City escapes the worst cuts as councillors come together for budget

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

It was expected to be the toughest budget inflicted on Galway city in more than 20 years, however, thanks to an unprecedented cross party effort by all 15 city councillors, Galway was spared the worst in City Hall’s first budget of this current recession.

Businesses breathe sigh of relief at minimalist rates increase

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Galway business breathed a sigh of relief this week when it emerged that the commercial rates would only increase by one per cent instead of the three expected. The minimalist move was welcomed by IBEC West and the Galway Chamber of Commerce.

Call to extend working hours of UHG’s MRI scanner

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Discussions are taking place between hospital unions nationally about extending the working hours of University Hospital Galway’s MRI scanner.

Conventional turnips at Christmas

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh brought a turnip into the RTE studio the other day and Gráinne Seoige got a little start. One of the gigs on the Seoige show involves a person coming in with mementoes that link them to significant things in their lives. And Micheál — the voice of the GAA and the ultimate Kerryman — arrived with a turnip. Why?

Everton academy coach Harris confirmed for Power Soccer

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Power Soccer has confirmed the visit of Everton academy coach Paul Harris to Power Soccer School of Excellence in Galway over the weekend of January 2-4, 2009. Harris has been instrumental in developing young players into first-teamers at Goodison Park.

As a player Paul Harris was with the Crewe Alexandra Academy on their scholarship system and joined the coaching staff at Everton seven years ago. He specialises in the development of players between the ages of seven and 12. He has been involved in coaching the 13-16-year-old age groups against some of the most respected academies world wide, such as Ajax, Barcelona, and Manchester United.

Be dressed for the Dragon

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Official Green Dragon merchandise is now on sale in advance of the Volvo Ocean Race arriving in Galway next May.

Council must make use of ‘vital government funding’ says Leahy

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

The Galway City Council can recruit a housing ethnic officer, an anti-social behaviour officer, and a caretaker for older tenants, as government money for such posts has been available since 2007.

Park and ride numbers ‘significantly up’ say City Hall

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

The numbers choosing to make use of the Galway City Council’s Christmas Park and Ride service is “significantly higher than this time last year,” according to research by City Hall.

Galway poets to take part in Greek-Irish literary symposium

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Galway poets Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar DuMars will take part in a Greek-Irish Literary Symposium at the Melina Merkouri Theatre, Ilion, Athens, tomorrow.

Brave the cold and raise funds for Down’s Syndrome

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

A local charity is seeking people to take part in its annual Christmas morning swim which will take place at Blackrock on Christmas morning at 11am.

Nuns Island Theatre to host major meeting on Palestine

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

A major meeting on Palestine, with reports from people who have been on the ground, as well as an interactive exhibition, and fair trade market, will take place tomorrow in the Nuns Island Theatre.

Early school leavers urged to reveal why school system failed them

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Early school leavers who left without completing their Leaving Certificate are being urged to take part in research into how and why the Irish education system has failed them.

City sports clubs to benefit from new grants

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Sport in Galway city got a major boost this week through a local sports grant facility which was incorporated into the Galway City Council budget for the first time.

Help COPE set world record

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

COPE Galway is inviting local people to help it set a world record for the largest organised Christmas Day Swim and raise vital funds for its work with people experiencing the effects of isolation in the community.

Republican SF table quiz

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Republican Sinn Féin will hold a table quiz to support Tomás Ó Curraoin’s local election campaign next summer.

Carol service at Ardrahan church

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Ardrahan Church of Ireland will hold a community carol service on Wednesday December 17 at 8pm.

Galway Sri Lanka Project launches Christmas card fundraiser

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

The Galway Sri Lanka Project has launched a range of Christmas cards to raise funds for its ongoing work in areas of Sri Lanka devastated by the Christmas 2004 tsunami.

Car dealer shoved keys down trousers and told garda to get them

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

A young and abusive car dealer shoved the keys of his broken down van in the “crotch area” of his trousers and told a garda to come and get them before roaring profanities at her.

Pour your own pint at the Skeff

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Patrons at the Skeff can enjoy a pint of Guinness or Carlsberg at a private table without queuing for the bar following the launch of the new Guinness® Pour Your Own Pint experience.

Christmas market time in Clarinbridge this weekend

Thu, Dec 11, 2008

Clarinbridge village has been busy again, and this Saturday next (December 13) the village hall will burst into life with the rekindling of the Christmas Market in the old parish hall and stone courtyard.

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