Do Not Consumer Water Notice issued for Inishbofin

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September 14, 2023

Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen have both been named for the starting XV for Ireland’s second world cup match against Tonga on Saturday.

Aki returns to the centre after an eye-catching performance against Romania last weekend which saw him deliver incredible energy.

Mack Hansen came on as a replacement last week, but now he’s in the startling lineup on the right wing, one of two changes made to the backline.

Conor Murray has also been named in the starting XV, while Ronan Kelleher and Josh van der Flier come into the pack.

Hansen is selected in the back three alongside Hugo Keenan and James Lowe, with Bundee Aki and Garry Ringrose continuing their midfield partnership. Murray comes into the scrum-half position to partner captain Johnny Sexton in the half-backs.

Up front, Kelleher starts alongside Andrew Porter and Tadhg Furlong, with Tadhg Beirne shifting to the second row to pack down alongside James Ryan. Last weekend’s Player of the Match, Peter O’Mahony, is named at blindside, with van der Flier at openside and Caelan Doris at number eight.

There are a number of players on the replacements bench in line for their Rugby World Cup debuts, as David Kilcoyne and Finlay Bealham join Rob Herring as the front row reinforcements, while Iain Henderson and Ryan Baird cover second row and back row respectively. Craig Casey, Ross Byrne and Robbie Henshaw complete the Match Day 23.

As Team B for the fixture, Ireland will wear their Canterbury alternate kit for Saturday’s match as part of World Rugby’s colour blindness protocols.

All the action is live on RTÉ2 in Republic of Ireland and ITV in the United Kingdom.

Ireland Team & Replacements (V Tonga, Rugby World Cup Pool B, Nantes, Saturday, Sept 16)
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster/UCD)(32)
14. Mack Hansen (Connacht/Corinthians)(17)
13. Garry Ringrose (Leinster/UCD)(53)
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht/Galwegians)(48)
11. James Lowe (Leinster)(22)
10. Johnny Sexton (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(captain)(114)
9. Conor Murray (Munster/Garryowen)(108)

1. Andrew Porter (Leinster/UCD)(55)
2. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster/Lansdowne)(22)
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster/Clontarf)(68)
4. Tadhg Beirne (Munster/Lansdowne)(42)
5. James Ryan (Leinster/UCD)(56)
6. Peter O’Mahony (Munster/Cork Constitution)(97)
7. Josh van der Flier (Leinster/UCD)(53)
8. Caelan Doris (Leinster/St Mary’s College)(32)

Replacements:

16. Rob Herring (Ulster/Ballynahinch)(38)
17. David Kilcoyne (Munster/UL Bohemians)(52)
18. Finlay Bealham (Connacht/Buccaneers)(32)
19. Iain Henderson (Ulster/Academy)(75)
20. Ryan Baird (Leinster/Dublin University)(13)
21. Craig Casey (Munster/Shannon)(12)
22. Ross Byrne (Leinster/UCD)(21)
23. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster/Buccaneers)(65).

Galway born billion Luke Comer banned from horse training for three years

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September 14, 2023

Galway born billionaire and horse trainer Luke Comer has been suspended from training horses for three years, and ordered to cover substantial costs, after a number of his horses failed drug tests.

The Irish Horse Racing Regulatory Board published the ruling against Comer on Thursday over the presence of anabolic steroids found in 12 horses.

He has been handed a three year ban on training horses, which will commence in January, as well as fined €85,000. He was also found liable for costs of approximately €750,000.

The case related to tests carried out in October and November 2021, where multiple horses tested positive for methandienone (MD) and methlylestosterone (MT), both anabolic steroids.

He Knows No Fear was tested on October 16 after a race at Leopardstown, and tested positive from a hair sample.

A total of 12 horses: He Knows No Fear, Old Tom Higgins, Boxing Hero, Grand d’Espagne, Aircraft Carrier, Powerful Don, Wee Jim, Great Moon, Our Man Flint, Questionare, Green Force, and Blyton, were then tested in unannounced inspection at Eagle Lodge, Kilternan on November 10.

The Board did not find any direct evidence of deliberate doping of horses in this case.

Mr Comer categorically denied that he or any of his staff were involved in deliberately doping the horses. He accepted the presence of the drugs, saying that they were small trace amounts.

It was suggested that the presence of the drugs might have been the result of environmental contamination, with hay eaten by the horses contaminated through pig slurry.

The Board said it was not possible to determine how the horses came to test positive, but fined Comer in respect of the positive drug tests, and for the “reputational damage” this will have on horseracing in Ireland.

Luke Comer maintains that he is not guilty of any misconduct.

Luke and his brother Brian Comer are originally from Glenamaddy, and have made a multiple billion euro property empire that extends internationally.

In Galway the brothers became the owners of Galway United Football Club in March of 2022, after having been the club’s lead sponsor since 2013

Three more men charged over car park altercation due before court

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September 14, 2023

The three men arrested this morning in connection with the ongoing investigation into a massive gang fight in Galway City have been charged.

Three men, one in his 40s and two in their 20s, were arrested on Thursday morning in connection with the public order and endangerment incident which occurred last Sunday.

They brought to 12 the number of people who have been arrested in connection with the serious brawl in the car park of Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road.

These three men have since been charged and are due to appear before Galway District Court on Thursday afternoon.

A number of weapons and two vehicles were seized by Gardaí after a feud resulted in a massive altercation on Sunday evening.

Two people suffered serious injuries after being struck by a car that was driven at them at great speed.

Two other people charged in connection with this serious crime also appeared before the court this morning after being charged on Wednesday night.

Gardaí in Galway continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

They are particularly appealing to those who were in the College Road and Headford Road areas in Galway between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening and observed any violent behaviour, to contact them.

Additionally, individuals with camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from the area are urged to provide this material to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda
Station at 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Three further arrests in violent brawl investigation

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September 14, 2023

Galway Daily news Three people charged in connection with Galway raids

Gardaí have arrested another three people in connection with the violent brawl outside Galway Shopping Centre last Sunday.

Three men, one in his 40s and two in their 20s, were arrested this morning during an operation in the Galway area.

They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in the Western region.

This brings to twelve the total number of individuals arrested to date in connection with this investigation.

Videos were widely shared of the violent incident in the car park of Galway Shopping Centre, during which a car struck two people at speed.

Two people were brought before Galway District Court in connection with this incident this morning, joining multiple others who have already been charged with violent disorder in relation to it.

Gardaí in Galway continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

They are particularly appealing to those who were in the College Road and Headford Road areas in Galway between 5:45pm and 6:45pm on Sunday evening and observed any violent behaviour, to contact them.

Additionally, individuals with camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from the area are urged to provide this material to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station at 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Busy week continues at Portiuncula Hospital as over 30 on trolleys today

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September 14, 2023

Galway Daily news 67 people on trolleys at UHG

There are more than 30 patients on trolleys at Portiuncula Hospital today, in what continues to be an extremely busy week for the Ballinasloe hospital.

There have been over 30 patients without a bed three days in a row now at Portiuncula, and on Monday there were 29.

This morning there are 21 patients on trolleys in the emergency department, and another 10 in the wards without a bed.

This is an unusually high level of overcrowding for the Ballinasloe Hospital, the fourth highest in the country today.

Over at University Hospital Galway there are 25 patients admitted with no bed available today.

Of those, 20 people are on trolleys in the emergency department according to INMO figures, and another five are in the wards.

Nationwide the INMO has counted 485 people admitted in public hospitals without beds this morning, with UH Limerick alone accounting for 103 of those.

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation called for the Emergency Department Taskforce to meet urgently this week as the trolley crisis continues.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said that it is unacceptable that we are seeing such high levels of overcrowding before the usual onslaught of winter viruses and respiratory illnesses.

“We haven’t yet reached the midpoint of the month and we have already seen over 3,335 patients on trolleys, chairs or other inappropriate bed spaces so far in September,” she said.

She added that the rising number of children under the age of 16 who are on trolleys in hospital is particularly concerning.

Music for Galway awarded funding from AIB Community €1 Million Fund

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September 14, 2023

Music for Galway has been awarded €28,000 in funding from the second annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

The city based non-profit was one of the six most nominated charities this year, out of more than 16,000 nominations received.

Music for Galway is using this money for a very special project as part of Cellissimo, a nine day international cello festival in Galway City and County next May.

It is a collaboration with the children’s theatre company Branar. Together they will visit schools and talk about HOME, what it looks, sounds, feels like, where it is for them etc.

The children’s reactions will be gathered and used to create a new piece of theatre. This takes its inspiration from the Galway Cello, a cello that was built mainly with timbers from east Galway, but that also includes timbers from Germany and Africa.

All of these timbers have found a new home in the Galway Cello, and have produced an extraordinary instrument that is not only beautiful but also sounds great. This new theatre piece will be premiered during Cellissimo.

Speaking about receipt of the award, Music for Galway CEO Anna Lardi said they were happy to receive this funding from the AIB Community Fund, and indicated how important it would be for their project.

She said that the funding will be, “Vital for us to produce this project in collaboration with Branar, a project that has inclusion as its heart, a topic that badly needs to be addressed at present.”

“We have seen first-hand the difference this funding has had on local organisations who received support last year.”

“The fact that the public nominated us makes it particularly special because it means that the work we are doing in the community is being recognised, and we are making a difference.”

“I want to thank everyone who is involved in Music for Galway and a particular thank you to AIB for establishing this hugely beneficial fund.”

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and colleagues to nominate charities which connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

Over 16,000 nominations were received highlighting the immediate support needed for charities across Ireland.

Following the inaugural launch in 2022, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has already donated to over 70 national and local charities including Dogs for the Disabled, Irish Cancer Society, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Dyslexia Association of Ireland.

Speaking about the Fund, AIB Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mary Whitelaw said: “Along with our core community partners and programmes the AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables us to further deepen our contribution to society.”

“The nominations were made by our colleagues, customers and the public based on the causes and charities they connect with and that matter most to them.”

“Our hope is that this funding will help make a real difference to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to those who are working tirelessly for their benefit.’’

Specialised Beach Wheelchair now available in Salthill

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September 14, 2023

Ability West GCC Wheelchair Handover — Ellen Jennings, Renjith Joseph, Ability West, Jason Craughwell GSP, Amanda Scott, Ability West, Audrey Pigeon, Ability West, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Eddie Hoare, Michael Flanagan, Ability West, Kay & Cathal Diviney, Ian Brennan, LeisureLand, Aisling Colreavey, Healthy Galway City

A Beach Wheelchair is now available free of charge in Salthill to let people with mobility issues enjoy time on the sand.

The specialised wheelchair was donated by Ability West, and has now been transferred to the ownership of Galway City Council.

It is now available free of charge from LeisureLand, Salthill, Galway, seven days a-week, during opening times.

This initiative is supported by Healthy Galway City, which funded an upgraded chair to navigate soft sand, and delivered in partnership with Galway Sports Partnership Active Cities Project.

Kay Diviney, a local resident, who uses the beach wheelchair to access the water said, “To have access to the beach wheelchair has improved my health, flexibility and overall well-being.”

“I rarely miss a Saturday and Wednesday swim with the Gentle Swimmers group. Since using the beach wheelchair, I have developed and perfected a way of getting on and off the wheelchair in the water and going for a 30-minute swim. It is wonderful!”

Speaking about the gesture, Amanda Scott from Ability West commented that they were delighted to partner with the local community on this gesture, which “proves that limited ability is not inability”.

“Our aim is to make accessing the beach and water a reality for people with limited mobility and afford users the opportunity to enjoy the beach without difficulty when visiting Salthill.”

“One of the ways we strive for inclusivity in Ability West is by facilitating programmes that promote inclusion within the community.”

“Our ‘All Inclusive Beach Accessible Wheelchairs’ provide just that. This is a first initiative in the West of Ireland to provide people with limited mobility access to the beach and water.”

Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Eddie Hoare added, “Galway City Council is delighted with this development, as it makes the use of our beaches more accessible. We would like to thank Ability West for their generous donation of this beach wheelchair.”

“The council will now ensure that this is available for the public to use, so that as many people as possible can benefit from the great swimming amenities that we have here in Salthill, year-round.”

Galway remains a “friendly and safe” city Gardaí and City Council say

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September 14, 2023

Galway City Council and An Garda Síochána have said that Galway remains a safe and friendly city despite recent high profile incidents.

The two issued a joint statement in response to reports online and in the media regarding a number of violent public order incidents lately.

Nine people have been arrested so far in connection with a violent brawl which took place in the car park outside Galway Shopping Centre last Sunday.

Just prior to this, five people were arrested and charged in connection with a violent public order incident on Williamsgate Street last Friday, September 8.

The joint statement said that the council is in full cooperation with An Garda Síochána to make Galway a safe place to work, live, study and socialise.

It stated that the council’s supports Gardaí role in keeping people safe in our communities through crime prevention, detection and enforcement in accordance with law.

A meeting was held between the City Council and An Garda Síochána this week, organised by Mayor. Cllr Eddie Hoare and interim Chief Executive Patricia Philbin.

The purpose of the meeting was to reinforce cooperation on issues such as social disorder, and maintaining Galway’s reputation as a safe and welcoming city.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Eddie Hoare commented, “I welcome the confirmation by An Garda Síochána that arrests have been made, and I have full confidence in both An Garda Síochána and our Courts system in dealing with the on-going issues.”

“Galway has an exceptional reputation around the world, and it is important that this reputation is protected. I would ask those involved to exercise calm, to step back, and to take some responsibility for their actions.”

“I look forward to continuing to work with fellow Members and the Executive of Galway City Council, and An Garda Síochána, in ensuring order is restored in our city.”

Two more people charged with involvement in violent brawl

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September 14, 2023

Galway Daily courts Man due before court for alleged stalking of female politician

Two more people have been charged and are due to appear before court in connection with a massive brawl which saw multiple people injured on the Headford Road.

Gardaí last night charged two men aged 19 and 24 in connection with the public order and endangerment incident which occurred last Sunday evening outside Galway Shopping Centre.

The two men were arrested following a series of search and arrest operations in the Galway area this week, and are due to appear before Galway District Court at 10:30am this morning.

The violent brawl in the car park outside Galway Shopping Centre on the Headford Road saw four people taken to hospital, two of whom were injured after a car was driven at them.

A total of nine people have been arrested to date as part of this investigation, eight of which have been charged by Gardaí to appear before the courts.

Five people were brought before Galway District Court on charges of violent disorder yesterday in connection with this incident.

Investigations remain ongoing and Gardaí in Galway continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

They are particularly appealing to those who were in the College Road and Headford Road areas in Galway between 5:45pm and 6:45pm on Sunday evening and observed any violent behaviour, to contact them.

Additionally, individuals with camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from the area are urged to provide this material to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station at 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures set to return to Galway

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September 13, 2023

Galway Daily heritage Let the eye wander at Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures

The Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures is set to return to Galway from Thursday, 28 September to Sunday, 1 October with a vibrant programme of events presented by Galway Traveller Movement.

The events will range from music and film to poetry, talks and visual art from Traveller, Roma, Sámi, Mongolian, Australian Aboriginal and Romany Gypsy communities.

Misleór, which means ‘wanderer’ in the Irish Traveller language Cant, celebrates and connects nomadic peoples from around the world.

The festival has been a unique collaboration between local artists and community activists working at local, regional, national and international levels since 2019.

Nora Corcoran, co-artistic director, said that they recognise in nomadic peoples from around the world a kindred inner spirit which unites their communities – a fire in the belly that is fanned by activism, creativity and coming together.

“The campfire is a meeting point for Travellers. Creativity, singing, storytelling and entertainment would always be found by those gathered round the open fire, under the blanket of a starry night,” she said.

“We look forward to meeting you around the fire at Misleór this year, to share our stories and get to know one another.”

Misleór kicks off at 6pm on Thursday, 28 September in the Mick Lally Theatre with ‘On the Road’, an opening ceremony to welcome guest artists and to light the fire.

Highlights of the festival programme include Chant Yil Lull, a song circle with Australian Aboriginal artist Jessie Lloyd and women from the local Traveller community; Misleór Conversations, public panel discussions featuring guest artists, activists and leaders from nomadic communities around the world; Nomadic Shorts, a special programme of short films exploring identity, resilience and diversity with nomadic communities; In Conversation, two special talks with award-winning actor and filmmaker John Connors and singer and storyteller Kitty Cassidy; Reimaging Life on the Road, a family-friendly traditional Traveller camp featuring interactive displays and workshops; and Miselór in Song, a celebration of nomadic cultures around the world through music, song, spoken word and dance.

All events are free unless otherwise noted. Full programme and booking information can be found at www.misleor.ie.

Exciting new female-led business to bring unmissable oyster event to Galway

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September 13, 2023

galway daily news oysome oyster buisness hosting pop up event in galway city

An exciting new female-led business which focuses on Irish oysters will host a pop-up event at Aniar in Galway City next weekend to mark the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival.

Oysome, founded by Sarah Browne, creates bespoke oyster pairings using ingredients local to the oyster farm.

Sarah will host a limited number of oyster-tasting sittings commencing at 1pm on Sunday, 24 September, with the last sitting at 7.30pm. The Oysome team will serve five of Ireland’s premium oysters paired with botanically inspired accompaniments and dressings.

In four long-table style sittings, Sarah will guide guests through each course, beginning with a dainty flaggy and finishing with a deep and briny native.

Each course will be paired with a palette cleansing kombucha or spritz, made from scratch by the Oysome team.

The Oyster tasting will begin with a dainty Flaggy Shore Oyster with Pickled Banner Berries, St. Tola Goats Curd, and Meadowsweet, accompanied by a Blueberry Spritz.

Sarah pairs a Réalt na Mara Oyster with a Sliabh Aughty Honey and Beechlawn Organic Cucumber granita followed by a refreshing Cucumber Booch, while a Kelly Gigas Oyster is paired with Sea Beet, Yarrow and Seaweed and a unique Seaweed Spritz.

The DK Connemara Oyster is served as ‘Oyscream’ – Sarah’s take on an oyster ice cream with Elderberry gel and Elderberry Booch.

The experience is rounded off with a stunning Kelly Native, its rich, briny finish paired with a Micil Heritage Poitín spiked cream.

Guests finish off the experience next door in MP Walshe’s pub with a complimentary Guinness or MP Walsh Single Grain Double Barrel Whiskey. Tickets are priced at €35 per person and include accompanying spirits and kombuchas.

Sarah Browne created Oysome as a way to educate and share the passion she has for Irish oysters, and to showcase their inherent sustainability and the diversity in how they can be eaten.

“In a world where we are increasingly aware of the devastating effects of climate change, I believe it is more important than ever to seek out sustainable future food solutions,” she said.

“Simultaneously, we are becoming more aware of the effects of ultra-processed foods and poor nutrition on our health. Oysome is working to provide flavour-forward solutions to these issues.

“Protecting real food, biodiversity and rural economies are values at the core of what Oysome does. I want to reduce the stigma associated with oysters in this country and bridge the gap between our incredible oyster producers and the Irish public.”

Sarah said that she is excited to share a little insight into the wonderful world of Irish oysters for this very special event at Aniar.

“It is a privilege to be hosting these tasting experiences in a restaurant that is synonymous with the story of Irish food. Oysome is all about celebrating Irish oysters and having a bit of fun while doing it so you can expect lots of conversation and craic.”

The evening, which is generously supported by Aniar, can be booked at Oysome Pop Up at Aniar – Event Brite.

For those who can’t make it, Oysome can be found at Eat The Streets in Dublin on 16 September between 4.15pm and 5pm.

Local TD calls on Agriculture Minister to take action on farmers’ concerns

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September 13, 2023

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

Local TD Claire Kerrane TD has called on Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to take action on urgent concerns raised by farmers.

Deputy Kerrane said farmers have raised serious concerns over the past week around the delays to farm payments, announced changes to the nitrates derogation, and the crisis facing the sheep sector.

She said that these concerns remain outstanding despite being raised with the Minister for several months.

“Farmers and representative organisations are yet again having to raise serious concerns which will affect many of our family farms and rural communities,” said the Sinn Féin TD.

“The impact of delays to farm payments, of changes to the nitrates derogation, and of the crisis affecting the sheep sector are not new – these are issues that have been raised time and time again with the Minister.

“Yet, what we are seeing now is several of these significant issues coming to a head following months of the Minister failing to listen to farmers and failing to take action to address these concerns.”

The Roscommon-Galway TD said that she raised the delays of payments – the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC) schemes – directly with the Minister in the Dáil in May, and several times since.

Deputy Kerrane said that it is “really disappointing” that despite significant issues being raised with the Minister, we find ourselves in this situation today.

“It is not too late for the Minister to engage constructively on these key issues, and I am demanding that he does so as a matter of urgency. This is no way to treat farmers. The Minister needs to wake up to the impact of his decisions and the reality for farmers.”

University of Galway to host Sustainable Development Goals Week

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September 13, 2023

Galway Daily news Petition against 4% rent hike at NUIG garners over 1,000 signatures

University of Galway will host its first SDG Week to increase awareness, engagement and action to help achieve the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Organised by the University’s staff and students, SDG Week will run from September 18 to 23 as part of the wider European Sustainable Development Week.

Events next week include a mix of student and staff-led events, from seminars to seed sowing, an environmental summit, poster presentations, workshops, a quiz night, a guided walk and a community recycling day.

As part of SDG week, the University is also launching a new SDG Trail for the campus to showcase and promote efforts made to develop the campus as a living lab for best practice in embedding the SDGs.

By walking the trail, participants can learn about the 17 SDGs and gain insights into projects and initiatives taking place across the University that are progressing the SDGs.

The inaugural SDG Week has been organised on the back of national and international recognition of the progress being made in the University in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This includes being ranked 34^th in the world and number one university in Ireland by the THE Impact Rankings for its efforts in progressing the SDGs.

The University was also ranked 5th in the world for its progress on SDG 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production.

Earlier this year, the government designated University of Galway as a national SDG Champion.

For more information on the range of events happening throughout the week visit www.universityofgalway.ie/sdgweek.

Another man arrested after car driven at crowd in major brawl

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September 13, 2023

Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

Gardaí have arrested another man following a major brawl at Galway Shopping Centre car park during which a car was driven recklessly at a group of people on Sunday evening.

The man in his late teens is the 9th person to be arrested and detained as part of this investigation following a series of search and arrest operations in the Galway area in recent days.

Five of the individuals arrested are expected to appear before a sitting of Galway District Court this afternoon charged in connection with the investigation.

Gardaí in Galway continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

They are particularly appealing to those who were in the College Road and Headford Road areas in Galway between 5.45pm and 6.45pm on Sunday evening and observed any violent behaviour, to contact them.

Additionally, individuals with camera footage, including dash cam recordings, from the area are urged to provide this material to the Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station at 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

People urged to support ISPCA emergency appeal amid rise in cruelty

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September 13, 2023

Galway Daily news Surge in people surrendering their dogs MADRA says

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) today is calling on people to continue its support for the organisation’s National Emergency Appeal amid an alarming rise in cases of abandonment and cruelty.

The ISPCA has taken the initiative to rent external animal shelters for dogs in urgent need of rescue.

Dr Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA, said that the current situation is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges animals face in our society.

“We are immensely grateful for the generosity shown by donors so far. The caring response of the Irish public has helped us to reach approximately 25% of our targeted total amount which has enabled us to take critical steps towards providing a safe haven for these vulnerable animals,” said Dr Sullivan.

“Those who have donated have shown just how much Irish people care. But we still need to do more and we need everyone to join with those who have donated because, our journey is far from over, and we still have many animals who urgently need care.”

Among the success stories emerging from the National Emergency Appeal is the heart-warming case of a Corgi named Cáilín, adopted by Kaydi O’Neill, a student at the University College Dublin (UCD).

Cáilín’s story is one of triumph over adversity – she was rescued from an illegal puppy farm where she suffered neglect and mistreatment.

Through the collective efforts of the ISPCA and the compassionate actions of individuals like Kaydi, Cáilín’s life took a remarkable turn.

Since the campaign initially launched in June of this year, 115 dogs have since been rehomed to loving and caring families across the country, like Cáilín.

Kaydi O’Neill shares her experience: “When I first saw Cáilín, her spirit was broken. However, as she settled into her new home, her resilience shone through.

“It’s a testament to the power of compassion and second chances. I’m grateful to the ISPCA for their unyielding dedication to animals like Cáilín.”

The ISPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare in Ireland, and this National Emergency Appeal reflects their unwavering commitment to ensuring the well-being of animals in need.

The recent surge in abandonment and cruelty cases has overwhelmed existing resources, necessitating the rental of external shelters to accommodate the growing number of animals seeking refuge.

The ISPCA’s National Emergency Appeal continues to serve as a lifeline for animals facing the most challenging circumstances.

With every donation, supporters contribute not only to the provision of shelter and medical care but also to the restoration of hope for animals like Cáilín, who deserve a chance at a better life.

To donate and make a difference in the lives of animals in crisis, please visit www.ispca.ie/donate.

Shine a Light launched as homelessness continues to rise

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September 13, 2023

galway daily news shine a light for homelessness — Pictured launching the 2023 Shine a Light sleep out in aid of Focus Ireland are Focus Ireland ambassador Kelly Ann Byrne, former Tipperary hurler Brendan Maher, Brendan Courtney, influencer Caroline Mooney and Focus Ireland ambassador Stephanie Clarke. Picture Andres Poveda

Brendan Courtney and Focus Ireland ambassadors Kelly Ann Byrne and Stephanie Clarke have launched this year’s Shine A Light sleep out in aid of Focus Ireland.

According to the latest figures, 340 adults in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon accessed emergency accommodation, in June 2023, including 97 families and 204 children.

Taking place on Friday, 13 October, Shine A Light is proudly supported by Bord Gáis Energy and calls on people across the country to host a sleep out in their homes, communities or workplaces to help end family homelessness.

This year the goal is to raise €1.2m to support the essential work of Focus Ireland.

Demand for Focus Ireland’s services is at an all-time high. There are currently 1,839 families including children in emergency accommodation throughout Ireland as of July 2023, an increase of 29% in the last year.

The work that Focus Ireland is doing to support families experiencing homeless or as risk of homelessness is vital, but they can’t do it alone and the support of people across the country is essential to create real change.

Bord Gáis Energy’s support of Shine A Light forms part of an ongoing partnership with Focus Ireland which began in 2015. To date it has supported over 7,000 families and directly prevented 458 vulnerable families from becoming homeless in Ireland.

Last year the partnership was extended until 2025 and Bord Gáis Energy has pledged a further €2 million to help tackle family homelessness, bringing its total commitment in funds to €4.4 million.

On the night Brendan will sleep out at his home and will document the experience on his social channels.

Other well-known personalities taking part in Shine A Light include broadcaster and writer Louise McSharry, former Tipperary hurler Brendan Maher, farming influencer Katie Gleeson and lifestyle influencer Caroline Mooney.

Signing up to Shine A Light is quick and easy to do. Simply visit shinealight.focusireland.ie to register and select whether you’re sleeping out as an individual or as part of a group. Host your own sleep out event and rally your supporters by encouraging them to join your sleep out or donate to your fundraising page. Be a part of Shine A Light and sleep out against homelessness.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Brendan Courtney urged people across the country to join him on Friday, 13 October to help end family homelessness.

“The latest figures show that homelessness profoundly impacts our society. There are thousands of families across Ireland, including children who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes and we need to come together and help combat this issue,” he said.

“By hosting your own sleepout at home, at your workplace, local sports club or community hall, we can raise vital funds for Focus Ireland and prevent more families from becoming homeless.

“The goal this year is to raise €1.2m and I am urging everyone to sign up and donate to this important cause.”

Speaking on behalf of Focus Ireland, Kelly Ann Byrne said: “Every night thousands of people are facing the uncertainty and fear of having nowhere to call home.

“Having experienced firsthand the work of Focus Ireland in supporting families to rebuild their lives, I urge you to gather your friends, family or colleagues and host your own sleep out to raise vital funds for Focus Ireland.  With your support, together we can end homelessness.”

Galway man Pat Murphy running for Deputy President of the IFA

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September 12, 2023

Ardrahan native Pat Murphy is one of two candidates running for the post of Deputy President of the Irish Farmers Association.

Murphy was nominated for the post by Galway IFA and the county chairs of Offaly, Cork West, Clare, Monaghan, and Roscommon.

He is running against Alice Doyle from Wexford, with the election to take place on December 12.

The regional chair for Connacht is also one of three up for re-election, with James Gallagher from Leitrim and Brendan Golden from Mayo contesting the Connacht seat.

At the close of nominations at 12 noon today, Francie Gorman from Laois and Martin Stapleton from Limerick have been nominated to run for the Presidency of IFA.

IFA Deputy President Brian Rushe, who is acting National Returning Officer, confirmed that two nominations had been received.

Rushe said a robust democratic process is a cornerstone of IFA. “All our Branch Officers, County Officers and National Officers are elected by farmers.”

“The President and Deputy President of IFA are elected directly by members. They are truly representative of farmers and they carry a genuine mandate once elected,” he said.

He said election debates will take place in October. The list is being finalised and will be available in the coming days.

Debates for the regional chairs will also take place in October, with voting on the night of each debate.

Members will receive their vote in the post and they can either return the vote by post or cast their vote at their branch AGM.

An Garda Siochána commencing procurement process for body cameras

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September 12, 2023

galway daily news Further arrests made in connection with car park brawl

An Garda Síochána have taken the first step in the roll out of body cameras with the commencement of the public procurement process.

Gardaí have published a Request for Information on body cameras and digital evidence management systems on the EU Tenders website.

Body Worm Cameras are small, lightweight cameras that are visibly worn by a Garda, and record footage to its own internal encrypted storage.

This is uploaded at the end of each shift so that it can be used as evidence at court or is deleted after an agreed time period if it’s not required as evidence.

Speaking today, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart said that body worn cameras have the potential to transform policing.

“They provide a safeguard, not just to Gardaí, but to the public and to the people we interact with on a daily basis.”

Chief Supt. Smart concluded, “Today is the first step in the Public Procurement process for one of the largest investments in technology in An Garda Síochána, an investment in the future of policing in Ireland.”

It is expected that body cameras will come into use on a pilot basis in mid-2024, with a full rollout the following year.

Andrew O Sullivan, Chief Information Officer for An Garda Síochána, commented, “A modern police service must have electronic tools to be effective in keeping people safe in today’s society.”

“Policing itself must continue to digitalise in order to keep people safe in a digital age.”

Traffic lights at UHG out of action for three nights

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September 12, 2023