Plans for social housing development of 61 units in Knocknacarra

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May 6, 2024

galway daily news barry cowen at galway port — Port of Galway CEO, Connor O’Dowd; Barry Cowen TD, Fianna Fáil European Election Candidate for the Midlands North West and Anne Rabbitte; Minister of State for Disability in the Dept of Health & Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

European election candidate Barry Cowen TD has called for funding support for the Galway Port extension.

Deputy Cowen met with Port of Galway CEO Connor O’Dowd last week, taking a tour of the docks as the project progressing through initial planning procedures with ongoing funding supports.

Deputy Cowen insists there will be numerous benefits to the project for Galway in relation to the local economy, infrastructure and housing, in addition to the greater Midlands North West region regarding trade and renewable energy.

He said that the Port is putting significant funds forward to progress the extension plans, and has identified further potential funding avenues.

“But the State needs to help bridge the gap so they can receive support through TEN-T, ERDF or other EU Funding, as well as targeted tax incentives and long term, low interest debt,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.

“I also welcome commitment of the Land Development Agency to the project. European funding and funding of ports in general helps with connectivity and offers substantial business and renewable energy opportunities.

“The repositioning of the port would also create employment in construction and leave 17 acres that can be redeveloped for the community and used for housing.”

Deputy Cowen said that the Port is already a healthy, well-run business – generating €6 million in revenue last year – but is forced to turn away business opportunities due to its size.

“The extension of the Port would attract more business to Galway, create jobs and facilitate economic growth in the region. But we all need to work together at local, national and European levels to resolve practical issues in order to make it happen.

“If I am elected to Europe I will be pushing for Ireland to play a leading role in a Pan-European energy grid, it would involve a planning board to deliver expertise in offshore wind planning and accelerate the construction of projects in the West of Ireland and indeed across Europe.

“If Ireland is to achieve energy security, and realise its vast potential in relation to offshore wind, these are exactly the kind of the projects that must be championed.”

Nightly water restrictions coming into effect on Inis Oírr

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May 6, 2024

galway daily news Nightly water conservation restrictions in Carraroe this week

Overnight water restrictions have been imposed on Inis Oírr coming into effect from Monday night.

Uisce Éireann is appealing to customers on Inis Oírr to conserve water as essential overnight water restrictions are being introduced in order to maintain reservoir levels on the island.

The restrictions will be in place nightly from 11pm until 7am starting Monday, May 6, 2024.

Uisce Eireann’s Tony Kelly is mindful of the impact that these restrictions can have on customers but stresses their importance.

“These restrictions are necessary to ensure a continuous daily water supply is available for residents and businesses on Inis Oírr. The timing of these restrictions will mean minimal disruption to customers on the island.”

“We are asking customers to be mindful of how they use water. Simple water conservation efforts can have a big impact on reducing demand on the supply.”

Measures as simple as turning off the tap can save up to 6 litres of water a minute while someone is brushing their teeth.

Other suggestions include taking a shower instead of having a bath, and avoiding using a watering hose while gardening.

“We are also reminding people with responsibility for properties that are currently unoccupied to check for leaks and turn off water where it is not required.”

More water saving tips can be found on https://www.water.ie/conservation/.

Last year saw nightly water restrictions imposed on Inis Oírr for a number of months, with constant tankering of water from the mainland.

Tour highlights importance of East Galway monuments and heritage sites

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May 6, 2024

Tour highlights importance of East Galway monuments and heritage sites — A selection of the group that visited Kilboght Church and Graveyard during International Day for Sites and Monuments 2024, organised by Galway Community Archaeology Project and Galway County Heritage Office. Photo Hany Marzouk.

History enthusiasts and community group representatives from across County Galway have participated in a whistlestop bus tour of some of East Galway’s most intriguing built heritage sites.

Galway Community Archaeology Project and Galway County Council hosted the free bus tour of Kilboght Church and Graveyard, Abbeygormican and St. Kerrill’s Abbey in Gurteen as part of International Day for Monuments and Sites 2024.

Gurteen Community Council, Kilboght Graveyard Heritage Group and Abbeygormican Cemetery Group have each prepared conservation management plans and undertaken conservation works at the historic sites through the Community Monuments Fund.

This fund is administered by Galway County Council on behalf of The National Monuments Service.

Participants of the day tour first visited the Abbeygormican, an Augustinian House founded by the Cormicans in the 12th Century.

What stands today is the chancel wall and transept chapel, now conserved thanks to ongoing work by the graveyard committee in securing funding.

An artist’s impression of what Abbeygormican may have looked like was also shown to allow the group visualise this important site.

The group has also carried out the Digital Recording of the Graveyard, funded by Galway Rural Development and supported by Galway County Council and The Heritage Council.

Next up was Kilboght Church, Graveyard and Mausoleum, which also has seen a transformation with the removal of ivy and stabilisation of the church and The Blake Mausoleum.

Peggy Doherty told the group about the years of ongoing struggle for the community to maintain this rare and sensitive site.

Dr Christy Cunniffe and Dominic Delany were on site to guide the visitors and point out architectural fragments used as grave markers, medieval tool marks on the water font and the outline of the original medieval parish church and later extensions.

Mike Herwood, Galway Stone Design was also on hand to demonstrate the skills of the tradesmen who carried out the works at Kilboght 2023.

The touring group were treated to an enlightening talk by Pat Roberts, Ecologist with MKO Ltd on his involvement with each conservation project, and the need to engage with professional services in advance of any works at an archaeological site or monument, particularly when overgrowth or ivy is involved.

The final stop of the day was at St Kerrill’s Abbey in Gurteen, also known as Cloonkeenkerrill, where Martina Donnellan highlighted St Kerrills significance within the community, and informed the group about the folklore and traditions of the church and graveyard.

An effigy to Bishop O’Kelly, A cat-o-mount on a Burke tomb and several medieval architectural features including an ogee headed window were highlighted.

Bernie Doherty of the Galway Community Archaeology Project said, “The aim of International Day for Monuments and Sites is to encourage local groups and individuals to consider the importance of cultural heritage to their lives, identities, and communities, and to promote awareness of its diversity and vulnerability and the efforts required to protect and conserve it.”

“I wish to express sincere thanks to everyone who made the day a huge success. I want to particularly thank Heritage Officer Marie Mannion and Dr Christy Cunniffe.”

Over 1,200 patients on trolleys at UHG in April

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May 6, 2024

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

There were more than 1,200 patients on trolleys at University Hospital Galway in April, making it the second most overcrowded in the country.

Last month saw 936 patients forced to wait on trolleys in the emergency department at UHG, and another 272 in the wards.

This is the highest monthly trolley figure for the hospital so far this year, higher even than 1,041 patients in January, typically peak season for hospital overcrowding.

It is also significantly higher than the 827 people on trolley UHG saw in the same period in 2023.

At Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, there were nearly another 200 people on trolleys over the course of the month.

Of those, 83 were in the emergency department and another 108 were without a bed in the wards.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said that it is extremely alarming to see this level of overcrowding in what is typically a quiet month for hospitals.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said, “The fact that we are seeing this level of overcrowding in April is clear that the HSE have not learned any lessons when it comes to reducing the number of patients on trolleys.”

“The number of patients admitted without a bed only went below 400 on any given day on one occasion, and over 600 patients were on trolleys on five occasions over the course of the month.”

Over 11,070 patients, including 258 children, were admitted to hospitals nationwide without a bed in April, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.

“By any standard this is unacceptable but to see this type of overcrowding during a month when it is traditionally quieter is a clear indicator that the HSE’s current plans are not working.”

The top 5 most overcrowded hospitals include:

University Hospital Limerick – 1,971 patients
Galway University Hospital – 1,208 patients
Cork University Hospital – 1,096 patients
St Vincent’s University Hospital – 650 patients
Letterkenny University Hospital – 594 patients

“Our members are reporting that the challenges associated with overcrowding are being worsened by the HSE’s recruitment moratorium which is making it impossible to staff any ward safely or to expand nursing services into the community to develop the much needed services as set out in Sláintecare.”

Galway Speeders wheelchair basketball team end season on a high

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May 5, 2024

Galway Speeders (1) — L-R: Jenny Keane, Éadaoin O’Malley, Ethan Leonard, John Blake, Darragh Blake.

Galway based wheelchair basketball team, Galway Speeders have ended their season on a high as their players scoop top awards at the IWA Wheelchair Basketball Junior Final Blitz.

The event was run by IWA Sport, the multi-sport national governing body for people with a physical disability and took place at the Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown last month.

Eight teams from across the country battled it out in the final games of a very competitive season, with Galway Speeders ending the day undefeated.

This winning form was not out of character for Galway Speeders as they have remained largely undefeated throughout the 2023/24 season.

The IWA Junior Final Blitz was followed by end of season awards where Galway Speeders players Jenny Keane from Cong, Co. Mayo and Ethan Leonard from Salthill, Co. Galway were amongst those who received recognition for their performances.

Jenny Keane was awarded one of the Female MVP awards whilst Ethan Leonard received one of the Male MVP awards and was named Junior Player of the Year.

L-R: Éadaoin O’Malley, Jenny Keane, Becky Joyce, John Blake, Ethan Leonard, Darragh Blake.

Wheelchair basketball has seen strong growth at a junior level over the past number of years with player numbers rising in clubs across the country.

The Galway Speeders club has seen significant growth in both player numbers and competitiveness since it was established in 2011.

Head Coach Mairead Leonard said, “It is great to see our team’s hard work and dedication being rewarded at the end of the 2023/24 season. We’ve had a very successful season which is a testament to the hard work and dedication put in by all our kids.”

“This year we have travelled the length and breadth of the country for games – it’s a big commitment for everyone involved but it’s worth it.”

“Our players love getting as much game time as possible and many of our parents and supporters agree that wheelchair basketball is a great spectator game so it makes the travel a bit easier!”

Galway Speeders are a multi-sports club offering sporting opportunities to children and young adults with a physical disability. The club offers sports including wheelchair basketball, swimming, athletics, table tennis and powerchair soccer.

More information about the club and how to get involved can be found on their social media platforms – ‘Galway Speeders’ on Facebook and Instagram.

Diana puts her master plan into action in Ros na Rún

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May 5, 2024

A strange funny man has come to Ros na Rún, Diana is ready to put her plan into action, and Colm reveals a devastating loss to Sonia.

There’s a strange delivery man in Ros na Rún this week. He has a delivery for Vince and arrives into Tigh Thaidhg looking for Tadhg to take it and cough up some money.

Will Tadhg show the door to this lanky, suspiciously familiar looking red-haired man, or will he get the last laugh?

Diana is ready to put her plan into action! She seduces and sedates Mack while
successfully keeping Frankie at bay. A little later, with help from Niall, Diana manages to convince Frankie that Sonia knows too much information.

Diana lures Frankie into her trap and the stakes are high, but will her carefully executed plan be enough to put an end to Frankie for good?

Meanwhile, it is the anniversary of Colma’s death and Colm is distraught. When Sonia finds him grieving, he reveals to her that himself and Mo lost their baby when they were still together.

Although Sonia encourages Colm to open up, he remains completely shut off and puts on a brave face for her fundraiser. Later on, Colm decides to hit the road early, but is he in for a shock?

Meanwhile, the fundraiser is in full swing and Vince pleads with Caitríona to help him
MC the event. Meanwhile, David has a trick or two up his sleeve and decides to put on a
show leaving Caitríona and Vince stunned. Has David taken things too far?

Catch up on all the latest happenings in Ros na Rún with a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday evening.

Aoife Raftery in third place at FIA Junior European Rally Championship after round two

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May 5, 2024

Galway driver Aoife Raftery has moved into third place in the FIA Junior Rally Championship after another strong performance on Rally Islas Canarias.

The Craughwell-based driver is in her second year of FIA European Rally Championship competition.

Last weekend Rally Islas Canarias was the second round of the series and after a career-best fourth-place finish in Hungary in April arrived at the Spanish event in the same position in the championship’s standings.

The only female driver in the Motorsport Ireland Rally Academy prefers gravel roads and loose surfaces as opposed to the challenging asphalt on offer in Gran Canaria.

She had to adapt her driving style to cope with the relentless amount of corners on each stage and spent the day learning the nuances of roads that are paved with lava.

The sensible approach netted dividends and by finishing ninth overall (out of 14 starters) she scored FIA Junior Rally Championship for the second event in a row.

The two top-ten results mean the Peugeot 208 Rally4 driver leaves the Canaries in third place in the championship.

Raferty’s relative lack of international tarmac rally experience meant she spent much of the event learning how to cope with her least-favoured surface.

“We always knew coming to the Canaries that we would not have the same speed on this specialised tarmac as we had on the gravel roads in Hungary.”

“The target was to finish the rally, the top ten finish was great and it is even better that we are now third in the championship as it returns to my preferred gravel in Sweden in June,” she said at the finish line in Gran Canaria on Sunday evening.

Raftery, who was co-driven by Antrim’s Hannah McKillop was the leading female driver in the event too.

The PCRS Rallysport-prepared Peugeot 208 Rally4 driver’s competition included drivers like Cristiana Oprea (Romania – Opel Corsa Rally4) and Ekaterina Stratieva (Bulgaria – Peugeot 208 Rally4).

After the event’s opener on Thursday night Raftery – who will openly admit she is not a huge fan of SuperSpecial tests – held second place in the Ladies’ category.

Stratieva had the upper hand by a mere 1.3 seconds but the Irish woman had only four seconds to spare over Oprea.

Raftery, who is co-driven by Antrim’s Hannah McKillop, started Friday’s six-stage loop in a determined fashion.

She quickly overhauled the Bulgarian driver and distanced herself from the Romanian pilot.
At the day’s end, and after nearly 100 km of competition, Raftery was nearly two minutes clear of Stratieva and a massive nine minutes in front of Oprea.

“It has been quite a tricky morning, it is a lot different. We are just trying to learn over the weekend and improve stage by stage, it is a big challenge,” said Rafter on Saturday afternoon.

“We are going to try and keep working on it over the weekend, it is a really hard event, very, very difficult, coming from Ireland [Irish rallies] it is very different.”

However, Oprea was excluded from the event late on Saturday night for an alleged technical rules infringement and Stratieva retired on the event’s tenth (out of 13) stage when her Peugeot suffered a broken driveshaft.

In the absence of both her rivals. Raftery was able to concentrate on her Junior ERC competitors, to finish ninth in the category and move into third place overall in the Junior Rally Championship.

Minister Rabbitte welcomes increase in funding for local development

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May 4, 2024

Galway Daily news Grants available to community groups in Galway City affected by COVID

Minister for Disability Anne Rabbitte has welcomed an increase in community development funding of over €169,000 to the two Galway local authorities.

Galway County Council will receive €92,674, while Galway City Council has been allocated €76,477.

This additional funding will support the work of the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) through Additional Staff Resources (ASR) payments.

The Galway East TD said that the increase in funding in community development is “a very welcome boost for local coffers”.

“Many people may not know about Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) but they do trojan work to coordinate, plan and oversee local development in communities around the county,” she said.

“This funding ensures there’s a more joined-up approach, so the people who should be talking to each other actually are when it comes to the running of local and community development programmes and interventions.”

Minister Rabbitte said that services in our local communities must be supported and enhanced, which is exactly what this funding is for.

“In some areas, these LCDCs are also responsible for the management and oversight of the likes of the social inclusion programme (SICAP) and the LEADER Rural Development Programme, which people might be more familiar with.”

Last chance for Galway astrophotographers to enter national contest

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May 4, 2024

galway daily news reach for the stars astrophotography launch 2024 — Stephenie Brophy Lee, Technical Officer, Astronomy and Astrophysics section at DIAS; and Jeremy Rigney, Lindsay PhD Scholar at DIAS and Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Photography and astronomy fans in Galway have just six days to submit their entries for the annual ‘Reach for the Stars’ astrophotography competition.

Organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), the competition is seeking the best astrophotographs taken in Ireland between 28 April 2023 and 10 May 2024.

Commenting on the approaching deadline, Dr Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said that the 2024 deadline is fast approaching and that they are delighted to see the entries coming in.

“The addition of a new category this year inviting entries taken on smartphones is a great opportunity and I encourage anyone in Galway who has an interest in astronomy and the night sky to get out there and get involved,” said Dr Meehan.

“You don’t have to be a professional photographer to appreciate our night sky, you don’t need to own a telescope – we just ask that you follow the competition guidelines carefully to ensure your images meet the criteria.

“I would really encourage people in Galway to get out with their cameras or phones over the next week, before the closing date.”

Competition Details

Entries to the ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition will be judged by Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS, along with Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor of The Irish Times; John Flannery, Vice-President of the Irish Astronomical Society; and Niamh Breathnach, Director at Alice Public Relations.

Entrants may submit up to two images per category to the competition. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, 10 May 2024. Submissions can be made across five distinct categories:

Night Sky in Your Hand – Images taken with only a smartphone, and without telescopes, of an astronomical scene.

Out of this World – Planetary: Images of the planets, sun and moon.

Out of this World – Deep Sky: Images of celestial objects that exist outside our solar system such as nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies.

Back on Earth – Landscape: Images that depict a feature of astronomical interest as a prominent feature and elements such as nature, land or water.

Back on Earth – Landmark: Images that depict a feature of astronomical interest as a prominent feature and elements such as cityscapes, buildings, houses, historical structures or monuments.

The winning photographers across the different categories will receive various prize packages that include: passes to the three sites of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland – Dunsink Observatory (Race to Space Escape Room), Armagh Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne; vouchers for photographic / telescopic equipment; and digital subscriptions to The Irish Times.

It is DIAS’s intention that the winning and highly commended images will also be included in an exhibition at DIAS during 2024.

Furthermore, all shortlisted images will be included in an online exhibition – for the purposes of the public vote – on the competition website reachforthestars.ie.

DIAS’s ‘Reach for the Stars’ competition is being run in partnership with The Irish Times, and is sponsored by Alice Public Relations and the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland. The Irish Astronomical Society are initiative supporters.

Lucky Connemara woman wins holiday in Gala giveaway!

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May 4, 2024

galway daily news holiday winner from co. galway — Store manager Michelle Nic Dhonnacha, winner Isabel Newman and retailer Anna McDonagh at McDonagh Gala

Isabel Newman from Connemara has been chosen as the lucky winner of Gala Retail’s Home or Away store promotion, scooping a holiday voucher worth €2,500.

Gala Retail launched the promotion in celebration of 25 years of serving communities, and has been delighting its loyal customers, across the country, with the chance to win one of 25 holiday vouchers.

Running throughout February and March, the promotion offered shoppers the opportunity to enter by spending over €10 in any of the participating Gala Retail stores.

Entrants had the chance to win one of 10 family holidays abroad, valued at €4,000 each, or one of 15 holiday vouchers for unforgettable Irish staycations, each worth €2,500.

Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, reflected on the significance of 25 years of loyal custom in Gala stores.

“We are delighted to kick-start our 25th year in business with a huge thank-you to our loyal Gala shoppers,” he said.

“This giveaway is our way of expressing our gratitude and giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years.

“From staycations in Ireland to fun filled, family adventures abroad, there are so many exciting opportunities and we’re thrilled to see our customers creating unforgettable memories with family or friends.”

The Home or Away promotion, which ran from February 5th to March 17th, received overwhelming participation and support from customers across the country.

Gala Retail collaborated with Ireland Hotels and the ‘Go Anywhere’ gift card to offer the home vouchers, aimed at promoting local hospitality and creating memorable experiences in Ireland for winners. For more information, visit: www.gala.ie/news

Health services preparing for May Bank Holiday weekend

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May 4, 2024

Galway Daily news People in Galway urged to know their healthcare options for Bank Holiday

Health services in the West and North West wish to remind the public of all their care options ahead of the May Bank Holiday weekend.

HSE West and North West has plans in place across its hospital and community services to ensure patients can access the care they need in the right setting.

Additional GP out-of-hours services will operate across the region over the bank holiday.

Pharmacies are also on hand to provide support and advice throughout the long weekend.

Typically emergency departments see higher attendances over bank holiday weekends.

Teams will continue to work closely to assist patients move as quickly as possible through the hospital system if they require hospital care.

This includes actions to support patients avoid ED admission, improving the experience of patients while in ED, ensuring effective movement within the hospitals and timely discharge to community services and other care supports.

Injury units treat injuries that are not life-threatening, such as broken bones, dislocations, sprains, wounds, scalds and minor burns.

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West urged the public to consider all care options.

“As we approach this Bank Holiday weekend we know that our hospitals tend to get busier with increased numbers of attendances and so we are asking people to consider all of the options that are available to receive care.

“GP out-of-hours services, local pharmacists and indeed injury units are all available to provide care and support to those who need it. And of course if you do need if you do have a genuine emergency do go to your local hospital where you will receive care,” he said.

Details of injury unit locations and what they can and cannot treat are available here hse.ie/injuryunits.

If you urgently need to see a GP outside of their clinic hours, GP Out of Hours information is available on the HSE website here https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp-out-of-hours/.

Man missing in the west for more than three weeks found safe

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May 4, 2024

Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

A young man missing in the west of Ireland for more than three weeks has been found safe and well.

Lucas Pereira (28) was reported missing from Ennis Co, Clare last month.

Gardaí made a public appeal stating he had last been seen in Ennis on Wednesday, April 10.

An Garda Síochána has now confirmed that Lucas has been found safe and well.

Food truck stolen overnight in Knocknacarra

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May 3, 2024

A food truck was reported stolen overnight in the Knocknacarra area of Galway City this week.

The Everything I Like Food Company shared on social media that their food truck had been stolen overnight on Wednesday.

The truck was stolen from the Clybaun Road area of Knocknacarra.

“Hello, good people! Our food trailer was stolen last night from Knocknacarra, Clybaun Road. Can you please keep your eyes open and message me if you see it? Thanks”

Gardaí investing shots fired at home in Galway City

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May 3, 2024

Gardaí are investigating after shots were fired at a house in Galway City late at night this week.

Gardaí responded to reports of a gun being discharged in the Castle Park area of Galway at approximately 11:00pm on Wednesday.

A shot was fired at a residence, causing damage to the property. No persons were injured in the incident.

Investigating Gardaí in Galway are appealing to any person who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

Anyone who was in Castle Park and the surrounding areas on Wednesday 1st May between 10:30pm – 11:30pm and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) is asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Any person who may have information or footage is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Confirmed case of measles in the West as close contacts notified

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May 2, 2024

The HSE is currently investigating a confirmed measles disease in Co. Mayo, with close contacts being identified and notified.

The case, which concerns a child, was reported in late April, and anyone who develops symptoms is being urged to stay at home and to phone their GP for advice.

Dr Emer O’Connell, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, said that measles can be a serious illness and is highly infectious.

“One person with the disease can infect 90 per cent of the people around them who have not been immunised,” she said.

“The best protection is to be fully vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine.”

Measles symptoms include a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or above, cold-like symptoms, sore red eyes, rash (which usually appears on the head and neck first and then spreads to the rest of the body), and vomiting, diarrhoea or tummy pain.

The MMR vaccine can prevent measles in over 90% of immunised children, following a single dose of the vaccine.

With the second dose of MMR vaccine, over 99% of immunised children are protected from measles infection.

Those born in Ireland before 1978 or have had measles are unlikely to require vaccination, as they are probably immune.

Children should receive their first dose of MMR vaccine aged 1 and a second dose in baby infants when they are 4 or 5.

There is also a free catch-up MMR option via participating GPs for those who may have missed their vaccination when younger.

Galway native excels in All Ireland Scholarships Creative Writing Competition

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May 2, 2024

Aran Islands native Surnaí Molloy has been selected as the overall winner of the 2024 All Ireland Scholarships Creative Writing Competition for her short story Rites of Passage, and her story Mouse was also awarded third place.

She was presented with the Roger Downer Award at a special awards ceremony in Adare Manor on Tuesday.

The competition, now in its fourth year, is open to all members of the All-Ireland Scholarships Alumni Association. The categories included fiction, non-fiction and op-ed, with a maximum word count of 2,000 words.

This year’s judging panel comprised a stellar panel of award-winning authors: Roddy Doyle, Marian Keyes, Donal Ryan and winner of the 2023 competition, Emma Corcoran.

The judging process was chaired by Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Professor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Limerick.

Surnaí received the All Ireland Scholarship Award in 2017 and holds First Class Honours BA in Mathematics and English with Creative Writing from the National University of Ireland, Galway, and an MLitt in Modern and Contemporary Literature and Culture from University of St Andrews, Scotland. She currently works as the Digital Editor of Parabola Magazine.

Speaking about her winning entries, Surnaí said: “When I finished my MLitt in 2023, I decided to be brave and try to establish myself as a writer, which is why I entered the All Ireland Scholarship Alumni Creative Writing Competition.

“Winning this competition is the most wonderful encouragement; a much-needed confirmation that I’m on the right path.”

Marian Keyes described Rites of Passage as being written with an insistent rhythm, which gathers force as the piece continues.

“The way it’s written mirrors the steady accumulation of daily aggressions women are met with. As the piece progresses, each new violation stacks up on the previous, building to an intolerable weight. It’s truthful and powerful.”

Roddy Doyle further described Surnaí’s winning piece as, “an excellent story; chilling, frightening; very well told”.

Genesys supporting cycling in the workplace

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May 2, 2024

Galway based software company Genesys has achieved European accreditation for its effort to be a cycling friendly employer.

Genesys Cloud Services was awarded the European Cycle Friendly Employer Certification at the Gold level for its Galway office by Cycle Friendly Employer Ireland.

The European standard from the European Cyclist Federation recognises the interplay between human behaviour and the need for facilities, infrastructure, and products to enable active travel cycling in the workplace.

Genesys is situated in the Bonham Quay building in Galway. As part of its commitment to sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, Genesys promotes cycling participation among its strategies.

The workplace enables cycling with superior cycle parking, changing facilities and security at its location, supported by employees taking part in annual awareness campaigns including bike week and world car free day.

Annual travel surveys evaluate employee behaviour to further encourage increased cycling to reduce the impact on the environment. Genesys is the first employer in Galway to achieve European Cycle Friendly Employer certification.

“We are proud to achieve this certification, which ties together Genesys’ commitment to enterprise sustainability with our belief in providing a great employee experience.”

“This recognition is a testament to the ongoing and successful efforts of the Genesys team in Ireland that has regularly landed us among Ireland’s Best Workplaces”, added EJ Cay, VP of UK & Ireland at Genesys.

“With transport emissions being Ireland’s highest energy related emission the European cycle friendly standard cuts organisations transport emissions while demonstrating an employer’s commitment to sustainability and employee health.”

The Europe Cycle Friendly Employer certification connects behavioural change and habit formation, increasing the number of employees who cycle to work and use cycling for business travel instead of cars.

It acknowledges the critical role of human behaviour and the necessity for access to facilities and infrastructure, offering a structured framework and roadmap for organisations to adopt.

Developed in 2015 with the support of the Intelligent Energy Europe Programme from the European Commission, the framework aligns with the goals of the European Commission’s European Green Deal and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan to reduce transportation emissions.

It supports those businesses which are required to comply with the new European Union law the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Certification is an action within Ireland’s National Sustainable Mobility Policy by the Department of Transport.

Second season of popular music TV series in Galway’s Black Gate

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May 2, 2024

The second series of the collaborative music programme “Cumasc” produced by Black Gate Productions is available now on TG4 player.

CUMASC: Seisiúin sa Black Gate blends beautiful musical collaborative performances with intimate observational documentary and candid interviews.

Over 12 episodes, a variety of emerging and established talents – both Irish and international – come together in celebration of creative exploration and expression.

Each episode concludes with the performance of a new piece of music; the result of collaboration between our immensely talented artists.

Traditions, genres, and imaginations merge seamlessly and joyously throughout. Entertaining, captivating, connective.

Featuring beautiful collaborations across 12 episodes filmed in the heart of Galway city, blends gorgeous concert film with intimate observational documentary and interviews.

“We brought musicians of diverse traditions together for one day, in a merging of musical cultures and creative freedom” said series director Mia Mullarkey.

“We asked them to create two pieces, and ‘Cumasc’ is what unfolded. While filming the series, I had incredibly rich conversations with renowned musicians such as Iarla Ó Lionáird, Zoë Conway, Renaud Garcia Fons and John Francis Flynn.”

“It was a great pleasure observing masterful artists weaving their melodies and traditions together, listening to their insights on the emotions, the craft, the heritage of music.”

“I have no doubt that music-lovers are going to feel moved and inspired when they get to watch Cumasc Season 2.”

Cumasc has creative energy at its core, and in each episode we watch the magic unfold, as performers develop new music together.

Featuring Irish and International acts such as: Iarla Ó Lionáird, Cormac McCarthy, Matthew Berrill, Zoë Conway, Renaud Garcia-Fons, Róisin Chambers, Casper Clausen, Susan O’Neill & Phil Christie, Olesya Zdorovetska, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Myles O’ Reilly, Brìghde Chaimbeul, Jack Talty, Naomi Berrill, Molly O’Mahony, Niamh Regan & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Pauline Scanlon, Caoimhe Hopkinson, Austin Walkin’ Cane, Róis, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin, Saileog Ní Cheannabháin & John Francis Flynn, Ríoghnach Connolly, Sidiki Dembélé and Shunya.

Cumasc is a series that allows us to experience the creative nexus of musical collaboration, by bringing us to the centre of those powerful moments where invention meets imagination.

This is a loving portrait not only of musical traditions shared across borders and oceans, but of the limitless potential of the creative spirit.

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May 2, 2024