Galway in a time of witnessing
Wed, Jul 30, 2025
Here in Galway, we measure the year in rhythms — not so much by the weather or the ticking of clocks, but by the sequence of festivals and the shifting colour of the streets. July turns, and with it, the city shifts mood. The stretch in the evening begins to draw in. The Galway International Arts Festival takes its final bow, and almost immediately, the echo of hooves rises from Ballybrit. The handover is complete. Art yields to spectacle. The Races are upon us.
This is a pattern we know well — a choreography of the city’s own making. From the dazzle of performance art to the drama of the racetrack, Galway moves not with the calendar, but with its passions. First, the imagination. Then, the tradition.
Read more ...Fidelity Ireland’s academic collaboration sparks innovation
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Fidelity Investments Ireland is ramping up its academic collaborations, with a strong focus on Galway, as part of a broader strategy to drive technological innovation and build future-ready talent pipelines. Through expanded collaborations with institutions like the University of Galway, the company is investing in cutting-edge research in areas such as natural language processing (NLP), knowledge graphs, spatial computing, and human-computer interaction.
Read more ...Kylemore celebrates the big Five-O for Paddy Joe
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Last Friday, a heartwarming celebration was held at the iconic Kylemore Abbey as family, friends, colleagues past and present, and members of the Benedictine Community gathered to honour a remarkable milestone: 50 years of dedicated service by Paddy Joe Joyce, Kylemore’s beloved maintenance operative.
Read more ...A life at both ends of the law
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
With one foot firmly planted in the world of enforcement and the other in the realm of legal challenge, his life’s journey is as rich and complex as the landscapes he once patrolled—from the rocky edges of Inis Oírr to the tense border regions of Northern Ireland.
Read more ...Claddagh Credit Union installs life-saving defibrillator at Mainguard Street Branch
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Claddagh Credit Union is proud to announce the installation of a publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillator (AED) outside its Mainguard Street branch. This important addition improves emergency readiness and underlines our longstanding commitment to community safety.
Read more ...Geoghegan-Quinn not to run for presidency
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Former European Commissioner and Justice Minister Dr Maire Geoghegan Quinn has confirmed that she will not be running in this year’s presidential election.
Read more ...NDP for Galway? Nothing to see here, yet…
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
In years past, the NDP would be a ‘shopping list’ of projects which the cabinet awarded funding to, often after intense local lobbying, but it is now more a broad-brush statement of which policy areas or government departments will have funding prioritised.
Read more ...The Ardilaun Hotel Awarded Silver Certification for Sustainability
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The Ardilaun Hotel in Galway has been awarded the prestigious Silver Certification from the Sustainable Tourism Network (STN), marking a significant milestone in the hotel’s journey toward environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism.
Read more ...Clifden Arts Festival 2025 launches groundbreaking visual art programme
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The Clifden Arts Festival 2025 (17-28th September ) unveils a bold and diverse Visual Art Programme that brings together Irish and international artists across disciplines and locations. From painting and performance to photography and film, this year’s theme Journey is explored through deeply personal, political, and poetic lenses.
Read more ...Bishop Casey’s new resting place to remain private
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The quiet removal of Bishop Eamonn Casey’s remains from the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral has ignited both reflection and division across Ireland. The move, carried out discreetly in recent weeks and only confirmed in a statement from the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora last weekend, marks a historic and unprecedented decision in the Catholic Church in Ireland. It follows months of internal consultation and dialogue with the late bishop’s family and comes a year after explosive allegations of child sexual abuse were aired publicly in an RTÉ documentary.
Read more ...Galway Chamber calls for clarity on status of critical projects in West
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The Government’s review of the National Development Plan (NDP) presents a vital opportunity to realign national priorities, but Galway Chamber emphasises that without clear timelines, regional transparency, and strong oversight, the momentum risks stalling. Central to all of this will be the Government’s priority towards regional balance, which must be an integral part of the revised plan and the projects to be implemented.
Read more ...Charlie Byrne’s and Kennys Bookshop to receive funding to bring community ideas to life
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Two local independent Galway bookstores have each secured a €5,000 grant as part of the Books At One Community Fund 2025. Charlie Byrne’s and Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery were successful following a national call for submissions to deliver interesting and innovative community initiatives.
Read more ...Councillors prepared to fight ‘tooth and nail’ against PUH downgrade
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The HSE’s decision to reduce the scope of maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH), has prompted united condemnation from Galway County councillors, resulting in calls for Government intervention.
Read more ...Galway needs the Ring Road
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Unfortunately, this critique misrepresents both the purpose and the scope of the project.
Read more ...Arm celebrates opening of new facility at Crown Square
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Semiconductor-producer Arm has celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art facility in Galway City. Since establishing operations in Galway in 2014, Arm has expanded to 90 staff members locally, and more than 4800 employees across Europe.
Read more ...Busy week at GUH with Covid outbreak and Emergency Department numbers
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
The Emergency Department at Galway University Hospital (GUH) has been extremely busy this week with high numbers of people attending the department who needed to be admitted to hospital for ongoing treatment. On Saturday, 220 people and on Sunday 157 people attended at the Emergency Department and there were a total of 96 admissions over the two days. On Monday there were 25 patients in the Emergency Department with a further 18 patients on trolleys at ward level. In addition they have opened additional surge beds.
Read more ...Canney welcomes over €3.4 million investment in Galway Group Water Schemes
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the approval of over €3.4 million in funding for Galway Group Water Schemes under the Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme (MARWP) 2024–2026.
Read more ...National review of Down syndrome regression must happen, says Roche
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Action must be taken to support people with Down syndrome who are experiencing regression, a Galway East Fine Gael TD has said.
Read more ...Aware launches urgent call for volunteers to join its support team in Galway
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Aware, Ireland’s national organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by depression and bipolar disorder, is urgently recruiting new volunteers for its Support Team in Galway. With around 400 passionate volunteers nationwide, Aware delivers essential, free services that profoundly impact individuals and families across Ireland. No prior experience or qualifications are necessary, as full training and ongoing support are provided. Applications are now open at www.aware.ie.
Aware volunteers come from all walks of life, representing a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. Many are inspired to volunteer through their own personal experience with mental illness, or through supporting loved ones. Others choose to get involved out of a desire to contribute to the community, deepen their knowledge of mental health, develop new skills, or simply make meaningful connections.
Read more ...Galway communities urged to go green with fresh climate fund
Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Galway County Council has announced that the next round of the Community Climate Action Fund will open this September, providing new opportunities for community groups across the county to take meaningful climate action at a local level.
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