Three-time Grammy winners announced for Galway Int Arts Festival

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March 7, 2018

NUI Galway will host a series of free events to celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow and Thursday, 8 and 9 March.

Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn will give a keynote address on ‘Excellence in higher education through gender equality’ a personal and professional reflection.’

Throughout her career Dr Geoghegan-Quinn has broken new ground, exemplified authenticity, and shown confidence and strong purpose in the exercise of power.

She has been a leader among women and men, the first Irish female Cabinet minister, and the first Irish woman to serve as an EU Commissioner.

Most recently, she chaired the HEA Expert Group who conducted the extensive National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions.

The recommendations of the Review are driving further work by universities to address gender equality.

Hosted by the University Women’s Network in the Siobhán McKenna Theatre, Arts Millennium Building on Thursday, 8 March from 12.30pm-2pm.

The LGBT+ and Staff Network will host a talk on ‘Same-sex relationships among Irish-revolutionary women’.

Presented by Dr Mary McAuliffe, Professor in Gender Studies, UCD in the O’Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance on Friday, 9 March at 4pm.

The Centre for Global Women’s Studies will host two events in conjunction with the NUI Galway Feminist Society, in celebration of International Women’s Day on Thursday, 9 March.

10th Anniversary Celebration of the Masters (MA) in Gender, Globalisation and Rights.

The Anniversary coincides with International Women’s Day and the 100th anniversary for women’s suffrage in Ireland.

Speakers will include former and current students and staff and will feature a student-produced documentary on the ways in which the MA has helped NUI Galway students to ‘press for progress’ on gender equality issues.

The event will also include an open discussion on the future of women’s and gender studies.

The event will take place 3pm-5pm, Arás Moyola, Lecture Theatre MY243.

Elaine Mears, a Masters in Human Rights Law graduate from NUI Galway, in conjunction with Galway Feminist Society, will give a talk on well-known Galway business woman and personality, Una Taaffe.

The focus of this talk will be on Una as a strong business woman who transgressed gender norms.

The continuing matriarchal nature of business in Galway will also be discussed and key Galway business women will be in attendance. The event will take place from 6.30pm-8pm, CA111, Lecture Hall 1, J.E. Cairnes Building.

To register to attend the keynote address by Dr Máire Geoghegan-Quinn and the LGBT+ and Staff network talk, visit: http://www.nuigalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/events/international-womens-week-2018.html

Cúirt programme launched for 2018 festival

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March 7, 2018

Last night saw the successful launch of this year’s programme for the 33rd Cúirt International Festival of Literature at the House Hotel in Galway city.

The event was well-attended, with members of the Galway Arts Council and various arts organisations represented alongside the city’s many writers.

A packed house – as well as free food and wine – contributed to the celebratory atmosphere as the programme was introduced by programme director Dr. Emily Cullen and poet and playwright Vincent Woods.

Dr. Cullen commented: “Thirty-three successive years is a formidable history for any literary festival. And indeed, Cúirt is one of the oldest literary festivals in Europe. I have the honour of presenting to you this evening this year’s festival programme, which I have carefully and lovingly cultivated, with an eye to diversity and hopes of appealing to a broad audience.

“…This festival arises from the tradition of a gathering of like-minded people who share a love of literature, ideas, and debate, such as yourselves. Part of my role as programme director is to find ways to distribute the joy that resides in diverse literary traditions and in our own individual reading experiences…in our digitally saturated world, we are all seeking connection with other readers, with other writers, with great books (which remain our sovereign spaces of enjoyment) and with fresh perspectives. The festival programme this year – and into the future – aims to celebrate and amplify these joyful moments of connection.”

Guest speaker and poet Vincent Woods then described the programme in greater detail.

Highlights include Darach Ó Séaghdha (author of the popular Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a Not-So Dead Language) discussing the work of Flann O’Brien; appearances by widely acclaimed authors such as Paul Lynch, Daniel Woodrell, Juan Pablo Villalobos, and Patrick McCabe; and prize-winning poets like Sinéad Morrissey, Imtiaz Dharker, Pascale Petit and Daljit Nagra.

The diverse range of events include music, songwriting, theatre, and storytelling as well as poetry and prose readings.

Woods said: “Cúirt matters … it’s a great big wave of salty, sustaining literary riches,” harkening to the cover of the new programme designed by artist Sam Winston.

“I have sailed across a sea of words”, reads the cover of the programme. This coming April, it seems, we all will.

This year’s festival will run from 23-29 April, with an official opening at 6pm on Wednesday April 25 at the Hotel Meyrick in Eyre Square.

Nathanna Cainte a bhíonn in úsáid go minic

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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March 7, 2018

Bíonn nathanna cainte difriúla ag gach duine agus is chuma cén teanga a bhíonn i gceist. D’fhéadfaidh Gaeilge, Béarla, Fraincíse nó Gearmáin a bheith ann ach ní dhéanann sé difríocht ar bith mar tugann na nathanna cainte seo le chéile sinn.

Chun céiliúradh a dhéanamh ar Seachtain na Gaeilge táim chun sampla beag do na nathanna cainte a bhíonn in úsáid agam féin i gCiarraí a thabhairt díobh. Tá súil agam go mbainfidh sibh sult astu agus go spreagfaidh sé sibh bhur chuid Gaeilge féin a n-úsáid.

An rud is annamh is iontach a deirtear agus mar cainteoir dúchais mé féin ní cloistear an teanga chomh minic san. É sin ráite, nuair a chloisim é, braithim na feileacéain im’bholg agus mé chomh bhródúil go bhfuil sé fós beo.

Bhí grá agam riamh don Ghaeilge, tá fós agus beidh go deo, mar sí mo theanga dúchais í agus b’shin í mo chultúr.

Is cuimhin liom nuair a rabhas óg agus tháinig an cigire chughainn ar scoil. Táim chun náire a chuir ar mo dheirfiúr óg anois, Nóra Ní Bheaglaoich (tá brón orm a chroí) ach chuile uair a smaoiním ar an eachtra seo pléascaim amach ag gáirí.

Chuir an cigire ceist sách soiléir ar Nóra ach is léir nár thuig sí an ceist beag ná mór agus is cúis gáirí dúinn é i gcónaí.

Seo a leanas an comhrá a bhí acu an maidin úd sinn.

Cigire: Nóra, abair liom cad a d’ith tú don bhricfeast ar maidin?

Nora: Nana agus Grandpa

Gan dabht níor dheineas féin faic ach phléasc amach i gáirí. An chailín bocht, ní raibh sí ach ceithre mbliana d’aois ag an am ach táim a rá leat gur b’shin é an maidin scoile ab fhearr i’m shaol.

Anois a chairde, táim ag tnúth go mór le na nathanna cainte seo a roinnt libh go háirithe mar is féidir éisteacht leis an tslí a dheirimse féin na nathanna a fuaimniú. Súil agam go mbainfidh sibh sult as dóibh a chairde agus ná déanaigí dearmad, An Ríocht Abú agus an nGaeilge a chur chun chinn ar ndóigh.

Sí ár theanga í. Bígí ag caint agus bígí bródúil.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat – May the road rise to meet you

Ar mhuin na muice – On the pigs back

Do scíth a ligeant – To relax

Go tiubh tapaidh – Thick and fast

Is ciotóg mé – I’m left handed

Ag cur peann le par – Putting pen to paper

Guímis gach rath air – We wish him every success

N’fheadar – I don’t know

Ambaiste – Indeed/Really

Tá tú as do mheabhair – You’re out of your mind

Cogar, tar i leith anseo chugham – Listen, come over here to me

Cluiche caide ar siúl – A football game is on

Tá an cloigeann caillte agat – You’ve the head lost

Thugas bata agus bóthar dóibh siúd – I gave them the road

Íosa Chríost na bhflaitheas – Jesus Christ

Bhfuil sé sin sách soiléir duit? – Is that clear enough for you?

Ballybane resident intimidated neighbours with shovel

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March 7, 2018

Galway News - Courts - Appeal from man who intimidated neighbours with shovel

Darren McKeown, formerly of 37 Bothar Whitman in Ballybane, was charged in Galway District Court on Tuesday for a number of incidents in which he displayed abusive and threatening behaviour to neighbours and gardaí.

On January 11 this year he was found in the street waving a shovel above his head and acting in an abusive and threatening manner.

One neighbour – a friend of his former partner – felt particularly endangered by his actions.

He had previously attempted to force entry into her house and threatened her family, which includes young children, in November 2017.

According to gardaí he had told the neighbour he would burn her house down.

McKeown took to the witness box to plead his case.

A father of three children, he had endured a rough breakup in October, and depression led to severe alcohol abuse.

The 46-year-old claimed the neighbour in question had petitioned to remove him from the council estate, and stated that since the incidents he has remained sober for the first time in 30 years.

But Judge Mary Fahy noted his 19 previous convictions for similar offenses.

“There are at least 200 homeless people in this city as we speak,” she said. “When you get a house, you cannot behave in that manner.”

McKeown was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment, with 4 months suspended on the condition that he leave his residence – to which he responded that she had “gone too far”.

“Nine years waiting for a home,” he said angrily, saying that he and his daughter would be “back on the streets” and calling the decision “bollocks”.

He was remanded in custody.

Galway man denies charges in multiple Christmas burglaries

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March 6, 2018

Could the Grinch really steal Christmas?

John Paul Barrett of Ballinfoyle Park off the Headford Road yesterday pled ‘not guilty’ to several charges of theft in various locations around Galway at Christmas.

The 35-year-old has been accused of stealing from a handful of different spots around the city on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2017, including Image Hair Studio at 2 Lydon Court, Bothar Irwin, Apache Pizza at Terryland Retail Park on the Headford Road, and a residence in Doughiska.

He is also charged with handling stolen property on the grounds of Merlin Park Hospital that same day.

The stolen goods included a bicycle worth €999 as well as various electronics, jewelry, and toiletries.

Barrett denied all charges at Galway District Court and is currently awaiting a hearing date, provisionally set for the 9th of April.

Thursday – Abortion debate hosted by NUIG Society

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March 6, 2018

Abortion debate – pro-choice or pro-life?
Hosted by the NUI Galway Literary and Debating Society
Thursday, March 8 @ 8pm
Kirwan Theatre, NUIG

All those interested are welcome to come to the Kirwan Theatre Thusday at 8 p.m. to debate the motion, “This house would legalise abortion on request in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy”.

The guest speaker in favour of the motion is Janet O’Sullivan of the Abortion Rights Campaign, while the guest speaker against is Lorcan Price of the Pro-Life Campaign.

Professor John Morrison, head of obstetrics and gynaecology in NUIG, will give a factual presentation on the medical aspects of the issue without arguing for or against the motion.

As always, audience members will have the opportunity to participate in the debate and give speeches too.

The main debate will be preceded by Private Members’ Time from 7 p.m., when any member of the society may propose a motion for debate on whatever subject they wish.

Wednesday – Thunderblender at the Black Gate

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March 6, 2018

Thunderblender play the Black Gate
Wednesday, March 7 @ 8:30pm
The Black Gate Cultural Centre, 14 Francis Street
Tickets €10 available in advance or on the door

Combining adventurous free improvisation, tender lyrical moments and heavy grooves, Thunderblender make music where anything could happen.

The award-winning Irish/Belgian trio are embarking on their first Irish tour and will be playing at the Black Gate, with support from Matthew Berrill and Aengus Hackett.

The trio move between order and chaos, surprising each other and audiences alike.

Check out https://samcomerford.com/thunderblender for more information, or listen to their debut album ‘Last Minute Panic’ here.

Led by Irish tenor and bass saxophonist Sam Comerford, with Belgians Hendrik Lasure (piano) and Jens Maurits Bouttery (drums, bass synth), Thunderblender is a jazz/improv trio from the heart of the Brussels scene.

In the past two years they have been making waves in Europe, playing in Belgium, the Netherlands and France, where they blew away the jury at the Concours Tremplin Jazz d’Avignon, awarding Comerford the prize for best soloist.

In October 2017 they released their debut EP, Last Minute Panic, on Honolulu records. Ian Patterson of All About Jazz said:

“Even in Thunderblender’s most intense improvisational flights there’s an abiding sense of the three musicians locked on the same intuitive wavelength, whereby freedom and control are but two sides of the same coin. Gutsy yet melodic, rhythmically complex yet grooving, there’s plenty to admire in this fine debut.”

Building on this success in Europe, they will embark upon their first tour of Ireland in March 2018, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland’s touring award.

Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Day 15) – Tuesday, 6th March

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March 6, 2018

I’ve had some great days recently but knew to expect a turn and certainly got it today. I haven’t been able to think about anything but cigarettes all day and it’s been annoying.

I was actually grand this morning and eased into the day. But as it went on, I kept thinking about going for a smoke. Not longing for one as such, but just forgetting that I hadn’t touched them in two weeks.

Now, I didn’t. I didn’t have any anyway and didn’t get to a stage where I considered going out and buying some. But it was my worst day since, I think Day 4. The dancing sticks whispering bold thoughts and giving me a headache.

Yes, I do have a headache and maybe it’s related. It’s nothing that will knock me down. But I’m having an off day. I haven’t given in and I won’t. And I knew to expect this a few times. But it has been tough.

What I found funny (in hindsight) was how I could easily forget I was off the cigarettes. It was like my mind was trying to clear out the last two weeks and brainwash me into thinking it never happened. It goes to show that I can’t get complacent. I’ve had hard days before and I’ll get through this one as well.

Needless to say the gum has been getting a fair chewing. I’m conscious of easing myself off them as I know how addictive they can be. The recommendation with nicotine treatments is no more than three months. But I do recall customers in the pharmacy still chewing them like Wrigleys after two years.

This week, I’ve a 1pm limit (meaning I can’t touch a gum before that time). Bar today and a couple of other days, I didn’t really have a desire before that time. It’s just my way of being disciplined so that I make sure I kick those also when I feel I’ve beaten the fags.

Compared to some, I’m not doing too bad as I’m only on my third strip in 15 days. I’ve managed to keep it to one a week so far though I can’t say that was by design. It depends on the day I suppose. The busier I am, the less I think of them.

With no matches today, there was time to think. But it’ll pick up before the weekend. We’re starting our Junior Chess Club Championships tomorrow night so that will give me some focus. And as things stand, I’ve matches Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

I’ve a chess match myself the following Wednesday, hopefully we’ll have our camogie preview Friday 16th and then it’s St. Patrick’s weekend and Croke Park on the 18th. Throw-in Evie and Mam’s birthdays and there’s a lot going on.

Like sportspeople taking one match at a time, I’ve tried to take the same approach to the cigarettes. While you need dates to focus on like I just mentioned, the biggest thing I’ve learned is to keep saying to myself ‘Not today.’

My target is to make it to bedtime tonight and then start again tomorrow. Some days it’s been a doddle and like today, not so much.

Today I quit smoking cigarettes (again) an also quitting energy drinks. Wish me luck.

— AceUnit420 (@AceUnit420) March 6, 2018

I have started the third week now and as this is the big week. If one can break three weeks, it gets a tad easier though there will be challenging moments up to three months. I’m at the stage now where my will power is being tested. But as I write at the moment, my resolve strengthens.

The one good thing I’ve noticed is I haven’t had many mood swings. Then again, I laugh as I write that as I certainly was in a mood writing yesterday’s piece. But I mean I haven’t (noticed anyway) been off or snappy in my dealings with others. Hopefully, that remains the case.

And with that I’ll bid you good day and I’ll maintain my focus for another five hours. ‘Not Today!’. I won’t be beaten! Chat you tomorrow.

Darren

The weekly weather outlook: some much-needed sunshine

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March 6, 2018

Today will remain mostly cloudy with scattered showers. The showers will be mainly in the west and a few will be heavy. Highs of 6 to 8 degrees in mainly light to moderate westerly winds.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy with some showers, with a few wintry flurries on high ground.Temperatures could fall as low as freezing, with some frost and a risk of ice. Mist will form in patches also.

Tomorrow, Wednesday will see bright and sunny spells with a few heavy scattered showers. Highs of 6 to 8 degrees in moderate, occasionally fresh and gusty westerly winds.

As for Thursday and Friday, it will remain dry with daytime temperatures of between 6 and 8 degrees. Both days will see substantial periods of sunshine – especially on Thursday evening.

The dry, bright weather will then make way for clouds on Friday night and Saturday will be miserable, with prolonged periods of rain.

Fianna Fáil TD calls for necessary resources ahead of flooding

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March 6, 2018

Galway daily news Eugene Murphy elected to the Seanad

Roscommon Galway TD Eugene Murphy has called on the government to ensure that all necessary resources are allocated to deal with the impending flooding.

“All indications are that as the snow begins to melt, flood waters will rise rapidly. Given the volume of snow which fell in certain areas – particularly in Kildare, Wexford and Wicklow, the threat is severe, with flooding also expected in Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and parts of Dublin. Local authorities have been doing their best to keep on top of the situations, but certain counties may need additional resources to cope with the anticipated flood waters”, explained Deputy Murphy.

“I want to extend my gratitude to members of the emergency service, the Civil Defence, the Defence Forces and local volunteers, who have worked tirelessly with the authorities over the past few days to assist communities in the worst affected areas. Community spirit is alive and well and these people are an example of everything that is good about this country.

“Now that the thaw is setting in, the threat of flooding is now very real and the government must address the massive underspend that has been allowed to accumulate over the past seven years, as well as setting up a national insurance scheme and accelerate the roll out of flood warning systems.

“The government has still not fully implemented specific pledges it made in January 2016, in the aftermath of Storms Desmond and Frank. We’re still waiting on pilot home protection projects to be rolled out, as well as a national flood forecasting and warning service to be established. The National Flood warning system is not due to be operational for another five years, but if recent weather events are an indication of things to come, then we need this system up and running as soon as is feasibly possible.

“This week will be another difficult one for our local authorities and emergency services and I am appealing to Minister Kevin Boxer Moran and Minister Eoghan Murphy to ensure all the necessary resources are made available to cope with the flooding that is expected over the coming days”.

Galway woman saw her dog ‘torn apart’

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March 6, 2018

Galway District court yesterday heard tearful witness testimony from city resident Caroline Noone, who watched as her neighbour’s two German Shepherds eviscerated her little Yorkshire/Jack Russell mix.

Noone described throwing stones and a bucket of water in a vain attempt to get the dogs to leave her “best friend” alone as they attacked on October 13 of last year.

“That dog saved my life,” she said, explaining how it had helped her out of a period of depression. She sustained injuries to her hands, knees and shoulder while trying to stop the attack.

The dogs belonged to Lucia Fahy, who was set to be sentenced after the testimony.

The animals were unlicensed and were put down following the incident.

Fahy was fined €500 and told to compensate Ms Noone the value of €300.

Ms Noone told the court to donate the money to the Patient Comfort Fund at University Hospital Galway, which provides support for chemotherapy patients.

Seachtain na Gaeilge i lán tseoil sa Gaillimh.

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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March 6, 2018

De réir mar atá na laethanta ag druidim ar aghaidh tá Seachtain na Gaeilge i lán tseoil agus imeachtaí ar siúl nach mór chuile lá.

Gaillimh Le Gaeilge

Tá Gaillimh le Gaeilge, a oibríonn le Gaeilge i gcomhar le Comhairle Cathrach na Gaillimhe, Cumann Tráchtála na Gaillimhe agus grúpaí eile chun Stádas Dátheangach na Cathrach a fhorbairt agus a threisiú ar bís le Seachtain na Gaeilge.

Chun céiliúradh Seachtain na Gaeilge beidh Lón Gnó ar siúl ag Gaillimh le Gaeilge i mbialann 56 Central, 5/6 Sráid na Siopaí, Gaillimh ar an Céadaoin beag seo 7ú Lá de Mí an Mhárta.

Beidh an lón ar siúl idir a 1.00 i.n agus a 2.00 i.n agus táid ag súil go mór leis na gnólachtaí a fheiscint ann.

Bál Na Gaeilge

An dteastáíonn uaibh bhur scíth a ligeant ar feadh oíche? Tá deis agaibh sinn a dhéanamh ar an gCéadaoin le Bál na Gaeilge a bheidh ar siúl san Ostán Galway Bay ag 7.00 i.n.

Níl slí níos fearr ann chun bhur oíche a chaitheamh, ach a bheith gléasta suas i gúnaí álainn nó más fearr tú i culaith deas, tuxedo nó a leithéid.

Beidh strus oraibh go léir i gceann cúpla seachtaine agus an téarma ag druidim i dtreo an deireadh. Dá bharr sin cén fáth nach tógfaidh sibh an deis sásamh a bhaint amach le bhur cairde agus sibh i measc dream na Gaeilge ag céiliúradh an teanga.

Comórtas na bhFuinneog

Tá comórtas curtha ar siúl i mBéal Átha na Slua don Fhuinneog Siopa nó Ghnó is fearr a léiríonn cultúr Gaelach na tíre seo. Má dteastaíonn uait páirt a glacadh sa comórtas seo, nó má tá tuilleadh eolas uait is féidir dul i dteagmháil le Seosamh Ó Beirgin ag 086-3536085.

Coiméadaigí ag úsáid bhur cúpla focal agus baint sult as na himeachtaí ar fad atá ar siúl. Beidh an t-eolas is deireanaí faoin na himeachtaí againn comh luath agus is féidir.

Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Day 14) – Monday, 5th March

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March 5, 2018

The problem with taking a few days off is you feel like you’re chasing your tail when you get back into it and that’s exactly how my day has been.

Was a busy day! And got a lot done! But then just the littlest of things can throw you all over the place and suddenly you’re racing to get things finished. Oh, the life of a Sports Journalist 🙂

Everything was falling nicely into place. Preparations for Mullingar and two school games tomorrow. Reorganising the diary after last week’s postponements. And getting ready for a relaxing evening before things pick up at the weekend.

Of course, we are after coming off some of the worst weather this country has seen in my lifetime so you have to prepare for the unexpected. And at 5.03pm, it all changed.

GALWAY CAMOGIE: ALL-IRELAND FINALS RE-FIXED FOR MARCH 18TH https://t.co/KJIw5DQOLu

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) March 5, 2018

The good news! We have the dates for the All-Ireland Club Finals. March 18th! We’ll be ready to go! Sarsfields and Athenry go in search for All-Ireland glory and it’s great for the clubs that they got the dates as soon as the GAA announced their refixtures.

Now, for the life of me, I can’t understand why these games aren’t on the Bank Holiday Monday (19th). It looked the perfect day for camogie to have for itself and coming off the back of a long weekend, it probably would have given the attendance a boost.

I’m not criticising the Camogie Association and they deserve credit for getting Croke Park again. These clubs deserve their day on the grandest stage of all. But with the hurling and football on the Saturday, I can’t help but feel that the Monday option would still have been available and better.

On that weekend, you have Corofin on Saturday and the Ireland vs England rugby match. And on Sunday, you have Galway vs Dublin and the Galway hurlers playing a league quarter-final. And I’m sure Kildare and Derry have big games on that day too. Also, how easy is it going to be to get people travelling the day after St. Patrick’s Day?

For me, it takes away St. Patrick’s Day as there’ll have to be gear organised and last-minute preparations. And after getting the great news that my goddaughter Evie (whose birthday is St. Patrick’s Day) will be home, I’m a tad disappointed that my day is going to be compromised. But thankfully, I’ll have Rory, Jade and Evie home for five days so we’ll work around it so it’s all good when you think about it.

I suppose I’m a bit more miffed that the two games tomorrow scheduled for Mullingar were postponed and we had to wait all day for that confirmation. It’s going to make fitting these games in difficult as Presentation Tuam have their juniors out on Saturday and no doubt, there’ll be players on both teams.

A double header was probably a bit ambitious but you’d imagine contingency plans would have been in place should St. Loman’s not be able host the matches.

Anyway, that’s my rant out of the system 🙂. On a positive note, it was great to get back to action today and got all the things I’d planned to do this morning done. Brought Kate to school, visited Mike’s grave and then got home to shower and shave. A shave really does feel good after five days 🙂

It’s unbelievable realising I’ve hit the two weeks mark off the cigarettes and it feels great. I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not yet but I can feel myself breathing, like the lungs are getting in more oxygen. Definitely makes one feel better even if a tad stressed realising I’ve to get this piece done before 8pm.

The one great thing I’ve taken from this experience is hearing other people’s stories. And I received an email this morning from a good friend whose taken inspiration and is seriously considering quitting himself. As I’ve said before, I didn’t start this with the purpose of persuading others to ‘Kick The Habit.’ But if my attempt helps someone else to quit, then it will have been worthwhile.

At least with not having to travel tomorrow, I will get another day to catch up on everything and then we’ll be back on track. I realise my earlier rant was just because it has been a busy three hours. These things happen to everyone in every walk of life. I don’t know what I’m giving out about. I have my health and that’s the most important thing.

A year ago today I quit smoking cigarettes from half a pack a day to none. And while sitting at the ethnic studies building I smell someone stogging it and I’m like damn I did this 4-5 times a day.

— A.V. (@AudVision) March 5, 2018

And it would be moments like this before where I’d be running downstairs for a cigarette before tackling the work. That never crossed my mind. Did take the gum but we won’t mind that.

So am going to relax and enjoy the night. Bar a radio chat at 9pm, it’s Oscars, Red Rock and Trauma on the TV. Now, I can’t argue with that 🙂

Darren

GALWAY CAMOGIE: ALL-IRELAND FINALS RE-FIXED FOR MARCH 18TH

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March 5, 2018

The AIB All-Ireland Senior and Intermediate Club Camogie Finals have been re-fixed for Croke Park on Sunday, March 18th.

After being called off last Sunday (March 4th) due to Storm Emma and the excessive ‘Beast From The East’ snow fall, the biggest day in the club camogie calendar will take place two weeks later from its original date.

The @AIB_GAA All-Ireland Senior & Intermediate Club Championships Finals which were postponed due to the recent severe weather have now been re-scheduled for Sunday March 18th as follows: https://t.co/wBnTmps68N #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/5GSOrZ41ow

— Camogie Association (@OfficialCamogie) March 5, 2018

Arrangements will be exactly the same with the intermediate decider between Athenry and Kildare’s Johnstownbridge throwing in at 1.30pm. And at 3.30pm, the senior game between Sarsfields and defending champions Derry’s Slaughtneil will take place.

The Camogie Association have announced that tickets for the original fixture will be valid. And anyone seeking refunds can do so once tickets are returned to the point of purchase prior to the re-fixed game.

Further details can be found on the Camogie Association’s website.

https://t.co/xkvBesHJm1
Sarsfields Camogie… https://t.co/Ju7cupfXMP

— Sarsfields GAA (@SarsfieldsGAA) February 27, 2018

Galway Daily will recommence their build-up to the double header starting next Monday when we re-release the four interviews published last week with Lorna Hannon, Orlaith McGrath, Regina Glynn and Clodagh McGrath.

From Tuesday to Friday, we’ll hear from Dervla Higgins, Aisling Spellman, Katharine Duane and Michael ‘Hopper’ McGrath. And on Saturday, our match previews will be published giving our thoughts on the two teams’ chances of bringing home the silverware.

GALWAY CAMOGIE: (All-Ireland Finals Preview) – LORNA HANNON https://t.co/220MkLrD7y

— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) February 27, 2018

AIB All-Ireland Club Camogie Finals 2018

Sunday, 18th March

Intermediate Final: ATHENRY vs JOHNSTOWNBRIDGE (1.30pm Croke Park)

Senior Final: SARSFIELDS vs SLAUGHTNEIL (3.30pm Croke Park)

PRO14 RUGBY: (Reaction) – CHEETAHS 26-25 CONNACHT

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March 5, 2018

(Photo – Connacht Rugby)

Connacht came close to a morale boosting victory on Saturday in Bloemfontein only for a last minute Niel Morais penalty to deny the visitors a much-needed result in South Africa.

Two Matt Healy tries and a 57th minute score for Eoin Griffin brought Connacht back from a 10-point deficit to lead by nine entering the final 20 minutes. But Rabs Maxwano’s try brought the Cheetahs back before Morais kicked the winner in the dying moments.

📹 @CheetahsRugby 26-25 @connachtrugby

🐆 The Cheetahs chased down Connacht and secured victory in the dying embers to keep up their impressive league home run.#CHEvCON #GUINNESSPRO14

🎫 Secure your Final 2018 ticket today! https://t.co/p0pPamovKb 🎫 pic.twitter.com/gxvZbwBNvy

— PRO14 RUGBY (@PRO14Official) March 5, 2018

“We have to take this,” said Connacht coach Kieran Keane to assembled media afterwards. “There is a lesson or two in there, and there is some difficult stuff we will have to deal with. I am not happy to lose.

“We didn’t come here to make up the numbers. We came here to give our best and do our best, and probably for 95 per cent of the time we did, and then we lost in the last few minutes. It is gut-wrenching for everybody to come this far and fall on that hurdle.”

The Cheetahs are on course for a play-off spot sitting in third place in Conference A but a Connacht win would have kept the pressure on Cardiff Blues in fourth place. With Champions Cup qualification at stake, the Irish province are four points behind the Welsh outfit and also concede a game in hand.

“It will hurt us in that regard, no doubt about that,” added Keane. “Nothing is impossible, things could fall our way.

“The one thing I know about this group is that we will learn from it. We have got plenty of other games to play for. We have got plenty of other things to aspire to. We will just let the cards fall as they may.”

No snow disruptions in South Africa as Cheetahs claim a 26 – 25 victory over Connacht at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein! A heartbreaking finish for the men from the West. #CHEvCON #GuinnessPro14 pic.twitter.com/ONecJgQFip

— Sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 3, 2018

Scorers:

Connacht – Matt Healy (10 – 2 tries), Jack Carty (10 – two penalties, two conversions), Eoin Griffin (5 – try)

Cheetahs – Niel Marais (16 – four penalties, two conversions), Uzair Cassiem (5 – try), Rabs Maxwano (5 – try)

Teams:

Connacht – Tiernan O’Halloran; Cian Kelleher, Eoin Griffin, Pita Ahki, Matt Healy; Jack Carty, Caolin Blade; Denis Buckley, Tom McCartney, Finlay Bealham; Ultan Dillane, James Cannon; Sean O’Brien, Jarrad Butler, John Muldoon. Subs used: Dominic Robertson-McCoy for Bealham (48 mins), Gavin Thornbury for Cannon (50 mins), Niyi Adeolkun for Kelleher (55 mins), Eoghan Masterson for Dillane (70 mins), Shane Delahunt for McCartney (74 mins), James Mitchell for Blade (74 mins), Craig Ronaldson for Ahki (74 mins).

Cheetahs – Clayton Blommetjies; Craig Barry, Francois Venter, Nico Lee, Luther Obi; Niel Marais, Zee Mkhabela; Ox Nche, Torsten Van Jaarsveld, Johan Coetzee; Justin Basson, Reniel Hugo; Paul Schoeman, Henco Venter, Uzair Cassiem. Subs used: Rabs Maxwano for Obi (18 mins), Charles Marais for Nche (48 mins), Tom Botha for Coetzee (54 mins), Oupa Mohoje for H. Venter (54 mins), Tian Meyer for Mkhabela (54 mins), Renier Bernardo for Hugo (58 mins), Jacques du Toit for Van Jaarsveld (69 mins).

Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)

Connacht’s next game will be at home against Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 on Friday, March 23rd. Kick-Off in the Sportsground at 7.35pm.

Water to be switched off in Ballinasloe for conservation

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March 5, 2018

Galway County Council and Irish Water have advised customers on the Ballinasloe Regional Water Supply Scheme that their water will be switched off this evening Monday 5th March.

The water will be switched off from approximately 9pm tonight to 8am tomorrow morning in an effort to conserve water.

The following areas are affected: Cloonlahan, Clontuskert, Eyrecourt, Meelick, Clonfert, Kiltormer and the Tristaun Road (from Ballagh Cross to Aughrim).

Galway County Council said that it wishes to ‘apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused by this essential work’.

Funding available to filmmakers for documentary on cardiovascular illnesses

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March 5, 2018

galway daily news cardiovascular filmmakers

CÚRAM and Galway Film Centre are offering funding to filmmakers interested in producing a documentary that engages with research into cardiovascular illnesses and stroke, currently underway at CÚRAM.

The ‘Science on Screen’ 2018 Information Day will take place on Friday, 9 March for filmmakers and producers.

A range of top researchers and clinicians from NUI Galway will give an overview of their work, followed by a Q&A and opportunities to discuss ideas with the speakers.

The ‘Science on Screen’ scheme, a funding strand for creative documentaries set in the world of science, is now in its third year. The scheme will 100% fund one 26 minute film with a budget of €35,000 that promotes the public understanding of science. The scheme forms part of CÚRAM’s public engagement programme which supports the Science Foundation Ireland objective of having the most scientifically informed and engaged public.

Science on Screen is a Galway City of Film initiative between Galway Film Centre and CÚRAM.

Since 2016, three Science on Screen films have been produced that have achieved success both nationally and internationally.

Last October, the Irish Parkinson’s disease Science on Screen documentary, Feats of Modest Valour, won the prestigious Scientist Award at the Imagine Science Film Festival in New York.

The 2018 Information Day will take place at the Seminar Room in CÚRAM, SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, Biomedical Sciences Building, Newcastle Road, NUI Galway on Friday, 9 March from 10.45am to 1.30pm.

The schedule for the day will include:

10.45am: Welcome by CÚRAM
11.00am: William Wijns – Professor in Interventional Cardiology, NUI Galway
11.20am: Niamh Hynes – Vascular and Endovascular Surgical Registrar at Galway Clinic
11.40am: Dr Karen Doyle – Lecturer in Physiology and Principal Investigator at CÚRAM
12.00noon: Dr Martin O’ Halloran – Senior Lecturer in Medical Electronics and Director of the Translational Medical Device Lab, NUI Galway
12.20pm: Croí – Fighting Heart Disease and Stroke
12.35pm: Galway Film Centre – Application Guidelines for Science on Screen

GALWAY GAA: RE-ARRANGED PEARSE STADIUM DOUBLE THIS SUNDAY

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March 5, 2018

Galway’s Allianz National League double header set for last Sunday (March 4th) has been rescheduled for this Sunday (March 11th) with both games taking place at their previous designated times.

The two senior GAA team’s outings in their respective competitions were postponed after Storm Emma joined up with the ‘Beast From The East’ snowfall that descended on Ireland last week.

CONFIRMED: Galway v Monaghan this Sunday at 12:30 in Salthill. #gaa #monaghangaa #monaghan #galwaygaa #AllianzLeagues

— Monaghan GAA Supporters (@MonaghanGAAFans) March 5, 2018

Kevin Walsh’s senior footballers will take on Monaghan at 12.30pm in Salthill followed by Micheal Donoghue’s hurlers facing Limerick at 2.30pm.

A win for the footballers will put one foot into the league final in Croke Park. Should Galway prevail over the Farney men, they’ll be four points clear of the third best team with just two rounds remaining.

It would be a fantastic achievement for the Tribesmen who were only promoted last year and have secured their Division One status on the back of four wins over Tyrone, Donegal, Mayo and Kerry.

The Limerick v Galway Allianz Hurling League game postponed last Sunday has been refixed for next Sunday in Pearse Stadium Salthill at 2.30pm#AllianzLeagues #Limerick #Hurling #GAA

— Matt O'Callaghan (@MattOCall) March 5, 2018

And in the second game, it’s winner-takes-all in the Division 1B promotion meeting with Galway’s hurlers needing victory over Limerick to return to the top tier.

Galway have laboured to wins against Antrim, Laois, Offaly and Dublin meaning they trail Limerick on scoring difference. But regardless of the result, they will compete in the quarter-finals on March 18th with Kilkenny or Tipperary the likely opponents.

All National League matches scheduled for last weekend have been re-fixed for this Saturday and Sunday. In football’s Division One, Tyrone host Donegal in Omagh on Saturday evening, Kildare entertain Mayo on Sunday in Newbridge followed by Dublin against Kerry in Croke Park.

The six top flight hurling games throw-in at 2.30pm on Sunday. Kilkenny vs Wexford, Tipperary vs Cork and Waterford vs Clare are the Division 1A matches. Along with Galway against Limerick, Laois face Dublin in Portlaoise and Offaly take on Antrim in Birr in Division 1B.

Allianz National Football League Fixtures

Division 1

Tyrone vs Donegal (Saturday, 7pm Omagh)

Galway vs Monaghan (Sunday, 12.30pm Pearse Stadium)

Kildare vs Mayo (Sunday, 2pm Newbridge)

Dublin vs Kerry (Sunday, 4pm Croke Park)

Allianz National Hurling League Fixtures

Division 1A

Kilkenny vs Wexford (Sunday, 2.30pm Nowlan Park)

Tipperary vs Cork (Sunday, 2.30pm Semple Stadium)

Waterford vs Clare (Sunday, 2.30pm Walsh Park)

Division 1B

Galway vs Limerick (Sunday, 2.30pm Pearse Stadium)

Laois vs Dublin (Sunday, 2.30pm Portlaoise)

Offaly vs Antrim (Sunday, 2.30pm Birr)

FIFTY people waiting on trolleys today at University Hospital Galway

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March 5, 2018