Galway Bay fm newsroom – Unemployment figures in Galway decreased slightly last month according to the latest statistics from the Central Statistics Office.

The report shows there are now 10 thousand 607 people out of work in Galway, 60 less than the Live Register figure at the end of January and 14 per cent drop on last year’s figure.

The biggest drop in unemployment last month was in Clifden where 33 people came off the Live Register.

There are now 765 people without jobs in Clifden.

In the city in February, 15 people came off the Live Register leaving its unemployment figure at 5 thousand 140.

In Ballinasloe, Live Register numbers fell by 8 in February, meaning there are now just over 11 hundred people without work in Ballinasloe.

Gort saw a similar decrease in its unemployment figure last month, with 6 people coming off the Live Register.

There are now 776 without jobs in Gort.

The only area to experience an increase in unemployment figures last month was Tuam where two extra people joined the Live Register.

The unemployment figure in Tuam now stands at just over 15 hundred.

Overall there are 10 thousand 600 people out of work in the city and county, a decrease of more than 15 per cent on the same period last year.

Reigning All Ireland champion Martin Mulkerrins is one game away from a return to the All-Ireland final after he beat Wexford’s Gavin Buggy in their All Ireland quarter final clash last Saturday in Cullohill, Laois. The Moycullen man was in impressive form as he beat his opponent 21-8 21-5. The win sets up a mouth watering clash between Mulkerrins and Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy in the All-Ireland semi-final next weekend. McCarthy beat the Galway man in their semi final clash at the Irish Nationals less than a month ago before he won the tournament. On the other side of the draw, number one seed Diarmuid Nash of Clare faces first time semi-finalist Patrick Funchion of Kilkenny.

Mulkerrins and Heffernan among those in All-Ireland Finals

The All-Ireland semi finals of the other age categories saw five Galway players reach All-Ireland finals in their age grade. On International Women’s Day, Niamh Heffernan travelled to Tyrone to take on home player Mairead Fox. The Claregalway woman outclassed her opponent to set up what will be a cracking final against Kildare’s Leah Doyle.

On Saturday, Morgan Darcy, Kieran Hanley and Eimear Ni Bhiadha all secured their All-Ireland final places in the over 70 singles, Silver Masters B Singles and Ladies Junior Singles respectively. Ni Bhiadha won a Connacht title on Thursday before travelling to Tyrone and winning her semi final. Diarmuid Mulkerrins beat Dean Fox of Antrim to secure an impressive win on a final score of 21-1 21-6.

Ladies Minor Singles: Niamh Heffernan v Mairead Fox (Tyrone) 21-7 21-8

Diamond Masters A Singles: Martin Conneely v Thomas Maguire (Antrim) 7-21 5-8 inj

Emerald Masters B Singles: Brendan McNeela v Sean McNally (Down) 8-21 9-21

O70s: Morgan Darcy v Seamus Graham (Antrim) 21-17 21-15

Silver Masters B Singles: Seamus McRory (Tyrone) v Kieran Hanley 18-21 21-18 4-21

Ladies Junior Singles: Caitlin Conway (Tyrone) v Eimear Ni Biadha 14-21 20-21

U21s: Dean Fox (Antrim) v Diarmuid Mulkerrins 1-21 6-21

Junior Singles: Jordan O Neill v Seamus Conneely 8-21 10-21

Ten Galway Players Progress to Juvenile All-Ireland Finals

Galway players reached All-Irelands in six different age grades as Galway players impressed on a busy day of All-Ireland semi final action. Mikey Kelly and Emma Kinane both progressed while the doubles pairings of Leah Ni Mhainnin and Cliodhna Ni Chonghaile, Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha and Skylyn Ni Mhaille, Amanda Ni Bhradaigh and Meabh Ni Chualain while Cathal& Dara Ó Laoire won their All-Ireland semi finals also.

Girls U14 Doubles: Leah Ni Mhainnin/Cliodhna Ni Chonghaile (Galway) dft Aoibheann McCluskey/Fiona Flood (Monaghan) 15-10 15-4

Girls U16 Doubles: Galway (Eadaoin Nic Dhonnacha/Skylyn Ni Mhaille) dftEithne Boyle/Sarah Laverty (Monaghan) 21-1 21-0

Girls U15 Doubles Amanda Ni Bhradaigh/Meabh Ni Chualain (Galway) dft Aoibheann Daly/Aoibheann Gallagher (Tyrone) 15-4 15-2

Girls U16 Singles: Sadhbh Ni Fhlaithearta (Galway) dft Clodagh Munroe (Tyrone) 15-21 8-21

Boys U15 Doubles: Cathal & Dara Ó Laoire (Galway) dft Matthew Smith/Cormac Flynn (Cavan) 15-9 15-10

Girls U14 Singles: Emma Kinane (Galway) dft Dearbhail Fox (Tyrone)

Boys U14 Doubles: Oliver McCrystal/Adam McKenna (Cavan)dftSean Stafford/Ewan Hynes (Galway)

Boys U16 Singles: Mikey Kelly (Galway) dftTiernan O’Rourke (Monaghan)

Boys U16 Doubles: Jack Darcy/Conor Owens (Tyrone) dft David Donohoe/Liam Davoren (Galway)

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A new consultant neonatologist has been appointed at Galway University Hospitals.

Dr Johannes Buca Letshwiti graduated from NUI Galway in 2005 and has previously worked at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin – as well as as a consultant paediatrican at Mayo University Hospital.

He previously undertook training at a number of hospitals across Ireland as well in Canada, where he received a humanitarian award for outstanding patient care.

Galway Bay fm newsroom- Changes to plans to provide a new fuel station in Mountbellew have been refused.

Cahermorris Developments Limited has been refused planning permission to partially change plans from retail units and apartments to a filling station.

The brownfield site is located to the east side of the Square in Mountbellew.

Planning permission was previously granted for a mixed-use development including retail units, medical units and a creche.

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

Construction Plant Fitter with 5 years experience and full clean driving license required for company based in Parkmore. Email CV to mmadden@jmaddens.ie

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A proposal to prepare a plan to improve and enhance the appearance of the N84 Headford Road has been unanimously passed by Oranmore Athenry councillors at Municipal District level.

Councillor James Charity told a meeting of the local area councillors this week that the area along Curragh Line has been used as a dumping ground.

Councillor Charity says that if the N84 route looked more landscaped and maintained, it might deter people from dumping.

The Independent councillor says there has been a mattress thrown on the side of the road near Carrowbrowne for several weeks and says the area has been neglected.

He proposed a motion that the council look into seeking funding for the enhancement and landscaping of the Headford Road under the next round of the Town and Village Enhancement Scheme.

The motion was passed by the MDC and council officials said they would investigate the possibility further.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The broadband officer in the county council is to be requested to attend a meeting of Athenry/Oranmore Municipal District Council to discuss connectivity in the county.

Councillor Martina Kinane raised the matter at a meeting of the MDC this week stating that several businesses have complained about the lack of fibre broadband in their area.

She cited one example as being Galway Bay Golf Club in Renville, which has facilities for conferences but can’t host them because of a lack of fibre broadband.

The Fianna Fáil councillor wants to liaise with the council’s broadband officer with a view to contacting Eir on behalf of businesses in the district.

Councillor Kinane says having a point of contact could resolve the issues faster, tune in for more to The News@1 for Galway…

Galway Bay fm newsroom – 50 locations have been identified as litter or dumping ‘hotspots’ throughout the city.

The figure was contained in the draft litter management plan up to 2022 which was presented at City Hall this week.

The plan states that in 2019, signage detailing fines will be erected at the selected locations to deter such dumping.

Councillor Frank Fahy argued signage is not effective and urged officials to use the money for covert cameras.

However officials advised covert CCTV is not possible due to recent GDPR legislation.

The meeting heard 182 fines were issued in 2016, 185 in 2017 and 209 in 2018.

In 2016, of the 3 cases pursued, 2 went to court with convictions achieved.

In 2018, 5 cases were pursued with 4 going to court and 3 convictions achieved.

Officials have vowed to tackle rogue waste collectors as part of the plan.

Senior Engineer Carmel Kilcoyne says the public’s assistance is vital as part of this process, tune in to The News@1 for Galway to hear her…

It proved a glorious day for Garbally College Ballinasloe at the Connacht Schools Cup finals today at the Sportsground as the completed the Junior and Senior Cup double in exciting fashion. Five tries in total saw Garbally defeat a gallant Roscommon CBS 31-6 to land their 47th Senior Cup title. The Ballinasloe college saw off old rivals The Jes 22-15 to win the Junior Cup and the Senior Development Cup final was won by Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin 25 – 19 against Gallen CS. Details of all 3 finals below:

SENIOR A CUP FINAL RESULT: GARBALLY COLLEGE 26-6 ROSCOMMON CBS

25 mins – Try Garbally from Sean Horkan, converted by Stephen Mannion 7-0

31 mins: Try Garbally from Shay Hennessy, converted by Stephen Mannion 14-0 – HALF TIME

37 mins Roscommon CBS penalty – Mark Purcell 14 – 3

45 mins: Roscommon CBS penalty – Mark Purcell 14 – 6

51 mins: Try Garbally and conversion from Stephen Mannion 21 – 6

57 mins: Try number 4 for Garbally from Oisin McCormack, conversion is missed. 26 – 6

70 mins: Try for Garbally by Oisin McCormack to seal a 47th Senior Cup title for the Ballinasloe School.

FULL TIME – Garbally 31 Roscommon CBS 6

JUNIOR A CUP FINAL Result: GARBALLY COLLEGE 22 – 15 COLAISTE IOGNAID

14 minutes: Try for Garbally from Luke Walsh, converted by Adam O’ Carroll. 7 – 0

20 minutes: Try for the Jes from James Harrison. 7 – 5

23 minutes: Penalty Garbally from Adam O’ Carroll. 10 – 5

29 minutes: Try Garbally from Daithi Blackweir, converted by Adam O’Carroll – HALF TIME

2nd half, 8 minutes: Try Jes from Adam Madden, converted by Charlie Power 17 – 12

2nd half, 27 minutes: Penalty Jes Charlie Power 17 – 15

2nd half, 30 minutes +1: Try Garbally, Samuel Almeida, 22 – 15

FULL TIME: Garbally 22 Colaiste Iognaid 15

SENIOR DEVELOPMENT CUP FINAL Result: SCOIL CHUIMSITHEACH CHIARÁIN 25 GALLEN CS 19

First half tries from Colm McDonncha (8) and full back Warren Seoighe for the Carraroe school as well as a conversion and penalty from Joe O’ Gubaín put them 15 – 0 up. Gallen’s try in response came from Bernard Corcoran. Half time SCC 15 – 5 Gallen.

2 minutes into second half a try from Cian O’ Scanláin has stretched the lead for the Carraroe men 20 – 5

49 minutes – Try for Gallen from Harry Bassinger, converted by Cathal Flynn. 20 – 12

65 minutes – Try for Gallen from Ronan McDonagh, converted by Cathal Flynn sets up a grandstand finish with 5 minutes to go. 20 – 19

Cian O’ Scanláin with his second try and Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin’s 4th seals the title in the final minute

Full time: SCC 25 – Gallen 19

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A debt expert is claiming that no distressed mortgage holders in Galway, who are eligible for the mortgage to rent scheme, should lose their home.

CEO of ‘Home for Life’, Paul Cunningham, says many people are suffering extreme stress because they don’t realise there is another way out of what seems like an impossible situation.

He says even those previously rejected from the Government’s mortgage to rent scheme may now be eligible following recent changes to the criteria.

He claims the ‘new reality’ is that there is a solution for everyone in mortgage distress and lenders do not want to instigate court proceedings.

Figures from the Central Bank show that over 1,100 households in Galway are in mortgage arrears for more than two years.

Of those, 860 are in arrears for over five years.

Paul Cunningham says there is a solution to be found in almost every case, tune in to Galway Bay fm news on the hour to hear more…

On today’s Show Keith was live from Peacok’s of Maam Cross speaking about tourism in the Connemara area

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A major tech festival to showcase hologram making, music technology and drone flying through Irish will take place in the city tomorrow. (14/3)

Over 250 young people from over 40 schools nationwide from the TechSpace Network will attend Tech Féile at the Black Box.

Social Enterprise Camara Education Ireland is collaborating with several organisations to deliver the festival.

It will include awards, guest speakers, creative performances and ‘Blaiseach Teic’ inspirational workshops.

At 4, hear Project Coordinator with Clár TechSpace, Síomha Ní Ruairc

Galway Bay fm newsroom- Two initiatives in the aquaculture industry in Connemara continue be tied up over a lengthy period of time due to planning issues.

The first phase of development at a proposed Marine Industries Park in Cill Chiaráin has been with An Bord Pleanála over the past year.

Meanwhile, an effort to bring water from a south Connemara lake as far as a salmon farm is now the subject of Court proceedings.

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

Aztec Logistics – Oranmore Require: 2 Logistics Warehouse Material Handlers for immediate start.  Day and evening shift.  Forklift and manual handling trained an advantage.  Apply with CV to jobs@azteclogistics.ie

Galway Bay fm newsroom- Officials from IDA Ireland are expected to attend a meeting of the county council in April or May to discuss plans for regional development.

This follows a motion raised by Councillor Jim Cuddy stating that more effort is needed to attract large businesses to towns across the county.

The Independent councillor says there are sufficent facilities in the county to support new industry and cited examples such as broadband services and developed road networks.

Tune into Galway Bay fm news for more on this story

In the Men’s Division One Colleges League final, Ulster University eked their revenge on NUIG today as, after losing out last year’s Men’s Division One Colleges League final to the Galway side, put on a shooting masterclass this afternoon to be crowned champions on a final score line of 117-92. A superb 37-point game from Conor Quinn helped his side home to victory as Ulster were the quickest out of the blocks opening an early lead in the first quarter. Two three pointers from Conor Quinn helped extend Ulster’s lead despite the best efforts at the other end from Tom Rivard and NUIG called a time out to settle themselves. Conor Quinn finished off how he left prior to the timeout with another three followed by a three from Ulster’s Michael Riopel. NUIG’s Eoin Rockall and Rivard were able to gain momentum with back-to-back threes and a few extra scores as they were able to close the gap to just two points at the end of the quarter, to trail 30-28.  

Ulster again started off strong in the second quarter, extending the lead early with threes from Aaron Goldring and Riopel, but NUIG’s Rivard again continued his inside presence with a basket and two free throws. NUIG managed to tie the game through a lay-up from Rockall, while Stephen Commins gave NUIG the first lead of the game forcing UU to take a time-out. Straight out of the time out, Sean Quinn tied the game with a three, and UU upped their defense into full court pressure. Sean Quinn continued attacking on offence getting a lay-up and a three along with Ajayi who continued to create opportunities going to the basket and finishing second chance opportunities. NUIG’s Rockall – with the help of Kyle Cunningham – managed to put back-to-back baskets together but Riopel had a reply at the other end to see UU into a 56-47 lead at half time.

A quick four points from NUIG’s Rivard opened the third quarter, but Goldring quickly replied with a nice corner three. Goldring started the half of scoring for UU with a corner 3. Ajayi continued converting second chance points for UU as well as adding a big three, moments later. For NUIG a fast break dunk from Rivard sparked some momentum, with good shooting from Rockall and good play from John Burke keeping them right in the mix. Again, UU responded with Ajayi and Conor Quinn converting on consecutive threes and Ulster held an 83 -68 lead going into the last.

A high intensity start to the fourth from UU saw Conall Mulan and Ajayi converting fast break opportunities. NUIG called a time-out and brought back Rivard to the game, despite his four fouls. UU continued to dominate on the fast break and NUIG just could not manage to make a dent in the UU lead as Conor Quinn and Shay Ajayi continued their scoring to win out 117-92 in the end.

Garbally College 31 CBS Roscommon 6

Garbally College justified its strong favourites tag with a powerful display to seal an incredible 47th Top Oil Connacht Schools Senior A Cup title for the college.

The Ballinasloe side have appeared in over 50 Senior Cup finals, but never before in a decider had they faced CBS Roscommon who made history earlier in the month by reaching their first ever Senior Cup final after a memorable win over The Jes at Creggs RFC.

In front of a raucous travelling support from Roscommon, CBS certainly weren’t overawed by the occasion as they competed brilliantly in defence and at the breakdown in the opening stages. Garbally had the majority of possession but it took them 27 minutes to finally make the breakthrough, with some quick hands from the backs releasing Sean Horkan who showed some incredible pace to break down the wing and score underneath the posts.

A further try was to follow just before the break as Shea Hennessy touched down in the corner while Stephen Mannion nailed a brilliant conversion to make it a 14 point game at the break.

CBS knew they had to start the second half all guns blazing, and that’s exactly what they did as two incredible penalties from Mark Purcell on the half-way line brought the gap down to 8 points, and suddenly a major shock was on the cards. However from then on Garbally were able to find an extra gear, as further tries from Stephen Mannion and Oisin McCormack helped the Ballinasloe side pull away for a deserved victory.

After the game, William Davies spoke to the Coach of Garbally College Kevin Tierney.

William also spoke to the Garbally Captain Stephen Mannion

The Women’s Super League regular season will come to a dramatic conclusion this weekend as teams have one last chance of qualifying for the Champions Trophy play offs.

Courtyard Liffey Celtics, who were crowned league champions last weekend, have safely booked their spot through to the play offs, but it’s all to play for elsewhere, with six teams vying for just five remaining spots.

One of the big battles of the weekend will see the clash for second spot in the Women’s Super League as DCU Mercy and Fr Mathews, currently tied in second position, will do battle on Saturday evening. The winner of this clash will earn a coveted second place finish in the league, ensuring they go straight through to the playoff semi finals, while the loser of this game will finish in third spot in the league, and thus be headed for the quarter-final rounds.

Fr Mathews come into the game off the back of a number of solid weeks in the league, including big wins over Liffey Celtics and Maxol WIT Wildcats recently. DCU for their part come in to the clash off the back of a big win against Ambassador UCC Glanmire in Cork last Saturday evening, and will be aiming to defend their home court in style.

Below them on the table though is where the battle gets even more interesting as Ambassador UCC Glanmire, Singleton SuperValu Brunell, Maxol WIT Wildcats and Pyrobel Killester are all vying for just three remaining spots in the play offs. Glanmire, who hold a record of 10 wins and seven losses, face a tough away test against an extremely in-form Pyrobel Killester. Killester, who are currently on a six-game winning streak, will be hoping that they can get a vital win on Saturday over the Cork outfit, while also hoping that results go their way elsewhere. One of the main results they will be following will be the meeting of IT Carlow Basketball and Maxol WIT Wildcats on Saturday, in a game that is set to be another of the big showdowns of the weekend. Singleton SuperValu Brunell also have a must-win game when they welcome Marble City Hawks on Sunday, as they too are in the mix for the remaining playoff spots. The final game of the weekend meanwhile will see champions Liffey Celtics travel to bottom side NUIG Mystics.

Over in the Men’s Super League meanwhile, it’s a double-header weekend for most of the teams, with the three main title chasers all in action. Garvey’s Tralee Warriors face off against C and S Neptune on Friday evening at home before travelling to Galway to face Moycullen on Bank Holiday Monday – both of these clashes are must win games not only for the Kerry side, but also for Neptune and Moycullen, who are both currently fighting relegation. These two bottom sides have tough weekends ahead of them as between them, they meet all of the top three, with Moycullen also going head-to-head with UCD Marian on Saturday, while Neptune host Templeogue on Bank Holiday Monday.

Elsewhere, UCC Demons have a double header of games playing Keane’s SuperValu Killorglin on Friday before travelling to Belfast Star on Sunday. Belfast Star for their part travel to Pyrobel Killester this weekend, while Killorglin face off against an in-form Maree in their second game of the weekend, with the Galway side also meeting DCU Saints on Saturday evening – the latter going on to meet Killester on Monday.

Basketball Ireland Fixtures: March 15-19^th

Friday 15th March 2019   

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:  

UCC Demons v Keane’s Supervalu Killorglin, Mardyke Arena, 20:00;

Garvey’s Tralee Warriors v CandS Neptune, Tralee Sports Complex, 20:15;

Saturday 16th March 2019  

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:  

Pyrobel Killester v Belfast Star, IWA-Clontarf, 19:00;

Maree v DCU Saints, Maree Community Centre, 19:00;

Moycullen v UCD Marian, NUIG, 19:30;

Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League:  

IT Carlow Basketball v Maxol WIT Wildcats, Barrow Centre-IT Carlow, 15:30;

NUIG Mystics v Courtyard Liffey Celtics, NUIG, 16:30;

Pyrobel Killester v Ambassador UCC Glanmire, IWA-Clontarf, 17:00;

DCU Mercy v Fr Mathews, DCU Complex, 18:15;

Basketball Ireland Men’s Division One:  

IT Carlow Basketball v KUBS BC, Barrow Centre-IT Carlow, 12:30;

Tradehouse Central Ballincollig v Bad Bobs Tolka Rovers, Ballincollig CS, 16:00;

Limerick Celtics v Abbey Seals Dublin Lions, St Munchins, 18:00;

UL Sports Eagles v DBS Eanna, UL Arena-Limerick, 19:00;

Waterford Vikings v GameFootage.net Titans, Waterford IT, 19:00;

Fr Mathews v LYIT Donegal, Fr Mathews Arena, 19:00;

Scotts Lakers St Paul’s Killarney v EJ Sligo All-Stars, Killarney, 19:30;       

Sunday 17th March 2019  

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:  

Belfast Star v UCC Demons, De La Salle, 14:00;            

Basketball Ireland Women’s Super League:  

Singleton SuperValu Brunell v Marble City Hawks, Parochial Hall, 13:45;

Basketball Ireland Men’s Division One:  

Portlaoise Panthers v Ulster University Elks, St Marys Sports Hall, 15:30;           

Monday 18th March 2019

Basketball Ireland Men’s Super League:  

Keanes Supervalu Killorglin v Maree, Killorglin Sports Centre, 15:00;

DCU Saints v Pyrobel Killester, St Vincents SS-Glasnevin, 15:00;

Moycullen v Garvey’s Tralee Warriors, NUIG, 15:00;

CandS Neptune v Templeogue, Neptune Stadium, 15:00;

Year four of the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series in aid of Irish Injured Jockeys
2019 Races to take place at The Curragh (July 21st), Cork (Sept 1st) and Leopardstown (Oct 26th)
In three years, the initiative has raised over €350,000 for Irish Injured Jockeys
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, it takes a serious drive and commitment from someone who is fit for the challenge

Friday, March 29th is the closing date for applications to take part in the 2019 Irish Injured Jockeys, Corinthian Challenge Charity Race Series. The Corinthian Challenge offers riders a once in a lifetime opportunity to complete the hat-trick by taking part in all three races at The Curragh, Cork and Leopardstown Racecourses on an actual race days at each track. The races will be held in July, September and October respectively.

A maximum of eighteen riders will compete in each race accumulating points throughout the series with the overall winner to be announced at the final race in Leopardstown on October 26th.

It takes a driven and committed person to take on The Corinthian Challenge, someone who can get race fit and maintain that level for over four months, they have to work with trainers, source horses and raise funds for Irish Injured Jockeys. To take part in this Charity Race Series, each rider will be asked to raise €10,000 through sponsorship and/or fundraising, all funds raised will go to Irish Injured Jockeys. Riders will initially undergo training, interviews and a riding capability assessment with a view to receiving their licence at RACE.

Once licenced the successful candidates will enjoy insightful track walks with professional riders on the day of their races and their family and friends are invited along to support them on race days. The camaraderie between the riders and the feel-good factor that participants enjoy when taking part and raising funds are also very noteworthy bonuses.

Past participants describe it as “the greatest buzz of my life”, “surreal”, “incredible”, “a million dreams come true” to mention but a few comments from last year’s Corinthians. If this sounds like your kind of challenge please register your interest at www.corinthianchallenge.com, contact Irish Injured Jockeys on (045) 533011 or email info@irishinjuredjockeys.com.

Ruby Walsh, Champion Jockey and Chairman of Irish Injured Jockeys said “We are calling to all those who have read about or watched The Corinthian Challenge on TV over the past three years and thought to themselves ‘I would love to do that’, well guess what? It’s the fourth year of this challenge and now is your time, don’t let it be something that you’ll regret, sign up at corinthianchallenge.com today.”

Michael Higgins, General Manager of Irish Injured Jockeys said “Following on from the success of the last three years, we want to build on the concept and make it really attractive for race entrants, racecourses, racegoers and for the media to really engage with from launch to completion. We are so fortunate for the support of the wider industry, owners, trainers, racecourses and racing officials without whom this series would not be possible. It is a big commitment for Corinthian Challengers to sign up to however, it really is the chance of a lifetime and one we are sure they will never forget!”

The winner of The Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman Award for February 2019 is Irish athletics star, Ciara Mageean.

Having had an incredible start to 2019 setting a new Irish indoor mile record of 4:28.31 in Boston, beating her own record from three years prior, the athletics champion didn’t begin to slow down after that. In February, she continued her record breaking performance as she shed a whole two seconds off her Irish Indoor 1,500m record at the Athlone IT International Grand Prix, and less than a week later she was in supreme form again at the Irish Indoor Championships in Abbotstown, cruising to victory in the 3,000m with 12 seconds to spare over her nearest rival.

And if beating her own records wasn’t enough for the 26-year-old, she produced another stellar performance in the 1500m at the European Indoor Championships in Glasgow, taking home a bronze medal for her triumph.

If the start of the year is anything to go by, we cannot wait to see how the remainder of 2019 pans out for the athletics superstar.

Established in 2004 by The Irish Times, The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year Awards recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports. The awards run over a 12-month period, with the judges selecting a winner each month for her ability to excel at sport. The monthly winner is announced in The Irish Times Women in Sport pages which are published every Thursday.