Galway’s Americans and Kinvara people to celebrate Obama’s inauguration

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

Two events will be held in the city and county next week to mark the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American to become president of the United States.

Galway Chess Club

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

The Galway Junior Chess Club will start up again this Saturday from 1pm to 2.30pm at the Galway Bridge Centre. Chess players from eight to 14 years are welcome.

The Galway Chess Club will also return with meetings on Thursdays from 8pm in the Galway Bridge Centre. For those who wish to learn chess from scratch, a class for beginners will begin on Thursday January 22.

Local playground company showcases cutting edge equipment at Young Scientist Exhibition

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

A Galway based playground company showcased cutting edge play equipment with integrated technology to challenge teenagers both intellectually and physically at the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition recently.

Discover local history research at Coole

Thu, Jan 15, 2009

Coole Park will host a course on local history publications over the coming weeks as part of the Coole Spring Culture and Heritage Programme.

The course, which begins on Monday, will provide participants with an introduction to local history and how go about producing a local history publication. Speakers include both local and national experts in their fields, all having an in-depth knowledge of their subject. This local history publications course is intended to present best practice in the production of a local history publication for both individuals and community groups.

Men charged with robbing murdered Trent are acquitted

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Two man charged with robbery in relation to the death of popular Galway photographer Trent Keegan have been acquitted by a court in Nairobi, prompting fears in Mr Keegan’s family that his killers may never be brought to justice.

Witness’s nose bloodied in courthouse scuffle

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

An assault case which had been listed for hearing had to be adjourned yesterday after a violent scuffle broke out resulting in a witness being punched in the nose and seriously injured.

Flynn arrogance contributes further to our growing scepticism of politicians

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

God knows all we Mayo folk could do with the odd dig-out, on the basis that for us the road to perdition is often littered with potholes and rabid dogs, but we have to say that even the most brass-necked of us had to hold our hands up and say the antics of Beverley Flynn left us all a bit red-faced this week.

Crowe calls for park and ride scheme to be provided during Volvo Ocean Race

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Cllr Michael Crowe has branded this year’s Christmas park and ride operation as “a huge success”, saying the scheme saw a significant increase in the number of cars and passengers compared to 2007. Cllr Crowe, who chairs the Galway City Council’s transport committee, has called for the implementation of a similar park and ride scheme during the Volvo Ocean Race stopover later this year.

Big Brother Big Sister in call for volunteers

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The Big Brother Big Sister Programme is seeking volunteers to mentor children and young adults in Galway city and county.

Tenant accused of holding Galway City Council to ransom

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

A Ballybane man who refused to pay his rent until issues such as maintenance repairs, rubbish, and the steel barriers of a neglected community centre were addressed was accused this week of “holding the City Council to ransom”.

Most people on waiting lists for public nursing homes are already in private nursing homes, says HSE

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Some 95 per cent of people on waiting lists for public nursing home beds are already accommodated in private nursing homes.

Fahey welcomes withdrawal of Gort Railway objection

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The Gort railway station is “one of the most significant stages” of the Western Rail Corridor, that’s according to the chairman of the Oireachtas Transport Committee, Frank Fahey, who welcomed the news that an objection lodged with An Bord Pleanála has now been withdrawn.

Yacht and trailer damaged in Renville

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Gardaí have appealed for information after a yacht was mysteriously moved at Renville Pier in Oranmore last week. Both the yacht and the trailer it was stored on were damaged in the incident.

Boston Scientific acquires Galway biotech company

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Boston Scientific announced this week that is has bought Galway biotech company Labcoat Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

Connemara murder accused remanded in custody

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

A 23-year-old Czech national charged with the assault and murder of a woman in Connemara last year has been further remanded in custody.

Jakub Fidler with an address at Cartur Leathan, Inverin, Co Galway, appeared again before Galway District Court last Monday charged with the alleged murder, contrary to common law, of Nicola Vonkova (19) at Cartur Leathan between the hours of 10pm on July 20, 2008, and 5.39am on July 21, 2008. The defendant had also been charged with assaulting Ms Vonkova causing her harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act.

From Reverend Towers to Councillor Towers?

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

On Saturday January 31, on his 66th birthday, Rev Patrick Towers, will retire as Rector of St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church. In the nine years he has been Rector he has played an important role in Galway’s civic life and been one of its most active clergymen.

Illegal sex cinema landlord fined

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The landlord of an illegal adult sex cinema has been fined €1,000, ordered to pay costs of more than €1,500, and to adhere to a Galway City Council enforcement notice by ceasing unauthorised use of the premises within two months.

Aggression and threats towards A&E staff ends in €500 fine

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

A €500 fine was imposed on a man who threatened A&E staff after his injured friend was told to sit down in the waiting area to be assessed like everyone else.

HSE must address Merlin Park rat run says Leahy

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Motorists using Merlin Lane to cut through the grounds of Merlin Park Hospital to get access onto the main Dublin Road is “totally unacceptable” and a danger to staff and local residents.

This is the view of Fianna Fáil Cllr Mary Leahy, who has written this week to management within the HSE requesting that this issue gets immediate attention.