A High Court case taken by a former postal sorting worker in Galway has been struck out.

56-year old Claire Stephens  - a married mother who worked in the Galway Mail Sorting office- claimed she was bullied over a number of years, with alleged gay rumours circulating about her.

An Post had denied that it failed to deal properly with the allegations.

The case was due to resume at the High Court yesterday, but Mr Justice Charles Meenan was told by Ms Stephen's solicitor that her client asked the case be struck out, and the judge granted her request.

According to the final litter survey of 2018 by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), Castlebar is now ‘Cleaner than European Norms’ and is 12th from the top in the ranking of 40 town and cities nationally. Sligo town also achieved Cleaner than European Norms designation and was ranked 6^th best town nationally

FOR Castlebar, 12^th positionis a jump of 8 places over the previous survey.

An Taisce, who carry out the surveys on behalf of IBAL, commented on Castlebar in its report: “With 70% of sites surveyed getting the top litter grade, Castlebar has again scored very well and has come a long way from a few years ago in the IBAL litter league.  There were no seriously littered sites.  Some examples of top ranking sites included Market Square, Market Street, County Council Car Park and the residential area of Maryland – these sites were not just good with regard to litter but also overall presentation and maintenance. “

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton, will present the awards at a ceremony today, crowning Fermoy as the cleanest town among those ranked according to litter levels in 2018, with Waterford City again Ireland’s cleanest city.

Just under 90% of towns surveyed were deemed clean, a slight improvement on the previous year. 

Roscommon town ranked 14^th and was designated as Clean to European Norms, Ballinasloe was deem Moderately Littered and ranked 33^rd.

While Galway city centre improved in its ranking, the Ballybane area of  the city ranked 39^th and is designated as Seriously Littered.

The Chairperson of the board of Galway 2020, Aideen McGinley has notified the board of her intention to step aside as Chair.  Ms McGinley will remain in and committed to the position of Chair until a new appointment is made and following that, will continue to support the project as a strategic advisor to the board. 

Having managed the establishment and overseen the implementation of important Governance structures and procedures, she now believes that as the project moves to a new delivery phase, a new chair with different skill sets would be best placed to take the project forward.

She remains completely committed to Galway 2020 and is heavily involved in the process to recruit a new chair to ensure the necessary handovers are undertaken and complete.

In reviewing the needs of the organisation as it enters the next phase of delivery, the board has been augmented and refreshed with a range of additional skills and experience . The board has announced three new appointments.

Arthur Lappin, a leading film and theatre producer for over 30 years joins the board bringing specific industry expertise to the role.  Arthur played a key role in producing the bid book during the bid phase for Galway 2020 and has served on the boards of more than 30 cultural organisations in film, theatre, dance, opera, education and multi-disciplinary arts centres.

Finbarr Bradley, a fluent Irish speaker who is an author, co-author and former professor of finance at DCU, currently teaching at UCD Smurfit Business School also joins, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the board of Galway 2020. 

Additionally, Ivonka Kwiek, an anthropologist and culture manager living and working in Galway, will also take up a position on the board of Galway 2020.  Her experience in the culture sector will be of significant benefit to the board of Galway 2020.

Changes to the legislation that govern dog-breeding establishments are in the pipeline in an effort to tackle over-breeding in often squalid and inhumane conditions.

Minister of State for Rural and Community Development, Galway based TD Sean Canney, also wants to tighten controls on the sale of animals to ensure they are not separated from their mothers before a certain age.

And he wants the public’s input into what breeds should be tightly controlled or even banned, as is the case in other countries.

Minister Canney recently visited the Limerick Animal Welfare Centre, where he saw at first hand the work that goes in to caring for and treating animals that have been cruelly abandoned.

From litters of kittens abandoned in plastic bags by the side of a road to dogs abandoned by owners on remote roads, it is often left to shelters such as Limerick Animal Welfare to bring these animals back to full health and try to rehome them.

Last year, following a public consultation process, Minister Canney’s Department published new Guidelines for Dog Breeding Establishments and these came into effect on January 1 of this year.

Separate to the work on dog breeding establishments, Minister Canney also wants the public’s input into whether any breeds should be tightly controlled or even banned, as in the case in other countries.

This review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland will go to public consultation in the coming weeks and inputs from all sectors will be welcome

Children are cycling through Galway to mark World Car Free Day this morning.

They're taking part in Kidical Mass which will see them pedal from Fr. Burke Park through the city and back to the park.

There'll be rolling road closures for the event with music, face painting and bike games afterwards.

Clifden RNLI have become the first lifeboat station on the west coast of Ireland to receive the latest in lifeboat technology, the Shannon class lifeboat. 

The vessel is the first modern all-weather lifeboat to be propelled by waterjets instead of traditional propellers, and the new 25-knot lifeboat replaces the station’s 15-knot Mersey class lifeboat, significantly cutting response times for the county Galway lifeboat crew and reaching casualties faster. 

The Clifden crew have been undergoing intensive training since May and the first planned outing for the new lifeboat is to visit the nearby island communities of Inisboffin and Inisturk where the lifeboat can be called on to respond to urgent requests for medical evacuations.

It’s disappointing to discover that the HSE run nursing home Aras Mhuire in Tuam has had its registration lapsed. That’s according to local Fianna Fail Councillor Donnagh Killilea. The Councillor says however, that HSE management has assured him that the re-registration process is now underway.

At a recent HSE West Forum meeting, Cllr Killilea, a member of the forum sought information on the new residential facility on the site beside the Primary Care Centre in the town, asking if a design team has been put in place for the development.

The Clonbur to Cloughbrack road in Co Galway remains closed to traffic, following a single-vehicle collision this morning.

A truck overturned on the road shortly before 9am.

Emergency services have attended the scene, and Gardai say the Clonbur-Cloughbrack road will remain closed for some time.

The heartbroken father of a Co Galway teenager, who died suddenly after her Debs Ball, has said her death has left an “irreplaceable hole” in the family’s lives.

19-year old Jessica Moore from Bullaun, Loughrea passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after falling ill at a hotel in Ballinasloe.

Tributes have been paid across the community for Jessica, who has been described as “talented and artistic”.

In an online post, her father Brendan Moore said "My little girl is now an angel. There’s always going to be an irreplaceable hole in our lives. Rest easy Jess, you’ll never be forgotten.”

Her remains will repose this evening at Kilboy's Funeral Home, Loughrea ahead of  her funeral tomorrow at 1 o'clock in St Patrick’s Church, Bullaun.

The parish priest of Bullaun, Fr Pat Kenny, described Ms Moore as “talented and gifted” and said the local community’s sympathies are with her family.

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into her sudden death,  and have spoken to a number of people who were at the Debs Ball on Sunday night.

After falling ill, Jessica was taken to Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

She was due to receive her Leaving Cert results yesterday.

Jessica is survived by her parents Brendan and Catherine Moore, her sister Ali and brother Cian, grandparents and extended family.

The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland Archbishop Okolo, Cardinal Sean Brady and several Bishops were present in St Brendan's Cathedral in Loughrea, Co Galway yesterday for the ordination of the new Bishop of Clonfert.

Fr Michael Duignan - a native of south Roscommon and a priest of the diocese of Elphin - was appointed the new Bishop of Clonfert, succeeding retiring Bishop John Kirby.

Fr Duignan was appointed to the position by Pope Francis in July, and the episcopal ordination took place yesterday afternoon in Loughrea, attended also by the new Bishop's mother Mona Duignan, his sisters and brother and extended family.

In his homily, Bishop Michael Duignan says he now adds to the blue and yellow of Roscommon, and the black and white of Sligo, the maroon and white of Galway which will now be his new home.

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash on the Headford Road ( N84).

The collision occurred about 8am this morning at the Curragh Line.

Gardaí say the road will be closed for a time while the crash is dealt with.

Motorists are advised to take an alternative route where possible.

Community Employment supervisors seeking security over pensions will strike today at 6 locations across the country.

They'll protest at Department of Social Protection offices in Galway, Athlone, Letterkenny, Waterford, Cork and Dublin from midday today.

Forsa and SIPTU say over 250 supervisors have retired with no occupational pension -  since a 2008 Labour Court recommendation on the issue.

A conference in County Galway is today bringing together a wide range of experts to discuss living with cancer.

The event, organised by the Irish Cancer Society, will be attended by up to 400 cancer survivors, along with their families, friends and carers.

The society's CEO, Averil Power says it's their chance to listen to survivors and share information about living with cancer.

A conference in Galway will today hear that the lack of accommodation for travellers is beyond crisis point.

Over the past twenty years, less than half of the 2,200 halting sites promised by the Government have been delivered.

It's forced over 2,000 individuals into the private rented sector, where it's claimed they're more likely to face discrimination and eviction.

Director of the Irish Traveller Movement, Bernard Joyce, says that's failing everyone.

Connacht coach Andy Friend has made two changes for tomorrow's crucial Guinness Pro14 clash with Cardiff at the Sportsground.

Ireland international Bundee Aki returns to replace Peter Robb in the centre while Paul Boyle comes in for Eoin McKeon at openside flanker.

Victory for the western province would secure their place in the Heineken Champions Cup next season and Boyle says they're getting used to high pressure matches.

Connacht have confirmed they've been granted full planning permission for their re-development of the Sportsground.

The 30-million Euro upgrade will bring the stadium capacity up to 12-thousand and the works will also include a high-performance centre and greyhound track.

PPS Interprovincial Cup Final;

Connacht LGFA  3-01      3-10         Munster LGFA

Hosts England will kick start their title defence in a fortnight’s time when the Republic of Ireland travel to Luton Town to take on the three lions on Friday, March 16 (KO 7pm).

This will be William O’Connor’s second away fixture on the bounce and he’ll be hoping to start the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations early with a valuable win away from home in Kenilworth Stadium to make it two wins from two.

The visitors toppled the Welsh in The Rock two weeks ago to open the 2018 Centenary Shield schedule. A first half brace, the first courtesy of Coláiste Dún Iascaigh, Cahir scholar and Irish Captain Cian MURPHY came eight minutes in. This was cancelled out on the quarter hour mark by Welsh forward Alaric Jones. However the Irish lead was regained a few minutes later through last year’s star St. Declan’s Community College scholar Darryl WALSH. A solid second half performance from the Irish was enough to see off Marc Lloyd Williams’ crew in Cefn Druids AFC to ensure a top of the table appearance for the short term.

O’Connor will make one change to the Irish set up with Balbriggan pupil Lido Lofeta making way for Grennan College player Colm Whelan for this encounter.

The English will be relishing this game having demolished the Republic in Dublin twelve months previous with a comprehensive second half display to come from 2-0 down to win out 5-2. The victory ensured a share of the spoils with Northern Ireland last season and the English will be hoping to replicate such success again. Home advantage will prove important for England’s first game of the season and they will be bolstered by the return of forward Jack Butler (King Edward VI High School) who had an impressive campaign for them last year.

England’s preparations for the Centenary Shield have gone exceptional well. The crew travelled to Valencia for their warm weather training a fortnight ago. A full week of training with two friendly games in the mix proved very productive.  England overcame Valencia and Levante 2-1 on both outings.

Confidence in the camp will be high heading into this game and it always proves a pulsating tie with the Irish. A number of the Republic of Ireland outfit will be looking to improve their record against their opponents asJames CARROLL (St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda), Darryl WALSH (St. Declan’s Community College) who captained the Irish that evening, Ronan MANNING (formerly of Calasanctius College, Oranmore and currently of Yeats College) and Jack RYAN (Templeogue College) all featured that evening in a frustrating night for Paddy O’Reilly’s charges.

Following the England encounter, O’Connor’s side will be out again on March 29 in Monaghan United FC as they take on their Northern counterparts in their penultimate fixture. The Irish will then entertain Scotland in their final game of the season when they face the tartan army on April 12 in Home Farm FC, Whitehall. Both home games have a 2pm kick off.

England Schools have taken things up a notch by managing to secure live television coverage this season of their two home fixtures, thanks to their partners at 247 .TV and FreeSports

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SELECT | Daniel Houghton& Kieran Farren (Carndonagh Community School), Adam O’Connor (St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff), James Carroll (St. Oliver’s Community College, Drogheda), Luke McNicholas (Balla Secondary School), Darryl Walsh (St. Declan’s Community College), Ronan Manning & Adam Rooney (Yeats College, Galway), Liam Kerrigan (St. Attracta’s CS, Tubbercurry), Cian Lee (Boyne Community School), Peter Adigun(Riversdale Community College), Ali Regbha (Chanel College, Coolock), Jack Ryan (Templeogue College), Jake Walker (St. Kevin’s Community College, Clondalkin) Colm Whelan (Grennan College, Thomastown), Rory Doyle (St. Francis College, Rochestown), Cian Murphy (Coláiste Dun Iascaigh, Cahir), Adam Conway (De La Salle College, Waterford)

MANAGEMENT | Head Coach William O’Connor (Balbriggan Community College), Coach John McShane (Dublin Oak Academy, Bray),  GK Coach Conor Foley (Athlone Community College), Performance Analyst Ollie Horgan (St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny), Kit Manager Paul Masterson, Physio Mickey McGlynn Doctor Aiden O’Colmain

ENGLAND | Daniel Gould, Callum Coulter, Ethan Brookes, Adam Crowther, Fraser Colling, Alex Doyle, Sam McCallum, Cormac Pike, Noah Smerdon, Kyle O’Connor-Ajayi,Ryan Penny,Emmanuel Ogunrinde,Robert Deda,Cieran Jackson, Jack Butler, David Neligwa, Harvey Howell, King Baidoo

2018 Centenary Shield Results & Fixtures

February 15         Wales 1-2 Republic of Ireland                       The Rock, Cefn Druids FC (7pm)

March 9                Scotland vs Northern Ireland                       Greenock Morton FC (7pm)

March 15              Northern Ireland vs Wales                             Newry City AFC (3pm)

March 16              England vs Republic of Ireland                   Kenilworth Stadium, Luton Town FC (7pm)

March 23              England vs Scotland                                        Bootham Crescent, York City FC (7pm)

March 29             Republic of Ireland vs Northern Ireland  Monaghan United FC (2pm)

March 29             Wales vs England                                              Cardiff Metropolitan University FC (7pm)

April 6                   Northern Ireland vs England                        Belfast (7pm)

April 12                  Republic of Ireland vs Scotland                  Home Farm FC (2pm)

April 19                 Scotland vs Wales                                             Queen of the South FC (7pm)

Allianz Football League 
Division 1
Dublin 2-14 Roscommon 1-12 

Division 3
Westmeath 2-12 Sligo 1-10 

Division 4 
Leitrim 1-09 London 0-07 

Allianz Hurling League 
Division 1B 
Waterford P-P Galway 

Division 2A
Westmeath 2-12 Mayo 0-06 

Division 3A
Lancashire 2-13 Roscommon 1-06 

Division 3B
Sligo 3-15 Longford 0-03 

Connacht Rugby has announced a 30 million Euro redevelopement plan for the Sportsground in Galway.

The development will include a new stadium with a 12,000 spectator capacity, a new high-performance centre and will maintain the existing greyhound racing track.

The arrangement with their co-tenants Irish Greyhound Board will ensure that rugby fixtures and greyhound racing events will continue at the venue