Breaking News
Man accused of city rape describes allegation as ridiculous
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A man charged with raping a schoolgirl in her friend’s house during a sleepover, told Gardai the girl’s allegation was “ridiculous” because he was “as good as impotent” at the time.
The 40 year old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty to raping the then 15-year-old Junior Certificate student at a house in the city on April 17, 2011.
Detective John Lavery told the jury at the man’s trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Galway, that when he put the girl’s allegation to him during interview, the man had replied, ” It’s all lies. I don’t know why she’s making it up.”
The accused man told Det. Lavery he could not remember if he had stayed in the house that night, claiming he could not remember dates.
Mr Alexander Owens, SC, prosecuting said the girl was brought to the sexual assault unit in August, 2011, four months after the alleged assault.
She was medically examined by a clinical forensic examiner who could not find evidence at that time to either support or preclude the rape allegation.
The trial continues next week before Mr Justice Barry White.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway city charity has been added to a list of seven organisations nationwide to benefit from funding of over €700,000 to support family carers.
Galway Autism Partnership, based in Newcastle, is set to receive €31,000 to improve employment opportunities for family carers
Galway Autism Partnership alongside Finglas Community Service are the latest organisations to be included for funding under a scheme that focuses on the demands placed on young carers.
The funding aims to help young carers in balancing their learning and caring commitments, and will provide practical support to help them re-enter work and education.
Over the next year, this funding will help 15 carers and 10 young carers into further education, as well helping 10 carers to continue in formal education and enhancing the employability of a further 15.
The announcement builds on the €700,000 funding announced last December for five projects across Ireland.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Just 3 Galway TDs voted against the Government on the ending of the eviction ban.
Sinn Féin’s motion to extend the eviction ban has failed, after the Government secured a majority of 83 votes to 68 in favour of its countermotion.
Catherine Connolly, Mairead Farrell and Clare Kerrane all voted against the Government.
Hildegarde Naughton, Eamon O Cuiv, Sean Canney, Ciaran Cannon, Anne Rabbitte and Denis Naughten all went with the Government.
Meanwhile it appears Noel Grealish and Michael Fitzmaurice were not present, as no vote from them was noted.
The Green TD Neasa Hourigan is facing a 15 month suspension from the parliamentary party after voting against the Government.
Labour will this morning table a no confidence motion in the Government, which will be debated and voted on in the Dáil next week.
Wayne Stanley, Executive Director with Simon Communities of Ireland, says tenants threatened with eviction feel they’ve been abandoned.
Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway business woman and former World President of Skal International is being honoured by SkaI International Galway at a celebratory Black Tie Dinner in the city.
Mary Bennett was the first ever female world president of Skal International and is a champion for tourism, travel and retail in Galway and across Ireland.
SkaI is a professional association of tourism and hospitality leaders and business operators.
Along with her late husband Eddie Bennett they opened a fashion and gift retail outlet, the Treasure Chest, at the heart of Galway City in 1966.
The event is taking place on the 30th March at 6pm in the Ardilaun Hotel and tickets can be booked on eventbrite.
Galway Autism Partnership one of 7 organisations to receive national carer funding
Just 3 Galway TDs went against Government as eviction ban survives Dáil vote
Opposition waits to see effect of fall-out to end of eviction ban
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Decommissioned generator at core of power cut chaos
City seeks to annex Oranmore, Claregalway, Moycullen and Barna in boundary extension
Tech consultants open Galway hub
Man awarded €142,000 over unprovoked attack in toilet of County Galway pub
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