SHANE Lowry cannot wait to return to his homeland when the former champion arrives at Donegal’s Ballyliffin Golf Club for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation, the fourth Rolex Series event of the 2018 Race to Dubai, from July 5-8.

Lowry has for the first time in his career been based in the Unites States of America for the first half of this season, and the 31 year old has enjoyed consistent form without yet threatening to add to his trophy cabinet.

He notched up a top 15 finish in his opening Rolex Series appearance of the campaign at the BMW PGA Championship, but as a links expert who has already won on home soil, he will no doubt be chomping at the bit to take on the stunning Glashedy Course at Ballyliffin on the north west coast of Ireland.

The vociferous home crowds will be cheering the popular Offaly player all the way, Lowry having provided one of the most memorable moments in the 91-year history of the event in 2009 with a dramatic victory as an amateur.

“I think Ballyliffin will be a brilliant venue for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open,” said the three-time European Tour winner. “I have a lot of fond memories of playing Interprovincial Championships there so it will be great to go back there. It’s one of those weeks on Tour that you have to adapt to. For most of the Irish lads, you need to treat it like a massive event because you have so much on so you actually need to prepare differently to most other weeks.

“Stuff like doing a lot more media, seeing a lot more friends and family, trying to give as much time to the fans are fantastic problems to have, but you to need to remember to get ready for the tournament! But I don’t think any of us would have it any other way – it’s one of the special weeks on Tour for everyone associated with Irish golf.

“The tournament itself is massive now with it being on the Rolex Series and with such a committed sponsor like Dubai Duty Free. They have, along with Rory obviously, taken it to a new level over the past few years and it’s brilliant to see the tournament getting back to the way it was with huge crowds, great fields and big prize money.

“It will always have a special place in my heart for obvious reasons. It launched my career when I won it as an amateur and I would love nothing more than to win it again as a pro.”

Lowry, along with his fellow home heroes McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Paul Dunne, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley, will be joined at Ballyliffin Golf Club by an impressive line-up of international players.

Leading those will be the defending champion and World Number Five Jon Rahm, who will be chasing a third Rolex Series title in the space of ten months, while his Spanish compatriot Rafa Cabrera Bello will be hoping to add a second ahead of his Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open title defence a week later.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com and begin at €20 for Pro-Am Wednesday, with tickets for Thursday and Friday costing €32 and day tickets for the weekend costing €34 each. An adult season souvenir ticket, which covers five days of world class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, costs just €110.

Concessions are available for customers aged over 60 and between 14 and 17, while children up to 13 are permitted free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

Fans will also be treated to a festival of music as country star Nathan Carter headlines the ‘Glashedy Sessions’ on the Friday night of the tournament. A host of exciting local bands will also entertain the crowds at the Glashedy Stage, including popular four-piece the Logues and regular favourites the Groove Robbers.

Official Hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on hospitality@europeantour.com or +44 (0) 1344 840681.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – An illegal camp which was set up in Renmore in recent days has been removed.

The encampment appeared at ‘Nolan Park’ and comprised a number of large family sized tents and vehicles.

It’s understood the families had previously been camped in Salthill and vehicles allegedly drove across the playing pitch in Renmore.

A 24-hour notice to vacate the site was issued by Gardai yesterday, which expired at noon today.

Local Councillor Terry O’ Flaherty says the people who were camping in Renmore have now moved on.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway recorded the highest increase in the average value of a home in the first haolf of this year, outside of Dublin.

That’s according to the latest Sherry FitzGerald House Price Index.

For more on this story, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 4…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A civil and military service will take place aboard the LE William Butler Yeats at Galway Docks this evening. (6pm)

It’s to remember all those who have lost their lives at sea and recognise the heroism of the rescue services.

Galway West T.D and Minister of State. Seán Kyne will join Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis, who will address the special commemoration.

A lone piper will play, which will be followed by ship horns and a flyover by the Airs Corps at 6p.m.

Archie Davies from Wales overcame a two-stroke deficit to win the Irish Boys Championship at Belvoir Park with a closing round of 69.

Davies began the final round trailing Theo Boulet from France but the Welsh 17-year-old benefitted from Boulet’s errors on the back nine to take the title. Boulet had to settle for second on while Joseph Byrne from Baltinglass matched Davies’ 69 to finish third on four under. Athenry’s David Kitt produced one of the lowest scores of the day with a final round 70 to finish on +3, eleven shots behind the winner.

Darren Leufer and Liam Nolan tied for 24th while Allan Hill finished in 48th place.

Final Scores

Irish Boys Amateur Open Championship

Belvoir Park (Par 71)

Results

276 A Davies (Wales) 69, 70, 68, 69

279 T Boulet (France) 67, 71, 67, 74

280 J Byrne (Baltinglass) 70, 72, 69, 69

285 N Trey (France) 74, 71, 69, 71; J Robinson (Lisburn) 67, 72, 72, 74

287 D Kitt (Athenry) 68, 73, 76, 70

288 T McKibbin (Holywood) 73, 71, 73, 71

289 A Blair (Scrabo) 75, 73, 75, 66; C Denvir (Elm Park) 73, 74, 71, 71; D Li (Germany) 73, 70, 73, 73; J McCabe (Roganstown) 69, 74, 71, 75

290 H Arnold (England) 75, 73, 72, 70; A Marshall (Lisburn) 74, 74, 72, 70

291 R Galligan (Elm Park) 77, 72, 69, 73; J Hill (Galgorm Castle) 74, 74, 71, 72; J Brady (Rosslare) 73, 74, 77, 67; C Byrne (Strabane) 73, 74, 71, 73

292 S Doyle (Black Bush) 72, 75, 76, 69; S Burrell (Spain) 70, 74, 76, 72

293 E Rowe (Tandragee) 76, 73, 72, 72; A Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown) 73, 70, 75, 75; S O’Brien (Nenagh) 73, 67, 79, 74; B Pierleoni (England) 72, 72, 72, 77

294 J Hull (England) 77, 70, 74, 73; D Leufer (Athenry) 73, 76, 74, 71; L Nolan (Galway) 71, 80, 72, 71; S Dowling (The Island) 70, 76, 74, 74

295 D Raher (Dungarvan) 73, 71, 75, 76; H Islam (England) 68, 77, 72, 78

296 C Rabbette (Esker Hills) 74, 71, 74, 77; D West (England) 72, 77, 70, 77; R Carvill (Warrenpoint) 68, 76, 78, 74

297 G Herlihy (Castle) 74, 73, 78, 72; H Archer (France) 73, 75, 76, 73

298 M Deasy (Bantry Bay) 74, 76, 72, 76; R McNelis (Fintona) 74, 71, 80, 73; S Miller (Clandeboye) 73, 76, 75, 74; O Maguire (Slieve Russell) 69, 78, 74, 77

299 J Connolly (Lahinch) 81, 71, 71, 76; E Murphy (Dundalk) 80, 71, 73, 75; P Naughton (Limerick) 75, 76, 74, 74

300 S Walker (Roscommon) 79, 73, 73, 75; P Conroy (Enniscorthy) 76, 74, 74, 76; A Greville (Wales) 75, 72, 78, 75

301 P Beauvy (France) 75, 74, 75, 77; D Rochford (Bray) 74, 76, 70, 81; A d’Aurelle de Paladines (France) 73, 73, 75, 80

302 A Hill (Athenry) 77, 77, 70, 78

303 C Murtagh (Balcarrick) 73, 77, 75, 78

304 K Morrison (Greenacres) 74, 72, 78, 80

305 J O’Riordan (Dungarvan) 77, 75, 73, 80

310 S Irwin (Killeen) 76, 75, 74, 85

Non-Qualifiers

226 D Marshall (Naas) 80, 73, 73; T Smyth (Castle) 77, 72, 77; O O’Driscoll (Golf Clementader Paris) 76, 75, 75; C Glennon (Glasson) 75, 79, 72

227 D Kelly (Cill Dara) 80, 78, 69; R Cowhey (Elm Park) 77, 75, 75; A Flynn (Dun Laoghaire) 75, 76, 76

228 R McCrory (Lurgan) 79, 76, 73; B Crawford (Greenacres) 77, 77, 74; T Plunkett (Crover House) 75, 79, 74; C Dunn (Foyle) 75, 76, 77; J Rooney (Co. Armagh) 75, 75, 78

229 N Kirwan (Mount Juliet) 77, 74, 78; J Doherty (Carton House) 77, 72, 80; J Egan (Muskerry) 76, 81, 72; L Keyes (Dun Laoghaire) 76, 75, 78; P McNelis (Fintona) 74, 76, 79; D Keating (Seapoint) 73, 77, 79

230 S Whelan (Royal Tara) 83, 76, 71; P Byrne (Ballybunion) 81, 76, 73; N Van Caneghem (France) 77, 74, 79; C Dawson (Tramore) 76, 77, 77; A Smith (Mullingar) 76, 75, 79; D Gurr (England) 73, 73, 84

231 S Downes (Royal Dublin) 83, 75, 73; S Murphy (Portumna) 82, 77, 72; L Abom (Edmondstown) 81, 76, 74; B Phipps (Ardee) 77, 80, 74; K Robinson (Castlewarden) 77, 73, 81; D Connolly (Castle Dargan) 76, 80, 75; M Kennedy (Royal Dublin) 73, 74, 84

232 E Sullivan (Carton House) 76, 79, 77

233 K McArdle (Powerscourt) 81, 75, 77; S Leonard (Mitchelstown) 78, 79, 76; D Twomey (Elm Park) 78, 76, 79; E McArthur (Massereene) 76, 78, 79

234 J Napier (Scrabo) 83, 76, 75; P Arundel (England) 79, 74, 81; S Jones (Belvoir Park) 77, 83, 74; A Naughton (Grange Castle Golf club) 76, 79, 79; J Shellard (Lisburn) 75, 81, 78; C French (Carton House) 72, 81, 81; R Goodyear  (England) 72, 80, 82; E Shipp (Headfort) 72, 78, 84

235 C Hickey (Dooks) 78, 80, 77

236 T Kelly  (Royal Dublin) 86, 75, 75; B McCarthy (Kinsale) 82, 73, 81; T Stout (Royal Belfast) 81, 79, 76; D Lynch (Clonmel) 80, 73, 83

237 A Collins (Laytown & Bettystown) 84, 77, 76; R Goodall (Royal Portrush) 79, 81, 77; J Boles (Charleville) 78, 82, 77; T Higgins (Roscommon) 76, 81, 80; K Rafferty (Dundalk) 75, 79, 83

238 D Boden (Belvoir Park) 83, 80, 75; K Patton (Lisburn) 79, 76, 83; P Greene (Holywood) 78, 81, 79

239 S Murtagh (Mullingar) 83, 79, 77; C Cooley (Belvoir Park) 79, 84, 76; K Honer (Roganstown) 79, 81, 79; S Carroll (Castle Dargan) 74, 89, 76

240 M Troy (Dungarvan) 85, 74, 81; C Cunningham (Galway Bay) 80, 83, 77; I Halpin (Cahir Park) 78, 78, 84; A Carroll (Citywest Resort) 77, 77, 86; B Beaumont (Bangor) 74, 77, 89

241 J Brown (The Heath) 81, 81, 79

243 C Connell (Newlands) 85, 75, 83; S Kearns (Elm Park) 78, 81, 84; L Mitchell (Knock) 76, 83, 84

244 D Mulligan (Laytown & Bettystown) 83, 81, 80; M Fitzgibbon (Portmarnock) 83, 80, 81; O Reilly (Newlands) 80, 81, 83

245 E O’Shaughnessy (Muskerry) 76, 85, 84

246 C Steel (Spain) 86, 78, 82

248 M McCormack (Mullingar) 81, 85, 82

249 A Doherty (Carton House) 84, 80, 85; D O’Malley (Black Bush) 84, 78, 87

251 L Travers (Ardee) 87, 84, 80; O Twomey (The Island) 81, 84, 86

NR A Doyle (Silverwood) 78, 89

NS J Duffy (Buncrana Golf Club) 80, 77

RTD E McGrath (Athlone) 82, 82; D Carton (New Forest) 87, 83; S Young (Fintona); G Keogh (Galway); J Black (Lisburn)

NS J Mackin (Dundalk)

RTD D Keery (Shandon Park Golf Club)

NS A Bocquet  (France)

RTD P Taylor (Tandragee)

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Enrolments are increasing at St. Pat’s in the city as the primary school makes its transition to co-educational.

The former all-boys school received change of status from the Department of Education in May and will cater for girls from September.

The school will also introduce junior, senior and first class as part of the raft of changes.

Deputy Principal Joan Coughlan says there has been a lot of interest from families whose sons are already attending the school:

The Lombard Street school is also to introduce an early intervention class for autism in September.

The class is targetted at children between the ages of 3 and 5 who have been diagnosed with autism with six places on offer.

Deputy Principal and also Head of Special Education Joan Coughlan outlines the focus areas for the programme which includes lifeskills.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Almost 300 thousand euro worth of drugs has has been seized in the city garda division by the end of May.

The latest garda figures which were presented to the City Joint Policing Committee this week show that the biggest seizure was cannabis.

Gardaí seized almost 140 thousand euro worth of cannabis between January and May.

Almost 50 thousand euro worth of ecstacy and 31 thousand euro worth of cocaine was also seized.

In terms of heroin, there was about 17 thousand euro seized while a further 42 thousand euro in other drugs was also confiscated.

The number of detections for sale or supply of drugs was down by 10 per cent but people caught in possession of drugs was up by 3 per cent.

Michael Donoghue has made 3 Changes to the Galway Senior hurling team to play Kilkenny in Sunday’s Leinster Hurling Final (4.00pm).

Paul Killeen, Sean Loftus and Jason Flynn are the players to lose out as Adrian Tuohy, Johnny Coen and Joe Canning return to the starting 15.

Johnny Glynn is on the bench.

Team v Kilkenny

1 James Skehill

2 Adrian Tuohy
3 Daithi Burke
4 John Hanbury

5 Padraig Mannion
6 Gearoid McInerney
7 Aidan Harte

8 Johnny Coen
9 David Burke

10 Joseph Cooney
11 Joe Canning
12 Niall Burke

13 Conor Whelan
14 Conor Cooney
15 Cathal Mannion

Game is live on Galway Bay FM

Gary Murphy

Clooniffe, Moycullen and Cregmore.  Reposing at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, tomorrow Sunday from 12.30.  Removal at 2 to Church of the Immaculate Conception, Moycullen.  Mass for Gary Murphy on Monday at 12.  Private cremation to follow.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Croí.

Bernard Keady

Moyvilla, Oranmore and formerly of Attymon, Athenry.  Reposing at Quinn’s Funeral Home, Athenry this evening from 5 until 7.  Arriving at Church of the Assumption, Athenry tomorrow Sunday for mass for Bernard Keady at 2.  Funeral afterwards to New Cemetery, Athenry.  House private tomorrow morning and family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Galway Hospice.

Anne Quinn nee Riordan

Mulroog East, Ballinderreen and formerly of Tulligbeg, Killorglin, Co. Kerry.  Reposing at Suaimhneas in the grounds of Clarinbridge Church today from 3:30.  Removal at 5:30 to St. Colman’s Church, Ballinderreen.  Mass for Anne Quinn tomorrow Sunday at 2:30.  Funeral afterwards to Drumacoo Cemetery.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Galway Hospice.

Maureen Duggan nee Crowe

Gloves, Athenry and formerly of Corbally, Cummer.  Reposing at Gardiners Funeral Home, Athenry this evening from 5.  Removal at 7 to Church of St. Peter and Paul, Kiltullagh.  Mass for Maureen Duggan tomorrow Sunday at 12.  Funeral afterwards to Lackagh Old Cemetery.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – There’s been a major breakthrough for the rights of traditional seaweed harvesters in Connemara and along the west coast.

The Government has acknowledged the long-standing traditional rights of harvesters in the newly announced findings of a three-year audit.

It was ordered in 2015 to clarify legal standings after a number of companies lodged applications for seaweed harvesting licenses along the west coast.

The Attorney General has now advised that harvesting should not be licensed in any area where traditional rights already exist – unless it can be guaranteed those rights will not be impacted upon.

For more on this story, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 11…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A final report on changes to speed limits across the county is expected to go to public consultation in the coming weeks.

It’s part of a national speed limit review which aims to make routes across Ireland safer for all road users.

The maps for Galway’s proposed speed limit changes have been drawn up and have recently gone through a consultation process with An Garda Siochana.

For more on this story, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 5…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A proposal for a solar farm near Clifden has been shot down.

The county council has refused to grant planning permission to Lir Energy Ltd for a 4 megawatt solar farm with storage units at Tooraskeheen.

The solar farm planned for Clifden would have involved an upgrade of the existing access road, a new access road and substation with transformers.

County planners have turned down the plans stating that they are not satisfied that the development wouldn’t adversely impact on nearby protected European sites.

Planners also state that the solar farm would not be capable of adequately assimilating into the rural landscape.

Another reason for refusal is that planners felt the development would have the potential to adversely impact on the amenities of residential properties in surrounding areas.

Michael O’Dea

Mounthazel, Ballymacward, Ballinasloe.  Reposing at Franciscan College Oratory, Mountbellew this evening from 6 until 8.  Removal from his residence tomorrow Monday to St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballymacward for mass for Michael O’Dea at 12.  Funeral afterwards to Killahawn Cemetery.  House private tomorrow Monday and family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Portiuncula Hospital Pastoral Care.

Noreen Hurley

St. Brendan’s Court, Loughrea.  Reposing at Dignity Chapel, Barrack Street, Loughrea this evening from 6.  Removal at 8 to St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea.  Mass for Noreen Hurley tomorrow Monday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Mount Jerome Crematorium.  Family flowers only, by request.

Bridget McQuinn nee Coyne

Eighterard, Oughterard.  Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Oughterard this evening from 5.  Removal at 7 to Oughterard Church.  Mass for Bridget McQuinn tomorrow Monday at 11.  Funeral afterwards to Kilcummin Cemetery, Oughterard.  House private and family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Croí.

Gary Murphy

Clooniffe, Moycullen and Cregmore.  Reposing at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, today from 12:30.  Removal at 2 to Church of the Immaculate Conception, Moycullen.  Mass for Gary Murphy tomorrow  Monday at 12.  Private cremation to follow.  Family flowers only, by request.  Donations, if desired, to Croí.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – House prices across Galway continued to climb steadily during the second quarter of this year.

That’s according to the latest figures from property website Daft.ie.

The average property in Galway now stands at €202 thousand – up from 194 thousand recorded in the first quarter of 2018.

Meanwhile, the average city property now stands at €285 thousand – up from €273 thousand during the first three months of the year.

While both figures experienced growth over the past 3 months – the overall rate of inflation has slowed down considerably compared to the same period in 2017.

For more on this story, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 11…

This week Ronan Lardner has a have a fab prize to giveaway in association with Destination Westport.

You could win a two nights Bed & Breakfast stay with dinner on one evening for two adults in one of Westport’s luxury hotels.  You’ll also win one of the following outdoor activities of your choice…Cycle the Greenway, Day pass to Westport House, Round of Golf , or any choice of activity with Westport Adventure Park.   Catch your breath now and tune in to Ronan Lardner each day this week from 12.

Visit Westport this summer, the Riviera of the Wild Atlantic Way.  Breathe in the sea air, coast along the Greenway to Achill Island, wander the winding streets and soak up the bustling atmosphere of Westport.

Float on clouds at the top of Croagh Patrick, scream your heart out at the Pirate Adventure Park of Westport House or go island hopping among Clew Bays 365 Islands.

Discover Westport this summer, the Riviera of the Wild Atlantic Way. For more information, go to destinationwestport.com

A leading, global partner for Medical-Device development and manufacturing solutions, based in Parkmore, Galway, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the following roles:

Job Title:  Production Operator

Day & Evening Shifts Available

Position Status:  Fixed Term Contract

Essential Functions:

• Perform a variety of medical assembly and processing tasks as a production team member.
• Perform a variety of tasks on a rotating basis.
• Ensure product assembled meets required quality standards.
• Meet daily targets
• Experience in the manufacturing of Medical devices an advantage

To apply for one of these exciting new roles, please submit your CV to careers@advantmedical.com by Monday 9^th July 2018

HURLING RESULTS:

Gullane’s Hotel Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 1
Athenry 1-18 Craughwell 0-21
Ardrahan 1-12 Salthill-Knocknacarra 1-12

Gullane’s Hotel Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 2
Liam Mellows 1-19 Ballygar 2-14
Clarinbridge 1-16 Kilnadeema-Leitrim 0-13
Micheal Breathnach 3-18 Gort 1-9

Gullane’s Hotel Junior A Hurling Championship – Group 3
Tommy Larkins 1-20 Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 1-14
Turloughmore 1-19 St Thomas 3-11
Meelick-Eyrecourt 5-14 Bearna-Na Forbacha 0-13

Gullane’s Hotel Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 1
Ballinasloe 3-16 Kilconieron 2-12
Beagh 3-11 Abbeyknockmoy 2-11

Gullane’s Hotel Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 2
Loughrea 1-12 Killimor 0-13
Killimordaly 0-18 Cappataggle 1-12

Gullane’s Hotel Junior B Hurling Championship – Group 3
Annaghdown 3-16 Kiltormer 2-12
Ahascragh/Fohenagh 1-18 Padraig Pearses 2-15

Gullane’s Hotel Junior C Hurling Championship – Group 1
Kilbeacanty 2-17 Craughwell 1-15

Gullane’s Hotel Junior C1 Hurling Championship – Group 1
Ahascragh/Fohenagh 1-12 Moycullen 1-10

Gullane’s Hotel Junior C1 Hurling Championship – Group 2
Mullagh 1-16 Kinvara 3-9
Annaghdown 4-18 Tuam 0-9

FOOTBALL RESULTS:

Division 4 football League
Corofin 3-13 Renvyle 3-10

John Dunne Cup – Group 3
St. James 3-15 Salthill-Knocknacarra 3-11

Ard Ri Hotel Division 7 (North)
Williamstown 2-9 Menlough 1-7

Car Parts Warehouse Division 5 (West)
Fr Griffins/Eire Og 2-15 Salthill-Knocknacarra 3-11
An Cheathru Rua 3-13 Killannin 0-5

Car Parts Warehouse Division 7 (West)
Oranmore-Maree 3-13 Clifden 2-5

Donegal’s 2012 All-Ireland winning manager Jim McGuinness has emerged as a surprise contender to take over at Galway United. McGuinness indicated back in January that he would focus on a coaching role after leaving his role as assistant coach to Chinese Super league club Beijing Sinobo Guoan for what they describe as “personal, family reasons”, and today the Irish Sun is reporting that he is in the frame to succeed Shane Keegan in the hot-seat. Keegan left Galway by mutual consent during the mid-season break.

McGuinness spent five years with Glasgow Celtic before joining the Beijing club under coach Roger Schmidt. The 45-year-old recently completed his UEFA A Licence and has made little secret of his desire to become a manager. It comes on the back of a proposed takeover by two Saudi Arabian businessmen of the club which was accepted by the supporters Co-Op last week.