This week, Connacht Rugby is our focus as we celebrate the end of the season by picking our Connacht Rugby Player of the Year.
Again, we want your help as hold three rounds on our twitter page this week to get four finalists and our readers’ overall pick as the Player of the Year.
Jaarad Butler, Jack Carty and Thomas Farrell were among the favourites in the Connacht Rugby Fans competition but will your votes go the same way?
John Muldoon signed off a sensational career kicking a conversion in an emphatic 47-10 win over Leinster. Will we send him off as our first prize winner?
Matt Healy was Connacht’s top try scorer and Bundee Aki made a major impact in the national side. Are they contenders as well?
Starting on Monday (30th April), our 28 selections will go into seven quarter-finals on our twitter page. The seven winners and five best runners-up (based on percentage scored in their poll) will qualify for the semi-finals.
On Wednesday (2nd May), the 12 qualifiers go into three semi-finals. The three winners and best runner-up (based on percentage scored in their poll) will qualify for the final.
And on Friday (4th May), the four finalists collide to be called the Galway Daily Connacht Rugby Player of the Year.
All polls will last for 36 hours and we’ll post updates on galwaydaily.com. So, make sure, you spread the word, like our twitter page and vote for your favourite.
The first round of the Galway Daily Club Hurling All-Stars saw nine different club represented and Clarinbridge came out the big winners.
Four attackers from the 2011 All-Ireland champions took their place in the official nomination list. Michael Daly won 55% of the vote to take the left wing forward slot. And they also secured the entire inside line as Mark Kennedy (53%), Cian Salmon (50%) and Evan Niland (58%) won their places.
The front six is completed by two Portumna players as Ronan O’Meara (59%) and Joe Canning (55%) were the selected duo at 10 and 11. Portumna were one of three clubs to get two spots as St. Thomas and Sarsfields were also rewarded on the double.
Galway captain David Burke (46%) took one of the midfield positions for St. Thomas while Fintan Burke was the winner at full back with 53%.
Sarsfields have two defenders in the first 15 selected. 2017 All-Ireland winning minor captain Darren Morrissey (44%) was the winner at left corner back. And Galway senior Joseph Cooney is the centre back after getting 57% of the votes.
Mullagh, Beagh, Liam Mellows, Pearses and Killimordaly are the other five clubs represented.
Eric Ward (Mullagh) won the tightest contest of the lot getting 27% in a goal keeping category that saw no more than five points separate the four contestants.
A late surge saw Ferdia Tuohey (Beagh) win the right corner back spot with 32%, one ahead of Tommy Larkins’ Shane O’Grady.
Former Galway captain David Collins is the only representive from defending champions Liam Mellows as he took 40% to win the right-wing back place.
Padraig Pearses’ Kerril Hardiman takes the other wing in the half back line as he got the number seven jersey with 45%.
And Killimordaly’s David Concannon joins David Burke in midfield as he won his heat with 44%.
Over 1,200 votes were cast in Round One and the 15 winners will join the official 45 nominations after the senior hurling championship is completed. The second round is scheduled for the end of September (after the preliminary quarter-finals) and the final round will take place after the county final.
Galway Daily Club Hurling All-Stars Round 1 Results
Round Three of the Senior Hurling Championship is scheduled of the week ending August 12th or September 2nd. This will be depending on how Galway fare in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.
Galway’s first game in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship is against Offaly on Saturday, 12th May. Throw-in in O’Connor Park, Tullamore is at 7pm.
Galway City is set to go Sheeran mad from Thursday the 10th – Sunday 13th of May 2018 as an Ed Sheeran Festival will be hosted in The Latin Quarter.
The Ed Sheeran Festival is set to coincide with the singer’s concerts which will take place on the same weekend in Pearse Stadium, Saturday May 12th and Sunday May 13th.
An alcohol licence was granted for the event just over a fortnight ago, much to the delight of many of the concert goers and his biggest fans who are very excited to see him on stage in Pearse Stadium.
The Ed Sheeran Festival is being organised by The Latin Quarter, the cultural heart of Galway city, and home to many of the city’s quirkiest, owner ran and best-known pubs, restaurants, shops and hotels and they are inviting the whole city to get involved.
It’s no secret that Ed has a massive love affair with Galway, having once spent a summer busking on Shop Street well before he became a pop star, known to the world, and even more recently for shooting the video for his hit single ‘Galway Girl’ in many of the city’s well known haunts.
The video which was shot last spring featured the iconic pop singer himself along with Saoirse Ronan, and included clips which were shot from O’Connells bar, Salthill, and Shop Street.
The Latin Quarter is calling on everyone in the city to join in the festivities, for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend in Galway.
Highlights of the festival are set to include: Ed Sheeran DJ sets and tribute acts playing in the bars. Ed Sheeran themed shop fronts and window displays, Ed Sheeran buskers on the streets, an Ed Sheeran look-alike competition, Ed Sheeran inspired food and drinks in the bar and restaurants, along with some surprises every Ed fan will want to be involved in.
Over 60,000 people are set to attend the concerts so a festive-like ambiance will be created for those going to the concert but also for anyone who didn’t get tickets to the gigs but wants to join in the Ed Sheeran merriment.
It’s the first festival of its kind in Ireland and quite possibly the world so who knows there could be a chance of Ed attending the festival for himself.
Tá Oileán Inis Bó Finne ag tnúth go mór leis an Féile Ealaíon bliantúil a bheas ar siúl an Deireadh Seachtaine Saoire Bainc atá ag teacht ag teacht suas i Mí an Bhealtaine.
Cuirfidh an Féile Ealaíon 2018 fáilte faoi leith chuigh chairde nua agus seana chairde go dtí an oileán agus gach éinne ag tnúth go mór leis an deireadh seachtaine atá le teacht.
Thar tréimhse an féile beidh taispeántas ar taispéaint buan san Ionad Phobal. I mbliana beidh obair ar thaispeánt ó ealaíontóirí; Yvonne King, Heather Greer, and Melanie Murray.
Ar an Aoine beidh Johnny Brady in Inis Bó Finne don chéad uair riamh ag an Féile Ealaíon bliantúil
Tá ceann dos na guthanna is sainúila i gceol na tíre nua-aimseartha ag Johnny Brady. Tá fios mhaith air de bharr a gutha cumhachtacha, a léirithe fuinniúil, agus pearsantacht charmaigeach, tá glór uathúil ag Johnny agus bíonn sé i gcónaí ag brú na teorainneacha i glúin nua d’ealaíontóirí ceoil tíre na hÉireann.
Roimh a rachaidh Johnny ar stáitse beidh seoladh oiléanach ag Lol Hardiman, dá dlúthdhiosca nua ‘Drive By Preacher’. Is é ‘Drive By Preacher’ an chéad albam aonarach de chuid Lol, bailiúchán eicleicteach é d’amhráin bunaidh ag cuimsiú breathnú iontach lirice.
Ar an Satharn beidh ceardlanna agus siúlóidí ar siúl.
Beidh maidin Dé Satharn gnóthach dóibh siúd gur mian leo a tairbhe a bhaint as na cheardlanna. Tá sloiteanna fós le bheith riartha ach beidh ceardlanna ceardaíocht agus ceoil nó muna sásaíonn sinn sibh is féidir dul ar siúlóid treoraithe leis an staraí agus seandálaí áitiúl ar an oiléan, Tommy Burke.
Hello Delia Murphy: Ar tráthnóna Dé Satharn beidh na hamhráin agus an scéal faoin iocónach Delia Murphy á canadh ina stíl uathúil féin. Is é atá i gceist le ‘Hello Delia Murphy‘ ná taispéantas bean-amháin ar siúl ag neacht Murphy, Carmel Cullen.
Chuir Delia Murphy tionchar ollmhór ar radharc siamsíochta na hÉireann. Bhí sí mar pearsantacht uathúil nuair a raibh sí ar stáitse agus as stáitse agus tugtar creidiúnú di, don obair a leag sí síos d’athbheochan tíre na hÉireann.
Ar an Domhnach ansin beidh The Voice Squad:
Tráthnóna Dé Domhnaigh beidh ‘The Voice Squad’ ag sárthaispéaint an fuaim iontach ó Séipéal Naomh Colman, le gig nach féidir cailliúnt. Is grúpa traidisiúnta canadh Éireannach iad ‘The Voice Squad’ le trí albam taifeada acu agus tá siad taréis a bheith ar turas timpeall Éire, an Bhreatain Bheag agus na Stáit Aontaithe.
Tá i bhfad níos mó ag tárlú thar an deireadh seachtaine agus beidh i dhóthain le dhéanamh dos na leanaí dá bharr is deireadh seachtaine iontach a bheas ann don chlann ar fad.
Is féidir súil a choimeád ar inishbofin.com chun a thuilleadh eolas a fháil faoin deireadh seachtain atá le teacht.
The National Treasures team hits Galway for the final roadshow tomorrow night on RTÉ One, where the team chooses the pieces that will make it into the exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland.
The remaining objects need to be selected for the exhibition before its launch in the National Museum of Ireland.
Some fascinating objects are revealed this weekend in Galway, including a women’s voting slip from 1918 and a piece of the first ever airplane to complete a transatlantic flight.
The programme will be aired on RTÉ One tomorrow, Sunday, at 6.30pm.
Over €60,000 in funding has been announced to help community groups tackle litter, dog waste, ad graffiti across Galway city and county.
The funding was announced by Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten and Minister for Community Development Seán Kyne.
In a joint statement the Ministers condemned littering as “environmental sabotage” and said that leaving dog waste on the ground is the most disliked type of littering.
“Dog fouling is perhaps the most intrusive type of litter and a constant source of annoyance for us all on our streets, in our parks and on our beaches.
“We welcome any initiatives that will increase awareness of this nuisance litter and the many public health risks associated with dog owners not picking up their dog’s waste, particularly for children.”
A total of €62,000 will be distributed to Galway city and county councils under the 2018 Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant Scheme.
Galway city council will receive €26,000 and the county council will get €36,000 to conduct public awareness campaigns around littering.
The only way to really get to grips with the problem of littering is to get people to change their attitudes towards disposing of wrappers, cigarette butts, and other waste according to the Ministers.
“Money alone cannot solve our litter problems. It takes a behavioural change across the board and we are confident the awareness campaigns that will be funded through this scheme at community level will have a real impact.”
2018 also marks the 20th anniversary of the National Spring Clean run by An Taisce and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
More than 150 clean ups have taken place across Galway in April as part of the NSC.
Minister Kyne paid tribute to the volunteers, schoolchildren, and community groups who are leading the drive to clean up their local areas.
“Taking their civic responsibilities seriously every single day through the many anti-litter initiatives that they drive across our communities for the preservation of our environment.”
Nationwide, nearly €900,000 has been allocated to 31 Local Authorities for the 2018 ALAGS.
Gardaí are investigating the tragic death of a woman in her 70s who was hit by an agricultural vehicle on a farm near Boula, Portumna.
The deceased woman was hit by the farm vehicle just after four o’clock yesterday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The State Pathologist was notified of the incident yesterday and is expected at the farm today along with members of the Garda Technical Bureau.
The unfortunate woman’s body remained at the farm overnight to await the Pathologist, and Gardaí sealed off the area to preserve the scene for the Technical Bureau.
According to Gardaí the local coroner has also been informed and investigations into the death are ongoing.
In Galway City, there are a plethora of choices for Saturday morning activities: the market, a walk in South Park, breakfast in town, seeing friends, or just lounging in bed. However, one of the jewels of Galway on a Saturday morning are the Saturday Morning Coffee Concerts held at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. These musical events or “Coffee Concerts” take place at 11 am on specific Saturday mornings. Generally, there are 3 concerts per term, with approximately two weeks separating each concert. The concerts are “…run on a completely voluntary basis, and are a vital part of supporting the music education programme for young people (choristers) and less young (like some of us!!)” says Dr. Maria Tuohy.
Copyright 2017, St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, Galway
This concert series, run by the St. Nicholas Schola Cantorum under the direction of Mark Duley, was started in 2012 in order to enhance the cultural vibrancy of Galway City, and to modernise “the ancient college of singing priests founded in the church in 1486” according to Duley. Today, both local and internationally-renowned artists grace the stage of the church to perform, such as Eoin Hynes (tenor), Aisling Kenny(soprano), Eve Garavan (soprano), Deirbhile Ni Bhrolchain (singer), Aine Sheridan (harp), Ramin Haghjoo (piano), Gergely Kuklis (violin),Peter Sebestyén (cello), Róbert Sólyóm (clarinet), and David Grealy (organ) to name a few.
Since its beginning, these Coffee Concerts have become a monthly ritual for those who appreciate music, community, and of course, treats. “Tea, coffee and a delectable variety of cakes (top ups and multiple nibbles encouraged!), are served before/at the start of the concerts, with the concerts typically running for 45-50 minutes. The entry cost of €10 includes entry to the concert, a copy of the programme, and as much tea/coffee and cake as desired.” says Tuohy.
Copyright, 2018 St. Nicholas’ Schola Cantorum
Upcoming performances will take place on Saturday, April 28th beginning with the Choristers of St. Nicholas’ Schola Cantorum with Coole Music Youth Orchestra, and then Saturday, May 12th, and Saturday, May 26th (in collaboration with the Galway Early Music Festival). All concerts begin at 11 am, and are €10 at the door.
Copyright Tripadvisor
When asked what his favourite thing about the Saturday Morning Coffee Concerts was, Duley painted a glorious picture: “I love the special atmosphere of St Nicholas on a Saturday morning, with shoppers in and out, light (and sometimes sun!) streaming in the windows – and all accompanied by high-quality music in the special acoustic of the church. And of course the fabulous baking!”
So, next time you find yourself wandering around the Saturday market and you hear some beautiful music drifting out of St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church, be sure to check it out. You might even find yourself joining in.
Mark Duley is a professional musician, originally from New Zealand, who lives and works in Ireland as an organist and conductor. He is based in Galway (and is an organist at St Nicholas) but works all over the country.
St Nicholas Schola Cantorum is “the musical arm of the parish of St Nicholas Collegiate Church, providing music for its services as well as training and performance opportunities for all the people of Galway regardless of age, gender, experience, religious affiliation, or background.
Information about the Saturday Morning Coffee Concerts can be found on their Facebook page, or on their website.
Galway TDs Sean Canney and Michael Fitzmaurice have been described as “disgraceful and self-serving” by the Road Safety Authority for their opposition to the Road Traffic Amendment Bill this week.
In a statement from Chairperson of the RSA Liz O’Donnell the RSA says that TDs delaying the Bill are putting people on the road in danger, “Quite simply, it’s costing lives.”
The Bill will enforce a mandatory driving ban for people convicted of a first time drink driving offence if their blood alcohol level is over 50mg per 100ml of blood.
Under current law a first time offender gets a fine and penalty points for a blood alcohol level up to 80mg per 100ml.
Both Deputy Fitzmaurice and Deputy Canney voted against the bill when it was being debated in the Dáil on Tuesday.
Speaking on Wednesday Deputy Fitzmaurice said the Bill is an attack on rural Ireland and that the government should focus on improving driver training rather than increasing penalties.
“Is there anything wrong with having places in the east, west, north and south of the country where they could go for a two-day intensive course to get them on the road and to make sure they are safe.
“The Minister should do this by encouraging people, not by the heavy hand. He should make sure he brings people with him, especially youngsters.”
However, Chairperson O’Donnell is accusing rural TDs who oppose the bill of being out of touch with the will of their constituents.
“These Deputies are showing utter contempt for Road Safety and are not reflecting the views of the vast majority of the people of rural Ireland.
“It must be heart breaking and offensive to the bereaved families left to rebuild what is left of their devastated lives.”
Deputy Canney’s vote against the Bill is also putting more strain on his relationship with the Independent Alliance, which is in favour of the Bill.
The Independent Alliance has given Deputy Canney until today to decide if he is to remain in the group.
Former president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, Ian Marshall, has taken one of the two available vacant seats in today’s Seanad by-election.
One seat was left vacant when Connemara senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh decided to move on from politics for a new career in TG4.
Marshall, who is a Unionist and anti-Brexit, currently works at Queen’s University Belfast and was nominated by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to fill one of the two vacant seats.
Sinn Féin endorsed Marshall to fill the seat, as the party was impressed with his strong anti-Brexit stance.
Marshall is a dairy farmer from Armagh, and will sit in the Seanad’s Agriculture panel.
There is some housekeeping required regarding league positions but Saturday will be about celebrating of a Connacht Rugby Giant as the province complete their season.
After 15 years (17 if you include his academy time), captain John Muldoon leads the Westerners out in competitive action for the final time as he retires following a stellar career.
The Portumna native made his debut against the Scottish Borders in 2003 and this meeting with Leinster will be his 327th appearance. Interestingly, he made his 300th appearance against the same opposition 12 months ago and is the PRO14’s most capped player.
🎥 💬 | "That sense of anticipation as the week goes on builds in the bottom of your stomatch, and then when the lights come on in The Sportsground it's all worth it".
John Muldoon on what Connacht Rugby means to him 🙌 #ThanksMul
A capacity crowd will descend on Galway to give a local legend a deserving send-off but Kieran Keane’s men also need to focus on the match as they sit only two points ahead of Zebre in Conference A. Defeat for Connacht could see them finish bottom of the league.
They will be up for it but, while probably fielding a shadow side, they do face an in-form Leinster team who are unbeaten against Irish sides and have a Champions Cup Final against Racing 92 to look forward to on May 10th.
The difference between Leinster and the other provinces has been the depth of their squad and while names some key names may be rested, they’ll still want to ensure they top Conference B and qualify directly for the semi-finals.
COMPETITION FOR PLACES
Leinster have 70 points and are five ahead of Scarlets, whom they beat 38-16 in the Champions Cup semi-final. More importantly, there’s competition for places in Spain with Noel Reid captaining the team in his 100th appearance.
Their last meeting on New Years Day saw Leinster prevail 21-18 thanks to tries from Max Deegan and Luke McGrath. Connacht’s campaign went on a tailspin since as they plummeted down the table but they will be up for this.
Expect a memorable battle and Connacht will come close to getting their first win over Leinster since the 2016 PRO12 Final. But Leo Cullen’s men are in business mode and can’t afford to drop their concentration and may, results wise, spoil the party.
Galway West TD Sean Kyne says new investment in Respite will help services provided by the Brothers of Charity Services and Ability West in Galway.
€10m has been allocated under the Respite Development Programme, which will also fund additional capacity for services provided by Western Care in Mayo.
The Fine Gael TD, who announced the funding, said that it will benefit people with disabilities and their families in communities across Galway and Mayo by providing additional services.
“Through the Respite Development Programme 2018 Ability West and the Brothers of Charity in Galway and Western Care in Mayo are receiving one additional respite care bed each which equates to 600 extra respite care nights benefiting up to 60 people and their families each year.
“In addition, the organisations are also receiving investment for in home/host family support for alternative respite services.
“These extra respite services will be of great benefit to people with disabilities and in Galway and Mayo as well as their families and carers.
“My colleague, Minister of State for Disabilities, Finian McGrath has also confirmed to me that this new investment is designed to help people with disabilities in Galway and Mayo to lead more independent lives and to have more of a say in their care.
“It is also hugely important that carers look after their own health and well-being, and ensuring we have proper respite services, provided by organisations such as Ability West, Brothers of Charity and Western Care, is crucial to that,” said Sean Kyne TD.
Minister Shane Ross has been questioned in the Seanad about the problems that have arisen in Galway ariund driving tests for buses and lorries.
Galway Senator Gerard Craughwell said the situation is serious for companies which train HGV drivers and that some of the driving instructor schools employ up to 14 people whose jobs are now on the line.
Senator Craughwell said: “Many driving tests for heavy good vehicles, HGVs, and buses scheduled to take place in the past two weeks at the Westside test centre in Galway have been cancelled.
“To put this in context, as the Minister may know, there is no dedicated reversing compound in the Westside test centre area of Galway.
“Until recently, those taking the HGV and bus tests were tested in a quiet area on a public road. Due to traffic management changes implemented by Galway council, that area is no longer available and an alternative reversing space has not been secured.”
Senator Craughwell said that the first problem is that the situation was ever allowed to arise.
“It beggars belief that an agency of the State would be dependent on the use of a public space for such a critical aspect of a driving test and that no investment, foresight or planning has been forthcoming to address this issue over the years.
“The driving test centre in question is sadly lacking in other respects, such as no parking being available for applicants and the public building having no toilet facilities.
“The second and more serious issue is that a very significant number of those scheduled for testing this week and last are participants on an education and training board, ETB, training course for HGV drivers with Galway and Roscommon ETB.
“They are on the course because they were unemployed but were ready to take up job offers upon its completion. The offers were contingent on their passing the test but, as tests are now cancelled, they cannot now take them up. The Minister will agree that is a horrendous situation for those people and their families.
“The situation is equally serious for companies which train HGV drivers. Who would sign up to an HGV course when it is likely there will be no test available in Galway at the end of it? Some of the driving instructor schools employ up to 14 people whose jobs are now on the line,” he added.
Minister Shane Ross acknowledged the problem, and said: “The RSA is currently considering a number of locations as an immediate short-term measure so that it can continue to deliver HGV tests in Galway.
“The RSA continues to work with the Office of Public Works, OPW, which has responsibility for securing estate for the Road Safety Authority, on a longer term solution in Galway. I recognise the problem.
“The Senator has his finger on the button and I will relay his comments to the RSA and support the case he has made because this issue has immediate consequences for certain parties to whom he referred.”
While John Muldoon will garner the most attention when he retires following Connacht’s final Guinness PRO14 fixture against Leinster, Andrew Browne also departs the province after 11 years.
A shoulder injury has derailed the former Galwegians player’s season and he won’t be involved in the Sportsground on Saturday (28th April) but will be in attendance to say goodbye to the supporters.
Browne made his Connacht debut in 2007 and made over 150 appearances and was a part of their PRO12 winning campaign in 2016.
Connacht face Leinster in their final fixture of the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14 campaign on Saturday, 28th April. Kick-off at the Sportsground is 3.05pm.
Connacht Rugby have released a tribute video for their captain John Muldoon ahead of their final game in the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14 campaign.
The 35-year-old Portumna native will make his 327th appearance for the province, 15 years after his 2003 debut against the Scottish Borders.
Connacht supporters will travel to give their Rugby Legend the ultimate send-off and the province has started with this package on their You Tube Channell
Connacht face Leinster in their final fixture of the 2017/2018 Guinnes PRO14 campaign on Saturday, 28th April. Kick-off at the Sportsground is 3.05pm.
Galway’s minor camogie team go in search of back-to-back All-Ireland titles in a repeat of their meeting in March when the Rebelettes finished top of their group before beating Clare 1-11 to 0-9 in the semi-final.
Galway did suffer two group defeats but comprehensive victories against Wexford and Dublin saw them qualify on scoring difference. And while stretched on occasions, Galway didn’t waste their reprieve against Tipperary as Mairead Dillon scored an incredible four goals in their 4-9 to 1-10 win.
Galway were without their Sarsfields and Athenry contingents during the group stages and made four changes from the original Cork game for that semi-final. Kate Moran, Erica Leslie and Kate Screene lined out in defence with Siobhan McGrath in attack.
Interestingly, McGrath was held scoreless against the Premier County but she was still instrumental. And Niamh Niland and Chloe Reilly, who scored two goals in each of the last two under 16 deciders, are capable of running up points.
Niamh Horan and Tegan Canning are a settled midfield unit and will have to deal with Saoirse McCarthy who is a key player in Cork’s plans. Leah Burke and Alannah Kelly take the central defensive positions with Galway senior Sarah Healy between the sticks.
Fiona Keating, Cliodhna Healy, Moira Barrett and Aoife Hurley were Cork’s prominent scorers against Clare; Laura Hayes is creative from centre back and Sarah Ahern saved a penalty in the semi-final. They will be confident despite their previous loss to Wexford when qualification was already secured.
For manager Lorraine Larkin, it’s her seventh consecutive year leading a Galway team to an All-Ireland Final. Her first victory was against Cork’s under 16s in 2015 before under 18s beat Clare last year. Both were played in Nenagh but Cork are also chasing a turn in fortunes as they participate in their third final.
Their two losses in 2013 and 2014 came after replays. However, if Galway catch fire, they will take some stopping. Galway were dominant at under 16 two years ago and they have a good record in finals against teams who’ve beaten them already. And this group are comfortable with big occasions.
Connacht Captain John Muldoon is set to lead his Connacht side out for the final time when they take on Leinster at the Sportsground on Saturday (28TH April, 3.05pm). In the process, he will make his 327th appearance for his native province having made his debut in October 2003.
The Portumna man is named at his familiar number 8 position alongside flankers Eoin Mc Keon and Jarrad Butler in the clash with the Champions Cup finalists.
Lock Gavin Thornbury is named to start against his home province in what will be his 14th appearance of the season. Thornbury starts alongside Quinn Roux with Ultan Dillane named among the replacements.
📖 | Coming to the game Saturday? Make sure you pick up a special souvenir edition of the matchday programme as we celebrate John Muldoon and Andrew Browne's enormous contribution to Connacht Rugby #CONvLEIpic.twitter.com/BwrObQw89o
In the midfield Tom Farrell and Bundee Aki continue their centre partnership, while the back three of full back Tiernan O’Halloran and wingers Matt Healy and Niyi Adeolokun remains unchanged.
“It’s my final time to throw on the green jersey and I just want to do the lads justice before I bow out at the Sportsground,” said Muldoon on Connacht Rugby’s official website. “It has actually crept up on me and I have had mixed emotions this week when I have gone into training with the lads.”
Connacht Team vs Leinster: Tiernan O’Halloran; Niyi Adeolokun, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion; Denis Buckley, Shane Delahunt, Finlay Bealham; Gavin Thornbury, Quinn Roux; Eoin McKeon, Jarrad Butler, John Muldoon.
Replacements: Tom McCartney, Peter McCabe, Conor Carey, Ultan Dillane, Eoghan Masterson, Caolin Blade, Craig Ronaldson, Darragh Leader.
Connacht face Leinster in their final fixture of the 2017/2018 Guinness PRO14 season on Saturday, 28th April. Kick-off at the Sportsground is 3.05pm.
Beidh Céilí Teaghlaigh ar siúl sa Spidéal ar an Domhnach beag seo an 29ú lá de Mí Aibreán chun airgid a bhailiú don Féile Traidphicnic 2018.
Tá an Céilí Teaghlaigh á reachtáil mar ócáid tiomsaithe airgid don féile Traidphicnic 2018.
Beidh an Féile Traidphicnic thar nais sa Spidéal i Mí Iúil i gcóir Deireadh Seachtaine eile lán do spraoi.
Tá an Spidéal i gcroílár an Gaeltacht i gConamara agus dá bharr is é an áit is fearr chun iarracht a dhéanamh bhur cúpla focal a úsáid.
Bíonn an Féile ag feidhmiú ar bhonn deonach agus cé go mbíonn sé saor in aisce, iarrtar orthu siúd a mbíonn ag freastal ar an Féile an méid is féidir leo a thabhairt chun cábhrú le dul chun cinn agus feidhmiúcháin an Féile.
Thar an deireadh seachtaine beidh réimse leathan imeachtaí ar siúl, ó ceol beo go ealaíon agus ceirde, seisiún sna tithe tabhairne, siúlóidí treoraithe, sean-nós agus a thuilleadh eile.
Beidh amanta na himeachtaí á daingniú níos congaraí do thús na Féile ach roimhe sin ar fad tá seans agaibh bhur bróga rince a chuir oraibh chun airgid a bhailiú do dhul chun chinn na Féile.
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An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted that all recommendations made by an investigation into the rape of three girls in foster care in Dunmore will be implemented.
An independent review panel was established in April 2016 and during Leader’s Questions this week the Taoiseach insisted that Tusla will act on the contents of its report.
“Tusla awaits the outcome of the review and has agreed to act on all of its findings and recommendations.”
Three young girls, Rachel Barry who has spoken publicly about what she suffered, and two others known as “Sarah”, and “Amy” were all raped by Keith Burke between 2003 and 2007 while in foster care with his family in Dunmore, Galway.
Deputy Mary Lou McDonald, leader of Sinn Féin, asked the Taoiseach why Amy and another girl were left in the Burke’s care after Rachel Barry came forward with her accusation against Keith Burke in 2007.
“Her disclosure was judged to be credible by a subsequent HSE investigation. Rachel also disclosed that a second young girl known as Amy had been raped by Burke.
“For four years after the risk to this young girl was uncovered, she and other children were left in a setting in which the authorities knew they were at severe risk of rape and abuse.
“These were young girls who were already vulnerable – that is the precise reason they were in foster care – yet the State failed them when they most needed it.”
Taoiseach Varadkar accepted that more work was needed on protections for children, but said that improvements have been made to the system since the time when these crimes took place.
“For example, the HSE is no longer responsible for child protection or foster care, responsibility for both of which now falls under the remit of a dedicated agency, namely, Tusla. We also have a Department of Children and Youth Affairs with a dedicated Minister at the Cabinet table.
“We have changed our Constitution to enshrine within it the rights of children and introduced mandatory reporting. All provisions of the Children First Act are now fully in force.
“We can honestly say that there has been a real change in the way we have prioritised child protection in the State since 2011, although there is always more to be done.”
Mr. Burke was sentenced to 7 and a half years in prison earlier in April for his crimes, a sentence that has provoked an angry backlash as being too lenient for the crimes committed.
The Taoiseach didn’t comment on the sentence except to say that the matter was with the DPP.
“I am aware of the concern about the leniency of the sentence in this case. It is, of course, up to the DPP to decide in the coming weeks whether it is appropriate to appeal the sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeal.”
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