Galway Bay fm newsroom – Youth services are to be restored for the North East Galway and Roscommon area on an interim basis.

Limited services are to be provided for six months from February until July and will be led by Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board.

It follows the withdrawal of services from Ballygar, Ballaghaderreen and Roscommon town.

Roscommon/Galway Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice says the interim services will be provided by groups such as Midland Youth Services and Foroige.

However he says he will be monitoring the long term plan.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A retired official from the National Lottery says he has no recollection of telling a winner to get family members to sign the ticket to avoid gift tax.

He was giving evidence to the High Court in a legal action between a Galway man and his stepmother over a € 3.3m win in January 2011.

In the almost 28 years Eamon Hughes spent working as the National Lottery’s Claims Officer, he dealt with over 4,000 lucky winners.

He spoke over the phone with Mary Walsh on the morning of Jan 24th 2011.

During her evidence, she claimed she told him she was the sole owner of one of two winning tickets for the weekend lotto.

Under cross-examination, he was asked why then he had referred to the win as a family syndicate in internal emails sent to his colleagues.

After much toing and froing, he accepted that she probably told him it was a syndicate.

Her stepson David, of Knocknagreena in Ballinasloe, is suing her for a share of the prize as one of six people who signed the back of the ticket.

His stepmother claims she was advised by Mr. Hughes to get family members to sign it to avoid paying gift tax, but he says he had no recollection of that conversation.

The case resumes tomorrow.

Galway Born Boxer Peter McDonagh could find himself in the reckoning for a European Title Fight in the near future if he wins his next fight on Saturday the 11th of February.

The three weight Irish Champion and Current Irish Welterweight Champion faces a Polish opponent in Surrey.

McDonagh has also thrown down a challenge to UFC great ‘The Notorious’ to prove he has the right to face boxing’s former pound-for-pound king.

Peter has been speaking to John Mulligan about Saturday’s fight and his challenge to McGregor

Galway Baybes a team of four Galway based female amateur cyclists was launched last week in Salthill Galway. The team of riders will participate in the 2,150 km Ultra Marathon Cycling Event Race Around Ireland starting on Sunday 27^th August 2017.

The team made up of Spiddal’s Brid Naughton, Moycullen’s Karen Cassidy, Donegal native (now based in Spiddal) Marie Boyle and Cork born, (Knocknacarra based) Joanne Murphy make up the team of four riders.

They will be the first Galway based female team of four to participate in the Race Around Ireland and only the fourth ever four person all female team to compete in the event in it’s 9 year history.

The Race Around Ireland has been described as one of the toughest cycling endurance events in the World, where solo riders can spend up to 22 hours per day in the saddle. Galway Baybes will share the 2,150km distance between them as they race around the country, each team member will complete approximately 550k during the event within the allocated total time of 93 hours.

The current 4 person female record was set in 2016 by a team from the UK however, Galway Baybes have this record in their sights and are aiming to break it. To set a new record they will need to complete the event in 90 hours or less, a challenge they are relishing as they rack up the training miles.

The team members have a host of experience across endurance racing. All four have completed a variety of long distance events across the sport of triathlon, swimming, running and cycling.  Marie Boyle has previously represented Ireland as an elite cyclist. She is consistently in the top 3 in her age group across Duathlon & Triathlon races, holding her own in the cycling leagues with the A4 male cyclists locally and nationally.

Speaking about how they made a decision to enter the event, Joanne Murphy said ‘Karen Cassidy and I had watched the 2016 Race Around Ireland and were discussing how Lisa Jacob and Nicky Dorey (the first female pair to race in the event), had performed so well. Karen and I were both looking for a new endurance challenge, we have raced all distances across triathlon, completed long open water swims and a few marathons. The Race Around Ireland is a natural progression in terms of where we wanted our endurance racing to go so we put a team of four together for the event.‘

Speaking about her participation in the event Karen said ‘Not only are we pushing the boundaries of our own physical capacity, overall fitness and mental strength, we are using the platform of the team as an opportunity to promote women in sport and women in cycling. Through our participation in the Race Around Ireland we hope to encourage more females to take up cycling as a lifelong hobby, inspiring women to compete on the domestic and international circuit.’ Karen will also race in 2017 as a part of the recently formed Gerry McVeigh cars amateur racing team.

With the increased focus on the participation of women in sport in Ireland and the increase in numbers of women cycling across the country this is a great opportunity for us all to take part in a big sporting challenge whilst hopefully inspiring other females to get in the saddle said Bríd who has already racked up plenty of cycling miles on the Mizen to Malin Challenge, 32 Counties Challenge and is now also getting ready for the 6 Cities Challenge in July of this year.

They have recruited some excellent support around them with Nigel Forde of Nigel’s Cycles as Coach, Jonathan Gibson of the Athlete Clinic as Team Physio looking after testing and injury prevention. Sharon Madigan, Head of High Performance Nutrition at the Institute of Sport will manage the team’s nutrition as they prepare for the race. Team Manager Padraic Benson is a familiar face on the bike in Galway and across the country and will ensure the team of riders and support crew are ready for road come August 27^th.

The team are relishing the opportunity to participate in the event and are seeking support from companies and businesses locally and nationally that would like to be associated with them as they prepare for the ultra cycling challenge later in the year.

For more information and to follow their progress, like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @galwaybaybes

Galway Baybes L-R Nigel Forde, Coach, Brid Naughton, Karen Cassidy, Padraic Benson, Team Manager, Joanne Murphy, Marie Boyle & Jonathan Gibson, Team Physio pictured at the launch of Galway Baybes racing team at Blackrock Tower.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway West TD Eamon O’Cuiv has been assured that a Government plan aimed at rejuvenating rural Ireland WILL unlock the potential of local parishes and communities.

The scheme unveiled last month has 270 action items and a 60 million euro national price tag.

However Fianna Fail Deputy O’Cuiv argues it’s a plan for towns and villages exclusively, and doesn’t encompass rural Ireland.

Speaking in the Dail, he argues the geography of rural Ireland is largely based on parishes, however the word ‘parish’ does not appear in the plan.

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has defended the plan stating that supporting towns and villages is only one element of the overall objective.

Heather Humphreys stressed that far from damaging parishes, it will give them a new lease of life.

There will be blood sweat and tears at Keane’s, Oranmore on Fri 17^th Feb when members of Oranmore Maree Intermediate hurling and football squads get ready to rumble and take to the ring in a unique fundraising event.

After 6 weeks of intensive training with Corrib Boxing Club over 30 players will lace up their gloves in a series of three round bouts which we hope will get the crowd entertained and off their feet.

The event will be a vital fundraiser for a growing GAA club that fields over 40 teams from nursery to senior level.

Club Chairman Gerry Rabbitt says ‘’ the club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and I am delighted that both hurling and football squads have come together for this special event which promises to be a great night entertainment. I know the lads have been training hard for this event and the club is extremelygrateful for their commitment’’

Door open at 7pm and the first contest starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets are €15 per head and can be purchased from Greally’s shop Maree, Mc Inernys sports and are available on the night.

Check out www.oranmoremareegaa.com for more details

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The lawyer for a Ballinasloe man suing his stepmother over a lottery win has told the High Court her credibility will be a core issue for the court to decide.

Mary Walsh of Perssepark in Ballinasloe, previously admitted telling a deliberate lie in a sworn statement presented to the court.

Mary Walsh’s stepson David is looking for a share of a 3.3 million euro prize as one of six people who signed the back of the winning ticket.
In her counter-claim, Mary Walsh argues he accepted the family home in Ballinasloe instead of a 200-thousand euro share of the 3.3 million euro prize.
She also claims he was only asked to sign the back of a ticket to avoid having to pay gift tax.
In her closing submissions today, Dervla Browne – who’s acting for David Walsh – said there was no evidence of the alternative offer.
And she went on to call Mary Walsh’s credibility into question. She brought up a sworn document that the businesswoman admits telling a deliberate lie on.
On the basis of the evidence of her solicitor, Ms. Browne said it was to hide joint assets she had with her late husband from his children.
If she can do that, she said, she can sit in the witness box and tell any lie to prevent her stepson from getting his money.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway could play a key role in rebalancing population growth and regional development, outside the Dublin and greater Leinster area.

That’s according to Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton whose comments come following the unveiling of the Government’s latest planning strategy.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney says the new Ireland 2040 plan will strike a balance between urban and rural development, and has warned that cities like Galway need to expand.

It follows an in-depth report which warns that three-quarters of new homes will soon be clustered around the capital, unless radical action is taken.

Fine Gael Deputy Naughten says Galway needs to plan now for critical capital investment or risk playing catch up.

The annual 5 mile Menlo walk in aid of Ability West is celebrating ten years and the community walk is looking to raise a bumper €10,000 to mark the occasion. The walk will take place on Sunday 12^th February. The walk will start at 12 noon from Scoil Bhride Menlo, Galway City.

This popular event which will celebrate its 10^th year has raised in the region of close to €60,000 for Ability West and is open to everyone. The walk is organised by the Kelly Family whose youngest child Andrew has Autism.

Since turning 18 Andrew has transferred to the adult services of Ability West. Andrew receives a day service from New Directions in Knocknacarra and a respite service in Galway City. These support services are vital to him and to the family.

“The transition for Andrew has been seamless from child to adult service with Ability West. Andrew is very happy in himself and it was definitely down to forward planning and an eased move from services that has Andrew in such a good happy, relaxed place, “Explained Ray Kelly, Andrew’s Dad and Chairman of the Board of Ability West.

The Menlo Walk is one example of an important event where much needed funds are raised for Ability West. All of the proceeds raised for and on behalf of Ability West from the Menlo Walk will be used towards their ongoing capital programme which includes new builds, extensions and refurbishments of existing buildings, the purchase of essential aids, appliances, specialised equipment for service users and minibuses

“The walk is a huge part of our year but also its all about community. The Menlo community, our friends and friends of friends who come each year and support us and Ability West. We are so delighted to have raised close to €60,000 and are really hoping that we can raise €10,000 to mark its tenth year. There is tea, coffee and loads of cakes and bakes afterwards, so even if walking isn’t you thing, you can reward yourself with a slice of cake for your effort if nothing else,” said Brega Kelly, Andrew’s Mum, and co-organiser of the Menlo Walk.

Ability West is a voluntary, not for profit organisation, set up by parents and friends, that provides services and supports to over 530 children and adults with an intellectual disability and autism in 13 locations with 57 centres located across Galway City and County. Ability West is also supported by branches in local communities throughout Galway City and County and they are greatly appreciated for the work they do. The Galway City branch is one of several branches of Ability West.

Services provided include day, residential, respite, rehabilitative training, supports towards employment, active ageing, community support and multidisciplinary supports such as social work, psychology, behaviour support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Ability West is also a patron of four special schools located in Ballinasloe, Carraroe, Galway City and Tuam.   It is only through the continued support and generosity of the public that they can continue to deliver a high quality service well into the future.

A walking fee of €10 per person or €25 per family is payable on the day. For more information phone Ray on 087-7694153 or Brega on 087-6179886. Donations can also be made online through www.abilitywest.ie.

The Kelly Family, organisers of the Menlo Walk: James, Laura, Ray, Brega and Andrew Kelly.

Tom Ward (Centre) at a recent Photo Shoot of the Sports department at Galway Bay FM alongside Darren Kelly and Head of Sport Ollie Turner.

The Sports Department at Galway Bay FM were saddened to hear of the passing of colleague Tom Ward yesterday evening.

Tom was a long time presenter with Galway Bay Sport and will always be synonymous with the Sunday Evening Round Up.

Keith Finnegan and Head of Sport Ollie Turner were joined by Kevin Dwyer who had worked with Tom in the Sports Department of Galway Bay Fm and by Collette Kennedy Walsh who had worked with Tom in his role as a Teacher in St Cuan’s College Castleblakney.

The Sports Department of Galway Bay FM sends our deepest sympathies to Tom’s family and many friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Galway Bay fm newsroom – There were more than 16 hundred new cars registered in Galway in January.

That’s according to statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

Galway had just over 4 per cent of all new registrations nationally, following just behind Kildare and Dublin, which had the most.

In Galway last month, there were 1 thousand 653 new cars registered, roughly in line with the figure of 1 thousand 666 in January last year.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Ballinasloe woman being sued by her stepson over a 3.3 million euro lotto win wants him to give up the family home if he wins his case.

Mary Walsh of Perssepark in Ballinasloe claims David Walsh accepted the house in lieu of a 200-thousnd euro share of the prize.

He denies that was the case, and is suing her for over half a million euro as one of six people who signed the back of the winning ticket.

She claims it would be an ‘unjust enrichment’ if he won and was allowed to keep the house – which was valued at 135-thousnd euro in 2011.

Both sides have now concluded their cases.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The final report on a series of flood relief measures for towns across Galway will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure in March.

It’s part of the national CFRAM study, which aims to provide flood mitigation measures across Ireland.

The Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management – or CFRAM – project started in 2011.

The OPW is working in close partnership with the city and county councils on the project.

It will see flood mitigation measures put in place across the county.

A final report on the Galway measures will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure in March.

Meanwhile, OPW Minister and Galway East TD Sean Canney says works are progressing seperately on flood mitigation measures for the Gort and South Galway region.

The area was badly affected by flooding during the winter of 2015, with many residents forced to leave their homes.

A project manager is working with locals and preparations are underway for the design of a flood relief plan for the region.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Ballinasloe man has successfully sued his stepmother for a one sixth share of a 3.3 million euro lottery win.

The judge accused David Walsh’s stepmother Mary of “ducking and weaving” in the witness box and described her evidence as “unreliable”.

Mr. Walsh was one of six people to sign the back of the winning ticket in January 2011 and it was decided he was therefore a joint owner of it.

His stepmother claimed he accepted the family home at Knocknagreena in Ballinasloe instead of a 200-thousand euro share.

Mr. Justice Richard Humphreys ordered her to give him his share of 564-thousand euro and also dismissed her counter-claim to get the family home back.

After a hectic weekend of Hula Hoops National Cup finals last weekend, which saw 11 champions crowned, it is back to Super League action for all teams once more.

Griffith Swords Thunder face Commercial.ie Éanna off the back of a memorable Hula Hoops Cup final which saw them overcome Pyrobel Killester to win their first ever Cup. Dave Baker’s attention will now be focused firmly on the League though as his side currently sits second under leaders Templeogue and will aim to continue their winning ways with a victory over 10th place Éanna. DCU Saints welcome SSE Airtricity Moycullen to the University grounds this Saturday in what is set to be a very close battle indeed. DCU are coming into the game off the back of a seven-point loss against Garvey’s Tralee Warriors at home last weekend and will be hoping to turn their fortunes around, while Moycullen had a close game with Éanna in the last round, just managing to hold out to win by two points in the end.

Pyrobel Killester will also be in action at home on Saturday evening as they welcome bottom of the table Radisson Blu UL Eagles.The Dublin side are regrouping after their Cup final loss to Swords and, with a number of games in hand on the League table, will be hoping that they can catch – and indeed overtake – Garvey’s Tralee Warriors. UL Eagles meanwhile make the trip to Dublin with just one win from their 15 games so far while elsewhere, UCC Demons face UCD Marian on Sunday afternoon. UCD have had some good results of late, most notably beating Templeogue by six points. Demons meanwhile have been having a mixed run of fortunes, and lost to Templeogue at home last weekend.

There are also four games in the Women’s Super League this weekend with NUIG Mystics and Courtyard Liffey Celtics getting the action underway from 3pm on Saturday. Mystics, who have won three of their 10 games so far this year, will be hoping that home advantage will help to see them home to victory, while Courtyard Liffey Celtics come into the game off the back of their Cup final loss to Ambassador UCC Glanmire and will be aiming to get back to winning ways. Speaking of Cup champions Glanmire, they will play eighth placed Meteors this weekend. Glanmire are top of the League table having lost just one game so far this season against Maxol WIT Wildcats. Meteors meanwhile have just two wins under their belts but will hope to run the Cork side close.

Another game that is sure to capture attention will be the clash between Pyrobel Killester and Wildcats on Saturday. Killester – who have a strong track record on their home court – had a good win away to Portlaoise Panthers recently, while Wildcats are coming to this game off the back of a massive win over Glanmire two weeks ago. The last game of the weekend sees Singleton SuperValu Brunell face DCU Mercy. Brunell may be bottom of the table, but caused an upset against Courtyard Liffey Celtics recently. DCU meanwhile lost out to Liffey Celtics in Leixlip two weeks ago, but a number of Mark Ingle’s charges featured in the club’s recent Under 18 and Under 20 double win in the Cup, and he will be hoping that youth and experience will blend perfectly down in Cork.

Basketball Ireland Fixtures: February 4 and 5th

Saturday 4th February 2017        

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:

Griffith Swords Thunder v Commercial.ie Éanna, ALSAA-Dublin, 18:00;

DCU Saints v SSE Airtricity Moycullen, DCU, 19:00;

Pyrobel Killester v Radisson Blu UL Eagles, IWA-Clontarf, 20:00;

Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League:

NUIG Mystics v Courtyard Liffey Celtics, NUIG Galway, 15:00;

Ambassador UCC Glanmire v Meteors, Upper Glanmire Sports Centre, 17:00;

Pyrobel Killester v Maxol WIT Wildcats, IWA-Clontarf, 18:00;

Basketball Ireland Men’s Division 1:  

Team Kilkenny v Kestrels, Watershed Sports Complex, 19:00;

Basketball Ireland Women’s Division 1:  

Fr Mathews v ITC Basketball, Colaiste Chriost Ri, 17:45;

Marble City Hawks v Ulster University Elks, O Loughlin Gaels Gym, 19:00;

Sunday 5th February 2017

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:

UCC Demons v UCD Marian, Mardyke Arena-Cork, 15:00;

Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League:  

Singleton SuperValu Brunell v DCU Mercy, Parochial Hall, 14:40;

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A public meeting on childcare will take place in the city tonight.

The meeting in Knocknacarra is organised by Labour city councillors, Niall McNelis and Billy Cameron.

It will be an opportunity to discuss the needs of parents and those working in the area and what can be done to support them.

The meeting will take place at 8 o’ clock tonight at the Clybaun Hotel in Knocknacarra.

Councillor Niall McNelis, says childcare costs in Ireland are among the highest in the world.

Thomas also known as Tom Ward

Currondu House, Monivea, Athenry and Quin, Co. Clare.  Reposing at St. Mary’s Funeral Home, Menlough, Ballinasloe tomorrow Saturday from 4 until 7.  Mass for Tom Ward on Sunday at 2 in St. Mary’s Church, Skehanagh.  Funeral afterwards to Doonane cemetery.

Paddy also known as Pá Mannion

Cloughanard, Sky Rd, Clifden.  Reposing at his residence tomorrow Saturday from 2 until 7.  Removal Sunday to St. Joseph’s Church, Clifden for mass for Pá Mannion at 11:30.  Funeral afterwards to Árdbear Cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations if desired to Friends of Fatima Hospital, Clifden.

Annie Teresa Grennan

Drumacoo, Kilcolgan.  Reposing at her home today from 12 with a farewell mass at 4.  Removal to St. Colman’s Church, Ballindereen tomorrow Saturday for mass for Annie Teresa Grennan at 12.  Funeral afterwards to Clarinbridge Cemetery.

Margaret Comer

Scregg, Kilkerrin, Ballinasloe.  Reposing at Kilkerrin Community Centre tomorrow Saturday from 5 until 7.  Mass for Margaret Comer in St. Joseph’s Church, Kilkerrin on Sunday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to local cemetery.

Thomas Boland

Killimor, Ballinasloe and formerly of Loughrea.  Reposing at St. Joseph’s Centre, Killimor this evening from 5:30.  Removal at 8 to adjoining St. Joseph’s Church.  Mass for Thomas Boland tomorrow Saturday at 12.  Funeral afterwards to adjoining cemetery.   Family flowers only, by request, donations if desired to Patient Comfort Fund, St. Brendan’s CNU, Loughrea.

Kevin Greaney

Ballygreaney, Ballymacward, Ballinasloe.  Reposing at St. Peter and Paul’s Mortuary Chapel, Ballymacward this afternoon from 4:30.  Removal at 6.30 to adjoining church.  Mass for Kevin Greaney tomorrow  Saturday at 12.  Funeral afterwards to New Cemetery, Ballymacward.

Nancy Garvey nee Farrell

Ballylee, Peterswell, Gort.  Reposing at her daughter Orla and Billy Shearer’s home in Dromore, Peterswell this evening from 5 until 7. Mass for Nancy Garvey tomorrow Saturday at 10 in St. Thomas’s Church,  Peterswell.  Funeral afterwards to New Cemetery, Bohermore.

Fr. William Fallon

Manchester, England, Ardcloon, Garrafrauns and formerly of Ballinlass, Dunmore.  Reposing at Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Dunmore tomorrow Saturday evening from 8:30.  Mass for Fr. William Fallon on Sunday at 11:30.  Funeral afterwards to Dunmore cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.

Christopher also known as Christy Cosgrove

Main Street, Milltown, Co. Kerry and formerly of Brierfield, Moylough.  Reposing at Flynns Funeral Home, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry this evening from 5:30.  Removal at 8 to Sacred Heart Church, Milltown, Co. Kerry.  Mass for Christy Cosgrove tomorrow Saturday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Milltown cemetery.

Gavan Hennigan became the fastest Irishman to row across the Atlantic as he took first in the solo and third overall in the 12-boat Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.