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Clean Cut Meals launches nationally in SuperValu and Centra stores: Bringing nutritious, convenient meals to stores nationwide

October 8, 2024

Clean Cut Meals, Ireland’s leading Irish food brand offering quality nutritionally balanced meals, has launched their national rollout across 400 SuperValu and Centra stores. This marks a significant milestone in Clean Cut Meals’ ambition to make healthy eating more accessible to people across Ireland. As customer demand for healthy, convenient meals continues to grow, the launch of Clean Cut meals is a testament to SuperValu and Centra’s continued focus on meeting the need for great-tasting, good value, healthier food options.

Founded in Galway in 2015 by Micheál Dyer and Conor McCallion, Clean Cut Meals began as an online meal subscription service. Now, after eight years of success and growing demand, the brand is taking the next step by bringing their nutritious, ready-to-eat meals to a wider audience through the SuperValu and Centra store network. This marks a shift from online-only orders to in-store availability, meaning customers can now easily access healthy, chef-prepared, protein-packed meals without the need for a subscription.

“The launch of Clean Cut Meals into SuperValu and Centra, with a network of over 700 stores, is a game-changer for health-conscious consumers,” said Micheal Dyer, co-founder of Clean Cut Meals. “We are thrilled to make our meals available seven days a week, right across the country. It is about making healthy eating easier and more accessible for everyone.”

Clean Cut Meals prides itself on using fresh, local produce and premium Irish meats to create nutrient-packed meals. With ten options catering to various dietary preferences, there’s something for everyone. Designed for convenience, these fully prepared meals save time without compromising on quality. Customers can easily pick up meals to maintain a balanced diet.

Sustainability is central to Clean Cut Meals’ strategy using fully recyclable or compostable packaging sourced from Irish suppliers. The packaging uses an innovative skin-packing technique which locks in freshness and has superior sustainability credentials. Clean Cut’s mission to eliminate food waste is further supported by offering portion-controlled meals, designed to eliminate leftovers. 

Priced at €6.50 each or two for €12, Clean Cut Meals provides great value for money, offering customers a cost-effective way to fuel their bodies with nutritious, high-quality meals.

For more information and updates, visit www.cleancutmeals.ie and follow Clean Cut Meals on social media.

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The Kings Head Named Finalist for Good Food Ireland Pub of the Year 2024

October 2, 2024

The Kings Head, one of Galway’s most iconic and historic pubs, has been named a finalist for the Good Food Ireland® Pub of the Year Award. The announcement comes as part of the Good Food Ireland® Awards 2024, which celebrates excellence across Ireland’s diverse food and drink industry.

The Good Food Ireland® Awards, in association with FBD Insurance, honour businesses that excel in showcasing local, fresh, and seasonal Irish ingredients, supporting Irish farmers, food producers, and fishermen. Finalists represent the best of Ireland’s food scene, from primary producers and chefs to restaurants and tourism experiences, with a strong focus on consumer experience and sustainability.

Being shortlisted in the Pub of the Year category highlights The Kings Head’s commitment to elevating Irish pub culture through its carefully curated menu, which features high-quality, locally sourced produce. This dedication to using fresh, seasonal ingredients has earned the pub recognition on both a local and national level.

The Good Food Ireland® Awards 2024 will take place on Monday, November 11th at The K Club, where the winners will be announced. The Kings Head joins a shortlist of exceptional Irish businesses competing for top honours in categories that span the entire food and drink sector.

For more information about The Kings Head and its commitment to local Irish produce, visit www.thekingshead.ie.

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Baboró 2024, most inclusive festival to date

October 2, 2024

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is running its most accessible and inclusive festival to date, ensuring that all young people and their families can experience the magic of the arts. Running for ten days from October 11th to 20th, Baboró 2024 is committed to creating an enriching, welcoming space for everyone, regardless of ability or access needs.

This year, the festival has expanded its accessibility features to include sensory-friendly performances, Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreted shows and, where possible, uses venues equipped with wheelchair access and quiet spaces. These enhancements reflect Baboró’s dedication to inclusivity, allowing children of all abilities to fully participate and enjoy the transformative power of the arts.

Feel the Beat, a community music workshop specifically for children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, will give children the opportunity to compose a rhythmic piece together. This workshop for children aged 8 – 12 years will take place on Sunday October 13 at PorterShed a Dó. Limited capacity – booking advised.

There will be a ChildVision Ireland Reading Services exhibit table at The Cornstore Mall on Saturday 19 October from 12.00 – 1600. Visitors will be able to learn how visually impaired people experience the world.

Chotto Desh for children aged 7+ years and Grace for ages 8+ years will have specific ISL and audio described performances. The exhibitions Little Monsters and Identity will also have audio described and tactile elements.  A number of adult talks will also feature ISL. Details in each of the event listings on baboro.ie. 

“We are thrilled to present our most inclusive festival yet, ensuring that every child feels represented and included in our celebration of the arts,” said Aislinn Ó hEocha, Baboró’s Executive Artistic Director. “Our goal is to create an environment where every young person can connect with the arts in a way that is meaningful to them.”

In addition to public performances, Baboró 2024 features a range of specialist shows designed for schools and groups, focusing on sensory engagement and inclusive storytelling. These performances, supported by tailored resources and expert facilitators, highlight the festival’s commitment to delivering exceptional artistic experiences to all audiences, creating a truly welcoming atmosphere for every child.

For more information about the programme and accessibility options, visit www.baboro.ie.

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“God made Galway First” The King of the west Ali Jalivand on Galway Bay FM in August 2018 talking about his life and how he became such an integral part of Galway.

September 26, 2024

Back in 2018 I had Ali into me on Galway Bay FM at the time I was chatting to people from around Galway who were very interesting. So naturally I asked Ali to join me. I thought you might like to listen back to get an insight into how a man from Iran came to become King of the West. To be Honest + I swear to God Ali, we will miss you forever.

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Galway’s westend ends summer in style with ‘Trolley Parton’ – The city’s first oyster trolley

September 23, 2024

Cross the bridge and dive into Galway’s westend for the ultimate Oyster Festival weekend

This weekend, cross the bridges into Galway’s westend for a celebration like no other as we wave goodbye to summer in style. As part of the International Oyster Festival fringe events, Galway’s westend is launching Trolley Parton, the city’s first-ever Oyster Trolley. Loaded with delicious Dooncastle Oysters, Trolley Parton will roll through Westend’s iconic pubs all weekend, serving up fresh oysters on the go.

But the seafood fun does not stop there! Sarah de Brún of Oysome will be debuting a unique treat—oyster ice cream with a rich stout syrup drizzle, adding a sweet twist to the savoury star of the weekend.

With live music and street entertainment, this event also marks the grand finale of westend’s pedestrianisation for 2024, which has been a huge success since its launch in 2019. So, grab your friends and come celebrate the last of summer with oysters, music, and plenty of Galway craic!

Stay connected across social media @galwayswestend.

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Chowder to be crowned: The Kings Head in the running for Ireland’s Best

September 10, 2024

The Kings Head, has been named a finalist in the search for the best seafood chowder in Ireland. Organised by Cully and Sully, in collaboration with McKennas Guide, this nationwide competition seeks to crown the ultimate chowder champion.

Following a comprehensive public vote, The Kings Head secured its spot in the final, thanks to its commitment to top-tier, fresh ingredients. Renowned head chef Brendan Keane has crafted contemporary seafood dishes that have made the pub famous for its dedication to fresh, local seafood—so much so that its seafood bill consistently surpasses its meat costs year after year.

Now, the journey to the crown will continue as the judging panel embarks on visits to the finalist locations, with each venue’s chowder carefully evaluated before the winner is announced.

This recognition puts The Kings Head firmly on the map as one of Ireland’s premier seafood destinations. Stay connected through social media or at www.thekingshead.ie.

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Baboró invites children to explore an exciting programme brimming full of shows, exhibitions and workshops for all ages and abilities.

September 4, 2024

The 28th annual Baboró International Arts Festival for Children will present a vibrant array of events designed to inspire and entertain all children and families. This year, Baboró reaffirms its commitment to accessibility and inclusion with a diverse lineup of shows, exhibits and workshops tailored to meet the needs of children with additional needs, including relaxed performances, Irish Sign Language (ISL) events for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, captioned events and audio-described performances and touch tours.

This year’s programme boasts over 50 events for young people of all ages. In addition to showcasing the best of Irish work for young audiences, this year’s programme has a distinctly European flavour, welcoming performance companies from Italy, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Scotland and England. 

Here’s just a taste of what’s in store for families and schools this October: 

Branar’s Story of a Day/Scéal an Lae: Sure to enchant children aged 5+ years at the Town Hall Theatre, this performance is a celebration of storytelling and imagination, told through a beautiful blend of visual and oral storytelling combined with live music by the Contempo Quartet.

Chotto Desh is an enchanting dance theatre experience that tells the story of a boy’s journey between Britain and Bangladesh. Created by the acclaimed Akram Khan Company, this performance blends Kathak and contemporary dance with stunning visuals and a captivating narrative. Celebrating the resilience of the human spirit, Chotto Desh is a poignant and visually striking production.

The Pale Baron: Coming all the way from Belgium, this new musical fable, staged at the Black Box Theatre, tells the heartwarming story of friendship and resistance during a repressive regime. Aimed at children aged 10+, the performance celebrates the power of music, words, and friendship, delivered with gentle humour and poignant storytelling.

A madcap musical that explores what toddlers and world leaders have in common, BullyBully presents an awkward yet humorous encounter between two powerful, childish adults. This hilarious performance features funny quarrels, catchy songs, and a heartwarming resolution, demonstrating the importance of compromise. Created by Maas Theater en Dans, known for its bold and engaging productions for young audiences, “BullyBully” is a must-see.

An absurd tragic horror comedy, Grown Ups delves into the chaotic and often humorous lives of adults. This performance questions what adults really do while children are at school and explores whether they truly have everything under control. Compagnie Barbarie, in collaboration with BRONKS, delivers a thought-provoking yet hilarious portrayal of adult life from a child’s perspective.

Arts Alive Galway’s Identity Exhibition: Hosted at Outset Gallery, this multimedia exhibition delves into the multifaceted identities of ten Galway artists with intellectual disabilities. The exhibition challenges societal stereotypes and amplifies the voices of these artists, offering visitors a moving and thought-provoking thirty-minute experience. The exhibition is accessible to all ages and abilities.

Livefeed Showcase: Experience the talent of Galway’s young musicians and singer-songwriters at this family-friendly showcase, a project by Music Generation Galway City. This event offers young people the chance to perform in a safe, supportive environment, celebrating the next generation of Irish musical talent.

Fields of Tender for Babies: Held at the University of Galway, this playful dance performance is designed for babies aged 3 to 24 months, offering a sensory experience like no other. The serene and intimate space invites parents and babies to lose themselves in a captivating blend of dance, music, and interactive visuals. Fields of Tender is inclusive, embracing all behaviours and sensory needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the performance on their own terms. The performance takes place over 90 minutes allowing families to come and go as they wish during that period.

Baboró has commissioned local artist Phillida Eves of Rosán Sensory Adventures, to create a new show especially for school children with complex needs. Antarctica! brings a small audience on an immersive sensory expedition overcoming unknown perils, where ultimately teamwork and comradery win out. The company will be in residence in St. Joseph’s Special School in Newcastle.

The Storybird/Éan na Scéalaíochta: Join Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde and Alan Nolan at St. Brigit’s Garden, Rosscahil for an adventurous quest to find the mysterious Storybird. This outdoor event is perfect for children with a wild imagination and a love for stories, with participants encouraged to dress for the weather and pack their curiosity. 

Adults will be interested in Patricia’s inaugural lecture as Laureate na nÓg, Making It Up As We Go Along at Mick Lally Theatre. As well as being a celebrated author who writes in both English and Irish, Patricia is also one of Baboró’s co-founders. With over twenty published books to her name, Patricia’s ambition as Laureate na nÓg is to ignite wild creativity in children by bringing them together with writers and illustrators to imagine new worlds.

Tickets will be available for purchase from www.baboro.ie and the Town Hall Theatre from 4th September at 6pm. Follow Baboró on social media or sign up to their newsletter on www.baboro.ie for the latest programme and box office announcements. Festival programmes are also available at various venues across Galway.

Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is Ireland’s flagship festival devoted exclusively to children and families and a registered charity. Baboró is funded by The Arts Council of Ireland and Galway City and County Councils. This year’s festival is supported by Irish Language Partner, Cúla4; Literature Partner, Charlie Byrne’s Bookshops and Sustainable Print Partner, iSupply. Baboró is grateful to the ongoing support of the businesses and venues of Galway.

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Rise to the Occasion with The Twelve Focaccia Sandwiches

August 20, 2024

The Twelve in Barna has launched their freshly baked Focaccia Sandwiches, hot from the oven and loaded with flavour! Crafted each morning at The Pins Bakery, right there on site they are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, these focaccia bread forms the perfect canvas for three sandwiches:

Pulled Ham & Torn Buffalo Mozzarella: Savory pulled ham paired with creamy torn buffalo mozzarella, topped with Dijon red apple slaw, rocket, and garlic mayo.

Roast Lemon Pepper Chicken: Succulent roast chicken with a zesty lemon pepper twist, complemented by basil mayo, red onion, tomato, rocket, and shaved parmesan.

The Vegetarian Delight: A symphony of roasted red peppers, tangy goats cheese, fresh rocket, and pesto for a burst of flavour.

These gourmet sandwiches are available daily from 12 noon, but hurry – they are only available until they sell out! Whether you are dining in or taking away, their Focaccia Sambos are the perfect way to elevate your lunch, starting from €10.50.

Pop in or check out www.thetwelvehotel.ie and of course on social media.