‘People should stay rather than emigrate, it’s too convenient for the Establishment for them to go away’

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

In these times of ongoing austerity, looming water charges, and general disaffection, God knows we could all do with a laugh. Let us raise our glasses therefore, in thanks and salutation, to writer Eamonn Kelly who delivers guffaws a-plenty in The Franz Kafka Centre for the Uninvolved, newly e-published and ready for download to a Kindle near you.

Let the jostling begin

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

One thing a runner focuses on when limbering up at a start line, is the exact position of the finish line. And in the mind’s eye, the runner visualises the acceleration at the start, the pacing and jostling of the runners as they traverse the circuit and then strategise the manoeuvres for the home run with one eye firmly on the finish. And when you know how far away that finish line is, then you get a greater indication of the tactics you use.

Yesterday, the Government revealed the start line and the finish line for the bid to become the Capital of Culture. It is a monicker much sought by Galway and much deserved by Galway, but it will not be easily won as other bidders will feel that they have equally valid a claim to it as we do.

NUI Galway accepts flaws in appointment process and promotes three staff

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

NUI Galway is to promote three staff members to the post of senior lecturer after accepting a flaw in the appointment process earlier this year. At this week’s meeting of the institute's Governing Authority a recommendation to promote the staff was accepted, following "scoring errors" in the promotion process.

Cancer centre to be developed in the west in next decade, report indicates

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

A new report makes a compelling argument for the development of a “comprehensive cancer centre” in the west.

Controversy continues over proposed cost of new county council chamber

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

The substantial cost of renovating Galway County Council’s public chamber was raised again at this week’s local authority meeting. It is estimated the work which is currently under way at County Buildings will cost in the region of €450,000. It had initially been estimated that the extension and upgrade works would cost substantially less at around €200,000.

 Earlier this year nine new councillors were elected to represent areas of County Galway following the local elections. Health and safety requirements meant there was a need for further space in the chamber to facilitate the new personnel. Athenry-Oranmore Electoral area councillor James Charity has been extremely critical of the development, previously labelling it “outrageous”.

New Inn gets ready for 2015 Mummers Festival

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

THE 2015 New Inn Mummers Festival, the 37th annual staging of this celebration of Irish culture, music, song, dance, and storytelling, takes place in the New Inn Leisure Centre on Saturday January 3 and Sunday 4.

Councillors show their disdain for Irish Water

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Galway County Council this week passed a motion to support the abolition of Irish Water. The motion was proposed by Fianna Fail councillor Michael Connolly and was debated at length at the meeting in Clonboo on Monday evening. Councillors expressed a mixed range of views on the issue but the overiding sentiment expressed was major disappointment with Irish Water.

 Fine Gael councillor Jimmy McClearn was critical of the proposal to abolish the company, which he claimed would mean nothing. ‘’I cannot agree with this. It’s complete and utter nonsense. It makes no sense outside of here. It means nothing and is going nowhere. I’’ll remind all the councillors here who agreed to the concept of Irish Water [Fianna Fáil] these people have short memories.’’

Campaign for local rower aims to increase number of bone marrow donors

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Friends of a local rowing champion who is awaiting a bone marrow transplant are spearheading a campaign to heighten awareness about the importance of becoming donors.

Lapland governor visits west a week ahead of Lapland’s other famous representative

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

The Governor of Lapland is in Galway this week to explore links with the West Region and also funding opportunities.

Dearth of burial plots upsetting councillors

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

The inability of people across County Galway to bury loved ones in local graveyards is causing huge concern to Galway County Council and  the situation has now reached crisis point. This week’s local authority meeting heard that one third of the county’s 230 graveyards now require an extension.

Hugs for Galway fundraiser

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

ThisIsGalway.ie has teamed up with local charity Cope Galway, and locally owned bus company Gobus, to bring a little bit more love to Galway this Christmas.

The This is Galway team plan to greet Galwegians returning home for Christmas at Galway Coach Station with festive cheer and hugs. In the process, they will also be raising awareness and much-needed funds for Cope Galway, an organisation which looks after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

GP’s vascular surgical device wins Clinical Innovation Award

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

A vascular surgical device developed by a local GP (and participant in NUI Galway’s BioInnovate programme) that makes it easier for doctors to access the body during vascular surgery has won the Clinical Innovation Award 2014. As a result, Dr Cliona Murphy will work with Cleveland Clinic to develop improved outcomes from vascular surgery. Dr Murphy, a General Practitioner and current participant in the BioInnovate programme in National University of Ireland Galway, collaborated with colleagues to identify a technology that will make it easier for doctors to access the body during vascular surgery, and potentially improve outcomes for patients as a result.

A dog can be just for Christmas — foster a MADRA dog this festive season

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

In normal circumstances, the old adage that a pet is not just for Christmas applies, but that is about to change in the west.

Galway Simon Community receives funding boost from ESB Electric Aid

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Galway Simon Community has been awarded the sum of €11,125 from ESB Electric Aid to help towards part-funding a service to assess client engagement in activities and goal-setting.

Wear your Christmas jumper for festive fundraiser

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Gorta Self Help Africa will hold a Christmas jumper charity lunch party tomorrow (Friday) as part of its festive fundraising campaign.

College gets behind bone marrow campaign to help champion rower

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Staff and alumni of NUI Galway are getting behind a campaign to encourage people to consider donating bone marrow. The campaign is inspired by the story of Paul Giblin, an engineering graduate and champion rower for the University, who is battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

GMIT Foodie Forum to merge with Gastronomy West to hold largest culinary event in the region

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Following two successful events in 2012 and 2013, the Foodie Forum is to return to Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology on Tuesday February 3. This hugely successful event, the only one of its kind in an educational environment, is already attracting significant interest from chefs, food producers, craft brewers, restaurateurs, and culinary enthusiasts from around the country.  

‘Sensitive’ dentist clinches prestigious award

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

A city based dentist has scooped a prestigious award for his sensitivity and understanding.

Ireland West Airport Knock hosts successful travel trade event

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

Ireland West Airport Knock hosted its eighth annual travel trade event to recognise the support and contribution the travel agents in the region provide to the airport.

 The event, which was held in the Lodge at Ashford Castle, had a record attendance with 50 of the regions leading travel agents from the West, North West and Midlands regions of Ireland in attendance as well as leading tour operators from around Ireland.

Lakeview School lauds Big O Taxis for support during year

Thu, Dec 18, 2014

The staff and students of Lakeview School Renmore have thanked Big O Taxis for its support and generosity throughout the year.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.