A quarter century on his feet

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

When physio John Butler unlocked the door of a modest rented room in Galway in January 2001, he did so without a grand plan, a marketing budget, or the reassurance of a bank manager’s blessing. The rent was low. The equipment was basic. The future was uncertain. What he did have, though he may not have known it at the time, was resilience forged by hardship, hands trained by instinct and experience, and a belief—shared by a few crucial others—that honest work, done properly, would always find its way.

Aontú reveals new candidate

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Following a party selection convention this week, Galway city centre primary school teacher, Orla Nugent, was chosen based on her advocacy for housing, healthcare, transport and the Irish language.

Hoare calls for full resurfacing of Circular Road and Ballagh Road as conditions continue to deteriorate

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Councillor Eddie Hoare has expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of sections of Circular Road and Ballagh Road, calling for urgent and comprehensive resurfacing works.

Prominent Palestinian journalist for Galway talk tonight

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

One of the most prominent Palestinian journalists who works through the medium of English will be the guest speaker at a special talk at the University of Galway this evening (Thursday).

Oranmore commuters back city express bus

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

In just one week, more than 400 people in Oranmore have expressed support for a proposal to pilot an express bus service into Galway city.

Deep disappointment at Bish exclusion from school construction programme

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Two decades of frustration have led the Board of Management, staff, parents and school community of St. Joseph’s Patrician College (The Bish) to express their disappointment at the news that the long-awaited new 1,000 student school campus in Dangan has not been included on the Department of Education and Youth’s list of projects prioritised to proceed to construction in 2026 and 2027.

A new chapter for the Menlo Park Hotel

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

The Menlo Park Hotel is a family-run, four-star hotel that has built a solid reputation for reliability over the past 27 years by providing friendly service, a homely atmosphere and a warm welcome.

Find the balance for your retrofit with Claddagh Credit Union

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

A warmer, more energy?efficient home is now within easier reach for thousands of Irish homeowners thanks to the newly announced windows and doors retrofit grant, offering up to €5,600 in support. For many households, it’s the key improvement that delivers the biggest immediate impact on insulation and heat retention - and often the most practical first step when boosting your home’s overall energy performance.

Under the updated Better Energy Homes Scheme, homeowners can now access grants previously reserved only for deep retrofits. Supports include up to €4,000 for windows in detached homes, €3,000 for semidetached and end?of?terrace properties, €1,800 for mid?terrace homes and €1,500 for apartments and duplexes-along with €800 per door, up to two doors. These upgrades improve insulation, reduce heat loss and are a key step toward preparing a home for an efficient heat pump. For full details on this new grant see www.seai.ie. It is anticipated that the grant will then be made available from March 3rd.

New energy grants offer real savings for Galway homeowners– says McDonagh

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Galway City and County homeowners are being encouraged to take advantage of a new and expanded range of grants to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and cut heating costs.

Love in the air and in the oven at Ballybane Community Hub

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Love will be in the air — and the oven — at the Ballybane Community Hub this February. As Valentine’s Day approaches, locals are invited to enjoy love at first bite at a cookery demonstration on Thursday, 12 February at 7pm.

Chef Maria McNeela will guide attendees through making red velvet muffins alongside savoury feta, sundried tomato and spinach muffins, proving that romance really does start in the kitchen.

COPE Galway Business Sleepout raised €236,089

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Last Wednesday, COPE Galway announced the total sum raised from the 2025 COPE Galway Business Leaders’ Sleep Out at a recognition event held at CREW.

Israel to build illegal settlement on site of demolished UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem, says Galway human rights observer

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

On 20 January 2026, Israeli forces stormed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Headquarters, a United Nations site, in East Jerusalem. Bulldozers entered the compound and demolished its offices and warehouses under the watch of Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, who described it as “an historic day, a day for celebration”. The UN flag over the UN site was removed and replaced by an Israeli flag.

When in Rome... — Rome Hibernia GAA welcomes Annaghdown GAA for Spring Series

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Rome Hibernia GAA hosted Annaghdown GAA last weekend as part of Round 2 of the 2026 Rome Spring Series, welcoming a travelling party of 41 players made up of 19 ladies and 22 men to the Eternal City.

Loughrea Town Hall preparing to resume its role as the beating heart of the town

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

This week members of Loughrea Arts Recreation and Culture (LARC) were given a tour along with members of Galway Co Co, facilitated by the site manager from Finna Construction. Although the Town Hall is still a building site, the emerging layout is already becoming quite apparent.

Funding critical care after Oranmore pupil’s spinal cord injury

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

A fundraising appeal has been launched to support 11-year-old Izzy Sallis from Mullagh, Galway, whose life was catastrophically changed following scoliosis surgery last year.

Soc Dems reveal by-election hopeful

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Knocknacarra-based Social Democrats city councillor, Alan Curran, said he would not contest the by-election for work reasons, while Spiddal-based broadcaster, Síle Seoige, ruled herself out before Christmas. Both are widely thought to harbour national political aspirations.

By-election competition in Fine Gael

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Senator Seán Kyne and Councillor Eddie Hoare are expected to go head-to-head at a Fine Gael by-election selection convention later this month.

Spring arrives with a series of gestures

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Spring arrives not with a trumpet blast, but with a series of small, unmistakable gestures. It announces itself in human habits as much as in hedgerows and skies. The Novena begins, quiet and rhythmic, drawing people back into shared ritual. RAG Week bursts onto the streets with colour and noise, reminding us that youth and mischief are perennial forces.

Sinn Féin has six Dáil hopefuls

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

The plan was approved at the local party’s AGM last week, where 50 delegates from across Galway re-elected former city councillor, Mark Lohan, as its chairperson for the sixth year running.

Galway County Council sets out roadmap for enhanced customer services

Thu, Feb 05, 2026

Galway County Council has published its Customer Services Action Plan 2025-2029, setting out a major programme to enhance how the organisation serves and engages with the public.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.