Galway Bay fm - News

Fake or Fact - You Decide: Episode 8

On the final episode, we take a look back at all the highlights and themes throughout Fake or Fact - You Decide.
We've brought you through deepfake, fact-checking, satire, social media, bias and so much more.
We're enjoyed talking to the public about different media literacy topics, and all our contributors over the past eight weeks.
On episode 8, we reflect on all of this, and we speak to our listener panel, to get their take on the series.

Galway city and county sees higher than average rent inflation

Rents in both Galway city and county are rising at a faster rate than the national average in the past year.
In Galway City, rents have risen by 13.3% in the last year and the average rent is now €2,114.
In the rest of Galway, market rents were on average 9.9% higher, with the average listed rent now €1,581.
Nationally, rents rose by an average of 7 percent, and report author Ronan Lyons says certain areas are still struggling with a lack of supply:

Extremely rare orchid appears at Renville Park in Oranmore for first time in 80 years

An extremely rare orchid has appeared at Renville Park in Oranmore for the first time in 80 years.
Up to 30 Autumn Lady's Tresses Orchids were spotted by amateur botanist Mark O' Mahoney in the "no mow zone" near the car park.
They're classified as "near threatened" and were last recorded in Oranmore in the 1940's.
Biodiversity Officer at Galway County Council, Rosina Joyce, told David Nevin the "no mow zone" has proven a huge success - but they didn't expect this.

Claddagh Watch introduce extra patrols for Leaving Cert results

Claddagh Watch are introducing extra patrols tonight for students, following the Leaving Cert results earlier today.
Extra volunteers have stepped up to keep those celebrating the important milestone safe.
Councillor Níall McNelis, spokesperson for Claddagh Watch, says they want to see students enjoy themselves but to stay safe while doing so.

Galway students react to Leaving Certificate results

Around three thousands students across Galway have received their Leaving Cert results today.
Nationally, almost 61-thousand students have been checking their results online, with some visiting their schools to collect theirs.
Our reporter Chris Benn is at Dominican College on Taylor's Hill, and asked these students how they were feeling and what their future plans are:

Annual Féile na bhFlaitheartach to get underway on Inis Mór

The annual Féile na bhFlaitheartach summer festival gets underway on Inis Mór tomorrow. 
Now in its 12th year, it focuses on the writings and lives of brothers Liam and Tom O' Flaherty, natives of the island. 
Planned events include stage and musical performances, bilingual readings, and a series of talks. 
Organiser Éamon Ó Ciosáin says they're always keen to get the young people of the island involved. 

Funding for community projects in Eyrecourt, Clonbur and Ahascragh

Funding has been announced for three community projects in Eyrecourt, Clonbur and Ahascragh. 
Each will receive €50 thousand under the Town Centre First programme. 
In Eyrecourt, it'll progress plans for a playground, skatepark and community space beside the village square. 
In Clonbur, the money will go towards the refurbishment of the community centre; while in Ahascragh, it'll go towards redevelopment of the parish hall. 
Local Senator Aisling Dolan says the volunteer committee have done wonderful work in Ahascragh - and a new hall would revitalise the area. 

Galway Public Health Nurse Management begin Industrial Action

Galway Public Health Nurse Management is beginning Industrial Action today.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says the action is over the failure of the HSE to implement recommendations made two years ago.
A 2022 report looked at deficits within the public health nurse sector in Galway, and recommended additional staff be hired to meet service needs.
However, David Miskell, INMO Professional and Regulatory Officer, says no improvements have been made and it leaves them with no choice but to take action:

3,000 Galway students to receive Leaving Cert results today

Around three thousand Galway students are set to receive their Leaving Certificate results today.
Nationally 61 thousand Leaving Cert and the Leaving Cert Applied students will be able to view their results through the Candidate Self Service Portal from 10AM. 
CAO round one offers will then be issued online next Wednesday, August 28th from 2pm.
Education Minister Norma Foley is paying tribute - she says the last few years have been a challenge:
 

Ashford Castle longest-standing employee marks 50 years of service

Ashford Castle's longest-standing employee, Martin Gibbons from Clonbur, is marking 50 years of service at the estate this month.
Described as one of Ireland's leading maître d's, Martin joined the staff at the estate in Cong in August 1974, as a waiter.
He has met and served many well-known celebrities during his time, including Ronald Reagan, Johnny Cash, Rod Stewart, Fred Astaire and Pierce Brosnan.
Martin's family-ties with the estate are strong - his grandfather worked as a gamekeeper in the 1940s; Martin met his wife there, while three of their children also worked there.
Sarah Slevin has been speaking to Martin about his experience and highlights so far with Ashford Castle: