Farmers have high risk of heart disease and stroke

Thu, May 21, 2015

A study which reveals that 80 per cent of farmers have four or more risk factors for heart disease and stroke - the leading cause of death in Ireland - has been described as "very worrying" by a local farmers' representative.

Connaughton calls for abolition of parking charges in small towns

Thu, May 21, 2015

Online shopping, an "inflexible attitude to rate payments", and parking charges are combining to threaten the viability of businesses in small towns - but measures can be taken by the Galway County Council to change this.

Connaughton demands broadband scheme for rural post offices

Thu, May 21, 2015

Post offices across County Galway should receive high speed broadband in a scheme similar to that used to bring high-speed broadband to secondary schools, Fine Gael East Galway TD Paul Connaughton has demanded.

Referendum campaign brought back all my old fears says city woman

Thu, May 21, 2015

I have just finished reading the Ursula Halligan article. My tears fall onto the page as old wounds, old pain, old shame resurface. Her story is amazingly similar to mine! Astonishingly so, in fact.

I was born in the early sixties in Catholic Ireland, and grew up in the seventies. I knew I was 'different' at school but couldn't figure out what the difference was. In secondary school I had a crush on one of my female teachers but then....didn't everybody? I developed a vivid imagination when questioned about boyfriends and what I got up to over weekends. I invented Oscar-winning scenarios just to fit in. The alternative, to tell the truth, was not an option for me. The alternative would alienate me from my classmates. The alternative would make me an outcast. So I lied! I lied about having boyfriends! I lied through secondary school and I kept on lying!

Amy’s House Creche celebrates ten years in business

Thu, May 21, 2015

To celebrate 10 years in business this week, Hazel Curran and the staff of Amy's House Crèche would like to invite all their clients, past and present, and also any future clients who would like to meet the staff and visit the business, to a barbecue and children's disco tomorrow, Friday, from 6pm to 9pm. 

‘My son has progressed from a lower D grade to a level A grade’

Thu, May 21, 2015

A primary school student went to First Class Learning struggling with maths and was not confident in his abilities. After an initial assessment, an individualised programme was devised to suit his needs and ability. The FCL programme is designed to ensure the concepts are thoroughly explored. Fluency is essential at each step before moving on to the next maths skill. After 18 months’ work, this student had progressed from a lower D to an A level grade. His confidence was restored and he was ready to tackle maths concepts that were new to him.

One of the keys to success in maths is having a solid fluency in the foundational maths skills that are taught in primary school. Too often, students do not get sufficient practice at the different basic skills and so lack confidence needed to tackle the more complex ideas that appear in secondary mathematics and beyond. Students lack the necessary fluency and feel that they are “no good at maths”. 

Coláiste Sheosaimh summer courses now enrolling

Thu, May 21, 2015

Bunaíodh Coláiste Sheosaimh i 1960 agus eagraítear cúrsaí Gaeilge rathúla gach bliain ó shin. Coláiste Sheosaimh is situated about 40 miles west of Galway city. Since it was first established in 1960 the college has run very successful Irish courses from its two centres in Cárna (junior college) and Cill Chiaráin (senior college). The morning classes have been fully revised and restructured to put increased emphasis on oral work in line with the new school curriculum.

There is availability on the three week summer courses running from June 28 to July 19 and July 19 to August 9, and on a two-week course from July 19 to August 2. The €880 fee includes full board accommodation with approved (RnaG) families, tuition, activities, and private transport. Family discounts are available. Students enjoy their experience both in the college and in the surrounding area.

Teaching English in Galway, Ireland, Europe, and the world

Thu, May 21, 2015

Teaching English as a foreign language, or TEFL, is an attractive option for recent graduates, for people who want to change career, for those who are approaching retirement, or for anyone thinking of teaching English here in Ireland or anywhere in the world. But there is a bewildering number of course options out there. 

Prince Charles, Sinn Féin meeting is about 'reconciliation and healing' says Ó Clochartaigh

Tue, May 19, 2015

This morning's planned meeting in Galway between Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness with Britain's Prince Charles is a great moment of "national reconciliation", a Galway senator has said.

Galway2020 video seeks to inspire the people for European Capital of Culture bid

Mon, May 18, 2015

As the battle heats up among the various Irish cities to become the European Capital of Culture 2020, Galway has become the first to launch an inspiring bid video in a rallying call to its citizens.

King's the new queen of hats

Sat, May 16, 2015

Caroline Whelan meets Caithriona King who is making major waves on the national millinery scene

Galway ready to give a 'royal' welcome to Charles and Camilla

Thu, May 14, 2015

Tourism bosses are confident next week's royal visit to Galway will lead to a surge in the number of visitors from the UK. Views of the city and county will be beamed across the world due to the presence of Prince Charles and Camilla The Duchess of Cornwall on Tuesday. The world's media, which avidly follows members of the royal family to every destination, will undoubtedly ensure the city and county gets a well deserved share of the spotlight.

Vote Yes for a kinder society

Thu, May 14, 2015

Insider is going to come straight out and say it - Vote Yes to Marriage Equality on May 22. Insider is taking an unequivocal stand on this issue as the referendum is very important to a small group of people in Ireland. That group not only includes this Insider, but also some of the most hopeful, optimistic, and open hearted people Insider has ever had the good fortune to meet.

Druid Theatre looking forward to welcoming The Duchess of Cornwall

Thu, May 14, 2015

The artistic director of Druid says she is 'thrilled and excited' that the Dutchess of Cornwall has chosen to pay a visit to the world famous theatre company during her trip to Galway.

Major upheaval ahead for home-owners affected by bypass route

Thu, May 14, 2015

Now that the exact route of the proposed Galway bypass has been identified, affected property owners at various locations across the city are still coming to terms with the fact their homes will have to be knocked to facilitate the road. Other property owners who will not be subject to demolition face the reality of living in extremely close proximity to a busy national artery.

Councillors supportive of helping MADRA reduce the number of dogs being put down in the city

Thu, May 14, 2015

An appeal by Galway based dog rescue and adoption group MADRA for €10,000 in funding from Galway City Council has got a positive reaction from councillors. The local authority is also to investigate the possibility of giving further financial aid to the organisation in the years ahead.

Pádraic Ó' Conaire statue to finally return to Eyre Square

Thu, May 14, 2015

After a prolonged saga, a replica of the original statue of Pádraic Ó' Conaire is to return to Eyre Square following an eleven year absence. The original statue of the famed Irish literary giant dominated the top of the Square since it was unveiled by Eamon de Valera in 1935. The sculpture was a top attraction for visitors to Galway, many of whom had their photograph taken alongside the writer.

Councillors very supportive of Christmas Market - despite critical executive report

Thu, May 14, 2015

A number of city councillors defended the Christmas Market during a heated debate about the event at this week's local authority meeting. The debate followed the release of a report about the market by director of services for recreation and amenity, Tom Connell.

Keaveney condemns Government inaction on housing

Thu, May 14, 2015

Four PR launches for the Government's housing strategy over the past 12 months has resulted in "not one new social housing unit in Galway" and some 4,570 families still on the social housing waiting lists.

Ó Conchúir condemns Noonan's 'allergic to work' comment

Thu, May 14, 2015

Skilled workers who cannot find employment, those who have emigrated to find work, lone parents who had to give up their jobs as they can no longer afford childcare following cuts to benefits, have been insulted by the Minister for Finance Michael Noonan.

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