Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of a crash involving a train and a vehicle on a railway near Claremorris in Co. Mayo yesterday.
The car and the Irish Rail Dublin Heuston to Westport service collided at an unattended level crossing on a rural road at Garryredmond, Claremorris.
The adult male driver of the vehicle and the teenage male front-seat passenger were both airlifted to Galway University Hospital where their condition is stable.
Gardaí are currently liaising with the family of the occupants of the vehicle.
An Garda Síochána also worked with Irish Rail to facilitate passengers to continue their journey.
The initial response was provided by An Garda Síochána, Mayo County Council Fire Service despatched from Claremorris, paramedics and ambulance personnel from the National Ambulance Service supported by the Irish Coast Guard, Rescue 118 from Sligo and Irish Air Corp helicopter based at Baldonnel.
An Garda Síochána are investigating all of the circumstances of this road traffic incident.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Claremorris Garda station on (094) 937 2080, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Saving for retirement can be a difficult task, particularly when you factor in the various tax rules that can apply.
With this in mind, we thought it important to offer a guide to tax-efficient saving for your retirement, so you have a few steps in place to help you build your wealth effectively, for a comfortable retirement.
Seek financial guidance from a professional
One of the first, and arguably most important steps in savings tax efficiently for retirement is seeking professional guidance.
By seeking the guidance of a professional, it can allow you to receive tailored advice on how to structure every aspect of your retirement, including your investments, retirement goals, and steps to overcome any potential challenges you might face when it comes to your finances.
Your adviser’s vast experience can allow them to make the right recommendations for your investments, so you not only build your wealth in the right way, but also makes sure your approach suits your financial circumstance both in the present and in the future.
Build an extensive retirement plan
You can also consider building an extensive retirement plan, which allows you to outline each of your future goals and implement the right steps, for you and your financial situation.
Firstly, your adviser can help you establish the right retirement goals that are realistic in terms of your finances.
For example, this can include things such as:
Retiring with a certain amount in your pension pot
Supporting your financial dependants through retirement
Making your pension pot last in retirement
Being financially capable of retiring early
Then, with clear goals in place, your adviser can help you implement the right steps to reach these targets, factoring in your investments. For instance, this can include planning out how much you need in your pension pot by the time you retire to hit your goals, and how this can realistically be accomplished.
Consider the most tax-efficient structure for your investments
Naturally, an important step in tax-efficient investing for your retirement is structuring these investments effectively.
There are many options you can take, including things such as your personal pension or Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), for example.
With each investment, your adviser can help you effectively navigate any tax rules and make the most of your allowances each year.
For instance, they can help you make the right contributions to your pension to grow your savings tax-free, whilst also aligning each step with your financial circumstance.
Not only this, but they can advise you on choosing the right portfolios that offer the most suitable risk level for your financial situation. This can help you reach your targets whilst also protecting your wealth.
Revise and adapt your plan regularly
The final step in our guide is to make sure you constantly review your retirement plan and adjust your approach where necessary.
Various things can impact your investments, whether this be changes in what you can contribute each year or changes in things like the stock markets and tax rates.
We recommend regular meetings with your adviser, who can offer guidance on navigating these impacts.
For example, you can use powerful wealth-building tools to offer key investment insights for structuring your accounts. This can give you full visibility and control over every investment, as well as notifying you of any important factors which could impact your wealth.
This is important for helping you remain on track to reach your retirement goals, no matter how your financial situation evolves.
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Will you be taking anything from this guide to implement in your own retirement planning approach? Whether you’re incorporating tips from our guide, or some of your own, be sure to discuss any options with your modern wealth manager to help ensure the right approach for your financial situation.
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Please note, the value of your investments can go down as well as up.
Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for thunderstorms which are expected to roll over much of the country tomorrow.
The weather warning for Galway, Cavan, Monaghan, Clare, Leitrim, Roscommon, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, and Westmeath will be in effect from 12pm on Sunday until midnight.
Met Eireann has warned of localised thunderstorms and slow-moving heavy downpours of rain during this time.
These will bring frequent lightning and localised flooding to the areas affected Met Eireann.
It was only this morning that a High Temperature weather warning expired as the country has experienced a sharp upswing in conditions in recent days.
There is currently a separate thunderstorm warning in effect for counties in the east and southeast of the country.
There’s no time like the present to enjoy quality family time, and The Connacht Hotel has the ideal offering to help you make the most of it.
The hotel, owned by the Connacht Hospitality Group, is ready to welcome you for a delicious Family Sunday Lunch in their modern and inviting Rueben’s Restaurant and Bar Solo.
Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious range of options for both lunch and dinner, all prepared by their passionate culinary team. It’s a fantastic excuse to get the whole gang together for a day of fun.
The Sunday Lunch menu at The Connacht Hotel is always bursting with delicious flavour for you and yours to enjoy. The Connacht Hotel is a truly family-friendly spot to visit, with its welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff, and great facilities like convenient free parking.
And that’s not all because you and your family can enjoy a relaxing meal as the team there provide all their little guests with a Friendly Fellows fun activity pack to keep them entertained. Plus, your children might just enjoy a visit from their very own Friendly Fellows mascot.
Family Fun Activities at the Connacht Hotel
You can also explore the hotel’s grounds to see if you can spot the family of fairies who live here – try and find the doors to their magical houses first or spend some time visiting their Resident Bug Hotel where they have 250,000 guests enjoying a relaxing stay.
With schools back and the hustle and bustle of the weekday returned, it’s important to take time at the weekends for family memories – and The Connacht Hotel’s Family Sunday Lunch is one of the best ways to do just that.
So, make sure you swing by The Connacht Hotel on Sundays to relish family time, great food, and an upbeat atmosphere. In the meantime, why not explore the menu to discover all the many tasty delights you can relish?
Five people have been arrested and charged in connection with an altercation in Galway City Centre on Friday afternoon.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a public order incident on Williamsgate Street.
At approximately 3:20pm on Friday, Gardaí responded to reports of an altercation involving a number of persons on Williamsgate Street.
Five men (aged in their teens, 20s and 40s) were arrested and detained in connection with this incident.
The five men were later charged and appeared before special sittings of Galway District Court yesterday evening and this morning.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them.
Any road users and pedestrians who were in the vicinity of Williamsgate Street yesterday afternoon between 2.45pm and 3.30pm 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 Galway Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Ros na Rún returns to the screen with blazing intensity. The Daly house is on fire, and no-one is safe, Mack is being set up for a fall, and Berni faces her demons.
The Daly’s house is on fire and all of their men are in danger. Can emergency services be called in time to save the family, or the village itself from the flames?
Greg is felling the incredible pressure after his selfish actions caused the fire. Will he crack and confess under the strain?
Mack has turned himself in, while Garda Diana is covering her tracks and ready to walk him by the hand all the way to a prison cell.
Berni takes refuge in Micheál’s, and he takes the opportunity to share a health scare with her which he wants kept secret from Laoise and Réailtín.
But she has issues of her own to face, as Berni braves her fears and returns to the apartment to celebrate baby Lenora’s birthday.
Annette is fomenting a campaign to prevent Caitriona’s return as manager to Raidio Pobail. But how much support can she muster? Is it over for Caitriona.
Catch up on all of this week’s action in Ros na Rún explosive return to the screen in a double feature omnibus on TG4 this Sunday.
Portiuncula University Hospital has officially opened a new designated room in the Maternity Unit for bereaved families.
The Willow Suite has been designed to provide a protected and comfortable space for parents and their families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss.
The Willow Suite will provide a ‘home from home’ space for parents and families who have experienced a pregnancy or infant loss and for those who require in-patient care.
The suite was specifically designed to provide a private environment, within which, the individual needs of each bereaved parent will be respectfully and sensitively cared for.
Director of Midwifery at the hospital, Deirdre Naughton, explains the significance of the new development. “While the birth of a baby is normally a very joyful experience for women and their families, sadly, there are times when a baby dies before or shortly after birth.”
“The loss of a baby is an incredibly traumatic event leaving parents with overwhelming emotional needs and is one of the most painful experiences that any parent has to face. It signifies the loss of the future, of hopes and dreams and affects the entire extended family.
“We hope this important new suite will give grieving parents a comfortable space to spend time with their baby and to create memories. It allows a family to grieve with dignity and respect to the personhood of their child,” she added.
The Willow Suite is a single occupancy room with en-suite shower and bathroom facilities, and includes an equipped kitchenette, Bluetooth speakers, oil diffusers and colourful and captivating artwork.
The suite overlooks the hospital gardens and in the coming months a small memory garden space will be completed which will incorporate a seating space around a willow tree to provide families a sanctuary surrounded by nature.
“The name ‘Willow’ was chosen in consultation with staff and women attending our service. Willow is a symbol of the endurance of love and family. It gives hope and a sense of belonging and safety, added Deidre.
Leanne Norton, Bereavement Support Midwife said, “We hope the room will offer some small comfort to parents and their families in times of grief and bereavement.”
“The interior design was undertaken to ensure privacy and dignity and it will allow parents some quiet time to spend with their baby and loved ones, while still getting support and assistance from staff.”
In conjunction with this, Portiuncula Hospital have also upgraded the Rose Room, which is located beside the new suite. This is another space for families going through a difficult time in their lives.
“Its soft furnishings, gentle but alluring artwork and inbuilt custom furniture is designed almost as a small living room and has been used by families as a space for older children and grandparents to wait and rest,” Leanne said.
James Keane, Hospital Manager added, “We are very grateful to the National Infants and Women’s Health programme for the funding to develop the Willow Suite.”
“Person centred bereavement support is integral in the care we provide to parents and families bereaved by pregnancy or infant loss, and we are honoured to provide a dignified and compassionate space within our bereavement care.”
A man in his 60s is in critical condition after a serious assault which occurred in Westport in the very early hours of Saturday morning.
Gardaí are investigating the assault which occurred when two men were involved in an altercation on High Street, Westport at approximately 1:20am this morning.
One man, aged in his 60s, was seriously injured during the incident. He was taken to Mayo University Hospital, where his condition is described as critical.
The scene is currently preserved for a forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene, and is currently detained at a Garda station in the North Western Region.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.
Any pedestrians or road users who were in the vicinity of High Street in Westport between 1.00am and 2.00am this morning, Saturday September 9, 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.
From left: Cllr Alan Curran, Eibhlín Seoighthe, and Kodzo Selormey on the announcement of the Social Democrats candidates for the 2024 local elections in Galway City.
The Social Democrats have announced two candidates who will contest next year’s local elections for Galway City Council.
The party has confirmed that Cllr Alan Curran will be standing for his seat in Galway City West, and Eibhlín Seoighthe will be standing in Galway City Central.
The two candidates were chosen by branch members to represent them at the party’s selection convention on Thursday, September 7.
“Alan Curran and Eibhlín Seoighthe represent the values of the Social Democrats: fairness, unity, and community empowerment,” said Kodzo Selormey, the treasurer of the Social Democrats national executive.
“Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to a more vibrant and prosperous Galway.”
Alan Curran was co-opted to the city council in March of 2023 to take the seat of Cllr Owen Hanley, who had resigned.
A secondary school teacher at Coláiste Éinde in Salthill, Alan Curran is best known as the founder of the Galway Cycle Bus.
This is a community initiative enabling children to cycle safely to school. He is also a member of the Galway Cycling Campaign.
“It is a great honour to serve the people of Galway and I would welcome the opportunity to continue this work with my colleagues in the council,” said Curran.
“I’m a passionate advocate for sustainable communities focusing on high quality public transport and active travel schemes, affordable and inclusive housing, and well resourced supports and facilities for our young people.”
In Galway City Central, Eibhlín Seoighthe will represent the Social Democrats with a focus on empowerment, representation, and advocating for equality.
Her previous experience includes being Vice president for the Students’ Union in the University while raising a family, and understands the importance of making it safe and liveable for all.
“I want Galway to be the most liveable city in the world. I grew up here and want to dedicate my life to making it better,” Eibhlín said.
“I believe in a Galway where every voice is heard, and every person is valued. My dedication lies in hearing the concerns of underrepresented communities and working towards policies that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. “
The next elections for Local Authority councillors around the country will take place in June 2024, on the same date as European Parliament elections.
Galway City Council has a total of 18 councillors divided equally across the three electoral districts of Galway City West, Central, and East.
Galway’s Busker Brownes may look a little bit different on match day this year as Heineken teams up with rugby stars to turn pubs Green all the Way for big games this September.
The country’s most iconic and colourfully named pubs will be transformed and renamed as the nation gets behind the boys in green this rugby season.
International rugby star and Cork native Simon Zebo and rugby legend Devin Toner will be joined alongside a troop of rugby stars past and present including Peter Stringer, Donncha O’Callaghan, Sean O’Brien, Ian Madigan, Andrew Conway and Dave Kearney to name but a few.
They will be heading to beloved pubs around the country, where they will be pulling pints, working the door and having the craic with fans in the pub on match days.
Devin Toner and Simon Zebo pictured at the Grey Goose pub in Drogheda. Picture Andres Poveda
Fans can grab a pint pulled by barman for the day Devin Toner or Peter Stringer, as well as plenty of other surprise and delight moments.
All of this is taking place in these four iconic venues at ‘Green Hour’, the hour before the big game kicks off.
Galway’s Busker Brownes, the Silver Key in Cork, Drogheda’s Grey Goose, and Sinnott’s Stephen’s Green Dublin will be transformed Green all the Way in September as Ireland battles it out in France.
Speaking on the Green all the way campaign, international rugby star Simon Zebo said that seeing pubs transformed like this just adds to the excitement of the tournament.
“There will be plenty of craic in the pubs on matchday – I can’t wait to see a few of the lads try their hand behind the bar!”
Key Dates
Ireland v Romania: Saturday, September 9 (Green hour from 1.00pm)
Ireland v Tonga: Saturday, September 16 (Green hour from 7pm)
Ireland v South Africa: Saturday, September 23 (Green hour from 7pm)
Ireland v Scotland: Saturday, October 7 (Green hour from 7pm)
The first ever dedicated Irish language children’s TV channel launched today at the TG4 headquarters in Conamara, which has been described as a ‘historic day’ for the Irish language.
The new channel will air for 14 hours every day, from 6am until 8pm, and will include a wealth of entertainment, drama, a children’s news service, a mix of home produced content and acquired shows.
It will also be a valuable source of educational Irish language content.
Aimed at 0-12 year olds, Cúla4 will provide an entertaining and fun daily point of contact to the Irish language for children.
It will be available on Saorview Channel 18, Channel 602 on Virgin Media, and Sky 624, along with Eir.
Cúla4 will also be supported online via the player which is available at cula4.com and also the Cúla4 App.
The channel will have a six-minute news service from Tuesday to Friday at 1.30pm, produced by Fíbín Media and hosted by Aisling Ní Dhonnabháin and Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin.
Schools will be able to tune in from their classrooms and keep up to date with the news of the day.
The channel will be anchored by presenters Seosamh Mac Seoin from Belfast, who wraps the morning slot from 6am, Galway’s Síle Ní Chonghaile who will present the educational zone from 9am, and Niamh Ní Chróinín from Dublin who has a fun packed slot in the afternoons from 3pm for the older age groups.
Karina Feirtéar, Channel Manager of Cúla4, said that it is a historic day for TG4 and the Irish language.
She said the new Cúla4 channel ensures that Irish language content is more accessible for our younger audiences, and will hopefully strengthen their engagement with it.
“We developed a space for our audience to enjoy entertaining content when they like, and will continue to make sure that we represent our diverse audience as best we can by showcasing lives in Ireland today, through a fun and colourful experience – while immersing them in a living language, in the hope that they learn new things about the world around them through a medium they are used to.”
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, said she was extremely pleased to be in Galway today to launch Cúla4.
“Young people need to be able to visualise themselves achieving great things in all walks of life, and Cúla4 allows young people with Irish to see themselves represented on screen,” she said.
TG4’s Director General Alan Esslemont, said that he believes Ireland’s biggest single contribution to global diversity has been its ability to pass its own language from generation to generation as the living language of homes and communities.
“In that context, the approval given by Minister Catherine Martin for the establishment of a dedicated children’s channel in the Irish language is of historic significance,” he said.
“The English language is omnipresent in media globally and, if Irish is to continue as a community language, TG4’s services for children must be prominent, dynamic and attractive, strengthening children’s relationship with Irish language media and, through that, sustaining their relationship with the Irish language.
“I commend Minister Catherine Martin for her vision for the future of TG4, I thank this Government for their support and I send my deepest appreciation to everyone who has worked over many years, within TG4 and in the creative sector, to achieve this dream.”
Pictured (left to right) Anna Shakespeare, CEO of Pobal, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Eddie Hoare, Minister Joe O’Brien, and Tom Lavin, Pobal board member.
Photo: XPOSURE.ie
Events are taking place across Ireland to celebrate 30 years of Pobal, highlighting the progress made over the past three decades towards social inclusion, equality and community development.
The second regional event took place this week at the Ardilaun Hotel in Galway, where Minister Joe O’Brien gave an engaging openingkeynote address.
Speaking to attendees at the event, Minister Joe O’Brien said that the development of rural Ireland depends on the collaboration and partnership between Government Departments, public bodies and State agencies, as well as with sectoral representatives and local and community groups.
“Pobal and the groups present today are valuable stakeholders for DRCD as we collectively strive to work towards a common goal to strengthen community resilience, enhance social cohesion and support community development,” he said.
Representatives from the early learning and care sector, social enterprises and community and voluntary organisations were treated to an engaging agenda and discussion.
On the panel were Dr Rita Melia, lecturer in Early Childhood Education and Care at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Kensika Monshengwo, Intercultural Training Coordinator, Immigrant Council of Ireland and Martin Ward, Coordinator, Galway Traveller Movement.
Guest speaker Vincent Carragherm Project Manager and Research Fellow at University of Galway, spoke about a new ‘Toolkit to drive co-creation and Climate Action’ to support decarbonised communities to reduce their carbon footprint by 2050, while CEO of Pobal, Anna Shakespeare, closed the event.
Commenting on their 30th anniversary celebrations, Anna Shakespeare said: “Our 30th year is a unique opportunity to showcase the remarkable work of the organisations, local groups, social enterprises, charities and early learning and care providers working alongside Pobal in the Galway region.
“We are celebrating this milestone by highlighting the progress we’ve made in the last three decades towards social inclusion.
“It was wonderful to meet the organisations and the services from across Galway and hear about the work being carried out on the ground.
“Pobal makes a significant difference to individuals, children and families. Now more than ever, the programmes we administer on behalf of Government are providing critical support and assistance to those in need of it most.”
As the warm weather continues the Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland, and the RNLI have issued a joint appeal for people to stay safe on the water.
The appeal comes as sea temperatures have reached a seasonal high and many people will be tempted to go for a late summer swim.
An average of nine people drown every month nationwide and the organisations are urging the public to be mindful during the current spell of warm weather.
Temperatures in Galway are expected to reach highs of 27 degrees today, and remain well over 20 degrees in the coming days.
The weather is also expected to remain dry for the foreseeable future, with little rain until the latter half of next week.
There is currently a status yellow high temperature weather warning in place for all of Ireland, which will be in force until 8am on Saturday.
For those seeking to enjoy some time on the water during this good spell, the following advice has been given:
1. Never swim alone and ensure that somebody ashore is monitoring your activity.
2. Only swim in areas with which you are familiar.
3. Swim within your depth and stay within your depth.
4. Where possible choose lifeguard protected beaches. Lifeguards will be patrolling blue flag beaches throughout the weekend. If you are swimming elsewhere, swim in areas that are known locally as safe and where there are ringbuoys present for rescues. Ask for local knowledge to determine local hazards and safest areas to swim. Pay attention to any safety signage.
5. Always supervise children closely and never leave them alone near water.
6. Never use inflatable toys in open water as a gentle breeze can quickly bring a person away from shore.
7. Make sure that the water’s edge is shallow shelving so that you can safely enter and exit.
8. The air temperature is warm but open water is cooler than air – avoid extended stays in the water as your muscles will cool, making swimming more difficult.
9. Alcohol is a factor in one third of drownings. Do not mix it with water activities.
10. To escape a rip current, swim parallel to the shore and then swim back ashore at an angle.
11. If you see somebody in trouble in the water: SHOUT – REACH – THROW
SHOUT to calm, encourage and orientate them.
REACH with anything that prevents you from entering the water (clothing/stick)
THROW a ringbuoy or any floating object to them.
12. If you experience difficulty in the water, FLOAT TO LIVE. Tilt your head back with ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing. Move your hands to help you stay afloat.
13. When boating, always wear a correctly fitting lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device and have to hand a VHF radio and a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.
There have been 12 people killed on Galway’s roads so far this year, one of the highest figures in the country.
2023 has been a particularly bad year for road deaths so far, with 129 people killed in 119 separate collision.
The Galway Garda Division has seen the fourth highest number of people killed on the road, only exceeded by Clare/Tipperary (19), Mayo/Roscommon/Longford (16), and Meath/Westmeath (12).
In response to this, extra funding has been announced for increased use of mobile safety cameras, with a total of 4,265 additional Mobile Safety Camera Monitoring Hours until end of the year.
An Garda Síochána will be focusing the deployment of those cameras on a risk basis in the seven Garda Divisions which account for 67% of all road deaths so far this year.
The increased deployment follows the announcement earlier this week by the Minister for Justice and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris that an additional €1.2 million is to be allocated towards increasing the presence of Mobile Safety cameras.
The primary purpose of this additional deployment will be to reduce speed-related collisions, reduce injuries and above all save lives.
Assistant Commissioner Pauls Hilman, Roads Policing and Community Engagement said, “Mobile Road Safety Cameras are deployed within identified stretches of road with a known traffic collision history or the prevalence of vulnerable road users.”
“Mobile Safety Cameras are designed to change driver behaviour in these high-risk stretches of road. The additional hours are being targeted within the areas where the highest proportion of fatal road collisions are taking place.”
“However Mobile Safety Cameras will continue to operate as normal also throughout the rest of the country.”
Fórsa trade union members working for the city and county councils will be engaging in industrial action over a job evaluation dispute.
From September 11 onwards Fórsa members will commence an indefinite ban on all non-statutory engagements with politicians such as TDs and Councillors. Public services will not be affected.
The industrial dispute centres on job evaluation, working out the relative worth (grade for the job) of posts in the local government sector.
It is carried out so that fair levels of pay for different jobs can be set rather than be based on subjective criteria or assumptions.
Fórsa claims that there has been an “abject failure” of management in the sector to engage with them on the dispute, not accepting that people are doing work above their current pay grade.
Both the Local Government Management Agency and Fórsa have requested that the WRC urgently reconvene conciliation on the issue of job evaluation in the local government sector.
From September 11 onwards council workers will not engage in any verbal, email or written engagements with politicians on matters such as answering queries, helping with parliamentary questions, etc which are not part of their statutory requirements.
This extends to all elected representatives including Councillors, Senators, TDs, including Ministers, and MEPs.
Fórsa has stated that industrial action will continue to escalate if employers fail to engage meaningfully with the union on this dispute.
A street in Galway City Centre will be closing to traffic for two months while big works are taking place on the downtown thoroughfare.
The road will be closed from the junction of Cross Street to the intersection with the exit from Leonardo Hotel.
The section of High Street between its junction with Shop Street and cross Street is also to be closed to HGV traffic.
This is to allow for street rehabilitation and drainage upgrade works to take place.
The street will be shut 24/7 from Monday, October 2 through to Thursday, November 30.
A temporary diversion route will be in place via Mainguard Street, CrossStreet, Flood Street, turning left on to the R336 New Dock Street to Merchants Road Lower, and further right on the R336 continuing along the Spanish Parade.
Localised access will be maintained as permitted within the limitations of those within the existing pedestrianised zone.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Artist Fernanda Ferrari who will perform ‘What to do on a Rainy Day’ as part of this year’s festival with children Sadhbh Chang, Eoghan Chang, Theo Adlaon, Faye & Elliot Nicholls Sames. With an exhilarating lineup of art, theatre, dance, literature and music for families and children of all ages, Baboró will unfold across various venues throughout Galway city and county this October (Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd). Tickets are available now at www.baboro.ie. Photo Declan Colohan.
Every child from 0 to 16 years is invited to let their imagination run wild over ten days in Galway this October with the Baboró Festival.
Artists and performers from as far as Australia, across Europe and closer to home will bring captivating, enchanting and exhilarating theatre, dance, art and more to Baboró this year.
Experience the magic of Baboró throughout venues across Galway City and County with family, friends, and your school.
For the youngest audience (0-2 years), Universe at the Mick Lally Theatre, Druid Lane is a sensory experience for babies and their grown-ups, full of visual poetry, live music, and movement.
In this gentle interactive performance, the audience is invited to explore the universe in order to find their place in it. People and objects are in constant motion as they seek balance and harmony amongst the chaos.
Each inhabitant in this cosmos, each sound, each movement, is bound together as we are guided in a playful exploration of the surrounding universe.
Dance, fashion, and live music meet the magic of origami to whisk you away on a spirited and inspiring adventure in a land made purely of paper and play.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Artist Fernanda Ferrari who will perform ‘What to do on a Rainy Day’ as part of this year’s festival with Theo Adlaon. Photo: Declan Colohan.
Children from 2 to 5 years are asked to join Club Origami as they rip, fold and scrumple a single square of paper, at the O’Donoghue Theatre at the University of Galway.
This immersive and interactive dance show invites audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing, and moving.
Back on campus at the University of Galway, an immersive, multi-sensory dance theatre performance titled ‘Making Waves’ has been made especially for children aged 8-13 years with mild to complex needs.
The audience members are seated in pods representing boats on stage, which enables everyone to become part of the adventure. This performance is non verbal and suitable for wheelchair users.
At Nuns Island Theatre it is time to Fall and Float. With playful energy, impressive acrobatics, comic timing, and a joyful soundscape, two dancers create a magical world through the clever manipulation of simple balloons.
Their imaginations seem to know no bounds – resulting in a hypnotic, funny and uplifting performance full of falling, lifting, throwing, catching, stumbling, floating … and sometimes maybe even a little bit of flying.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Mayor of Galway Eddie Hoare, Cathaoirleach Liam Carroll, With the Baboro team Tonya & Rachel and Children Eoghan Chang, Tara Canniffe, Sadhbh Chang & Aarav Sakhrealia. Photo: Declan Colohan.
At the Town Hall Theatre children from 5+ years will be presented with a show celebrating difference and the power of friendship in Polar Bear & Penguin. This is a quirky tale of our time, infused with humour, friendship and fish! The tender and heartfelt show follows a polar bear and a penguin as they get to know one another and learn how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet…paws…flippers.
In An Taibhdhearc an honest, funny, and heartfelt journey through the trials and tribulations of living with dyslexia and seeing things differently is told in Little Murmur. This dance theatre show is based on the true story of a child who one day realises they have been misspelling their own name. Defined by his learning difficulties, not his abilities, dance became Aakash’s mode of expression.
The University of Galway Concert Orchestra and Music Generation Galway City join forces to present an interactive cushion concert in The Wildlife Orchestra Experience. From the smallest piccolo to the largest tuba – a spectrum of orchestral sound tells a story of Galway’s wildlife, green spaces, and seascapes.
Listen to the fluttering butterflies, buzzing bees and the caw of the crow, alongside other characters from the natural world around us. This relaxed event for families will take place on Saturday 22 October in Galway Community College on Wellpark Road and it’s for children of all ages.
The reality of the world in which we all exist is addressed through soft questioning in The Shape of Quiet Feelings. Baboró artist-in-Residence Maisie Lee and Jessica Wilson (Australia) asked Galway children to use their imaginations to respond to their feelings about climate change.
Their ideas and imaginings are reflected in an immersive experience through an atmospheric and sensory world, where children’s imagined stories and creatures take on myth-like qualities.
By giving story and form to something that can sometimes feel scary and intangible, The Shape of Quiet Feelings at Blue Teapot Theatre will empower children and their families to consider new approaches to some of the big challenges presented by climate change. The Shape of Quiet Feelings is a Baboró commission and part of TRACKS Touring Network.
The Baboró art trail is a way in which people can enjoy free exhibitions around the city. Asking questions through art is a creative and different way of us seeing each other. Have you ever wondered how your child sees you? Well, the answer might lie within the ‘I See You Like This’ exhibition.
With our ever-growing appetite to document our lives through photos and selfies, children are often the reluctant subjects of adults’ cameras – asked to smile, look natural and come in closer. In I See You Like This, Australian artist Jessica Wilson, flips the camera around giving the children control while their significant adults become their subjects.
Facilitated by Jessica in a private session the week before the festival begins, children will design and direct a creative photoshoot of their significant adult, captured by photographer Julia Dunin. The resulting portraits will create the exhibition.
If you would like to be part of this exciting exhibition you can book an appointment for you and your 7 – 14 year old child with Jessica via baboro.ie. In the appointment Jessica will ask the child questions about how they see their adult’s personality and then design and direct their own photoshoot using unusual objects to express how they see their adult.
This unusual, fun, and intimate process gives adults an experience of being ‘seen’ as more than just a parent or guardian to their child, whilst making space for a playful surrender to their child’s thoughts and ideas, giving them real agency.
The adult subject will see their portrait for the first time when they are hung in Galway Arts Centre and gifted to the families at the end of the festival.
At Engage Art Studio in Salthill, There Are Little Worlds exhibition explores moments of curiosity and joy through detailed miniature paperworks. Local artist and educator Paula Henihan has constructed illustrative scenes made from brightly painted paper cut outs that are positioned carefully in layers within tiny boxes.
Paula’s work contains scenes that capture pleasant moments, brave moments, quiet and calm moments. You are invited to peer into these little worlds of wonder. Come with a curious eye and you may find some hidden details.
Irish companies, Fidget Feet & Ceol Connected, return to the festival with When the Moon Spun Round for children aged 6+ years. Galway audiences will be enthralled by this enchanting show featuring a playful mix of contemporary aerial dance and traditional music performed by tricksters in the moonlight.
Come on an imaginative journey of joyful movement in this charming and uplifting performance.
Whatever the weather: Pictured at the launch of the 27th Baboró Festival is Mufutau Yusuf, Christine Kandiwa & Jeanne – Nicole Ni Ainle. Photo: Declan Colohan.
From Australia Slingsby will perform The Boy Who Talked to Dogs for anyone aged 12+. This rough-and-tumble tale fuses shadow puppetry, live music, and stunning physical performance to bring this epic true story to the stage.
Based on the best-selling memoir by Martin McKenna, and beautifully adapted by playwright Amy Conroy, The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is a magical and mischievous tale of hardship, transformation, redemption, and what happens when the underdog finds his pack.
A new show from Moonfish Theatre, The Crow’s Way is a thrilling and unpredictable tale of friendship and self-discovery for children 8+ years and anyone who loves adventure, brought to life with Moonfish’s signature brand of theatre magic. A co-commission with Baboró in partnership with the Town Hall Theatre.
Galway City Museum will host two hands-on events. Superhuman, developed by CÚRAM, is an exciting new exhibit that invites children to explore the creativity and innovation of medtech research.
While Cultivating Curiosity from Toodlelou Creativity Lab is an opportunity for children and their grown ups to experience the joy of discovery together.
As part of the literature focus, Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, author and illustrator of the ‘Rita’ series of books will introduce Rita’s latest adventure, Rita agus an Dineasár. There will be storytelling, music, chat, live illustration and…. DINOSAURS!
This lively interactive session is for Irish-speaking children from 1st class onwards. This will take place on Monday 16th October at 10am and 12 noon in An Taidhbhearc.
Families can join Máire Zepf and Mr Ando, for a hands-on creative session to celebrate Rita’s latest adventure, ‘Rita agus an Dineasár’.
With storytelling and art, the children will create their own fantasy pets, just like Rita! Suitable for Irish-speaking children and their grown-ups. This will take place on Sunday 15th October at 2pm in the Portershed on Market Street.
The full programme, workshops, adult events and tickets are now online at www.baboro.ie
Galway County Councillor Declan Kelly is urging the government to ensure that it includes another three energy credits in the forthcoming Budget in October.
The Loughrea councillor has said that he has been asked to speak out on the issue by constituents who are ‘living in dread of the next electricity bill’.
He said that he considers the current government to be the most anti-rural in the history of the Irish State.
“It is, after all, the government that permitted the Green Party to lead the way on the ban on the sale of turf at a time of rocketing energy prices,” said Cllr Kelly.
“One thing this government has gotten right, however, was the energy credits it introduced in the last Budget.”
He said that these credits at least gave some financial breathing space to people struggling with constant bills and the rising cost of living.
“While I welcome the news this morning that the largest energy supplier in the country is to reduce electricity and gas unit prices from the beginning of November, people are still under major pressure from high energy prices and I have been asked to speak out on the issue by constituents who are living in dread of the next electricity bill,” he said.
“The media has reported stories of people turning off lights and practically living in the dark over the fear of how high their next bill will be and no one should have to live like that, especially our older citizens and families who are on modest wages.”
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