From Edward Conway's own perspective;

Let me be brief I am Edward Conway, from Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, on my bucket list of visits to see in the world was to see the mighty 7th wonder of the world the “Angkor Wat” in Cambodia.
Angkor Wat, in its beauty and state of preservation, is unrivaled. Its mightiness and magnificence bespeak a pomp and a luxury surpassing that of a Pharaoh or a Shah Jahan, an impressiveness greater than that of the Pyramids, an artistic distinctiveness as fine as that of the Taj Mahal. Angkor Wat is located about six kilometers (four miles) north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom. Angkor Wat was built in the first half of the 12th century (113-5BC). Estimated construction time of the temple is 30 years by King Suryavarman II, dedicated to Vishnu (Hindu), replica of Angkor Thom style of art.

Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor group and the best preserved, is an architectural masterpiece. Its perfection in composition, balance, proportions, relief's and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world.

Wat is the Khmer name for temple (the French spelling is "vat "), which was probably added to "Angkor "when it became a Theravada Buddhist monument, most likely in the sixteenth century. After 1432 when the capital moved to Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat was cared for by Buddhist monks.
It is generally accepted that Angkor Wat was a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and oriented to the west to conform to the symbolism between the setting sun and death. Angkor Wat


Whilst touring this country witnessing its beauty and also the kindness in the people after so much turmoil there from the butchery and mass deaths, I came across a gentleman doing things on the ground and that I building water pumps I asked more questions of him, and his name is Kim, so I will let him talk more now on the subject;


“I (Kim) have been working as tour guide for decades, and meet many people around the world. But as I told Edward Conway, he was the first Irish man that I met and the most open person I had met ever, always smiling and wanting to know different topics.


When I was young, I could not go to school because of fighting. From the age of 5 to 10 years old, I just took care of the buffaloes and cows.... I used to drink dirty water with cows and buffaloes also... So I want to help the poor people with these clean water wells.
​
I was always dreaming about helping the other people. I studied in the field of accounting and finance. Between 1999 to 2005, the university was only in Phnom Penh. So I went to Phnom Penh and worked and saved for university. I graduated and worked as an accountant few a years, I was not happy with this job, so I quit, then I studied in tourism, since 2003 I then became a tour guide. I love this job as I meet many people from around the world, exchanged knowledge and cultures.... Most of my clients are very nice and tolerant. After a period of exchange of information some of my clients always asked me how they could help the Cambodian people ?


As the world knows from 1970 to 1998, there was a civil war, killing fields all over Cambodia, civil war, many people were killed and houses and lives destroyed. So now our people are very poor but we have open hearts. We have a lot of NGOs but most of funds get spent on administration


Then I have got an idea is to help my people by building the wells for clean water. When our family is drinking clean water then our family will be healthy, we don't spend a lot of money on our health. With this water, people could use it for watering their vegetable patch in their garden too. If we buy them breads, they eat and are full for one day, but if we build them the well they can use it for many years...


So since 2005, as a tour guide I have received many funds for building the water wells.
My project cost for one well is just €220, it includes 10 years maintenance. We provide this to the poorest families personally, but other families who live nearby by can also use this.
​

As you know most of Cambodian are very family orientated.
I am waiting to hear good news from you and when I get fund I will build it as soon as possible.


Best regards and hank you for any help
KIM


My email for direct contact is: [email protected]

The Galway Music Residency’s Music & Musingssummer series in association with the Contemporary Music Centre continues on Thursday 7th June at 8:30pm in the Black Gate Cultural Centre. This series of concerts featuring the Galway ConTempo Quartet, and established composers from Ireland, presents high quality chamber music in an intimate setting, along with opportunities to eat, drink and meet the artists and composers.


Following a very successful event in May, the second instalment of the series on Thursday 7thJune will feature Deirdre McKay’s Snowline, a new work for string quartet commissioned by RTÉ last year. The Galway premiere of this exciting new work will be performed by the Galway ConTempo Quartet paired with Debussy’s String Quartet in G minor. The performances will be interspersed with conversations with Deirdre McKay and the quartet, chaired by Linda O’Shea Farren of the Contemporary Music Centre.


Tickets for this unique event cost €12/€7 and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.ie or on the door (limited availability). The venue has no step-free access. Music & Musings will return in the autumn.


The Galway Music Residency is supported by NUI Galway, the Arts Council, Galway City and County Councils and GMIT. For further information, visit www.thegalwaymusicresidency.ie or call 091586706.
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The Galway Music Residency (TGMR) was established in 2002 to cultivate a comprehensive music development programme for Galway, with a professional ensemble at its centre. The programme was designed to bring performances to new audiences in Galway City and County and to broaden the experience of those already involved in music.ConTempo Quartet was chosen as TGMR’s Ensemble in Residence in 2003 and continues to captivate audiences throughout the city, county and beyond with its repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk and traditional music. TGMR also runs a vibrant programme of community and educational projects, engaging with young musicians and listeners of all ages.
 
Formed in 1995 in Bucharest, ConTempo Quartet is recognised as one of the most exciting and vibrant chamber ensembles performing today.  It has performed world-wide in many prestigious venues, winning prizes at competitions in Munich, Rome and London, and worked alongside artists of the highest calibre.  It has broadcast widely on European radio, premiered and recorded many contemporary pieces and in June 2016 the members were awarded with honorary doctorates in music from NUI Galway in recognition of 13 years of music and education in the West of Ireland. In 2014 ConTempo was also appointed RTÉ’s Quartet in Residence.
 
The Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) is Ireland's archive and resource centre for new music, supporting the work of composers throughout the island of Ireland.  CMC is a relevant, resourceful and recognisable force in the documentation, development and promotion of Contemporary Music in Ireland.  CMC meets the needs of a wide variety of interest groups: composers, performers, musicologists, teachers, students and reaches a range of audiences including music enthusiasts, other artforms, children and young people in its support to Contemporary Music.  As the archive for composers' works and related materials from the island of Ireland, CMC’s strategic goal is to ensure that the contemporary music landscape in Ireland is documented and preserved for future generations and that access to our dynamic library of contemporary works is provided.  
 
For further information contact:
Maeve Bryan, Operations Manager, the Galway Music Residency
Email: [email protected]; Tel: 091-586706

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Ballinasloe GAA are running a score predictor for the upcoming world cup. Its €10 per player with a top prize of €300, and €100 for the runner up. The club are looking to target 500 locals to take part. Score Predictor is a popular game where a group of players predict the scores for a set of fixtures. Players will get points for their predicted scores based on both the outcomes of the match and if their predicted score lines are correct. The competition continues until all the rounds have been completed, then the player with the highest score wins the competition. For further information visit the clubs Facebook page, and follow the link for their Klubfunder.

​Minister for Justice & Equality, Charlie Flanagan T.D. visited Ballinasloe Garda Station on Monday May 14th to see at first hand the €1.6 million refurbishment and extension works which are ongoing at the station at the invitation of Senator Maura Hopkins.
 
Senator Hopkins stated, “It is very positive to see that works to upgrade the Ballinasloe Garda Station are now well underway. This project involves the demolition of the existing cell block and the construction of a new cell block, a new prisoner processing area, the refurbishment of the public office, upgrade of the heating system and the incorporation of the adjacent building to increase the capacity for the station.”
 
“The OPW advise that the completion date for the project will be October this year. This modern and fit for purpose facility when completed will help Gardai based in Ballinasloe to carry out their work with maximum efficiency on behalf of the public".
 
"There are 57 Gardaí in the Ballinasloe District, which includes Ballinasloe, Ahascragh, Ballygar, Mountbellew, Kiltormer, Kilconnell, Moylough and Creggs. Given this large geographical area, it is imperative that more gardai would be assigned to the district and this was discussed with Minister Flanagan during his visit.  There has been a significant investment in vehicles in recent years and at present the district has 7 vehicles.
 
Minister Flanagan said, “I have been aware of the need for investment in Ballinasloe Garda station for many years since my time as party Justice Spokesperson a number of years ago. I was very pleased that my colleague the former Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. provided funding for these works in late 2015.”
 
“Senator Maura Hopkins has raised the need for the commencement of these works on several occasions over the past year since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, it is positive that the project is now well underway.”
 
Minister Flanagan also stated "I want to compliment the gardai in this district for the excellent work that they do on a daily basis.  I want to particularly note their involvement in Operation Thor which is focussed on tackling rural and organised crime.  It is also excellent that members of the Gardai are working closely with local communities on crime prevention measures." 
 
Senator Hopkins concluded, “I will continue to work closely with Minister Flanagan to ensure that further Gardaí are allocated to the Ballinasloe district to serve the needs of people locally."

People of all ages from all around the Ballinasloe area gathered at 4:15am today to set off on an inspiring journey around the town to support Pieta House's Darkness Into Light for suicide awareness. The cold and frosty conditions didn't deter anyone from partaking as they set off from outside the Emerald Ball room and up around Garbally. 

Refreshments were given out before and after the event by many volunteers who took the time to make sure registration and the warm down all went smoothly. Brian Durrane, who hosted this years event would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who got involved during the night, and for all the very generous donations that were made.

Many locals of Ballinasloe and surrounding areas turned up to to the town Library this week for a presentation by Mairead McGuinness, MEP for the Midlands and North West of Ireland, on the importance of EU membership for Ireland. 

Mairead, who was accompanied by Mayor of the Ballinasloe District Council Aidan Donohue and Senator Maura Hopkins, were asked some very remarkable questions by local National School Children who also attended on the Day. Some of the children were given a fantastc opportunity to join the three on stage and take part in some discussion in front of a big audience.

Once the presentation finished, McGuinness stood for photos with attendees, much to their delight.

After the event, Mairead was given a tour of the new pulse business centre above the Library by the BACD Chairman Sheamus Duffy. McGuinness was fascinated with the new offices, and hopes that many businesses will locate in the new facility.

Stay tuned to the Ballinasloe Life Facebook page for an upcoming interview with Mairead and Senator Hopkins.

​- Delivery will be the key test for Flood Risk Management Plans -

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on OPW & Flood Relief Eugene Murphy says the government needs to address issues with flood insurance to ensure that homes and businesses in areas where flood defences have been built by the OPW are fully covered.

He highlighted the issue following an announcement by government of a number Flood Risk Management Plans.

Deputy Murphy explained, “We have been waiting over 7 years for the publication of these Flood Risk Management Plans, and in that time hundreds of homes and businesses have been devastated by a series of weather events.  Minister Moran is committing €1bn to this ten year plan, which is welcome, however I have serious concerns about the delivery of these projects given the huge underspend on previous flood defence schemes.

“The government outlined a spend of €45m a year for flood defences between 2011-2017.  However, its running a €53m underspend across these projects – once again highlighting the huge disparity between the spin and the reality.

“Back in January 2016, €2m was allocated to a relocation scheme for homeowners who were severely impacted by the winter storms.  More than 2 years later and not one homeowner has benefitted from the scheme.

“Is it any wonder that I am reserving judgement on today’s announcement?

“One of the biggest issues facing home and business owners in flood risk areas is the fact that insurance companies are refusing to provide cover, even when flood defences have been built.  Unless this issue is addressed, there will be no comfort for those who have already been affected or those at risk of flooding.

“Fianna Fáil published the Flood Insurance Bill 2016, which extends insurance cover to homes and businesses in areas where flood defences have been built by the OPW.  This Bill introduces a new provision which prevents insurance companies from discriminating against home and business owners in areas with the standard 1 in 100 year flood risk, as certified by the OPW.  If the government is serious about protecting home and business owners it should support this Bill and ensure that it is enacted without delay”.