Tomi Reichental, a survivor of the Holocaust, will give a public lecture in Galway this Thursday, 8 February, about his experience of the Bergen- Belsen concentration camp.
Born in 1935 in Slovakia, he was captured by the Gestapo and deported to Bergen Belsen concentration camp with his mother, grandmother, brother, aunt and cousin in 1944, when he was just nine years old.
When the camp was liberated by British and Canadian forces in April 1945, he discovered that 35 members of his extended family had been murdered by the Nazis.
His grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins all died in the Holocaust.
Recounting the sights and smells at the concentration camp Tomi said: “Typhoid and diphtheria were the biggest killers, but people were dying of starvation and cold in their hundreds.
“First the bodies were removed and burned, but later they were just piling up in front of our barracks, and were piles of decomposing bodies.
“The soldiers who liberated Belsen in April 1945 said they could smell the stench for two miles before they reached the camp. In the camp I could not play like a normal child, we didn’t laugh and we didn’t cry. If you stepped out of line, you could be beaten up even beaten to death. I saw it all with my own eyes.”
Professor Ray Murphy from the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway said: “Tomi is one of the last surviving witnesses to the Holocaust. As such, he feels compelled to speak out so that the victims are not forgotten and we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.”
Tomi Reichental has lived in Dublin since 1959. Fourteen years ago, for the first time in 60 years, he broke his silence and began to speak about his experiences during the Holocaust.
Thousands of students in schools all over Ireland have heard his story, and an RTÉ documentary film called I Was a Boy in Belsen was based on Tomi’s life.
Hosted by the Irish Centre for Human Rights at NUI Galway, the talk will take place on Thursday 8 February at 8pm, at NUI Galway with free admission, but early arrival is advised.
A total of 228 primary schools and 42 secondary schools in County Galway will benefit from funding for new technology, it has been announced.
The primary schools will receive funding of €2,000 per school, plus €21.47 per pupil, with additional per capita payments for pupils in DEIS schools, Special Classes and Special Schools.
Independent Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten confirmed the funding today for the schools in Galway, which will go towards purchasing equipment that will enable them to integrate digital technology into teaching and learning.
Denis Naughten said that the additional funding for pupils in DEIS schools, Special Classes and Special Schools clearly highlights how technology can be of huge benefit to children with learning difficulties.
A further 42 Co. Galway second level schools will also receive funding of €2,000 per school plus €31.22 per student, with an additional per capita payment for students in DEIS schools.
“This investment shows the commitment of Government to support the digital economy, from building out broadband infrastructure and supporting education in our schools, to supporting local business to fully exploit technology in order to increase their sales,” said the Minister.
The funding is worth €4,100 for a 100 pupil school and almost €13,000 for a 500 pupil school at primary level.
Minister Richard Bruton, who first announced the funding earlier, said: “Digital technology can transform the way people learn, encouraging curiosity, exploration and creative thinking. These are the capabilities our young people will need in the future.
“Critical, creative thinking, problem solving skills and adaptability will be key to flourishing in this environment and we need to make sure our young people are well prepared.
“Our Digital Strategy for Schools sets out a clear vision that is focussed on realising the potential of digital technologies to transform the learning experiences of students. While we are introducing coding and computer science into the curriculum, we must also invest in the ICT infrastructure of our schools.”
NUI Galway and GMIT are working together this month to encourage their students to take part in the national student survey.
This year, for the first time, the survey includes postgraduate research students, which means that students in the West of Ireland will have an even bigger say when it comes to shaping the future of education – the primary function of the survey.
Last year over 30% of eligible students in GMIT and NUI Galway completed the survey.
The results showed that Galway students enjoy more effective teaching, better opportunities for collaborative learning, and better quality interactions with staff compared to the national average.
Dr Pat Morgan, VP for the Student Experience at NUI Galway, has championed the inclusion of research students in the national survey.
“I welcome the development of the survey to include our postgraduate research students as we will now have really worthwhile information on the totality of the student experience from first year undergraduates, through to taught postgraduates and our research students,” he said.
This is the fifth year of the Irish Survey for Student Engagement, and the results have already had positive impacts in both colleges.
In direct response to feedback in previous surveys, NUI Galway has invested in a new Academic Skills Hub, and they have enhanced the Orientation programme to help students adjust to university life.
Feedback from GMIT students has led to the creation of a Maths Centre and an Academic Writing Centre on campus to support students on their academic journey.
Dr Michael Hannon, VP for Academic Affairs & GMIT Registrar, said: “The Irish Survey for Student Engagement, introduced as part of the National Strategy for higher education to 2030, is a welcome development as it provides a uniform methodology to measure student satisfaction with teaching and learning. As a student-centred organisation where the emphasis is on research-informed teaching and learning, GMIT welcomes the opportunity to listen to and respond to the student voice.”
The survey is open to all First Year and Final Year Undergraduate students, and students on Taught and Research Postgraduate programmes. It runs from 5-25 February, 2018.
Galway picked up their first win of the Littlewoods National Camogie League on Sunday after pulling clear in the second half to run out seven-point winners over Tipperary.
Goals from Niamh Hanniffy and Aoife Donohue got Tony O’Donovan’s charges back on track following an opening day loss to Cork three weeks previously.
Tipperary came into the game full of confidence having won their previous outing against Offaly (0-16 to 0-7) and stayed with the hosts during a tight first half as the teams went in level 0-6 apiece.
Cait Devane was Tipperary’s top scorer over the hour with eight points while Sarah Fryday and Orla O’Dwyer also contributed to their tally.
Donohue and Rebecca Hennelly dominated on the half forward line for Galway getting nine points from play between them. Both also tapped over frees with Ailish O’Reilly contributing two points and Ann Marie Starr also on target.
The crucial score came on 44 minutes when full forward Hanniffy finished to the net putting the Tribeswomen 1-11 to 0-9 clear.
There was no looking back and Donohue’s run resulted in a superb second Galway major to ensure the three points. Substitute Grace O’Brien hit back with a consolation Tipperary goal.
Galway entertain Offaly in Pearse Stadium on Sunday, 18th February (12pm) and another victory could set them up for a winner-takes-all clash in Wexford seven days later.
The Galway Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment is a coalition of organisations from Galway city and county that aim to work towards the repeal of the 8th amendment.
Founded last month, the Galway Coalition is modeled after the National Coalition to Repeal the 8th Amendment. With 24 organisations already represented, and still growing, the group aims to build a collaborative campaign for Repeal in Galway.
Speakers on the night include Parents for Choice in Pregnancy and Childbirth representative Jenni Owen-Thomas, National Coalition to Repeal the Eighth Amendment convener Ailbhe Smyth, Dr. Peadar O’Grady of Doctors for Choice and Arlette Lyons of TFMR.
The evening will also have artistic support from Anna McCarthy, singer songwriter from Galway band Dott.
Individuals and members of Coalition organisations alike are welcome to come along and sign up to join the coalition.
If you are involved with an organisation in Galway that believes in the repeal of the 8th amendment and would like to get involved in the coalition, please get in touch with the organisers by emailing repeal8galway@gmail.com.
The housing and homelessness crisis is spiraling out of control. It affects not only the most vulnerable, but hundreds of thousands of working people and students, who simply cannot afford rents and house prices.
People are sleeping on the streets, families are sleeping in hotel rooms, many people are living in overcrowded houses as they are unable to afford skyrocketing rents and mortgages, and those renting are watching their rent continuously rise while their wages remain the same, losing sleep at night as they wonder if they can pay this month’s bills.
Come along if you are outraged and want to know how you can help! Various Galway groups are looking to organise a groundswell of support to put real pressure for change at the national demonstration on April 7th.
This meeting is hosted by People Before Profit Galway, which aims to use the event as a platform to build a Galway coalition on housing and homelessness and help to mobilise people for the national demonstration.
Speakers:
Derrick Hambleton – An Taisce
Megan Reilly – NUI Galway Students Union
Diarmaid O’Sullivan – Threshold
Joe Loughnane – People Before Profit Galway
The meeting organisers are also hoping to have contributions from the Galway Traveller Movement and the Galway Anti-Racism Network.
Open workshop trials to join the award-winning Macnas Young Ensemble will take place this month, at the Macnas workshop.
They will take place from Thursday 15th of Feb from 5pm – 6.30pm.
However, Macnas can only take 20 young people as part of this group, who must be between 15 to 19.
“Although we encourage all interested to come to the open trial workshop at our base in Fisheries Field, not everyone can be guaranteed a place on the programme,” they said.
Those selected will be invited to attend weekly workshops, led by their ensemble performance director Miquel Barceló.
The workshops will run every Thursday evening during term-time from 5pm – 6.30pm and a full commitment from the young people involved is required.
Moycullen Handball Club were named Club of the Year at the 2017 O’Neill’s GAA Handball All-Stars that took place in Croke Park on Saturday night (3rd February).
Out of four nominations for the west Galway club, they picked up the ultimate prize in an exciting new format that also saw Diarmuid Mulkerrins, Tony Audley and Martin Mulkerrins in contention.
Galway interest didn’t finish there as Claregalway’s Joe O’Connell won the Administrator of the Year Award while Seamus O’Fathearta was among four Hall of Fame inductees.
Moycullen were announced by MC Eileen Dunne as Club of the Year rewarding their continued success on and off the field.
In recent years, Moycullen handball club has continued to develop its facilities and now boasts two top class 40×20 courts and a state of the art 60×30 court. Total costs exceeded €345,000 of which only €102,000 was grant funded.
The completion of the viewing galleries in Spring 2017 concluded seven years of hard work and dedication of a very committed committee.
The facility is among the finest in the country and has hosted the Juvenile Nationals Finals for the last 2 years. The club has more than 120 members and continues to promote and develop the game of handball not only locally but internationally.
Moycullen boasts a long tradition of handball going back to the 1920s. The new facilities have sparked a strong resurgence and the club has claimed nearly all available juvenile titles in the last 10 years along with a list of collegiate and world titles.
Winning ways are not confined to the youth grades as many Masters grades and over 70s have also been victorious both at home and abroad.
The main Player of the Year Awards went to Armagh’s Charly Shanks and Cork’s Catriona Casey.
Martin Mulkerrins had been nominated in the above category while Diarmuid Mulkerrins was also acknowledge in the young player lists only to lose out to Cork’s Tadhg O’Neill.
While Tony Audley’s work with Moycullen club didn’t go unnoticed seen him among the contenders for Club Official of the Year with Tyrone’s Michelle Warren picking up that award.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, local restaurant Tomodachi is looking to warm hearts everywhere while raising money for a worthwhile cause, Hand in Hand, the Children’s Cancer Charity.
Tomodachi, an impressive sushi restaurant, has announced that between now and 18 February , diners can purchase roses at their restaurant for €1.50 with all proceeds going to Hand in Hand.
“We are excited to be able to offer our guests something different for Valentine’s this year,” Teresa Cheung, organiser of the Valentine’s event in Tomodachi explained.
“Not only can our customers show their affection by purchasing a rose, but they will also know that they are helping a local charity whilst doing so.”
Tomodachi will be offering the roses in their restaurant in Galway city, between 5 February and 18 February, 2018.
“We are thrilled that Tomodachi chose to support our charity with such a creative campaign,” Laura Bromley, Fundraiser at Hand in Hand stated.
“Who wouldn’t like a rose over Valentine’s, especially as it is also a gesture of giving back – it’s like two gifts in one!”
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Renowned performer Little John Nee will be joining as poet Neil McCarthy launches his debut collection of poems at the Black Gate on February 6th.
“Stopgap Grace”, published by Salmon Poetry, is a culmination of ten years of work, travels and (mis)adventure. A graduate of NUIG, it was actually while at university that McCarthy started going to the open mics that took place in what used to be Apostasy cafe. Soon after, the travel bug hit, but Galway was always a base for him and place to come back to. In those years, poems have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies around the world, and he counts himself lucky to have been a guest speaker in cities such as New York, LA, Prague, Bucharest and Melbourne to name a few. www.neilmccarthypoetry.com
“Like a love letter to the world on the eve of its destruction” – poet Stephen Murray
Sean Armstrong’s winner following an Eamonn Brannigan first half goal gave the Westerners a second consecutive victory over Ulster opposition leaving them sitting just behind All-Ireland champions Dublin.
Big divide opening up already in Division 1 of FL. Dublin, Kerry and surprise packets Galway all on full points. Tyrone, Kildare & Donegal all pointless #AllianzLeagues
A lot of miles covered this weekend from Castlebar to Letterkenny watching 4 Div 1 teams – Mayo laboured, Kerry’s young guns very impressive, Galway with Walsh and Comer effective and Donegal are work in progress but Paddy McBrearty is different gravy.
Very enjoyable game between Donegal and Galway in Ballybofey – Walsh, Comer and Cooke very good for Galway. McBrearty unmarkable for Donegal. Two wins from two now for Tribesmen. #GAA#GAABeo#GAANow#AllianzLeagueshttps://t.co/ByfsbeF89l
Young and old alike were engrossed in a compelling contest even if some weren’t overly thrilled by the fare on offer. While one put in perspective the long journey away supporters put in to follow their teams compared to to those with bigger more important battles as part of their every day life.
"SHOOT, SON!" shouts the 6yo at the Donegal v Galway match. A 6yo and simultaneously a 60yo
Met a @Galway_GAA fan today who travelled from Clifden to Letterkenny! Some return trip for a game. Makes u pity cancer patients who regularly have to do it from Parts of Donegal. #AllianzLeaguespic.twitter.com/necJjzv24u
After the weather we’ve endured in recent weeks, the state of the roads didn’t go unnoticed with Galway fans having to be wary with some of the road conditions on the four-hour journey.
Travelled from Galway to Donegal this morning and no grit on the Ballindine to Charlestown road in Mayo. @MayoCoCo are ye hoping someone dies .#shameful@rtenews@FineGael
With St. Brigid’s day just gone and St. Valentine’s right around the corner, spring and sunshine are already well on their way.
So take advantage of the lengthening days and shake yourself out of winter hibernation by exploring some of these lovely strolls! They’re just a stone’s throw from the city centre, and best of all, you can enjoy the views regardless of your relationship status.
Grab your partner/dog/friend/someone you’d like to know a little better—or even just yourself—for some gentle exercise to ease you in to spring.
5. Canal Walk
For a short amble around central Galway you can’t do much better than the path between the canal and the Corrib. Although well-traveled by both Galwegians and tourists, there is a reason people keep coming back—because it’s so darn pleasant.
Start by going through the stone arch and over the foot bridge between the salmon weir bridge and Born (Newtownsmith). Enjoy the views of the Corrib racing along to your right and the calm canal to your left. In warmer weather, ducks and swans will keep you company if you choose to picnic on the grass or simply sit and read.
Make your way down and across the Mill Street bridge to finish the walk at the Wolfe Tone bridge near the Spanish arch; or, for a small adventure, find the secret garden past the Mill Street Garda Station parking lot (also accessible through a passageway on Lower Dominick street).
4. South Park/The Swamp
A much longer walk, this one reveals the best views of Galway Bay from the Claddagh.
From the Spanish arch, walk across the Wolfe Tone bridge, turning left across from the Fisheries Watchtower. Head in to Middle arch and across the new lock. From here you can look at the boats in the Claddagh basin and also enjoy the view of the multi-coloured houses on the Long Walk across the Corrib.
Follow the path to the road (Claddagh Quay) and turn left. Turn left again at Nimmo’s pier. This is a great spot to watch kids feeding the gulls and swans—keep your eyes peeled for the black one!
Head down past the fields to find a pedestrian/cycle path that hugs the coast, taking you all the way to Mutton Island and beyond. With Galway Bay and the distant hills of the Burren on your left and the houses of the Claddagh past the sports fields on your right, you’ll feel as if you’ve left the hustle and bustle of city life behind you.
3. NUIG to Dangan
Past the Quincentennial Bridge and NUI Galway’s new engineering building is a winding gravel path that follows the banks of the Corrib all the way to Dangan.
There are pretty patches of woods to explore and views of romantic tumbledown Menlo Castle across the river. If the walk gets you too warm, you can roll up your pants and dangle your feet in the clear water.
The path ends in a sports field, but if you find your way through the woods to Dangan House Nurseries, you can reward yourself with some tea, cakes, or even curry at the Garden Centre tea rooms.
Bonus walk: on the other side of the river you can check out Terryland Castle, the ruins of a 17th century manor house belonging to the Clanricarde family, or stroll through Terryland Forest Park.
The park may be next to a busy road but it has lovely groves of trees and a beautiful view of the cathedral. It also conveniently ends near the IMC cinema on Headford Road.
2. The Long Walk
Don’t let the name fool you—this Galway classic is not as long as the last two walks. Meander through the Spanish Arch and keep going past the city museum, the restaurant Ard Bia, and the multi-coloured houses featured in Ed Sheeran’s Galway Girl video.
On a sunny day this may just be the brightest spot in the city. The views of the Corrib, the Claddagh, and Galway Bay beyond are just lovely, and since it’s practically in the city centre there are plenty of dining options not even a stone’s throw away.
If you want to turn it into a longer walk, you can continue past the docks and the Harbour Hotel and into Renmore and Dead Man’s Beach (which is much nicer than it sounds).
1. The Prom
An obvious choice; no list of lovely walks in Galway would be complete without it. But even though its stunning bay views and myriad beaches still provide one of the best promenades around, the standard Salthill route can get a bit crowded on a nice day.
On either side of the traditional Prom you can find delightful—and less congested—spots as well.
Between Mutton Island and the start of the Prom lies Celia Griffin Park and the famine ship memorial. Sitting atop a pretty, wind-swept headland, the park’s paths provide a pleasant little circuit and its grassy dunes melt into Whitestrand beach.
At the other end, past Blackrock and the kicking wall, the path continues between the golf course and the sea. With grass-covered hills on your right and Galway Bay opening out to your left, this section is probably one of the most beautiful in town.
If you have the time and the inclination (or, preferably, wheels), continue out west to explore the incomparable Barna Woods and the beach at Silver Strand. It’s amazing how quiet these gorgeous locations can be this time of year, and they’re only just outside the city!
Whether you bring someone or go alone, wandering these scenic spaces will replenish your energy and get you ready for an adventure-filled year. So what are you waiting for? Get walking!
Have we missed anything out? Let us know what you think!
The annual COPE Galway Business Leader’s Sleepout has raised over €155,000 for COPE Galway’s Homeless Services.
Twenty eight Galway business leaders came together to raise these funds by sleeping out on Shop Street for 12 hours oin early December.
Last Thursday, 1 Feb, at a recognition event for the participants, CEO of COPE Galway Jacquie Horan said: “We would like to thank all of the participants who have taken part and everyone who contributed to each participant’s fundraising drive, as well as the Galway public who supported the event on the night.
“Unfortunately the housing situation continues to be extremely difficult locally. Just last Tuesday (30 January), COPE Galway’s Homeless Services supported 117 households in emergency homeless accommodation, including 149 adults and 160 children.
“This money will enable us to put specific practical solutions in place to help tackle the complex issue of homelessness in Galway.”
Hannah Kiely, founder of the Business Sleep Out said: “We are so glad to be able to use this money to directly fund COPE Galway’s various projects to support individuals and families at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness.
“Much of the focus this year is also on offering practical supports for people moving on from homelessness. There is so much work going on that would not happen except for the level of fundraising we have been able to achieve through the generosity of Galway Business Leaders on this night and, in many cases, with their support throughout the year.
“We are very grateful for this.”
COPE Galway provides a range of services to those affected by homelessness as well as services for women and children experiencing domestic violence and supports for older people, including Meals on Wheels.
If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness and need support call COPE Galway Day Centre on 091 525259 or visit www.copegalway.ie.
Speaking to assembled media after his team’s second win in the National Football League, Galway manager Kevin Walsh felt the experience gained from finishing the right side of a one-point victory was worthwhile.
“Being a point down against Donegal heading into the home stretch is a tough place to be,” said Walsh. “But it’s a great experience because you have to dig it out.
“We could have left the fingernails a bit longer if we had taken a few chances earlier in the game. I feel that we left a few scores behind us, but the work rate the lads put in compensated for not taking as many chances.”
Performance is key in his team’s development and they would have learned a lot from delivering this result.
“Whether we win or lose,” added the former All-Ireland winning player. “It’s about looking at the performance.
“We feel that we’re the babies of Division 1. Coming to play Donegal, who have a few years of Division 1 experience, is a big learning curve for us.”
A section of the large crowd here in O Donnell park for the Donegal v Galway Div 1 Allianz league tie pic.twitter.com/npJ2ATscfy
Galway made it two wins from two in Letterkenny on Sunday as they went second in the National Football League Division One just behind All-Ireland champions Dublin.
Sean Armstrong, just six minutes after being introduced, kicked the winning score from 35 yards to secure another victory over Ulster opposition and put the Tribesmen in prime position to preserve their top-flight status.
After beating Tyrone seven days earlier, the trip to the North West was expected to be a tight despite Galway winning by 15 points when these teams met in last year’s championship.
But Galway were in the driving seat on 15 minutes when Eamonn Brannigan finished past Peter Boyle for the first goal and a 1-3 to 0-3 lead following Declan Kyne’s assist.
The maroon and white led 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time with Shane Walsh producing a dominant display at centre forward getting three first half scores. But Patrick McBrearty was in equally superb form keeping the Tir Conaill men in contention with his nine points over the hour.
Donegal had lost by one point to Kerry the previous weekend and needed a result before their visit to Croke Park next Saturday. They finally gained an edge seven minutes after the break as Patrick and Stephen McBrearty, along with Odhran MacNiallais put them 0-12 to 1-8 ahead.
Walsh replied with two more minors as the lead shifted between though Galway did come close to second goal earlier when Damien Comer’s goal effort with venom was deflected over the bar.
Ciaran McGinley and Ryan McHugh gave Donegal back the advantage leading 0-14 to 1-10 before Walsh’s sixth levelled affairs. An away draw wouldn’t have been a bad outcome for Kevin Walsh’s men but their growing maturity to get on the right side of tight encounters was rewarded.
Armstrong found the target to give Galway a one-point victory and if they can maintain their recent winning record against Mayo in Pearse Stadium next Sunday (11th February, 2pm), the Tribesmen will have guaranteed they remain a Division One team in 2019.
A Snow-ice Warning is currently in place for many parts of the country, including Galway.
It will be mainly dry tonight tonightwith clear spells. Winds will be light with patches of mist and fog forming.
It will however be very cold with lowest temperatures of +1 to -3 degrees, with widespread frost and a risk of ice on untreated surfaces.
Tomorrow, Mondaywill be dry and bright at first.
It will become cloudier through the afternoon with outbreaks of rain in western parts towards evening, turning wintry in the east as it pushes inland overnight. It will remain cold, with highest temperatures of 4 to 6 degrees, in light variable or south-east breezes, which will moderate southerly.
Tuesdaywill be mostly bright and dry, with just a chance of some showers in parts in the early afternoon. Sunny spells are expected, with temperatures of no more than 5 degrees Celsius.
Wednesday will be cloudy, with showers in the early evening into the night. Temperatures remaining around 5 degrees.
Thursdaywill bring more of the same with cold temperatures and showers forecast, while Fridaywill be brighter, with sunny spells forecast throughout the county. It will remain cold, with highest temperatures of 4 degrees.
An exciting finish on Sunday saw Donegal and Galway finish all square in the Ladies National Football League.
With two minutes remaining, the Tribeswomen trailed by 1-11 to 0-11 before they got back level, fell behind, went ahead and saw the victory snatched away in the seventh minute of added time.
Mairead Seoighe only entered the field on 51 minutes but had a massive impact kicking five white flags. Galway struggled with their frees following a knee injury to Tracey Leonard led to her removal at half-time.
The Clonbur striker landed two placed balls before capitalising on a Laura Gallagher error to make it 1-11 to 0-14. Yvonne McMonagle looked to have broken Galway hearts when she took Niamh Hegarty’s pass for the lead but two more scores in a minute for Seoighe pushed the maroon and white ahead.
Donegal needed an equaliser and after three quick fouls, McMonagle converted to share the spoils. Deservedly based on the full contest, harsh on Galway for the finish.
Hegarty gave the Tir Conaill women ahead inside 13 seconds before three Leonard kicks had Galway 0-1 to 0-1 ahead on six minutes.
Galway were getting chances but their opponents’ high free concession disrupted fluency. Donegal started to get on top with McMonagle and Treasa Doherty tallying but the latter’s run on 26 minutes was permitted too much space and she squeezed the ball past Dearbhla Gower for Donegal’s goal.
Aoife McDonnell made it 1-6 to 0-5 three minutes before the interval and both teams hit patches by half-time. Leonard (2) and Emma Reaney reduced Galway’s deficit to one before Katy Herron and McMonagle gave Galway a three-point lead.
That margin remained even if Galway’s bench increased the intensity with Ailbhe Davoren (twice) and Reaney denied by three superb Gallagher blocks. The teams traded four scores leaving it 1-10 to 0-10 before Karen Guthrie gave Donegal a four-point cushion.
Sarah Conneally reduced arrears before Seoighe took centre stage. A winnable game but one they had to fight for a result. Galway won’t leave Donegal too despondent before they host Mayo in Pearse Stadium next Sunday.
Galway: Dearbhla Gower; Eimile Gavin, Noelle Connolly, Bronagh Quinn; Charlotte Cooney, Nicola Ward, Sinead Burke; Aine McDonagh, Siobhan Divilly; Leanne Walsh, Louise Ward, Olivia Divilly; Emma Reaney (0-1), Tracey Leonard (0-7, all frees), Deirdre Brennan (0-1, free). Subs used: Sarah Conneally (0-2) for Leonard (HT), Ailbhe Davoren for O. Divilly (HT), Shauna Molloy for Connolly (35 mins), Fabienne Cooney for Quinn (41 mins), Lisa Gannon for S. Divilly (47 mins), L. Coen for Walsh (47 mins), M. Seoighe (0-5, two frees) for Reaney (51 mins). Sarah Lynch for C. Cooney (55 mins).
Donegal: Laura Gallagher; Aoife McDonnell (0-1), Nicole McLaughlin, Olive McCafferty; Anna Marie McGlynn, Ciara Hegarty, Treasa Doherty (1-1); Katy Herron (0-1), Karen Guthrie (0-2, one free); Sarah Jane McDonald, Niamh Hegarty (0-1), Blathnaid McLaughlin; Emer Gallagher, Yvonne McMonagle (0-7, five frees), Alanah McDonnell. Subs used: Grainne Houston for E. Gallagher (42 mins), Niamh Carr for McGlynn (49 mins), Eilish Ward for McDonald (49 mins), Roisin Friel for Alanah McDonnell (50 mins).
Cllr James Charity’s speech was well-received at the recent ‘Irexit’ conference in the RDS in Dublin 4 – which the Galway councillor described as “the heart of establishment Ireland”.
The anti-European Union conference was attended by figures like Nigel Farage and John Waters.
“I was thinking about what the theme of what I’d talk to you today would be. And there was a couple of us that were having a debate online in terms of the run up to this conference, and there was a fantastic piece that appeared in the Irish Times edition not so long ago – it was the 20th of January by a playwright called Colin Murphy,” said the anti-EU councillor.
“He talked about consensus, and how in this country, there is a presupposition that we have to have a consensus that we all bide in with. And if anybody deviates from that consensus they are shot down very very quickly.”
Charity then quoted a passage from George Orwell’s Animal Farm (which reflects on the slide towards totalitarianism in the Soviet Union) challenging the notion of orthodoxy and group-think, and the silencing of those who speak out against the status quo.
“It took less than two weeks of announcing this conference for the orthodoxy to kick in and to try to silence opinion.”
Charity received a round of applause from some of the audience for what they saw as his bravery to speak out against the view shared by the overwhelming majority of people in Ireland – that we have benefited enormously from membership of the EU.
The audience, which was partly made up of young men in red ‘Make America Great Again’ caps, cheered and applauded again when Charity said that the message that he was sending to the ‘orthodoxy’ was that they “were not going to be silenced anymore.”
He concluded the speech by saying: “We need to go from here and decide how we are going to progress as a movement.
“And the reality is we are 15 months out from European elections.”
Then, pointing to a constituency map of the 26 counties, he said: “We need to ensure that there’s an organised grouping moving away from here today that this takes off and we have people running in every constituency come 2019.”
ST. BRIGID'S LOUGHREA 2-10 PRES ATHENRY 2-04. What an amazing week for our school as our Senior girls complete the double winning the Connacht Senior A Camogie title in Ballinderreen today after a replay. pic.twitter.com/Ydt1fPdgLk
Second half goals from Chloe Farragher and Caoimhe Garvey ensured the 2016 winners took the spoils against the current title holders.
Lyons is part of a management team that includes John Brehony, Sinead Healy and Aoife Brennan and felt St. Brigid’s stuck to the game plan after conceding an early goal before improving their performance as the game went on.
“We felt we wouldn’t have played up to our strengths on the first day,” said the Killimor man afterwards. “Maybe, we had more room for improvement. But as we got into it again today, maybe a little slow starting.
“In the second half, we upped it. We played to our strengths definitely more so than we did in Kilnadeema a fortnight ago.”
“In fairness to the girls, we might have conceded the goal early but they stuck to what we had to do. A lot of it was based on hard work and we’d a couple of girls in different positions. We grounded out in the first half. Athenry were on top in some of the rucks (but) as the half wore on, we played well.
“And Sarah Healy was unerring really from placed balls in fairness to her. We’re happy to be going in a point up. The breeze wasn’t a huge factor. We’re used to playing against the breeze and we’re often a team that does actually play better against it.
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Just like their victory over Antrim, Galway outscored their opponents seven points to one in Portlaoise to book a second successive victory in the National Hurling League Division 1B.
Two first half Conor Whelan goals gave the Tribesmen a fortunate first half lead (2-6 to 0-10) but even with the wind, they allowed Laois back on level terms before pulling clear.
Ross King put in a tremendous performance for the hosts as he scored a dozen points and four after the restart brought them all square for the sixth time at 2-8 to 0-14.
Sean Linnane and Conor Cooney hit the Galway minors before further white flags for Padraic Mannion and Cooney had the visitors two clear again.
Galway did rattle the Laois crossbar before King reduced arrears to the minimum on 51 minutes. Johnny Coen scored for the maroon and white but King again replied. But that was as close as Laois got.
Two Joseph Cooney points and Aidan Harte provided a cushion before Mark Kavanagh left it 2-14 to 0-17 with seven minutes remaining.
Laois needed a goal but Galway rallied for the result. Mannion added two more, Joseph Cooney and Harte also tallied and the Tribesmen had pulled off a second win even if their performances are still way off their expected levels.
Whelan got his first goal following Davy Glennon’s assist on two minutes but Laois hit four on the trot through Eric Killeen and King to take the lead.
Harte, Glennon and Padraig Brehony gave Galway a 1-3 to 0-4 advantage but showing no fear to the All-Ireland champions, King, Willie Dunphy and Enda Rowland had Laois 0-10 to 1-4 ahead in first half injury time.
The game’s turning point was Galway’s second goal before half-time as Brehony and Glennon combined to allow Whelan a second green flag. Mannion and Joseph Cooney gave them their interval lead.
It was a blow for Laois who deserved to be ahead but they made a good fight of it throughout even if both teams finished with 14 men after first half sendings-off for Galway’s Greg Lally and Laois’ James Ryan.
Galway are in the very early stages of their 2018 preparations and too much shouldn’t be made of their opening displays. They’ve pulled off two results when needed which is a hallmark of champions and are effectively through to the quarter-finals before the visit of Offaly to Pearse Stadium on February 18th.
Scorers:
Galway – Conor Whelan 2-0, Padraic Mannion 0-4, Joseph Cooney 0-4, Aidan Harte 0-3, Conor Cooney 0-3, Davy Glennon 0-1, Padraig Brehony 0-1, Sean Linnane 0-1, Johnny Coen 0-1.
Laois – Ross King 0-12, Willie Dunphy 0-2, Eric Killeen 0-1, Enda Rowland 0-1, Mark Kavanagh 0-1.
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