An international team of astronomers, co-led by researchers at University of Galway, has made the unexpected discovery of a new planet.

Detected at an early stage of formation around a young analog of our own Sun, the planet is estimated to be about 5 million years-old and most likely a gas giant of similar size to Jupiter.

The study, which was led by Leiden University, University of Galway and University of Arizona, has been published in the international journal Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The ground-breaking discovery was made using one of the world’s most advanced observatories — the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT) in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

To coincide with the research being published, the Observatory has released a stunning image of the discovery as their picture of the week.

The new planet has been named WISPIT 2b.

Dr Christian Ginski, lecturer at the School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway and second author of the study, said: “We used these really short snapshot observations of many young stars — only a few minutes per object — to determine if we could see a little dot of light next to them that is caused by a planet.

“However, in the case of this star, we instead detected a completely unexpected and exceptionally beautiful multi-ringed dust disk.

“When we saw this multi-ringed disk for the first time, we knew we had to try and see if we could detect a planet within it, so we quickly asked for follow-up observations.”

It is only the second time a confirmed planet has been detected at this early evolutionary stage around a young version of our Sun. The first one was discovered in 2018, by a research team also involving Dr Ginski.

Pictured: New planet: image shows the discovery to the right of the centre ring.

The new super-sized West-Midlands Credit Union was officially launched last Friday week at a special event in Tuam – signalling the arrival of a financial institution with more than €465 million in member assets, over 80,000 members, and 14 branches across Galway, Roscommon and Westmeath

Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Robert Troy did the honours to mark the celebration that drew large crowds, with families enjoying children’s entertainment, competitions and refreshments.

Galway GAA star Damien Comer made a special guest appearance to meet and greet members.

This launch follows a major rebrand and refurbishment programme across the West-Midlands Credit Union branch network, ensuring members benefit from modern, accessible branches alongside a full range of digital services.

The newly constituted Credit Union now serves the communities of Tuam, Headford, Mountbellew, Glenamaddy, Athlone, Castlerea, Dunmore, Williamstown, Glinsk, Abbeyknockmoy, Turloughmore, Corrandulla, and Moylough.

Minister Troy described it as a pleasure to officially launch West-Midlands Credit Union ‘and pay tribute to the staff and members who have come together to form this new brand’.

“Credit Unions remain trusted, community financial services providers, and the recent confirmation of lending increases is a positive development for the sector,” he said.

“West Midlands Credit Union has a strong asset and member base thanks to this amalgamation, and I look forward to the continued progress this new brand can make. Credit unions and their future are a priority for this Government, including the development of a wider strategy for the sector which I will be leading on during my time as Minister,” he added.

Chairman of the board of West-Midlands Credit Union Peter Fallon said that the merger would strengthen their ability to serve members.

“It means more products and services and even stronger financial stability – all while keeping the same personal, community-focused service that our members value,” he said.

“Lending decisions will always remain local, made by people who understand the needs of our community. This launch is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter for West-Midlands Credit Union.”

Pictured: Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance Robert Troy TD (centre) cutting the tape at the official launch of West-Midlands Credit Union Tuam Branch alongside CEO of West-Midlands Credit Union John Doyle and Chairperson of the Board Peter Fallon.

Local people were urged to get involved in community events and organisations at a launch of a heritage quilt in Creggs on Thursday week last.

Chairperson of Creggs Rural Development, Seán Beirne, pointed to the many benefits that accrued to the area from the creation of the heritage quilt, including bringing people from diverse backgrounds together for a ten-week quilt-making project

He said it allowed people to socialise and make friends in a safe and friendly environment, prompting interest in further craft classes in the area, all while making a tactile masterpiece that reflects the heritage of the Creggs area.

He also pointed out that due to the volunteer work ongoing in several groups based in the village, developments are taking place in the rugby and GAA clubs, as well as improvements to infrastructure in the village and beyond.

Creggs Rural Development secured funding for the creation of a heritage quilt through the Creative Ireland Programme operated by Galway County Council and thanks were extended to the Council and Heritage Officer Marie Mannion.

Athleague’s Lynn Naughton was brought on board to facilitate the project, and she put her knowledge of quilt making to good effect and steered the group through the design and crafting stages of the project.

What emerged is a heritage quilt that now hangs proudly in the C.S. Parnell Heritage Centre in the village, showing elements of the built, natural and communal heritage of the village and beyond.

Launching the quilt, Cllr. Peter Keaveney, Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District of Galway County Council, noted that the quilt reflects the built heritage of the village, as well as the flora and fauna of the area. He commended all involved and said that the crowd present for the launch was testament to the importance of heritage in the area.

One of the younger crafters to take part in the creation of the event, Elva Hegarty, made a presentation to Lynn Naughton for her expert facilitation of the project and Michele Lambert of Flutterby Crafts made a presentation to Maureen Keane to celebrate her birthday.

Such was Michele’s enthusiasm for the quilting project that she has now started making quilted representations of houses, which is proving very popular.

The quilt launch was one of four events organised in Creggs for Heritage Week.

In other events, Michael Ward from Rosmoylan gave a talk on Rosmoylan Bog; Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society Chairperson Seamus Ward gave a very well attended talk at the Parnell monument, and on Saturday morning people gathered for a talk on the Donamon and Stoneham’s Lough area.

The group which came together to make the quilt has expressed an interest in having a crochet class in the heritage centre during the winter and Creggs Rural Development is now working to get this up and running for the winter months.

Pictured at the launch of the Creggs Heritage Quilt in the Charles Stewart Parnell Heritage Centre in Creggs were (back – from left) Cllr Michael Connolly; Seámus Ward, Chairperson, Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society; Fr. Pravin Dhason PP, Garda Brian Neilan, and Larry Kilcommins, Kilbegnet Ballinakill Historical Society, with (front) Seán Beirne, Chairperson, Creggs Rural Development, and Cllr. Peter Keaveney, Cathaoirleach, Ballinasloe Municipal District.

A life-sized sculpture of a basking shark was unveiled at the Spanish Arch in Galway ahead of an international conference in the city this week.

The 10.6 metre model has been specially commissioned for the International Basking Shark Conference which got underway on Friday.

Scientists, researchers and shark enthusiasts from around the world will gather for the event co-hosted by the Irish Basking Shark Group, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The conference aims to share the latest research findings on basking sharks, exchange ideas and set ambitious goals for the conservation of this species at a global scale.

Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the ocean and are a familiar sight along Ireland’s west coast between April and October, with breaching individuals spotted off the coast of Clare in recent weeks.

The conference takes place at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Galway on Friday and Saturday. It comes 16 years after an initial Irish Basking Shark Seminar in Donegal in 2009 where the Irish Basking Shark Group was formed to conduct research to better inform protection and management of the gentle marine giants.

More than 30 speakers from Ireland, the UK, the United States, Canada, Brazil, France, Norway, New Zealand and Japan will deliver presentations, lead workshops and collaborate on strategies to better protect basking sharks. The conference includes a session sponsored by Fair Seas which will explore the theme of Marine Protected Areas for basking sharks.

The conference will be followed by an Ocean Literacy Day on Achill Island on Sunday.

Emilie De Loose from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and lead conference organiser said: “Ireland is a hot spot for basking sharks and is one of the best places in the world to see them. There have been incredible sightings of basking sharks off our coast recently and we’re continuing to learn more about these fascinating creatures.

“This international conference is an opportunity for experts to share knowledge and to work together to ensure their protection. In 2022, the basking shark became the first fish to gain legal protection in Ireland.

“Even though we no longer hunt these gentle giants and some populations are showing signs of recovery, there are still risks, pressures and threats that we need to manage.”

The basking shark sculpture was commissioned by the Irish Basking Shark Group and Fair Seas and supported by the Heritage Council. It was located at the Spanish Arch on Sunday as part of Heritage Week. It has now been moved to ATU ahead of the conference.

Simon Berrow, CEO of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and founding member of the Irish Basking Shark Group said: “This incredible sculpture has been created by well-known prop-maker Tommy Casby who is a resident of Macnas in Galway. It measures 10.6 metres in length and extends to a height of 3 metres to the top of its dorsal fin.

“The largest basking shark ever recorded was 12 metres so people were able to see up close just how big they are. Basking sharks are now legally protected but that wasn’t always the case. The street lights in Galway in 1740 were lit with basking shark oil and there were large basking shark fisheries along our coasts until the 1980s.”

For more information visit www.baskingshark.ie/conference2025

Pictured: A life-sized sculpture of a basking shark was unveiled at the Spanish Arch in Galway on Sunday ahead of the International Basking Shark Conference which got underway yesterday,  Friday. The sculpture will be located at Atlantic Technological University for the conference. Photo: Sarah-Kim Watchorn

Boston Scientific, Galway will host a ‘Block Run and Galway Racecourse Walk’ this Sunday, as part of their two-year charity partnership with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI),

For runners, there are a choice of two chip timed events, 5K or 10K around the Boston Scientific site with prizes for the top three finishers, male and female. Walkers have the chance to walk the iconic Galway Racecourse starting from Boston Scientific.

The National Breast Cancer Research Institute, based at the Lambe Institute, University of Galway, funds world-class translational and clinical research, focusing on early detection, biomarker discovery, and post-treatment health and wellbeing.

Chosen by Boston Scientific employees earlier this year, the partnerships aim is to raise over €200,000 in donations for the organisation.

The events start at 10am and are open to Boston Scientific employees and the public who wish to support breast cancer research. Children are also welcome making this a great family day out with refreshments served afterwards.

To take part just register at www.BlockRun.ie – entry to the 10km run is €25, Walk and 5km run are €20 and children can register for €5.

Pictured: Attending the launch of the Boston Scientific ‘Block Run and Galway Racecourse Walk’ in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) which takes place on Sunday were, Fiona Grady (Boston Scientific), Colm Niland (Boston Scientific), Panna Miko (NBCRI) and Colin Duane (Boston Scientific). Photo: Martina Regan.