Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Day 10) – Thursday, 1st March

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March 1, 2018

Simba Tshoga, an asylum seeker living in Galway is organising a group charity walk to celebrate UN day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and help raise funds for a local causes.

The charity walk is taking place on Saturday 24 March at Diamond Hill, Connemara in aid of Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway.

Simba, who has been living in Galway for the past two years, wanted to give back to his new local community by raising funds in support of the current homeless crisis.

The walk is being organised with the help of several groups including the Galway Integration Consortium , BRIDGE, AMACH, Galway City Partnership, as well as other asylum seekers living in Galway.

All proceeds raised will go directly to Galway Simon Community and COPE Galway.

If you would like to join Simba in raising funds to support those facing homelessness in our community, you can do so by making a donation of €10 or more on www.idonate.ie/diamondwalk.

President Higgins pays tribute to emergency services

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March 1, 2018

All rail and bus services have been cancelled.

galway daily news President Higgins to officially open Galway 2020

Uachtarán na hÉireann Michael D. Higgins has paid tribute to the emergency services as the wintry storm passes Ireland today.

The President said: “As the country prepares for the worst of the winter weather, may I extend deepest appreciation to all those who continue working under these conditions, for all our citizens, to keep the roads clear, maintain essential services and provide support to those in need.

As President of Ireland, may I also pay tribute to all those, in statutory and voluntary organisations around the country, who are helping and stand ready to assist their fellow citizens.”

A status red warning was extended to included Galway earlier, with most businesses across the county and city deciding to close for the day.

‘I’ll rob your house’ – repeat offender threatens Galway District Court Judge

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March 1, 2018

Galway Daily news Three people charged in connection with Galway raids

“I’ll rob your house,” said Trevor Harlowe to Judge Mary Fahy in Galway District Court yesterday before being led away by Gardaí.

Harlowe, 42, of number 74 Corrach Bui in Rahoon was in the court yesterday for a number of traffic violations.

Judge Fahy sentenced him to eight months imprisonment citing his “totally reckless” driving behaviour – including getting caught for four violations over the past two years in four different vehicles, three of which were uninsured.

Harlowe had previously been disqualified from driving for two years in 2012.

He asked the judge “Eight months, for what?” before threatening to break in to her home.

Fahy appeared completely unfazed and carried on with her court duties immediately following the incident.

Red warning, buses & trains cancelled, high tides: The very latest

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March 1, 2018

A status red weather warning has been issued by Met Éireann for Ireland. An amber warning is in place in the North, issued by the Met Office.

The updated weather warning says: “Sub-zero temperatures and icy conditions continuing for the rest of today and tonight in strong easterly winds. Scattered heavy snow showers will lead to significant accumulations in some areas.”

All Bus Éireann routes are cancelled today.

Train services are also cancelled, with Iarnród saying they expect all routes to be cancelled tomorrow 2 March.

Train services are expected to resume on Saturday, exact details will be confirmed tomorrow afternoon.

The main pedestrianised streets in the city centre will be salted and the status of the streets will be monitored by Galway City Council.

The council has also said the Aquadam bund at Fishmarket will be partially inflated and roads crews will be on standby (for road closures etc.) in the event of overtopping/flooding due to tides particularly early on Saturday morning, 3 March.

Galway County Council Offices and Libraries are closed today Thursday 1 March until further notice.

The Office of Public Works have issued a high tide advisory notice for 1 March and people are advised to take the normal precautions in a period of high tide.

The tides will be highest between Friday 2 March and Sunday 4 March.

Thursday – SneachtaSesh

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March 1, 2018

SneachtaSesh
Thursday, March 1 @ 6pm
Eyre Square

A somewhat tongue-in-cheek Facebook event called “SneachtaSesh” has been set up by a group calling themselves “The Right to Bear Cans”.

The event description reads:

“Fridge full? There’s serious cooling weather out. Crack open a can and pack the rest in the snow.

The place is covered in white powder…and it’s awful frosty out too. No bag shortage this time.”

Celebrate the Beast from the East by doing what Galway does best: drinking in public!

With nearly everything closed due to the weather, what else is there to do?

Eyre Square, 6pm tonight. Beware of the blizzard and bring your own booze.

Statement from Galway hospitals on STAUS RED Warning

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March 1, 2018

Galway University Hospitals and Portiuncula University Hospital have released the following statement ahead of the status red weather warning.

Following the upgrade of the weather warning last night by Met Eireann to Status Red for the entire country today (Thursday March 1st), Galway University Hospitals (University Hospital Galway and Merlin Park University Hospital) and Portiuncula University Hospital have cancelled routine electives and outpatient appointments today and tomorrow (Friday 2nd).

The hospitals are putting arrangements in place to ensure the continuation of essential services for chemotherapy and dialysis patients as well as those coming in for urgent surgery. These patients are being prioritised at this time and are being contacted by the clinical teams in relation to appointments/procedures planned for this today and tomorrow. In circumstances where patients are unable to travel, alternative dates will be provided as soon as possible. In relation to the renal service in Merlin Park, we are also in contact with transport providers for dialysis patients on the evolving weather conditions. Patients will be contacted individually and decisions will be based on clinical need and the travel advice from the National Emergency Co-ordination Group.

We will continue to do everything possible to maintain all essential services to patients receiving planned cancer and renal services. All appointments cancelled during this period will be rescheduled and we will be in contact directly with patients to reschedule their appointments. Patients should be advised that if they do attend the hospital today for a clinic appointment they will be seen.

Where possible, radiotherapy patients should attend for their scheduled treatment in UHG.

The hospitals’ Emergency Departments continues to be busy and we expect difficulties around discharge planning as a consequence of the adverse conditions. We would ask that patients who are being discharged today are collected from the hospital as early as possible to avoid travelling during the worsening conditions forecast for this afternoon We would encourage people to consider all options available to them for their healthcare needs and to protect the ED for those most seriously ill as delays can be expected.

GUH and PUH are working closely with colleagues in the Community Health Organisations and with the National Ambulance Service.

Keep up to date with @HSELive and @saoltagroup on Twitter and visit www.hse.ie/weatherwarning or www.saolta.ie for all the latest information regarding health services.

Scuainí ar fud na h-áite i Tesco ar Maidin

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Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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March 1, 2018

An chéad lá de Mí an Mhárta tagtha chughainn agus muintir na Gaillimhe ag tnúth leis an sneachta atá tuartha. Bhí seo le feiscint i dTesco san Ionad Siopadóireachta na Gallimhe, Bóthar Áth Cinn ar maidin. Scuainí daoine ar fud na h-áite agus iad ar fad ag déanamh cinnte go mbeadh i ndóthain, arán, im agus bainne acu ar feadh an chéad cúpla lá eile.

De bharr an stádas dearg atá tuartha don tír ar fad tá Tesco le bheith dúnta ag a 2.00 i.n agus ní bheidís ag oscailt go dtí na 1.00 i.n amárach ag braithint ar an aimsir.

“Tá sé craicéalta ar fad, táimid fíor gnóthach,” a dúirt oibreoir a bhí ag obair sa lánseicéail féinseirbhíse, “beimid ag dúnadh ag a 2 le cúnamh dé.”

Tá thart ar uair a chloig fós agaibh chun bhur píosaí siopadóireachta dheireanach a fháil mar beidh an siopa dúnta go dtí a 1 a chlog amárach.

Bhí fainic ar aghaidh na chustaiméirí agus iad ag dul timpeall ag lorg, na táirgí tábhachata mar go raibh ana chuid dóibh díolta.

“Tá seo ar nós Armageddon, ach sneachtageddon atá,” ann a dúirt custaiméir amháin agus é ag braithint ar tseilf an arán. “Níl arán fághtha anseo fiú,” a dúirt sé.

Scuainne i Tesco ar maidin.

Is léir go bhfuil muintir na Gaillimhe ag éisteacht leis an foláireamh atá tugtha ag Met Éireann agus go bhfuilidís réidh chun fanacht istigh go dtí go bhfuil an ‘Sioc ar buile’ nó Stoirm Emma, imithe uainn.

Deirtear go bhfuil an aimsir is measa fós le teacht agus dá bharr sin tugann Galway Daily comhairle oraibh ar fad gan dul amach más féidir. Stádas dearg atá i gceist agus is léir go mbeidh a thuilleadh sneachta le teacht níos déanaí, mar aon le oighear.

Bí ag faire anseo do na tuairiscí is déanaí agus iad ag teacht chughainn. Bígí cúramach ar na bóithre má théann sibh amach agus fanaigí slán sábháilte sa sneachta.

Galway man pleads guilty to stabbing convicted drug dealer with breadknife

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March 1, 2018

Galway Daily courts Man charged with possessing images of child sex abuse — credit: Robert Linsdell CC BY 2.0 'The Courthouse, Courthouse Square, Galway'

“I just froze,” said witness Adrianne Keary in Galway Circuit Court on Tuesday, testifying about an aggravated burglary that occurred on June 20th, 2016 in her house in Doughiska.

According to her testimony, she had been up early preparing breakfast for her three children at her house, number 61 An Sean Bhaile, when the doorbell went.

An acquaintance was at the door and asked if Keary’s ex-partner and convicted drug dealer Jonathan King was in. Keary called Jonathan and turned to go back to the kitchen when the door “flew back”, hitting her on the shoulder.

Tuam resident Eddie O’Loughlin – who later pleaded guilty to the charges – burst through the door with a bread knife and attacked King as he was coming down the stairs.

“I tried to keep my youngest daughter behind me,” said Keary in the witness stand. Keary was well-dressed and spoke clearly and quietly about the traumatic event.

King was stabbed six or seven times in the torso and then, according to Keary, “he got it in the face”. She described the scene: blood on the carpet, on the stair wall, and on King’s clothing, hands, and face.

Keary’s eldest daughter was at the top of the stairs and tried to pull King up away from his attacker. Meanwhile Keary ran outside and banged at the neighbours’ window to try and get help.

She saw O’Loughlin leave through her front door, still holding the bloody knife. Before getting into his car, he put his finger to his lips, as if to warn her to keep quiet.

When she returned to the house she described scenes of ‘panic’. King cleaned himself up while one of Keary’s daughters called emergency services.

Soon after Keary’s testimony, O’Loughlin changed his plea from not guilty to guilty, ending the trial. He was remanded in custody to await sentencing.

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Thursday – Spirit Box spoken word poetry stories

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March 1, 2018

Spirit Box spoken word poetry stories at the Blue Note
Thursday, March 1 @ 9pm, The Blue Note in Galway’s Westend – William Street West
Free entry

This is the opening night of Spirit Box, a diverse, eccentric spoken word poetry series. It is sure to prompt you to #FindTheOthers.

Join us at 9pm at the Blue Note to hear the wordsmiths of Galway City do their magic at the mic with slam-style spoken-word poetry.

This is the first trial run of the series, so it will be a laid-back mix of sign-ups and pre-arranged artists speaking at the mic. This way there will be no expectation of walk-in artists to perform. The goal is to have a pressure-free, welcoming space for the artists of Galway.

Spirit Box will feature poets who we have pre-arranged to speak and anyone else who would be open to performing. A sign-up list will be available at the door at 8pm. Please send a message to the Blue Note if you have questions.

Just one Galway Bus Éireann route cancelled tomorrow

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February 28, 2018

Update: All services have been cancelled. 1 March 2018

Just one Galway bus route has been cancelled for tomorrow, as the Beast from the East collides with Storm Emma bringing disruptions to services across the country.

Two weather warnings have been issued for Galway, however the red warnings are confined to Munster and Leinster.

Bus Éireann say that all city routes are operating tomorrow.

All busses leaving the county are also operating, except the 4.25pm Route 425/425A (Galway – Mountbellew – Roscommon – Longford) which has been cancelled.

This could of course change as things develop tomorrow, and Bus Éireann will keep people updated on their social media accounts and their website.

Galway Daily will also be keeping people up to date with the latest developments here.

Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Day 9) – Wednesday, February 28th

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Darren Kelly

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February 28, 2018

Even if I hadn’t decided to ‘kick the habit,’ I don’t think I would have been too enthusiastic about cigarettes today as I look outside my office window.

It’s the third mini-blizzard to fall in Ballinasloe today. It’s winter weather! And it’s March tomorrow! Whatever various people, or American Presidents, believe regarding global warming, there’s no doubt (the evidence is in front of us) that climates are changing.

We live in Ireland so we expect the weather to be unpredictable (which means we expect rain!). I’ve seen matches called off in summer before because of the old reliable rain. But this, coupled with the constant barrage of cold weather over the last three months, really takes the biscuit.

It’s All-Ireland Final week and all I can imagine is Christmas holidays, open fires and Bing Crosby singing in the background. I don’t know how a ‘White March’ would have sounded. But it doesn’t have the same ring to it.

Matches are dropping rapidly. There’s no trip to Mullingar tomorrow though I don’t think any of us are surprised. And we even made the safe decision tonight to call off chess. Our club is effectively regional now and we wouldn’t be at ease if those travelling huge distances to us were out in that weather. I might make the short eight-mile trip in a bit, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go.

So far, Croke Park is still a green light for Sunday but I understand a decision will be made on that tomorrow. They have the covers on at headquarters to mind the playing surface. It’s the travelling that is the concern now. Leinster, and Munster too, is being hit hard and while all current warnings expire on Friday, enough damage has been done to create uncertainty.

As I’ve said already, I hope the games go ahead for the players but an All-Ireland final should be an occasion. And if supporters are skeptical about travelling in these conditions (and rightfully so!), caution should be taken for the safety of everyone involved.

The same is the case for the Dublin/Kerry football games on Saturday. A decision on them will give a firm indication but whatever about what we have up in Galway, it may be a long difficult trip for those attending from the Kingdom.

https://twitter.com/hipposaretight/status/968903698049990656

Needless to say, even though a few cravings were had, there was never really going to be appetite to stand outside in that weather and break my vow. I haven’t even left the house all day. The beauty of being able work from home.

It was fun this morning clearing Sinead’s car so she could brave the elements. Two of us with scrapers took a good few minutes to clear all the snow. And she wasn’t even an hour gone and the driveway where her car was parked was full again with a white coat.

Jakub, my housemate, was working today and he attempted to make a walkway by shoving two lanes out to the snow. I admire his mindset but his efforts looked to have been in vain based on what I’m looking at right now.

The problem being a freelance journalist is if games are called off, it means no wages. Now, there’s always the chance the re-fixture will work out Ok. But there’s never any guarantees. Every weekend is nearly booked up so hopefully a few postponements will fall the odd free day. Social plans will be taking a back seat for some time.

Who knows, maybe a weather presenting gig may arise to cover the sport. God knows, we’re getting enough practice. Have a half dozen twitter accounts on instant alerts incase anything changes ahead of Sunday. Fingers crossed it won’t be the case. But now, we’ll have a look at this car and see if my own eight miles is do-able. Chat tomorrow 🙂

Darren

LIVE: LATEST WEATHER UPDATES FOR GALWAY

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February 28, 2018

Galway Daily news snow and ice weather warning

19.00 Galway City Council say the following measures are in place:

“• The Winter Maintenance Programme for roads across the city is on-going. It is intended that salting operations will take place 7-9pm tonight and again at 5am tomorrow morning (Thurs. 1st Mar. ’18). The situation will be monitored for following days. Galway City council has an ample supply (and reserve stock) of salt.
• Requests have come in for salting on roads in estates and carparks in churches (in advance of religious events at the weekend). The Roads section will facilitate such requests as best as possible.
• The main pedestrianised streets in the city centre will be salted on Thursday morning and the status of the streets will be monitored thereafter.
• The roads section will monitor water levels and keep in contact with the Harbour Master during this period of high astronomical spring tides
• The Aquadam bund at Fishmarket will be partially inflated and roads crews will be on standby (for road closures etc.) in the event of overtopping/flooding due to tides particularly early on Saturday morning 3rd March.
• A Follow Up Meeting of the Weather assessment Team is scheduled for 2.30pm on Thurs. 1st Mar. ‘18 “

16.06 Collision on M6 eastbound has been cleared.

16.00 All rail services will close tomorrow at 2pm and remain closed until 12 midday on Friday at least.

15.00 Collision on M6 eastbound.

14.15 For anyone heading to Leinster tomorrow, Met Éireann are advising that there will be zero visibility during the forecasted blizzard conditions.

13.00 Five weather alerts are in place nationally as Storm Emma clashes with what has become known as the Beast from the East.

Currently there are just two warnings in force for Galway – a status yellow warning for scattered heavy snow showers today, tonight, and tomorrow, and a status orange snow-ice warning (which may be upgraded to a red warning) for tomorrow night, Thursday 8pm to Friday midday.

All Ryanair flights to and from Dublin Airport have been cancelled for the rest of today.

A status red warning for snow is in place for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wicklow and Meath tonight, and for Munster and Leinster tomorrow night.

The east and south-west of the country will experience blizzard-like conditions in heavy snow and strong easterly winds.

Currently -2 C across Galway city and frosty. Slow down & keep your distance. Watch out for vulnerable road-users. Bí cúramach! https://t.co/5RXANiMsm0

— Galway City Council (@GalwayCityCo) February 28, 2018

NUI Galway signs partnership with major French autotech firm

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February 28, 2018

Researchers from the Lero SFI Research Centre at NUI Galway have signed an autonomous vehicles Research and Development partnership with Valeo, the major automotive supplier headquartered in Paris.

Funding for the programme comes from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Valeo.

The research will focus on helping autonomous vehicles to better navigate in complex, real world conditions using sensor signal processing technology.

A team of up to 30 Lero NUI Galway and Valeo engineers based in Tuam, Ireland, will work on the project.

In support of the programme, Lero NUI Galway is hiring ten PhD and two post-doctoral researchers.

Valeo, which employs 1,100 people in Tuam, operates the largest Research and Development team in the West of Ireland with over 400 engineers.

The project team at Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre, supported by Science Foundation Ireland, will be headed by Dr Martin Glavin and Dr Edward Jones of the College of Engineering and Informatics at NUI Galway.

Dr Edward Jones from NUI Galway, said: “In many ways perception of the current state of autonomous vehicle technology is more advanced than reality. While autonomous vehicles are currently operating successfully in several locations, particularly in the US, this is often under road landscape and weather conditions very different to the more complex city and rural environments that would commonly be found in locations such as Ireland or elsewhere in Europe.”

Fresh calls for School of Music for Galway City

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February 28, 2018

There have been fresh calls for a music school in Galway City, where over ninety percent of children have no access to formal music learning.

The need for a music school was discussed at a recent public meeting hosted by Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe which brought together elected representatives, parents, music students, educators and stakeholders.

Hildergarde Naughton TD said that all the stakeholders must come together to formulate precise and achievable plans for a school of music.

“With Galway being the Capital of Culture in 2020 there is an opportunity to achieve such a school as one of it’s lasting legacies. I am committed to working towards that aim,” said the Galway West TD and singer.

Eamon Ó Cuív also called for a new music school, said there would be a unified political front and a meeting of the interested parties to develop a strategic plan that can be presented to government.

Principal of Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe, Hugh Kelly said that this discussion has been brought up year after year, it has been sitting in the Galway City Development plan for more than a decade yet no formal progress is yet visible.

“With a population under 18 of somewhere in the region of 16,000 young people and growing, the need for long term planning is paramount. The GRETB collated figures last year of music provision in the city and arrived at a total of about 9%,” he said.

“This means that 91 children in every hundred currently do not have access to music learning. That leaves us with a figure of about 14,500 children with no access to formal music education.

“Even if the figures were twice as good and 18% had access, it falls so very short of what is considered acceptable for a modern urban city that wishes to be seen as a cultural capital.”

The event on Friday opened with a fantastic recital performed by some of Galway city’s exceptional award-winning music students Oisín Kerans (18), Amara Debiasa (10 yrs), Gordon O’Connor, Laoise McMullin; followed by an ensemble of Maoin Cheoil na Gaillmhe teachers orginating from Hungary, USA, UK and Ireland including Dr. Ramin Haghjoo, David Clarke, Hugh Kelly, Principal, Maoin Cheoil na Gaillimhe, David Szabo, Gergely Kuklis and Robert Solyom.

Imeachtaí sa Ghaillimh i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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February 28, 2018

Inniu deireadh Mí na Feabhra agus is cinnte gur i mbliana, tá Mí an Mhárta ag teacht chughainn go tiubh tapaidh lán do sneachta. Olc síon an sioc, is fearr sioc ná sneachta agus is fearr sneachta ná síorbháisteach. Mar sin ba chuma cé chomh olc is atá an sneachta faoi láthair mar go bhfuil ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ ag druidim níos congaraí dúinn leis an Féile ag tosnú amárach, Déardaoin, an chéad lá de Mí an Mhárta.

Is Féile Idirnáisiúnta d’ár dteanga dúchais agus cultúir a bhíonn ar siúl chuile bliain é ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’, agus mhaireann sé ar feadh choicíse, chun deis a thabhairt do gach duine sult a bhaint as an dteanga.

Ba chuma más cainteoir líofa tú, foghlaimeoir tú nó más cúpla focail atá agat, beidh imeachtaí ar siúl ar fud na tíre chun céiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an teanga.

S’iad ambasadóirí ‘Seactain na Gaeilge’ 2018, ná Noel McGrath, imreoir iománaíocht le foireann Thiobrad Árainn, Caitlín Nic Aoidh, Láithreoir Aimsire le TG4 agus James Patrice, Réalt ollmhór na méansoisialta.

“Tá athas orm go bhfuilim mar ambasadóir ar an bhféile iontach seo. Tá dlúthbhaint idir an CLG agus an Ghaeilge agus táim ag súil leis an nGaeilge a chur chun cinn le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge le Energia,” a dúirt McGrath.

Anseo sa Ghaillimh tá mórchuid do rudaí eagraithe don coicíse, chuid dóibh siúd ar súil in Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh agus neart eile mórthimpeall an cathair.

Tá Cumann Gaelach OE Gaillimh ag chur tús leis na céiliúradh, amárach, Déardaoin ar champas áit a mbeidh Pop-Up Gaeltacht.

“Bígí linn ag céiliuradh seolta ‘Seachtain na Gaeilge’ i Sult ar champas, le Pop-Up Gaeltacht i rith an lae ar fad. Is féidir buaileadh isteach linn idir ranganna nó do phionta nó dhó ag deireadh an lae. Gaeilge agus craic i mbannaí.

Ar an 7ú lá de Mí an Mhárta beidh Bál na Gaeilge atá á reachtáil ag Cumann Gaelach OE Gaillimh ar siul.

“Bígí linn ag BÁL GAEILGE na bliana seo. Ní amháin go mbeidh fáiltiú puinse agus dinnéar 4 chúrsa againn, ach beidh both pictiúir, fíon don tábla, ceol, céilí, bannaí ceoil den chéad scoth ar nós… DYSANIA, agus i bhfad níos mó!! Bígí linn ar an 7ú lá Márta i rith Sheactain na Gaeilge, 7.00 i.n. sa Galway Bay don ócáid is fearr (agus is saoire) i OE Gaillimh. Ticéad ar fáil ón Socbox ón 8.2.18.”

Is féidir tuilleadh eolas a fháil faoi imeachtaí Seachtain na Gaeilge i gcomhar le Cumann Gaelach OE Gaillimh a fháil tríd an leathnach Facebook.

Taispéain bhur grá don teanga, agus téir amach leo siúd atá ag cur imeachtaí ar siúl nó eagraigh bhur rudaí féin. Beidh níos mó eolas faoi na h-ócáidí a mbeidh ar siúl i rith na coicíse agus iad ag teacht chughainn.

‘BEO – Gaelach agus Bródúil’ ar ceal de bharr Stoirm Emma

By

Sheila Ní Bheaglaoich

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February 27, 2018

De bharr neamhchinnteacht leis an aimsir, go háirithe agus muid ag druidim i dtreo na deireadh seachtaine tógadh cinneadh inniu an Féile, ‘BEO – Gaelach agus Bródúil’, a cur ar ceal.

Do bhí an fhéile seo le bheith ar siúl ar an Satharn beag seo, an 3ú lá de Mí an Mhárta agus bheadh sí ar cheann dos na h-imeachtaí Gaeilge is mó riamh ar sráideanna Bhaile Átha Cliath.

Roimh tuairscí na droch h-aimsire do bhí an Comhairdaitheoir Bliain na Gaeilge, Síomha Ní Ruairc ag caint faoi BEO agus an tábhacht a bhaineann leis go háirithe agus an bhliain atá ann.

“Is lá céiliúradh é BEO. Taispeánaimid ár bród don teanga ar sráideanna Baile Átha Claith ar 3ú lá de Mí an Mhárta, a dúirt Ní Ruairc.

“Táimid ar bís go mbeidh an Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Ó hUigín á labhairt ar an lá. Táimid ag súil le lá iontach agus tá fáilte roimh cách ar an lá. Comh maith le seo sílim go tabharfaidh BEO deis dúinn na dúshlán a bhíonn fós os comhair an pobal teanga Gaeilge agus na ceantair Gaeltachta sa lá atá inniu ann a aibhsiú.”

Le cúpla seachtaine anuas d’eagraíodh busanna ó fad agus leithead na tíre chun taisteal go dtí an ardcathair le haghaidh an féile ollmhór.

Táthar buartha faoi sábháilteacht na sluaite agus iad ag taisteal ó bun agus barr na tíre, go háirithe mar is stoirm ollmhór atá tuartha. ‘An sioc ar buile’ atá ar fud na méan soisialta agus daoine ag fáil réidh do bhfuacht agus an sneachta atá tuartha. Bhí cúpla bus le teacht ó Gaillimh freisin ach ar ndóigh sé an rud cheart a bhí déanta ná é a cur ar athló.

Beartaíodh an dáta a athrú, go dtí an 14ú lá déag do Mí Aibreán agus súil ann go mbeidh an aimsir i bhfad níos i bhfearr faoin am sin.

É sin ráite tabhairfidh seo deis a thuilleadh daoine a thabhairt chun na cathrach, ag tacaíocht an teanga, agus an cultúr Gaelach.

Coiméadaigí bhur féin slán sábháilte an deireadh seachtaine seo.

Gan dabht beidh lá iontach le teacht i Mí Aibreán agus is féidir #GaeilgeBheo a úsáid agus sibh ag freastal ar an bhféile.

Darren’s Diary – Kicking The Habit (Day 8) – Tuesday, 27th February

By

Darren Kelly

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February 27, 2018

I can’t believe it’s a week! I just typed Day 8 and even I had to pinch myself! It’s only a small figure compared to chats I’ve had with people off them years. But it’s not just that it’s Day 8. It’s that I genuinely haven’t cheated.

Any attempts before always fell from the odd one here or there. Ah sure, this one won’t do any harm and so forth. I did ‘officially’ quit for a month many years ago. But now that we are having the act of confession, I think I smoked three packets during that month. It’s funny how how easily kid ourselves.

It’s a case with all addictions I suppose. Everyone gets to a stage where they think they can’t do any harm with a ‘treat.’ One here, one there – it’s all good! But you might think you’re fooling others but you’re only fooling yourself.

Today was funny! I haven’t wanted a cigarette, never thought about going downstairs for one. It wasn’t an option anyway as I’d have to go out and buy some first. But every now and again in the back of my mind, a little voice was going ‘Oh I’d love to have just one.’

Everybody who has remembered when they first smoked. Well after they got over the initial stages of nearly choking. That little rush and you think this isn’t the worst thing in the world. But then you have another and another and realise you’ve spiralled back into the habit.

My best comparison is Pints of Guinness. I love my Guinness and if I had absolutely nothing on the following day, going on the batter with the black stuff would be as good an evening as any.

The first Pint of Guinness after abstaining for a long time is one of the sweetest tastes I can imagine. You savour it for as long as possible and enjoy seeing the glass gradually empty in front of your eyes.

Any pub that serves a good pint brings you to a happy place and all is great in the world. The second continues the ecstasy. You’re relaxing, you’re in great form and you can’t imagine there being a better way to live life at that particular time.

And then you have the third one! You’re past that point where it doesn’t matter and the night is just going to take over itself and you’ll enjoy the ride. For me, I’ll probably still have a great night but I won’t enjoy it in the morning.

The difference is for most, when you get up in the morning, that’s the Guinness ended until the next scheduled night out. But when its cigarettes, it’s just too easy turn back and all is lost again.

Attempt 300 to quit smoking cigarettes 😷 I swear this time I will. pic.twitter.com/p12rYRJO2o

— Kaleidoscope Eyes 💎 (@Sarah_Says__) February 27, 2018

I’m glad I’m not smoking and I’m feeling very good. Am having some side effects I’m guessing and there’ll be more to come. The weird one at present is I’m feeling tired when I sit down but I’ve a bundle of energy when I get up. I have to focus when working but I’m restless to do something else.

It felt strange as I had to fill pages for the newspapers today and put articles together for Galway Daily. Normally, most of this is done by Monday but it is the All-Ireland week so the normal rules don’t apply.

I got all my work done but I also found time to clean my bathroom. The women in my life will be very happy with the results as anyone who knows me knows that’s one job I hate. Has to be done but doesn’t mean I have to like it.

We’re all monitoring ‘Storm Emma’ and the ‘Beast From the East’. Now that’s a musical if ever I heard one. A hail shower today and status warnings remain at yellow. I’m scheduled for Mullingar Thursday but temperatures of –7 degrees where recorded there today so it could be a sit and wait.

Have two quick jobs to do when I finish this and then we’re having a relaxing evening in front of the TV. No idea what’s on but there are DVDs if required. Stay safe out there for those forced to travel and hopefully the weather doesn’t turn too bad. Could be an interesting chat tomorrow 🙂

Darren

Wednesday – Healthy Galway City public consultation in Westside

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February 27, 2018

Healthy Galway City public consultation meeting in Westside
Wednesday, February 28 @ 7-9pm in the Westside Community Resource Centre

You are invited to have your say at the Westside residents consultation meeting to develop the Halthy Galway City Needs Analysis and Strategic Plan.

Healthy Galway City was established under the Healthy Ireland Framework (the national framework for action to improve the health and well-being of Ireland over the coming generation). Healthy Galway City is now undertaking a needs analysis and developing its strategic plan for 2018-2021.

Healthy Galway City will hold a consultation workshop to hear of the views of Westside residents on priorities for health and well-being in your area. Share your thoughts, ideas, and perspectives on building a healthy Galway City with us.

Please register your interest in attending and RSVP to healthygalway@gcp.ie.

Wednesday – Chopped launch party in Eyre Square Centre

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February 27, 2018