Heffernan among Galway players to win Connacht Titles

Galway won six Connacht titles on a busy weekend of handball. Niamh Heffernan claimed Galway’s first title on Friday evening when she produced a dominant performance to beat Mayo’s Clare Reynolds 21-2 21-1.

Kieran Hanley, Martin Conneely, Seamus Conneely, Morgan Darcy and Brendan McNeela all claimed Connacht titles and now progress to All-Ireland semi-finals alongside Diarmuid Mulkerrins and Ian McLoughlin who both received byes.

FRIDAY 22nd February

ST COMANS

Ladies Minor Singles: Clare Reynolds (Mayo) lost to Niamh Heffernan (Galway) 2-21 1-21

Over 35 A Singles: Joe McCann (Mayo) dft Ollie Conway (Galway) 21-13 21-6

LISACUL

Silver Masters B Singles: Martin McAndrew (Mayo) lost to Kieran Hanley (Galway) 12-21 6-21

Junior B Singles: Johnathon Conroy (Mayo) dft John Lalor (Galway) 21-15 21-20

CLAREGALWAY

Masters B Singles: Joe O’Connell (Galway) lost to Sean Jennings (Roscommon) 12-21 9-21

SATURDAY 23rd February

LISACUL

Diamond Masters A Singles: Martin Conneely (Galway) dft Kevin Geraghty (Mayo) 21-5 6-1 inj

Minor Singles: Lorcan Conlon (Mayo) dft Jason O’Toole (Galway) 21-20 21-20

CLAREMORRIS

Over 35 B Singles: Pat Murphy (Galway) lost to Glen Walsh (Roscommon) 3-21 2-21

Junior Singles: Denis Creaton (Roscommon) lost to Seamus Conneely (Galway) 16-21 20-21

Junior C Singles: Barry Nolan (Roscommon) dft Mike Dillon (Galway) 21-15 21-20

SUNDAY 24th February

CLAREMORRIS

Over 70 Singles: Michael Brennan (Sligo) lost to Morgan Darcy (Galway) 12-21 2-21

CURRAGHBOY

Emerald Masters B Singles: Seamus Hughes (Mayo) lost to Brendan McNeela (Galway) 12-21 13-21

Ruby Masters Singles: Padraig Gillard (Mayo) dft Gerry Ó Fátharta (Galway) 21-10 21-8

Saturday 2^nd March

ST COMANS

Ladies Junior Singles: Siobhan Tully (Roscommon) v Eimear NíBhiadha (Galway)

Byes to All Ireland Semi Finals: 

Under 21S: Diarmuid Mulkerrins; 
Intermediate Singles: Ian McLoughlin

40×20 Connacht Juvenile Singles Finals

Mikey Kelly and Emma Kinane were among 10 Galway players who claimed Connacht titles in a successful weekend. Galway players competed in thirteen different finals in two different venues in Leitrim. Mikey Kelly, Feidhlim O’Diolluin, Mark Gillespie, Grace NíAinlí, Sadhbh Ni Fhlaithearta and Emma Kinane all claimed singles titles.

Gavin Kelly/Caleb Donnellan won the U12 doubles, David Donohue/Liam Davoren claimed the U16 doubles title, Cathal and Dara O’Laoire earned a deserved U15 doubles victory while Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha/Skylyn Ni Mhaille won the U16 girls title.

Galway will be represented in eight different age grades in the All-Ireland semi-finals.

Drumshanbo

U12 Doubles: Gavin Kelly/Caleb Donnellan (Galway) dft Keith Mellet/Sean Mannion (Mayo) 15-5 15-7

U13 Singles: Feidhlim O Diolluin (Galway) dft Eoghan Carthy (Roscommon) 15-1 15-3

U15 Singles: Carragh Kennedy (Ross) dft Niamh Burke (Galway) 15-4 15-12

U16 Singles: Mikey Kelly (Galway) dft Niall Fleming (Mayo) 21-6 21-6

U16 Doubles: David Donohoe/Liam Davoren (Galway) dft Noah Corbett/Cillian Joyce (Mayo) 21-10 21-3

U17 Singles: Liam Egan (Roscommon) dft Cathal Curran (Galway)21-14 21-8

Fenagh

U12 Singles: Mark Gillespie (Galway) dft Tiernan Brady (Mayo) 15-2 15-5

U13 Singles: Grace Ni Ainli (Galway) dft Shauna Corrigan (Ross)15-7 11-15 15-3

U15 Doubles: Cathal /Dara O Laoire (Galway) dft Darragh Fox/Darragh Sweeney (Mayo) 15-4 15-9

U16 Singles: Sadhbh Ni Fhlaithearta (Galway) dft Siobhan Treacy (Roscommon) 21-5 21-4

U16 Doubles: Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha/Skylyn Ni Mhaille (Galway) dft Lucy Brennan/Amy Shannon (Mayo) 21-3 21-6

U17 Doubles: Michael Gilmartin/Eoin Fox (Mayo) dft Jack O Domhnaill/Cian O Domhnaill (Galway) 21-10 16-21 11-1

U14Singles: Emma Kinane (Galway) dft Karley Cooney (Sligo) 15-5 15-2 

Through to all Ireland semi finals

Boys

U14 Doubles Sean Stafford/Ewan Hynes (Galway)

U15 Doubles: Cathal /Dara O Laoire (Galway)

U16 Singles: Mikey Kelly(Galway)

Girls

U14 Singles: Emma Kinane (Galway) 

U14 Doubles: Ciara Geraghty/Saoirse Flynn (Mayo) or Leah Ni Mhainnin/Cliodhna Ni Chonghaile (Galway)

U15 Doubles: Amanda Ni Bhradaigh/Méabh Ni Chualáin (Galway)

U16Singles: Sadhbh Ni Fhlaithearta (Galway)

U16 Doubles: Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha/Skylyn Ni Mhaille (Galway)

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

Members of the Shantalla community are calling on city councillors not to vote on any proposed plans for a helipad on public grounds at Shantalla until documentation over the legal status of the land is presented.

It follows a meeting held last week by the Shantalla Resident’s Association, where over 100 community members gathered to voice their concerns over proposals included in the city’s Traffic Management Plan.

The proposals include a new helipad on public grounds in Shantalla and a new bus link going through the same grounds to provide a cross-city link.

The Shantalla Residents Association claim that this land was left in trust to the residents of Shantalla to enjoy.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Loughrea area councillor has urged officials to review the method used to examine the number of vacant housing units in the county, as they seem to be too high.

Fine Gael councillor Joe Byrne told a meeting at County Hall that he did an unofficial analysis with local estate agents for the Gort and Kinvara area which found around 30 such units are vacant.

This compared to the figure of 214 for Gort and Kinvara based on data from the 2016 census used by officials in the vacant homes action plan.

Councillor Byrne argued the figures from three years ago are a waste of time.

He said the only way to address the social housing issue is to construct new housing, adding that people just can’t get houses to rent in South Galway.

This Wednesday Ronan Lardner & Alan Murphy will be live from 12-5 at Kenny’s Galway for their Volvo 191 open week. Come and test drive the award winning Volvo range, including the XC40 – Irish Car of the year 2019, and you might win a trip for 2 to the Ice Hotel in Northern Sweden. See you at Kenny’s Galway, Tuam Road, Wednesday from 12.

Volvo 191 Open Week February 25th to March 3rd 2019

Test drive the award-winning Volvo range, including the XC40 the Irish Car of the Year 2019, during the 191 Open Week, and you could win an unforgettable trip for two to the Ice Hotel in Northern Sweden. That’s not all – all orders placed on a new Volvo during the open week will avail of a complimentary 3-year service pack worth €1,000.

To book a test drive, please contact Kenny Galway on 091 783000 or why not pop in, opening hours during the open week are: Wednesday 27th to Saturday March 2nd 9am to 6pm and Sunday March 3rd, 12pm to 4pm.

Established in 1992, Kenny Galway have been serving customers motoring needs for over 25 years . They aim to deliver the highest standards of customer service and always deliver on their promises. At Kenny Galway, they know every customer’s needs are different and the philosophy is to treat people the way they expect to be treated. Every member of the team is hands-on, helping the stay close to customers.

As a family run business they are passionate about their brands, customers and business and they look forward to welcoming you to Kenny Galway very soon. For more information on Kenny’s Galway click HERE

The draws for the 2019 Galway Senior and Intermediate Football Championships were held in the studios of Raidió na Gaeltachta in Casla. The Senior Football Championships have a new format this year with three groups of six teams. Defending Champions Corofin are in Group B and have been drawn in the same group of Annaghdown, Tuam Stars, Claregalway, Naomh Anna Leitir Mor and St James. Salthill/Knocknacarra have been drawn in Group A with Bearna, St Michaels, Intermediate champions An Spideal, Milltown and Killererin while Group C consists of County Finalists Mountbellew-Moylough, Monivea-Abbey, Moycullen, Killannin, An Cheathru Rua and Caherlistrane.

The Intermediate Football Championships will have four groups of four. Group A is Micheal Breathnach, Kilkerrin-Clonberne, Clifden and Oughterard. In Group B, Caltra are joined by Headford, Carna-Caiseal and Williamstown. Group C consists of Kilconly, Oranmore-Maree, St Gabriels and Junior champions Corofin and finally, Group D has Cortoon Shamrocks, Oileain Arainn, Menlough and Dunmore MacHales

The Ireland V France International team challenge event in the Clayton Hotel, Galway on Saturday 23 February was a resounding success.

Five full on International Fights were the headliners with an impressive fifteen under card fights, one of which was for an IKF All Ireland Title.

A brilliant and vocal crowd, a fantastic atmosphere sparked up by five professional drummers from the excellent “Drumadors”, beautiful ring girl Grace assisted by the ultra cute junior ring girl Belle & ring boy Joey, excellent DJ Mark, MC Alan, photographer Pete, Videographer Dave and topped off by Irish TV Station TG4 who showed highlights of the fights on national TV on Monday sports news all made for a fabulous nights entertainment of Kickboxing and K-1 at its best.

Special mentions go out to all the fantastic setup/down crew from Black Dragon who all did a top class job and some of them doubled up as warm up pad men for the fighters, corner men and security  and of course to the Ladies on the door Leona and Sinead and our excellent Glove runners Amy and Tiernagh.

The IKF Officials did a top class job with little or no complaints and the management and staff of the Clayton were professional, helpful and welcoming as always.

The medical crew from the Oranmore Civil Defence and Dr Maura Grummell were on the ball as usual and kept everyone safe and all the raffle ticket sellers did a great job also.

A huge thanks must go out to the various sponsors who very generously contributed towards bringing the International team over and helped cover the cost of the Irish Title fight and to the many people/businesses who donated a spot prize for the raffle.

The next big promotion for Black Dragon is scheduled for 12th October.

IKF Junior Kickboxing: 

Tommy Riley, Waterford, Ireland defeated Patrick Ward, Galway, Ireland by Judges decision. 20-19, 20-19, 20-18.

Darren Van Strien, Galway, Ireland and Jake Power, Limerick, Ireland fought to a draw.  20-18, 19-20, 19-19.

Faith Foley, Galway, Ireland and Nora Walsh, Sligo, Ireland fought to a draw.  20-20, 20-18, 18-20.

Finn Foley, Galway, Ireland and Alex Halligan, Claremorris, Ireland fought an exhibition match resulting in a draw.

IKF AM FCR (Exhibition).

Ultan Connell, Galway, Ireland and Owen Flatley, Galway, Ireland fought an exhibition match resulting in a draw.

IKF AM K-1:

Tom Hopwood, Galway, Ireland defeated Kevin Kehoe, New Ross, Ireland by Judges decision.  29-28, 29-28, 28-28.

IKF AM IR:

Brian Cusack, Galway, Ireland defeated Dylan Drennan, Kilkenny, Ireland by Judges decision. 29-28, 30-29, 28-29.

IKF AM FCR:

Amy Duane, Galway, Ireland defeated Julita Stachecka, Athy, Ireland by TKO in round two.

Julita Stachecka in medically suspended for 30 days until 25 March, 2019.

IKF AM FCR:

Tyrone Cronin O’ Brien, Limerick, Ireland defeated Darren Morning, Letterkenny, Ireland by Judges decision. 30-27, 29-27, 30-26.

IKF AM FCR:

Jack Walls, Donegal, Ireland defeated Oisin Concannon, Galway, Ireland by Judges decision.  29-28, 27-29, 29-30.

IKF AM FCR (Exhibition):

Eoin Mulvihill, Galway, Ireland and Jason Huane, Claremorris, Ireland fought an exhibition match resulting in a draw.

IKF AM IR:

Darren Woods, Galway, Ireland defeated Craig Sullivan, Waterford, Ireland by Judges decision. 30-27, 30-27, 30-27.

IKF AM K-1:

Sam Devaney, defeated Tom Scarry, Galway, Ireland by Kick KO in round two.

Tom Scarry is medically suspended for 45 days until 9th March, 2019.

IKF AM IR:

Jamie O Sullivan, Galway, Ireland defeated Artur Kuling, Kildare, Ireland by Judges decision.  30-25, 30-25, 30-26.

IKF AM IR -60kg Senior All Ireland Title Fight:

Christopher Breen, Tipperary, Ireland defeated Damien Creavin, Galway, Ireland by Judges decision to win the vacant title.  48-48, 46-47, 48-49.

Ireland V France 5 man International team challenge:

IKF AM IR: 

Ciaran Healy, Oldcastle, Ireland defeated Rayan Saidani, Toulouse, France by Judges decision. 30-27, 29-28, 29-28.

IKF AM K-1:

Hayleigh Kiely, Limerick, Ireland defeated Vidal Anne Juliette, Toulouse, France by Judges decision.  29-28, 29-28, 30-27.

IKF AM K-1:

Thomas Perret, Bordeaux, France defeated Dara Mannion, Galway, Ireland by Judges decision.  30-27, 30-27, 30-28.

IKF AM IR:

Chloe Quinn, Tipperary, Ireland defeated Alison Koucha, Toulouse, France by Judges decision. 30-28, 29-27, 30-27.

IKF AM K-1:

Cian McCormack, Galway, Ireland defeated Valentin Dalliere, Bordeaux, France by Judges decision.  29-27, 30-26, 30-29.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – There has been heated debate at County Hall where Ballinasloe and Athenry/Oranmore area councillors became locked in battle over roads funding.

Athenry/Oranmore members are disappointed at a recommendation to withdraw an arrangement which secured an allocation of additional roads funding for their area.

Under the motion agreed in 2017, any additional roads funding to the county was reduced by 10 percent to be ringfenced for a 25 kilometre radius from the city.

However a recommendation from Ballinasloe Municipal District which sought to withdraw the arrangement and discontinue it on an annual basis did not get the backing of the full council.

Ballinasloe councillors argued the decision wasn’t taken lightly and was taken as it’s felt the far end of the county is being discriminated against.

They added that the current arrangement means it’s not an even playing field and they’re just looking for equality throughout the county.

Oranmore/Athenry councillors argued it’s well documented that the area does not receive adequate funding and although it has less roads, they’re the busiest as they serve as main routes from the east side of Galway into the city.

After heated debate, 14 councillors backed the amended motion to withdraw the arrangement and 16 indicated against.

Fianna Fail councillor Martina Kinane said it was the right decision 18 months ago and it’s the right decision now, tune in at 2pm to hear her…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – One in five drivers in Galway has penalty points on their licence.

New official figures for 2016/17 have looked at life in rural Ireland from broadband to fertility to binge drinking.

The female fertility rate in Galway city is one of the lowest in the country. For more on this story tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…

Donnellan Auto Services, Oranmore Business Park, Oranmore have vacancies for an experienced Motor Vehicle Technician Mechanic and a Customer Service Advisor. Forward CV with covering letter explaining why you’d be a good fit for the team to john@donnellanauto.ie

Galway Bay fm newsroom- A major initiative has launched to reduce waiting times at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.

Waiting lists are being targeted across a number of departments and medical services.

New measures include an additional ultrasound machine to alleviate delays in the radiology department and the establishment of an additional late evening clinic and a Friday afternoon clinic for the cardiology department.

Tune into Galway Bay fm news for more…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Council officials have advised there was no additional cost to the local authority in the hiring of a fleet of vehicles by water services.

Director of Services Jim Cullen said the small number of vehicles in question were hired by water services.

If follows concerns raised by Tuam area councillor Donagh Killilea that a fleet of transit vans were leased or purchased in 2017/2018 and were no longer fit for purpose.

He added it was then decided to opt for different vehicles on hire at no extra cost to the council.

The meeting heard Irish Water will in due course procure its entire fleet.

Football Fixtures

Sat 02 Mar

Division 1 League

At Tuam Stars, Tuam Stars V Mountbellew/Moylough, 2pm, Ref: Frank Kinneen

Division 3 League

At Dunmore, Dunmore MacHales V Corofin, 3pm Ref: Gerry Daly

John Dunne Cup

At Cregg, Annaghdown v Kilkerrin/Clonberne, pm, Ref: Tbc;

Sun 03 Mar

Division 1 League

At Killannin, Killannin V AnSpidéal, 2pm, Ref: Kieran Quinn

At Caherlistrane, Caherlistrane V Salthill-Knocknacarra, 2pm, Ref: Tony Keating

Division 2 League

At Oughterard, Oughterard V Claregalway, 12i.n.Ref: Brenadan Kinneavy

At Maigh Cuilinn, Maigh Cuilinn V Oranmore-Maree, 2pm, Ref: Ronan McNulty

At Kilconly, Kilconly V Bearna, 2pm,  Ref: Austin O’Connell

At Brownesgrove, Cortoon Shamrocks V An CheathrúRua, 2pm, Ref: P.J. Rabbitte

At Mervue, St. James V Oileáin Árann, 2pm, Ref: Muiris MacGearailt

Division 3 League

At Menlough, Menlough V Mícheál Breathnach, 2pm, Ref: Gearoid O Conamha

At Clonbur, An Fhairche – Clonbur V Headford, 2pm, Ref: Thomas Murphy

At Monivea, Monivea-Abbey V Killererin, 3pm, Ref: Martin Flaherty

Division 4 League

At Letterfrack, Renvyle V Williamstown, 2pm, Ref: Noel Gorham

At Glenamaddy, Glenamaddy V Fr Griffins/Éire Óg, 2pm, Ref: Tom Ryder At Carna, Carna Cashel V Clifden, 2pm, Ref: Máirtín Ó Gríofa

At Kilconnell, St Gabriel’s V Mountbellew/Moylough, 2pm, Ref: Gerry Moore At Ballygar, St Brendan’s V Caltra, 2pm, Ref: Noel Dempsey

Hurling Fixtures

Fri 01 Mar

Division 2 Hurling League

At Mullagh, St Mary’s, Athenry V Mullagh, 7:30, Ref: TBC;

Sat 02 Mar

Division 1 Hurling League

At Ballyloughane, Liam Mellows V Loughrea, 11am, Ref: Paul Fahy

U21A Hurling Championship

At Kinvara, Kilnadeema-Leitrim V Clarinbridge, 3.30pm, Ref: John McDonagh

U21A1 Hurling Championship

At Eyrecourt, Meelick-Eyrecourt V Oranmore-Maree, 3.30pm, Ref: Derek Kelly

At Craughwell, Craughwell V Loughrea, 3.30pm, Ref: Liam Gordon

At Killimor, Killimor V Killimordaly, 3.30pm, Ref: Peter Murphy

U21B Hurling Championship

At Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry V Cappataggle, 3.30pm, Ref: Gerry Donoghue

Sun 03 Mar

Intermediate Hurling League Semi Finals

At Killimor, Meelick-Eyrecourt V Oranmore-Maree, 11am, Ref: Shane Curley At Lackagh, Sylane V Carnmore, 11am, Ref: Richard Mc Nicholas

U21A1 Hurling Championship

At Kilconieron, Kilconieron V Michael Cusacks, 11am, Ref: James Lundon

U21B Hurling Championship

At Castledaly, St Thomas V Tommy Larkins, 11am,  Ref: Noel Quinn

Mon 04 Mar

Senior Hurling League Final

At Duggan Park, Cappataggle V Pádraig Pearses, 7.30pm, Ref: Paul Fahy

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A man in his 60s has died following a farm accident in Glinsk

It’s understood the man was injured as he tended cattle on his farm at Ardagh just after noon today

He died at the scene from his injuries

His body was removed to University Hospital Galway where a post mortem examination will take place

Gardai and the Health & Safety Authority are investigating the incident

The local farming community is in shock at the farm tragedy

Galway Bay fm newsroom – St Mary’s College Galway and Our Lady’s College in the city are to amalgamate.

Our Lady’s College is made up of the recent amalgamation of the Mercy and Presentation secondary schools in the city.

As revealed on Galway Bay fm’s FYI Galway programme this evening the unified school will be at the St Mary’s College campus on St Mary’s Road, and is expected to open in 2021.

The patron and trustees said in a statement that the amalgamation will
create a new, large Catholic, co-educational secondary school for Galway city.

They said the decision is strongly supported by the Department of Education and Skills.

Both Our Lady’s College and St Mary’s College will continue in their present locations and under their present managements until September 2021.

This Thursday join Ronan Lardner and Alan Murphy at Clayton Hotel Ballybrit, with Bluebird Care and the CPL Institute, for their Jobs & Training Open Day, as they launch their 2019 “Healthcare Assistant Jobs & Training” programme which provides both Jobs and a recognised Healthcare Qualifications. So if you are looking for employment or healthcare training, come along this Thursday from 12 noon to 5pm. 

Bluebird Care one of Irelands leading health and social care providers was set up in Ireland in 2007. They pride themselves in providing high quality safe and effective care in the home and community, for persons of all ages with varying degrees of ability.

Bluebird Care place the customer at the heart and centre of every interaction providing care and support with kindness, compassion, consideration and respect.

Bluebird Care provides direct care to customers on behalf of the HSE and other agencies in addition to providing services to customers in a private capacity. Their services enable customers to live as independent a life as possible in the comfort of their own homes.

With 26 offices nationwide they are committed to the on-going training and development of staff. Quality and safety is at the core of all work and every office, independently owned and managed, possess the Q Mark for Quality.

For more information on Bluebird Care click HERE

Three rounds to go in the Allianz Football League and it’s proving every bit as intriguing as pre-season analysis suggested it would. Round 5 goes ahead next weekend with Round 6 on March 16 and the final round on March 24. 

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1: KERRY WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE OF FINAL

Saturday: Tyrone v Cavan, Omagh, 7.0; Mayo v Galway, Elverys MacHale Park, 7.15

Sunday: Roscommon v Dublin, Dr. Hyde Park, 2.0; Kerry v Monaghan, Fitzgerald Stadium, 3.0

As the only team in the group on full points after four games and enjoying a four-point lead over the third and fourth- placed teams, Kerry are within touching distance of reaching the final for the second time in three seasons.

A win over bottom-placed Monaghan in Killarney next Sunday would take them a step closer, while piling the relegation pressure on Malachy O’Rourke’s men, who after beating Dublin in Round 1, have lost to Roscommon, Galway and Tyrone.

However, Tyrone will be encouraged by recent League results against Kerry, having beaten them in 2018 (1-13 to 0-14) and 2017 (2-8 to 1-10), while the sides drew (1-17 each) in last year’s ‘Super 8’ clash in Clones.

Mayo’s unbeaten League run ended against Dublin last Saturday, but they are still in second place on six points, two ahead of Galway, who they meet on Saturday.

Mayo haven’t beaten Galway in League or Championship since the 2015 Connacht semi-final. Galway have since won four times in the 2016-17-18 Connacht championships as well as last year’s League.

Dublin got their ambitions of retaining the League title back on track last Saturday when beating Mayo, having beaten Galway in the previous round. They will seek to complete a treble against western opposition against Roscommon on Sunday.  Dublin beat Roscommon by 4-24 to 2-16 in last year’s  ‘Super 8’ and also won the last League clash between the counties in 2017 (2-29 to 0-14).

Roscommon’s last success over Dublin in a competitive game was in 2002 when they won a League tie by 2-12 to 0-16 in Parnell Park.

Cavan ended their losing run against Roscommon on Sunday but are still in the relegation zone as they prepare to face Tyrone, who are a point ahead of them. They last met in the League two years ago when Tyrone won by 0-19 to 1-9.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2: CORK FIGHTING FOR SURVIVAL

Saturday (7.0); Tipperary v Cork, Semple Stadium; Donegal v Armagh, Ballybofey, 7.15.

Sunday (2.0): Meath v Kildare, Pairc Tailteann; Fermanagh v Clare, Brewster Park.

Nobody would have foreseen it a few years ago, but the reality for Cork is that they are now in real danger of dropping into Division 3. Still without a win, their only point came in the first round draw with Fermanagh, so if they were to lose to Tipperary (3 points) on Saturday and Clare (3 points) beat Fermanagh, the Rebels would need a dramatic turnaround over the final two games (v Donegal and Armagh) to avoid the drop.

Tipperary beat Cork (3-16 to 1-16) in last year’s League but the Leesiders turned the tables in the Munster championship, winning by 1-17 to 0-9.

Meath and Fermanagh, who lead the way on six points each, have home advantage this weekend when they host Kildare (5 points) and Clare (3 points) respectively. Meath and Kildare last met in 2017 when they clashed in the League and Championship, with the Lilywhites winning both. They won by 3-17 to 0-16 in Division 2 and by 2-16 to 0-13 in the Leinster championship.

Fermanagh, the only unbeaten team in the group (two wins and two draws) last met Clare in the 2017 League when they won by 0-18 t0 1-10.

Ulster champions, Donegal were pre-season favourites for promotion, but after winning the first two games against Clare and Meath, they lost to Tipperary and Fermanagh. It drops them back to fifth place on four points, the same as next Saturday’s opposition, Armagh have a three-point better scoring difference. This will be the first League clash between the counties since 2014 when Donegal won by 2-10 to 1-8 (Div 2).  The last Championship match between them was in 2015 when Donegal won an Ulster quarter-final by nine points.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3: ONLY THREE POINTS SEPARATE SEVEN COUNTIES

Saturday (7.0): Carlow v Louth, Netwatch Cullen Park; Down v Offaly, Newry; Laois v Longford, Portlaoise.

Sunday: Sligo v Westmeath, Collooney, 2.0.

With the exception of Sligo, who have lost all four games, it’s an extremely tight group as it heads for the last three rounds. Louth and Down (6 points), Westmeath and Longford (5 points), Laois (4 points), Offaly and Carlow (3 points each) all have hopes of promotion.

Leaders (on scoring difference), Louth take on Carlow, who beat them by 11 points (2-17 to 0-12) in last year’s Leinster championship.  After losing their opening game, Down have had three straight wins while Offaly had their first victory, beating Carlow on Sunday. Laois and Longford didn’t meet last year but clashed in League and Championship in 2017, with Laois winning both.

Sligo have made their worst start for years and are already in serious relegation trouble, a situation that will get worse if they fail to beat Westmeath. The counties last met in the League in 2016 when Sligo won by a point.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4: DERRY AND LEITRIM PULL WELL CLEAR 

Saturday: Wicklow v Wexford, Aughrim, 2.0

Sunday: Waterford v Antrim, WIT Arena, 12.30; Leitrim v London, Carrick-on-Shannon, 12.0; Limerick v Derry, Gaelic Grounds, 1.0

Derry and Leitrim, both of whom have won their opening four games, are four points ahead of their closest pursuers (Wicklow and Limerick – both on four points).

It means that if Leitrim (v London) and Derry (v Limerick) were to win next Sunday and Wicklow lost to Wexford, the promotion issue would be decided with two rounds left.

Games between Derry and Limerick are very rare but not so with Leitrim and London, who meet regularly in League and Championship.

They didn’t meet in last year’s League as the game didn’t take place due to the bad weather. Leitrim beat London in both the 2017 League and Championship. Antrim beat Waterford by eight points in last year’s League while Wexford and Wicklow last met in the League two years ago when the Slaney men by three points.

2019 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE: RESULTS AND FIXTURES

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1

Round 1: Monaghan 2-13 Dublin 1-13; Galway 0-13 Cavan 0-11; Kerry 0-11 Tyrone 0-7; Mayo 1-8 Roscommon 1-7.
Round 2: Dublin 1-15 Galway 0-7; Roscommon 1-12 Monaghan 0-13; Kerry 0-16 Cavan 0-13; Mayo 2-13 Tyrone 0-10.
Round 3: Kerry 1-18 Dublin 2-14; Mayo 1-13 Cavan 0-11; Roscommon 1-10 Tyrone 1-10; Galway 1-9 Monaghan 0-11.
Round 4: Dublin 1-12 Mayo 0-7; Tyrone 1-16 Monaghan 0-12; Kerry 0-14 Galway 1-10; Cavan 3-13 Roscommon 0-13.
Round 5: Mar 2: Tyrone v Cavan; Mayo v Galway; Mar 3: Roscommon v Dublin; Kerry v Monaghan.
Round 6: Mar 16: Galway v Roscommon; Monaghan v Cavan; Dublin v Tyrone; Kerry v Mayo.
Round 7: Mar 24: Cavan v Dublin; Mayo v Monaghan; Roscommon v Kerry; Tyrone v Galway.

Final: Mar 31

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Round 1: Donegal 0-16 Clare 0-13; Fermanagh 0-8 Cork 1-5; Kildare 0-14 Armagh 1-11; Meath 0-15 Tipperary 1-8.
Round 2:  Kildare 1-10 Cork 0-10; Donegal 1-13 Meath 0-14; Tipperary 2-5 Fermanagh 2-5; Armagh 1-3 Clare 2-10.
Round 3:  Fermanagh 0-8 Kildare 0-6; Clare 3-13 Cork 1-10; Meath 2-13 Armagh 0-13; Tipperary 3-9 Donegal 0-13.
Round 4: Meath 2-12 Cork 1-9; Armagh 1-15 Tipperary 0-12; Fermanagh 0-13 Donegal 0-10; Kildare 1-16 Clare 0-13.
Round 5: Feb 2: Tipperary v Cork; Donegal v Armagh; Feb 3: Meath v Kildare; Fermanagh v Clare.
Round 6: Mar 16: Clare v Meath; Cork v Donegal; Kildare v Tipperary; Armagh v Fermanagh.
Round 7: Armagh v Cork; Donegal v Kildare; Meath v Fermanagh; Tipperary v Clare.

Final: Mar 31

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3

Round 1: Carlow 1-11 Sligo 0-7; Longford 1-8 Louth 0-9; Westmeath 0-13 Offaly 0-12; Laois 2-15 Down 1-12;
Round 2:  Longford 1-6 Offaly 0-9; Louth 3-8 Laois 1-9; Westmeath 1-10 Carlow 2-7; Down 1-12 Sligo 1-10.
Round 3:  Down 0-10 Westmeath 0-9; Longford 1-11 Carlow 0-9; Louth 2-10 Offaly 2-8; Laois 2-18 Sligo 2-10
Round 4: Down 3-7 Longford 0-8; Westmeath 0-13 Laois 0-10; Louth 5-16 Sligo 0-16; Offaly 0-15 Carlow 1-9.
Round 5: Mar 2: Carlow v Louth; Down v Offaly; Laois v Longford. Mar 3: Sligo v Westmeath.
Round 6: Mar 16: Longford v Sligo; Louth v Westmeath; Offaly v Laois; Carlow v Down.
Round 7: Mar 24: Down v Louth; Westmeath v Longford; Sligo v Offaly; Laois v Carlow.
Final: Mar 30

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4

Round 1: Derry 1-10 Antrim 1-9; Leitrim 3-15 Wexford 0-11; Limerick 0-11 London 0-10; Wicklow 1-7 Waterford 0-9
Round 2: Derry 0-19 London 1-9; Limerick 1-13 Waterford 0-10; Leitrim 1-16 Wicklow 1-12; Wexford 1-10 Antrim 0-9.
Round 3: Leitrim 0-14 Antrim 1-10; London 2-10 Wexford 0-8; Derry 2-12 Waterford 1-8; Wicklow 2-8 Limerick 1-6.
Round 4: Leitrim 0-12 Limerick 0-11: Antrim 1-13 London 1-8; Derry 2-8 Wicklow 0-9; Waterford 5-4 Wexford 0-12.
Round 5: Mar 2: Wicklow v Wexford; Mar 3: Waterford v Antrim; Leitrim v London; Limerick v Derry.
Round 6: Mar 16: Antrim v Wicklow; London v Waterford; Wexford v Limerick; Derry v Leitrim.
Round 6: Mar 24: Derry v Wexford; Leitrim v Waterford; Limerick v Antrim; Wicklow v London.

Final: Mar 30

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Plans for a major refurbishment of the sanctuary at Tuam Cathedral has secured planning approval.

The project at Bishop Street led by St. Jarlath’s Diocesan Trust concerns a protected structure dating back to 1836.

The multi million euro works will include alterations to the screen at the back of the alter and the removal of existing fixtures and fittings.

Of the three conditions attached, one states the works are to be monitored by an architect with conservation expertise.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Saolta officials have been urged to reconsider their plan to locate an X-Ray unit in the old health centre in Tuam.

The plan was raised at the Regional Health Forum where Tuam area councillor Donagh Killilea asked why the unit will not be set up at the new Tuam Primary Care Centre.

The Department of Health allocated 700 thousand euro for the provision of the services in late 2017.

It’s understood the reason the service will be located in the old building concerns an issue with the contract for the primary care centre and its ability to expand services. For more on this story tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…

On Tuesday’s show Keith spoke about a career day in Ashford Castle this Friday; an family fun day in the Engineering Department in NUI Galway this weekend; 2 survirvors from the Tuam Mother and Baby Homes joined Keith in studio; a Hen Resucue taking place this Sunday; and a conference on Workplace Relationships

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Saolta officials have been criticised over plans to close the existing orthopaedic surgery theatre at Merlin Park Hospital once the two new modular theatres come onstream.

The hospital’s two theatres were shut down in 2017 following leaks.

Since then, only one has re-opened following repair works, and waiting lists have continued to grow sharply due to the lack of facilities.

Almost 200 thousand euro was spent on roof repairs for one theatre along with internal upgrades to bring it up to standard on current infection control measures.

A planning application for the new modular builds was submitted before Christmas, but the project has run into difficulties.

Saolta officials have confirmed that an issue with the company selected to provide the builds, along with a request from the City Council for further information on the planning application is causing the delay in the project.

Speaking at this week’s Regional Health Forum, Saolta Chief Operations Officer, Ann Cosgrove, says if planning permission is granted, the new theatres will be completed within 7 to 9 months.

When questioned, the C.O.O. said the current theatre will not be used once the two new modular builds come onstream, but may be considered for further patient services in the future. For more on this story tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour…