GalwayIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:01:09 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.galwayindependent.com/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.galwayindependent.com GalwayIndependent.com Local News Feed http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18826&Itemid=82 Galway Gardaí have vowed to strictly enforce the city's by-law that forbids street drinking as they take to the street in huge numbers today. As part of this strategic plan for St Patrick's Day, Gardaí will have a "substantial number of extra members on duty". A spokesperson for Mill Street Gardai confirmed to the Galway Independent that they will be strictly applying the letter of the law today. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18827&Itemid=82 Thousands of betting slips hit the floor in unison yesterday as the Galway-owned favourite 'Go Native' failed to make the grade at the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle. The horse, which would have been in line to win a £1 million bonus if it came home first, failed to provide any real threat to the eventual winner 'Binocular', who romped home at nine to one. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18828&Itemid=82 Chairman of 'Let's Do It Galway' John Killeen is hoping to secure enough sponsorship to enter two boats in the 2011/12 Volvo Ocean Race. According to Mr Killeen, almost €10 million needs to be secured to enter the Green Dragon in the race, but, should the organisational team manage to gather an additional €20 million, a second Irish boat could be entered. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18829&Itemid=82 Galway girl Orla Mellett will soon be back with her Cork Clipper team mates. The stricken yacht has been replaced and will re-enter the race in time to start the leg from Panama to Jamaica. Currently filling in on the Cape Breton Island team, Orla, whose weekly blog can be found in the Galway Independent, will be reunited with her team mates and their new skipper Hannah Jenner. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18830&Itemid=82 Parents of children with intellectual disabilities in Galway have hit out at cuts to the Brothers of Charity budget, saying the move will deprive parents of valuable respite. The Brothers of Charity is the largest provider of services for people with intellectual disability in Ireland, offering day services, residential and respite care. They are 100 per cent funded by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18831&Itemid=82 Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is to give Cheltenham race goers free tickets to the Galway Races in an effort to entice them West. The promotion forms part of HRI's bid to get British punters over for some of the country's most popular racing festivals as part of a massive tourism marketing drive taken in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland on St Patrick's Day. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18832&Itemid=82 Bishop of Galway Martin Drennan has invited representatives from every parish in the county to a Service of Reparation for survivors of abuse in the Cathedral on Palm Sunday at 3pm. In a letter sent to each priest in the Galway diocese, the Bishop has invited parishioners to the service where he says: "we'll be asking God's forgiveness for crimes of physical, sexual and emotional abuse that have brought shame on us all". Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18833&Itemid=82 The Health Service Executive (HSE) has asked all the hospitals in Galway and in the HSE West region to provide head offices in Dublin with an update on radiology reporting in their facilities. The request comes in the aftermath of the revelation that up to 57,000 X-rays had gone un-reviewed by a consultant radiologist at Tallaght Hospital over a four year period. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18834&Itemid=82 A 52-year-old man who threatened to shoot and kill Brothers of Charity staff and cut their heads off, after calling to their private homes late at night, has been jailed for 18 months. Imposing the sentence at Galway District Court on Monday, Judge Mary Fahy said that failures by care staff to make complaints about the man's threatening behaviour over the years had been "counterproductive" and had led him to overstep boundaries and believe that he could seek out their private residences to threaten and intimidate them. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18835&Itemid=82 Galway-based Senator Fidelma Healy Eames has welcomed the news that an overcrowded school is to receive six new permanent classrooms, but has warned that serious issues still have to be addressed. Calasanctius College in Oranmore announced last week that it has been granted approval for six new classrooms and that the 23 'Category 1' students who had previously missed out on enrolment in the school could now be accommodated. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18836&Itemid=82 Only €300,000 of the €10 million emergency fund set up to deal with the aftermath of last year's flooding has gone to Galway victims. The figures supplied by the Department of Social and Family Affair show that applicants in Galway received on average less than €1,000 from the fund. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18837&Itemid=82 Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has condemned the government's handling of revelations that up to 58,000 X-rays and nearly 3,500 referral letters from GPs went unread by consultants for four years at Tallaght Hospital. The situation in Tallaght highlights the lack of political accountability in healthcare, according to Deputy Kenny, who made the comments at a Fine Gael health conference in Galway on Monday. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18838&Itemid=82 The Galway Taxi Association has called on public representatives to sort out the problems in the industry as a matter of urgency. Refuting claims from the Taxi Regulator that she represents the drivers, the Galway union said the regulator represents around ten per cent of legal taxi drivers in the country. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18839&Itemid=82 AIDS West will host two information nights for parents of teenagers in Gullane's Hotel, Ballinsloe on Monday 22 March and the Station House Hotel, Clifden on Monday 29 from 7pm to 9pm. This free workshop titled, 'I'm a Parent...Get Me out of Here', will provide information and support to parents of teenagers with regard to sexual health, drugs, legal highs, alcohol and effective communication. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18840&Itemid=82 A 54-year-old Dublin man, described as "one of the country's most active and high profile criminals", has been jailed for 12 years for masterminding the armed raid on a Claregalway family's home last year. Thomas Freeman, of 29 Deansrath Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court on Friday to the possession of a sawn-off shotgun to commit a robbery at the home of Lackagh businessman, Julien Flynn on 15 February last year. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18841&Itemid=82 A District Court judge has called for the immediate deportation of a Zimbabwean primary school teacher, caught red-handed stealing cash and property from tourists staying in B&Bs in Galway city. Allan Dambuka (35), 203a Collins Avenue, Whitehall, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Galway District Court on Monday to burglary at the bedroom of guests staying at a B&B in Salthill, Galway on 12 March last. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18842&Itemid=82 Two NUI Galway students have brought the classic arcade game 'Pac-man' into the 21st century with their award-winning 'Pac-man Unleashed' version of the game. The two second-year Electronic and Computer Engineering students won the annual XNA Ireland Challenges College Cup with their entry, which featured four variants on the classic arcade game. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18843&Itemid=82 Galway jockey Graham Lee has beaten an injury scare and is ready to take up his rides at the Cheltenham Festival this week. Lee took a heavy fall off Mansonn Leda in a novices' handicap hurdle at Ayr in Scotland on Friday. However, he rode on and won on board 'Seize' for trainer Ferdy Murphy in a later race. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18844&Itemid=82 A new documentary on the Venezuelan revolution will be screened in Monroe's Tavern on Tuesday 23 March at 7.30pm. 'Listen to Venezuela', a film about a country in revolution that was made by two British film lecturers, focuses not on the views of the 'experts', but on the views of those who are at the coalface of the revolution, the ordinary people. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18845&Itemid=82 The Carlton Hotel Galway is offering a great value and delicious lunch in Ruebens restaurant for Communion and Confirmation celebrations. For only €24 per person, guests can enjoy a delicious four course lunch including a glass of wine. Lunch is only €12 per child, including a soft drink. The Communion/Confirmation child will be complimentary and will receive a special gift on the day. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18846&Itemid=82 Green Party Senator Niall O Brolchain has called for a Seanad debate on child protection to be held on the Letterfrack Industrial School site in Connemara to commemorate victims of abuse at the school. Senator O Brolchain made the call following a walk through Letterfrack, saying he experienced a great feeling of sadness at the graveyard there. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18847&Itemid=82 Galway descendant Siobhan Magnus has clinched a spot among the top 12 finalists on American Idol and has drummed up some interest in the show in the county. The singer has been tipped to win the contest by many analysts, although she did not receive as much coverage as other contestants up until the last 24 stage of the smash TV show. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18848&Itemid=82 A group of students, who are putting together a journal of creative writing to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Galway Hospital Project are holding a fundraiser this weekend. The Masters class in Literature and Publishing class from NUI Galway each year publish a literary journal called ROPES (Review of Postgraduate English Studies). Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18849&Itemid=82 Galway Choral Association is inviting new members to join the choir as they commence preparations for a special summer concert. On Friday 11 June, the Casper Civic Chorale from Wyoming USA will join the 50-strong choir for a unique choral experience in St Nicholas' Collegiate Church. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18850&Itemid=82 Aer Arann customers have raised over €16,000 for Concern's Haiti Appeal following the airline's in flight collection during February. Andrew Kelly, Corporate Affairs Director, Aer Arann thanked customers and staff who donated to the Concern Haiti Appeal during its in-flight collection last month, saying the airline were truly amazed at the amount raised. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18851&Itemid=82 Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv TD is spending St Patrick's Day in Warsaw. Minister O Cuiv has been handed the task of maintaining good relations, promoting trade and opening new lines of business with the new European giant. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18852&Itemid=82 Galway has been selected as a lead location for a new breast cancer research project. Health insurer Aviva announced the new collaboration with Breast Cancer Ireland last week, which will see the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland employ breast cancer research nurses to work in close liaison with the Principal Surgeon Investigator and the Director of Nursing. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18853&Itemid=82 The Office of Public Works (OPW) has confirmed the appointment of consultants to conduct the study of River Clare and flooded areas. Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers are to carry out a comprehensive study of the River Clare and the Lisheenavalla, Claregalway, Caherlea and Ardskeaghmore areas following the flooding, which took place in November 2009. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18854&Itemid=82 Working with the Travelling community in the development of housing projects could be the key to solving the long-running problem of Traveller accommodation in Galway. That's according to Simon Brooke, Chairperson of Cluid Housing Association, who says that ongoing dialogue is vital at all stages of planning and construction. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18855&Itemid=82 Students and staff of Gort Community School are preparing to cycle from Gort to Galway and back on Saturday 27 March to raise much needed funds for the South Galway Flooding relief fund. A spokesperson for the school said the impact of the horrendous weather in November 2009 could still be felt in the area and the school wanted to reach out to and support their community during this very difficult time. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18856&Itemid=82 The Ardilaun Hotel in association with the local branch of the Irish Cancer Society are organising a coffee morning on Monday 22 March between 10.30am and 12 noon. Customers are asked to donate €3 to the Irish Cancer Society for freshly brewed tea or coffee accompanied by fresh homemade fruit and chocolate chip scones baked the hotel’s award winning Pastry Chef Paula Stakelum. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18857&Itemid=82 Past and present members who have worked with Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) from Galway and surrounding regions over four decades have been invited to 40th anniversary celebrations of the national charity. CHI is looking to meet with and reunite old friends who have assisted at University College Hospital Galway in promoting support for parents, delivering play services for children. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18858&Itemid=82 Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to get their hearts racing on Staten Island, New York or Inishbofin Island, Connemara to support the work of local charity Croi. Croi is now recruiting runners and walkers to take up a heart healthy challenge by doing the Inishbofin Half Marathon (13.1 miles) in May or the world's number one full marathon, the New York City Marathon (26.2 miles) in November this year. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18859&Itemid=82 Three students from Gort Community School have fought off teams from around the country to win the SchoolBots Challenge 2010. The students, Liam Krewer, Peter Keane and Eanna Brown, walked away from the Tipperary Institute in Thurles with their arms full of prizes after their robot, 'GinjaNinja', overcame robots from six other schools, including last year's winners, Loreto Kilkenny. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18860&Itemid=82 The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Galway has been awarded a Green Hospitality Gold Award for best practice in all areas of Environmental Management Systems. The Green Hospitality Award is a step-by-step environmental management programme specifically designed for the hospitality industry and awards green business initiative. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18861&Itemid=82 Independent Cllr Terry O' Flaherty has welcomed the installation of double and single yellow lines in some estates close to GMIT. Since GMIT introduced parking permits, there has been a massive increase in students parking their cars in adjacent housing estates during the day, blocking driveways and parking dangerously on corners, which has been a cause of great concern to the local residents. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18862&Itemid=82 A popular Salthill haunt has been shortlisted for an All Ireland Marketing Awards (AIMS) award. Lohan's Café Bar and Restaurant has been nominated for the prestigious Marketing through Irish Award. The awards are the nation's premier means of recognising success of Irish marketing professionals. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18863&Itemid=82 A well-known local storyteller is to perform in Ballybane Library for Galway Childminding Week. Galway City and County Childcare Committee is to welcome local storyteller Clare Muireann Murphy to Clap! Bang! and Sing! story time for childminders and their minded children in Ballybane Library on Tuesday 23 March at 10am. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18864&Itemid=82 Fianna Fáil MEP Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher has called on the European Commission to improve child safety on the internet and in particular on social networking sites. At present over half of European teenagers provide personal information to websites and social networks, which then can be seen by anybody. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18865&Itemid=82 St Patrick's Day is one of the most important and celebrated dates in the Irish calendar. It's amazing the recognition that this fifth century young slave in Ireland has achieved worldwide. Patrick, or Maewyn Succat, which was his Roman name was born at Banna Venta Berniae in Roman Britain where his father, Calpornius, was a Decurion. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18866&Itemid=82 As the debate over so-called 'head shops' continues, Galway people may have been amused to see a man praying outside a city centre head shop in the last few weeks. Photo: Boyd Challenger Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18867&Itemid=82 Galway West TD Frank Fahey has launched an online campaign to get public support for the development of the Galway City Outer Bypass. Mr Fahey has started an email campaign inviting members of the public to join a public petition showing support for the building of the bypass. Mr Fahey says the construction of the bypass is crucial to the development and growth of Galway City and Connemara. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18868&Itemid=82 The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv TD has announced a review of the Official Standard for Irish due to the evolution of the living language. The review is being undertaken by the Central Translation Unit (An Lar-Aonad Aistriuchain) in the department and the minister will appoint a Steering Committee to oversee the review, whose membership will cover the fields of lexicography, education, law, translation, terminology, media and scholarship. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18869&Itemid=82 The European Parliament has taken steps to reduce red tape and ease the administrative burden for small business. This move has been welcomed by Independent Northwest MEP Marian Harkin, who said she was happy to support the legislation. "Anything that will help reduce the administrative burden on micro-enterprises, I fully support. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18870&Itemid=82 If you have a problem and no one else can help, and if you can find them, you should call… your local councillor. They may not be the A-Team but local councillors can often get the job done for you, when you have been hitting a wall of bureaucracy. However, their powers have been weakened considerably in the past few weeks as the public sector's industrial action escalates. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18871&Itemid=82 A Galway Senator has said the issue with the low number of women in politics and senior civil servant positions cannot be resolved by forcing quotas on parties. Fine Gael Senator Ciaran Cannon said that a lot of his colleagues in the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party do not want quotas imposed, as they want to be elected on their own merits. Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18692&Itemid=82 The CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race and An Taoiseach will today sign the contract confirming Galway as host of the grand finale of the Volvo Ocean Race in 2012. Mr Knut Frostad will meet with Brian Cowen at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin this afternoon to copper-fasten the event after Galway beat off stiff competition from Amsterdam and Stockholm to host the prestigious stop. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18693&Itemid=82 Galway people won't have to travel to Meath to see Newgrange anymore, as the incredible monolithic tomb will soon be visible in Eyre Square. The artist behind the instantly recognisable mural on Sally Longs pub in the city is back to his best as he transforms the entrance to Club K on Eyre Square. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18694&Itemid=82 A Galway musician has said he is "shocked but delighted" after scooping one of the country's most prestigious music prizes. Adrian Crowley from Barna was announced as the winner of Choice Music Prize at a ceremony in Dublin last week, scooping the award for his album 'Season of the Sparks'. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18695&Itemid=82 The winner of the 'West's Sexiest man' will be revealed at the opening of the new Remus Uomo store in the city on Thursday. Remus Uomo will open their first Irish store in Galway's Eyre Square Centre on Thursday 11 March and some of Ireland's most recognisable men presently will be on hand to open the store. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18696&Itemid=82 This summer's Round Ireland Offshore Powerboat Race is set to give a massive boost to the local hospitality sector by bringing a minimum of 4,000 bed nights to the city's flagging hotels. In a presentation to Galway City Council on Monday night, Maria Moynihan Lee of Let's Do It Galway outlined plans for the major watersport event, which will take place from Saturday 5 to Saturday 12 June. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18697&Itemid=82 Over two hundred apartments, four main anchor units and 91 commercial units are to be constructed as part of a major new development on the site of Galway Shopping Centre. An Bord Pleanala last week granted planning permission for the 85,618 square metre development, which will see the existing shopping centre on the Headford Road demolished and a new mixed-use project constructed on-site. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18698&Itemid=82 The Galway Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) is urging people not to hand their dogs over to anyone, unless it is a Garda or a dog warden calling specifically to a house. The society says that thieves posing as wardens have targeted dog owners in the Galway, Clare and Limerick while walking or exercising their dogs over the last number of weeks. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18699&Itemid=82 Free parking is to be introduced to the city centre later this month in an effort to stimulate economic activity in the city. Director of Services Ciaran Hayes announced the move at Monday's meeting of Galway City Council, saying the two-week initiative aimed to incentivise shoppers and boost the flagging retail sector. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18700&Itemid=82 Councillors at City Hall have voted to create an allowance for the position of Deputy Mayor. On Monday evening, councillors agreed that previous deputy mayors had been left out of pocket by expenses obtained through official appearances at city events. While the position of Mayor includes a compensation package including a mayoral car, the deputy mayor does not receive any additional benefits. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18701&Itemid=82 A number of students were arrested by Galway Gardai on Monday as College Charity Week, formerly known as Rag Week', festivities kicked off. A spokesperson for Galway Gardaí confirmed that between 12 and 15 students had been arrested for public order offences but that the majority of students had behaved in a responsible manner. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18702&Itemid=82 Two Galway-based professional poker players are said to have been left "shaken" after becoming embroiled in an attack on a poker tournament in Berlin at the weekend. Jude Ainsworth and Derek Murray, who are regular players at the Eglinton Card Club in the city, were taking part in the EPT Poker Tournament at the Hotel Wyatt when five armed raiders crashed the hotel in an effort to steal the €5 million prize pot. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18703&Itemid=82 Linen Supply of Ireland has confirmed it has emerged from the examinership process it entered in September last year. The company, which has plants in Galway and An Spidéal, as well as Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Sligo, has managed to created 75 extra jobs for Cork as part of the process. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18704&Itemid=82 Galway runners on your marks! Galway is about to become home to a city marathon. Galway City Marathon is to take place in the city on Sunday 29 August, with the route taking in a two-loop course of the city, starting and finishing at Galway Harbour and running by many of the town's major landmarks, including Eyre Square, the Cathedral, the university, the Salthill Promenade and the Claddagh and Long Walk. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18705&Itemid=82 Galway City Council has backed the idea of a light rail system for the city, by entering into partnership with lobby group GLUAS. Concerns had been raised about the viability of Light Rail Transit (LRT) following the publication of a Public Transport Feasibility Study for the city, which claimed that LRT would prove costly and unreliable. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18706&Itemid=82 Measures aimed at consolidating the future success of iRadio will see the company move its base from the Wellpark Retail Centre to their headquarters in Athlone, with the loss of five full-time and one part-time jobs. i102-104 went to air in February 2008 broadcasting to the seven counties in the North West region. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18707&Itemid=82 All expenses paid to city councillors by Galway City Council are to be published online in the future. A motion put forward by Cllr Terry O'Flaherty at a meeting at City Hall on Monday asked that expenses claimed by the 15 elected councillors be published online in the interests of transparency. It was widely supported and passed by a majority vote. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18708&Itemid=82 Over 2,000 car buyers flocked to a city car auction last week, indicating a major rise in consumer confidence in the motor sector. The auction, which was run by M6 Car Auctions, took place on Thursday night, with 90 cars going under the hammer. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18709&Itemid=82 The vast majority of workers laid off from the Musgraves depot in Galway last week will not be able to avail of relocation positions at the Kilcock plant. That's according to Michael Kilcoyne of SIPTU, who said that living and family circumstances meant it was impossible for many to hold on to their jobs. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18710&Itemid=82 A Co. Galway father and mother have been sent forward for trial on more than 300 charges of abusing their children. The husband will stand trial in the Central Criminal Court and his wife will stand trial at the Circuit Criminal Court in Galway after appearing before Athenry District Court yesterday (Tuesday). Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18711&Itemid=82 The Sisters of Mercy have come under fire this week for refusing to handover lands in Taylor's Hill to the city, as compensation to those who suffered abuse while in their care. Galway City Council had previously written to the Sisters of mercy requesting that they sign over the St Anne's site at Lenaboy to the city for use as a commemorative site. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18712&Itemid=82 Local authority staff are refusing to respond to any queries from elected representatives, as the public service industrial action escalates. A letter circulated by trade union SIPTU and local authority union LAPO earlier this week said staff were refusing to deal with elected representatives on the grounds that lower paid staff have been subjected to severe cuts in their pay and allowances while higher paid workers have been protected by the Government. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18713&Itemid=82 Judgement has been reserved in the case of Galway-based bus company, Citylink, which denies two charges brought against it by the DPP for operating a daily non-stop bus service between Dublin and Galway without a licence. Singapore-based company, Comfortdelgro Ltd., which owns Citylink, with registered offices at Galway Tourist Office, Forster Street, Galway, is denying it operated an unlicensed non-stop bus service on 16 October last year. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18714&Itemid=82 A GMIT film and television graduate is to have his documentary screened on RTE next week. Pete Higgins's documentary on UFOs is to be shown on RTE Two next Monday 15 March at 11.30pm as part of its 'New Directors' series. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18715&Itemid=82 Two South African men have been sent forward for trial charged with the attempted armed robbery of a Connemara post office last November. Michael Huston (44), of 14 Lui Na Greine, Western Distributor Road, Galway, and Quintas Smith (30) of 67 Main Street, Cavan are charged with conspiring together to rob Inverin Post Office, Teach Mor, Inverin, on 11 November last year. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18716&Itemid=82 NUI Galway is running a number of events to mark International Women's Day and Women's History Month. On Friday 12 March, NUI Galway will host a public talk by Professor Nira Yuval-Davis, Director of the Research Centre on Migration, Refugees and Belonging, at the University of East London, South Africa. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18717&Itemid=82 Leisureland is the place to be this weekend as Rollerskatedisco.com takes over the Salthill venue on Saturday and Sunday 13 and 14 March. Legendary DJ Jazi Jay and the infamous MC Muzzy G get together for the first time this weekend, with the duo sure to get the crowd skating along to 70s, 80s, 90s favourites along with current chart hits spun live. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18718&Itemid=82 Druid founder Garry Hynes is to be the subject of a special interview at NUI Galway this week. Dr Hynes is a graduate of NUI Galway and has gone on to become one of the most accomplished and well-respected individuals in Irish theatre. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18719&Itemid=82 Galway children's charity Irish Friends of Albania is to hold its third annual fashion show at the Galway Bay Hotel on Tuesday 23 March. Last year's event was a sell-out and raised €10,000 for the volunteer work of Galway medics in Albania. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18720&Itemid=82 A local heart charity has collaborated with one of RTE's most popular series in an effort to raise awareness of cardiac health. Croi worked with 'How Long Will You Live?' presenter Dr Mark Hamilton on his new TV series, 'Health of the Nation', which is due to air on RTE 1 tonight, Wednesday 10 March at 8.30pm. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18721&Itemid=82 Ryan Tubridy was on hand to officially launch Happy Faces 2010, which hopes to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI). Happy Faces, which runs from 1 to 18 April, is the annual fundraising project organised by the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA). Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18722&Itemid=82 The Connacht Sheep Shearing Championships 2010 are to return to Galway following the success of last year's event. On Sunday 23 May, Maam Cross will host the provincial event for the second year in a row. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18723&Itemid=82 A discussion on abortion in Ireland is to be held tonight, marking the end of International Women's Day. The meeting is arranged for 8.30pm tonight, Wednesday 10 March, in Richardson's upstairs meeting room in Eyre Square. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18724&Itemid=82 A Fine Gael MEP for the North West has attacked the Government over their 'Vision for Change' programme for Metal Health Facilities, saying by the time it is acted on it will be too late for the patients. The programme has called for the phasing out of 14 Victorian era institutions still used by the state, which Mr Jim Higgins MEP said were "unfit for human habitation, appalling conditions, dilapidated, desolate and depressing." Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100 http://www.galwayindependent.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18725&Itemid=82 A brain awareness event is to take place at Galway Shopping Centre today, Wednesday 10 March. The event is being organised to mark national Brain Awareness Week (BAW) and will teach visitors about the workings of the brain through hands-on activities and games. Literature on brain disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis and Stroke will also be available, as will a number of researchers from the NUI Galway's Galway Neuroscience Group. Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 +0100