A family fun day will be taking place at a national school in Kilcock next month to help raise funds for the school.

There will be an abundance of activities on Sunday June 10 at St Joseph's National School in Mulhussey, all of which will cater for all interests.

The events begin with a 5km fun run from 12-2pm, before the fun day continues until 5pm. There will be a bouncing castle, BBQ, lots of games and a teddy bear picnic which children are invited to bring their favourite stuffed animals to.

The money raised on the day will go towards geography, history and mathematics resources for the 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.

Gardaí have launched a missing persons appeal after a woman was reportedly seen being forced into a car in Wicklow yesterday evening.

Gardaí searching for missing 24-year-old Jastine Valdez from Enniskerry, who was last seen when she left her home yesterday afternoon.

She was reported missing to Gardaí by her family late last night. Her reported disappearance followed an earlier incident near Enniskerry when shortly after 6.15pm Gardaí received a report of a female pedestrian being forced into a car on the (R760) south of Enniskerry. The car involved in this incident was described to Gardaí as a dark coloured Nissan SUV.

Jastine is described as approximately 5ft in height, of slight build with long black hair and brown eyes. When last seen she was wearing a dark coloured jacket, white t-shirt, grey leggings and runners.

The scene on the R760 is currently preserved and local traffic diversions are in place. An incident room has been established at Bray Garda Station. A case conference has been held by investigators and Gardaí liaising closely with her family.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to the disappearance of Jastine to contact them. They are particularly appealing for information on or sightings of a dark coloured Nissan SUV partial registration 171-D-2****. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bray Garda Station 01-6665300 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

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 94-foot-tall chimney dating back several decades is for sale for €35,000.

The Shanagarry Chimney in Milltown in Dublin 6 is part of the BidX1 online auction on June 1.

The landmark red-brick industrial chimney, is the only remaining part of the Old Dublin Laundry.

It has a guiding price of €35,000.

The chimney is a protected structure, but generates income of almost €14,000 a year for accommodating mobile phone masts which are licensed to Esat Digifone (Three).

A second red-brick structure adjacent to the boundary with Milltown Road accommodates additional mobile phone transmitting equipment.

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.

Kildare     2-16

Dublin      2-10

U16 Leinster LGFA final

Kildare stopped Dublin’s bid to win nine Leinster titles in a row at U16 level when they ran out six-point winners on the back of a superb display in the Leinster final in Ballymore Eustace on Sunday.

The Lilies were full value for their comfortable win, and Dublin’s late rally in which they scored 1-5 in the closing 10 minutes only put some gloss on the scoreline as Kildare never looked threatened throughout.

This talented team led by Terry Boyle, Jim Rattigan and Sean Flood have been winning titles right up through the age groups, most notably an All-Ireland U14 title in 2016 when they defeated Kerry. It will be the Kingdom they face in the All-Ireland semi-final after both sides secured provincial silverware, and that promises to be another cracking game.

Dublin hit the front in the first minute through a close range point from Rachel Fagan, but the powerful Jodie Flanagan responded almost immediately at the other end to get Kildare’s first score of the day.

Dublin looked quite threatening in those opening stages, and their inside forward line looked like they could cause some major headaches for the Kildare defence if they were receiving the right supply of ball. Two of their inside line combined to grab the game’s first major, with Sophie McGlynn picking out Ciara McCarthy to roll the ball under Kildare ‘keeper Eleanor Traynor.

That was as good as it got for the Dubs however, as Kildare really warmed to their task and were superior in almost every facet of the game until the break. The Metropolitans didn’t score again after McCarthy’s sixth minute goal, Kildare’s defence and midfield taking the initiative to stop their opponents getting near their goal. On the rare occasions Dublin did get a sight of goal, they were guilty of some very poor misses and letting the Lilies off the hook.

It was Flanagan who levelled matters at the other end when she slammed home a goal on eight minutes despite being initially denied by Dublin goalkeeper Abby Shiels, and a fine point on the run from Ciara Price put Kildare into the lead for the first time. Corner-forward Orlaith Sullivan followed up with a tidy point from play before adding another score from a free, and Dublin looked on the ropes by this point.

Aoife Rattigan was the dominant figure in the game for the remainder of the half, and she scored two fine points in a row after penetrating solo runs to put Kildare well in command, and she added aa third following some good work from Haley McCormack to turn the ball over. Flanagan added a free shortly before the interval to send Kildare into the break with a very healthy 1-8 to 1-1 lead, and they were full value for it.

Dublin needed a quick start after the resumption of play if they were to have any chance of getting back into the game, and while Ellen Gribbin grabbed an early point, Kildare put the game to bed with a goal and two points in the space of 60 seconds. Sullivan bagged a brace of points before Rattigan burst through to smash a powerful shot to the back of the Dublin net, sending Kildare into an 11-point lead with 37 minutes played.

Sarah O’Leary responded with a point for the Dubs, but Sally Kielty and Rattigan raised white flags at the other end to keep the Lilies firmly in control. Caitlin Coffey – Dublin’s best performer on the day – responded with a point, but Kildare pulled further away through scores from Sullivan, Flanagan and Ruth Birchall.

Dublin never gave up, and to their credit they were the more threatening team in the final 10 minutes as they chased the game. They managed to score 1-5 in the closing stages to put some respectability on the scoreline, but Coffey’s goal arrived too late in the day to make any difference and Kildare ran out comfortable winners.

Scorers for Kildare: A Rattigan 1-5(1f), J Flanagan 1-4, O Sullivan 0-4(2f), C Price, S Kielty and R Birchall 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: C Coffey 1-2, C McCarthy 1-0, S O'Leary 0-3(1f), E Gribbin 0-2, L Young, R Fagan and A Coffey 0-1 each.

Kildare

Eleanor Traynor; Lisa Shaw, Ellie Fitzpatrick, Deirdre Doyle; Ciara Price, Laoise Lenehan, Kelly Riordan; Sarah Rose Merrick, Katie O'Loughlin; Sally Kielty, Aoife Rattigan, Ruth Birchall; Orlaith Sullivan, Jodie Flanagan, Haley McCormack.

Subs used: Mia Doherty, Sally Murphy, Emma Carroll and Gillian Wheeler.

Dublin

Abby Shiels; Ava Egan, Tammy Quinn, Julie Grimes; Aoibhe Walsh, Lauren Young, Kerri Owens; Shauna Buckley, Sarah O'Leary; Caitlin Coffey, Amy O'Brien, Rachel Fagan; Ellen Gribbin, Ciara McCarthy, Sophie McGlynn.

Subs used: Aoife Coffey, Karla Conway, Lily Heaney and Alanna Kelly.

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 Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) appointed Gerard O'Farrell as their newly elected president at the group's annual AGM which was held in Naas this week.

O'Farrell, who is Group Director of Car Division, O.H.M Group, was appointed to the position at the AGM in Killashee House.

O'Farrell immediately addressed the concerns around the plummeting value of used cars in Ireland, saying that motorists will be unable to upgrade to more environmentally friendly vehicles in the future if the value of trade-in cars continues to drop.

“The Motor Industry is very conscious that effectively we are operating in an eco-system, where a change implemented in one policy area can have an unplanned knock-on effect in another," stated the newly elected president.

"There has been a lot of anti-diesel sentiment in the media recently but 70% of the newest cars on the road are diesel, their purchase having been encouraged by previous State policies. If the values of those used cars were to fall further, in addition to the Brexit impact, we will reduce the ability of their owners to be able to change for a cleaner low or zero emissions new car.

"In my view it is crucially important that our used car values remain as strong as possible, Brexit not-withstanding, to protect consumers’ investments and in the knowledge that trade-in values are the key to ensuring that we can renew the national fleet. We need to increase the penetration of both Zero and Low-Emitting cars as an even wider choice becomes available. In this very complex environment, SIMI will continue to work very closely with all key stakeholders to provide a stable and sustainable environment in which to transit to a more sustainable future for transport in Ireland."

Highlighting one of the more pressing areas concerns, the cross-sector skills shortage which members are reporting, he remarked that “we need to attract the very best people and show them the benefits our Industry has to offer, train them to the highest standards and continue to develop their career paths in order to retain them.”

The area of apprentice training is a key focus for the Society who will look to develop and deliver solutions to avoid even more serious problems in the future.

Mr O’Farrell remarked that the Motor Industry is on the cusp of exciting technological advances which will reshape customers transport needs and how they use cars in the future. This will also change the Industry beyond recognition which means huge opportunities as we transition to a future that will be more focused on IT and new technologies than on current mechanical systems.

He stated; “Ireland is very well placed to become a centre of excellence in automotive software engineering with our young, highly educated workforce and IT skillset. The roll-out of 2nd generation Electric and Hybrid vehicles, a renewed investment plan to expand the charging network and the exciting focus on autonomous driving and connectivity will all start to really take root in the next few years.”

Having worked in the Motor Industry for numerous years O'Farrell has gained extensive experience in various roles covering Aftersales, Dealer Development, and general Management which has proved invaluable in his current role as Group Director of the Car Division of OHM Group, a privately owned Irish group involved exclusively in the Distribution (Jaguar and Land Rover) and Retailing of Cars (Spirit Motor Group), Light Commercials and HGVs (DAF & MAN Trucks and DE Power Solutions) in Ireland.

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.

Footage has emerged of a video that tragic murder victim Ana Kriegel uploaded the day before she went  missing.

The schoolgirl (14) regularly uploaded videos on YouTube like many teenagers.

The video is dated as Sunday and she appears her normal happy self.

Watch the Video here: 

Gardaí investigating the murder of have interviewed two teenage boys who were the last people known to be with her on the day she disappeared.

They are exploring a sexual motive for the murder of schoolgirl and believe DNA evidence will help catch her killer.

She left her home on the day she disappeared after a teenage boy known to her called to her home, and later met up with another teenager. The first boy then left and she remained with the second teenager.

The second boy has told the gardaí that he then went home, and that is the last piece of information the authorities have as to her movements.

The body of the Leixlip schoolgirl was found in a derelict farmhouse just outside Lucan, Co Dublin, at lunchtime on Thursday.

She had been dead for some time and gardaí believe she was killed just after the last known sighting of her at about 5.30pm on Monday.

It is believed she was beaten to death.

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.

Plans have been submitted for a large housing project in the Rathangan area that would cost in the region of €5 million.

The documents submitted by Oakway Homes have outlined plans to develop 42 new homes in Rathangan Demense, with a large number of various types of dwellings in the application.

The most prominent structure in the development would be the 20 two storey three-bedroom houses, but there are also plans for nine 4-bedrrom homes and a number of three-bedroom and two-bedroom terraced houses, while there will also be two detached houses that will be four-bedroom dwellings.

Kildare County Council are currently considering the application which was submitted earlier this month.

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.

Racing, fashion, Top Hats and Pimms, Royal Ascot vibes were certainly felt at the boutique racetrack on Sunday for Naas Racecourse's Royal Ascot Trials Day & Ladies Day featuring the Goffs Lacken Stakes.

Keeping in mind the fashion theme of the day, ‘A touch of Royal Ascot’, stunning County Down woman Charlene Byers was announced as the Best Dressed Lady. Charlene wowed the judges with a stunning white cape from Lavish Alice and a beautiful hat from milliner Laura Hanlon.

It was certainly a prize worth winning and one that was much sought after by the large number of Ladies who entered the Best Dressed Lady competition, as Catriona and 19 of her friends or family will be treated to a lavish night away and dinner in the historic Palmerstown Manor. Catriona will be given the opportunity to add some fabulous outfits to her wardrobe after also winning a €1,000 spend at Kildare Village.

Charlene Byers was the fabulous winner of the fashion competition with the theme being ‘A touch of Royal Ascot’ sponsored by Kildare Village and Palmerstown House Estate.
Pic Credit: Donall Farmer

The feature race on the day was the Goffs Lacken Stakes which was won by the Aidan O’Brien trained Sioux Nation and ridden by Ryan Moore. Following on from today's racing, Sioux Nation, Brother Bear, winner of the Owenstown Stud Stakes, Sergei Prokofiev, winner of the Coolmore War Command Rochestown Stakes and Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies Sprint Stakes winner Servalan and runner up Chicas Amigas will all be aimed at Royal Ascot races in June.

Celebrity fashion Judge on the day was TV3 presenter Anna Daly. Anna was joined by Klara Heron, acting editor of Irish Country Magazine and Anna Fortune, Commercial Manager of the Kildare Post on the judging panel.

Fashion Judge Anna Daly said: “I had a fabulous day here at Naas Racecourse for their Royal Ascot Trials & Ladies Day. The style stakes were really high and it was fantastic to see a collective mix of styles from high end to high street to costume made. It was interesting to see the level the entrepreneurial spirit here on the day, Ladies are not just attending to enjoy themselves but also to promote their small to medium businesses. The relatively new Circle Building really has brought the track to a whole new level. Overall, it was a fantastic day and well done to all the Ladies who entered and, of course, the lovely winner Charlene.”

The next race meeting at Naas Racecourse will take place on the 18^th June and their BBQ Summer Evenings will kick off with Hermitage Green performing on the 27^th June. For more information about Naas Racecourse or to buy tickets online visit naasracecourse.com.

Pictured are ladies day finalists were Anne Marie Dunning, Gemma McDonagh, Charlene Byers, Ashleigh Myles and Paula Gannon at Royal Ascot Trials & Ladies Day. Pic Credit: Donall Farmer

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.

Terry Boyle’s voice was almost gone by the time he gave a glowing appraisal of his talented side after Kildare captured the U16 Leinster Ladies Championship in style with a dominated six-point win over Dublin.

That win stopped the Metropolitans from landing silverware at this age group for a remarkable ninth year in a row, and Boyle was immensely proud by the style, class and hard work that was on display in Ballymore Eustace.

The management team of Jim Rattigan and Sean Flood alongside him have enjoyed a long stint of success with this group, their crowning achievement being the All-Ireland win at U14 level in 2016.

“We’ve been involved with these girls since under 11 and every year they just keep giving more and more and more,” a delighted Boyle told KildareNow.

“Dublin beat us by seven points earlier on in the year, and to be honest we probably just used that as motivation for the rest of the year. When you lose against Dublin – especially this group of players – it’s quite easy to get motivated. Every woman on the field there today, every single player on the pitch gave 120 per cent. Everybody that was here looking at it today could see the spectacle of football – it was a pleasure to watch.”

Having gone a goal down early on and facing a confident looking Dublin side, many might have feared for the Lilies, but Boyle was never too worried.

“It was a slightly shaky start, but this group of girls, they keep driving. Being down by a couple of points, you just never panic because they work incredibly hard,” he continued.

They will meet Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final in six weeks time, which represents a repeat of the fantastic All-Ireland U14 which Kildare won in 2016. Boyle knows the challenge will be tough, but he and his players will be enjoying the rare ride of a Kildare team getting to this stage of an All-Ireland Championship.

“We beat them in the All-Ireland final a couple of years ago, but we played them in a friendly earlier on this year and it’s not going to be an easy game. Look, if you’re getting to an All-Ireland semi-final and you’re going out against a Kerry team, it’s great to say you’re a Kildare manager going out against Kerry in an All-Ireland semi-final. I’m a proud man this evening,” he concluded.

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 has appeared before Naas District Court facing a charge of sexually assaulting a woman in Co Kildare.

The   man appeared before Naas District Court, charged with the sexual assault of a woman, on June 18, 2017.

Judge Desmond Zaidan has ordered that the accused is to sent forward for trial  to the Circuit Court on June 29, 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.

(Clane students Catherine Lennon, Jamie Yap and Alix Weld of Scoil Muire Community School. Picture by Brian McEvoy)

By Kim O'Leary

A group of talented students from Clane showcased their impressive ‘Dragon Sceal’ which recently won the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival in France at the weekend-mingling with film stars and celebrities!

Students Catherine Lennon, Jamie Yap and Alix Weld of Scoil Muire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare, have just returned from an unforgettable trip to Cannes to showcase their stunning design.

Students Catherine Lennon, Jamie Yap and Alix Weld of Scoil Muire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare pictured the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture winners dinner in Monaco having earlier in the day showcased their winning creations at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
The winning finalists from the 2018 Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture competition mingled with film stars and the social elite on the French red carpet in their recycled works of art.
Pic Brian McEvoy

Rachel Irwin from City of Armagh High School and Jamie Yap from Scoil Mhuire Community School,Clane ,Co Kildare. Picture: Brian McEvoy

Siofra Eggo -Dumfries Academy ,Scotland ,Rachel Irwin from City of Armagh High School,Aisling Shiel -Malahide Community School,Jamie Yap -Scoil Muire Community School. Clane Co Kildare, Catherine Lennon-St Louis School -Ballymena, Liberty McGovern -Our Lady’s Bower School, Athlone , Isabelle Clarke - Our Lady’s Bower School ,Athlone and Claire Murphy- Presentation Secondary School,Clonmel -winners in the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 Competition
Pic Brian McEvoy

Student Jamie Yap from Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane ,Co Kildare one of the winners in the Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 Competition pictured as he showcased his winning creation at the Cannes Film Festival in France.
Picture: Brian McEvoy

The talented students’ trip was highlighted with dinner in Monaco flying there from Nice across the Cotes D'Azur by helicopter. The night also included a walking tour of Monte Carlo and a photo opportunity inside the foyer of one of its famous casinos.

The students had earlier showcased their winning creations at the Cannes Film Festival in France which came to its conclusion on Saturday 19 May.

Their winning design Inspired by the Chinese Dragon and Game of Thrones ‘Dragon Sceal’ pays homage to our models Chinese heritage. It was made from Recycled takeaway menus, card, foil, insulation, rubber caps, newspaper foam filters and an old bike helmet.

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.

St. Anne's Special school gets a special delivery

PHOTO BY AISHLING CONWAY

Operation Transportation was set up in 2017 by Lorraine Higgins, Wendy Mitchell and Peter Merrins in order to purchase a specially adapted bus for St Anne's Special School .This bus would replace the current bus that was in poor condition and no longer cost effective to run. Operation Transportation ran several fundraisers including  a Toy Show and Dog night and several others were run by parents and groups associated with the school. The latest event is a raffle in Naas pub Swan Dowlings where signed and framed Dublin and Leinster jerseys were raffled and won by Mosie  Dee Dublin Jersey and Brian West Leinster.
But most importantly the group were delighted to announce to School Principle Pauline Dempsey that they are now in position to supply a fantastic new bus to the school by the start of the new school year.  Freedom Mobility from Ballirobe in Co.Mayo, who are great supporters of St Anne's will supply  the  bus and attended on Friday to display the bus. Operation Transportation are grateful to all who supported their efforts and are delighted to share the wonderful news the everyones  efforts have been rewarded. Pauline Dempsey from St Anne's expressed her gratitude to Wendy, Lorraine and Peter and said how humbled she was by the community spirit and support involved in raising the funds to purchase the bus.

Ann Higgins, Peter Merrins, Wendy Mitchell, Lorrraine Higgins, Pauline Dempsey, Mark Doyle, Maria Berdoussis & Joe Heneghan (Freedom Mobility)

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 women, men and children will attend a second march being organized to show solidarity with women and their families affected by the recent cervical screening scandal with a "Silent Walk" due to take place in Newbridge town later tonight.

The second march follows the great success of the “March for Women Naas” which took place last Monday evening with over 200 people in attendance as they walked through Naas town in solidarity with those affected by the recent cervical screening scandal.

Tonight the "Silent Walk" will take place in Newbridge town and it is organised by the Gina Lavelle Walshe Memorial Fund and the walk commences at 7.15pm with those taking part asked to meet at The Riverbank Theatre at 7.05pm, and the march will proceed down to Newbridge Linear Park.

In a statement the organisers behind the Gina Lavelle Walsh Memorial Silent Walk in Newbridge said: "Teal is the colour for cervical cancer so if you can wear something of that colour, that would be great. We will lay a wreath in memory of the ladies who died. We are asking that you invite all our Friends and Family, everyone is welcome, we would love as many people, Men, Women and children to walk in solidarity with all the women affected.”

For more information visit The Gina Lavelle Walsh Memorial Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Gina-Lavelle-Walsh-Memorial-Fund-193187777424377/

The Accountability For Women Action Group Kildare Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/546849515716455/permalink/549166285484778/

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.

Spirit Hire Plant and Personnel Solutions is urgently hiring Construction Tradespeople.

Being hired are:

• Experienced Machine Operators
  (360, rubber duck, bulldozer, site dumper)
• Experienced Pipelayers
• Experienced Groundworkers
• Experienced Skilled Labourers
• Steel Fixers and Carpenters
• Business Development Representative
• Lorry Drivers - Artic and Rigid

The positions have excellent rates of pay - and there are long-term prospects for successful candidates.

For further details, call Karen at (091) 771 826 or email info@spirithire.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.

Photos by Brian McEvoy

The launch of My Friend Picasso: 125 photographs by Edward Quinn at Castletown House, Celbridge, Co Kildare. The exhibition runs until September 2nd.

For more information see: www.castletown.ie

Discover the world of one of the greatest modern painters – Pablo Picasso – through the lens of Irish-born photographer Edward Quinn at Castletown House this summer. A testament to the friendship that developed between the two men in 1951 and lasted until Picasso’s death in 1973, the exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to see Quinn’s works for the first time in Ireland.

Edward Quinn was born in Dublin in 1920 and settled on the French Riviera in 1949, where he worked as a photographer, capturing the era’s greatest stars in unstaged, enchanting images. His friendship with Picasso greatly influenced his work and resulted in 10,000 photos, several books and films about the artist. Collaborations with other artists followed, including Max Ernst, Georg Baselitz, Francis Bacon and Salvador Dali. Quinn’s affinity with artists encompassed the works of his compatriot James Joyce, to whom he dedicated the volume James Joyce’s Dublin (1974) and which garnered Samuel Beckett’s praise for “capturing the atmosphere, humour and essence of Joyce’s Dublin.”

Carefully curated by Jean-Louis Andral of Musée Picasso in Antibes, the photographs in this exhibition beautifully illuminate Picasso’s personality and record his life and work on the Côte d’Azur in the 1950s and 60s. Here are photos of Picasso in his ceramics and painting studios as well as glimpses of his family life, starting with intimate family shots of him and Françoise Gilot with their children Claude and Paloma. As the years progress, a new muse enters, Jacqueline Roque, who became Picasso’s second wife and can be seen at his side until the end. The last photographs are highly evocative still lifes of Picasso’s studio in Mougins, a year after his death.

This is your chance to see the exhibition that has already charmed visitors in Antibes, the Danubiana in Bratislava and the Kunstmuseum Pablo Picasso Münster in one of Ireland’s most magnificent country houses, a mere stone’s throw away from Dublin.

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

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare South and member of the Oireachtas committee for the future of mental health services, Fiona O’Loughlin is to host a public meeting on Mental Health on Monday 28th May, at 7.30pm.

The meeting is being held in the East End Hotel, Portarlington and the keynote speaker will be Independent Senator Frances Black, who will both be available to answer questions from the audience.

Deputy O’Loughlin said, “This public meeting is an opportunity for people to discuss mental health services in our community and a personal account of addictions and how they impact. Sadly, the many stories of difficulties in accessing services and support resonate with a lot of people through my locality and I want to work with the community to achieve successful changes that are wanted and needed."

“The Confidence and Supply Arrangement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael commits to the full implementation of the ‘A Vision for Change’ policy, and this remains a key priority for us. There has been significant under investment in mental health services in recent years and this practice must change. One key measure which we want to see is the introduction of a multi-annual plan for the development of mental health services. Currently the Government allocates funding to mental health on a year to year basis. This is preventing long term planning and development from taking place. Instead there should be a multi-annual plan so that our mental health services can be developed with certainty."

“The purpose of this public meeting is to provide a platform for locals to know what resources are available locally and nationally and, will provide a greater understanding into mental health illness. The meeting is open to all members of the public and is free of charge,” concluded Deputy O’Loughlin

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

Thoughts of the summer months usually fill people with bliss but this is not the case for the 21,193 Kildare asthmatics who also suffer from hayfever.  Instead, their summer is spent bracing themselves for irritating hayfever symptoms which often cause their asthma to flare-up and can even escalate into serious asthma attacks.

According to statistics, 44,426 people in Kildare suffer from hay fever and 21,193 have both asthma and hayfever, and the summer months can be a hardship for people with both of the conditions.

The Asthma Society of Ireland has once again teamed up with Dyson Ireland & GSK to launch its Pollen Tracker on asthma.ie. The tracker provides an update of pollen levels across the four provinces each day, and a predictor of the pollen levels for the following day, making it a daily must-see to manage hayfever and asthma throughout the summer.

When you have an allergy, your body reacts when you come in contact with a particular allergen or trigger.  For people with hayfever or rhinitis, when they breathe in these allergens, their body has an immune response in the lining of the nose. This causes the nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed.

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said: “Hayfever is very misunderstood in Ireland and people often dismiss you as a hypochondriac or simply a complainer when you mention it. As a hayfever sufferer, I can testify that it is a very debilitating condition that leaves you feeling really miserable and unwell. The constant runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing are extremely distracting as the 44,426 hayfever sufferers in Kildare well know, and the accompanying headache and fatigue have always really marked out the summer months for me. For me, it felt like a flu all summer long. Hayfever makes it difficult for people to focus, not to mention making people self-conscious when in work or in company.”  

"Our Pollen Tracker allows you to identify days when the pollen count will be high in your area, equipping you with up-to-date and essential information. The Pollen Tracker and hayfever management materials on our site can put you in the driving seat to offset the annoying symptoms of hayfever and any potentially serious asthma attacks."

Common hayfever symptoms:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Watery, itchy, red eyes
• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Swollen blue coloured skin under the eyes

Dr Marcus Butler, Medical Director of the Asthma Society, said: “Managing asthma becomes more difficult over the summer months as the nice weather brings along a sharp increase in the pollen count. Research suggests that up to 80% of people with asthma notice a worsening of asthma symptoms due to allergies such as pollen, as an allergic reaction is triggered. I see a drop in asthma control amongst my allergic asthma patients during hayfever season, which leaves them at risk of a more serious asthma attack. It is vital that all asthma patients with pollen or grass allergy have an asthma action plan and prepare for the hayfever season to limit its effects.”

Help and support on managing your asthma and hayfever is available by calling our free nurse Adviceline on 1800 44 54 64.

• Tips to Survive Hayfever Season: •  Talk to doctor or pharmacist NOW about taking medication to prevent / reduce symptoms. Don't wait until you feel unwell.​
• Keep an eye daily on our pollen tracker on asthma.ie
• Keep windows closed in your bedroom at night/ keep windows and doors closed when the pollen count is high
• Stay indoors as much as possible on high pollen days and stay away from grassy areas, especially when grass is freshly cut •
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes
• Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes if you have been outside for an extended period
• Avoid drying clothes outdoors​​​, or shake them outdoors before bringing them in
• Minimise your contact with pets who have been outdoors and are likely to be carrying pollen
• Consider a purifier with a built-in air quality sensor to remove allergens and pollutants from the air

For asthmatics, hayfever can cause their asthma symptoms to flare up and may cause an asthma attack. An asthma attack is a medical emergency and can be fatal. One person dies a week in Ireland as a result of their asthma.    Know the symptoms of an attack and know the 5 Step Rule to save a life - go to asthma.ie for more information on how to prevent and manage asthma attacks.

The Asthma Society strongly recommends that asthmatics visit a health care professional if they have an asthma attack, as this indicates that their asthma is not controlled.

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.

Photos: Ben Kelly 

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 body has been found in the search for missing 24-year-old Jastine Valdez from Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.

Dozens of Gardai and Army troops were scouring several acres of ground all morning and afternoon.

A short time ago, investigators discovered remains of a female woman next to Pucks Castle golf course, not far from where a purse believed to belong to Jasmine was discovered earlier today.

The Garda helicopter and the Civil Defence were also involved in the search.

A man Gardaí had been searching for in connection with the incident, Mark Hennessy (40), was shot dead by a Garda in a south Dublin business park last night.

The married father-of-two who was driving a Nissan SUV linked to the abduction, is from Woodbrook Estate, Boghall Road in Bray.

It's understood the vehicle's in-car computer was used to trace its movements over the past 48 hours and specific locations were searched today.

The Irish Times reports that Hennessy was due in court soon charged with driving while drunk, crashing into other vehicles and leaving the scene.

He had previous convictions 20 years ago for being drunk and possessing drugs.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Ms Valdez being bundled into a dark Nissan Qashqai on the R760 Kilcroney Road near her home in Enniskerry at 6.15pm on Saturday evening.

The same car was seen by a member of the public at 8pm last night in the Cherrywood Business Park in Dublin.

Gardaí were called but the man was armed with a knife and a garda fired a number of shots, fatally injuring the 40-year-old driver.

The car was searched but Ms Valdez was not in it.

Hennessy is not believed to have known the student and Garda are investigating if there was a sexual motive in the crime.

Hennessy's movements may be also be probed in the context of other unsolved crimes in south Dublin and Co Wicklow.

The Garda Ombudsman Commission is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting in Cherrywood Business Park.

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.

Renovation works are now being approved for a Co Kildare national school.

Fiona O’Loughlin, Chair of the Education and Skills Committee and TD for Kildare South has welcomed the approval of funding for renovation works at the Curragh Girls National School.

Deputy O'Loughlin said: “This is a step in the right direction of South Kildare. South Kildare has been at the forefront of dismay at the Department of Education in recent weeks due to its lack of progress on the new build in St Paul's, Monasterevin and for its lack of commitment towards providing a new second level school in South Kildare to accommodate the influx of population."

The Curragh Girls National School has been approved for funding of between €700,000 and €750,000 for renovation works over the summer months which means classes will resume as normal following the upgrade in September.

Deputy O'Loughlin said: “Principal, Ciarán O'Toole has put a lot of time and effort into securing this funding for the school now and into the future. The renovations are badly needed and will improve the overall school experience for students and teachers.”

She said:“There are many schools in the South of the County that are still awaiting funding and approval from the Department and I am hopeful that this will be the first of many over the coming weeks and months."

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.