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Magical Dragon to roam the streets of Galway this July

July 7, 2023

As part of Galway International Arts Festival, The Kings Head is delighted to support the Irish premiere of Dragon, a fantastic creature that will pass through the streets of Galway. This free street performance will allow us to dive into this extraordinary world, as an enormous Dragon wanders the medieval streets of Galway!

Look at the fire, witness the shadows dancing in the night. Let the Dragon make your forgotten dreams come true!

Artistic Director and producer Pierre Povigna created Planète Vapeur in 2006. Having studied architecture, Povigna was always passionate about complex mechanisms and giant biomechanical machines. Working with a team of technicians and artists, Planète Vapeur bring fantastic and magical worlds to life.

“Galway International Arts Festival is the highlight of our year at The Kings Head. We have been involved as a venue since the late eighties and look forward to hosting Lunchtime Comedy with the ‘Laughter Loft’ again this year. This year is extra special, as we are lending our support to this amazing, family friendly, free event. Dragon will give that sense of magic on the streets of Galway that we have come to expect every July from Galway International Arts Festival,” said Paul Grealish of The Kings Head.

Dragon will run 3 times during the festival – Friday 21 July 9.30pm, Saturday 22 July 2pm and 9.30pm. The route is Eyre Square to the Spanish Arch via the O’Brien’s Bridge & Dominick St. Lower. 

Check out https://www.thekingshead.ie/ or https://www.giaf.ie/festival/event/dragon for more.

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University of Galway IdeasLab Start100 programme celebrates student entrepreneurs

July 7, 2023

LambCam were named overall winners with Glow by Chlo Cosmetics recognised as the ‘One to Watch’

LambCam, a software to help farmers monitor sheep’s behaviour during lambing season, has been named the winner of the University of Galway IdeasLab’s 2023 Start100 student entrepreneurship programme University of Galway.

The highly acclaimed Start100 programme, showcased the innovative ideas of 12 teams of aspiring student entrepreneurs. The final event saw teams pitch their unique ideas to an expert panel of judges from academia, research, industry, and enterprise at a special showcase event on campus in front of an audience of students, mentors, enterprise and University of Galway staff.

The winning entry of the 2023 Start100 programme was LambCam securing €5,000 in funding. Glow by Chlo Cosmetics were recognised with the ‘One to Watch’ award, affirming their potential for future success.

The Start100 programme is an intensive six-week programme run out of University of Galway’s IdeasLab – the student innovation hub, open to all disciplines, located at the heart of the campus.  Start100 connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland and culminates at this showcase, where each team presents their ideas.

This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs had ideas ranging from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.

Teams underwent a transformative entrepreneurial journey, nurturing their ideas and focusing on how to best leverage their network and funding opportunities for future success. With the guidance and support of mentors, speakers and the vibrant startup ecosystem in Galway and across the country, the students developed and validated their business models, developed their networking skills and built a peer-to-peer community to support one another to develop and grow.

Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, University of Galway Deputy President and Registrar, said: “University of Galway is committed to transforming our values of excellence, respect, sustainability and openness into actions and deeds. Today we witnessed that first hand through our students in their pursuit of societal impact through enterprising ideas. The University, in partnership with our business community, plays a crucial role in nurturing their growth and supporting our people and our planet and we are incredibly proud of our student entrepreneurs.”

Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development at University of Galway, said: “We are excited to see a surge in interest in entrepreneurship across our campus. The Start100 teams have truly impressed us with their exceptional quality and innovative ideas, serving as a testament to the remarkable success of the programme. We are committed to leveraging our achievements and exploring new collaborative partnerships to maximize opportunities for our student entrepreneurs.”

The judging panel for the final event included: University of Galway Vice-President Engagement Dr Paul Dodd; Chief Executive of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) and scientist Evelyn O’Toole: one of Ireland’s leading financial advisors and internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner Paul Merriman; one of the Top 100 Women in STEM in Ireland and Partner at Atlantic Bridge – Kauffman Fellow Helen McBreen; and Aerogen Chief Executive and founder John Power.

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National sexual consent education and research initiative set for a new five-year cycle

June 19, 2023

Active* Consent marks scale of work since 2013 and outlines expansion plans using multidisciplinary approach to promote healthy relationships and foster a culture of respect

Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has today officially launched University of Galway’s Active* Consent programme 2023-27.

Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect since its inception in 2013.

Repro Free: Thursday 15th June 2023. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has officially launched University of Galway’s Active* Consent programme 2023-27. Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway in 2013. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect. Pictured was Alex Black campaign lead, Active*Consent. Picture Jason Clarke.

Active* Consent marked the launch of the 2023-27 programme with the publication of a report reviewing the scale of work undertaken during its first large scale programme 2019-2022 and an outline of goals to expand the work over the next five years.

  • More than 70,000 first year college students took part in consent workshops between 2019-2022, and more than 1,500 staff member and student leaders have been trained in delivering workshops.
  • More than 4,000 post-primary pupils took part in consent workshops during the first 12 months of the Active* Consent for School Communities programme in 2021-2022, while 750 teachers have been trained in delivering these workshops and 1,000 parents have attended online seminars.
  • The new programme sets goal to take Active* Consent international by engaging with universities, forming partnerships with practitioners and researchers, and adapting programming to meet the needs of students outside of Ireland
  • Partnered with Rugby Players Ireland on the delivery of consent programming in the organisation’s Academy Programme since 2019, with ambitions to build on that by offering the Active* Consent model of awareness raising, skills development, and culture change to other sporting bodies.
  • Plans to initiate new research that focuses on how ideas and roles concerning consent evolve for teenagers and young men.

Minister Harris expressed Government support for the programme and Active* Consent’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual consent in Ireland: “It is essential we equip the next generation with the skillset and the knowledge needed on consent. This programme has already been incredibly successful in schools and further and higher education institutions across the country. The launch of this Active* Consent Programme is another step towards tackling an extremely serious issue that can have lifelong consequences for the victims. It is one of my top priorities to ensure that we create campus cultures which are safe, respectful, and supportive for all staff and students.”

Repro Free: Thursday 15th June 2023. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D. has officially launched University of Galway’s Active* Consent programme 2023-27. Active* Consent is an innovative sexual consent education and research initiative, which began at University of Galway in 2013. Now a national programme, it has been at the forefront of promoting healthy relationships and fostering a culture of respect. Pictured from LtoR are Dr Padraig MacNeela, Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychology, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris T.D, and Dr Siobhán O’Higgins, Research Fellow at the School of Psychology. Picture Jason Clarke.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “The past decade has brought considerable learning on consent for all of us. Now there is an active national conversation on consent, which our history teaches us is healthier, preferable to silence. This is pioneering work, led by University of Galway. It is symbolic not only of the focus we place here on our university being here for the public good, but also symbolic of our core value of respect. All of us at University of Galway look forward to the expansion of the work of Active* Consent and in continuing to make a difference in and for society.”

Dr Siobhán O’Higgins, University of Galway senior researcher and Co-Lead on Active* Consent, said: “Our programming promotes the ethos that consent is ongoing, mutual, and freely given – that consent is for everyone, in all relationships, across genders and sexual orientations, and for all types of intimacy, if someone ever chooses to engage with a partner.”

Active* Consent is supported through funding and philanthropy by Lifes2good Foundation; Rethink Ireland; University of Galway, Government of Ireland; and the Dormant Accounts Fund. The 2019-2022 programme was led by Dr Pádraig MacNeela, Dr Charlotte McIvor, and Dr Siobhán O’Higgins.

Active* Consent developed a novel initiative to bring the topics of sex and consent to wider youth audiences, with Dr Charlotte McIvor working with more than 40 drama students and graduates since 2014 to write and produce four successive versions of the play ‘The Kinds of Sex You Might Have at College’. It toured 19 Irish college campuses in 2022, reaching 2,300 students and staff.

The play allows audiences to see what positive, active consent and non-consent look like, how they impact individuals and peer groups, and what can be done to respond to scenarios that young people might experience.

  • Of the 850 college students who completed the post-show survey, 87% agreed that the play improved their understanding of sexual consent.
  • 82% agreed that it increased their confidence negotiating sexual boundaries.
  • 81% agreed that after the performance they knew where to find information on how to report sexual assault.

A grant from the Community Foundation of Ireland enabled Active* Consent to adapt the drama to post-primary school audiences. ‘How I Learned About Consent’ was performed to 1,300 pupils from 16 schools in 2022.

  • Of the 800 school pupils who completed the post-show survey, 83% of pupils agreed that the play represented the range of sexual issues and situations that young people face.
  • 79% of pupils agreed that they felt more confident responding as an active bystander to help a friend or family member.
  • 85% of pupils agreed that the play delivered important messages.
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Launch of Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’: A Historic Partnership between Kings Head Bar and Traditional Irish Craftsmanship

June 14, 2023

The Kings Head Bar in Galway proudly announces its partnership with the esteemed rebuilt Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe,’ marking a significant milestone in preserving Ireland’s rich maritime heritage. This all unfolded on Friday evening at the Claddagh Basin as the Kings Head Bar officially launched the vessel, sending it off to the open sea amidst a very Galway get together to mark the occasion.

Named in honour of the two O’Clochartaigh brothers- Meaircín and Joe – who built her in 1987 in Mweenish, The Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’ represents a cherished tradition of Irish craftsmanship and seafaring history, showcasing the dedication and skills of local artisans. The rebuilt vessel, meticulously handcrafted by boat builder Joe Joyce, stands as a testament to the timeless beauty and resilience of Galway’s maritime culture.

In late 2010, John Linsey and family in Dublin, gave permission to the Bádóirí an Chladaigh to bring her to Galway in order to restore her. The ‘Meaircín Joe’ has now returned to Galway waters and join the fleet of Bádóirí an Chladaigh.

The Kings Head Bar, an institution in Galway City known for its commitment to preserving Irish traditions, has forged a partnership with the Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe.’ This collaboration aims to honour Galway’s seafaring legacy and promote the region’s cultural heritage to a global audience.

“‘The Meaircín Joe’ which was launched last Friday after being rebuilt by Bádóirí an Chladaigh with generous support from The Kings Head Pub and the Grealish family. The launch was celebrated on the long walk with a few tunes where even the dolphins made an appearance. The Meaircín Joe joins the growing fleet of Galway Hookers which are a fantastic asset to the city of Galway,” explained Paul Grealish of The Kings Head.

Bádóirí an Chladaigh is supported Galway City Council, Cold Chon, Selos, Galway City Partnership and fundraising initiatives from the general public.

For more information check out The Kings Head on social channels, on High Street and here https://www.thekingshead.ie/.

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Award winning entrepreneurial program kicks off at University of Galway

June 14, 2023

IdeasLab Start100 to show impact that can happen in just 100 days

University of Galway IdeasLab has taken home gold for their Start100 Program in the Entrepreneurship at universities category at the University Industry Innovation Network (UIIN) Conference held earlier this month in Budapest. IdeasLab’s Start100 Program which supports entrepreneurial students to take their idea to impact in 100 days was acknowledged for its great emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and support, and showcases stories from across the entrepreneurial spectrum to create relatable and achievable role models.

Based in the heart of University of Galway campus, IdeasLab are back with their six-week student incubator programme, Start100. Now in its second year, this year there are 12 teams who are embarking on an entrepreneurial journey with the aim of taking their innovative idea to the next step.

‘Within a year Start100 has been embraced by our entire ecosystem and the support we are receiving from mentors, judges and our community is a testament to the importance of nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship in Universities.  This year we have increased our number of projects to 12 based on the huge demand for Start100 from our incredible students.  We have ideas that span digital health and sports, skincare, AI, agriculture and sustainability.   We are looking forward to showcasing our entrepreneurs at our demo day on the 29th of June’ Dr Natalie Walsh, Director of Entrepreneurial Development, University of Galway.

Throughout the programme Start100 teams will have the chance to hone their business model and connect into a vibrant startup ecosystem. Start100 will link students with a bank of University of Galway Alumni, mentors, and speakers to inspire, advise and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.

This programme also connects students into a thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs across Ireland. This year, the varied group of student entrepreneurs have ideas ranging- from an app designed to improve your rowing capabilities to beauty and skincare products.

The programme began in May, and will culminate on June 29th, 2023, where the participants will showcase and pitch their business ideas to a panel of expert judges.  Each team participating will receive funding of €4,000 to aid them in the development of their innovative idea. The overall winning team of the Start100 programme will receive a further €5,000, and the runners-up will receive a further €1,000. AskPaul.ie is sponsoring the overall prize fund of €6,000 for the final event this year.

Within Start100 the judges play a crucial role in selecting the overall winner and runners-up of the Start100 programme. The judges are experts in their respective fields, with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and venture capital.

The Judges for IdeasLab’s Start100 Summer Accelerator programme include VP for Engagement with the University of Galway Paul Dodd, CEO of Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) and scientist, Evelyn O’Toole, One of Ireland’s leading financial advisors and internationally recognised CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), Paul Merriman CFP®, One of the Top 100 Women in STEM in Ireland, Partner at Atlantic Bridge – Kauffman Fellow Helen McBreen and Aerogen CEO and founder John Power.

Start100 is funded by the Government of Ireland Human Capital initiative

For more on IdeasLab and Start100 teams for 2023 check out https://www.universityofgalway.ie/ideaslab/.

-ends-

More on Start100:

Start100 supports entrepreneurial teams to take their idea to impact in 100 days. The program revolves around five key pillars:

• Networking (peer-to-peer and external)

• Matched mentorship

• Workshops (pitching, financial literacy, introduction to local ecosystem)

• Support (from program hosts and one another)

• Storytelling (from existing entrepreneurial role models).

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Introducing Galway’s Westend Walking Tours: Unveiling a Journey Through Galway’s Vibrant Cultural Hub

June 14, 2023

Galway’s Westend, the beating heart of Galway City known for its captivating culture, announces the launch of its Galway’s Westend Walking Tours, set to commence in June 2023. This immersive experience will allow visitors and locals to delve into the rich tapestry of Galway’s Westend, revealing the hidden gems, unique stories, and vibrant atmosphere that make it a must-visit destination.

Galway’s Westend is celebrated for its bohemian charm, artistic flair, and diverse community, making it a focal point of Galway’s cultural scene. The Galway’s Westend Walking Tours aim to showcase this captivating district, guiding participants through its picturesque streets, unveiling its historical landmarks, and providing an intimate glimpse into the thriving arts, food, and music scene that defines the area.

Led by expert local guides, each Galway’s Westend Walking Tour will take participants on a journey of discovery, exploring the district’s rich history, captivating tales, and fascinating anecdotes. From traditional Irish music venues to independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants, and artisanal food markets, visitors will immerse themselves in the unique ambiance that defines Galway’s Westend.

The tours will tell the tales of Irish-town (West End) versus the Norman/English town of Galway to being introduced to the home of Lady Gregory’s son, Major Robert Gregory, whose death in January 1918 inspired WB Yeats poem, ‘An Irish Airman foresees his death’. Where now lies The Galway Arts Centre, Galway’s only dedicated art gallery and Aras Na Gael – the Irish language experience with Dance, music, song, conversation, and a bar!

The tours will begin each day on Raven’s Terrace where the great Claddagh connection begins. Tour guides will touch on Pawnbroker, Fish on Friday, Claddagh ring, Claddagh fishing tradition and the Galway Hookers.

Then the connection to maritime history will be the focus of walks along The Eglinton Canal that lead to the University. Tour guides will draw on the Lock gates, bridges, tow-paths and how the Canals connect to Corrib with Water activities from past to present day. 

As people step through the neighbourhood, they will be introduced to the socio-cultural fabric through food, people and place and of course nuggets of information like, did you know that The area is home to Galway’s only LGBT Bar, Nova on Henry Street?

Back into The Small Crane where the History of the Galway markets, potato, hay, turf, vegetable, pigs, calves were held and now will be told. Right alongside here the stories of prolific Galway author Walter Macken and of Titanic survivor Eugene Daly from Raleigh Row will be highlighted to walkers.

Galway’s Westend Walking Tours will commence in June and will run throughout the year. The tours will be available twice daily, at 3pm and 6om from Ravens Terrace. Participants will be treated to a captivating journey through the district, lasting approximately 75 minutes. Tickets, €15 + Booking fee can be purchased online through the official Galway’s Westend website or directly at the meeting point.

For more information about Galway’s Westend Walking Tours, including ticketing details and the tour schedule, please visit www.galwayswestend.ie. 

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #GalwaysWestendTours and stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates.

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The Kings Head Wins Family Run Business of the Year

June 14, 2023

Outstanding Woman, Mary Grealish Honoured at the 3rd Irish Women’s Awards 2023

The King’s Head has won Family Run Business of the Year at the 2023 Irish Women’s Awards. This event is dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in Ireland, and Mary Grealish was honoured at the 3rd edition of the Awards held on June 2nd in Dublin.

The gala ceremony brought together women from various fields, highlighting their exceptional contributions and inspiring stories of success.

The Irish Women’s Awards serves as a platform to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of women who have made a significant impact in their respective industries. The event aims to inspire and empower women, encouraging them to reach new heights of success and leadership.

Each winner has displayed exceptional talent, expertise, and dedication in their field. Their achievements not only serve as an inspiration to others but also contribute to the advancement of gender equality and diversity in Ireland.

The 800-year-old Kings Head pub has been owned and operated by the Grealish family since the late 80s, and it has long been one of the most beloved spots in the city. Mary’s influence, her creativity, work ethic and warmth can be found everywhere in the Kings Head, from her eye for interiors evident in recent decor upgrades, to her management of HR for 75 employees.

“It’s wonderful to win this award and to be recognised for The Kings Head and all that it offers in terms of food, drinks, live music. We have a team of 75 in house and we work with local suppliers, musicians, and artists.  WE are embedded into Galway and love to champion this wonderful city through our partnerships with Galway International Arts Festival, Druid Theatre Company, Connacht Rugby and the rebuilt Galway Hooker ‘Meaircín Joe’. We are gearing up for the summer of fun in Galway and this win is setting the tone for what will be a fantastic year ahead,” explained Mary.

A Spokesperson for the Irish Women’s Awards 2023 said: “We would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their outstanding accomplishments and their positive influence within their industries and communities. Their achievements are a testament to their hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Pop into The Kings Head on High Street 7 days a week for food, drinks and live music. Get social online at www.thekingshead.ie.