Nell Coughlan nee Keane

Gortnaglough, Kilconnell. Reposing at Sacred Heart Funeral Home tomorrow Monday from 5. Removal at 7.30 to the Sacred Heart Church, Kilconnell. Mass for Nell Coughlan on Tuesday at 12. Funeral afterwards to Kilconnell New Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to ICU Portiuncla Hospital.

Tony Forde

Alloon, Ballymacward, Ballinasloe. Reposing at St. Peter and Pauls Mortuary Chapel adjacent to the Church tomorrow Monday from 6. Removal at 8 to the church. Mass for Tony Forde on Tuesday at 12. Funeral afterwards to the Old Cemetery, Ballymacward.

Tommy O’Halloran Jnr

Cornelistrum, Rosscahill. Reposing at Aiseirí, Moycullen tomorrow Monday from 4.30. Removal at 7 to Collinamuck Church. Mass for Tommy O’Halloran Jnr on Tuesday at 11. Cremation to follow at Shannon Crematorium. Family flowers only, by request.

Maureen Butler

Ballinakilla, Togher, Tuam. Reposing at Burns Funeral Home, Tuam this evening from 5. Removal at 7 to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam. Mass for Maureen Butler tomorrow Monday at 12. Funeral afterwards to Creevaghbawn Cemetery.

Charles Monahan

Clonfert, Eyrecourt, Ballinasloe. Reposing at Dignity Chapel, Portumna Retirement Village this evening from 5 until 7. Removal afterwards to St. Brendans Church, Eyrecourt. Mass for Charles Monahan tomorrowMonday at 11. Funeral afterwards to Clonfert Old Cemetery.

Christopher Keating

The Maples and formerly of D’Alton Drive, Salthill. Reposing at The O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue this afternoon from 3. Removal at 4.30 to the Church of Christ the King, Salthill. Mass for Christopher Keating tomorrow Monday at 11. Funeral afterwards to Rahoon Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to Cancer Care West.

Nora McGrath nee O’Malley

Mervue and formerly of Claddagh. Reposing at the Church of the Holy Family Funeral Parlour, Mervue this afternoon from 4. Removal at 6 to the adjacent church. Mass for Nora McGrath tomorrow Monday at 11. Funeral afterward to the New Cemetery, Bohermore. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to Galway Parkinsons Association.

Barney also known as Barney Lord Connor

Barna. Mass for Barney Connor today at 2 in Mary Immaculate Queen Church, Barna. Funeral afterwards to Barna Cemetery. Family flowers only, by request. Donations, if desired to RNLI.

John Joe Thornton

Letter Peak, Spiddal. Mass for John Joe Thornton this morning at 11 in Cill Éinde Church. Funeral afterwards to Knock Cemetery, Inverin.

On The Live Wire this week Ronan Lardner will definitely banish any blues with a very indulgent giveaway. This week we’ve teamed up with The Connacht Hotel to celebrate their brand new look for 2020. Join Ronan from 12 noon each day this week and you could win very tempting treats, afternoon tea, brunch, lunch, dinner even something special for Valentines. Let’s make it a date, join Ronan each day from 12.

The Connacht Hotel are excited to launch their New Look for 2020.

Eclectic, elegant design with bespoke artwork and the playful use of colour and textures throughout the new design create a warm and welcoming space. The Connacht Hotel has just undergone a stunning renovation. The popular Renmore hotel is now destined to be even busier than before as more and more guest are wowed by the stunning renovations.

The team have completely reconfigured the whole ground floor within the hotel to include a new Barista Bar in the hotel lobby with inviting social spaces, alongside the full refurbishment of Bar Solo and Ruebens Restaurant.

In a reaction to the evolving expectations of guests the lobby now features an enclosed library that incorporates clever design features and stylish furnishings. Playful and not too formal to allow you mix work and leisure in a relaxed environment. With fantastic coffee from the Barista Bar and the super stylish and comfortable surroundings, ample supply of plug and USB sockets the Connacht Hotel is an ideal meeting and work space.

Bar Solo has been given a fresh new look in addition to the layout has been redesigned. Where previously there would have been dormant areas, they have now maximised the use of every corner – creating areas with purpose and identity. Step through the new floor to ceiling panelled French doors in Bar Solo into the botanical-inspired oasis, a relaxing space for guests to unwind away from the buzzing bar.

Rueben’s Restaurant has also got a fresh new look. Using bold colours to define spaces and stylish feature-wall partition and contemporary lighting, will allow for private dining and group lunches. Breakfast is always one of the busiest times in a hotel restaurant and the new layout is very customer focused in terms of style and comfort but also enhancing the customer service experience.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Taoiseach is to visit Ballinasloe this afternoon.

Leo Varadkar will be visiting the town as part of a ‘Leaders Tour’ taking place today in Athlone and Ballinasloe.

He’ll arrive at Padraig Pearses GAA Club in Cloneen for a photo opportunity before making his way to the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe at 3 o’clock to meet with locals.

He’ll be joined by his party colleague and General Election candidate, Councillor Aisling Dolan.

Councillor Dolan says villages and towns across the country deserve the same level of attention as anywhere else.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A major property portfolio at Eglinton Street in the city is to go on auction this month with a guide price of almost €3m.

The multi-let retail investment occupies numbers 1 through 8 Eglinton Court.

The lot set to go under the hammer later this month comprises eight mainly ground floor retail units and comes with a guide price of €2.9m.

It has annual rents totaling €315 thousand, and leases with five of the six tenants include upward-only rent reviews.

Another of the units, a restaurant, is currently vacant – while the best known tenant of the portfolio is Euro General, trading as Euro Giant.

According to the Business Post, the lot will go under the hammer at BidX1’s Irish commercial property auction on Wednesday, February 19th.

Photo – Google

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe will host a special service of remembrance tomorrow for those who have experienced the loss of a child. (3/2)

The hospital is inviting parents and their families who have experienced bereavement through the death of a child, or have lost a baby through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still birth or shortly after birth.

It’s described by many in attendance as an opportunity for healing and comfort by reflecting on the journey of grief through symbol, music and prayer.

The special service will get underway at the hospital chapel at Portiuncula tomorrow evening at 7.30.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – President Michael D Higgins will be in the city tomorrow to attend the launch of an exhibition. (3/2)

The exhibition, entitled ‘Migrants’, is created by renowned sculptor John Behan and will be hosted at Kenny Gallery.

It’s a series of bronze sculptures which explore the plight of migrants who cross oceans and borders in search of a better life.

The launch of the exhibition the first in a series of events designed to mark the 80th anniversary of the bookshop and art gallery.

The launch will take place at The Kenny Gallery in Liosbaun tomorrow evening at 5.30 and is open to the public.

With a copybook drive which saw them leading from start to finish, Alastair Fisher and Gordon Noble scored a 21-second victory in yesterday’s opening round of the Irish Tarmac Championship, the Corrib Oil Galway International Rally.

On their debut drive in a VW Polo, and despite the very slippery conditions, they never put a foot wrong all day. 

The Fermanagh-Tyrone pairing were almost four seconds quicker than the similar car of former National and Tarmac champion Donagh Kelly on the opening stage at Tynagh, and increased their advantage to 19 seconds by the end of the first loop of three stages. 

Monaghan’s Sam Moffett, another multiple title holder, was fourth behind Desi Henry, but he piled on the pressure on the second run through the same three tests to climb to second place at two-thirds distance, while Henry was forced to retire when he pulled a wheel off his Hyundai i20 on stage four. 

With six of the nine stages completed, Fisher looked very comfortable, with his lead increased to 23 seconds, while Moffett was barely ahead of Kelly as they headed for the final loop. The Donegal man really upped his pace on the final run through Tynagh, taking 4.7 seconds from Moffett to reclaim second spot, but maximum effort on the two remaining stages saw Sam Moffett finish second, 1.7 ahead of his rival. 

Welsh visitors Meirion Evans and Jonathan Jackson took fourth position, making it three Polos in the top four places, with Josh Moffett and Keith Moriarty fifth for Hyundai ahead of top Ford finisher Stephen Wright.

Speaking afterwards, Alastair Fisher said: “It is nice to finally get over the line and take our first Tarmac win. It was a tough final stage with a lot of muck pulled out onto the road. It was definitely a tricky one but thankfully we got through it okay. There were quite a few delays on the last loop of stages so we really had to keep our focus but we’re glad it worked out alright.”

CORRIB OIL GALWAY INTERNATIONAL RALLY (ROUND 1 OF IRISH TARMAC CHAMPIONSHIP):

1 Alastair Fisher/Gordon Noble (VW Polo GTI R5) 1h 00m 35s,

2 Sam Moffett/James Fulton (Hyundai i20 R5) 1h 00m 56s,

3 Donagh Kelly/Conor Foley (VW Polo GTI R5) 1h 00m 57s,

4 Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson (VW Polo GTI R5) 1h 01m 09s,

5 Josh Moffett/Keith Moriarty (Hyundai i20 R5) 1h 01m 29s,

6 Stephen Wright/Liam Moynihan (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h 02m 29s,

7 Cathan McCourt/Barry McNulty (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h 02m 51s,

8 Declan McCrory/Stephen O’Hanlon (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h 05m 03s,

9 Paul Barrett/Kevin Reilly (Ford Fiesta R5) 1h 05m 42s,

10 Willie Mavitty/Martin Connolly (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 1h 06m 06s.

Class winners:

Meirion Evans/Jonathan Jackson,

Declan McCrory/Stephen O’Hanlon,

Eamonn Kelly/Conor Mohan (Ford Fiesta R2).

NATIONAL EVENT:

1 Pat O’Connell/Mark Wiley (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10) 1m 04m 51s,

2 Jason Black/Karl Egan (Toyota Starlet) 1h 05m 32s,

3 Richard Whelan/James Whelan (BMW 1 Series) 1h 06m 21s,

4 Eugene Meegan/Sarah Whelan (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) 1h 07m 26s,

5 Stephen Faughnan/Amy Faughnan (Ford Escort) 1h 08m 27s,

6 Geoffrey Dolan/Conor Murphy (Sunbeam) 1h 08m 53s.

Class winners:

Jason McSweeney/Liam Brennan (Ford Fiesta),

Eugene Meegan/Sarah Whelan,

Stephen Faughnan/Amy Faughnan,

Vincent Collins/Jane Collins (Ford Escort),

Neil Phelan/Keith McCarthy (Ford Escort),

Justin Comer/Adrian Comer (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 5),

Andrew Fanning/Andy Hayes (Proton),

Des Lyons/Ashling McArdle (Honda Civic),

Declan Forde/Brian Forde (Ford Escort),

William Nolan/Shane O’Mahony (Toyota Corolla).

HISTORIC RALLY:

1 Maurice Meskell/Stephen Meskell (Ford Escort) 1h 13m 32s,

2 Berian Richards/Elaine NiShe (Ford Escort) 1h 15m 46s,

3 John O’Reilly/Nicky Sparks (Ford Escort) 1h 16m 05s.

Class winners:

Philip McKibbin/Tommy Commane (Ford Escort),

Aidan O’Connor/Ian Regan (Ford Escort).

JUNIOR RALLY:

1 Noel Murphy/Jason Murphy (Honda Civic) 49m 18s,

2 Gareth Deazley/Ashley Boulton (Honda Civic) 49m 29s,

3 Cathal Mullins/Ayrton Sherlock (Honda Civic) 52m 51s.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív is calling for an increase in Gardaí numbers in Connemara.

The Fianna Fáil Deputy argues a number of Garda stations in the area do not have any Gardaí allocated to them, including in Leitir Móir.

He says he has now received confirmation from the Chief Superintendent in Galway that a permanent post will be filled at Leitir Mór soon.

However, Deputy Ó Cuív insists there are not enough Gardaí being assigned to Galway overall – causing rural areas to suffer in particular.

To hear more, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 1…

Keith spoke about a range of health and wellness issues, and one woman is going to Antarctica to go swimming

Irish Life Health Intermediate/Masters and Juvenile B & Relays Cross Country

Galway teams will travel in force this weekend to the last Major National cross country championships, the Irish Life Health Intermediate/Master Juvenile B & Relays events, which will be held in Avondale, Rathdrum Co Wicklow on Saturday 8th February. A programme of Juvenile development races and the Inter Club Relays at Juvenile level will also take place.

The Intermediate men’s team for the 8k race is a strong one,  led by Abaas Edris of Castlegar with strong GCH representation from David Carter, David Bohan, Naoise O’Gibne and Conor Deane to name but a few, and the squad should be in medal contention,

The Intermediate ladies’ race will be held over 5km, and the squad includes the likes of Caron Ryan of Craughwell (third in the Novice at Christmas) and Catherine Thornton of Crusaders, with Castlegar AC forming the backbone of the team

Galway Masters Ladies O35 squad and the GCH club team will be both be in with a very strong medal chance, with Jane Ann Meehan, Niamh Hennelly and Sinead Foran of GCH among the standout names, while the Over 50 ladies are another squad with definite silverware potential, with the likes of Mary Kealy and Carmel Brannigan going well

In the Men’s Masters Races, Galway will field three teams, at Over 35, 50 and 65 level with all three sides well prepared under the guidance of team manager Sean McDermott.

The Over 50 Men’s team has possibly the best chance of winning medals, with Ian Egan, Dave Evans, Gerry Carty and Niall Murphy all strong competitors on the country. At Over 65 level, the legendary Martin McEvilly returns, and along with Martin Kearney, and Tony Fahy, makes up a strong GCH team, with a county team also competing.

In the Over 35 Men’s event, Galway will field a strong team in a very competitive event with Ger Hartnett and Sean Burke of Tuam, Bruin O’Connor of GCH and Mark Davis of Craughwell some of the high-quality team assembled by the selectors.

Maree 8km

The Maree 8KM Run is back for its 12^th year in 2020.

This scenic run takes place in the surrounds of Maree, Oranmore, Co. Galway on Sunday, February 9^th next at 12 noon.

This picturesque circuit has been measured to AI standards, will be chip timed, and has been approved by the Galway County Board.

The route takes participants from the start point at Maree Community Centre out onto Galway Bay, down the picturesque Tawin peninsula, and back to Maree Community Centre.

The event will raise funds to develop local sporting facilities in Maree, and is organised by Maree Athletics Club in conjunction with the Maree Development Organisation

Scottish Combined Events Championships

Liam Shaw, Athenry AC, travelled to the fantastic Glasgow Emirates Arena on 1^st February to take part in the Scottish Combined Events Championships and came away with a bronze medal.  The competition was tough in a very talented field. Shaw impressed particularly in the Shot Putt as he broke the championship best by over 5 metres and smashed the Scottish record in the process. 

GCH Award

Galway City Harriers was named as the Development Club of the Year by Athletics Ireland for the first time in its history. The award is testament to the excellent work at Juvenile level by the club.

GCH athlete Conor Hoade was also named as Galway Athlete of the Year

AAI Games

The AAI Indoor Games take place this Sunday 9^th February in the National Indoor Arena in Dublin

Assistant Coaching Course

There is an introductory coaching course being held in St Brigid’s College Loughrea on Friday 14th February 14^th and Friday 28^th February 6-9.30pm and entry is now up online on https://www.athleticsireland.ie/index.php/coaching if anyone wishes to register.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A series of unannounced inspections at disability centres operated by Ability West and the Brothers of Charity have found good compliance at all Galway premises inspected.

The inspections carried out by HIQA found just a single example of non-compliance at five centres inspected in November.

The unannounced inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority took place during November at three centres operated by Ability West.

These were Alder Services, Teach Michel Services and St Dominics Services.

Teach Michel was deemed to be substantially compliant in many aspects of the centres operation with one instance of non-compliance noted in record keeping.

St Dominic’s was deemed to be substantially compliant overall, while Alder Services was also deemed to be fully compliant.

Meanwhile, HIQA inspectors found no issues of non-compliance at Moneymore Services operated by Brothers of Charity Services – and further found that Dereen Services was fully compliant in all aspects of operation.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Plans have been approved to develop 21 residential units in Headford.

The project is led by Callanan Walsh Construction Ltd.

The plan will see the construction of 16 three-bedroom semi-detached dwellings, four four- bedroom semi-detached dwellings, and one four-bedroom detached dwelling.

County planners have attached 12 conditions.

One states the developer is to pay over 82 thousand euro to the planning authority towards services and facilities as part of the development contributions scheme.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Hundreds of Galway secondary school teachers are to join a national strike tomorrow (Tues) over pay for new entrants.

Around 19 thousand members of the TUI are set to take part in the protest nationwide.

The Teachers Union of Ireland argues paying colleagues different rates for carrying out the same work is morally wrong and has proved hugely detrimental to the morale of teachers and lecturers.

It adds that service to students has also been damaged, with the two-tier pay system fuelling an ever-deepening crisis of recruitment and retention of teachers in second level schools.

Assistant General Secretary of the TUI Colm Kelly says many Galway schools will be impacted by pickets.

To hear more, tune into Galway Bay fm news at 5…

It’s straight into the next round of the Allianz Football League on Saturday and Sunday, completing three hectic weekends in which 48 games will have been played.

There’s a break on the weekend after next before the campaign resumes on February 22/23.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1: FAVOURITES ALL MAKE IMPRESSIVE START TO 2020 CAMPAIGN

Saturday: Dublin v Monaghan, Croke Park, 7.0

Sunday (2.0):  Meath v Mayo, Pairc Tailteann; Donegal v Galway, Letterkenny; Tyrone v Kerry, Omagh.

Dublin, Kerry and Donegal started the season as top three favourites for major titles and all three have lived up to the billing in the early rounds of the Allianz Football League. They lead the way on three points each after two rounds in Division 1 and are the only unbeaten teams in the group.

Round 3 sees Dublin host Monaghan, who beat the All-Ireland champions by 2-13 to 1-13 in the opening round of last year’s Allianz League. Monaghan bounced back after a defeat by Galway last Sunday week to beat Tyrone on Sunday and are now primed for the big test against Dublin in Croke Park.

It’s Tyrone v Kerry in Omagh, with the Kingdom in high spirits after beating Galway and drawing with Dublin. They beat Tyrone twice last year, winning the Allianz League tie by 0-11 to 0-7 and the All-Ireland semi-final by 1-18 to 0-18. Kerry’s win over Galway last Saturday left Kerry’s Allianz League record at seven wins, one draw and two defeats since Peter Keane took over as manager at the start of last season.

Donegal host Galway on Sunday in what will be the first Allianz League meeting between the counties since 2018 when the Tribesmen won by 1-12 to 0-14 in Letterkenny.

The clash between Meath and Mayo will be the first between them in the Allianz League for 17 years. However, they did meet in last year’s championship when Mayo won a ‘Super 8’ contest by 2-17 to 0-14 in Croke Park. Mayo (one point) and Meath (0 point) currently fill the relegation places.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2: LAOIS ON IMPRESSIVE SURGE

Saturday:  Armagh v Kildare, Athletic Grounds, 7.0

Sunday (2.0):  Roscommon v Clare, Dr. Hyde Park; Westmeath v Fermanagh, TEG Cusack Park; Laois v Cavan, MW Hire O’Moore Park.

Can Laois go from Division 4 to Division 1 in successive seasons? Promoted from Division 4 at the end of 2018, they emerged from Division 3 at the end of last season and now lead the way in Division 2 after a draw and a win.

Their next assignment is against Cavan, who bounced back to winning ways against Westmeath last weekend. Cavan and Laois last met in the Allianz League in 2016 when the Breffni men won by 1-17 to 0-15 in Division 2.

No fewer than six counties, Armagh, Kildare, Clare, Westmeath, Fermanagh and Cavan are on two points, with Roscommon bottom of the table on one point. The Connacht champions host Clare, whom they beat by 2-19 to 2-12 in Division 2 two years ago, on Sunday.

Former Kildare manager, Kieran McGeeney welcomes the Lilywhites to the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night to take on his Armagh team, who have won one and lost one in this campaign. It will be the first clash between the counties since the 2017 championship when Armagh won a qualifier tie by three points.

Westmeath and Fermanagh last met in the Allianz League in 2018 when the Leinster men won by two points in Division 3.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3: CORK LIVING UP TO FAVOURITES’ TAG

Sunday: Derry v Tipperary, Owenbeg, 1.0; Longford v Leitrim, Glennon Brothers, Pearse Park, 2.0;  Louth v Offaly, Drogheda,2,0; Cork v Down, Pairc Ui Chaoimh,2.0

Having dropped out of Division 2 rather unexpectedly last year, Cork were well-fancied for a quick return and have made an impressive start, winning their first two games by a total of 16 points.

Next up is a clash with Down in what will be repeat of the 2010 All-Ireland final. Both are in much more modest surrounds nowadays,  but with both targeting promotion, it promises to be an exciting contest. They last met in the Allianz League two years ago when Cork won a Division 2 tie by six points.

Longford (3 points) host Leitrim (1 point) in what will be the first League clash between the counties since 2015 when they drew in Division 4.

Tipperary take on Derry in what will be the first meeting between them since the 2016 championship when Tipp won a qualifier tie by a point. Louth beat Offaly by two points in last year’s Division 3 campaign.

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4: SLIGO AIMING FOR QUICK RETURN TO DIVISON 3

Saturday: Waterford v Wexford, Dungarvan, 7.0

Sunday (2.0): Carlow v Limerick, Netwatch Cullen Park; Wicklow v Sligo, Aughrim; London v Antrim, McGovern Park Ruislip.

Sligo have put the misery of last year, when they failed to win any game, behind them and lead Division 4 on scoring difference from Limerick after two wins.

Paul Taylor’s men make the long trip to Aughrim on Sunday to take on Wicklow, who have won one and lost one. It will be the first Allianz League clash between the counties since 2013 when Sligo won by four points.

Limerick have started impressively, beating Waterford and London, but face a tough assignment away to Carlow on Sunday. Carlow beat Limerick by three points in the 2018 Allianz League. Antrim beat London by five points last year while Waterford beat Wexford by seven points.

2020 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE: RESULTS & FIXTURES

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Round 1: Dublin 1-10 Kerry 1-19; Donegal 0-19 Mayo 2-13; Galway 1-14 Monaghan 0-16; Tyrone 1-14 Meath 1-9.
Round 2: Dublin 1-11 Galway 0-8; Kerry 1-15 Galway 2-11 Monaghan 1-12 Tyrone 0-11; Donegal 3-8 Meath 0-7.
Round 3: Feb 8: Dublin v Monaghan; Feb 9: Meath v Mayo; Donegal v Galway; Tyrone v Kerry.
Round 4: Feb 22: Dublin v Donegal; Feb 23: Kerry v Meath; Galway v Tyrone; Monaghan v Mayo.
Round 5: Feb 29: Mayo v Kerry; Tyrone v Dublin;  Mar 1: Meath v Galway; Donegal v Monaghan.
Round 6: Mar 14: Donegal v Tyrone; Mar 15: Galway v Mayo; Dublin v Meath; Monaghan v Kerry.
Round 7: Mar 22: Kerry v Donegal; Galway v Dublin; Mayo v Tyrone; Monaghan v Meath.

Mar 29: Final 1 v 2

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2
Round 1: Armagh 2-18 Cavan 1-8; Westmeath 2-9 Clare 1-11; Roscommon 2-14 Laois 2-14; Kildare 2-12 Fermanagh 0-14.
Round 2: Cavan 1-17 Westmeath 1-13; Laois 0-16 Armagh 0-10; Clare 0-11 Kildare 0-10; Fermanagh 0-13 Roscommon 0-12.
Round 3: Feb 8: Armagh v Kildare; Feb 9; Roscommon v Clare; Westmeath v Fermanagh; Laois v Cavan.
Round 4: Feb 22: Fermanagh v Cavan; Feb 23: Clare v Laois; Westmeath v Armagh; Kildare v Roscommon.
Round 5: Feb 29: Laois v Kildare; Mar 1: Fermanagh v Armagh; Roscommon v Westmeath; Cavan v Clare.
Round 6: Mar 14: Armagh v Roscommon; Mar 15: Clare v Fermanagh; Westmeath v Laois; Kildare v Cavan.
Round 7: Mar 22: Cavan v Roscommon; Clare v Armagh; Kildare v Westmeath; Fermanagh v Laois.
Mar 29: Final: 1 v 2

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3
Round 1: Cork 0-20 Offaly 0-13; Derry 2-11 Leitrim 1-14; Tipperary 0-10 Down 0-10; Longford 0-16 Louth 1-10.
Round 2: Down 0-14 Derry 0-12: Tipperary 0-11 Louth 1-7; Cork 1-15 Leitrim 0-9; Offaly 0-10 Longford 0-10.
Round 3: Feb 9: Derry v Tipperary; Longford v Leitrim; Louth v Offaly; Cork v Down.
Round 4: Feb 22: Down v Longford; Tipperary v Cork; Feb 23: Derry v Louth; Leitrim v Offaly.
Round 5: Mar 1: Louth v Leitrim; Cork v Derry; Longford v Tipperary; Offaly v Down.
Round 6: Mar 15: Down v Leitrim; Cork v Louth;  Derry v Longford; Tipperary v Offaly.
Round 7: Mar 22: Longford v Cork; Louth v Down; Leitrim v Tipperary; Offaly v Derry.
Mar 28: Final: 1 v 2

ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4
Round 1: Carlow 0-11 Wicklow 0-9; Limerick 1-10 Waterford 0-10; Antrim 3-10 Wexford 0-13; Sligo 5-9 London 0-11.
Round 2:  Wexford 2-10 Carlow 1-16; Limerick 0-8 Leitrim 0-7 London; Wicklow 2-11 Waterford 1-6; Sligo 0-15 Antrim 0-14.
Round 3: Feb 8: Waterford v Wexford; Feb 9: Carlow v Limerick; Wicklow v Sligo; London v Antrim.
Round 4: Feb 22: Sligo v Waterford; Feb 23: Wexford v London; Limerick v Wicklow; Antrim v Carlow.
Round 5: Feb 29: London v Wicklow; Wexford v Sligo; Waterford v Carlow; Mar 1: Antrim v Limerick.
Round 6: Mar 14: Waterford v London; Carlow v Sligo; Mar 15: Wicklow v Antrim; Limerick v Wexford.
Round 7: Mar 22: Antrim v Waterford; Wexford v Wicklow; London v Carlow; Sligo v Limerick.
Mar 28: Final: 1 v 2

Limerick, Waterford (Group A), Clare and Kilkenny (Group B are the pace-setters in Division 1 of the Allianz Hurling League after two rounds.

There’s no action next weekend, with Round 3 taking place on February 15/16.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1A:  ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS IN EARLY TROUBLE

Tipperary’s chances of winning the Allianz Hurling League title for the first time since 2008 have taken a serious hit after the All-Ireland champions lost their opening two games to Limerick and Cork.

It leaves Liam Sheedy’s men four points adrift of leaders, Limerick and Waterford and two behind Cork and Galway. The top three qualify for the knock-out stages.

Last year’s finalists, Limerick and Waterford have been very impressive in the opening two rounds, which will make their clash in the LIT Gaelic Grounds on Saturday week very interesting.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1B: CLARE AND KILKENNY SET THE PACE

Kilkenny and Clare are on full points after two rounds, followed by Wexford and Dublin on two points each, while Laois and Carlow have yet to pick up their first points.

Remarkably, Kilkenny scored 3-21 in their wins over Dublin and Carlow, leaving them with a scoring difference of +33 points.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 2A:  ANTRIM AND KERRY HEAD PROMOTION RACE

After winning their first two games, Antrim and Kerry are in optimistic mood as they chase the precious promotion slot. Kerry enjoyed a very significant win on Sunday when they beat Offaly, who are also well-fancied to be in the promotion mix. Kerry play Meath in the next round while Offaly face Antrim.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 2B:  KILDARE AND DERRY IN EARLY POWER SURGES

Both Kildare and Derry have won their opening games, with the Lilywhites especially impressive, having scored a total of 7-45 while conceding only 0-21. It leaves them with a scoring difference of +45 points.

Derry have also been in impressive form and now their attention will turn to the clash with Kildare in Owenbeg on Sunday week.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3A:  ARMAGH AND LONGFORD SET EARLY PACE

Having won their opening two games, Armagh and Longford are well-primed for a promotion push, which makes their Round 3 meeting on Sunday week very important for both. Donegal and Tyrone are also in the promotion hunt on two points.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3B: FOUR OF FIVE ON TWO POINTS

Sligo, Lancashire, Cavan and Fermanagh are all on two points. The latter three have played two games each while Sligo began their campaign with a win over Lancashire last weekend. Leitrim are bottom of the table after losing in their only outing so far.

2020 ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE: RESULTS & FIXTURES

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1
GROUP A
Round 1: Limerick 2-14 Tipperary 0-18; Galway 1-24 Westmeath 0-10; Waterford 1-24 Cork 3-17.
Round 2: Cork 2-24 Tipperary 1-25; Waterford 3-18 Westmeath 1-15; Limerick 1-19 Galway 0-14.
Round 3: Feb 15: Limerick v Waterford; Feb 16: Westmeath v Cork; Galway v Tipperary.
Round 4: Feb 23: Waterford v Galway; Cork v Limerick; Tipperary v Westmeath.
Round 5: Mar 1: Galway v Cork; Limerick v Westmeath; Tipperary v Waterford.

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1
GROUP B
Round 1: Wexford 2-27 Laois 2-16; Kilkenny 3-21 Dublin 0-18; Clare 1-27 Carlow 0-14.

Round 2: Dublin 4-18 Laois 2-17; Kilkenny 3-21 Carlow 0-9; Clare 0-18 Wexford 0-15.
Round 3: Feb 15: Carlow v Dublin; Feb 16: Clare v Laois; Wexford v Kilkenny.
Round 4: Feb 22: Dublin v Wexford; Laois v Carlow; Feb 23: Kilkenny v Clare.
Round 5: Mar 1: Clare v Dublin; Laois v Kilkenny; Wexford v Carlow.


QUARTER-FINALS

Mar 7 /8: 2nd Group A v 3rd Group B; 2nd Group A v 3rd Group B
SEMI-FINALS
Mar 14/15
FINAL: Mar 22

RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

6th Group A v 6th Group B

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 2A
Round 1: Kerry 2-24 Mayo 0-13; Offaly 0-26 Meath 1-21; Antrim 0-20 Wicklow 0-11.
Round 2: Meath 2-24 Wicklow 3-18; Antrim 4-19 Mayo 0-7; Kerry 2-11 Offaly 0-14.
Round 3: Feb 15: Meath v Kerry; Feb 16: Mayo v Wicklow; Offaly v Antrim.
Round 4: Feb 22: Wicklow v Kerry; Feb 23: Antrim v Meath; Mayo v Offaly.
Round 5: Mar 1: Meath v Mayo; Kerry v Antrim; Offaly v Wicklow
Final:  Mar 7/8

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
Round  1:  Roscommon 2-19 Warwickshire 1-10; Derry 1-19 Down 0-19; Kildare 2-26 London 0-20.
Round 2: Kildare 5-19 Warwickshire 0-1; Down 3-23 Roscommon 0-11; Derry 4-15 London 2-18.
Round 3: Feb 15: Down v Warwickshire; Feb 16: Roscommon v London; Derry  v Kildare.
Round 4: Feb 22: Derry v Warwickshire; February 23: Kildare v Roscommon; London v Down.
Round 5: Mar 1: Down v Kildare; Roscommon v Derry; Warwickshire v London.
Final: Mar 7/8

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3A
Round 1: Armagh 2-17 Donegal 0-15; Tyrone 1-21 Louth 1-16; Longford 2-16 Monaghan 0-18;.
Round 2: Longford 1-15 Louth 1-10; Armagh 3-25 Monaghan 1-10; Donegal  2-23 Tyrone 1-15.
Round 3: Feb 16: Longford v Armagh; Louth v Donegal; Monaghan v Tyrone.
Round 4: Feb 23: Armagh v Louth; Donegal v Monaghan; Tyrone v Longford.
Round 5: Mar 1: Longford v Donegal; Monaghan v Louth; Armagh v Tyrone.
Final: Mar 7/8

ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 3B
Round 1: Lancashire 0-15 Cavan 0-8; Fermanagh 2-12 Leitrim 1-13.
Round 2: Sligo 3-18 Lancashire 1-15;  Cavan 0-17 Fermanagh 0-12.
Round 3: Feb 16: Fermanagh v Sligo; Leitrim v Cavan.
Round 4: Feb 22: Lancashire v Fermanagh; Feb 23: Sligo v Leitrim.
Round 5: Mar 1: Cavan v Sligo; Leitrim v Lancashire.
Final: Mar 7/8

Galway Bay fm newsroom:

A county councillor is calling on the County Joint Policing Committee to write to the HSE to reopen the drug and alcohol treatment centre at Merlin Park Hospital as soon as possible.

Independent councillor Jim Cuddy raised the motion at today’s JPC meeting following a presentation by Galway addiction councillor Joe Tracey.

Cocaine with a purity of up to 94 percent is now being sold in Galway, while the price of the drug has dropped from 80 to 60 euro a gram – in an effort to flood the market according to addiction counsellor Joe Tracey.

He also told the meeting that the strongest Moroccan cannabis he has come across, is widely available in the county.

Meanwhile, he advised the committee that the availability of cheap, strong alcohol is another huge issue that is not going away.

Mr Tracey says a “generation could be lost,” if more funding is not allocated to dedicated treatment services.

There has been no addiction treatment service in the city since a former facility at Merlin Park burned down in 2012.

Last month, 470 thousand euro was secured to restore the facility in the newly published HSE service plan.

It’s hoped the service will be operational in June next year with a location yet to be confirmed.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Pickets have been formed outside many secondary schools in the city and county as part of a national strike over pay for new entrants.

Around 19 thousand members of the TUI are taking part in the protest nationwide.

The Teachers Union of Ireland argues paying colleagues different rates for carrying out the same work is morally wrong and has proved hugely detrimental to the morale of teachers and lecturers.

More on the hour….

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A section of the N59 at Gortrevagh in Oughterard has reopened following a collision last evening in which a female pedestrian sustained serious injuries.

The collision involving a truck and a pedestrian occurred at approximately 6.20pm.

A female pedestrian aged in her late 50s was taken to University Hospital Galway with serious injuries.

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Difficulties in finding insurance may cause up to 150 Irish performers to pull out of a major Galway 2020 event that would see hundreds of people cross the River Corrib on a high wire.

Wires Crossed – A Balancing Act for Europe will see 400 performers from around Europe cross the River Corrib over 34 hours in an event designed to reclaim the river’s association with suicide.

The organisation behind the event, Galway Community Circus, had their insurance costs drastically increased recently, while their only available new policy restricts them from performing on wires no higher than 1.5 metres from the ground.

If the community group does not receive adequate insurance cover before the end of February, they’ll be forced to withdraw up to 150 Irish performers due to insufficient training time for participants.

Producer of Wires Crossed, Becca Clayton, says the event will still go ahead should they be forced to withdraw their performers from the crossing:

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Drugs and burglaries dominated the discussion at this week’s County Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Standing in for Chief Superintendent Tom Curley, Superintendent Damien Flannagan presented the 2019 Garda statistics for county Galway.

Theft from shops jumped by 23 percent from 2018, while burglaries were largely unchanged at 306 incidents.

These figures caused some confusion among councillor in the chamber, with many of them saying they felt burglaries had increased significantly in the last 4 months.

In terms of drug seizures, cannabis was largest amount at 900 thousand euro, followed by cocaine at 500 thousand euro, while just 120 euro worth of heroin was seized last year.

Non-aggravated sexual assaults jumped by 30 percent, domestic abuse also rose by 11 percent, while assault causing harm dropped by 14 percent.

Incidents of drink driving increased by 6 percent from 235 in 2018 to 248 in 2019, while figures for people driving without insurance dropped by 15 percent.

Meanwhile, 6 people lost their lives in road accidents in the county in 2019, up from 5 the previous year.