Galway Bay fm - News

Best Hat at the Galway Races 2023

Best Dressed Galway 2023

Woodford academic explores links between religion and mental health in teens

New research carried out by a Woodford academic has explored the links between religion and mental health in teenagers. 
Dr. Lydia Mannion, Lecturer at Mary Immaculate College and Educational and Child Psychologist, carried out the research with over 100 students in ten secondary schools nationwide. 
The survey measured their psychological wellbeing, religiousness, and how they use religion to cope in their day-to-day lives. 
It found that a students religion can positively or negatively impact on their mental wellbeing, depending on how they actually use religion to cope with life. 
Positive coping methods included reading scripture, religious youth groups and personal prayer - while negative coping methods included beliefs that negative events are divine punishment. 
Dr. Mannion has been speaking to FYI Galway about why she undertook the study. 

Minister says new Community Nursing Unit in Clifden will progress quickly after funding approval

Minister Mary Butler says she expects the new Community Nursing Unit in Clifden to progress very quickly.
The Minister for Older People visited a number of facilities across Connemara today including St Annes Nursing Home, Clifden Hospital and Áras Mhic Dara in An Cheathrú Rua
From Clifden, Minister Butler confirmed the HSE has received approval of funding for the new 40-bed unit as part of its Capital Programme for 2023
Speaking to our reporter Mairtín Ó Catháin, Minister Butler says its an important service for the area:

Concerns internet black spots locking out farmers in West from valuable services

Concern is being raised that a lack of internet availability is locking out farmers in the West from valuable farming services.
The Department of Agriculture says its 'acutely aware' of internet struggles for some farmers in accessing schemes, payments and farm business online. 
The Western Development Commission is highlighting how households in the West generally have poorer connectivity.
Barry Murphy, Irish Farmers Journal Deputy News Editor, says it's affecting older farmers in particular:

Farms hit hard by flooding along Shannon Callows

It's claimed that up to 10,000 bales worth of hay and silage have been lost due to flooding on farms along the Shannon Callows. 
Some farmers are now calling for compensation, believing state bodies are responsible for not correctly managing the river. 
It comes as July just gone was the wettest on record. 
Barry Murphy of the Irish Farmers Journal says some farms in the West have been badly affected: 

Hundreds of entries already in for Ladies Day at the Galway Races

Hundreds of entries have already been submitted for Ladies Day at the Galway Races, as huge numbers are expected at Ballybrit today.
A prize of €10,000 in cash is up for grabs for the overall winner of the Best Dressed Lady, with €3,000 for the winner of Best Hat.
Almost 50,000 people have attended this year's summer festival so far this week - an increase on the 2022 attendance.
Gates open earlier today - at 11:15 - with advanced registration available online for the Best Dressed competition.
Speaking to Galway Talks, Sales and Marketing Manager of Galway Races, Sinead Cassidy says there's huge interest this year:

Galway businessman and aviation expert says it ”beggars belief” Dublin Airport may have to reduce night time flights

Galway businessman and aviation expert Padraig Ó Céidigh says it "beggars belief" Dublin Airport may have to reduce the number of night-time flights
It's after Fingal County Council gave the DAA six weeks to reduce the number of flights between 11pm and 7am to an average of 65.
The move was ordered following complaints from local residents about noise.
Founder of Aer Arann and former senator, Padraig Ó Céidigh, says it now appears there will be fewer overnight flights, even though there are two runways:

Frustration amid further delays to Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme

Fresh delays are expected to the long-awaited Ballinasloe Flood Relief Scheme. 
Local councillors were informed this week that ground investigations have revealed a previously unknown arch on the eastern bridge.
This, this were informed, warrants further detailed investigation as it could form an important part of the final scheme. 
But several councillors expressed frustration at the seemingly never-ending flow of reports, nine years on from the approval of a scheme. 
It was expected that a final scheme will be advanced next year, but it's now speculated it could be pushed out to 2025. 
Councillor Michael Connolly says it seems to be a case of "environmental madness" - and has been speaking to David Nevin. 

UHG remains under pressure amid high trolley numbers and covid outbreaks

UHG remains under pressure today, with high trolley numbers once again and ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19. 
There are 47 people waiting for a bed today, according to figures from the INMO. 
It follows a statement from the hospital that it's experiencing a COVID outbreak affecting five wards, with 31 patients infected as of this morning. 
Speaking to Galway Talks, Saolta Chief Operating Office Ann Cosgrove says the hospital has generally been extremely busy lately.