GALLERY: St.Patrick's Day Festivities in Athy

PHOTOS BY AISHLING CONWAY

MORE PHOTOS TO COME

Chloe, Daniel and Zoe Maher from Shooting Stars Athy Stage school

Liam Kirwan

Lola Taaffe

Ellie and Jack McDermott with Cara, Eabha, Oisin and Deirdre Flynn from Darkness into Light

Athy Scouts

Cillian Casey and Noel Nordans from Athy Scouts

Michaela Doyle, Niamh Davis and Lauren Davis from the Athy Scouts

Charlie Price

Noel Nordan, Felix Lynch and Brandon Lynch

Jessica Kelly

Emma Slevin

Oriel Woodbyrne

Sam and Zoe Kerrigan from the Athy Rowing and Canoeing Club

Sam, Zoe, Ita and Mark Kerrigan with Mary Grufferty Flood from the Athy Rowing and Canoeing Club

Athy Rowing and Canoeing Club

Athy Community First Responders Group

Order of Malta Athy

St.Patrick

Rheban GFC

Amy Lawlor McConville from Rheban GFC

Rheban GFC

Luke Dunne

Tilly Davis, Ella Dunne and Molly Davis

Alex Byrne from The C.I. Bar, Athy

The C.I. Bar, Athy

Tierna Brennan, Orlagh McKernan, Rhiain Barnes and Catherine Coventry from Shooting Stars Athy Stage School

Eve and Aoife Flynn from Shooting Stars Athy Stage School

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

By Kim O'Leary

This sophisticated Swedish style home in Kilshanroe likely to prove popular with potential buyers with young families due to its prime location and it also boasts a large block shed suitable for a gym and mature landscaped gardens with an asking price of  €379,950.

Team Lorraine Mulligan of RE/MAX Results Celbridge & Lucan is delighted to present to the market “4 Old Hollow Park”, Kilshanroe,Co Kildare, and this detached bungalow offers extensive and bright living space with stunning views of the Kildare countryside with large gardens and plenty of space for children to enjoy the outdoors.

“4 Old Hollow Park” is situated on a large c.0.6 acres in a scenic location private with wonderfully manicured gardens to the front and back.

Inside the property consists of 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (including an en suite), entrance hall, a spacious kitchen/living/dining area, sitting room and a utility room.

Outside the property boasts large well-maintained gardens with shrubbery and trees, a large detached block shed to the rear of the property could be used as a gym/home office subject to planning permission, a gorgeous decked area for sunny evenings as well as an eye-catching water feature adjacent to the entrance vestibule. There is also plenty of space for parking cars via the tarmadacam driveway.

The property is located in an ideal setting with access to plenty of excellent local amenities with the villages of Johnstownbridge and Enfield only being a short distance away making it perfect for commuters. Early viewing of this property is highly recommended, for more information and 31 images visit:

http://www.daft.ie/kildare/houses-for-sale/kilshanroe/4-old-hollow-park-kilshanroe-kildare-1669857/

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

GALLERY: St. Patrick's Day Parade in Clane

PHOTOS BY AISHLING CONWAY

MORE PHOTOS TO COME

Riley Hamilton and Sean O'Toole

Aeabha Reid, Sarah Felton and Katie Wolf

Max Pedreschi and Jayden Delaney

Mary Dunne (St. Patricks day Committee), Mayor of Clane Des Marron and Grand Marshal Des Hopkins

Enquiring Minds Childcare

Enquiring Minds Childcare

Enquiring Minds Childcare

St. Patrick walks the streets of Clane

Louis Conmane

Ailbhe Cullen and Mairead Hanlon

Stilt Walker at the St. Patricks Day Parade

Eoin and Aoife Brotonel

Millie Hamilton and Cara O'Toole

Clane Scouts

Clane Scouts

Melanie, Matthew and Des Kelly

Daisy School of Dance

Sarah and Ciara Carroll

Sam Breen, Adriano Cichos and David Zelazowski from Clane Karate Club

Jacob Dooley from Clane Karate Club

Charlie Connolly

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Met Éireann have extended the Status Orange weather warning that is in place in Kildare until 6pm this evening.

For the second time this month the county has been hit by a flurry of snow, leaving many roads quite dangerous due to ice and frosty conditions.

Met Éireann have said that "occasional snow showers will continue this afternoon, heaviest over Eastern and Southern parts of Leinster and in Western parts of Munster with some further accumulations.

"Bitterly cold and windy everywhere with highest temperatures of 1 to 3 degrees in strong and gusty easterly winds. The showers will become more scattered this evening."

Overnight it's set to remain extremely cold with scattered snow showers still occurring over Eastern parts of Leinster and Ulster tonight. Otherwise it will be a cold frosty night with lows of 0 to -3 degrees with widespread frost and icy stretches. Easterly winds moderating.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

A Newbridge man who is alleged to have stolen €50,000 worth of jewellery from a car in Athy appeared before Naas District Court.

The 46-year-old man appeared before Naas District Court facing charges in relation a number of charges relating to theft from cars in Athy, and attempting to steal a car, in Athy, in September 2017.

Evidence was given at Naas Disrtrict Court how one of the cars allegedly broken into in Athy contained €50,000 worth of jewellery.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused appear before Naas Circuit Court on June 19, next.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

It was a long journey for Allenwood to travel to take on Castlemitchell in this Division 5 bowling league match in the Castlemitchell Community Hall. The visitors holding third spot from the top were hoping to repeat the feat of taking all five points as they did in their home fixture.  The maximum points would not change their position in the league table but it would leave them within four points behind the leaders.

Castlemitchell on the other hand would be very motivated on two counts, number one would be to avenge their loss on their away game to this opposition and number two if they succeeded in winning the five points it would bring them up to joint third with Allenwood. With home advantage it was not beyond the bounds of possibility but a massive effort would be required.

Thoroughly enjoyable

Castlemitchell got off to a flyer on Mat A by scoring four on the first end before Allenwood knew what hit them. But this rapid setback didn’t seem to unsettle the visitors by any manner or means, as within a short period the margin was reduced to two scores.

However the home side had increased that lead to five coming up to the half way stage of the game and looked that little bit more composed. If anyone thought that Allenwood would fade out of the game they were badly mistaken, because on the ninth end the sides were all square on ten scores apiece. Castlemitchell once again regained the upper hand by moving three scores clear, but the response from the opposition was swift as the reduced it back to one.

The host piled on the pressure to take a lead of four with only one end remaining. Although Allenwood replied on the last end with a score of one it just wasn’t enough, as Castlemitchell held out to win on a finishing score of 16/13. This was a thoroughly enjoyable game throughout.

Castlemitchell: Denis Banbrick, Breda Cuddy, Dave Mulhall and John Cuddy.

Allenwood: Bríd Scully, Mary Jacob, Bella Aungier and Betty Cunningham.

The One That Got Away

Allenwood were the dominant force on Mat B up to the half way mark, as they completely outscored their opponents time and time again and were leading at that stage by thirteen scores to four.

Unfortunately for them Patricia Fanning who was having a very good game had to be withdrawn due to feeling unwell and had to be replaced with a substitute. This seemed to knock the rhythm and momentum out of the team, this was in no way the fault of the substitute but the team looked unsettled after this, and with eight ends still remaining Allenwood failed to score on seven of these, it was only on the last end that they registered a score and this was only a score of one. Castlemitchell ended up the winners on a score of 19/14. Allenwood will feel this is the one that got away.

Castlemitchell: Tony Hyland, Aishling Hyland, Jim Kelly and Tom Harris.

Allenwood: Ann Dunne, Pat Fanning, James Kenna, Henry Farrell and sub Maura Doyle.

Recent League Results (home team first)

Div.1: Ardclough 5, Kill CBC 0; Allen 4, Caragh 1; Kildare 5, Castlemitchell 0.

Div.2: Balyna 5, Rathangan 0; Baltinglass/Kiltegan 5, St. Laurences 0; Blessington 5, Rathmore 0; Rathcoffey 5, Athy 0.

Div.3: Donard/Glen 5, Ballymore 0; Hollywood 2, Caragh 3; Allenwood 5, Kildare 0; Kilcullen 5, Ryston 0.

Div.4: Kill 5, Rathcoffey 0; Celbridge 5, Allen 0.

Div.5: Clane/Staplestown 2, Castlemitchell 3.

Urgent

 Rathangan indoor bowling club are urgently in need of new members due to retirements and relocations of some members. They practise every Tuesday and Thursday in the Rathangan Community Hall from 7pm to 9.30 pm. For further information please contact John on 086 8032986, Josie on 086 1624479 or Tony on 087 2386518.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

The death has occurred of Sarah O'BRIEN (née Humphries), Lipstown, Narraghmore, Athy, Kildare

Mother of the Late Ciarán. Deeply regretted by her loving husband John, sons John, David and Declan, brothers, sisters, daughters-in-law, partners, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Áine Mangan from the Kildare Fáilte board was awarded a certificate for her participation in one of Fáilte Ireland’s Regional Tourism and Revenue Management Programmes on Thursday night.

Over 40 Local Authority Tourism Officers, Heritage Officers and Visitor Attraction Managers received their certs at the ceremony.

Áine was awarded a certificate by Jenny De Saulles, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland, for the successful completion of the Regional Tourism Management programme.

The programme focuses on helping Local Authorities and local tourism providers to find new ways to drive tourism growth in Ireland’s Ancient East and diversify the tourism offering to attract more overseas visitors from across Europe and beyond.

Speaking at the graduation, which took place in Johnstown Estate Hotel in Enfield, Jenny De Saulles, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Fáilte Ireland explained:

“Local tourism organisations like County Kildare Fáilte like are central to the delivery of county tourism strategies and are a hugely important partner to Fáilte Ireland in the development and promotion of Ireland’s Ancient East. Fáilte Ireland designed and delivered these programmes so that we have a more thorough understanding of how we can work together; we can ensure seamless support locally; and drive growth and better value for money. We all want to ensure that Ireland’s Ancient East becomes the most engaging and accessible culture experience in Europe and we know partnership is key to the success of this”.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Gardaí are investigating an incident in Naas in which a number of men were seen interfering with an ATM machine in the town.

Suspicious activity was reported by a member of the public earlier this week and arrests were later made in connection with the incident.

Gardaí warned the public to be vigilant while using ATMs and call Gardai if there is evidence of tampering of the machines.

People must also cover their PINs at all times while withdrawing cash. 

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

A glamorous location, a glamorous event – and hosted by a glam lady – and all in aid of women’s charities! The Osprey Hotel / PREM Group are sponsoring an afternoon of fun, fashion and bubbles in the Osprey Hotel in Naas on Sunday, 25 March from 2-6pm.

Gail Murphy of Gail’s Rails, one of Ireland's leading fashion bloggers, is managing and organising the event.

All proceeds from ticket sales are being donated to Women’s Aid . Not surprisingly, the 170 tickets sold out within 45 minutes via Gail’s Rails blog, so popular is the Kildare fashion blogger.

“The second charity Dress for Success will benefit with attendees being asked to donate, where possible, one suitable outfit to this fantastic charity” said Gail. “Monies raised from the raffle, auction and a percentage of the Pop up shop sales on the day will also be donated to Dress for Success”.

Pop up shops include Chi Fit Tea, Desert Diamonds and Perfumesamples.ie.

Nominated Charities

“As the event is happening in March, following International Women’s Day, we have chosen two very worthy female-oriented charities to help this year”.

“Women’s Aid is a leading national organisation in Ireland that aims to stop domestic violence against women and ensure that every woman and child feel safe. They offer help, support and give much-needed hope to countless victims and survivors. They have vast experience and a wealth of knowledge to draw on, having been doing fantastic work in communities around Ireland since their foundation in 1974” continued Gail.

“All of their services are free of charge and available 24 hours a day. All monies raised on the day from ticket sales, raffle and donation boxes will be donated to Women’s Aid.”

She added: “The second charity we are supporting is Dress For Success Dublin. They aim to promote the financial independence of women by providing career development tools and a support network to help along the way. They offer women professional styling and workwear, CV and job interview prep with experienced HR professionals and focused mentoring with professionals in their specific field. We are asking attendees and sponsors to donate suitable workwear which will be passed on to Dress For Success.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

GALLERY: More photos from St. Patrick's Day Parade in Athy

PHOTOS BY AISHLING CONWAY

Ellie and Jack Mc Dermott with Cara, Eabha, Oisin and Deirdre Flynn from Darkness into Light

Noel Nordan, Felix Lynch and Brandon Lynch

Sam and Zoe Kerrigan from the Athy Rowing and Canoeing Club

Amy Lawlor McConville

Eamon and Eoghan McArdle

Eoghan Tynan

Kildare Fire Service, Athy

Rheban GFC

Amy Lawlor McConville from Rheban GFC

Rheban GFC

Luke Dunne

Tilly Davis, Ella Dunne and Molly Davis

Alex Byrne from The C.I. Bar, Athy

The C.I. Bar, Athy

Tierna Brennan, Orlagh McKernan, Rhiain Barnes and Catherine Coventry from Shooting Stars Athy Stage School

Eve and Aoife Flynn from Shooting Stars Athy Stage School

Barbara and Melina Novak with Florintina McDonald

Athy Sing and Sign Club

Brendan Maloney with Cillian, Billy and Noah Kelly from Athy Tidy Towns

Finn Bowden with St. Patricks Day Stilt Walker Paddy

Seamus and Sammy Dempsey

Kildare Fire Service Athy give out sweets and chat to the locals

Kildare Fire Service Athy give out sweets and chat to the locals

ST.Michaels Boxing Club Athy

St.Brigid's Pipe Band Curragh Camp

Abbie Lawler and Niamh McCardle

Amber Morning and Ruby Behan

Sarah Jane Morning and Amanda Harris

Leona Miller and Oisin O'Toole

Aaron, Shane and Leah Quinn

Isabelle and Cliodhna McGlinchey

Darius and Denis Ort

Kildare Fire Service, Athy

Katie Morrin and Lilyanne Butler

Rian Claire. Siena Kelly and Cameron Kelly

Harry and Rachel Ryan

Maeve and Emma Harbourne

Carley Devoy and Charleze Lenihan

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Special Olympics Ireland have appealed to the public for their help in supporting their upcoming collection day next month.

Collections will be held throughout Ireland on April 20, and a total of 3,000 volunteers are requiredto help the charity raise €600,000 in vital funding.

The organisation is vital to those with special needs who are competing in sport, of whom there are more than 8,500 around Ireland.

The money raised on annual Collection Day will help the charity maintain and further develop crucial programmes that support these competitors.

Legendary GAA commentator and long-time supporter of the charity Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh has lent his voice to the campaign. In the coming weeks he will be heard across the airwaves calling for people to take to the streets and shake a bucket on April 20.

“The people of Ireland are amongst one of the most generous in the world, so whether it’s giving your time to volunteer on the day or giving your spare change into the on-street collection buckets on the 20^th April, it all makes a huge difference in the future of some of Ireland’s most inspiring athletes," he said.

Volunteers, business and community groups are working hard to organise events like coffee mornings and sponsored walks in preparation for the upcoming collection day. Supermarkets, shops and streets will be full of Special Olympics volunteers and representatives, singing, shaking and smiling from 7:00am during one of the largest organised nationwide fundraising events of 2018.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

By Kim O'Leary

Co Kildare people are being encouraged to keep their pets indoors where possible as Met Eireann has extended has extended its Status Orange snow-ice warning for six counties until 6pm this evening,  with the warning in place for Dublin, Kildare, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath and Waterford.

The ISPCA has put together some important tips for keeping pets safe and warm during the cold spell.

ISPCA Public Relations Manager Carmel Murray said: “Consider bringing your dog for more frequent shorter walks to avoid being outside in the cold for too long. Especially some smaller, thinner and older dogs as they have a harder time keeping warm and may be a little reluctant to head out on very cold days. You might consider a dog jacket to keep them warm. Also it is important to bring any outside dogs indoors in very cold and wet conditions."

Meanwhile, it is important you dry your pet’s skin and paws thoroughly after a walk, and don’t forget in between the toes! Salt can cause sores to their foot pads and de-icing chemicals are very dangerous if ingested so make sure you remove all residue from their paws.  If you think your pet has ingested any chemicals like anti-freeze, please contact your vet immediately.Ensure you keep your dog on a lead it is also really important your dog is microchipped which, has been compulsory by law in Ireland since April 2016. Check your contact details are correct on the microchip database should your pet go missing so you can be easily reunited. You can check your details on the government-approved microchipping databases: (Fido, Animark, Irish Kennel Club or Microdog ID Ltd) or contact your local vet for more information.

While indoor-only cats will be affected very little by the cold weather, outdoor cats will certainly be feeling the chill this week! You may consider keeping outdoor cats in more over the winter, especially on very cold days, and locking them in at night for safety. Cats are great at finding warm spots to sleep, but sometimes these can be dangerous, like under the hood of a car so make sure to check your car for sleeping kitties before you drive. You could also provide a clean, dry outdoor shelter with bedding for them to use during the day. When your cat comes in from outside, wipe them down to take off excess water, salt, or grit, and make sure they don’t have any anti-freeze on their paws.

Horses, ponies and donkeys need good shelter for example a warm stable or purpose built field shelter.  Most horses and donkeys need to be rugged to protect them in cold and wet weather and it is important to check their rugs every day to ensure they are correctly fitting and not damaged. It is also important to check water feeders daily ensuring their drinking water has not frozen.

Even heavier coated ponies can suffer from rain scald.  It is also very important that all equines have a dry hard surface to stand on. The thin skin around their legs is also highly susceptible to mud rash if they spend too long standing in wet muddy ground without a dry area to escape to.

It is also important to look after our wildlife too so please leave out some fresh drinking water and suitable food for them.  Helping garden birds can be as rewarding for you as it is for them.  By using bird tables and handing feeders with seeds and grains such as nyjer, millet, oats and sunflower seeds, you can bring wild birds right up to your window!

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

The fact that Suzuki used football star Cristiano Ronaldo as their poster boy for the Swift when they were establishing the car as a mainstay in the British and Irish markets looks somewhat poignant today. Young, stylish and with a hint of fearlessness and unpredictability - you could be describing either the car or Ronaldo there. Over the years the sponsor has parted ways from the superstar, but both remain impeccably pristine in their looks, while adding substance to their relative games in the time since.

The latest edition of the Suzuki Swift is yet another example of smaller things packing a big punch. This car has all the style – perhaps more – than any of its competitors in what is a relatively small market, competing with Mini and the likes of Fiat for the best smaller, glossy urban car.

It was nominated for the Urban World Car of the Year this year, a category which features vehicles less than four metres in length, and this is perhaps the perfect city car.

Style and comfort

This is one thing that Suzuki have really hit the spot with, creating an eminently fashionable looking car without ever ripping off any of their competitors. It is nice and low to the ground, and Suzuki have reduced the weight of the car by 120kg, which they say has made it 19 per cent more powerful and eight per cent more fuel efficient.

If there is one grievance with the Swift, it is the front end that looks rather chunky compared to the rest of the car, but the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that….

The Swift comes in 10 different colours, many of which will make it stand out on the street in comparison to other cars.

Inside, the seats are all comfortable and everything is where it should be, so no qualms here.

Driving

This is the hook that really catches you on the Suzuki Swift, as, despite always being a well-regarded ride over the years, it continues to be surprisingly more impressive. The engine suits the size of the car perfectly, and the shaved off 120kg means that it is slightly quicker than previous versions of the car. The take-off speed is rapid, and thanks to the 109bhp engine in this model it wasn’t found lacking for a bit of oomph on the road.

As ever, the handling on the swift was smooth and the cornering exact, making this a really enjoyable ride overall.

Interior and styling

The inside of the car is nice and straightforward, and for this review the 111PS 1.0-litre SHVS model had a colourful 7” touchscreen radio that was convenient to use. That said, some improvement could be made on the air conditioning systems as you have to flick through modes before finding the one you want, without there being a simple way of getting to that destination.

You can hook your smartphone or iPhone up to the entertainment system with the Apple Car Play feature, something that is in most new cars nowadays as an added extra.

There is a lack of an armrest however, which when consider that this is a city car is slightly annoying.

The Swift actually makes the most out of what little space it has, with a decent amount of room for backseat passengers and more than enough for the two front seats, but that takes away from the overall boot space. The easily foldable backseats give you all the room you need to extend the boot, however.

Economy

For a powerful petrol car this was surprisingly economical on fuel. Again, the reduction in weight has a factor in that.

The small displacement, high torque turbocharger in the Boosterjet engine was developed to aid fuel economy, which is 61.4 mpg in the 1.0 litre engine. According to Suzuki, the newly designed engine employs six-hole fuel injectors and high tumble port technologies to inject fuel with a high combustion efficiency to provide greater fuel economy and improved power output.

Verdict

I was really blown away with how comfortable and enjoyable the new Suzuki Swift was to drive. For such a small car it packs a mighty punch, and there were no blotches on its copybook when it came to fuel economy. It’s hard to find any glaring faults with this car.

Fact box

• Prices for the Suzuki Swift start from €14,995 for the SZ3 model
• The SZ5 model, which was featured in this review starts from €18,995 and is available with a hybrid option

• This is the Third new model utilising Suzuki’s ‘HEARTECT’ lightweight platform strategy – kerb weight of just 890kg for SZ3 model.
• Global Swift sales of 5.4 million units since 2005
• The Suzuki Swift has been nominated as the World Car of the Year in the Urban category

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

A mother with 42 previous traffic convictions appeared before Naas District Court.

The 32-year-old woman faced charges in relation to not having road tax at the N81, Russborough, Blessington, on April 26, 2015, not having road tax, threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, having a bald tyre and failing to comply with Gardaí, on April 26, 2015.

The court heard how the accused was 'abusive to Gardaí.'

Defence Barrister, Aishling Murphy, that when the acccused approached the Garda checkpoint, 'she was travelling with her then boyfriend'.

Defence said: "They were in the middle of a row. She is away from that boyfriend now. She was having a row with the passenger in the car."

The court heard that she has a teenage daughter and is working full-time. The court heard how she had 42 previous convictions for 'minor road traffic' offences.

Judge Desmond Zaidan convicted and fined the accused €250 for not having road tax.

She was convicted and fined €400 for using threatening and abusive behaviour.

Charges for no insurance have been withdrawn.

Failing to comply with the direction of Gardaí was taken into consideration. She was convicted and fined €50 for having a bald tyre.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Pictured above at the Energia GIY Get Ireland Growing Awards is Maura Derrane RTE, Karen O'Donohoe GIY, Michael Kelly GIY and Nuala Carey RTE

A community food growing fund will help to provide grants for two projects in Kildare as part of its overall investment in Ireland.

The ‘Energia Get Ireland Growing’ initiative, which was created by GIY (Grow It Yourself) in partnership with Energia, has awarded a fund of €75,000 to food growing projects all across Ireland.

Two of those will be in Kildare, with a scheme in Athy and in the Curragh set to benefit. In total, 86 projects across Ireland will receive funding.

In Kildare an Energia Get Ireland Growing funding award goes to Athy Kare Group and the Thursday Morning Gardening Club Curragh Camp.

This project will give service users at Athy Kare Group an insight into how food from a seed or plant can arrive at the kitchen table for lunch. They say that this would be a huge learning experience for all the group and would be a fabulous outdoor project for all in Athy local service. They have been allocated €500.

Thursday Morning Gardening Club at Curragh Camp offers the whole community access to their centre. Those who can get involved are work children all the way to older people in the local community. The group aims to buy seeds, plant and trees to grow in the raised beds and garden and further develop the garden to become a space where fruits and vegetables can be produced by the local community. They have been allocated €1,000.

Commenting at the awards ceremony, the founder of GIY Michael Kelly said; “Today is a huge highlight of our many events annually here at GIY. It is a real honour to meet the people behind some of the most incredible projects being organised mostly by volunteers in communities right across the country. We are delighted to award the recipients of the 2018 Energia Get Ireland Growing fund, we along with Energia share in the joy of helping 86 community groups to get their food growing initiatives underway or further developed in parishes, towns, villages and cities across 27 counties.”

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

A man appeared before Naas District Court after being found with 'half a joint of cannabis'.

The 26-year-old man appeared in court, with his girlfriend and mother.

Evidence was given that he had no previous convictions.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the young man pay €400 to the Irish Kidney Association.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

By Kim O'Leary

Excitement was in the air at Tayto Park earlier this month as keepers welcomed six rare Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque (3 male and 3 female) into Ireland’s favourite theme park and zoo in Ashbourne Co. Meath, with plenty of upcoming events to keep children and families entertained during the Easter holidays.

The baby male who is yet to be named is still clinging to his mother Satana but is getting more adventurous by the day.  Sulawesi Black Crested Macaque are endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and are critically endangered.

They are part of a captive population managed and monitored by EAZA’s European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Male Macaque can be easily distinguished from females and keepers at Tayto Park are hoping that the latest addition will almost double in size than his mum and will weigh up to 10KG when fully grown.

Macaques are medium to large sized monkeys, with very short tails and their bodies are covered in black, shiny hair (except for their bottoms which are pink in colour). Black Crested Macaques are very social animals so keepers at Tayto Park won’t be surprised to see them grooming one another which helps maintain strong bonds between group members. The population of Sulawesi Black Crested Macaques has suffered severe declines in numbers in recent decades and has lost up to 80% of its population making the arrival of this endangered troop of monkeys a rare and exciting addition to the zoo at Tayto Park.

In addition to this new arrivals, Tayto Park have put together some egg-citing activities for the little ones this Easter. Visit Tayto Park on Easter Sunday, April 1^st, for a crime scene investigators inspired event! Mr Tayto is looking for help from some detective’s this Easter to help him solve the mystery of ‘Who stole the egg'? Mr Tayto knows it was of the animals in the zoo - but he doesn't know which one!

Kids will follow a series of clues to solve the mystery and will be in with a chance to receive an excellent reward!  Tayto Parks Easter egg hunt will run from 10am-4PM and kids will collect a detective I.D sheet upon entry and once complete can return it the crisp collection point to receive their exciting reward.

Older kids and adults looking for their next adrenaline rush can immerse themselves in a host of exhilarating activities too! Ride the Cú Chúlainn Coaster or take a splash on Ireland’s largest flume attraction, The Viking Voyage at the Park, or why not try your hand at rock climbing before taking a tour around the legendary Tayto crisp factory. Thrill seekers will enjoy the hair-raising Power Surge, Endeavour and Air Race.

Tayto Park also offers an exceptional and diverse animal collection which features many conservation dependent species. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including big-cats, meerkats, monkeys and birds of prey.

Easter Activities this year in Tayto Park include;

• Sunday, 1^st April – Who stole the egg? http://www.taytopark.ie/
• Meet Mr. Tayto, who will be making guest appearances every day
• Fun activities will include complimentary face painting everyday throughout the Mid-Term break
• Arts & Crafts - Easter themed arts and crafts. Suitable for children under 6 years of age
• Tayto Park will have public viewing on several animal feedings and talks throughout the Easter Mid-Term break

For more information visit: www.taytopark.ie

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

All Kildare GAA club fixtures scheduled for tomorrow have been called off due to the current weather conditions.

A Status Orange weather warning that was in place for Kildare was lifted at 6pm on Sunday evening, but the heavy snowfall in the early hours of Sunday morning has left pitches around the county unplayable.

A full round of fixtures in the Aldridge, Dowling and Keogh Cups had been pencilled in for tomorrow afternoon, but they will now be rescheduled.

It is the second time in three weeks that games have been called off due to snow, leaving the window to run off the pre season competitions quite tight before the start of the league.

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.

Met Eireann said a Yellow Weather Warning for Snow and Ice across Ireland is in place until 10am tomorrow morning - bank holiday Monday.

Forecasters predicted very cold temperatures with icy patches and lying snow.

"Further snow showers will occur these mainly affecting parts of Leinster and Munster.

"Slippery paths and roads due to accumulation of ice on untreated surfaces

If you have a story or want to send photos or videos to us please contact the KildareNow editorial team. via our Facebook, via our email at content@kildarenow.com or on 045 409350 during office hours.