Let Christmas plant the seeds of goodness is a world devoid of magic

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Christmas arrives each year like a soft pause in the long sentence of our lives. It is a moment when the noise of the world can, if we allow it, fade into the background, and something gentler takes its place. In a time when headlines feel sharp and days feel rushed, Christmas invites us to believe again in the quiet power of goodness, in the small magic of human connection, and in our shared responsibility to shape the memories that will live on long after the decorations are packed away.

Already, almost imperceptibly, the days are stretching. The light is returning. Though winter still holds the land, our minds sense what is coming: renewal, growth, and the promise of new adventures. Christmas stands at this threshold, not just between years, but between what has been and what could be. It reminds us that hope does not arrive all at once; it begins as a glimmer, fed by warmth, attention, and care.

GLUAS to be included in Galway Transport Strategy, says Connolly

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

The long-awaited prospect of a light rail system for Galway has moved one step closer to receiving the green light, following confirmation from Deputy John Connolly that a light rail line will be included in the Galway Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.

Galway academic appointed Chief Scientist of Food and Agriculture Organisation at UN

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

University of Galway academic has been appointed Chief Scientist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Galway church minister raises awareness of war and hunger

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

A Galway church leader is placing a suitcase and a water container under her Christmas tree this year to raise the alarm on the urgent humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the efforts of Christian Aid to help those most in need.

Delay to N65 road repair is unacceptable – O’Hara

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O’Hara, has described the delay in repairing the N65 road between Killimor and Portumna as unacceptable.

Minister Canney lashes SF and PBP after High Court decision on ‘super-junior’ Ministers is dismissed

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Minister Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has lashed out at Sinn Féin and People Before Profit following today’s High Court decision to dismiss the legal actions taken by Sinn Féin and People Before Profit TDs in relation to the attendance of so-called super-junior Ministers at Cabinet.

Christmas Message 2025 from President Connolly

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

A chairde uaisle, a phobal na hÉireann; sibhse atá anseo sa mbaile; sibhse atá thar lear ag cur fuíbh ar fud an domhain; sibhse atá tagtha go dtí’n tír seo chun obair, cónaí agus cabhrú linn mar thír; agus sibhse ar bhreá libh a bheith in Éirinn; cuirim Beannachtaí na Nollag ó chroí chugaibh uilig.

Cocaine and cannabis seized in Tuam raid

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

As part of ongoing investigations into the sale and supply of drugs in the region, Gardaí from the Galway Divisional Drugs Unit searched a house in Tuam last week.

Cocaine with an estimated street value of €50,000; cannabis with an estimated value of €40,000 and ecstasy with an estimated value of €7,000 was seized.

TG4 celebrating poetry of Michael D Higgins

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

TG4 presents Against All Certainty – Ceiliúradh ar Mhicheál D. Ó hUiginn, a powerful and uplifting celebration of poetry, music and performance honouring President Michael D. Higgins and the release of his debut spoken-word album Against All Certainty, on Claddagh Records. The programme airs on TG4 on Saturday 3 January at 9.00pm and will be available to audiences worldwide on TG4.ie.

Mullooly and Fitzmaurice issue national call to action for January demo against Mercosur

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly and Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice TD have tonight issued a united national call to action, urging farmers, farming organisations, co-ops, agri-businesses, meat factories, feed merchants, rural businesses, rural workers and public representatives of all parties and none to stand together at a national demonstration due to take place in January in opposition to the Mercosur trade deal.

Speaking as plans are confirmed to be underway for a national demonstration, with the full details to be announced in the coming days, Deputy Fitzmaurice said the time for division has passed and the time for unity has arrived.

Galway offences by criminals on bail rise by 25% says Grealish

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

A reform of bail laws promised by the Government will help to make Galway and the rest of the country a safer place to live, Minister of State Noel Grealish has predicted.

Letterfrack residents take part in housing body’s 30th anniversary project to plant 600 trees

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Residents of Radharc Bhinn Ghuaire, Letterfrack, celebrated the planting of an oak tree as part of leading Approved Housing Body (AHB) Clúid’s 30th anniversary.

Residents of Radharc Bhinn Ghuaire, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, were joined by elected representatives, members of the local community and Clúid staff earlier this year to mark the planting of a native Irish oak tree. This oak tree was one of five tree-planting projects undertaken by Clúid to mark the 30th anniversary of the first residents getting their keys. In total, the project resulted in more than 600 trees being planted.

Officials deny special council session

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

Left-wing councillors failed to convene an emergency sitting of Galway city council this week to discuss military neutrality and the Occupied Territories Bill before year end.

HPE’s end of year raffle delivers laptops, laughter and a lesson in kindness

Thu, Dec 25, 2025

In a year filled with deadlines, digital transformation, and nonstop innovation, HPE’s Galway team closed out 2025 with something even more meaningful: a celebration of generosity.

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.

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