Farrell demands age restriction on pandemic unemployment payment be lifted

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

The COVID 19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment is “meant to provide an income” for those who are facing “a very sudden drop in income”, so it is “deeply unfair” to exclude people on the basis of age.

Completed college an important new chapter for education in Athenry says Cannon

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

An East Galway TD has said that the completed Clarin College is “an important new chapter for education in Athenry”.

Upsurge in e-use of libraries says Canney

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

The physical closure of libraries to the public has led to an upsurge in the use of e-books and audiobooks, that is according to Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney.

The Department of Rural and Community Development recently allocated €200,000 for libraries to purchase 5,000 additional e-books and audiobooks to meet the new demand.

Competition winner makes Sunday egg-stra special with chocolate donation

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

An Oughterard woman who won 99 Easter eggs in a completion run on Instagram by Jason Murray Fitbness brought joy to many at the weekend when she donated them to deserving recipients and residents in UHG and a local nursing home.

Arainn’s Colaiste Naomh Einne announces new gardening project for students

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

Colaiste Naomh Einne on Inis Mor has come up with an innovative approach to deal with the challenge of school closures. The island’s secondary school has developed a gardening competition for first and second year students.

Canney welcomes expansion of Calf Investment Scheme

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has welcomed the expansion of the Calf Investment Scheme as an important support for farmers during the Covid-19 crisis.

Green Party councillors call for wider footpaths to allow for distancing

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

Galway has an opportunity to demonstrate social innovation and to use the assets it has, that is according to city councillor Martina O’Connor.

GMIT producing vital equipment and ppe materials for health care settings

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

GMIT staff are producing and delivering vital equipment and PPE materials for health care workers in hospitals, pharmacies, GP surgeries, and care settings across the west, in the race to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Business, engineering, science, and computing staff, together with researchers in GMIT’s Medical Engineering Technology (MET) Gateway, are building ventilators (special purpose), and producing face visors and shields while researchers are collaborating with teams in colleges such as NUI Galway’s Lambe Institute and Medical School, and UL.

2km from home — a short story

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

It was a warm summer’s day and Trix Melancholy was sitting in the Pixie tree classroom. She was just about to doze off for the third time that day when something Miss Particals said caught her attention. Trix immediately raised her hand.

Cannon urges parents to submit school bus scheme applications

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

An East Galway TD is urging the county’s parents to get School Bus Scheme applications in for the forthcoming school year by April 24.

Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon said that while the current situation has created much uncertainty, it is important that families continue to plan as best as possible for the coming months.

Fundraising for Galway COPE Meals on Wheels to help our most vulnerable

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

Galway Hooker Sailing Club, in association with Galway Bay Seafoods, is joining forces with COPE to raise funds for the vulnerable in our community during the Covid19 crisis.

Athenry Credit Union Photography Competition 2020

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

Athenry Credit Union has launch its inaugural amateur photography competition with €500 in prizes up for grabs. The competition is open to all ages, whether you are a budding amateur photographer with a camera or if you just enjoy taking some photographs on your phone or smart device.

Galwaywoman named new social affairs and religion correspondent on RTE

Thu, Apr 16, 2020

RTÉ News haso announced the appointment of Galway-native Ailbhe Conneely as its new Social Affairs & Religion Correspondent. For the past 17-years Ailbhe has worked as a news reporter across all RTÉ platforms, including as a member of RTÉ’s political staff for seven years, reporting on events in the Houses of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament.

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union special opening hours for Frontline Staff.

Wed, Apr 15, 2020

St. Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union have again reopened their doors at the new earlier time of 7am in their Westside branch. This new opening from 7am to 9.30am daily, is to facilitate any frontline staff access to their services before they go to work or as they come home from a night shift. Frontline workers in so many sectors are facing into this pandemic head on & the Credit Union thought this was one way they could help them during this time.

Lockdown views: Jacinta O Connor

Sat, Apr 11, 2020

"As a mother of five boys, most of my time is already occupied but not having the usual school runs and strict routine has meant more time for those house projects that I usually ignore. Things likes decluttering wardrobes and finally giving the kitchen cabinets a deep clean.

Lockdown Diary: Matt Cassidy

Thu, Apr 09, 2020

Thursday April 2
"You're walking a high wire above a pit of depression in prison. And as a lot of people will now be discovering, without occupation your mind can go sideways." Those were the words of Carl Cattermole speaking to The Sunday Times (March 29 issue) on how he dealt with being in a 10ft by 6ft cell for 23 and half hours a day in Wormwood Scrubs, Wandsworth, and Pentonville prisons.

Saolta draws up ‘surge plan’ as ICU occupancy doubles

Thu, Apr 09, 2020

Saolta has drawn up a “surge plan” to meet the challenges expected to face the health service as the pandemic peaks - the HSE believes this will take place within the coming days and week. This will see a field hospital at the Bailey Allen Hall at NUI Galway and a self-isolation centre at the Connacht Hotel.

Medical equipment found dumped on street in Newcastle

Thu, Apr 09, 2020

Illegal dumping has spiked in the two weeks since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, but the most shocking incident yet items of medical equipment found dumped close to UHG.

Lockdown views: Sarah Perry

Thu, Apr 09, 2020

"I am looking forward to travelling more with family and friends when lockdown is over and restrictions have been lifted. The lockdown has made me realise that life is short and that no one is invincible. I took life and its length, for granted up until this point because of my young age. I've now been shocked back into reality because of this virus.

Lockdown views: Sinead Cassidy

Thu, Apr 09, 2020

"I am looking forward to reunions with loved ones. It’s going to be pretty special when grand-parents get reunited with their much loved grandchildren (my own parents can’t wait to cuddle my son Seán, who they’ve been missing these last few weeks). I feel for older people in our communities during these times who love a bit of company, security, and social interaction. I’m looking forward to seeing families reconnect and out and about again.

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