WYLDE Wins ‘Best Café in Galway’ Award

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March 23, 2024

Gardaí are appealing for information that could help locate a missing woman, stating that they are concerned for her welfare.

Niamh Hand (41) has been missing from her home in Roosky, Co. Roscommon, since Friday, March 22.

Niamh is described as being approximately 5 foot 10 inches in height and of a slim build, with blue eyes and grey hair.

When last seen she was wearing a long black puffy jacket and grey trainers.

Niamh may be travelling in an 07MH registration red Ford Mondeo.

Gardaí and Niamh’s family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information on Niamh’s whereabouts is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094 962 1630 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Ros na Rún – Opinions divided on the slippery Cyril

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March 23, 2024

Diana is foiling Cyril’s schemes, Michelle uses her charm on Sonny, and John Joe finds his relationship all over the internet in Ros na Run.

Diana keeps a close eye on Maeve while she works at the chemists under Cyril’s supervision. Later on, Diana successfully pulls the plug on Cyril’s plan and makes a call to Caitríona.

However, Cyril goes straight to Bobbi Lee and O’Shea. Diana soon realises that she needs to take matters into her own hands in order to protect others from Cyril. But how far is she willing to go?

After learning some useful intel from Vera, Michelle becomes interested in the Modular Homes project, and she secretly plots away. Later on, she manages to impress Sonny and reveals that she wants in on the business.

Crystal, on the other hand, is not impressed and it is clear that she doesn’t trust Michelle. Will Sonny decide to go into business with Michelle?

John Joe is left feeling stumped after learning that his relationship problems have been published online. Laoise also begins to panic when Vera wants to gossip about the news.

Meanwhile, Noreen angrily confronts Tadhg, but little does she know, Mack has overheard their conversation and his blood is boiling. Has yet another secret been spilt?

Bobbi Lee tries to reassure Niall that he is safe and his ordeal with the fake letters is over, but little does she know Niall is not yet out of the woods.

Meanwhile, Frankie puts huge amounts of pressure on Niall for information on Diana. Later on, Mack shares a secret with Niall about Diana and he swears him to secrecy. But will Niall be able to hold his tongue for much longer?

Caitríona is stuck in a bind. She begins to question if Diana is telling the truth about Cyril’s true intentions but is reluctant to drag his name through the dirt without any proof.

Opinions are divided about Cyril and Caitríona must decide whether to allow Maeve to continue working with Cyril or not.

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

Portiuncula Hospital launches new dementia initiative

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March 23, 2024

Portiuncula University Hospital has launched a new ‘Getting to know what matters to me’ Communication Passport for people living with dementia.

The communications passport is a resource designed to reduce communication barriers and enhance the overall experience for people with dementia who utilise both hospital and community services.

A collaboration between Portiuncula Hospital and Community Healthcare West, it can also be adapted to suit any individual who has difficulty communicating.

National and international research confirms that admission to an acute hospital can be distressing and disorientating for a person living with dementia and is often associated with a decline in their cognitive ability and levels of functioning.

Speaking about the new Patient Communications Passport, Paula Noone, Assistant Director of Nursing, Dementia Quality Improvement, Saolta Group said, “The passport immediately indicates whether a patient has any communication difficulties.

“It will allow healthcare staff to see, at a glance, some of the critical information that they may have difficulty obtaining, as well as assist them to understand how to effectively engage with the patient they are seeing.

“We want to make sure that all our patients are as comfortable as possible while in a healthcare setting and the passport is another tool to assist with that,” added Paula.

The Dementia Quality Improvement Committee at Portiuncula University Hospital implemented the initiative in response to recommendations outlined in the Irish National Audit of Dementia Care in Acute Hospitals Report.

The aim of the passport is to assist an individual who is receiving professional care and is unable to effectively disclose information about themselves, especially if they have special requirements or preferences.

The person, along with their family or carers, is asked to record information in the communications passport that will help them communicate.

This may include their personal history, likes and dislikes, important people or places in their lives, and normal routines and abilities.

The passport is a valuable tool for patients transitioning from one care environment to another and meeting new people. It should travel with the person and be available for use when the person is experiencing any episode of care.

“Having a resource like this will help all staff to immediately identify the memories, the habits, routines, and symbols that are important to the person,” explains John Brennan, Dementia Coordinator for Community Healthcare West.

“The person will feel valued and included, especially when interacting with new people and going through inevitable care transitions.”

James Keane, Hospital Manager said, “This new initiative aims to provide person-centered and compassionate integrated care, while also promoting the delivery of safer healthcare.”

“Having greater supports in place like the passport, will greatly enhance the care we provide to patients who have difficulty communicating.

“Ensuring we have processes to assist in meeting the needs of our patients is a priority for the hospital.”

€3.5 million Ahascragh Sewerage Scheme completed

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March 22, 2024

A new wastewater treatment plant and sewerage scheme have been completed in Ahascragh to end the discharge of raw sewage.

The €3.5 million project has put an end to the discharge of raw sewage into the Bunowen (Ahascragh) River.

The new wastewater treatment plant has the capacity to serve a population equivalent of approximately 470.

Uisce Éireann’s Paul Fallon paid tribute to the team who brought the significant project to life.

“We are delighted to have delivered this important project on behalf of the local community in Ahascragh, and the people of Galway.”

“The Ahascragh Sewerage Scheme has ended the discharge of untreated wastewater into the Bunowen River.”

“It will improve water quality in the Bunowen River and protect recreational waters for swimming, fishing, boating, and sightseeing; as well as protecting the integrity of the local environment.”

“In addition to enhancing local amenities, the new wastewater infrastructure, which has been sized to accommodate future population growth, will provide a platform for social and economic development.”

Construction on the sewerage scheme began in January 2022 with Coffey Water Ltd delivering the project, on behalf of Uisce Éireann.

The old wastewater treatment plant was decommissioned and a new one built in its place, along with the associated infrastrucutre.

Storm water overflow improvement works were completed to ensure compliance with the relevant standards and upgrade works were also completed to the existing main pumping station including pumps, mechanical plant and the provision of a new storm water storage tank.

Iconic Galway nightclub reopening this weekend

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March 22, 2024

Galway Daily news Iconic Galway nightclub reopening this weekend

The much loved Electric Nightclub is reopening its doors to the public this week after a long refurbishment.

Electric closed in November 2021 after extensive losses brought on by the COVID-19 lockdowns.

However, it came under new ownership and has been undergoing a refurbishment in recent months.

The club is now ready to open its doors once again this Friday night for people out enjoying a night on the town.

“We reopen for good this Friday. Doors 11pm. We can’t wait to see you,” the announcement on social media stated.

Best of Galway showcased in Irish Restaurant Awards Connacht finals

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March 22, 2024

The best of Galway’s restaurant industry has been showcased in the Connacht Regional Finals for the Irish Restaurant Awards this week.

More than 650 people attended the awards event at the Knockranny House Hotel in county Mayo on Wednesday evening.

The Irish Restaurant Awards – now in its 15th year – garnered over 160,000 nominations from the public for restaurants, cafés, and other food service establishments across the country this year, setting a new record for participation.

Speaking about the significance of the Irish Restaurant Awards during last night’s event, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Paul Lenehan, emphasised the resilience and innovation evident within Connacht’s food industry.

“Amidst the challenges faced by our industry, celebrating Connaught’s vibrant food and hospitality sector is more important than ever.

“The Irish Restaurant Awards continue to provide a vital platform to acknowledge the dedication of Connacht’s and the country’s talented restaurant, café and food-led hospitality staff.

“Once again, this year’s Connacht Regional Final showcased the unparalleled culinary talent within the province. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their dedication and passion really paying off.”

The winners will now go on to the All-Ireland Finals of the Irish Restaurant Awards taking place in Mayo.

The full list of the Connacht Regional Winners is below.

Local Food Hero – Sponsored by Flo Gas

Galway – Kenneth Keavey, Green Earth Organics

Leitrim – Patrick J Rigney, The Shed Distillery

Roscommon – Mike Waldron, Waldron Family Meats

Sligo – Lindy O’Hara, Coopershill Venison

Mayo – Eddie O’Malley, Jack & Eddie’s

Innovator of the Year – Sponsored by Diageo

Galway – Builín Blasta Cafe & Bakery

Leitrim – Leitrim Hill Creamery

Roscommon – Éabha’s Street Kitchen

Sligo – Stoked

Mayo – Ryan’s Food Emporium

Best Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Familia Torres

Galway – Kai Restaurant

Leitrim – Riverbank Restaurant

Roscommon – Bastion K2tchen Castlerea

Sligo – Honestly Farm Kitchen Strandhill

Mayo – Foxford Cafe

Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by San Pellegrino

Galway – Neo

Leitrim – The Cottage Restaurant

Roscommon – My Kitchen by Sham Hanifa

Sligo – Funké – Afro Caribbean Restaurant

Mayo – Jalan Jalan

Best Café – Sponsored by Illy

Galway – Wylde

Leitrim – Tegi’s Tearoom Carrick On Shannon

Roscommon – Rogue & Co Cafe

Sligo – Vintage Lane Cafe

Mayo – Postbox Coffee

Best Customer Service – Sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie Provided by Dolmen

Galway – Rusheenduff Restaurant at Renvyle House Hotel & Resort

Leitrim – Dartry Cafe

Roscommon – Bastion K2tchen Castlerea

Sligo – Lyons Café and Bakeshop

Mayo – La Fougère Restaurant Westport at Knockranny

Best Wine Experience – Sponsored by Bibendum

Galway – Daróg Wine Bar

Leitrim – The Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle

Roscommon – The Old Stone House Restaurant Roscommon

Sligo – Hargadon Bros

Mayo – The Gallery Cafe, Wine & Tapas Bar

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by Square

Galway – The Willow Tree Restaurant Clifden

Leitrim – Morning Glory Cafe

Roscommon – The Coachman’s Inn

Sligo – Otto Pizza

Mayo – The Moy Hotel

Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine – Sponsored by FBD Insurance

Galway – Owenmore Restaurant at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel

Leitrim – The Red Bank Restaurant

Roscommon – Keenan’s Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Sligo – Fish & Bean

Mayo – Cronin’s Sheebeen

Best Gastropub – Sponsored by Molson Coors

Galway – The Huntsman Inn

Leitrim – The Oarsman

Roscommon – Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar and Restaurant

Sligo – Harrisons Bar & Restaurant

Mayo – Nevin’s Newfield Inn

Best Casual Dining – Sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace

Galway – POTA

Leitrim – The Selkie

Roscommon – Athlone Golf Club Restaurant

Sligo – Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern

Mayo – The Cot and Cobble

Pub of the Year

Galway – Freeney’s Bar

Leitrim – Flynn’s Bar

Roscommon – J Beirne’s

Sligo – Foleys Bar

Mayo – Warde’s

Employee Excellence Award – Sponsored by Peninsula

Galway – Catalina Gabriela Caltun, 56 Central Restaurant Cafe

Leitrim – Saoirse Supple, Honestly Farm Kitchen

Roscommon – Lauren Walsh, Regan’s Gastro Pub and Restaurant

Sligo – Deirdre Quinn, Waterfront House & Restaurant

Mayo – Niamh Walsh, The Creel Castlebar

Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant – Sponsored by Frylite

Galway – Pullman Restaurant at Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

Leitrim – The Sandstone Restaurant at Lough Rynn Castle

Roscommon – The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle

Sligo – The Coral Restaurant at Diamond Coast Hotel

Mayo – George V at Ashford Castle

Best Restaurant Manager – Sponsored by Elavon

Galway – Zsolt Lukács, Daróg Wine Bar

Leitrim – Gabriel Camburu, Buffalo Boy

Roscommon – Michele Montis, The Waterfront Restaurant

Sligo – Angela Davis, Davis’ Restaurant & Yeats Tavern

Mayo – Fatima Santos, Flannerys Bar & Restaurant

Best Chef – Sponsored by BWG Food Service

Galway – Danny Africano, Lignum

Leitrim – Piero Melis, The Courthouse Restaurant

Roscommon – Martin Duffy, Athlone Springs Hotel

Sligo – Stéphane Magaud, Montmartre

Mayo – Kevin Stirzaker, Dining Room

Best Restaurant – Sponsored by San Miguel

Galway – Blackrock Cottage

Leitrim – The Red Bank Restaurant

Roscommon – The Purple Onion Kitchen

Sligo – Eala Bhán

Mayo – Poacher Restaurant

An Púcán’s Premier League Quiz in Aid of Galway Rape Crisis Centre

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March 22, 2024

An Púcán are hosting a football madness pub quiz in two with proceeds going to the aid of the Galway Rape Crisis Centre.

The quiz, celebrating the Premier League through the years will take place on the evening of Thursday, April 4.

To enter, it’s €50 for a table of four, and the overall winners of An Púcán’s Premier League Quiz will receive four tickets to Tottenham Hotspur’s home clash against Burnley. Plus, they’ll also receive a €500 prepaid Mastercard as spending money.

This quiz promises to be a challenging test of knowledge with questions going all the way back to 1992 – the very first year of England’s top football tier.

If you’re football-mad, then An Púcán’s Premier League Quiz in aid of Galway Rape Crisis Centre is definitely for you, and you still have time to brush up on your knowledge before it all kicks off.

With 100 questions in all, the quiz is set to be spread out across 10 rounds, so it’s definitely not for the faint of heart.

So, if you know your Steve Keans from your Roy Keanes; your Dele Allis from your Ali Dias; and your Endos from your Hendos, this could be the ultimate quiz for you.

Just try not to have a Kevin Keegan-esque meltdown when the pressure comes on in the final few rounds.

An Púcán’s Premier League Quiz is happening on April 4^th from 8 pm – and it’s €50 for a table of four.

Search for missing person in Connemara ends after body recovered

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March 21, 2024

Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

The search for a missing man in the Connemara area has ended after the recovery of a body on Thursday.

Gardaí and emergency services carried out a search operation in the Letterfrack area of Galway earlier today.

During the course of the search, the body of a man was located.

A post-mortem examination will take place at a later date.

It’s understood that the deceased person is a 50 year old man who was last seen hiking in the area of Tully Mountain on Wednesday.

Applications open for Mother and Baby Home redress scheme

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March 21, 2024

Galway Daily news Mother and Baby Homes redress scheme

Applications have opened this week for survivors of Mother and Baby Homes to access the government redress payment scheme.

The Payment Scheme provides financial payments and health supports to eligible people who spent time in Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions in Ireland.

The quickest and easiest way to apply is to do so online by visiting www.gov.ie/paymentscheme .

For those who wish to apply using a hard copy of the application form, this can be downloaded from the website, or applicants can request a copy by post by phoning the Payment Scheme Office helpline at +353 1 522 9992.

The Payment Scheme Office will process all applications as quickly as possible. It will give priority to applications according to the age of the applicant, and so applications from older people will be dealt with first.

The first cohort to be processed will be applications from those aged 80 and older.

Further resources, including an information booklet, questions and answers, and straightforward information on the application process, is available at the dedicated Payment Scheme website – www.gov.ie/paymentscheme .

The €800 million scheme is estimated to be available to approximately 34,000 people who survived Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland.

However, it has also been criticised, as the time requirement of at least six months in the home is expected to exclude many people from the scheme.

Galway’s Ronan Mullarney announced as Play in Pink Ambassador

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March 21, 2024

galway daily news ronan mullarney and miriam hand at play in pink announcement — Attending the announcement of the new Play in Pink Ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute fundraising initiative, Play in Pink were, Miriam Hand, National Co-Ordinator for Play in Pink and Ronan Mullarney.

Galway’s Ronan Mullarney has been announced as an Ambassador for the Play in Pink initiative, which part of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Mullarney, who earned his place on the Challenge Tour for 2024, will carry the Play in Pink logo for 2024 and will also be ‘Playing in Pink’ during the year with a striking pink shirt on display to showcase his support for the charity.

Over 200 clubs ran Play in Pink days in 2023, raising over €550,000 for the charity and there were over 15,000 participants in the various events across the year.

“I’m delighted to be part of the Play in Pink initiative,” said Ronan.

“It’s a hugely important charity that funds research at the Lambe Institute at the University of Galway to help improve outcomes for patients with the ultimate aim of eradicating this awful disease.”

“So it’s with great pride that I’ll be wearing the logo and Playing in Pink this season to help create awareness for PlayInPink.com and I would encourage every club in Ireland to look into running a Play in Pink day as one of their fundraisers for this very worthy charity.”

Miriam Hand, National Co-Ordinator for Play in Pink, said that it really is marvellous to have the support of Ronan to help us further the work of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

“He’s a Galway lad too and we’ve been following his progress over the last few years so it’s fantastic to see him on the Challenge Tour now,” she said.

“I’ve no doubt he has his eyes on the bigger DP World Tour opportunities. We wish him every success and we’re delighted to have him as one of our Ambassadors.”

It’s simple to hold a Play in Pink day – just pick a day at your club, register it on the website, and a member of the Play in Pink team will get in contact with you to help you with prizes and fundraising ideas.

If you are considering getting your club involved (or even just playing in one of the scheduled events), visit playinpink.com for all the information or email hello@playinpink.ie.

Social Democrats’ Euro candidate to host first public meeting in Galway

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March 21, 2024

The Social Democrats’ European Candidate for the Midlands-North-West region, Rory Hearne, will host the first public meeting of his campaign in Galway City next Wednesday at 7pm at Massimo Bar.

The discussion, ‘Your Vision, Our Vision – A Fairer Future’ will focus on what a more inclusive and equitable society could look like.

As the author of two books which outline solutions to Ireland’s housing crisis, Rory’s campaign will primarily be focused on housing and homelessness.

He hopes to call for crucial changes and a commitment to fair housing at the European Parliament.

Rory has a close connection to Galway, working actively with Galway-based housing groups and NGOs in recent years as well as supporting the Generation Locked Out and tenants facing eviction in Galway.

At the meeting next Wednesday, Rory will outline key figures on Galway’s housing crisis and set out a vision for how it can be solved.

Speaking ahead of the public meeting, Rory said that Galway is a place very close to his heart as his wife is from Galway and he spends a great deal of time here with his in-laws.

“I also launched my book, ‘Gaffs’, here in Galway. From spending so much time here and from working actively on the ground here for many years, I’ve developed a keen understanding of the issues around housing and public transport, in particular,” Rory said.

“I believe that Galway has so much potential and can really thrive as a regional city if given proper investment.

“For me, the meeting next week is about putting our heads together and discussing how we think these issues can be solved. Because there are solutions and people know the solutions, they’ve just been worn down by accepting the status quo for so long that they forget these solutions exist and that change can happen.

“I hope that this meeting will re-energise people, give them back a bit of hope and more importantly, encourage them to get out and use their vote.”

Joining Rory on the night for the discussion will be Social Democrats’ local election candidates, Eibhlín Seoighthe (Galway City Centre), Justine Delaney-Heaslip (Galway City East) and Alan Curran (Galway City West).

Music for Good Friday concert in Galway City

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March 20, 2024

Music for Good Friday concert in Galway City

The ‘Music for Good Friday’ concert presented by Music for Galway has become a tradition in Music for Galway’s concert season.

This year the concert with Mark Duley’s chamber choir Collegium at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church falls on Good Friday, March 29 at 5pm.

With this concert Music for Galway (MfG) aims to give the opportunity to people of all faiths and none to take an hour from the hustle and bustle of their lives and sit in the calm of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, immersed in the sounds of Schola Cantorum’s chamber choir Collegium.

“Our Good Friday programme takes its title Salvator Mundi (saviour of the world) from the first movement of Herbert Howells’ poignant and moving Requiem, and explores the theme in other beautiful motets by Tallis, Philips, Ešenvalds and Dubra.” says director Mark Duley.

The Schola Cantorum’s flagship chamber choir Collegium takes its title from the ancient designation of the church dating back to 1486.

The choir comprises 16-20 singers depending on the type of project undertaken, and is made up of Galway’s finest choral singers.

Most members sing in one of the Schola’s other choirs and many also sing in other Galway choral ensembles.

Standard tickets cost €18.00 with concession €16.20 for people aged over 66, and €14 rate for MfG Friends.

Social inclusion tickets at €9 are available to children, students (full time), people in receipt of disability, carers and back-to-work allowance as well as to people seeking refuge and to refugees.

Tickets can be booked online at www.musicforgalway.ie or by calling 091705962.

Music for Galway gratefully acknowledges funding from the Arts Council, from Galway City Council.

Leo Varadkar to step down as Taoiseach and FG leader

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March 20, 2024

Galway Daily news Taoiseach Varadkar meeting with local businesses in Ballinasloe visit

Leo Varadkar has announced that he is stepping down as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader in a press conference earlier today.

Varadkar has served as Taoiseach since December 2022, and previously from 2017 to 2020.

Government parties have dismissed any suggestion that the announcement will lead to a general election.

Sinn Féin and some Independents have said that the people should decide who the next Taoiseach is by means of a general election, and not members of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.

Galway Traveller Movement Launch Anti-Racism Toolkit

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March 20, 2024

Galway Traveller Movement Launch Anti-Racism Toolkit

Galway Traveller Movement has launched a new toolkit to help members of their community take action against racism, discrimination and hate crimes.

The kit outlines Travellers legal rights under the law, and how they can respond to the racism they experience.

GTM spokesperson, Nora Corcoran, says they have posted over 800 toolkits to members of the Traveller community in Galway City and County.

“Racism and discrimination are a violation of human rights. They are wrong, they are against the law, and they are bad for mental health. This toolkit aims to support our community in defending themselves against racism.”

Nora says research shows that 70% of Travellers experience discrimination on a daily basis. “And it’s getting worse, not better as more and more Travellers – including children and teenagers – become victims of hate crime.”

“The Government is failing to protect Travellers and it’s part of a general reluctance in Ireland to recognise the widespread discrimination experienced by our community.”

She points to Behaviour and Attitudes research which shows that over 80% of Irish people would not employ a Traveller.

“If this discriminatory view was based on someone’s gender, colour or sexuality, there would be a huge outcry. But there’s barely a whimper about the 80% unemployment rate Travellers face as a result of such racist views.”

Nora is GTM’s Traveller Homes Now Campaign Coordinator, and she says employment is just one of many areas of discrimination. She cites some examples of what Travellers have to face.

On her Confirmation day, a young Traveller and her family were turned away from the hotel they’d reserved for dinner. The staff told her they were ‘overbooked’.

Nora says lots of families have had similar experiences but this family took a successful case for discrimination against the hotel.

“These are unfortunately the things that we have to do as a community,” says Nora. “But claiming back the right to public spaces is the first step in holding those responsible to account for the hurt and damage caused.”

“We want to encourage more Travellers to use the law to defend their rights. So, this toolkit explains how to report hate crimes to the Gardaí and how to pursue incidents of racism and discrimination.”

The toolkit also emphasises how important it is for Travellers to record the details of each incident. “This increases the chances of taking a successful case, and highlighting the level of racism our community faces.”

Galway Traveller Movement says discrimination against Travellers in Ireland is acknowledged at the EU level.

The European Commission Against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) has expressed concerns about the accommodation conditions of Travellers.

Young children and their families continue to live in appalling, unsanitary and unsafe conditions, they said in a 2022 report.

The ECRI and the Irish Human rights and Equality Commission has also spoken out about the need to legislate against hate crimes to protect Travellers.

“The Government needs to take action to protect our community and support zero tolerance for racism and hate crimes against us,” says Nora Corcoran.

“Firstly, they need to ensure the full implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism. This plan recognises the specificity of the racism experienced by the Traveller community. And, secondly, they need to enforce meaningful hate legislation.

Award scheme honours County Galway’s community champions

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March 20, 2024

Galway Daily news Award scheme honours County Galway’s community champions — Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach (centre) launching the Cathaoirleachs Awards 2024 with Liam Conneally, Chief Executive; Mary McGann, Liadhan Keady Galway County Council; and Vincent Lyons, Galway County PPN. Photo Seán Lydon.

Nominations are being invited for an annual awards scheme that honours the best of community and volunteering spirit in Galway.

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards honour those individuals and groups who have had a significant impact on the quality of life in communities across County Galway.

The awards are joint venture between Galway County Council and the Public Participation Network (PPN), which has over 1,300 member groups carrying out a range of community and voluntary activities across the County.

Category winners will each receive a specially commissioned hand-crafted award, certificate, and a €500 cash prize towards their work.

The winners will be announced by the Cathaoirleach at the Mayoral Charity Ball on Thursday, May 16.

Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “These awards have been an annual initiative for over 10 years now and provide a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge and reward the amazing community and voluntary work happening around the County and give something back to our dedicated volunteers”.

Vincent Lyons of Galway County PPN added that the awards, “Showcase best practice in voluntary initiatives and projects undertaken annually across a range of areas such as Sport, Heritage, Environment, Arts and Culture, Community and Social Inclusion, and the promotion of the Irish language.”

“These awards enable Galway County Council and Galway County PPN to recognise the unique value and contribution of volunteers to our county,” commented Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

He added, “This awards scheme also acknowledges the impact of their work on community wellbeing and quality of life, and the pride of place instilled by their activities”.

Nominations can be made by individual members of the public or through community groups and voluntary organisations, by emailing a completed nomination forms to awards@galwaycoco.ie before the closing date of Tuesday, April 16.

Nomination Forms are available on https://www.galway.ie or by e-mailing awards@galwaycoco.ie.

Week long nightly bridge closure in Galway City Centre

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March 20, 2024

The Wolfe Tone Bridge in Galway City Centre will be closed for the better part of a week while a pedestrian walkway is being installed.

The junction of Claddagh Quay to Spanish Parade including the Wolfe Tone Bridge will be closed nightly from Monday, March 25 to Friday, March 29.

The bridge and junctions will be closed each night from 11:30pm to 6am the following morning.

The bridge closure is to facilitate the installation of a new pedestrian walkway on the south side of the Wolfe Tone Bridge.

The new pedestrian walkway will have a minimum width of 2m, with a railing along the river side edge, compared with 2.5m on the other side.

Diversions towards Eyre Square will be via Fairhill Rd Upper, Dominick St Upper, Henry St, St Helen’s St, Newcastle Rd, University Rd, Salmon Weir Bridge, St Vincent’s Ave, Headford Rd, Sean Mulvoy Rd, Bohermore, Bóthar Bhreandain Ui Either, Forster St, and Eyre Square.

Diversions towards Salthill will be via Flood St, New Dock St, Merchants Rd, Victoria Pl, Eyre Square, Eglinton St, St Vincent’s Ave, Salmon Weir Bridge, University Rd, Newcastle Rd, St Mary’s Rd, The Crescent, and Fr Griffin Rd.

Ciarán Cannon announces he is not seeking reelection

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March 19, 2024

Galway East TD Ciaran Cannon has announced that he will not be seeking reelection, citing the toxicity of modern politics as part of his decision.

The Fine Gael TD was first elected to the Dáil in 2011 and has held the posts of Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Diaspora and International Development.

In announcing that he would not be contesting the next election, Deputy Cannon said that after 20 years he has to consider whether he has given all he can give to the job.

“I sought election to make an impact, to do something of genuine value for society. That’s the inspiration for the vast majority of us in public life, and I’m confident that I can continue to have an impact in another role, with renewed purpose and passion.”

Speaking about why he was ending his career as a TD, Ciaran Cannon added that the political environment now is more toxic than when he was first elected.

“It would be remiss of me not to comment on the difference between being a politician now and twenty years ago. That’s also been a factor in my decision to leave.”

“There’s a coarseness, a toxicity in politics now that was barely palpable twenty years ago. None of us asks to be put on a pedestal, or to be treated any differently.”

“We just ask to be treated with the same civility and respect as anyone else doing their job.

“Yes, politicians are subject to public scrutiny, and rightly so, but what we are experiencing right now goes far beyond that and can be deeply damaging to our wellbeing.”

“At times it feels like it’s open season on you and your family. That’s not acceptable, nor indeed sustainable, if we want to have good people choosing politics as a career.”

Ciarán Cannon said that he is proud of the work on further education and reform he was first tasked with as Minister of State.

He also praised his colleagues in the Department of Foreign Affairs whom he spent three years working with on Ireland’s international development programme and building ties with the Irish diaspora.

“None of this work would have been possible without the support of the people of Galway East. I am deeply grateful to them for putting their trust in me again and again.

“I’m also deeply grateful to an amazing group of people who have worked with me on every campaign since 2004, particularly my family and a trusted circle of close friends.”

“It’s not easy being out there on the campaign trail, yet they committed a huge amount of personal time to me.”

“Finally, I want to thank my wife and son who give me the love and support I need to do this job well. My wife is my guiding star, I can’t even begin to describe how pivotal she has been to my work.”

“My son was only seven when I started my career, he has grown up surrounded by politics and has become a trusted advisor on so many aspects of the job, particularly as my work applies to his generation, a generation that gives me so much hope for our future.”

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described Ciaran Cannon as one the, “hardest-working and most committed TDs in the Dail.”

“He has served the people of east Galway as a Senator, TD and Minister of State. In all of these roles, he worked tirelessly for the good of his constituents and for the country.”

“Ciarán is a gentleman who will be missed by all who know him or who work with him in the Dáil. I wish him the very best in his life after politics.”

Hassle Free support for Galway landowners to support biodiversity

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March 19, 2024

A funding scheme to support landowners and community groups across Galway in undertaking nature-positive measures on their lands is open for applications.

The Hare’s Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative, coordinated by the Burren-based landscape charity Burrenbeo Trust in conjunction with the Biodiversity Office of Galway County Council, is being rolled out following the successful piloting scheme.

Inspired by the term ‘The Hare’s Corner’ – an old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and so was ‘left to nature’.

The aim of this project is to help create habitats that have proven benefits to biodiversity, climate-action as well as to the wellbeing of participants.

The Hare’s Corner project offers landowners ‘hassle-free’ support to carry out simple but impactful actions for biodiversity such as the creation of a wildlife pond, a native mini-woodland, a heritage mini-orchard with apple trees from the Irish Seedsavers Association and/or a bespoke ‘plan for nature’ or ‘peatland plan’ for their site.

This support is offered in the form of materials such as native and heritage apple trees, micro-funding (e.g. machinery costs for pond digging), professional services (such as a hydrologist’s visit to help plan a pond, or an ecologist’s visit to ‘plan for nature’, or for a ‘peatland plan’) and guidance.

Rosina Joyce, Biodiversity Officer with Galway County Council commented, “We are delighted to partner with The Hare’s Corner project and are delighted to see that initiative is now open to landowners and community groups throughout the county.”

“Often, we see that people want to do something to support nature, but they don’t know where to start or how to do it.”

“This partnership with Galway County Council and the Hare’s Corner meets this need by providing the encouragement, advice, and micro-funding to do it.”

“I look forward to providing the local support necessary to bring this fantastic opportunity to participants in Co. Galway.”

The piloting of the non-profit initiative in Clare and Mayo resulted in the creation of 125 ponds, 200 orchards, 175 native mini-woodlands and 97 plans for nature.

Applications are open at www.burrenbeo.com/thc for landowners in County Galway, Galway City, Mayo, Meath and Leitrim until Sunday, March 31, 2024.

According to Lee Worrell of Burrenbeo Trust, “Landowners can apply for one or more biodiversity actions and participation in the Hare’s Corner involves no cost to, and minimal hassle for, the landowner.”

“All we ask in return from beneficiaries is their commitment to act as ‘stewards’ of their own special Hare’s Corner”.

Places in the programme are limited due to its budget, so applications may be screened by metrics such as the suitability of the site for biodiversity.

Community groups and schools will also be given preference for funding, while farmers who are part of the ACRES or NPWS Farm Plan Scheme are not currently eligible.

Bus Éireann announces Galway open day for female drivers

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March 19, 2024