UPDATE: Long wait times are currently impacting the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway (UHG), as officials confirm a significant increase in patient numbers and a COVID-19 outbreak in one ward. This urgent situation is prompting the hospital to postpone some elective procedures.

As of this afternoon, October 16, 2023, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced that urgent, time-sensitive cases will be prioritized amid overwhelming demand. Over the weekend, 377 patients attended the A&E, with 96 patients requiring admission. The hospital reports that all available beds are currently occupied, and efforts are ongoing to discharge patients who are ready to leave.

In their statement, UHG urges those in need of emergency care to come to the Emergency Department, emphasizing that they will be prioritized. However, they also recommend that individuals seek assistance from their GP or an out-of-hours service if feasible.

The current situation is dire, with 64 patients waiting for beds at UHG, making it the second most overcrowded hospital in Ireland today. The most overcrowded facility is University Hospital Limerick, where 97 patients are on trolleys. On a national level, 424 patients are reported to be waiting for beds across the country’s hospitals, highlighting a critical issue within the healthcare system.

Fortunately, Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe reports no patients waiting for beds at this time, offering a stark contrast to the situation at UHG.

As the healthcare system grapples with these challenges, officials are working tirelessly to manage the crisis. Further updates are expected as the situation develops, and patients are advised to stay informed about their scheduled procedures.

URGENT APPEAL: Kilkenny residents are being called to help identify historical figures from over 100 years ago in a captivating new initiative. This effort focuses on unveiling the faces of residents from the now-historic Ballybough area, located in the eastern part of Kilkenny City.

Historically significant, Ballybough was once a vibrant community known as ‘Ballybought village’ before modern developments transformed the area. This is a rare opportunity for locals to reconnect with their heritage and share stories from the past.

The street, adjacent to the Kilkenny Military Barracks, which was renamed Stephen’s Barracks in 1969 after the notable Kilkenny native and Fenian leader James Stephens, holds a treasure trove of local history.

Residents are encouraged to engage with Kilkenny Live through social media platforms to identify any familiar faces from the past. This initiative not only aims to preserve local history but also to foster a sense of community among current residents.

If you can recognize anyone from the photographs, now is the time to act! Share your insights and memories to help piece together Kilkenny’s rich heritage.

This appeal stands as a compelling reminder of the importance of community and preserving local history for future generations. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to this fascinating project!

Fianna Fáil is currently evaluating potential candidates for the upcoming presidential election, with several names circulating in the political landscape. As of now, two candidates have officially declared their intention to run: Mairead McGuinness from Fine Gael and Independent Catherine Connolly, a TD from Galway, who has garnered support from the Social Democrats and other independent representatives.

While Fine Gael has taken an early lead in the race, Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil and current Taoiseach, has indicated that his party is still collecting insights regarding their potential nominee. He noted that it is likely to be autumn before any official name is put forward, emphasizing that the chosen candidate should rise above party politics.

With limited information available, speculation has intensified regarding who might represent Fianna Fáil. Recently, the name of Heenan, a professor at Ulster University in Derry, emerged as a possible contender. According to the Irish Independent, Heenan is understood to be in the final stages of negotiations to run for the presidency on behalf of Fianna Fáil. Heenan has previously served as Provost and Dean of Academic Development at the Magee Campus in Derry and was appointed to the Irish President’s Council of State by President Michael D. Higgins in 2012.

Despite the buzz surrounding Heenan, senior sources within Fianna Fáil have referred to such speculation as mere “rumour,” cautioning that “nothing” should be inferred from the ongoing discussions. Other names have also been floated, including Hanafin, who expressed her desire to be considered for the party’s nomination, and McCarthy, an independent senator and businessman who has indicated interest in a presidential bid. McCarthy, founder of a homeless and addiction charity, shared last month that he is “considering” the presidency after receiving inquiries from various individuals asking him to contemplate a run.

Another potential candidate is Power, a former minister and current head of Unicef Ireland. Power, who represented the Limerick East constituency until the financial crisis, has been mentioned in connection with the presidential nomination. Grassroots members have also expressed support for Donegal TD as a candidate, reflecting a desire for diverse representation within the party.

Former leader of the SDLP, Eastwood, has also indicated openness to the prospect of being Fianna Fáil’s candidate. At the MacGill Summer School in Glenties over the weekend, Eastwood clarified that he has not engaged in discussions with the party’s leadership but acknowledged interest from party members encouraging him to consider a run. He emphasized the importance of having a president with a vision for the future and a focus on healing the island, noting that he would not be able to vote for himself if he were to enter the race.

In addition to these names, speculation has arisen around Tony Holohan, the former chief medical officer, who the Irish Mail on Sunday reported may announce his candidacy soon. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be affiliated with a political party. Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers stated on RTÉ that he is “not aware of any engagements” between Fianna Fáil and Holohan regarding a potential candidacy.

Adding to the mix, Riverdance star Michael Flatley has also suggested he might be open to a presidential run, although details on any political backing are still unclear.

As the political landscape evolves, all eyes remain on Fianna Fáil as the party prepares to announce its intentions. The Taoiseach has confirmed that the final decision regarding the presidential nominee will not be revealed until autumn, leaving both party members and the public eagerly anticipating the outcome.

BREAKING: Archaeologists have just unveiled a significant discovery at Rathgurreen Ringfort, a site that was home to Ireland’s ancient rulers overlooking Galway Bay. This remarkable find, confirmed by experts from the University of Galway, reveals the settlement’s high-status origins dating back to between the 5th and 12th centuries AD.

The excavation, led by Dr. Michelle Comber and Dr. Noel McCarthy, marks an eight-week project that has unearthed layers of history about this panoramic site located in Co Galway. The discovery could reshape our understanding of Ireland’s Early Medieval period, with evidence suggesting a possible connection to ancient trade routes with Rome, Scotland, France, and Scandinavia.

Initial investigations into the fort began in the late 1940s by Professor Michael Duignan, who proposed its status as a noble settlement. Recent excavations indicate that parts of the site may be up to 1,000 years older than previously believed, enriching the narrative surrounding this ancient locale.

“This site has many tales to tell,” said Dr. Comber. “Maree is a territory steeped in history, showcasing the interconnectedness of ancient communities.” Archaeologists found significant artifacts, including glass beads and pottery from northern France, as well as remnants of dog-whelk shellfish used to create valuable purple dye—a sign of its prosperous trade activities.

The archaeological team comprised professionals, students, and volunteers who participated in the dig this summer. Their work uncovered critical evidence of a society that was anything but isolated. “The adjacent coast provided easy access to the wider world,” Dr. Comber explained, emphasizing the site’s importance within historical trade networks.

The excavation has sparked excitement not only for its historical implications but also for its potential community impact. Funded by the National Monuments Service Community Monuments Fund via Galway County Council, the project includes developing a Conservation Management Plan in collaboration with local landowners and ecological experts.

Looking ahead, the University of Galway team plans to continue investigations at Rathgurreen, with future digs anticipated in 2026. This ongoing research aims to explore land use over time on the Maree peninsula and engage local, national, and international communities.

The findings from Rathgurreen Ringfort not only enrich our understanding of Ireland’s past but also highlight the enduring connections between ancient communities across Europe. This discovery serves as a powerful reminder that the history of western Ireland is deeply intertwined with the broader world.

As interest in this site grows, both scholars and the public are urged to consider the implications of these findings. With further excavations on the horizon, the stories of these ancient nobles and their connections to the wider world are set to unfold. Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating archaeological journey.