Explorers of sea and land to feature in this month’s Kinvara Adventure Talks

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

The popular Kinvara Adventure Talks series is returning for its 11th season, with more tales and footage from people’s adventure travels around the globe.

Western Family History Association celebrates thirtieth anniverary

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

The Western Family History Association is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year with an event to be held on Wednesday, November 12 at 8:00 p.m. in the Lackagh Parish Centre. This night is open to all to acknowledge those who have served as officers and members of the executive committee over the years.

The event will bring together past and present members to share memories and valuable information. This will be an occasion where people involved in Family History Research over the past thirty years will get together in a night of nostalgia and fun.

The new fear taking flight

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

There’s a new unease rippling across the countryside — not a fear of wolves or weather, but of wings. The wild birds that once symbolised freedom, grace, and the turn of the seasons have become, in the eyes of many farmers, harbingers of ruin. The spectre of avian influenza — bird flu — now hangs heavily over Ireland’s farms, coops, and even the bird tables of our gardens.

The Department of Agriculture’s decision to impose a compulsory housing order for all poultry and captive birds from 10 November marks a sobering moment. It’s a sign that what was once a distant threat has now landed firmly at our own doorsteps. Across the border, the UK — including Northern Ireland — is moving in lockstep, signalling that this is not a local issue but part of a wider European crisis. The virus, highly pathogenic and fast-evolving, has already forced the culling of an entire commercial turkey flock in Co Carlow after an outbreak of the H5N1 strain. A three-kilometre protection zone and a ten-kilometre surveillance area now encircle the farm, stark reminders of how quickly contagion can spread.

Passing of the baton

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina received President Elect Catherine Connolly and her husband Brian McEnery for a courtesy visit and luncheon in Áras an Uachtaráin yesterday (Wednesday) The presidential inauguration takes place at Dublin Castle on Tuesday next. Pic Tony Maxwell / Maxwell’s

Connacht’s Clan Stand is back at new Dexcom Stadium

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Connacht Rugby’s new North Stand at Dexcom Stadium is to be named ‘The Clan Stand’ to honour both past, present and future.

Night-mayor decade

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Mike Cubbard is perched on a sofa in the bare-walled living room of his new house, supping a mug of tea, describing his pregnant wife being threatened with a beating, their children burned alive, and his mother raped.

Time to restore all our old farm buildings

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

To bring the past back to life we need to look back and understand where our family came from. The story begins with my grandfather Mattie Glynn who was originally from Cahernahoon, Lackagh.

Councillors demand action on dangerous roads and speeding

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Persistent road safety issues and dangerous driving in Portumna, Loughrea and the surrounding villages were a key issue raised by councillors at the October meeting of the Loughrea Municipal District.

Voicing growing frustration with the lack of progress on long-running road safety issues in the municipal district, councillors called for serious action to be undertaken.

Ballinasloe MD members voice concerns for 2026 budget

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Ballinasloe’s municipal district (MD) saw an increase in expenditure for 2026 with a budget of €10.5 million, but its elected MD members have expressed shared concerns over rising costs, community grant reductions, parking measures, and anti-social behaviour at the recent municipal district meeting to discuss 2026 General Municipal Allocations (GMA).

Impact of AI on future of work discussed at Galway event

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

At the AI and Future of Work event held in Galway last Thursday night, one common theme was consistent across the presentations and discussions. Would Artificial Intelligence replace white collar work?

Send me back to Mayo, pleads woman facing litany of charges

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

A woman who allegedly spat in the face of a Garda, was found drunk rambling on a dual carriageway, and who locked herself in an ambulance and refused to open the doors, among other offences, pleaded at Galway District Court that she wanted to be sent back to Mayo. All the charges before the Court related to a one week period in July last.

DIY barber will be relying on prison haircuts for some time

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Jumping the queue in a Galway barbershop and taking up a scissors to cut his own hair earned a DIY barber two months in custody when he appeared before the District Court.

Belclare church burglar raised to be respectful of his religion

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

A MAN who broke into Belclare church in search of money was very respectful of the church as he was raised in a certain way and was now very embarrassed by his behaviour.

Six months for man who threatened to kill Garda

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

A man who threatened to kill a Garda and who hurled threats and vile language at the Gardaí trying to deal with him was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment when he appeared before Judge James Faughnan at Tuam District Court.

Carlsberg thief will has to come up with compo in January

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

A MAN facing a series of charges ranging from criminal damage to a Garda’s private car to assault in a Headford pub and repeatedly stealing slabs of Carlsberg lager from supermarkets has been given until the January 22 sitting of Tuam District Court to come up with more compensation.

Hoare welcomes proposed Cappagh Park and Ride and calls for others

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare has welcomed the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) proposal for a new Park and Ride facility at Cappagh, describing it as “a positive and much-needed step toward tackling traffic congestion and improving sustainable transport options for Galway City.”

Galway City Council announces major investment in Christmas lights to sparkle brighter than ever

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Galway City Council has announced a significant increase in investment for the city’s much-loved Christmas lights, ensuring a brighter, more vibrant festive season for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

Cllr Terry O’ Flaherty against any move to remove Pay & Display machines

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Independent Councillor Terry O’Flaherty has said that she will not be supporting any move to remove the ‘Pay & Display’ parking machines in Galway City.

County Council urges residents urged to dispose of their household hazardous waste safely for free

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

Is your shed overflowing with leftover paint cans? Are old chemical sprays and containers lurking under your sink? Don’t let these hazardous items pose a risk to your family or the environment any longer. Help has arrived for county Galway residents.

GRETB calls on parents to participate in Primary Schools Survey 2030

Thu, Nov 06, 2025

The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by GRETB. The survey, https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/campaigns/primary-school-survey/, aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education.

E-paper

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