Michael D. Higgins has been re-elected for another seven-year term as the President of Ireland after winning a landslide election.

The Galway native will serve a second term after comfortably topping the polls with 55.6 pc of the overall vote across Ireland, while Peter Casey finished in second with a final tally of 23.4 pc.

In what was the lowest turnout ever for a presidential election in Irish history, just 43.87 pc of the registered electorate voted.

In Kildare, Higgins performed slightly above his national average, especially in the north of the county. He received 61.3 pc of the votes in Kildare North and 56.9 pc in Kildare South, while Casey received 19.1 pc and 22.4 pc respectively.

Gavin Duffy, who finished with the lowest final tally in Irish election history, received just 2.2 pc of the vote in Kildare North and 2.4 pc in Kildare South.

In the Laois constituency, which pulls in some voters from south Kildare, Casey performed extremely well as he garnered 30.5 pc of the vote and Higgins got 49.7 pc.

Kildare North

Michael D Higgins - 23,103 (61.3%)

Peter Casey - 7,210 (19.1%)

Joan Freeman - 2,751 (7.3%)

Seán Gallagher - 2,258 (6%)

Liadh Ní Riada - 1,523 (4.1%)

Gavin Duffy - 844 (2.2%)

Turnout: 44.18%

Kildare South

Michael D Higgins – 14,766 (56.9%)

Peter Casey - 5,819 (22.4%)

Seán Gallagher - 1,829 (7.1%)

Joan Freeman - 1,619 (6.2%)

Liadh Ní Riada - 1,307 (5%)

Gavin Duffy - 633 (2.4%)

Turnout: 41.11%

Laois

Michael D Higgins – 13,754 (49.7%)

Peter Casey - 8,419 (30.5%)

Seán Gallagher - 1,845 (6.7%)

Joan Freeman - 1,464 (5.3%)

Liadh Ní Riada - 1,443 (5.2%)

Gavin Duffy - 718 (2.6%)

Turnout: 43.53%

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 charming, Georgian-style mansion just outside Kill is sure to attract attention with its regal interior and exterior with plenty of unique features including a sunroom, 5 stables, a tack room, a large yard, detached garage, and 12 acres of land for a cost of €1,250,000.

Coonan Estate Agents are very pleased to present as it enters the market “Newbury House”, Alasty, Kill, Co Kildare, an impressive two storey residence extending to about 2,900 sq.ft on a massive site of 12 acres.

“Newbury House” was built in 1997 and it is situated on a very private and mature site in the heart of the Kildare countryside. The property is presented in superb condition and includes 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (including 2 en-suite), entrance porch, entrance hallway, sitting room, study, dining room, kitchen, utility, as well as a sunroom which receives excellent natural light especially during the Summer months.

Meanwhile, other unique features include high ceilings, a Margaret Peart stained glass window, and a feature central staircase.

Large central staircase in the hallway

The spacious sunroom receives excellent sunlight all year round

Outside the property is approached via attractive piers with a spacious tree lined gravelled driveway with ample room for cars.

The landscaped gardens are mainly in lawn and to the rear of the property there is an attractive stable block with 5 stables, a tack room, haybarn and detached garage. Meanwhile, the yard has a separate entrance and is situated conveniently to the stud-railed paddocks and the ands are all in grass and are surrounded by mature trees and hedgerows.

There is a block with 5 stables perfect for horses as well as a tack room, yard and hay barn.

The paddocks are in excellent condition for grazing horses

“Newbury House” is situated in a quiet, private area with great access to local amenities in Kill (6km away, Straffan (6km) and Dublin (30km).

Early viewing of this stunning residence is highly recommended by appointment with Coonan Estate Agents by calling them on 01 6286 128.

For more information and 49 images visit https://www.daft.ie/kildare/houses-for-sale/kill/newbury-house-alasty-kill-kildare-1886922/

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A male pedestrian has been seriously injured after being struck by a truck in the early hours of this morning in Westmeath.

The collision occurred at approximately 2.45am this morning between junction 7 and junction 6 on the M6 - both junctions are exits for Moate - when a truck collided with a 26-year-old male pedestrian. He was seriously injured and taken to Tullamore General Hospital where his injuries are described as critical. The 44-year-old male driver of the truck was uninjured.

The road is currently closed to facilitate a forensic collision investigation and diversions are in place.

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.

Mullingar Shamrocks v Moorefield

Leinster SFC preliminary round, Cusack Park, Mullingar, Sunday 1.30pm

Moorefield’s last journey across the province doesn’t seem all that long ago, but almost 10 months have passed since the incredible afternoon in Portlaoise which saw the Newbridge men win their second ever Leinster title. On that occasion they needed to summon some superhuman resolve to plunder 1-3 in the dying minutes and upskittle a St Loman’s side who were preparing for their own on-field celebrations.

Fate has it that another team from the town of Mullingar will be standing in their way on their first steps towards hopeful Leinster domination once again. Mullingar Shamrocks stopped their crosstown rivals from achieving a fourth Westmeath title in a row when they dethroned the reigning champions on Sunday, beating former Moorefield manager Luke Dempsey’s side by 2-12 to 1-11 in a tight battle.

Shamrocks are backboned by key performers straight up the spine of their time, all of whom carry a combination of experience and class in their positions. Full-back Kieran Gavin has been a regular with Westmeath over the years, but it is his colleague, Killian Daly, who is their key man-marker. The former DCU student is one of the classiest defenders in Leinster, and whoever manager Ned Moore pinpoints as the main threat for Moorefield will likely have Daly following their movements.

Out around the middle they have intercounty midfielder Denis Corroon, who scored 1-4 in Sunday’s county final. The experienced performer delivered the crucial second goal midway through the second half last Sunday, before adding a late point to help see his side land their first title in six years.

In the forward line it has been Dean Moore and Darragh Daly who have been carrying the scoring burden for most of the campaign, while Donal O’Donoghue, a veteran of the historic 2004 Leinster final victory for Westmeath, continues to pull the strings at centre-forward.

Reports from Westmeath suggest that their new champions are a supremely fit outfit that are well balanced all over the field. That sounds very similar to the Moorefield side they will face on Sunday, but you would have to think that the experience Moorefield currently possess is worth a few points on the run in.

There was a sense on the field on Sunday afternoon that this was very much the beginning of another journey for Moorefield, and while Ross Glavin’s men would undoubtedly celebrate their win, it seems as though it is simply another step on route to their ultimate aim. There was no huge outpouring of emotion that there was 12 months previous, with a sense of this being job done and onto the next task at hand.

“As far as I’m concerned, they are,” responded Glavin when asked if the celebrations would be a bit more tempered this year.

“We have to want to achieve more and the group of players are going to lead that anyways – that’s the type of group of players that they are. They all have at least won one before, as far as I know I don’t think there is anyone that hasn’t… it’s not like it’s their first. The plan will be to certainly mark the occasion and celebrate the effort we put into winning a county title, but I know for a fact that the key leaders within the group will dictate the terms and conditions for the week ahead.”

Glavin has never wilted in his assessment that the sky is the limit for this current group of players, and with a Leinster title achieved last year there is only one further step they can possibly go.

They will be strong favourites when facing the Mullingar outfit on Sunday, but, as we have seen in recent years, shocks are quite commonplace when it gets to provincial level.

With Shamrocks having won their first title since 2012 last Sunday by beating their bitter rivals in a first ever all-Mullingar final, one would suspect that their celebrations might have been a bit rowdier than those in Newbridge over the course of the week. It’s a quick turnaround for both teams, and whoever enjoyed the greater recovery and put in the most analysis in their preparation will likely hold the upperhand. That should be Moorefield, and they should get their Leinster journey off the ground on Sunday.

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.

AIB Leinster Club Senior Football Championship Rd1

Venue: TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar Shamrocks v Moorefield13:30

2018 Tony Donohoe Under 21 A Football Championship

Venue: Monasterevan, Fr. Prendegast Gaels V Naas14:00, Ref: Owen Murphy 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

2018 Tony Donohoe Under 21 B Football Championship

Venue: Rathangan, Rathangan V Carbury14:00, Ref: Niall Colgan 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

Venue: Kilcock Main Pitch, Kilcock V Round Towers14:00, Ref: Fergus Deveraux 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

2018 Tony Donohoe Under 21 C Football Championship

Venue: Sallins, Sallins V Newtown Gaels14:00, Ref: Alan Archbold 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

Venue: Castledermot, Castledermot V Naas14:00, Ref: Barry Moore 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

Venue: Sarsfields GAA Club, Sarsfields V Miltown14:00, Ref: Liam Herbert 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

Venue: Rheban, Rheban V Kilcullen14:00, Ref: Lee Moore 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

2018 Tony Donohoe Under 21 D Football Championship

Venue: St Edwards, St Edwards V Kill14:00, Ref: Raymond Kelly 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

Venue: Ballykelly, Abbey Rangers V Ardclough14:00, Ref: David Houlihan 2 x 10 mins extra time if required

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 County Council have given the green light for the change to the plans for the construction of a new volunteers' accommodation lodge at Barretstown Castle in Ballymore Eustace.

The original plans which were first submitted last year outlined details about the volunteers lodge that will be built at the activity centre that caters for sick children.

The developers have made some amendments to the original plan however, stating that they wish to seek permission for the relocation of the south access stairs to the north and the adjustment of the lift location; The widening of the west fire escape stairs; Changes to elevations, mix of materials and adjustment of eaves detail, and the modification of the roof profile.

The site area of the proposed new lodge is 3542 sq metres and would accommodate 82-88 bed spaces. The building height is 13.22 metres above FFL to the ridge height. The accommodation includes 22 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms on all three floors, lounge and meeting areas at ground floor level and all related ancillary services and site works, all on an estate of approximately 210 hectares.

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.

Cian O’Neill is planning to look at some of the All-Ireland U20 winning crop as potential additions to his panel ahead of the 2019 season.

The Kildare manager confirmed that he has looked at plenty of options ahead of next year, and his eyeline has been dominated by the talented group that delivered an All-Ireland title to the county for the first time since 1965.

“We’ve met, and we’ve had a look at options,” confirmed O’Neill.

“Obviously, we’ve last year’s panel as it stands. You’re always looking to see if you should freshen things up, and to me every year you should be freshening things up. Obviously, the boost the county got with the brilliant U20 All-Ireland victory has to draw you towards that group initially to see if any of them are ready to step up. We’ll definitely be looking at quite a few of that squad.”

He also outlined how he was looking to unearth any players who might have slipped through the system or have been late developers and missed out on playing with the county at underage level. He highlighted both Kevin Flynn and David Slattery as examples, while also saying there are a couple of players who were previously involved with the county but not involved in 2018 who may return.

“I’ve been at a lot of matches as always this summer, trying to see if there is anyone out there,” continued O’Neill.

“A little gem like Kevin Flynn last year or David Slattery the year before that hadn’t stepped up to that level. I’ll be looking at a couple of players in that regard, and a couple of guys who were away from the panel for different reasons that might be an option to come back in.”

O’Neill and his new management team of Tom Cribbin and Karl O’Dwyer will finalise their winter training panel in the coming weeks.

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 woman who told Gardaí to fxxk off appeared before Naas District Court.

Sgt Brian Jacob told the court how at 12.55am, when Gardaí were attending an incident, on the Kilcullen Road, Naas, the accused was charged with being intoxicated in public, on November 9, 2017.

Sgt Jacob said that the accused was 'highly aggressive'.

He said: "She kept talking when she should have been listening.''

Judge Desmond Zaidan convicted and fined the accused €400.

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 Stephanie LESSON, 7, Bodkin Place, Kilmeague, Kildare

Peacefully, at St James's Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Deeply regretted by her loving partner Paul. Sadly missed by her daughters Kelly, Shannon, Amber & Katie, son D.J and his partner Allesha, mum Marina, dad John, sisters Alison, Venessa & Charlene, brothers Patrick, Ken and Damien, Paul's family, Paul Jnr, Matthew, Majella, Tara, Niamh & Kerrie, godmother Mag, grandchildren Charlotte & Ollie, granny Leeson, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Reposing at her home this Sunday from 3pm with Rosary at 8pm. Funeral Monday at 1.30pm in the Holy Trinity Church, Derrinturn, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations to Palliative Care at St. James's Hospital, if desired.

The death has occurred of Frank (Francis) RAFFERTY, Coolamber Drive, Rathcoole, Dublin / Naas, Kildare

After a prolonged illness in the tender care of the staff of Tallaght Hospital. Late of Two Mile House, Naas,co. Kildare.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Anne, son David, daughter Susan, daughter-in-law Lisa, son-in-law Joe, grandchildren Jacob, Jude, Isaac, Isabelle and Felix, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Reposing at the George Mullins Funeral Home, Kilcullen Road, Naas, on Tuesday from 3pm with removal at 4.45pm to arrive at The Church of The Holy Family, Rathcoole, at 5.30pm. Funeral on Wednesday, after 11am Mass, to Saggart Cemetery.

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.

He’s back, Kildare’s own Luka Bloom, to play in his native town Newbridge on Saturday, December 1, preceded by a gig the night before at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth.

You can debate as to whether he’s a trad singer, a folk singer, a raconteur – I’d call him an entertainer with a social conscience, an underlying trait of the Moore offspring born to Nancy and Andy Moore.

Barry aka Luka is the youngest of the Moore clan but his three sisters and two brothers (one of whom is Christy) have been at the heart of the community of Droichead Nua, and never shy to highlight local issues and the inequalities of life.

Siobhan Long of the Irish Times wrote: "The very embodiment of the folk singer, Luka Bloom has that deep sense of social justice with an uncanny ability to distil contemporary life into the pithiest and most alluring combinations of lyrics and melody lines. His voice is still as open and honest as it was over 30 years ago, and his guitar finds chord combinations that are all his own. Passion, playfulness and pause for thought: a hearty combination in any gig” Irish Times, March, 2018.

Luka Bloom playing to a sold out audience at Cultuurcentrum, Brugge in Belguim

Luka returns home to play his last gigs of the year in the Glenroyal, Maynooth and the Riverbank, Newbridge. Currently on a major tour of Holland and Belgium where he plays to sold out theatres, he very much looks forward to concluding his 'Refuge' tour on home turf.

And he never fails to deliver, with his unique style and wit, Luka Bloom at the Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth on Friday, 30 November (available at Glenroyal reception; online https://bit.ly/2PibAIs) and on Saturday, December 1 at the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge (www.riverbank.ie). Admission to both events €20 pp.

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 GAA have submitted plans to build a new state of the art gym at their Centre of Excellence in Hawkfield.

The county board have issued their plans to Kildare County Council for a new training facility at the centre of excellence outside Newbridge, which will give the county teams a permanent residence for strength and conditioning work.

Currently, there is a small amount of gym equipment at their Hawkfield base, but it is not sufficient for a county team. The Kildare senior footballers and hurlers have been renting a gym in an industrial area of Newbridge, but the development of a new independent gym of their own is a progressive step for the county sides.

The cost of the new facility would be in the region of €475,000.

The planning submission outlines plans for the proposed new 409sqm single storey steel framed gymnasium building including all associated drainage and infrastructural works on the grounds of the existing Kildare GAA Centre of Excellence development.

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

As the bank holiday gets underway, avid TV viewers won't want to miss the return of 'Ireland's Fittest Family' as the show returns for its sixth season, with the McLoughlin family from Newbridge to feature on the show at 6.30pm tonight on RTE One.

The McLoughlin family is from Newbridge and consists of mother Orla and her three sons Ryan (24), Conor (22), and Danny (16), and the family often trains together as they share a love of all things fitness related and they will battle it out against 19 other families from all over Ireland in a bid to win the coveted prize money of €15,000.

Mum Orla teaches classes at Industrial Fitness in Newbridge where she is doing an internship as a fitness instructor after going back to college to learn more about personal fitness training. Eldest son Ryan is also a musician and a former member of the Irish boyband 'Home Town' which was mentored by music mogul Louis Walsh.

Speaking to KildareNow, Orla explained that she has always had a keen interest in keeping fit. She said: "I've always had that interest in fitness and it's great for mental health as well. I have 8 kids so I do run after them as well, that helps keep you fit too. I also teach classes during the week at Industrial Fitness in Newbridge."

Orla has also been a long-time fan of the television show 'Ireland's Fittest Family' for several years, and this year she and her family decided to test themselves by applying for the show's sixth season as families from around the country compete in various obstacle courses.

Orla said that the training was very tough but a 'great experience' for her and her family.

Tune in to watch 'Ireland's Fittest Family' on RTE One this evening at 6.30pm.

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.

Moorefield 2-9

Mullingar Shamrocks (Westmeath) 1-6

Leinster SFC preliminary round

Adam Tyrrell lit up the first three quarters of this Leinster Championship tie as he did the bulk of the scoring for a Moorefield side who eased into the last eight of the Leinster Championship with a straightforward win in Cusack Park.

Tyrrell bagged 2-4 in a superb display, but the performances of the likes of Kevin Murnaghan, Ronan Sweeney and Cian O’Connor further out the field helped provide the platform for the reigning Leinster champions as they pushed their way to a six-point win.

The opening quarter of the game was very much a cat and mouse affair as Moorefield dominated the possession stakes but their usual incisiveness and composure was lacking during the early stages. The Kildare champions found it tough to engineer any space against a Shamrocks defence that was packed with numbers each time Moorefield went forward, though it seemed more a case of quantity over quality on their part when defending.

Cian O’Connor in particular was able to pierce the blanket defence with some sublime passes into the likes of Adam Tyrrell and Niall Hurley-Lynch, while Daryl Flynn made a couple of marauding runs through the middle.

It was the home side who started the better however, opening up an early two-point lead and going close to scoring the game’s first goal. They got off the mark thanks to a pointed free from Denis Corroon, while a brilliant point from the lively Tye Adamson doubled their account. They could have propelled themselves into a really commanding position when Corroon dropped a long ball into Dean Moore, but his shot was straight down the midriff of Moorefield ‘keeper Tom Corley who parried the shot with little trouble.

Moorefield took 10 minutes to finally trouble the scoreboard, and it was the timeless presence of Ronan Sweeney that provided the lift-off, finishing well after being set up by O’Connor. Moorefield’s next score arrived followed a sustained and patient period of possession as they analysed a way to break through the 14-man opposition defence, with Niall Hurley-Lynch eventually finding space and clipping over a fine score.

Adamson nudged Shamrocks back in front, but the travelling side soon hit their first goal which drove them into a lead they would never relinquish. It was simple stuff really, with Cian O’Connor floating a ball over the Shamrocks defence to Tyrrell who skipped through on goal and delivered a brilliant finish to the bottom left corner of Philly Shaw’s net.

Moore responded with a free for the Westmeath men, but they completely drifted from the tie after that as Moorefield seized the initiative. The next 10 minutes of the game were all about Tyrrell who put on an absolute exhibition. He smacked over his first point from play in the 20^th minute, and he followed that up a couple of minutes later when O’Connor picked him out with a brilliant pass into space.

The second goal arrived on 25 minutes, and it was a truly fantastic effort that was all about the pass from Eanna O’Connor. The Kerry native swung an inch perfect ball in from the left wing that dropped just above the reach of defender Killian Daly and into the arms of Tyrrell, who then swivelled inside and rolled a composed finish into the bottom corner.

The full-forward added another fantastic point for good measure before the break, and Moorefield were bouncing as they entered the dressing room with a 2-5 to 0-4 advantage.

The second half began in a similar vein to the way the first finished as Tyrrell and Cian O’Connor linked up once more, with the former kicking a sublime score under pressure. Eanna O’Connor opened his account for the afternoon shortly after as Moorefield trotted into a nine-point lead, and for the blunt looking Shamrocks, it looked like their race might be run.

The hosts got their first score in more than 30 minutes when Corroon knocked over a point from close range, and a fine effort from Paddy Fagan seven points between the sides with 10 minutes left to play. Referee David Gough then inexplicably awarded a penalty to Shamrocks when he adjudged Liam Healy to be fouling Killian Daly in the square, and Dean Moore stepped up to slam home the resulting spotkick and suddenly make a game of it.

The Westmeath champions were beginning to bombard high balls in on top of full-back Daly, who had been moved to full-forward, but Moorefield held out quite well. Ross Glavin’s side showed good composure on the home straight as a couple of pointed frees from Eanna O’Connor helped increase their lead and assure them of the win.

Dean Moore had a stoppage time attempt on goal from a close range free, but Corley parried it and David Whyte blocked the follow up from Simon Quinn. Whyte was then shown a red card after receiving a yellow and a black card, leaving Moorefield to play out the final few minutes with 14 men, but it mattered little as they eased over the line.

Scorers for Moorefield: A Tyrrell 2-4(1f), E O’Connor 0-3(2f), N Hurley-Lynch and R Sweeney 0-1 each.

Scorers for Mullingar Shamrocks: D Moore 1-1(1-0pen, 1f), D Corroon(1f) and T Adamason(1f) 0-2 each, P Fagan 0-1.

Moorefield

Tom Corley; Liam Callaghan, Liam Healy, Adam Sweeney; Kevin Murnaghan, Anthony Durney, James Murray; Daryl Flynn, Aaron Masterson; Cian O’Connor, Aaron Mullins, Éanna O’Connor; Mark McDermott, Adam Tyrrell, Niall Hurley-Lynch.

Subs used: David Whyte for Murray 23mins, Mark McDermott for Hurley-Lynch 39mins, Ian Meehan for R Sweeney 45mins, Eddie Heavey for Tyrrell 47mins, Ryan Moore for Masterson 50mins, Sean Dempsey for E O’Connor 63mins.

Mullingar Shamrocks

Philly Shaw; Eddie Moore, Kieran Gavin, Killian Daly; Paddy Joyce, Michael Curley, Efe Siode; Dennis Corroon, Daragh Daly; Tye Adamson, Paddy Fagan, Alan Cashman; Dean Moore, Donal O’Donoghue, Simon Quinn.

Subs used: Billy Flynn for Joyce HT, Aaron Purcell for Cashman 37mins, Ciaran Curley for Adamson 40mins, Brendan O’Reilly for Daly 50mins.

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 continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting of 27-year-old Robert Delaney who was shot and seriously injured ten years ago.

The incident happened on October 22, 2008 at his house in Russell Rise estate in Tallaght.

On the morning of the 22nd October, Robert, a father of two, heard a knock at his front door.

He looked out the kitchen window and a man fired a shot towards Robert hitting him in the head.

Robert was seriously injured and remains in a serious condition in the Peamount Hospital in Newcastle.

Robert's parents, Terry and Noeleen, his sister Sinead and his daughter Meghan appeal to the public for their assistance with the investigation.

They're encouraging those with information to come forward now.

Appeal:

Gardaí in Tallaght are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen either:

• Suspicious activity in the Russell Rise estate on the evening of 21/10/08 and the morning of the 22/10/08.

• An unregistered white Honda Integra car (with no number plates) that was stolen on the evening of the 21st October
• from a garage on the Naas Road and subsequently later located at Montpelier estate in Tallaght.

• Any sightings related to the above car, or any information relating to the shooting.

• Given the passage of time and the possibility that associations / relationships may have changed Gardaí are appealing to those with information and to come forward at the time to do so now.

Gardai at Tallaght Garda Station are invstigating tel: (01) 666 6000

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Naas District Court heard how €40,000 worth of drugs was seized in Newbridge.

A man appeared before Naas District Court on Thursday, in connection to allegations that he was involved in cultivating €40,000 worth of cannabis. Sgt Brian Jacob outlined how a search warrant was issued on June 26, 2014, at Ballysax. The Curragh, and  €40,000 of cannabis was seized.

Sarah Connolly, BL, said: "The state had a significant amount of time, this goes back to 2014."

No objections were made to bail.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused appear before Naas District Court for a Book of Evidence on November 8, next.

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All three of the Kildare teams who were in provincial action this weekend will enjoy home advantage in their respective quarter-final ties after each of them came through testing preliminary round games.

The big clash on the weekend of November 10/11 will be between Moorfield and Portlaoise, with the Kildare senior champions booking their place in the last eight with a 2-9 to 1-6 win over Mullingar Shamrocks on Sunday afternoon.

Ross Glavin’s men will host the Laois kingpins on Sunday November 10 in what is a repeat of last year’s thrilling Leinster quarter-final which the Kildare champions won by a single point thanks to Niall Hurley-Lynch’s last gasp score.

Two Mile House face a tricky test against Dublin intermediate champions Round Towers, a club based in the north Dublin suburb of Lusk, but Niall Browne’s men will have home advantage once again after they defeated Shandonagh of Westmeath in the first round of the championship on Saturday in Hawkfield.

Round Towers beat Naomh Barrog in the Dublin county final on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-15 on Saturday afternoon to capture the Dublin Intermediate Championship title.

Milltown will host Carlow champions Naomh Eoin, with the game likely to take place in Hawkfield on Saturday November 10. The Myshall-based club were victorious over Fenagh in their county final last weekend, winning 2-8 to 1-9.

Milltown came through a preliminary round tie against Kilcoole in Aughrim on Saturday, with Colin O’Shea’s late goal from a penalty seeing them over the line in a 1-12 to 0-11 win.

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A Dublin man appeared before Naas District Court in connection to €20 worth of cannabis.

The Ballyfermot man was charged with being found in possession of cannabis in  Kill, on November 4, 2014.

Evidence was given that the accused was found with €20 worth of cannabis.

The court heard the accused had no previous convictions for drugs.

Sarah Connolly B.L. said that the accused made full admissions.

Addressing the accused, Judge Desmond Zaidan said:"Stop taking illicit drugs, you will destroy yourself."

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused pay €500 to St John's Ward.

The Judge ordered that if the money is paid, then he does not have to attend and a Section 1(1) will be imposed.

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A Monasterevin man before Naas District Court found in possession of a four inch knife has been ordered to undertake 240 hours community service.

The 22-year-old man was charged with having a blade that was sharply pointed, at Station Road, Kildare, on December 9, 2017.

Defence Solicitor, Stephen Walsh, told the court how the accused pleaded guilty to the offence.

Sgt Brian Jacob told the court how during the early hours of the morning, the accused was found with a four inch kitchen knife in his jacket pocket.

The court heard how he had no previous convictions.

Mr Walsh said that the accused had taken the knife out of the family home, due to a row.

The court heard how he is not addicted to anything.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused undertake 240 hours community service in lieu of eight months in custody.

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By Kim O'Leary

A dog from Co Kildare has made it into the top 20 finalists for 'Ireland's Next Top Madra' and now he needs votes from his home county in the hope of scooping the ultimate 'doggie prize' next week!

Shih-Tzu/ Yorkshire Terrier mix Gizmo is from Kildare Town and he is taking part in the dog pageantry competition 'Ireland's Next Top Madra' in association with Dacia.

Gizmo's proud owner, Sabrina, said: "My lovely Kildare Town dog Gizmo has made it to the top 20 of Ireland's Top Madra. He is looking for some Kildare support to get him to NO. 1 and win the crown next week in the Pet Expo in the National Show Centre, Swords, Dublin, on Saturday November 3."

Gizmo is a Shih-Tzu/ Yorkshire Terrier mix and he lives with his family in Kildare Town

Last night, the four-legged contestants for Ireland's Next Top Madra appeared on the Ray D'Arcy show where the Kildare native showed his love for the cuddly dogs.

The finalists will be heading to the 2018 Pet Expo in the National Show Centre, Swords, on Saturday, November 3, where the winner  will be announced.

All 20 finalists will receive 'doggie goodie bags', although the winning pooch and their owner is in for a special treat.

The overall winner will get a two-night stay and evening meal in the stunning Harvey's Point hotel, an intimate photo shoot with Pawtrait pet photography, where they can wear their dazzling crown from Azzure jewellery, and will also be featured in RSVP magazine.

Tomorrow, Monday 29, voting will close at 5pm so vote for your favourite at: https://www.rsvplive.ie/news/irish-news/irelands-next-top-madra-final-13473341?fbclid=IwAR31MSBsVm9ruPKF_zz2iJdLPWlyLE477gXhvKEDS3hLuSay6JkPwifOSWE

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Fire fighters attended buses on fire near the Naas Road and the Red Cow Interchange yesterday evening.

Smoke was widely visible in the area which led to numerous 999 calls.

Three Dublin Fire Brigade engines attended the incident and brought the blazes under control.

Fire engines from Tallaght and Dolphin's Barn stations responded to the scene.

It's not clear what caused the fires.

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