The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met this morning to discuss the Beast from the East and Storm Emma, which will hit Ireland for the coming days.
It is being described as an “exceptional weather event” and precautions are being taken by the group.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said today in the Dáil that while they are hoping for the best, they are preparing for the worst.
But with snow expected in the south-east in the coming hours, what is the outlook for Galway?
Today’ssunshine will make way for cloud which will gradually increase this evening.
A few wintry showers will develop, mainly across the east of the county.
Highest temperatures will be 3 to 5 degrees, but it will feel colder in fresh northeast winds.
Tonightwill be very cold tonight with a severe frost developing. There will be a few snow showers overnight across Galway.
Lowest temperatures of -2 to -5 degrees in moderate or fresh, east to northeast winds.
Tomorrow, Wednesdaywill be a bitterly cold and windy day, with scattered showers of snow and spells of sunshine in parts.
Most of these will occur across the east but all areas will be at risk and some accumulations are possible even in West Galway.
Highest temperatures may be as low as freezing. Strong and gusty, easterly winds will lead to a significant wind chill factor, making it feel even colder.
Thursdaywill remain bitterly cold with snow forecast across the county. Wintry showers will continue throughout the day, with heavy snow beginning in the evening and continuing throughout the night, possibly into Friday afternoon.
Temperatures will stay below freezing, and gusty winds will pick up in the evening.
Fridaywill see further accumulations of snow, clearing up in the afternoon.
The weekend will remain dry, but temperatures may not rise high enough to melt the snow until the new week.
19/02/2018 REPRO FREE TG4s weather girl Cáitlín Nic Aoidh brings sunlight on the announcement of touRRoir18, a cross sector global forum by Good Food Ireland on Food Tourism & Culture for Galway April 23rd- 24th 2018
Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE
TG4’s weather girl Cáitlín Nic Aoidh has brought sunlight to Galway at the launch of touRRoir18, a cross sector global forum by Good Food Ireland on food, tourism & culture.
The Good Food Ireland symposium will take place on the 23rd and 24th of April at NUI Galway this year, bringing together thought leaders, experienced practitioners and change agents across the three sectors.
It will coincide with Galway’s designation as European Region of Gastronomy as Galway continues to grow its international status in all three sectors of food, tourism and culture in the lead up to being European Capital of Culture in 2020.
TG4s weather girl Cáitlín Nic Aoidh with JP McMahon of Michelin starred Aniar Photo:Andrew Downes, XPOSURE
The events will feature unique cross sector dialogues, exploring the ways that the links between these three sectors can help companies can grow business, help local communities flourish and ensure destinations have a more successful and sustainable economic future.
Margaret Jeffares, Founder and Managing Director, Good Food Ireland said: “Food, Tourism and Culture represent giant “industries” in their own right and combined, account for the lion’s share of global employment, while their cross-sector effect on businesses and communities and their economies and social fabric is hugely significant.”
“Consumers search for authenticity and truth in terms of product, service and experience will have a major focus on the touRRoir18 theme ‘A Unified Force for Good: Food Tourism and Culture’. The quest for authenticity combined with a growing awareness of our increasingly fragile physical and socio-political environments and increasing concern of the long term effects of technology disruption is raising major policy questions at the highest levels particularly in these three major economic sectors – Food, Tourism and Culture.
“All of which will have healthy debate at touRRoir18 on April 23rd and 24th in NUI Galway,” she added.
At touRRoir, business operators, food producers, farmers, tourism and hospitality operators and cultural programmers in Ireland will have the opportunity to meet key and highly influential international food experts, leading cultural figures and worldwide travel industry specialists over the two day global forum at NUI Galway.
Elaine Donohue, 2018 European Region of Gastronomy Programme Co-ordinator, said: “Galway’s acknowledgement as a food tourism and culture destination is recognized worldwide and these sectors continue to strive and achieve excellence and growth. Hosting such a global forum as touRRoir will enhance Galway’s ethos and positive focus on these significant areas.”
The programme for touRRoir18 includes a Hall of Fame Collaborative Gala Dinner on Monday 23rd April.
This is the only recognition in the world for individuals, teams or destinations whose vision, creativity and drive has had a positive and significant impact on the cross sector development of food, tourism and culture, where the confluence of these three sectors have effected change to drive business or where soft power and Gastrodiplomacy initiatives have raised profile or changed an image.
The Dinner will bring together internationally acclaimed chefs who will craft a menu inspired by Galway and the West of Ireland’s landscape and seascape on the Wild Atlantic Way using a supreme array of Irish produce.
This inspirational dining experience will also feature Irish producers and craft drink pairings.
On Tuesday 24th April, attendees will hear from world-class practitioners and experts in a unique exchange of experiences, expertise & learnings from both within and across the Food, Tourism and Culture sectors.
Keynotes and panel discussions from food travel experts, international chefs, hospitality and travel industry professionals and key influencers in soft power and culture as well as technology change agents will bring latest trends, best-in-class thinking and cutting-edge innovation to our global audience.
An essential ingredient of touRRoir is audience interactivity and open debate.
The Networking Drinks and Cultural Reception followed by the Networking Showcase Dinner will provide opportunities for chefs and food and drink producers to highlight the best of local Irish craft drinks and food produce and cuisine with special acknowledgement for the Galway and the West of Ireland’s status as 2018 European Region of Gastronomy.
The Networking Showcase Dinner will showcase what makes Ireland so desirable. Good Food Ireland will serve up not just dinner but a cultural bonanza. Delegates and guests will be fully immersed in Ireland’s food culture as chefs and food producers collaborate to create a unique Irish food experience.
Chefs will cook live and people will have the chance to meet farmers, fishermen, butchers, bakers and cheese-makers and hear their stories as while tasting their food produce.
Update 1 March: “ Due to the national red weather alert, Famelab Galway event scheduled for the 1st of March has been postponed and will be rescheduled to next week. They will be making the new details available as soon as possible through their twitter account, @Famelab_galway and other social media accounts “
Science enthusiasts and scientists will battle it out this week for a place in the national final of FAMELAB, the largest science communication competition in the world.
This is the third year that a regional heat for the international competition will take place at An Taibhdhearc in Galway.
The event, on Thursday 1 March, is free to attend.
The participating contestants come from a variety of backgrounds, covering topics ranging from cancer to genetically modified food.
The competing scientists will be given a total of three minutes each to explain their research, or any scientific concept, as clearly and simply as possible, to a public audience and a panel of judges.
This will be followed by three minutes of questions from the judges and the audience.
Two finalists will be announced on the night and will participate in a communications master class in Dublin this March.
The finalists will then compete in the national final of FAMELAB, which will be held in the Science Gallery in Dublin on Thursday, 12 April.
The overall national winner will attend the Cheltenham Science Festival, UK in June 2018 and will compete in the FAMELAB International finals.
To attend the FAMELAB Galway regional final please book your free ticket at www.famelabgalway2018.eventbrite.ie or following on Twitter @FameLab_Galway.
Genesys says that Altocloud’s customer journey management solution pairs well with its Blended AI strategy, which combines AI with the ‘power of the human touch’.
This is furthered by Kate, the personification of Genesys AI, automation and machine learning, who helps customers and live agents solve problems faster and more efficiently.
The company believes that the acquisition of Galway-based Altocloud enables it to grow its AI expertise because “Altocloud has an incredibly talented and innovative team, and there’s no denying they’re a great addition to the Genesys organization both technically and culturally.”
Dr. Peter Graf, Chief Product Officer of Genesys said that from an architectural perspective, because Altocloud is a true cloud offering built upon microservices, it’s a perfect complement to thier development strategy for our three core offerings, PureEngage, PureConnect, and PureCloud.
“The Altocloud acquisition also gives Genesys a presence in an exciting emerging technology hub – Galway, Ireland. And, we look forward to further growing and investing in the Galway team in the foreseeable future.
“I could go on about what why this is such a great pairing, but to put it simply…we’re energized by the infusion of new talent and technology that has come into the Genesys fold and we extend a warm welcome to Team Altocloud!” said Dr Graf, in his blog which can be read here.
Galway has been allocated almost €950,000 under the 2018 Local Improvement Scheme which was launched today by Michael Ring TD.
Galway West TD Sean Kyne said: “I’m delighted to confirm the allocation of €942,000 for Galway County Council as part of the Local Improvement Scheme.”
The Scheme provides investment in roads that are used by the public to access homes, farms, businesses or amenities but are not in public ownership.
“At the Department we have worked to maximise the amount of funding available for the Scheme on a national basis and I’m pleased to be able to confirm that Galway has received the second highest allocation in the country. My Department will provide up to 90% of the funding to local authorities for the improvements with local residents providing the remainder.
“Of particular benefit is the early provision of the LIS funding for this year. This enables the local authorities, including Galway County Council, to incorporate Local Improvement Scheme projects into their own road improvement programmes increasing the efficiency of the works and maximising the value of the allocation, said the Fine Gael TD.
Galway secured a Littlewoods National Camogie League semi-final place on Sunday after coming through Wexford in their final Group One match.
Two Ailish O’Reilly goals and 11 Rebecca Hennelly points saw the Tribeswomen’s put up an impressive score in their 2-16 to 4-8 victory in Wexford Park.
The four conceded goals will occupy Tony O’Donovan’s mind ahead of a semi-final meeting with Kilkenny on March 11th. But the manager will be happy how his team responded despite those setbacks.
Galway captain Sarah Dervan joined us for a chat after the final whistle and said it felt like a knock out game but they were delighted with the result.
“There was a bit of a bite to it now,” said Dervan. “I think both teams went hammer and thongs at it. And I suppose there was a semi-final in the league at stake. We needed to win that and thank God we held out just at the end by two points.
“Two of them (Wexford’s goals) were definitely my fault. I just got caught. But we responded well. Niamh Hanniffy up there is unbelievable. She’s getting ball and they’re coughing it and Ailish (O’Reilly) came into the game mighty.
“It was a do-or-die kind of a game for us and fair play to our forwards. They stood up and were counted for.
“More like nearly a rugby match at times. She still got two goals on me I suppose. I won’t forget that I think for a long time. But we got the win and hopefully that’s all that matters.
“Ailish got two savage goals and Becky (Rebecca Hennelly) was on fire up there. I think she scored every free that she put down bar one. It was just a dogged kind of a match. And in fairness, everybody worked well.
“We’ll be sore for a while tomorrow I think. But we’ve a semi-final now to look forward to and that’s the main thing.”
I don’t mind telling ye – I’m absolutely wrecked! I don’t know if it’s all the travelling yesterday, the stressful morning, the busy weekend or even a lack of nicotine. But I am absolutely shattered.
I think I’ve been away with the fairies all day. Even doing the school run tomorrow, I turned the wrong way at the head of the road before realising my mistake. I could imagine explaining to Kate’s mother why I brought her back to Ballinasloe instead of school.
Funnily enough, Kate is normally quick to spot these mistakes but she was in her own world too. I think we just were having a tired Monday start.
After I wrote last night, I headed straight into a checkpoint. Now it was just the tax and insurance on the window but met the politest guard ever. He asked kindly could he check my windscreen before doing it and sending me on my way. Don’t think No would have been an option but it is nice to be nice.
Felt the journey home which is unusual after a winning day. Needed to make two stops to clear the head and when I saw Athlone, decided it was a trip to Taughmaconnell and Sinead spoiled me with coffee and sandwiches. Am blessed must say.
Thankfully, my recordings are OK we rescued everything that was fearing lost yesterday. Would have broken my heart as there’s a lot of stuff – especially from the Sarsfields and Athenry camps ahead of Sunday’s big games.
Speaking of which, and this will be a diary exclusive because it’s not being announced until tomorrow but Galway Bay FM are going to be doing a preview show on Friday night ahead of the All-Ireland finals. Have to go organise guests tomorrow so if you’re from either club, prepare for a phone call 🙂.
Going to be a crazy week as I look set to head to Mullingar on Thursday for Presentation Tuam’s All-Ireland Schools Ladies Football Semi-Final. And possibly a christening on Saturday providing I’m off. Sports reporting can be a hindrance to weekend activities but it usually works out well.
Now, this ‘Beast From The East’ could scupper everyone’s plans and from Wednesday, we’ll be following Met Eireann meticulously again to see if a RED alert will have us grounded. Everyone’s dropping it into sentences. Even John Millane mentioned it twice yesterday during the Kilkenny/Tipperary game.
I thought it was a WWE wrestling preview. It has the potential to be bad (and annoying). Obviously, we all hope it doesn’t. Like, it is March come Thursday. But I’d hate for it to interfere with the camogie on Sunday. Preparing for an All-Ireland Final is a massive event and postponements can easily knock teams.
But with all that rambling, or chatting, it never even crossed my mind about having a cigarette today. I couldn’t even say I had a half decent craving even if I did take one gum earlier today. We won’t get carried away but it’s the first day where the thought of smoking was never really contemplated.
Of course, the body is making sounds concerning its new status. That’s to be expected and there’ll be a few more testing days. But on a Monday (a computer day) and even with my tiredness or occasional lack of focus, a 20 pack hasn’t been banging on the door telling me it’s offering deals that clean air can’t.
I’m starting to feel like a non-smoker but keep it a secret for the time being.
Now, I’ve dinner on and then see where my mood takes me for the night. Going to be a busy Tuesday if I rest up tonight. But then again, a good night’s rest could be the perfect solution.
When I wake up in the morning, I’ll be officially one week off the cigarettes. And that’s sweet! If anyone is humming about quitting, DO! Just find an outlet to express yourself and it gets easier. This diary has been mine and the messages have made me stronger.
Delighted so far but it feels like just the first game of the league, haven’t won any trophies yet. Chat tomorrow.
Presentation College, Athenry were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A Champions on Saturday after two dominant spells either side of half-time allowed them run out 2-19 to 1-8 winners over Gort Community School.
Adam Brett struck the two goals and Mark Kennedy chipped in with six points from play as the Athenry school won their fourth provincial title in five years.
GALWAY GAA: (Reaction) – MARK KENNEDY (Presentation College, Athenry) https://t.co/tiDKLiKBda
Gort will now face St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final next Saturday (3rd March). Athenry are into the semi-finals and will face CBS Midleton or Kilkenny CBS on Monday, 19th March.
After their victory, we spoke to a member of the Presentation Athenry management team Michael Finn. Michael guided the school to victory along with Eddie Brady and Padraig Breheny.
“They played really well,” said Finn afterwards. “(We’re) very happy with that. They’ve trained well all winter and have really pushed on. They were very disappointed themselves about last year, losing. And that’s really what has driven them on all year.
“They’ve been a very easy bunch to train and to work with. It’s their own work really that has got them this far. You’d be looking forward now to the next stage of it.
“They’ve played really well in both games. We’d be happy enough with them. But they’ve put the work in. They’ve put in a huge amount of work over the last couple of months. Not just with us, you’d have to give credit to the clubs they’re coming from too.
“Something I’ve noticed really that the clubs that are feeding into us are putting in a huge amount of work at that age level.
“Everything we try and do is built on a very solid defence. Very similar to the last day, we were slow to start against St. Brigid’s and got going then just before half-time and pulled away in the second half. Today was very similar.
“(We) wouldn’t be happy with the way we started the game. We were just a bit slow out of the blocks. But 10 minutes before half-time, we opened up a bit of a gap and we were able sustain that to the finish.”
Presentation College, Athenry were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A Champions on Saturday after two dominant spells either side of half-time allowed them run out 2-19 to 1-8 winners over Gort Community School.
Adam Brett struck the two goals and Mark Kennedy chipped in with six points from play as the Athenry school won their fourth provincial title in five years.
Gort will now face St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final next Saturday (3rd March). Athenry are into the semi-finals and will face CBS Midleton or Kilkenny CBS on Monday, 19th March.
After their victory, we spoke to Presentation Athenry Man of the Match Mark Kennedy.
“It was a great game especially in the first half,” said Kennedy. “They had a sweeper back (when) we were with the breeze. So, they were trying to pull it back a bit. We’re just delighted to get the win.
“We knew coming out they were going to hit us with everything. The lads played them (through) underage and they were always very physically strong. And we just knew if we could get a good start, it would set us on a good way for the second half.”
“It just came to me and took a shot,” he added when asked about Oisin Higgins’ saving his first half goal chance. “It was a poor enough finish but it was good save from him. He set up well.
“Every game, we’re trying to take it one game at a time. And it’ll be no different now the next day whoever we’re playing. We’ll probably be the underdogs so we’ll go out and give it a good rattle anyways.
“It was great to see lads like Brandon (Lee) and Tom (Quirke) coming on there at the end. As Mike (Finn) says throughout the year, it’s a panel effort and everyone’s pushing together trying to get one thing. And that’s to hopefully compete in the All-Ireland series.”
1of2 @PresAthenry won the Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A Hurling title for the 9th time in our school’s history last Saturday when defeating Gort Community School on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-08. This is the 4th time in the past 5 years where we have won this title. pic.twitter.com/qyugLsH0GZ
The appointment of a contractor to the construction of the new children’s playground at Corrandulla, County Galway has been confirmed.
Chair of Annaghdown/Corrandulla Playground Committee Cllr. James Charity announced the confirmation today, thanking the companies who submitted a tender.
“I am delighted to announce that following a competitive tender campaign and a thorough review and selection process by the Committee, Kompan have been chosen as the successful tenderer. It is expected that construction works will begin on site within the next 5-6 weeks and the project will be completed in a further 5 weeks thereafter,” he said.
“I want to thank all companies who submitted a tender and can confirm the quality of all submissions was second to none. We are delighted to now be moving forward with our contractor and seeing this project through to completion so that all the families and children of the area have a new, contemporary and safe place to play.
“Following on from the amazing success of our fundraising event in the Clayton Hotel on the 16th February last, I also want to thank all of our sponsors, raffle and auction contributors who gave so generously and, of course, the local community who supported the event and turned out in numbers on the night, as well as the participants in Blind Date and our MC Ronan Lardner who collectively made it such a memorable occasion for everyone in attendance.
“I also wish to express a special word of thanks to all of our very hardworking committee who made the fundraising night such a seemeless and professional operation and who have stayed the course now over 3 years to get us to this point,” Cllr Charity added.
Presentation College, Athenry were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A Champions on Saturday after two dominant spells either side of half-time allowed them run out 2-19 to 1-8 winners over Gort Community School.
Adam Brett struck the two goals and Mark Kennedy chipped in with six points from play as the Athenry school won their fourth provincial title in five years.
1of2 @PresAthenry won the Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior A Hurling title for the 9th time in our school’s history last Saturday when defeating Gort Community School on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-08. This is the 4th time in the past 5 years where we have won this title. pic.twitter.com/qyugLsH0GZ
Gort will now face St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final next Saturday (3rd March). Athenry are into the semi-finals and will face CBS Midleton or Kilkenny CBS on Monday, 19th March.
After their victory, we spoke to Presentation Athenry captain Conor Walsh.
“I suppose Connacht Finals are always going to be tough,” said Walsh. “We were under no illusions today that needed to bring a strong performance. I know we did for large stages but there’s so much to work on there.
“Gort are an exceptional team. They’re a young team and I’ve no doubt they’re going to be hugely competitive over the next few years. Connacht finals, they’re not easily got so thankfully we got over the line today.
“We got the rub of the green today and that was huge. A lot of our boys did the right thing. And luckily enough, we got the breaks today. The ball could have bounced Gort’s way today and things could have been a lot different. Gort and ourselves now have the honour of going on and representing Galway. So, we’re going to go on and try and give it a lash the both of us.
“We’ll definitely enjoy this. They don’t come along often. And after losing last year, we had extra bit of belief I suppose and just to drive it on this year. It’ll be back to work over the next week or so and back to basics. And trying to get ourselves right to be competitive in the next game is key for us. And hopefully we can do that.
PRESENTATION ATHENRY ARE CONNACHT SENIOR A CHAMPIONS!!!@ConnachtGAA PPS Senior A Hurling Final Latest in Duggan Park
Portumna Community School were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior B Hurling Champions last Saturday as they beat Calasanctius College, Oranmore 6-9 to 2-9 in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
Two John Fleming goals along with further strikes for Liam Quirke, Denis McLoughlin, Oisin Sullivan and Jack Kelly helped them to a comfortable victory and they’ll face the Leinster champions on March 10th in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Liam Quirke in action during today's Connacht Final victory in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe pic.twitter.com/QM6Ld4wQXc
Michael Fallon, along with Tom Quinn and Ruairi O Tuairisg, were Portumna management team and Michael spoke to us after the final whistle.
“We’re really delighted now to have finished off the job,” said Fallon. “We put in a lot of work all year and it’s great that it worked out well for us today.
PORTUMNA ARE CONNACHT SENIOR B HURLING CHAMPIONS!!!@ConnachtGAA PPS Senior B Hurling Final Latest in Duggan Park
“We put in some really good performances in the ‘A’ championship and we were very unlucky not to have made the semi-final. But we did bring that form into this competition so we are very happy.
“It really would have been (the target). We used the ‘A’ to really test ourselves. It wouldn’t be a realistic option for us to get that ‘A’ championship title. But this was our main goal. We came close and just didn’t perform in the final when it came to it. So, we were delighted that we could perform today and to get back here to do it.
“‘We’ve been scoring quite fluidity all year. Between the ‘A’ and the ‘B’ championship so far, we’ve scored 19 goals and over 70 points coming into today. So, that’s something we’ve been targeting on all year to just really challenge teams.”
Full panel and mentors with the cup following today’s victory in the Connacht B Final. pic.twitter.com/xQ1no7gdkA
A Galway City councillor has said that it is “a disgrace” that child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in the west of Ireland have barely half the necessary staff despite the issue being raised with Minister Harris last June.
Sinn Féin Councillor Cllr Mairéad Farrell said that Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Health raised the issue with the Minister, when at that time CAMHS teams had just over half of the staff needed.
Speaking this morning, Cllr Farrell said: “Last June our Dáil spokesperson on Health Louise O’Reilly TD submitted a number of Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Health given worrying developments regarding bed closures at child and adolescent mental health centres.
“The responses we got from the Minister at the time showed that CAMHS teams in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon were operating with just 57% of the staff necessary under a ‘A Vision for Change’, the strategy document which sets out the direction for Mental Health Services in Ireland.
“A lot of talk followed about addressing these shortfalls, especially after the Seanad Public Consultation Committee Report on Children’s Mental Health Services found that the increase in mental health problems and in child population but that it had not been matched by an increase in services.”
The Galway West election candidate for Sinn Féin said that it was ‘shocking’ to learn that by December 2017 the HSE responded to a Parliamentary Question outlining how the levels for CAMHS in the west of Ireland has not only failed to increase, but actually fell by 4%.
This means that the services now have only 53% of the total staff needed.
“Only a number of days ago the Children’s Rights Alliance revealed that nearly 7,000 children under the age of 17 were waiting for a community based psychology appointment at the end of last July — with one third of those waiting for more than a year.
“It is impossible for these children to get the help they need when “A Vision for Change” recommends that youth mental health services in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon be fully staffed at 99 whole time equivalent staff, yet as of December CAMHS teams had just 52 whole time equivalent doctors and nurses.
“That this is happening at a time when we are more aware than ever of the complexities and difficulties for people, particularly the young, who suffer with their mental health further compounds this state of affairs,” added Cllr Farrell.
Portumna Community School were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior B Hurling Champions last Saturday as they beat Calasanctius College, Oranmore 6-9 to 2-9 in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
Two John Fleming goals along with further strikes for Liam Quirke, Denis McLoughlin, Oisin Sullivan and Jack Kelly helped them to a comfortable victory and they’ll face the Leinster champions on March 10th in the All-Ireland semi-final.
John Fleming receives the Man of the Match award from today’s Connacht B Final pic.twitter.com/2rYa8KNJOY
Meelick/Eyrecourt’s John Fleming was the Man of the Match after hitting 2-6 over the hour including crucial goals in both halves. The centre forward chatted to us after the final whistle.
“They are,” said Fleming when asked about the importance of the goals. “It’s the whole team that put in a savage effort. The lads have been training since the start of the year and they just backed themselves. They were unlucky with the ‘A’ championship but they proved themselves today and they got what they deserved.”
GOAL! PORTUMNA CS!
JOHN FLEMING!@ConnachtGAA Senior B Hurling Final Latest in Duggan Park
“As far as we were concerned, it was another nil-nil. Going out in the second half again, it was a draw again (as far as) we were concerned. And we just said we’d push on and make sure we’d get the victory.”
“We kept pushing on and pushing on. We knew from last years’ experience that if we took or foot off the pedal or whatever, it could come back to hit us. And we know from last year, we got beaten last year. So, we just said we’d shoving on and pushing on.”
Portumna Community School were crowned Connacht Post Primary Schools Senior B Hurling Champions last Saturday as they beat Calasanctius College, Oranmore 6-9 to 2-9 in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
Two John Fleming goals along with further strikes for Liam Quirke, Denis McLoughlin, Oisin Sullivan and Jack Kelly helped them to a comfortable victory and they’ll face the Leinster champions on March 10th in the All-Ireland semi-final.
What a wonderful event this morning as Senior Hurling captain, David Jordan, hands over the Keith Hayes Memorial Trophy to Mr. Long, for the school trophy cabinet following the victory in Saturday‘s final pic.twitter.com/yE2KqHg0rr
Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry’s David Jordan was the winning captain and the wing back spoke to us after the game.
“It’s a great feeling,” said Jordan. “The lads just put in a serious effort from the start and they never gave up. And we kept ticking on the scores. To be fair to Oranmore, they pulled it back there for a while at the end. But we kept in the game.
“The backs worked tirelessly getting in hooks and blocks and they made sure there was no goals scored today. And thankfully, they worked very hard. And the forwards as well, (they) got a lot of scores as well.
“You can always trust the lads up front. John (Fleming), he’s well able to take on a few scores and the lads inside as well. When you hit the ball into them, they’ll convert.
“Ah we will I’d say. We’ll give a good go at it anyways.”
Congratulations DJ! Our captain David Jordan raises the cup after defeating Calasanctius in the Connacht B final pic.twitter.com/0iReBZyFia
Galway United began life in the First Division on Friday night with a comfortable victory over Athlone Town in Eamonn Deacy Park.
Danny Furlong marked his debut with a hat-trick and Ronan Manning scored his first goal for the club before ex-Real Madrid player Felix Perez got a late consolation for the visitors.
After the Athlone defence failed to clear on 14 minutes, Furlong took advantage finding the bottom corner for the first goal. And 20 minutes later, the ex-Wexford Youths striker found space following Marc Ludden’s cross to make it 2-0.
Another Ludden delivery meant for Furlong saw Manning hit the top corner after Bashmil Nyakambili’s clearance didn’t materialise. But Furlong did leave with the match ball finishing Gary Shanahan’s assist for the hat-trick nine minutes from time.
“Danny (Furlong) was extremely clinical. My get out of jail card was we looked like a team that hadn’t done a whole lot together and that’s because we are a team that hasn’t. We need to get better, fast.”
“That’s Danny’s game. He’s got good technique, he’ll give you a bit outside the 18-yard-box but I wouldn’t say he’s a standout player outside the box.”
MILESTONE | Alex Byrne made his 100th appearance for United in last night's win against Athlone Town.
“It’s three goals on your debut,” added Furlong. “I suppose it doesn’t really come much better than that and more importantly, three points.
“Anything in and around the 18-yard-box, I tend to latch onto. I probably could have had one or two more chances or half-chances even, but I’m happy enough with the chances that I did get and put away.”
#GUFCTV 🎥 | Watch all of the goals from United's 4-1 win against Athlone Town on opening night at Eamonn Deacy Park!
Danny Furlong scored a clinically taken hat-trick on his debut and Ronan Manning grabbed his first goal for Galway United. https://t.co/KU9Zd953DG
Galway United: Tadhg Ryan; Marc Ludden, Robbie Williams, Stephen Walsh, Gary Shanahan; Alex Byrne, Stephen Kenny, Ryan Connolly, Ronan Manning; Danny Furlong, Eoin McCormack. Subs used: Carlton Ubaezuna for McCormack (61 mins), Conor Barry for Byrne (70 mins), Maurice Nugent for Kenny (70 mins).
Athlone Town: Nathan Murphy; Aaron Brilly, Felix Perez, Gerard Smith, Bashmil Nyakambili; Steven Grogan, Brian Cabraley, Shane Stokes, Martin Walsh; Craig Short, Thaigh Keogh. Subs used: George Mukete for Grogan (HT), Etanda Nkololo for Keogh (HT), Josh Hogan for Cabraley (66 mins).
Even if laboured at times, Galway have overcome their first four hurdles and now face Limerick in Pearse Stadium next Sunday (March 4th) for promotion to Division 1A next year.
In Parnell Park on Sunday, the Tribesmen always kept control of the scoreboard with Jason Flynn delivering a quality performance.
The Tommy Larkins player was a late addition to the starting team but finished with 1-9, including 1-3 from play, as Galway secured their fourth win from as many outings.
Flynn split the posts four times at the start as Galway raced into a 0-9 to 0-2 lead. And after holding a 0-13 to 1-5 interval advantage, Flynn struck the crucial goal on 53 minutes when taking possession from a long delivery before hitting the net.
However, Dublin (whose first half goal came from Danny Sutcliffe) rallied until the closing stages as Liam Rushe’s penalty was saved by James Skehill. And Galway’s margin was only three points before late tallies for Flynn, Brian Concannon, Cathal Mannion and Niall Burke ensure the result.
“I wouldn’t say we were playing within ourselves,” said Galway manager Micheal Donoghue after to the assembled media afterwards. “That’s just where we are at the minute.”
“They’ve (the Galway players) been burning it up in fairness to them, putting up big scores so it’s (Limerick) going to be a big challenge for us.”
Both Galway and Limerick are through to the league quarter-finals but the winners of their clash will be promoted.
.@Galway_GAA manager Micheál Donoghue: "We want to get a more consistent performance over the hour."
Galway: James Skehill; Adrian Tuohy, John Hanbury, Jack Grealish; Shane Cooney, Gearoid McInerney, Padraic Mannion (0-2); Johnny Coen, Sean Loftus (0-2); Conor Cooney, Cathal Mannion (0-4), Niall Burke (0-2); Conor Whelan, Jason Flynn (1-9, six frees), Brian Concannon (0-1). Subs used: Eanna Burke for Lofus (45 mins), Davy Glennon for Cooney (59 mins).
Dublin: Alan Nolan; Paddy Smyth, Bill O’Carroll, Eoghan O’Donnell; Darren Kelly, Chris Crummey, Shane Barrett; Tomas Connolly (0-1), Fiontan MacGibb (0-1); Paul Crummey, Conal Keaney, Danny Sutcliffe (1-1); Paul Winters (0-9, eight frees, one ’65), Ryan O’Dwyer, Ronan Hayes (0-1). Subs used: Liam Rushe for O’Dwyer (42 mins), Fionn O Riain Broin for P. Crummey (47 mins), Cian Boland (0-1) for Keaney (60 mins), James Madden for Kelly (63 mins), Paul Ryan for Rushe (68 mins).
Galway picked up their first win over Kerry since 2003 on Sunday in Austin Stack Park, Tralee to pick up their fourth consecutive win in Division One of the National Football League stayed on par with leaders Dublin.
Eamonn Brannigan’s 40th minute goal gave the Tribesmen a six-point advantage they held until the end and now makes an unlikely league final appearance a probability for the newly promoted side.
Great win for Galway today against @Kerry_Official . Tralee is no easy place to get out of with two points. @TribesmenGAA
Should Galway beat Monaghan in Pearse Stadium next Sunday (4th March), they will be four points clear of third place with just two games remaining. From relegation favourites to potential league finalists, Galway’s transition is looking very good.
Really good from Galway today. Defended with big numbers behind the ball and broke with huge pace. Their system suits their players down to the ground. As we knew already, Kerry are still very much a work in progress.
“There was a bit of pressure on today,” said manager Kevin Walsh to the assemble media afterwards. “A lot of people, including ourselves, were looking for a bit more consistency. We felt we had, maybe, improved on that last year, getting out of Division Two. We had to improve on that again. We’ll take this result.
“There was a double save there at the end by Ruairi Lavelle. That kept the win for us. We’d be disappointed if we lost because of the chances we had before that.
“We would have put a bit of effort in to the fitness side of it, to date.
“The FBD league final came at a good time for us. A lot of our guys who were itching to get off the bench got off it and performed quite well. They are starting to fight for positions. You have to have a certain fitness standard at this time of year. Time will tell. It would have been our objective to stay up.”
Galway have beaten Kerry in the Allianz Football League, watch the Full-Time highlights here on GAANOW! pic.twitter.com/CraOrxNQyg
Galway: Ruairi Lavelle; Declan Kyne, Sean Andy O Ceallaigh, Eoghan Kerin; Cathal Sweeney, Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Heaney; Paul Conroy, Peter Cooke; Sean Kelly, Shane Walsh (0-1, free), Eamonn Brannigan (1-3); Patrick Sweeney (0-1), Damien Comer, Barry McHugh (0-9, five frees, two ’45s). Subs used: Gary O’Donnell for C. Sweeney (8 mins, BC), Sean Armstrong for P. Sweeney (49 mins), David Wynne for O Ceallaigh (57 mins, BC), Johnny Duane for Heaney (57 mins, BC), Ciaran Duggan for Cooke (64 mins), Thomas Flynn for Brannigan (70 mins).
Kerry: Brian Kelly; Shane Enright, Jason Foley, Ronan Shanahan; Paul Murphy (0-1), Peter Crowley (0-1), Brian Ó Beaglaoich; Jack Barry, Barry O’Sullivan; Micheál Burns, Sean O’Shea (0-3, two frees), Stephen O’Brien (0-1); David Clifford (0-6, three frees), Paul Geaney, Barry John Keane. Subs used: Matthew Flaherty for Shanahan (41 mins), Tom O’Sullivan (0-1) for O Beaglaoich (42 mins), Éanna Ó Conchúir for Keane (48 mins), Daithi Casey (0-1) for Burns (60 mins), Killian Spillane for Geaney (67 mins), Brian Ó Seanacháin for O’Sullivan (70 mins).
Tá tógra nua ar bun, ag tosú tráthnónna inniu bainteach le Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, OE Gaillimh, do scoláirí atá ag maireachtaint i gcóiríocht do mhic léinn atá beagáinín iargúlta.
Beidh bus saor in aisce ag fágail Baile na Coiribe (Corrib Village) ag a 6.00 i:n ag dul go Lidl do mhic léinn atá ag iarraidh a gcuid siopadóireacht seachtainiúl a dhéanamh.
Deir Uachtarán Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh gur tháinig an smaoineamh seo i dtír ón forógra a bhí aige an bhliain seo chaite.
Chuir Ó Maoileannaigh, plean le chéile le haghaidh béilí mórcalraí, calraí íseal agus do glasraitheoirí.
“An smaoineamh a bhí ann ná go bhféadfá do chuid bidh a órdú ó suíomh idirlín Comhaltas na Mac Léinn agus ansin bheadh sé tugtha chughat, ” a deir sé.
“Dheineamar é seo a thriail le Tesco an téarma seo chaite ach bhí sé do dhéanta agus mar sin bhíomar ag smaoineamh cad é an chéad céim eile?”
“Tá an plean dos na béile, mar aon leis an liosta siopadóireacht agus chuile rud eile déanta again agus ansin cheapamar go mbeadh no scoláirí atá iargúlta go maith sásta le seirbhís mar seo.”
Bhí Comhaltas na Mac Léinn agus Lorcán Ó Maoileannaigh gnóthach leis an bplean nuair a dúirt Lidl go mbeidís sásta bus a chur ó Baile na Coiribe chuig cheann dá siopaí.
Beidh an mbus ag fágáint Baile na Coiribe chuile Luan ag a 6 a chlog agus beidh uair a chloig ag na mic léinn istigh i Lidl chun an siopadóireacht a dhéanamh. Tabhairfidh an mbus díreach thar nais go Baile na Coiribe iad ansin.
“Sé an smaoineamh a bhí againn leis an mbus a rith ar an Luan ná go hiondúil déantar an siopadóireacht seachtainúil ar an Luan, agus ag braith ar cé chomh rathúil a bheidh sin tá seans go rithfeadh a thuilleadh busanna ar an Luan,” dúirt Lorcán.
Beidh liosta siopadóireacht á thabhairt amach ar an mbus, agus is féidir na scoláirí dul go suíomh idirlín Comhaltas na Mac Léinn le haghaidh oidis don bia ar fad.
Smaoineamh iontach go háirithe dos na scoláirí nach bhfuil gar do siopa grócéir, nó nach bhfuil gluaisteáin acu féin.
Meditation and breathwork session
Tuesday, February 27 @ 6-6:30pm, An Taibhdhearc
€5 per session or €20 for five
“The act of meditation is being spacious.” – Sogyal Rinpoche
Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed?
This Meditation and Breathwork class is for you.
Through meditation and prānāyāma practices you will work with your breath in a way that will allow you to become calmer and more grounded, and not get lost in your own head and train of thoughts.
This practice will help ground you here and now, and help you to be spacious.
Drop in or message to book.
Please bring a blanket, cushion or a yoga mat to sit on, and dress comfortably, so you would be able to sit on the ground for 30 min. Please arrive 5 min prior to the start time to settle in and find your cushion.
In February only: Meditation + Breathwork class is €5 or 5 class pass €20.
Baiba of Yoga-B, a Galway-based yoga and meditation instructor with a focus on merging breathwork and meditation with āsana to create a relaxing and restoring environment on your mat.
Baiba finished her Yoga Alliance certified 200 hr yoga teacher training in Dharamkot, India, 2016. Since then she has finished a Trauma Sensitive Yoga training and a 10-day Vipassana Meditation residential course.
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