Second prison sentence for charity box thief

Fri, Dec 19, 2025

A man with 160 previous convictions, who is currently serving a sentence for stealing a charity box containing €600 from an Athenry pub, was back before Galway District Court this week, where he received an additional sentence for stealing a charity box from Londis, Newcastle on September 20, 2024.

Macnas role in city culture to be marked with year round visitor experience

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The role of Macnas in the cultural history of Galway is set to be enhanced with the creation in the city of a year-round Macnas Visitor Experience.

Galway Samaritans celebrate fifty years of listening and supporting

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

For nearly half a century, the Samaritans have been a vital source of comfort and connection for people across Galway and the surrounding areas. Operating from Nuns’ Island, with a satellite service in Castlebar, the Galway branch is the third oldest in Ireland and will celebrate its 50th anniversary next April.

Galway City Council Arts office rolling out 2026 grants and bursary schemes

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galway City Council Arts office is now rolling out 2026 grants and bursary schemes aimed at supporting local arts organisations and practitioners to produce engaging and inclusive arts programmes for Galway city.

Standing up for farmers, women and our communities as Ireland prepares to lead Europe

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

As we approach 2026 – and with the prospect of Ireland holding the Presidency of the European Union ahead – I want to take a moment to share my work from the past year, and to underline why your voice and involvement matter now more than ever.

Wedding viewings at the award-winning Galway Bay Hotel

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Choosing a venue for your wedding is one of the most important decisions that you will ever make. Galway Bay Hotel is a uniquely situated venue, providing you with the most elegant and breathtaking setting to host your wedding.

Minister Naughton announces €3.8 million minor works and ICT grant funding for Galway schools

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton , this week announced €65m in minor works and ICT grant funding for schools across the country, with €3.8 million of this being allocated to Galway schools.

36 years of Galway braving the cold: COPE Galway Christmas Swim

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

For many in Galway, Christmas morning simply is not complete without a trip to Blackrock in Salthill, where hundreds gather to brave the icy waters of Galway Bay and raise funds for COPE Galway.

Visit Galway City Museum over the festive season

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galway City Museum is delighted to welcome visitors throughout the festive season, with adjusted opening hours to accommodate holiday schedules. The Museum will be open on Tuesday, 23 December from 10am to 5pm, and will close from Wednesday, 24 December to Monday, 29 December (inclusive).

State data leaves no credible case for downgrading Portiuncula maternity services

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Independent Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons has said that the State’s own maternity data leaves no credible, evidence-based case for the proposed downgrading of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH), and that national scrutiny is now unavoidable.

Údarás na Gaeltachta supporting Oxygen Research Institute with a grant of €307,350

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Údarás na Gaeltachta has approved a €307,350 grant for Oxygen Research Institute Ltd (ORIL) to drive significant expansion of its health and wellness operations from Moycullen, Co. Galway.

Local jobs boost as billionaire investor Cuban backs Galway-based Orreco

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

More than 30 jobs could be created in Galway after locally-based sports tech company Orreco raised $4 million (€3.4 million) in funding from investors who include billionaire Mark Cuban and announced the acquisition of Australian AI computer vision specialist Data Driven Sports Analytics (DDSA).

Light up for Iggy

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The Galway Plaza will host a festive ‘Light up for Iggy’, a Christmas tractor run and family fun day on Sunday, December 28, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, bringing families, farmers and the wider community together for an excellent cause.

Volunteers vow to rebuild anew after Maam Cross fire

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Volunteers at Maam Cross Railway Station are determined to build anew after a devastating weekend fire tore through one of the site’s most important structures, leaving behind damage but not despair. The station, now a much-loved tourist attraction, suffered a serious setback on Saturday, December 13, when a blaze broke out in the signal cabin at approximately 12.30pm. While no one was injured, the cabin itself was almost completely destroyed.

Galway city rings in 2026 with family friendly festivities and early countdown

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

The organisers of Galway City New Year’s Eve have issued an invitation to families and those visiting the city for a festive break to enjoy an early evening of music, art and culture at St Nicholas Collegiate Church to welcome a much anticipated 2026.

Galway’s Anne O’Connor to head up the HSE

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Galwaywoman Anne O’Connor is set to return to the heart of Ireland’s public health system, taking up the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive in a move that brings one of the most recognisable figures of the Covid-19 era back into public service.

Galway fishermen angry at quota negotiations, says Thomas

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas has said the outcome of the latest EU fishing quota negotiations has triggered deep anger and distress among fishermen in Galway and along the west coast, many of whom have contacted him directly in recent days.

Christmas comes early for man caught with €3,789 worth of cocaine

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

CHRISTMAS came early for one young Galway man who escaped a serious criminal conviction despite being found with substantial amounts of cocaine in his possession and facing a charge of having the drug for sale or supply.

Passport confiscated as man convicted of phishing and dealing a flight risk

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

THE mother of a young man accused of being involved in a phishing scam and drug dealing made an impassioned plea before Galway District Court for her son to be spared a prison sentence and allowed to return to Australia where he was doing well.

Gardaí have more to do than picking up drunks

Thu, Dec 18, 2025

GARDAI have better things to do than to go about picking drunks up from the street, was the reaction of a Judge when a Court regular once again appeared before Galway District Court on public order charges.

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