Galway Bay fm newsroom – Farmers across South Galway and North Clare are set to benefit from the latest amendment to the CAP Rural Development Plan.
The amendment addresses a number of issues of concern to farmers in relation to Hen Harrier areas.
The ICMSA says the changes will benefit farmers from Flagmount and Feakle up into Derrybrien and Tynagh who have been prevented under previous scheme from developing their land.
The organisaion says the amendments are a step in the right direction.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A special meeting of Oranmore-Athenry Municipal Distict, which was held today (30/1) to discuss traffic calming measures for Clarinbridge, was adjourned for another fortnight.
After almost two and a half hours of discussion, councillors could not unanimously agree to let the scheme be advanced.
Councillor Martina Kinane had requested today’s special meeting to urge her district colleagues to vote for the current plan to be abandoned.
It would see the removal of more than 10 parking spaces from the main street in the village and the removal of a filter lane at Stradbally North.
This would facilitate the installation of pedestrian and cycle lanes.
Councillors were told that if the current scheme is not progressed, then Transport Infrastructure Ireland will not fund an alternative scheme.
Councillor Malachy Noone suggested that other options to provide additional parking elsewhere in Clarinbridge should be explored.
The matter will be discussed again at special meeting on February 14th.
Councillor Kinane says the current scheme will damage the viability of Clarinbridge.
** WE’LL HEAR MORE ABOUT THE TRAFFIC DELAYS AND PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING IN CLARINBRIDGE ON FYI GALWAY FROM 5 THIS EVENING
National Junior and U23 Indoor Championships
There were some great performances by Galway athletes at the National Indoor Junior and U23 Championships held in AIT Arena Sunday last.
Veronica Burke of Ballinasloe and District AC continued her winning ways with a superb victory in the U 23 Women’s 3k walk, in a time of 14.37. Alanna Lally, formerly of GCH and now running with UCD, stormed to victory in the U23 Women’s 800m, winning in 2.10 with a huge margin to spare. Solange Carla of GCH won the U23 Triple jump with a best of 11.13 metres.
Jack Dempsey of GCH secured a silver medal at the Junior Men’s 60m sprint,after a dramatic photo finish with the winner Joe Gibson of Bandon AC. Dempsey clocked a hugely impressive time of 6.97, dipping under the 7 second barrier for the first time, and was only pipped by 4 thousands of a second for victory.
Sinead Treacy of Craughwell AC took double bronze – securing medals in the U23 Long jump with 4.75 metres and also in the 200m, clocking 26.23.
In the field,Brendan Lynch of Loughrea AC took silver in the Junior Men’s Triple Jump with a jump of 13.53 m., while Jerry Keary of Craughwell leaped 1.90m to claim the Junior Men’s High Jump bronze
Nicole King of Galway City Harriers was very unlucky, as she led from gun to tape in the Junior Women’s 400m to be first across the line in 56.23, but was disqualified post race due to a lane infringement.
National Indoor Track and Field League
It was a successful second qualifying round at the National Indoor League day two in Athlone IT last Saturday for GCH men’s and ladies’ teams and Craughwell AC ladies, who all made the National Indoor League final,to be held next weekend in the new National Indoor Arena in Abbottstown m Dublin.GCH men’s squad finished second after the two qualifying rounds, with good performances by Eamon Hornibrook, with a 4.33 1500m, Igor Muntean,with 1.70m in the High Jump, Henrique Nvokolata with a solid 12.10 leap in the Triple Jump, Jonah Erugo in the 200m, and Simon Callaghan who scored valuable points over 400m.
The GCH ladies squad produced some excellent displays, including Kathryn Casserly with a second-place finish and 4.47 clocking in the 1500m, Solange Carla with a second also in the Triple Jump, Aoife Sheehy who doubled up at High Jump and 400m, and Laura Nally in the 200m.GCH team manager Brendan Glynn will be quietly confident for both his squads going into next weekend s final.
Craughwell ladies team, who were second in the final last year, once again made it through the qualifying rounds, and were anchored by captain Sarah Finnegan, who along with sister Rachel, Laura Cunningham and Lorraine Delaney ensured their squad made the final safely
Niamh Hennelly of GCH put in a strong season opening performance in the 1500m guest event, held alongside the League races, clocking4. 59..
Coldwood 4 miles
Over 200 runners took to the roads at the annual 4 milers in Coldwood, Sunday last.Matt Bidwell of Galway City Harriers took the honours once again asserting his dominance on the local road racing circuit, clocking a solid 21.09 for a clear victory. Philip Niland was second in 22.01, and Fergal Walsh of Athenry close behind in third in 22.05. Rio Olympian Breege Connolly won the ladies section in a fast 22.54, ahead of another Olympian Rosemary Ryan who clocked 23.39. Third home was Caroline Whiriskey of Loughrea AC
South Connacht Schools Cross-Country Championships
A huge turnout of over a thousand athletes competed in the South Connacht Championships in a windy South Park, in the Claddagh last Thursday, where Eanna O’Cualain of Colaiste na Coiribe and Aoife King of Pres Headford, both GCH athletes, were the senior winners. Presentation Athenry won an amazing five team titles – all four of the girls and one of the boys, as well as a second team placing.
In the Intermediate races, Thomas McStay held off the challenge from Aaron Brennan to take the Boys title in an exciting tussle, while Maeve Dervan (Mercy Roscommon, just pipped Sarah Gilhooley for victory in the Inter Girls.
In the Junior Boys race Cillian Jordan of St Enda’s ran a fine race from the front to take victory, as Bea Drummond of Athlone took the girls honours. Shauna Brennan of Claregalway won the Minor Girls, as Uyi Uyiosa of St Enda’s won the Boys.
South Connacht Schools Cross-Country Championships, South Park, Claddagh (Full result)
Girls – Senior: 1 Aoife King (Pres Headford), 2 Aine O’Farrell (Pres Athenry), 3 Aoife Sheehy (Dunmore CS) . Teams – 1 Pres Athenry A, 2 Pres Athenry B, 3 Bower Athlone.
Inter: 1 Maeve Dervan (Mercy Roscommon), 2 Sarah Gilhooley (Pres Athenry), 3 Laura Johnson (St Joseph’s Summerhill). Teams – 1 Pres Athenry, 2 Col Bhaile Chlair A, 3 Col Mhuire Ballygar.
Junior: 1 Bea Drummond (Athlone CC) 2 Rebecca Lowe (Bower, Athlone ), 3 Kaci Moran (Pres Athenry). Teams – 1 Pres Athenry, 2 Bower Athlone, 3 Athlone CC.
Minor: 1 Shauna Brennan (Col Bhaile Chlair A), 2 Laura Kenny (St Killian’s New Inn), 3 Aoibheann Keane (HRC Mountbellew). Teams – 1 Pres Athenry, 2 Mercy Roscommon, 3 St Brigid’s College.
Boys – Senior: 1 Eanna O Cualain (Col na Coiribe), 2 Joe Tannian (Col Iognaid), 3 Gary Martin (Galway CC). Teams – 1 Col an Coiribe, 2 Galway CC, 3 St Mary’s Galway.
Inter – 1 Thomas McStay (Col Bhaile Chlair A), 2 Aaron Brennan (Col Bhaile Chlair A), 3 Jack Maher (Clifton CS). Teams – 1 Seamount, 2 Col Bhaile Chlair A, 3 Gort CS.
Junior: 1 Cillian Jordan (Col Einde), 2 Ruaidhri Collins (Pres Athenry), 3 Eoghan Jennings (Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin). Teams – 1 St Brigid’s College, 2 Pres Athenry, 3 Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin.
Minor: 1 Uyi Uyiosa Agbonayinma (Col Einde) , 2Liam Leen (Pres Athenry), 3 Darragh McNelis (Pres Athenry). Teams – 1 Pres Athenry, 2 St Joseph’s Galway, 3 Athlone CC.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A public meeting to discuss the possibility of Joyce Country in Connemara applying for UNESCO status will take place in Maam Cross tomorrow (31/1).
The event is organised by Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo to allow discussion on the possibility of applying for UNESCO Global Geopark status.
Geoparks are areas where sites and landscapes of international geological importance are managed for protection, educational and sustainable development.
There are three such Geoparks in Ireland, but none in Connacht.
The public meeting will take place at Peacock’s in Maam Cross at 7pm tomorrow.
Pearse Stadium in Salthill has been confirmed as the venue for this year’s Fitzgibbon Cup final.
N-U-I Galway’s Dangan complex will play host to the semi finals on February 24th.
The Salthill venue hosts the final the following day.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The City Council is to bring a report to the government on Wednesday in a bid to progress plans for new social houses in Knocknacarra.
It emerged last week that the building of 14 new social houses at the Ballymoneen Road had been delayed as each unit would cost 330 thousand euro – twice the national average.
It’s understood this is due to rock breaking and the fact that road infrastructure will have to be built to allow for the further development of 55 houses.
A high level meeting has taken place between the Department of Housing and council officials.
The city council says meeting was ‘very positive.’
It was outlined at the gathering that the high costs were due to the need for the installation of services and a gasline which would serve lands north of the development site – and not just the site itself.
The council says it’s this ‘burden of future infrastructure’ which has pushed costs up.
Over the coming days, further studies will be carried out in relaton to the cost of the proposed units.
A report will then be presented to the Department on Wednesday.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A new centre for economic and social research on dementia will open in the city this evening. (31/1)
The centre is funded through a 1.6 million euro award from the Health Research Board.
It aims to provide transformative research and policy frameworks to support those with dementia through a person-centred approach.
The centre is to be based at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society at NUI Galway.
The inaugural lecture which focuses on reimagining dementia care in Ireland takes place at the ILAS building at 5 this evening.
This Saturday, County Senior Hurling Champions St Thomas face Ballyea in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Club Semi-Final at Semple Stadium (Throw in 5pm).
The team have been preparing for this day since their county final win over Gort on the 16th of October.
Sean Walsh went along to team training and first spoke to key Forward Conor Cooney
Sean also got the thoughts of Midfielder David Burke
Next up is Goalkeeper and Team Captain Patrick Skehill
Finally, Sean spoke to the St Thomas Team Manager John Burke
Throw in on Saturday evening is at 5pm and will be LIVE on Galway Bay FM
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway farmers are marching outside Dáil Eireann over a four month delay in payments for the GLAS environmental scheme.
Farmers say many deadlines have been missed for payment of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme.
The IFA’s holding a protest outside the Department of Agriculture this afternoon (until 2.30) with the group’s president Athenry native Joe Healy leading the efforts.
The Department says the delay is due to problems with its IT and administration systems.
Galway Chairperson of the IFA Pat Murphy is leading the local county delegation – he says the payments are badly needed after many false dawns.
PHOTOS: @IFAmedia ON TWITTER.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A woman who’s being sued by her stepson over a € 3.3 million Lotto win has told the High Court that she bought the ticket and is the sole owner of it.
David Walsh from Knocknagreena in Ballinasloe is fighting for a share of the prize as one of six people who signed the back of the winning ticket.
Mary Walsh began her evidence by telling the court that she bought three sets of tickets in a shop in Ballinasloe.
She said one of them was hers and she picked the same numbers she always did and was absolutely stunned when they came up on Jan 22 2011.
She said she went to the bedroom to tell her late husband Peter, who just said “Oh, that’s grand” before going back to sleep.
Her stepson David was one of six people who signed the back of the winning ticket and as a result, he claims he’s entitled to a one sixth share of the prize.
Mary Walsh’s counter claim is that he was only asked to sign it to avoid paying gift tax and that he accepted the family home instead of a € 200,000 cut.
Following her husband’s death, she admitted telling a deliberate lie on an Inland Revenue affidavit, but denied doing so to hide a number of joint accounts from his children.
The case continues.
Irish Water and Galway County Council Water Services wish to advise consumers in the Barna and Spiddal areas, that due to essential maintenance on the water network there, they may experience disruption to their water supply tonight, Tuesday 31st January, and into tomorrow morning, Wednesday 1st February 2017, between the hours of 12am to 5am.
The areas that will be affected are:
Barna North,
Barna South,
Spiddal East,
Galway County Council working in partnership with Irish Water wish to apologise in advance for any inconvenience which may be caused by this essential work,
Shelly’s Health & Beauty are looking for full and part-time Beauty
Therapists with a minimum of 2 years experience. Apply with CV to
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Galway Bay fm newsroom – Gardaí are renewing an appeal for information about a hit and run incident in Kinvara earlier this month, which left a man badly injured.
The 67-year old was walking on the correct side of the road at Cappacaheen, Kinvara around 1.30p.m on Thursday January 19th when he was struck by a car.
The car in question didn’t stop and continued on in the direction of Co. Clare towards the New Line.
The man was taken to hospital in Limerick where he underwent surgery for injuries.
Gardaí say the car involved may have a damaged wing mirror on the passenger side.
They’re urging anyone with information to contact them at Gort Garda Station on 091 63 64 00.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway farmers have been promised a weekly run of GLAS payments following a protest outside the Dail today.
The Galway delegation was joined by others nationwide in a demonstration over a four month delay in payments of the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme.
The group argued that the payments were due in October and the funds are urgently required.
The IFA protest outside the Department of Agriculture today was led by the group president Athenry native Joe Healy.
He has since been given assurances that there will be a weekly run of GLAS payments.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The case of a woman being sued by her stepson over a Lotto win has heard there’s no evidence he was offered a house instead of a € 200,000 share.
David Walsh of Knocknagreena in Ballinasloe claims he’s entitled to over half a million euro as one of six people who signed the back of the winning ticket.
2, 7, 12, 14, 23 and 35 – those were the winning lotto numbers on Jan 22 2011.
Mary Walsh claims she bought the ticket and that those numbers were the same ones she always used.
On the advice of someone from the National Lottery, she claims she asked her late husband Peter, his son David, her two sons and David’s cousin to sign the back of it so they wouldn’t have to pay gift tax.
The court previously heard that anyone who signs the back of a winning ticket becomes a joint owner of it, but she claims her stepson gave up his share by accepting the family home in Ballinasloe, which was worth € 135k at the time.
Under cross-examination, she insisted she had mentioned the offer to her solicitor and couldn’t explain why there wasn’t a note of it.
She also denied trying to hide € 600k held in joint bank accounts with her late husband from his four children.
Gavan Hennigan nears the finish line of Talisker Atlantic Challenge in Antigua
English Harbour, Antigua & Barbuda – 1st February 2017: The 5,000km Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge started 49 days ago in La Gomera, a small island in the Canary Islands. With under 150km to go, Irishman Gavan Hennigan is leading the solo category and is on track to break Irish and International Ocean Rowing Records. He is set to complete the mammoth race early on Thursday morning, February 2nd.
Hennigan (35) from Galway is 3rd and not only leads the solo race category but sits ahead of team boats of four, three and two people. At the closing stage of the race he is being chased by an American boat of 3. Speaking this morning from the Atlantic, Mr. Hennigan had this to say:
“I’m focused on controlling the controllables. I know about the chasing teams but I can’t do anything about what they’re doing. I can only focus on rowing my boat and pushing myself to the limit to get to Antigua as fast as I possibly can.
My goal before this race was to be the first solo man home and to set a new Irish record. I’m going to achieve that. I’m fighting hard out here with my body and my mind. I’m focused on the next stroke and the one after that. I’ve got plenty of water infront of me and I’ll be pulling hard each and every minute I’ve got left out here. I’m gonna get to Antigua with style and raise that flare and tricolour high when I get there!”
Gavan has proven himself a skilled and powerful ocean rower and has positioned himself perfectly to make his mark on the Ocean Rowing Society Records and the Guinness Book of Records. The fastest Irish man to make the East to West crossing to date, was Sean McGowan who completed the crossing in 118 days in 2010. McGowan had technical difficulties during his race and finished with two broken oars. The fastest Irishman to make the West to East crossing was Tom McClean in 1987 who completed the crossing in 55 days. On the international front, the fastest recorded crossing on the course from la Gomera to Antigua was by Matteo Perruchini who completed the crossing in 52 days in 2016.
It is these records that Gavan is working towards. Having clocked up a huge 82nm between 9am on January 29th and 9am on January 30th, Hennigan is showing a steely determination to get to the Port of Antigua by Thursday, February 2nd. There he hopes raise the Irish Tricolour and make Irish and International Ocean rowing history.
More about Gavan Hennigan:
Gavan Hennigan (35) – Ireland – Gavan Hennigan is an Irish Extreme Environment Athlete. He has adventured to all 7 continents, from Ultra Running at home in Ireland to Winter Ultras and snowboard mountaineering in the Antarctic. Gavan is raising money for Jigsaw Galway and Cancer Care West: https://www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/the-teams/gavan-hennigan/ and www.gavanhennigan.com
More about the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge:
The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is a unique, life-changing experience. Renowned for its tough conditions; participants typically row two hours on, two hours off, 24 hours per day. Competitors burn around 8,000 calories daily and lose roughly 20% of their body weight over the duration of the race. Alongside physical exertion, the rowers will face 40 foot waves, tropical storms, sleep deprivation, sweltering heat and the psychological challenges of living and working in a turbulent natural environment.
Further details and updates will be available on www.gavanhennigan.com and www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Five water supplies across the county have been removed from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Remedial Action List.
The schemes are Ballyconneely Public Supply, Carraroe Public Water Supply, Cleggan/Claddaghduff Water Supply, Kilconnell Public Water Supply and Leenane Public Supply.
Six months ago there were 13 Galway water schemes still on the RAL but this has been reduced to four.
Irish Water has put in place the first national Trihalomethane plan and a prioritised programme of investment to address all inadequacies in drinking water parameters.
By 2021, the utility plans to reduce the number of schemes on the risk list to zero with an investment of €327 million in upgrading water supplies across the country at risk from THMs.
THMs are chemicals formed by the reaction of dissolved organic material and chlorine which is used for disinfection.
Sean Corrigan of Irish Water says removing these THMs is a difficult process.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy has raised concerns over patient safety in the west and midlands.
It follows a visit to the Ballinasloe area this week where MEP Carthy met nurses and union representatives from Portiuncula Hospital.
The Sinn Fein MEP also visited workers at St. Brigid’s Hospital and at Ballinasloe Social Services Day Care Centre.
He was accompanied by the party’s health spokesperson Louise O’Reilly.
MEP Carthy said out of all the concerns raised, staff fear health cuts are compromising patient safety.
He said the outsourcing of staff is also an issue.
