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Mental Health Commission urged to inspect UHG pyschiatric unit
Galway Bay fm newsroom – The Mental Health Commission has been urged to inspect the acute psychiatric unit in UHG.
City Cllr Catherine Connolly says it’s not fit for purpose and is putting additional demands on an already pressurised service in Galway.
The councillor has been advised of leaks in the patient dining room and the men’s ward and says the 22 bed facility in Ballinasloe should be reopened.
It comes ahead of a special meeting for TDs, Senators and Councillors to be held in Gullanes Hotel in Ballinasloe at 8 this evening.
The meeting will debate the three-phased wind-down of St. Lukes in Ballinasloe resulting in 50 beds in UHG and 22 in Roscommon.
Speaking in a Dail exchange with Deputies Denis Naughton and Colm Keaveney this week, Minister Kathleen Lynch said she stands over the decision taken by the expert group.
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Funding of €100k awarded to Cope Galway and Galway Simon

Funding of more than €100 thousand has been awarded to Galway Simon and COPE Galway.
The allocation is part of a €2.3m national fund to support social enterprises through the Scaling-up Fund for Social Enterprises initiative.
€64 thousand has been awarded to COPE Galway to fund works to their kitchen space, as well as a new electric vehicle.
While a further €41 thousand will fund an electric vehicle for Galway Simon to support the expansion of their charity shops.
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Connemara Pony Breeders Society begins centenary celebrations in Clifden

The Connemara Pony Breeders Society has begun its centenary celebrations with a series of events in Clifden this weekend.
The founding committee, who set up the organisation in 1923, are being honoured and two leading present day members have been inducted into the Society’s Hall of Fame.
“What sight can be more beautiful than a group of Connemara ponies?”
So stated Michael O’Malley from Ros Muc more than 100 years ago.
Michael was a leading member of the group that set up the Connemara Pony Breeders Society in 1923.
Speaking in Clifden this weekend, the current President of the Society, Dave Sheedy stated the founders planted a sapling that grew into a mighty tree and spread its branches across the world.
The pony is, probably Connemara’s best ambassador internationally 100 years later.
The Hall of Fame awards are given annually and the anniversary year is a special time.
There are two awards this year: Elizabeth Hodgins from Galway a member of the Society for the past 65 years and has bred some outstanding Connemara ponies.
Robbie Fallon from Cashel and his wife Barbara from Carraroe were Connemara emigrants to America who have been living on both sides of the Atlantic. Their ponies continue to win the biggest accolades at home and, at shows and events far from their native hills.
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Six Galway groups shortlisted for All Ireland Community and Council Awards

Six Galway groups have been shortlisted for the All Ireland Community and Council Awards.
The county is being recognised across five categories, including mental health, Irish language and sustainability.
The Galway nominees are Green the Laneways, NUA Surgical, The Galway Porter Shed, Speire Nua, Gallimhe Le Gaeilge and the HDSG Housing Disability Steering Group.
Over 300 nominations were submitted to the national awards, which take place in Tipperary on April 15th.