributors have turned to AI – specifically, Machine Learning algorithms, which can provide richer insights and enhance the customer experience through customizable pricing, and tailored content. 

Third-party e-commerce

The adoption of B2B e-commerce has increased along with buyers’ expectations, and 51% of ventures that make at least $1 billion in revenue showcase ecommerce capabilities. But it’s worth noting that the scale of ecommerce isn’t the only one that grows – the actual order size does so, too, and in this context, relying on third-party sellers becomes an essential step to take, as it allows distributors to extend their product catalogs effectively and without exposing themselves to the inventory risk. When you feel like you don’t have enough time to grow your business, it makes sense to choose a third-party e-commerce solution, and a fulfilment center is a great way to get started with outsourcing your warehousing and shipping. Monta Services is one such company that will help you get orders correct and on time, eliminating the hassle of managing a complex supply chain. 

Dropshipping and marketplaces are two main models that bypass significant distribution costs, inventory, logistics, etc. Simultaneously, ventures can expand their offerings and build long-lasting relationships with suppliers by securing product discounts and lowering the cost of goods, which will ultimately enhance their profit margins. In fact, studies have shown that launching a marketplace has helped distributors experience a 42% revenue growth and a 44% growth in customers, as well as a 36% increase in Average Order Value. Fortunately, dropshipping and marketplaces don’t necessarily have to be used separately – if it makes sense for your venture, you can take advantage of both models and experience all the great benefits. 

Shipping and delivery based on consumer style

Traditionally, B2B fulfilment is about delivering bulk orders on an established schedule, but it’s worth noting that this may not be as effective today, as buyers now seek the same convenience and flexibility they get from B2C online stores. Consumers are accustomed to last-mile delivery and shipping providers bringing a package to their doors, while B2B relies on third-party logistics that provide less than truckload or full-truck load carriers. 

Luckily, solutions for last-mile delivery are becoming increasingly innovative, allowing B2B businesses to meet customers’ demands, while LTL carriers are enhancing their processes as well, offering consistent updates on the status of their deliveries. As a result, B2B distributors can extend their shipping offers, providing expedited delivery, often achieved through reliable logistics partners such as Monta, real-time updates and tracking, multiple carriers at various price points, and scheduled deliveries that allow customers to choose different locations and dates. 

Product data cleaning through generative AI

Generative AI is an innovative technology that has gained a lot of attention in the B2B sector, and while it’s still in its infancy – after all, ChatGPT was only launched in 2022- it’s hard to overlook its role in business, particularly regarding product data. Among distributors, only 7% report being extremely satisfied with their product data’s quality and completeness, and this happens mainly because expansive product catalogs make it challenging to guarantee data quality and consistency. Moreover, when it comes to marketplaces, a common challenge is that each has a responsibility to provide and maintain their product data with multiple vendors. This leads to inconsistent labels, inaccuracies, missing information, and duplicate listings, to name just a few. 

Lackluster data negatively impacts customers’ experience—for example, a buyer could place an order based on inaccurate product dimensions. Fortunately, AI can mitigate these risks in different ways, as it can generate product descriptions, titles, and attributes, reference specific guidelines, and apply metadata to offer more context and enhance search results’ relevancy. Overall, generative AI is a helpful tool that supercharges the functionality of the entire marketplace search. 

Takeaway

As highlighted in the blog, buyer expectations have evolved significantly, making it essential to adopt a consumer-centric approach – especially in an overcrowded market. Innovating will be critical to meet the changing demands of customers as if you don’t provide them with top-notch experience, someone else will. Fortunately, many solutions are available – you just need to be quick to adopt them, and if you do so, you will position yourself for success in the e-commerce landscape. 

Has Diana Gone Too Far? A Point of No Return in Ros na Rún

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Galway Daily television To kill or not to kill? That is the big question in Ros na Rún

Has Diana gone too far? Bobbi Lee is left with a difficult decision, and is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Sonia & Colm in Ros na Rún.

As Frankie’s body is wheeled out of Tigh Thaidgh, Mack and Tadhg are left stunned.
However, Tadhg and Mack also have some questions for Diana, and summon her to the crime scene.

Diana maintains a cool composure but is panicking internally when she realizes that Tadhg is onto her. Will she be able to cover her tracks, or is the truth about to come out?

Bobbi Lee and Niall’s relationship is hanging on by a thread. Meanwhile, Colm informs Niall about the rumours that he had connections to Frankie. But when Bobbi Lees overhears Niall denying this, her growing resentment towards him is fueled.

Bobbi Lee is left with a difficult decision. Will she remain in her failing marriage or is it time to take matters into her own hands?

Things are icy between Colm and Sonia after getting their wires crossed and Sonia becomes even more frustrated when Colm won’t stop making a fuss over her.

However, Colm’s hope is restored after a conversation with David and he knows exactly what he needs to do. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Colm and Sonia?

Crystal goes from feeling nervous after learning that Cam has been released from prison to being relieved to know he does not want his parents to visit him yet.

Meanwhile, the Derranes are busy as today is the Modular Homes launch and Crystal remains on the fence about coming clean to her family. However, a surprise visitor shows up to the launch. Is all havoc about to reign?  

Catch up on the latest shocking developments in Ros na Rún in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.

New system for detecting uninsured vehicles formally launched

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Galway Daily news National Slow Down Day traffic operation after road deaths

More than 7,000 vehicles have been seized using a new system for detecting uninsured vehicles introduced early this year.

A new system which allows members of An Garda Síochána to quickly and easily identify uninsured vehicles has been formally launched.

More than 13,000 Gardaí working nationwide can now check a vehicle insurance status while on the roadside by checking its registration on the Garda Mobility App.

Following its introduction, the new system has led to the seizure of 7,307 vehicles since January 2024, with 1,840 vehicles being seized in the month of April alone due to no insurance.

This new system to support An Garda Síochána was co-ordinated through much collaboration between the Department of Transport, the Department of Justice, An Garda Síochána, Insurance Ireland and the MIBI.

It follows legislative change and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding agreement between An Garda Síochána and the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland.

On a daily basis, the MIBI now provides An Garda Síochána with the insurance details of over 3 million vehicles that are operating on Irish roads via the Irish Motor Insurance Database (IMID).

Garda Síochána Assistant Commissioner Roads Policing and Community Engagement, Paula Hilman said, “By having access to the Irish Motor Insurance Database through our Garda Mobility Devices, Gardaí are in a stronger position to detect those breaking the law by driving without insurance.”

“Improved technology and data sharing are helping to transform roads policing in Ireland and ultimately help An Garda Síochána to keep road users safe. Today’s launch shows the considerable progress that can be achieved when we work in partnership and share data.”

Research from the MIBI indicates that there is a high number of uninsured vehicles operating on our roads.

In 2022, there were approximately 188,000 uninsured private vehicles in this country, meaning 1 in every 12 private vehicles were uninsured.

This research also shows that Ireland is among the highest ranking European countries for uninsured vehicles – three times as high as in the UK and four times the EU average.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee T.D. said, “The Irish Motor Insurance Database is an important tool for An Garda Síochána to detect and pursue those who drive on our roads without insurance.”

“The information sharing between the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and An Garda Síochána, will play a significant role in improving road safety and I thank everybody involved for their work on developing and progressing this initiative.

Buy Instagram Likes: 5 Best Sites for Quick Engagement Boost

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Instagram likes are much more than an Instagram metric. For many users, IG likes are social proof that your content is worth checking out. The more likes you have, the more users will pay closer attention to your posts. It sounds straightforward, right? The hard part comes when you have to get a high number of likes through organic growth, and quality content doesn’t seem to be enough.

If you’re struggling to achieve your goals with your Instagram profile, you can invest in paid social media marketing strategies such as purchasing Instagram likes. Having a high number of likes on your posts will increase your engagement rate and reach new followers as well as potential customers.

In this article, you’ll find the best sites to buy Instagram likes to improve your social media presence.

Buzzoid

With hundreds of positive customer reviews, Buzzoid tops the list as one of the best sites to buy Instagram likes. While most sites only offer instant delivery of likes packages, Buzzoid also provides a gradual turnaround. This is a sophisticated procedure based on extensive research of Instagram’s algorithm. Using the time zone of where the account is registered, Buzzoid delivers purchased likes at the right time so Instagram’s spam filter won’t detect terms infringement. The gradual turnaround of your likes packages may take up to 24 hours.

Main Features

  • Premium likes. While high-quality likes come from real users, premium likes come from active accounts from your target audience. This increases your chances of getting real followers and showing up on the Explore page of potential followers.
  • Split likes. You can decide whether all your purchased likes go to one or multiple posts.
  • Affordable prices. Investing in Insta likes is one of the most affordable social media marketing strategies. Depending on the number of likes you purchase, you can save up to 75%.
  • Instant likes. For a monthly fee, you can get automatic like packages for every new post you upload to Instagram.

Twicsy

Second on the list for being a reputable and reliable Instagram service provider, Twicsy prides itself on processing orders within minutes of completing the payment. With Twicsy, your Instagram account will be secure as every like comes from real Instagram users. In contrast, likes from fake accounts or bots will disappear over time, alerting Instagram’s spam filter of an infringement of the platform’s terms.

Main Features

  • No password requirements. With Twicsy, you only have to provide your Instagram username and email.
  • Customer support availability. If you have inquiries about how Instagram likes packages work or need assistance with your order, Twicsy’s specialist team is available 24/7 to assist you.
  • Bonus video views. Using Instagram likes packages will improve all your metrics, including video views, which are included in Twicsy’s social media account services.

Rushmax

Having a high number of likes on your Instagram page has proven to be the best strategy for increasing an account’s engagement rate. The more likes you have, the more people will consider your Instagram profile worth watching. If you want to improve your Instagram views and reach potential new followers of your target audience, trust Rushmax to provide you with high-quality likes from real accounts.

Main Features

  • Various payment methods. You can pay for your order using a debit and credit card or via Paypal. Rushmax guarantees the safety of your personal information.
  • Guaranteed delivery. Your likes package order will be processed immediately, and likes will appear on your account a few minutes later. Depending on the number of likes you purchase, the turnaround may take up to 24 hours. If by any chance you’re not satisfied with the service, Rushmax guarantees a full refund.
  • Free replacements of likes. With Rushmax, you can be sure your purchased likes will stay in your posts forever. If one of them disappears, Rushmax will replace it immediately.

InstaPort

InstaPort is a trustworthy social media service provider that knows the best strategies to achieve Instagram engagement and helps you implement them. Having many likes on your Instagram posts isn’t only for show. Numerous likes on your photos and videos will attract more attention and possibly garner more likes for your posts and new followers. Additionally, a high number of likes makes Instagram’s algorithm catalog your content as valuable and start showing it to a broader audience.

Main Features

  • Get real likes. InstaPort provides real Instagram likes from authentic accounts. These guarantees that your likes won’t disappear over time and that your account won’t get suspended or banned for infringing on Instagram’s terms of use.
  • Responsive support team. If you need assistance placing your order or have additional questions on how likes services can promote organic growth, you can contact InstaPort’s support team to clear all your doubts.
  • Flexible delivery. You can choose if the likes package you purchase at InstaPort will be delivered instantly or gradually. 

TokMatik

If you’re just starting on Instagram or haven’t succeeded in getting organic growth, TokMatik has everything you need to boost your account. TokMatik provides high-quality likes from real Instagram users to increase the visibility of your posts. With TokMatik, you can get from 100 to 10,000 likes at reasonable prices and see your account’s metrics grow.

Main Features

  • No password required. To purchase likes at TokMatik, you won’t have to provide your account’s password or any other information that could jeopardize its safety.
  • Instant delivery. It takes TokMatik only a few minutes to process your order and start delivering your likes package.
  • Free trial. If you want to verify the effectiveness of purchasing Instagram likes, you can get 100 free likes and try TokMatik’s high-quality services before committing to a package.

Promote Organic Growth With Purchased Likes

Purchasing Instagram likes is one of the most effective paid strategies for promoting your account’s organic growth. When your posts get many likes, they attract the attention of a broader audience, and your posts start showing up on the Explore pages of potential followers.

On the best sites to buy Instagram likes, you can also buy Instagram followers for your target audience and comments for your posts. What’s best about these sites is that they aren’t limited to Instagram, as most of them provide services for the most popular social media platforms. 

Check out the best sites to buy Instagram likes and start strategizing to succeed.

Galway Film Fleadh to honour Brian Cox for outstanding achievement

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galway daily news film fleadh honours brian cox

The Galway Film Fleadh is set to welcome star of stage and screen Brian Cox for a highly anticipated public interview as part of the 36th edition of the festival.

During the festival, Cox will be honoured with the Galway Hooker Award for Outstanding Achievement, the festival’s highest award.

Cox, most recently known for his role in HBO’s Succession, has established himself as a versatile performer, garnering critical acclaim and prestigious awards.

His accolades include a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series and a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series for his remarkable portrayal of Hermann Goering in Nuremberg.

His extensive film credits include Troy, Zodiac, Braveheart, Manhunter, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, The Bourne Trilogy and much more.

A veteran of the London stage, Cox has won two Olivier Awards for Best Actor  for his performances in Titus Andronicus for the Royal Shakespeare Company and Rat in the Skull for the Royal Court.

Currently gracing the London stage in the West End production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Cox continues to captivate audiences with his talent and dedication to the craft.

Galway Film Fleadh is delighted to be partnering with the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) for this event, who are at the forefront of showcasing and rewarding excellence in achievement across screen performance and production for the past 21 years in Ireland.

Speaking about the event, CEO Miriam Allen said that they are honoured to welcome Brian Cox to the Galway Film Fleadh.

“His remarkable talent and contributions to both stage and screen have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment,” she said.

“We are thrilled to present him with the Galway Hooker Award for Outstanding Achievement to recognise his extraordinary career.”

The public interview led by RTÉ Arena presenter, Seán Rocks will take place on Sunday, 14th of July at 3pm at the Galmont Hotel and tickets are €15.

Buy your tickets on the Galway Film Fleadh website galwayfilmfleadh.com

Buy TikTok Likes: Find the Best 8 Providers for Organic Reach

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Forget grinding away forever. You know, posting those amazing TikToks, trying out every single trend, and hoping the algorithm gods smile upon you… yeah, it gets old. Sometimes, you just want a little boost. Like, a quick way to give your incredible content the visibility it deserves. That’s where buying followers comes in. Now, I know it’s got a mixed rep, but hear me out – it doesn’t have to be shady. There are services out there that can get you noticed without compromising your rep.

And purchasing TikTok likes, especially high-quality likes from quality services, can do wonders for the engagement rate of your future TikTok posts as well. When done right, they can boost your TikTok presence in a remarkable way.

The Top 8 Options for Buying TikTok Likes

Think of buying TikTok followers like a shortcut – not a replacement for the real work. You still gotta make those killer TikToks. But hey, if getting a bunch more eyes on your profile helps you level up faster, who am I to judge? Here’s the thing, though, you gotta be picky. Just like there are awesome content creators out there, there are a bunch of shady sites offering fake followers that’ll disappear or get you flagged. That’s why I’ve done the research, and here’s my top 8:

1. Twicsy

If you’re a serious content creator who refuses to compromise on quality, Twicsy is your holy grail. Forget those fake bot accounts dropping your engagement rates faster than a bad trend. Twicsy delivers only high-quality TikTok likes from real, active users. Imagine a surge of genuine fans hyping up your content with comments and shares – that’s the Twicsy experience.

Okay, I know what you’re thinking – this sounds too good to be true. But here’s the thing: they put in the work. They don’t just pull random accounts out of thin air. Twicsy has a crazy network of real people who actually watch and interact with your content. Yeah, it takes a bit longer than those instant-spam services, but the results last.

Why? Because TikTok is all about those metrics. A sudden flood of low-quality likes looks suspicious. But when you get a steady stream of engagement from authentic users who seem genuinely interested in your niche, TikTok’s algorithm gives you a thumbs up. It’s like a stamp of approval, pushing your videos out to a wider organic audience. That’s the magic of Twicsy – it kickstarts that snowball effect.

Here’s the breakdown. You don’t just “buy TikTok likes” from Twicsy. You invest in a growth strategy. They’ll ask for your TikTok username and analyze what you’re rocking with. Then, they carefully select a TikTok likes package that fits your goals. The whole process feels tailored, not like you’re shopping for some random commodity.

The best sites like Twicsy understand that it’s not just about the numbers. Those new followers? They’re potential superfans, ready to boost your video views, shares, and overall profile visibility. If your goal is to go from hidden gem to TikTok sensation, Twicsy gets you a big step closer.

2. Buzzoid

Buzzoid. If you’ve done even a little bit of research into buying TikTok likes, you’ve definitely come across this name. They’re one of the veterans in the game, with a mixed bag of customer reviews and a reputation that’s built mostly on their affordable prices. Let’s break down what they’re all about and why they still hold up in an increasingly competitive market.

Think of Buzzoid as your middle-of-the-road option. They’re the perfect solution if you’re hesitant to shell out the big bucks for Twicsy’s premium service but also want something a step above those ultra-cheap sites pumping out mostly fake followers. Buzzoid strikes a balance: they offer various packages where you can buy real TikTok likes, with a mix of genuine accounts and some not-so-genuine profiles. It’s a balancing act that works well for a lot of people looking to boost their visibility without breaking the bank.

One thing that sets Buzzoid apart is their upfront approach. You’re not going to get the pie-in-the-sky promises of “100% real followers guaranteed!”. They’re honest about how their packages work, which I appreciate in a market that’s often filled with fluff. Their delivery time isn’t going to blow you away with its speed, but that’s the nature of prioritizing more authentic TikTok likes. You’ll see a gradual, natural-looking increase in numbers, which is crucial for keeping a low profile and avoiding any red flags from TikTok’s algorithm.

So, here’s the burning question: does it actually work? For the most part, the answer is a solid yes! You’ll see variations in your engagement rate – some videos might explode with activity, while others get a more subtle bump. But overall, buying genuine TikTok likes from Buzzoid can give your content a noticeable lift. Plus, they’re known for pretty decent customer service, which always counts with these sometimes unpredictable services.

Buzzoid is a great fit for anyone looking for extra visibility on a budget. It’s not a magic trick that’ll turn you into a TikTok sensation overnight, but it can definitely jumpstart your growth, especially when paired with creating killer content. If you’re still in the process of building your TikTok platform or trying things out, Buzzoid offers a reliable, affordable way to experiment with a boost.

3. TokMatik

TokMatik – a name you’ll see pop up pretty consistently when exploring TikTok likes services. They’re one of those players offering a solid mix of bang-for-your-buck with a sprinkle of unpredictability to keep things interesting.

When it comes to buying TikTok likes, TokMatik is all about the essentials. They have packages featuring real and not-so-real followers, with options for instant delivery if you’re in a hurry. It’s a familiar model, focusing on giving your stats a quick lift without all the fancy bells and whistles of the premium services. Sometimes, that’s all you need. You’ve got that killer new TikTok filmed and edited, but it’s sitting there with a depressing number of views – TokMatik to the rescue!

They’re definitely playing in the volume game, with a strong focus on social media marketing rather than the curated, strategy-focused approach you’d get from a service like Twicsy. You won’t have a rep carefully analyzing your TikTok profile and recommending tailored packages. Instead, you’re browsing, picking, and clicking – just like online shopping, but for your TikTok growth.

But here’s where things get interesting – even seasoned TokMatik users say that the results are mixed. Think of it a bit like a lucky dip. Sometimes, you land a package that absolutely works for your content – you see engagement, maybe a few real people stick around, and the TikTok algorithm takes notice. Other times, not so much. It’s a gamble, but an affordable one.

So, the real question is: who is TokMatik for? They’re the right choice if you’re either on a super tight budget or have a niche where that mixed bag of followers might do surprisingly well. Or maybe you’re just the type of person who enjoys the thrill of the unknown! TokMatik is about buying TikTok likes, not long-term TikTok strategy. That doesn’t mean it’s useless, just different. If you’re okay with a little experimentation, Tokmatik is worth a try, especially if those instant delivery packages are calling your name.

4. Rushmax

Remember that chaotic bargain bin filled with TikTok goodies I mentioned earlier? Well, Rushmax is kind of like that overflowing bin – there’s a lot of stuff in there, but the quality? Well, let’s just say it’s not exactly consistent.

Their whole pitch is built around two things: rock-bottom prices and super-fast delivery. There’s no pretense about building lasting engagement or providing you with a legion of adoring TikTok fans. Rushmax is about numbers, pure and simple. Need a ridiculous amount of likes on a post, stat? Boom, they’ve got you covered. Want a freshly minted TikTok profile that doesn’t look like a complete ghost town? Rushmax can make it happen.

But let’s get real: those “likes” aren’t coming from a community excited about your content. A boatload of bots will definitely be involved, with a few real accounts sprinkled in for good measure. Don’t expect your engagement rate to skyrocket, and as for long-term organic growth… well, you might as well be chasing a unicorn. With Rushmax, you’re essentially sacrificing quality for a quick, temporary boost.

Does this mean Rushmax is completely useless? Not necessarily, but you’ve got to know what you’re actually paying for. Maybe you’re just starting out and want to avoid that awkward “zero followers” look on your brand-new TikTok profile. Or perhaps you’re running an influencer campaign where sheer volume matters more than genuine interactions. In these specific scenarios, Rushmax might fit the bill.

Now, here’s something to keep in mind: customer service is a wild card with Rushmax. If everything goes smoothly, you’re golden. But if you run into issues or those promised likes vanish? You might be facing radio silence from their support team. It’s a classic example of “you get what you pay for” – those super cheap prices often come with a side of less-than-stellar support.

So, who’s the ideal Rushmax customer? Honestly, it’s a niche group. If you’re a casual user experimenting with TikTok or need a quick, no-frills boost for a specific purpose, Rushmax can be a cost-effective option. But if you’re a serious content creator building a brand or rely on authentic TikTok followers to grow your presence, Rushmax isn’t going to cut it. Sure, you’ll get a bunch of TikTok subscribers, but most won’t be interested in your actual content. It’s like buying a huge crowd for your concert – looks impressive from afar, but lacks that genuine connection with real fans.

5. LikesMonster

Think of LikesMonster as the enthusiastic newcomer. Eager to please but a bit unpolished, they burst onto the scene with promises of high-quality TikTok likes at surprisingly affordable prices. You’ll see a mix of real and not-so-real followers in their packages – a classic budget-friendly strategy. But where LikesMonster tries to stand out is their lightning-fast delivery times. Need a video to go viral yesterday? They might just be able to pull it off. However, don’t expect personalized service or much hand-holding. Their focus is on speed, not on building a long-term growth plan with you.

6. HypeCrew

Remember that friend who always tries to keep up with the latest trends? That’s HypeCrew. They’ve done their homework, offering packages that are clearly inspired by the big names in the game. You’ll see promises of a mix of real and fake accounts, with an emphasis on making your TikTok profile look popular. But here’s the thing, they’re trying a bit too hard. Their customer support can be a bit overzealous as if they’re trying to make a big sale rather than genuinely understand your needs. HypeCrew could work if you just need a basic stat boost, but don’t expect them to suddenly transform your TikTok account into a viral sensation.

7. BoostLikes

BoostLikes is all about practicality. They don’t make outlandish claims of instant fame or an army of adoring TikTok fans. Their pitch is straightforward: buy TikTok likes, get a predictable boost. It’s a no-frills service with a focus on transparency. You know you’re getting a mix of accounts, with no surprises waiting around the corner. Their FAQ section is surprisingly helpful, and their customer support, while not super fast, gets the job done. Think of BoostLikes as a reliable old friend – not the most exciting option, but there when you need them.

8. ClickBoom

ClickBoom … where do I even start? Imagine that eccentric uncle of yours who’s suddenly obsessed with social media. ClickBoom has tons of random features, a quirky website design, and packages that’ll make you scratch your head. Alongside TikTok likes, they offer views, random comments, and even the chance to “go viral.” It’s a hot mess, but it’s oddly entertaining. Honestly, ClickBoom is best avoided by serious influencers, but if you’re in a playful mood and want a good laugh, their FAQ section alone is worth checking out.

Conclusion

Listen, buying TikTok followers can be a touchy subject. It’s tempting to write it off as a shortcut or a shady tactic. But the truth is, it can absolutely be a part of a larger marketing strategy – like, a small part, not your entire game plan. Think of it as that extra kick to get you over a hump.

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re creating incredible TikTok content, putting in the work, and still feel like you’re shouting into the void, a little boost might be just what your account needs to find its target audience. Sure, the algorithm’s a fickle beast, but social proof matters. When TikTok sees more engagement, it’ll often feature you more organically on that coveted “For You” page.

This whole journey of buying followers comes down to picking the right service provider. Shady sites dishing out armies of fake bots will hurt your rep in the long run. Remember, you want a mix of real and fake accounts depending on your goal. You need a service with reasonable prices that doesn’t blow your budget but also delivers a solid punch for your buck. And finally, make sure your chosen provider actually aligns with how you want to grow your social media accounts. Premium quality for those aiming high, a solid middle ground for the everyday content creator, or even budget-friendly volume if you’re just experimenting. There’s room for everyone!

Retired staff photo collection brings University of Galway history to life

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A collection of photographs documenting the history of University of Galway has been published after being collected and archived in a project sponsored by the Retired Staff Association.

More than 350 images, ranging from the late 19th century to the mid-1990s, have been discovered and digitised to preserve the living history of the university.

The collection illustrates the University in diverse ways from formal occasions; to connections to the city and the region; to real-life stories of students and staff; and the changing character and environment of the campus.

The project began in November 2021 as part of the celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the foundation of the University in 1845. It was supported by the University President’s fund for research into the history of the University.

The result is visual history photographic database entitled Visual History of the University of Galway, Retired Staff Collection, which involved a partnership between research team and archivists in the University Library.

The collection and searchable database is available online to explore the long history and changing face of University of Galway.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said, “University of Galway is nothing without its people, its community. This is the people’s history and we are indebted to the retired staff who have brought forward a vibrant idea and brought new life to our University while reflecting on our past.”

“We are delighted to have been able to support this project and the community of retired staff and our Library colleagues in order to illustrate our history and heritage and the people who made it. It is a much richer tapestry for it.”

The Project was launched by Dr Lisa Griffith, Director of the Digital Repository of Ireland. University of Galway is the first university in Ireland to launch such a project, with a visual, fully-documented record of its past, going back several generations.

The images are from private collections, and the project was made possible because of the generous response of retired staff, friends, relations and alumni who loaned their photos and shared their recollections.

It highlights the importance of students’ and staff’s individual, and sometimes unexpected, perspectives in capturing the lived experience of university life.

Together with the personal memories and research that accompany them, they contribute to the social and institutional history of a period of significant change in university education in Ireland.

The research team which led the project are Professor Jane Conroy (Emerita, French); Dr Séamus Mac Mathúna (former Runaí/Academic Secretary); Professor Stephen G. Jennings (Emeritus, Experimental Physics); and History lecturer Dr Jackie Uí Chionna.

They collaborated with Library colleagues on the development of the digital exhibition, advising on digitisation, metadata and access requirements.

Eimhin Joyce, Digital Projects Officer with the Heritage Collections and Digitisation team, worked closely with them on the creation of the exhibition using the University of Galway Digital Exhibition platform.

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