The Galway Knights, the early days
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps was established in Galway in October 1937 by Dr Conor O’Malley. The first meeting took place in the old Central Hospital when Dr O’Malley commenced a series of first aid lectures to a group who finally did exams and became members of the Order of Malta, generally known as the Knights of Malta.
Read more ...Shannon Airport begins €15m terminal upgrade as part of €40m investment drive
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
![The Shannon Airport Group has commenced the first airport-focused element of its €40 million investment drive for 2026, with construction now underway on a €15 million upgrade of the Shannon Airport terminal building.
This phase marks the beginning of the latest programme of works across Shannon Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger facilities and delivering long‑term sustainability improvements.
The project builds on the substantial sustainability work already underway across the Group. The 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance.
Improvements
This critical upgrade will help facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump technology and new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers will also notice the physical impact on the terminal, with a striking, fresh, new exterior.
In addition to its environmental benefits, this wider project will also deliver substantial improvements to the customer experience. The immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded.
Arriving passengers can expect brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts. These refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.
Sustainability is again to the fore with the removal of the old 1950s link corridor, a move that will save approximately 62 tonnes of CO₂ annually by eliminating the requirement to heat and cool the old structure. As part of this change, new accommodations for Fixed Based Operators will be constructed within the terminal building's arrivals area.
Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said, “The commencement of this €15 million arrivals area upgrade marks a significant step forward in our commitment to lowering emissions, improving energy performance and enhancing the customer experience at Shannon Airport.
"As part of our overall €40 million investment programme, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernising one of the most important parts of the terminal. This work builds on the numerous enhancements we’ve already delivered and is a further investment in our passengers and in a sustainable future.”
This investment continues the significant progress The Shannon Airport Group has made in recent years across both infrastructure and the customer journey.
This includes the introduction of C3 security scanners, the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, installation of six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, enhanced flight information displays, introducing the Shannon Airport App and, in 2025, launching Ireland’s first on-airfield Solar PV farm as well as newly refurbished European Gates one to five.
Galway‑based OCC Construction has been appointed to carry out the works. Construction has just commenced, with project completion expected in May 2027. While no significant disruption is anticipated, the Shannon Airport Group thanks passengers and visitors for their patience as these important improvements are underway.](http://www.advertiser.ie/images/2026/02/149530_thumb.jpg "The Shannon Airport Group has commenced the first airport-focused element of its €40 million investment drive for 2026, with construction now underway on a €15 million upgrade of the Shannon Airport terminal building.
This phase marks the beginning of the latest programme of works across Shannon Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger facilities and delivering long‑term sustainability improvements.
The project builds on the substantial sustainability work already underway across the Group. The 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance.
Improvements
This critical upgrade will help facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump technology and new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Passengers will also notice the physical impact on the terminal, with a striking, fresh, new exterior.
In addition to its environmental benefits, this wider project will also deliver substantial improvements to the customer experience. The immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded.
Arriving passengers can expect brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts. These refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.
Sustainability is again to the fore with the removal of the old 1950s link corridor, a move that will save approximately 62 tonnes of CO₂ annually by eliminating the requirement to heat and cool the old structure. As part of this change, new accommodations for Fixed Based Operators will be constructed within the terminal building's arrivals area.
Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said, “The commencement of this €15 million arrivals area upgrade marks a significant step forward in our commitment to lowering emissions, improving energy performance and enhancing the customer experience at Shannon Airport.
"As part of our overall €40 million investment programme, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernising one of the most important parts of the terminal. This work builds on the numerous enhancements we’ve already delivered and is a further investment in our passengers and in a sustainable future.”
This investment continues the significant progress The Shannon Airport Group has made in recent years across both infrastructure and the customer journey.
This includes the introduction of C3 security scanners, the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, installation of six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, enhanced flight information displays, introducing the Shannon Airport App and, in 2025, launching Ireland’s first on-airfield Solar PV farm as well as newly refurbished European Gates one to five.
Galway‑based OCC Construction has been appointed to carry out the works. Construction has just commenced, with project completion expected in May 2027. While no significant disruption is anticipated, the Shannon Airport Group thanks passengers and visitors for their patience as these important improvements are underway.")
The Shannon Airport Group has commenced the first airport-focused element of its €40 million investment drive for 2026, with construction now underway on a €15 million upgrade of the Shannon Airport terminal building.
Read more ...My Local Community: Father Griffin Road
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Father Griffin Road is named after the martyred Irish priest, Father Michael Griffin, who was involved in the War of Independence. This area is known for a lively, charming road that stretches from the Fire Station down to the Maxol Garage in Lower Salthill.
Read more ...Inis Iron Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The Inis Iron Meáin is an annual event on Inis Meáin, involving an exciting day full of running and socializing.
Read more ...Inis Meáin’s scenery and culture – Inspiring art for many
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The Aran Islands consists of three beautiful islands – Inis Mór, Inis Meáin and Inis Oirr. These islands are full of culture, stories and art.
Read more ...Movie review: Wake Up Dead Man
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
2025 was a year for cinema worldwide. With the release of instant classics such as ‘Sinners’ and ‘Hamnet’, and the MCU providing setup for the eagerly awaited ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ with ‘The Fantastic Four’ and ‘Thunderbolts’, the cinemophiles have been well fed this year.
Read more ...The Story of Naomh Éanna on Inis Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The Naomh Éanna was a cargo ship used as the primary mode of transport for the people of the Aran Islands from the summer of 1958 until its decommissioning in 1986.
Read more ...In opposition to opposition
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The course of local politics has forced me and many others to look beyond the immediate horizon and towards the wider system. The term ‘opposition’ is a name given to elected members of parliament who are not in government, and should no longer be in use. As shocking as this sometimes feels, the ‘opposition’ side of a parliament’s job is not to oppose for opposition’s sake.
Read more ...The Silent Stone: Geography of the Middle Aran Island
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Inis Meáin has lots of amazing geographical features, mostly thanks to its connection to the Burren landscape.
Read more ...JM Synge on Inis Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Life on Inis Meáin has always been shaped by nature - located in the middle of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland, it is the quietest of the islands.
Read more ...By-Election Survival 101
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Dates for the upcoming Galway West by-election have been speculated by the Daily Mail to be either May 15 or May 22. We won't know the full list of candidates until the official date when nominations close; this date hasn't been announced yet, either, but many candidates from smaller parties and independent candidates have already declared themselves in the race for a much-needed head start.
Read more ...Cniotàil geansaí Inis Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Long before Aran island sweaters became a fashion statement being rocked by many celebrities such as Patrick Dempsey, Marilyn Monroe and Alexander McQueen; local fishermen and islanders would wear them in day-to-day life.
Read more ...The Comhlacht Forbatha (Local Development) on Inis Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
One thing you learn very quickly as a student on Inis Meáin is how to adapt.
If the electricity goes, you light a candle. If the weather changes, plans change. And if something breaks, you can be fairly sure Comhlacht Forbatha Inis Meáin will be involved fixing it somehow.
Read more ...How to find your silence
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
In a world where phones now take precedence over most necessities, silence lies at the bottom of this heap, almost forgotten and rendered unimportant.
Read more ...A school at the heart of island life
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
On the small island of Inis Meáin education extends far beyond the classroom walls. As the island's only secondary school, Colaiste Naomh Eoin (CNE) is at the heart of the community, supporting students academically, culturally and socially.
Read more ...The history of the Claddagh
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Although I live in Boleybeg, my mom grew up in the Claddagh and in a way, so did I. The draw of the water and the melody of the streets is what makes this place my fondest childhood memory. Today, I want to delve into its rich history.
Read more ...The game Cead from Inis Meáin
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Cead, also known as cluichí le maidí (game with sticks) is an ancient, traditional game that is unique to Inis Meáin and played exclusively on St Patrick’s Day.
Read more ...The change in American Politics: 1920-Present
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
The rise of conservatism and fascism in the modern Western world has been a contentious topic for a long while. Fingers have been pointed every which way, with only one true nation to blame for this: America.
Read more ...The history of Bearna
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Galway’s sprawling hills are home to innumerable stories from the past: centuries of people living in tough conditions where plants refused to grow on acidic soil, and strong winds and rain would chill you to the bone. Despite this unfavourable climate, a rich history can be found throughout the county, from ancient Celtic ringforts to scattered Famine villages.
Read more ...Capillary Canal ways
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Galway’s canal ways are a lesser-known but historically significant part of the city’s development, reflecting its long relationship with trade, industry, and water management.
Read more ...