Galway Comedy Festival adds superstars to best lineup in history

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September 12, 2023

Inaugural Irish drinks industry forum taking place in Galway

The inaugural Irish Drinks Open Forum ‘’Irish Spirits Renaissance| Let’s Reset’’, will be hosted by BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry this week.

The forum, taking place this Thursday, September 14, serves as a platform for Ireland’s fast growing spirits and whiskey sector, agri-producers, and start-ups to come together and exchange knowledge, ideas and experiences.

It provides an opportunity for industry players to discuss current best practices and to strategically position themselves to take advantage in the best and sustainable way, of the rising global demand for Irish spirits and whiskey.

Seventeen speakers and experts from Ireland’s all-island industry across a wide cross-section of spirits producers and brands, suppliers and agencies, will share their insights and views to a group of trade delegates visiting the Campus for the Forum.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr Peter Feeney, Chair of BIA, said, “BIA Innovator Campus is delighted to host the inaugural Irish Drinks Open Forum here in Athenry”.

“Bringing together Ireland’s drinks industry innovators, thought leaders and visionaries will encourage creativity, knowledge exchange and sustainable enterprise development across the Irish spirit and whiskey sector.”

The past 25 years has seen an enormous spirits and whiskey renaissance on the Island of Ireland as it re-emerges as one of the world’s leading producers in the global spirits category.

From the Island having just two distilleries in the 1980’s, the expansion has quickly grown to the present-day situation of Ireland now being home to over 40 distilleries distilling over 110 million LPA (litres pure alcohol) of whiskey spirit every year.

Global sales having reached 15.2 million cases – over 180 million bottles – in 2022, whilst the value of spirit exports from Ireland soared by 17.3% to almost €1.5bn in the same year.

The all-island export value of Irish whiskey exceeded one billion euro for the first time, confirming the importance of the industry to the country’s shared economy, North and South.

Every year, Irish malt, barley and other grains are produced on the island in substantial volumes.

The Irish Drinks Open Forum presents an opportunity for the spirits industry players in this emerging fast-paced renaissance environment to consider current best practices and to optimally position the industry to capitalise on the rising global demand for its wares.

And the theme of resetting, means to secure a solid long-term and sustainable growth for Ireland – its agricultural and distilling practitioners, its drinks tourism providers, its land, its produce, its people and its skills base.

Delegates from the industry North and South, will join speakers such as James Doherty (Sliabh Liag Distillers & Chair of the Irish Whiskey Association), John Teeling (Great Northern Distillery), Lora Hemy (Roe & Co. Distillery/Diageo), Simon Fay (Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard), as well as representatives from a wide cross-section of spirits producers and brands, suppliers and agencies who include Teagasc and Bord Bia.

Minister of State Martin Heydon said, “We have a unique food and drink story to tell in Ireland. This initiative sits perfectly with our 10-year roadmap for the agriculture sector Food Vision 2030, by highlighting the natural fit of agri-food and local tourism.”

“This forum will offer a unique insight into the development of a sustainable agri-food enterprise model in distilling using the knowledge and know-how from leaders in the industry.”

After the forum, delegates will have the opportunity to visit the newly opened Ahascragh Distillery to view their eco-distillery set up.

Supporters of Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign gather at new bridge

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September 12, 2023

galway daily news julia morrissey bridge campaign at new bridge in galway

Supporters of the Julia Morrissey Bridge campaign have gathered at Galway City’s new pedestrian and cycle bridge to call for it to be named after Galway’s forgotten 1916 leader.

Julia Morrissey from Athenry was a key figure in Cumann na mBan’s Galway branch, commanding a group of 50 women during Easter week in Galway in 1916.

Campaign chairperson, Ian Ó Dalaigh, said they organised this action to highlight their ongoing campaign to honour Galway’s 1916 woman leader, Julia Morrissey.

“Galway is a city that has commemorated many republican men – including those who had Galway connections, such as Liam Mellows and Éamonn Ceannt,” he said.

“Mellows was honoured with a statue in Eyre Square in 1957, while the city’s train station was renamed Ceannt station in 1966 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising.”

Ó Dalaigh also pointed out that we have named two bridges after republican men, neither of whom had any Galway connections – the Wolfe Tone Bridge and O’Brien’s Bridge.

He said that naming bridges after republican leaders is nothing new, but what would be new would be naming one after a woman.

“As we approach the end of the decade of centenaries, it would be fitting indeed if Julia was to be to finally honoured here in Galway. And with next March marking the 50th anniversary of her death, it would be all the more poignant.”

He said that Galway City Council has “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to right an historic wrong” against one of Galway’s bravest daughters, and that the council cannot let that opportunity pass.

Declan O’Rourke to celebrate launch of new novel at Kennys Bookshop

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September 12, 2023

galway daily news declan o'rourke in kennys bookshop galway — Declan O'Rourke

Author and singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke will be at Kennys Bookshop on Thursday, September 21 to celebrate the launch of his new novel, A Whisper from Oblivion.

The novel is O’Rourke’s second of a trilogy of historical fiction novels based on the Great Famine, inspired by his award-winning album, Chronicles of the Great Irish Famine which featured a series of eyewitness accounts of the famine.

A Whisper from Oblivion is the follow-up to his 2021 bestselling novel, The Pawnbroker’s Reward which showed us the Great Famine as it happened through the lens of a single town – Macroom, Co. Cork.

This second instalment sees the inhabitants of Macroom and its surroundings landed squarely into the eye of the storm that is 1847 during the Great Famine.

Performing extensively for years across Europe, the US and Australia, Declan O’Rourke’s growing status is one of a significant global artist.

He has released seven studio records to date, five of which have enjoyed top five status in the national charts in Ireland.

The event, featuring a conversation with James Harrold, will take place at Kennys Bookshop in Liosbán Retail Park on Thursday, September 21 at 6pm and all are welcome.

Signed copies of the book will be available on the night. The event is free – tickets are limited and can be booked via Eventbrite, on www.kennys.ie or call Kennys on 091-709350.

Taxi numbers falling in Galway despite population growth

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September 12, 2023

Galway Daily crime Assault and car jacking after taxi drive attacked in Barna

Galway is experiencing a taxi shortage with running costs making the occupation a challenge for many potential taxi drivers.

National Transport Authority (NTA) data shows that there are less than 19,500 licensed taxis, hackneys, and limousines on Irish roads today, compared to 21,900 ten years ago and 27,429 in 2008.

Galway has 645 registered taxis, 179 hackneys and 62 limousines according to data from the NTA over the summer.

This is 50 fewer public services vehicles in Galway than ten years ago.

Insuremytaxi.ie says that it has become unaffordable for many people to pursue a career in the profession due to soaring insurance premiums.

But they believe that a new agreement they have reached with insurers should shave hundreds of euros off the average insurance premium, particularly for taxis outside of Dublin.

Jonathan Hehir, MD of Insuremytaxi.ie, spoke of his belief that the cheaper premiums will attract greater numbers to the taxi industry and bridge the gap between demand and supply.

“We’ve been in discussions over the last 18 months and are delighted to launch this service and much-needed competition to the market,” he said.

Mr. Hehir explained that in Galway, there are currently approximately 880 taxis in operation, down from over 930 ten years ago.

“Between 2016 and 2022 alone, the population of the county grew by over 9,400,” he said.

“This has a negative knock-on effect on both our hospitality and tourism industry. Being left stranded late at night because of a shortage of taxi drivers, particularly at busy times like Christmas or after concerts or festivals, is not a good selling point.

“The shortage of taxis in rural areas is a perennial problem, particularly in isolated rural areas where the cost of providing taxis is often a major obstacle.

“A better-resourced rural taxi service could help combat social isolation in rural areas, particularly for the elderly.”

He said that the implications of an under-serviced public are wide-ranging.

“Of course, there’s the public safety element for people who cannot get home late at night. Unfortunately, drink-driving is also an issue. Not having a dependable means of transportation home may well entice people to break the rules around drink-driving.

“In addition, for the tourists arriving in this country, often their first experience is an hour-long wait for taxis at airports and train stations. This isn’t acceptable.

“There simply aren’t enough taxis on the roads. We believe our new low-cost insurance will encourage more people to apply for a taxi licence at a time when there is such a shortage of them and hopefully improve the taxi experience for locals and tourists alike. However, the Government also needs to take action to alleviate taxi shortages.”

Mr Hehir is calling on the Government to provide more incentives for young people to enter the taxi business and to address the high insurance costs they often face.

Further education projects announced for two Galway locations

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September 12, 2023

Galway Daily news GRETB gets approval for expansion of Mervue Training Centre

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has today announced funding for two projects at locations run by Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB).

The Petersburg Outdoor Education and Training Centre in Clonbur and GRETB Training Centre in Mervue Business and Technology Park will both benefit from the funding announced today.

The investment in Petersburg will help develop a number of courses including the specialist arborist apprenticeship while a new Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Hub is being created in Mervue.

Minister Harris said that Galway Roscommon ETB has always been “outward thinking, innovative and forwarding thinking”, and has the learner at the heart of all that they do.

“The investment in Petersburg will provide key additional accommodation to expand their Arborist programme, dry stone walling, stonework and Health & Safety courses related to the outdoors,” he said.

“While in Mervue, the TEL Hub will guarantee that Galway Roscommon ETB staff can provide high quality, learner focussed digital resources for programmes across Galway Roscommon ETB.”

Minister Harris said hats off to all the team both here and across the wider FET community for your commitment to providing wide-ranging opportunities for all to facilitate learners to engage or re-engage in education.

Funding for these projects will be provided through SOLAS to GRETB. The projects announced today will now move forward to the appointment of a design team, with a view to development of a more detailed project brief in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

David Leahy, Chief Executive of Galway & Roscommon ETB, said that GRETB warmly welcomes the double announcement by Minister Harris today.

“This will allow us to continue the development of our apprenticeship offering at our Outdoor Education Centre in Petersburg,” he said.

“It is a further endorsement to our ongoing commitment to apprenticeship training. The development of a Technology Enhanced Learning hub at our FET headquarters on the Mervue campus, feeds directly into our digitisation of FET resources.

“The sustainable development of programmes and planned delivery is a key enabler in our FET college offering.”

First Division favourites Galway United inching closer to title glory

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Thomas O'Brien

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September 12, 2023

John Caulfield’s relentless Galway United outfit are closing in on the First Division title after a near note-perfect campaign in Ireland’s second tier and with their promotion just weeks away from being confirmed, the Tribesmen aren’t expected to let their standards slip.

A little over a year ago, Galway were listed among the favourites for First Division silverware by most bookmakers and top sports betting sites, however, few could have anticipated just how dominant United have been over the course of the season.

Galway hold a 15-point advantage at the summit of the table over nearest promotion rivals Waterford and with just seven games left to contest – and 21 points left to win – a return to the Premier Division for the first time since 2017 could be cemented by the time United host Finn Harps on September 25th.

Five memorable Galway victories in 2023

Galway United 9-1 Kerry (March 10th)

Galway had already secured three victories in three attempts at the start of the 2023 First Division season before they crossed paths with Kerry on March 10th at Eamonn Deacy Park, though United’s demolition job on the league’s newest combatant was the first real indicator that the Tribesmen meant business.

With hattrick hero Edward McCarthy central to their success, Galway smashed goal after goal past a shell-shocked Kerry team, hitting the net nine times for the first time ever in a competitive fixture.

That meaty triumph allowed Galway to maintain their early-season winning streak, which eventually ran to a hugely impressive 11 straight fixtures before United were finally toppled by Longford on May 1st.

Galway United 2-1 Waterford (May 5th)

It was directly after that surprise setback at Longford that Galway showed their mettle and title-winning potential with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their closest rivals for top spot, Waterford United.

Again, it was Edward McCarthy who led the charge, netting a well-taken opener on the volley after 33 minutes. David Hurley doubled Galway’s advantage from the spot midway through the second half, finishing low to the keeper’s left.

Ronan Coughlan notched a consolation in the 90th minute for Waterford, though Galway absorbed some late pressure to collect a hugely significant three points.

Galway United 6-0 Finn Harps (June 6th)

In the first week of June, Galway showcased the phenomenal goal-scoring power in their ranks with a fantastic six-goal annihilation of Finn Harps. The Tribesmen were ruthless from the first whistle and had established a four-goal lead by the 20th minute at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Six different players got in on the act starting with Darren Clarke who broke the deadlock after just four minutes. Killian Brouder, Stephen Walsh, Maurice Nugent, Rob Manley and David Hurley also etched their names on the scoresheet on a productive evening in the final third for Galway.

Athlone 0-1 Galway United (July 14th)

Galway had just dropped two precious points on the road at Cobh Ramblers (1-1) and United were on the cusp of dropping more in their next test following a scrappy 85 minutes of action at Athlone just a week later.

With time running out and a 0-0 draw the likeliest outcome, 24-year-old David Hurley arrived in the Athlone box to meet a pinpoint cross from the right. The reliable goal-getter then planted an exquisite header into the top corner past stricken keeper Enda Minogue to send the away supporters into raptures.

Hurley’s inspired intervention proved to be the fixture’s defining moment and United returned to Galway with maximum points.

Waterford 2-2 Galway United (August 11th)

Billed as a possible title decider pre-match on the south coast, the First Division’s two best teams went hammer and tongs in an enthralling tussle between Waterford and Galway United on August 11th.

Galway’s resolve was tested as early as the first minute at the Regional Sports Centre when the host’s prolific striker Ronan Coughlan gave Waterford the lead after 20 seconds. Killian Brouder buried a leveller just 15 minutes later, setting the trend for a contest that ebbed and flowed throughout.

In the 22nd minute, the razor-sharp Coughlan again put Waterford in front and the scoreline held at 2-1 until added on time in the second half. With the referee checking this watch, a late free-kick lumped into the Watford box broke to Francely Lomboto who rifled home the equalizer through a crowd to maintain Galway’s healthy lead at the top of the table.

Local community encouraged to take part in Knocknacarra Parkrun

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September 11, 2023

galway daily news knocknacarra parkrun participants — Businesswoman Aimee Connolly, left, Olympian David Gillick and Vhi Clinical Psychologist Dr Lydia Mackeogh are pictured with volunteers in the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, supporting the Vhi More Than Running campaign. Photo by David Fitzgerald

Businesswoman and Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly is calling on all walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers to join her at Knocknacarra parkrun on Saturday, 16 September at 9.30am.

Vhi’s More Than Running campaign is encouraging people across the country to volunteer at their local parkrun, not only for the benefit of participants, but for their own health and wellbeing too.

A recent Vhi survey of park run participants centred on volunteering habits and benefits.

Nine out of ten people surveyed said they would recommend volunteering at park run to friends and family, a ringing endorsement that is reflected in the improvements respondents say they have noticed to their overall wellbeing.

Businesswoman and Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly will be on hand to volunteer this Saturday at Knocknacarra parkrun, offering support and encouragement to participants and experiencing first-hand the benefits of volunteering.

After the route, there will be a giveaway of treats and branded goodies, as well as a fun photo opportunity.

Bill Ferguson, Knocknacarra parkrun director, said they are ‘really excited’ for Saturday and hope to see a few new faces there on the morning.

“The Knocknacarra parkrun community is very welcoming, and we’re looking forward to having Aimee Connolly with us as a volunteer on what promises to be a fun-filled morning!”

Vhi Ambassador and businesswoman Aimee Connolly added: “I’m proud to be a Vhi ambassador and to be involved in this year’s’ More than Running’ campaign.

“I’m a huge fan of parkrun, but my experience to date has been as a runner so I can’t wait to put on a high-vis vest and experience it as a volunteer!”

The Vhi More Than Running Campaign will be visiting parkruns in Dublin, Galway and Wexford this summer.

To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location.

Letter | Current economic system has no solutions for Climate Crisis

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September 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Community Climate Action public information evenings in Galway City

Dear Editor,

This past week, Ireland has experienced a rare September heatwave; the first of the 21st century.

At the time of writing, all 25 weather stations monitored by Met Éireann are exceeding their Long Term Average temperatures by a minimum of 3℃ and, in some cases, in excess of 5℃.

Whilst there remains 3 weeks of September, it is likely to be our warmest September on record – for the time being.

Simultaneously throughout the week, there have been hugely damaging floods in Greece, Spain, Hong Kong, Bulgaria, Brazil, United States, and Algeria. Many hundreds of people have lost their lives and many thousands more will be at risk in future.

We must be cognisant that these impacts – heatwaves, floods, disease emergence, droughts, crop failures – remain in their infancy. As climate change continues with no resemblance of abatement, we must repeatedly call out the occurrence of these events which do not need to happen in the way that they will continue to occur, and with worsening effects.

Unfortunately, our current economic system dictates no solutions to the crises we face.
A new report from the Lancet showed that at the current rate, it would take 220 years for countries to decouple emissions from GDP.

Another UN report released this week detailing our progress with regards the Paris Climate Agreement found that even with the current commitments made by governments, we are far off track from any reduction in global temperature.

That is to say, what we have been doing up to now, the commitments we have made and the actions we are taking are insufficient.

We frankly do not have the time for incremental tinkering of the status quo. If all aspects of the planet are to thrive, a radical change is needed.

We are past 1.2℃ of warming – we have a very limited time to prevent a rise above 1.5℃.
Now is the time to act.

Is mise le meas,
Criodán Ó Murchú
An Taisce Climate Committee Member Peterswell, Co. Galway

INMO calls for Emergency Taskforce meeting as trolley numbers soar

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September 11, 2023

The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has called for the Emergency Department Taskforce to meet urgently as the overcrowding crisis continues in hospitals across Ireland.

More than 520 patients, including seven children, have been admitted to hospital without a bed today.

University Hospital Galway has 37 patients on trolleys today, while Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe has warned of long wait times due to overcrowding.

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

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

“The rising number of children under the age of sixteen on trolleys is becoming a matter of huge concern for our members. Over 64 children have been on trolleys so far this month, with schools only back in earnest in the last week.

“Parents are sending their children to already overcrowded hospitals as a last resort as care options are not available in the community.”

As Co-Chair of the Emergency Department Taskforce, Ms Ní Sheaghdha called on the HSE to convene an urgent meeting of the Taskforce this week to discuss what measures are going to be taken on a week-by-week basis from now until the end of the year.

“The Minister for Health has indicated that he will attend the Taskforce. The HSE should not delay in getting all stakeholders around the table to come up with short, medium and long-term solutions to what is now a year-round crisis.

“Nurses are once again finding themselves of having to apologise to patients and their families because of the state of hospital overcrowding.

“This is unacceptable. It is time for the health service and individual hospitals to be upfront with the public about the staffing and capacity shortfalls in our hospitals.”

Portiuncula Emergency Department extremely busy today with long wait times

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September 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Portiuncula Hospital new beds

The Emergency Department at Portiuncula University Hospital is extremely busy today and the hospital is advising that patients who attend ED for routine and non-urgent treatment will experience very long waiting times.

People who require emergency care are encouraged to attend emergency departments where they will be prioritised.

However, the high number of people attending who need to be admitted for ongoing treatment means that there is pressure on bed availability.

This is resulting in significant delays being experienced by patients in the Emergency Department who are waiting for a bed to become available on a ward.

There are currently a very high number of patients on trolleys in ED awaiting admission to in-patient beds.

All available beds are in use. Every effort is being made to discharge patients who are ready to go home so that beds will become available for patients who need to be admitted, at the earliest opportunity.

The hospital acknowledges that these delays are very difficult for patients and their families and apologises for the inconvenience and distress these delays cause.

The hospital is committed to treating everyone who presents at the Emergency Department; people who are seriously injured or ill are assessed and treated as a priority and those who do not require urgent care may be waiting longer.

We continue to request that people only attend the Emergency Department at the hospital if it is an emergency situation.

We ask that people attend their GP or out of hours service in the first instance if at all possible. The Roscommon Injury Unit is also open from 8am to 8pm to treat a range of injuries in both adults and children over five years of age.

University of Galway Students’ Union launches Freshers Fair

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September 11, 2023

galway daily news students' union freshers fair launch — (Left to Right): Raimey O’Boyle, Izzy Tiernan, Faye Ní Dhomhnaill and Dean Kenny (University of Galway Students’ Union)

University of Galway Students’ Union launched their Freshers Fair today which will take place on campus from 11am to 3pm on Thursday 21 September.

The event is set to welcome students back to campus with lots of fun activities, freebies and prizes. There will be food stalls from the Galway Market traders and a vintage clothing pop up shop.

The SU will also be distributing their ‘Rudaí Áille’ reusable tote bags full of freebies and information for students.

There will be inflatable games plus lots of offers, prizes and surprises from student friendly businesses from Galway and beyond. They will also be hosting the ever popular SU Outdoor Cinema tomorrow, Tuesday, 12 September.

Students’ Union President Dean Kenny said: “We wanted to give University of Galway students a big welcome to campus with a huge Freshers Fair.

“We also have lots of events planned for our new and returning students throughout this month.”

Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Izzy Tiernan added: “This event is a great chance for our students to meet up, make friends, have some fun and get to know campus.

“We are again focussing on sustainability with our Rudaí Áille reusable tote bags and the vintage clothing pop up shop.”

Cars and weapons seized after serious brawl on Headford Road

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September 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Just 11 new Gardaí assigned to North-Western Region for newly sworn group

Four people have been hospitalised following a serious brawl on the Headford Road on Sunday evening.

Gardaí are currently investigating the public order incident which took place in the vicinity of Galway Shopping Centre at approximately 6:10pm on Sunday.

A large number of people were involved in an altercation in a car park on the Headford Road.

Two men were assaulted and are currently receiving treatment at University Hospital Galway for non-life threatening injuries.

During the course of the incident, a vehicle was driven at speed at a group of people.

A man and woman are receiving treatment at University Hospital Galway for their injuries, which are understood to be non-life threatening.

Gardaí have seized a number of weapons which are understood to have been used during the course of the incident.

Two vehicles have also been seized for a technical examination following this incident.

An Garda Síochána have said that investigations into the brawl are ongoing.

Planning granted for Kinvara housing estate

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September 11, 2023

Galway Daily news Planning granted for Kinvara housing estate

Galway County Council has granted planning approval for a residential development of 26 houses in Kinvara.

Greengrass Developments has been given the green light for the construction of a housing estate on a greenfield site at Cartron, on the south side of the village.

The housing in the planned estate will mostly be semi-detached units, with a smaller number of detached and terraced houses also.

Six two-bedroom terraced houses are to be transferred to the county council to comply with Part V planning requirements for the provision of social and affordable housing.

Planning permission was granted by Galway County Council with 36 conditions attached. The developer must pay a contribution of €107,110.50 towards the provision of public services facilitating the estate.

The original plans had been for 27 units, however the council ordered two semi-detached houses replaced with a single detached house, and part of the footprint added to the estate’s public open space.

Galway Cartoon Festival leaping from the page

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September 11, 2023

From Mad magazine to the Ukraine war, this year’s Galway Cartoon Festival has it all

Since its inception in 2017, the Galway Cartoon Festival has been on a mission to bring the art of cartooning, caricature and illustration to the west of Ireland, and to make the event an important fixture in the calendar of international pop art.

Now in its seventh edition, the 2023 festival – which runs from September 29 to October 4 – promises to be the biggest and most ambitious yet.

Featuring international exhibitions, fascinating talks, public interviews, film screenings, art trails, workshops and competitions, GCF23 literally has something for everybody with even a passing interest in what the French call ‘the ninth art’.

Visiting dignitaries this year include Ed Steckley, Vice President of the American Cartoon Society and best known for his contributions to the legendary MAD magazine; Martin Rowson, Chair of the British Cartoonists’ Association and contributor to the Guardian and Daily Mirror; renowned French caricaturist Jean-Michel Renault; and award-winning Portuguese artist Cristina Sampaio.

Although unable to travel because of the war, Ukrainian cartoonist Vladimir Kazanevsky – of the international group Cartooning for Peace – will be participating in the festival via Zoom.

These famous pencil-slingers will be joined by Tom Mathews (Hot Press, Irish Times, Sunday Independent), Harry Burton (Irish Examiner), Jim Cogan (Sunday Independent, Irish Farmers Journal, The Phoenix), Dean Patterson (Private Eye), and Irish language cartoonist Caoimhe Lavelle. Iconic water safety cartoons by Terry Willers will also be on show.

Most events will be happening in venues throughout the city – including the new Portershed, the Townhall Theatre, An Taibhdearc, Pálás Cinema, City Library and the City Museum. Beyond the city limits, Áras Éanna Arts Centre on Inis Oírr is involved, showing Irish language cartoons and facilitating drawing demonstrations in local schools.

Best of all in these financially straitened times, all of these events are completely FREE to the public! Visit the website – galwaycartoonfestival.ie – for full details.

Athenry road closure extended into late October

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September 11, 2023

The closure of part of the Caheroyn Road in Athenry has been extended into late October to allow pipe laying works.

The county council has ordered the Caheroyn Road closed between the y-junction with New Line and the Cúirt Ard junction.

This is to allow deep excavation and pipe-laying works to take place.

The period of that road closure has now been extended up to an including Friday, October 27.

Diversion routes are in place.

Commercial Vacancy rate in Galway rose to 18% in June

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September 11, 2023

Galway Daily business Galway Commercial Vacancy rate

The commercial vacancy rate in Galway had increased to 18% as of June according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings Report.

This is the second highest rate in the country, nearly 4% higher than the national average, and represents an increase of 0.8% compared with a year previous.

The report, prepared by EY, found that the national commercial vacancy rate stood at 14.1% in June 2023.

Commercial vacancy rates increased in 20 out of 26 counties in the twelve months to June 2023, with a total of 29,798 vacant commercial units recorded across Ireland.

Commenting on the findings of the report, Dara Keogh, Chief Executive of GeoDirectory said that this is the highest commercial vacancy rate on record.

“Businesses are clearly still struggling with the increasing costs of doing business in regard to energy costs and food inflation.”

“An additional challenge this year has been interest rate increases which are generating some pressures for commercial owner occupiers and tenants.”

Annette Hughes, Director, EY Economic Advisory added, “After several years of strong construction activity in the commercial sector, the increases we are seeing in commercial vacancy are to an extent unsurprising”.

She said that trends working from home, along with other concerns like sustainability and energy efficiency are likely impacting on this issue.

“While there have been increases in the cost of doing business for some companies, the overall Irish economy remains in a good position, with further growth and increases in the numbers employed forecast.”

The analysis shows that there remains a wide disparity in vacancy rates across the country, a trend observed in previous GeoDirectory Commercial Buildings reports.

At 19.9%, Sligo was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate, followed by Galway (18%), Donegal (17.9%), Mayo (17.3%) and Roscommon (16.9%).

The county with the lowest commercial vacancy rate was Meath at 10.2%, followed by Wexford at 10.6% and Kerry at 12.2%.

All four provinces in Ireland reported an increase in overall vacancy rates, with Connacht having the highest rate at 17.9%, which is 3.8% above the national average.

Connacht also recorded the highest increase of the four provinces in the 12 months to Q2 2023, rising by 0.5%.

RNLI lifeboat rescues kayakers in trouble in Galway Bay

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September 11, 2023

RNLI lifeboat rescues kayakers in trouble in Galway Bay

The Galway RNLI lifeboat came to the rescue of two distressed kayakers who were in trouble in Galway Bay over the weekend.

The lifeboat crew were called out by the Coast Guard on Saturday to assist two kayakers in difficulty off Hare Island.

The lifeboat launched around 3.40pm on Saturday with crew members Dave Badger, Stefanie Carr, James Rattigan and Brian Niland on board.

The lifeboat crew made their way to the reported location of the kayakers south-west of Hare Island. Conditions were good at sea with little wind and good visibility.

The crew brought the kayakers and their kayaks on board the lifeboat and returned them safely to shore.

Dave Badger who was helm on board the lifeboat said that this call out, “shows how important it is to be able to raise the alarm if you get into difficulty on the water.”

“The kayakers we rescued today had a mobile phone with them and were able to call for help when they were unable to return to shore.”

“Even in fine weather things can go wrong and it is important to always have a means of calling for help as part of your kayaking kit and keep it on you, within reach, at all times.”

“If you get into difficulty or if you see someone in difficulty in the water, please dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

Man (60s) involved in serious assault in Westport dies from injuries

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September 10, 2023

Galway Daily news man dies in hospital following traffic collision

Peter McDermott (60s) who had been receiving treatment at Mayo University Hospital following a serious assault in Westport passed away earlier this evening.

The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem will now take place in due course. A family liaison officer has been appointed.

Earlier today, a man (20s) who was arrested as part of this investigation was released from custody. A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public of Prosecutions.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.

Any pedestrians or road users who were in the vicinity of High Street in Westport between 1am and 2am on Saturday 9 September 2023 and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is asked to contact Westport Garda Station on 098 50230, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

‘Huge milestone’ for Knock Airport as August sees record numbers pass through

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September 10, 2023