Singing duo Sharon Webb (41) and her son Brandon (19) will perform on Ireland's Got Talent on Virgin Media this weekend.

Mature Student Sharon has been singing since she was a little girl and barman/DJ Brandon has also been singing from a young age with his Mam.

In 2018, Sharon and Brandon entered the TG4 show ‘Realta agus Gaolta’.

Brandon says his proudest moment in life was getting to sing with his Mam on the show.

They originally entered Ireland’s Got Talent as solo singers but decided to come together and enter as a duo.

Sharon has decided that Ireland’s Got Talent is her last shot at becoming a singer and she wants to show her kids that even though a door may be closed, “eventually one will open and stay open long enough to walk in.”

According to the show back in August, Brandon ingested a substance and ended up in a coma fighting for his life.

He was put on life support and suffered 50 seizures.

Sharon was told by doctors to say goodbye to her son but at the last minute he pulled through.

He walked away from the whole ordeal with a collapsed lung but is perfectly fine now.

Brandon said that the scare of nearly losing his life has pushed him to do things that used to scare him before and that’s why he’s applied for the show.

Sharon's main influence is Tina Turner. Sharon loves that she achieved so much in her life and never gave up on her dreams.

She explained: “She was knocked down many times in her life but she always got back up”.

Brandon’s main influences are Sam Smith and Kelly Clarkson.

Brandon’s lifetime ambition is to change his family's life forever and make people happy with his music.

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Love was in the air at Naas Retail Park last week when a lucky winner scooped the Park’s Valentine’s Day Giveaway.

Local man Kevin Phelan took home a Valentine’s Hamper from Choice, A Home For All Seasons, after winning the competition.

He was presented with his prize by Ian Meehan and Aimee Fitzpatrick of Choice, A Home For All Seasons, after taking part in the Facebook event.

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.

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.

Naas Musical Society presents 'All Shook Up'

By Claire O’Reilly    

Photos: Aishling Conway 

“C'Mon Everybody!” - Naas Musical Society invite you to get 'All Shook Up' with them for their next and guaranteed lively musical show!  To run from March 2-8 next, at the Moat Theatre, Naas, 'All Shook Up' blends the story of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with the best music from the one and only Elvis Presley. Shakespearse and the King of Rock and Roll, there’s a mix!

It will have you toe tapping and hip swivelling in your seats. When a motorbike riding roustabout arrives in a quiet little town, where having fun seems to be illegal, he inspires the townsfolk to let loose, let the hair down, discover dance and fall in love.

A phenomenal production team combining Sarah Lynch (MD), Grace McGrath (Choreographer) and Arthur McGauran (Director), have been working extremely hard with the cast and crew to put together this spectacular show.

Starring Craig Regan as Chad, Aideen Leacy as Natalie, Garrett Rodgers as Dennis, Charlene Masterson as Miss Sandra, Holly Hartnett as Lorraine, Chris Bass as Dean, Rory Chadwick as Jim, Helena Twomey as Sylvia, Tina O'Kelly as Mayor Matilda, Val Brennan as Sheriff Earl and a fantastic chorus of old and new members, it's going to be one hell of a show!

So pull on your 'Blue Suede Shoes', get into a positive mood and get yourself All Shook UP!

Tickets from the Moat Theatre Box Office at 045 883 030. 'It's Now or Never' so book early to avoid disappointment. You don't want to end up in 'Heartbreak Hotel', do you!?

There will be an early performance on Sunday 3^rd at 6.30pm; all tickets on Monday 4th are only €10.

Photo 1:  Devils: Roisin Fay, Ciara Dooley and Holly Beardmore, Angels: Courtney Garvey, Clodagh Ni Ghiolla and Brona Dunne with Tina O'Kelly as Mayor Matilda

Photo 2: Female Chorus with Craig Regan as Chad

Photo 3: Principal Cast of All Shook Up

Photo 4: Holly Hartnett as Lorraine and Chris Bass as Dean.

Photo 5: Liam Corridan, John Dooley, Rory Chadwick, Maria Bergin, Claire Regan and Aisling O'Donovan with Craig Regan as Chad

Photo 6: Rory Chadwick as Jim and Helena Twomey as Sylvia

Photo 7: Val Brennan as Sheriff Ear and Tina O'Kelly as mayor Matilda

Photo 8: Aideen Leacy as Natalie and Craig Regan as Chad

Photo 9: Charlene Masterson as Miss Sandra, Craig Regan as Chad, Aideen Leacy as Natalie and Garrett Rodgers as Dennis

Photo 10: Statues: Claire O'Reilly, Aislinn Kavanagh and Teresa O'Donovan with Charlene Masterson as Miss Sandra

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 in Naas are appealing for witnesses following a carjacking incident in Kill this morning.

Shortly before 7am, a female motorist in her 40s was flagged down by a male pedestrian as she approached a roundabout on Bothar Philip near Kill.

She spoke with the pedestrian who proceeded to threaten her at knife point before making off in her car, a Blue Hyundai Tucson.

It’s understood the car travelled in the direction of the N7 (northbound).

The woman, although not physically harmed, was left badly shaken by the incident.

The car has yet to be recovered and no arrests have been made to date.

Investigating Gardaí say the pedestrian was wearing a high-vis jacket when he approached the car and may have been involved in a single car collision on the Straffan road a short time earlier.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda Station 045-884300 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

The investigation is ongoing.

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People have been warned to be alert to a "voice phishing" scam in which fraudsters claim to be ringing from a utility company seeking to "fix" issues with the customer's broadband service.

The scam involves consumers receiving a phone call from someone purporting to be from a service provider, generally supplying broadband, alerting the householder to issues with their supply and offering to repair it.

In order to do so, the fraudsters will request remote access to a laptop or desktop computer, as well as debit/credit card information and security details.

Gardaí warn that the callers are professional and sound genuine. They are able to transfer people to a supervisor if requested.

Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Detective Garda James O'Meara said the callers can sometimes have basic information about householders, such as their name and address.

"We have a tendency to put a lot of information on the internet," he said.

Detective O'Meara said that one financial provider has had more than 20 complaints from victims of the scam recently.

He said that while financial institutions are very good at picking up these scams, a lot of people do not report them.

Detective O'Meara said if anyone is suspicious they should hang up immediately and find a number for their service provider from a bill or the company's website.

He recommended that people call the service provider back from another phone, as sometimes the fraudsters will have left the phone line open.

He added that if anyone thinks they have been victim to such a scam they should contact their bank and Garda Station immediately.

The Banking and Payments Federation Ireland has said people should "always be wary of any unexpected calls or texts, especially those asking for personal details or payments".

"Never give your financial or personal information in order to release money, refund fees, or access to your computer," said Niamh Davenport, head of the BPFI FraudSmart programme.

"Fraudsters are very convincing, but don’t be afraid to take the time to make the relevant checks.

"The caller will try to rush you or make you feel foolish and negligent if you don’t follow their instructions, but this is all designed to panic you into doing something you wouldn’t otherwise do."

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.

UK-based operator, Primary Health Properties (PHP),  is to provide development funding for the construction of a new primary care centre in Athy for a total cost of €11.4m.

The centre will comprise of 3,975 sq. metres of commercial space with approximately 80pc rented to the HSE and TUSLA on 30-year leases.

The remainder of the premises will be pre-let to a GP practice, pharmacy, and retail operator.

Construction work is expected to be completed early next year.

This acquisition, PHP's ninth in Ireland, increases PHP's portfolio to a total of 316 assets, with a gross value of over £1.5bn and a contracted rent roll of just under £80m.

The gross value of the Irish portfolio is now approaching €120m of committed capital.

Harry Hyman, managing director of PHP, said: "This acquisition will provide a substantial new purpose built primary care centre and reinforces our progress in growing our Irish portfolio, a market where we see significant potential due to the Irish government's commitment to modernise the primary care infrastructure and widen the provision of healthcare services in local communities."

"We have a strong pipeline of acquisitions in the UK and Ireland and are well positioned to continue growing the portfolio in both jurisdictions."

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Kildare County Council is to close a busy road in Kildare Town temporarily tomorrow [Wednesday] to facilitate gas connection works in the area.

The L7014 Green Road in Kildare Town (beside the Carmelite Church) will be closed from its junction with the L70256 Pigeon Lane at the Carmelite Church graveyard to its junction with the L7011 at Knavinstown Crossroads.

The closure was also in operation today and some motorists said they had a 12-mile detour.

The closure is required to facilitate gas connection works at this location.

The Council said emergency access and restricted local access will be maintained.

Alternative Routes

Traffic travelling towards Kildare Town will be diverted via the L7011 at Knavinstown Cross, the R445 at Cherryville Crossroads, and the L70256 Pigeon Lane at its junction with the R445.

Traffic travelling from Kildare Town will be diverted via the L70256 Pigeon Lane, the R445 at its junction with Pigeon Lane, and the L7011 at Cherryville Crossroads.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted, as agreed with the Council and An Garda Síochána.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted.

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 nine Match 5 winners receive over €41,000 each.

Record-breaking Irish win 

The record-breaking win eclipses the €115 million won by Limerick Woman Dolores McNamara in July 2005. It is the 14th Irish EuroMillions win since the game was launched in Ireland in 2004.

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, tonight advised EuroMillions players to check their tickets to see if they have landed this mega windfall.

"This is an incredible win for an Irish EuroMillions player! And a record win for the National Lotttery we are thrilled. We are advising our players to check their tickets and if they are the winner sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact National Lottery HQ and we will guide you through the claims process."

Mr Griffin added:  "The shop that sold the winning ticket will not be revealed for a few days. With such a big win we have procedures to go through but we will reveal the winning location as soon as we can. Whilst this is a massive win it can come as a shock to a player and we advise them to stay calm, get good independent legal and financial advice and contact us as soon as they can."

"This has been an incredibly lucky period for players on the island of Ireland. In January a Northern Ireland couple won an amazing €127 million in the EuroMillions jackpot. The luck of the Irish is definitely in the air."

The EuroMillions has been rolling for several weeks. The maximum EuroMillions jackpot  of €190 million has only been paid out three times ever in the history of EuroMillons. EuroMillions is played in nine countries.

This is the 14th Irish EuroMillions win since the game was launched in Ireland in 2004.

Here is the roll call of the lucky thirteen Irish EuroMillions jackpot winners to date:

1. July 2005: Dolores McNamara from Limerick, was Ireland’s first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over €115 million.
2. July 2008: A lucky player from Co. Tipperary won a €15 million jackpot with a ticket bought in Carrick-on-Suir in Co. Tipperary.
3. June 2009: A family syndicate shared the jackpot with a British winner, taking home over €29.4 million with a ticket they purchased in Dublin.
4. June 2013: A winning ticket sold in Beaumount, Dublin, shared a EuroMillions jackpot worth over €187 million. A Dublin player earned half of the jackpot and picked up over €93 million.
5. September 2013: A young man from the South East shared a jackpot of over €25 million with a player in Spain, taking home over €12.8 million.
6. April 2014: A jackpot prize worth €15 million was claimed on a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
7. September 2014: An €86.7 million jackpot was won by a syndicate from Dublin. The ticket was sold in Centra, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin.
8. January 2016: A syndicate of friends won over €66 million, splitting the jackpot of €132,376,632. The ticket was sold in Eason’s store, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.
9. July 2016: 22 colleagues from Dublin Bus won the €23.8 million. The ticket was sold in O’Hanlon’s Portarlington.
10. January 2017: A Dublin work syndicate claimed the €88.5 million EuroMillions jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the Applegreen Service Station on the M1 Northbound in Lusk, Co. Dublin.
11. July 2017: A syndicate from the West of Ireland won a €29 million EuroMillions jackpot. The ticket was sold in Garryduff XL Store on Pound Road, Castlebar in Co. Mayo.
12. December 2017: A small family syndicate from Dublin won €38.9 million on a ticket purchased in The Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre
13. In June 2018: 32 colleagues from Stakelums Hardware store in Thurles Co. Tipperary share a €17 million EuroMillions jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Eason’s Store in Thurles Shopping Centre in Co. Tipperary.
14. February 2019: Single winner of EuroMillions. Location to be disclosed

Almost 30 cent in every Euro spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over Ireland in the areas of health, sport, arts, culture, heritage, youth, community and the Irish language.

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.

€2.75 million is the asking price for a 10-acre site fronting the M4 near Celbridge.

The lands are zoned light industry and warehousing under the local development plan.

This location is convenient for the M50 and the massive Intel campus where an $8 billion (€7 billion) semiconductor project was recently mooted.

The 10 acres of land are suitable, subject to planning permission, for industrial warehousing, motor sales and light industrial uses, the Irish Times reports.

The proposed Intel expansion would see the firm add up to 1,600 staff and build 200,000sq m (2.153 million square feet) of high-tech space.

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.

Athy band Picture This are celebrating after their second album exceeded 1 million online streams.

Mdrn Lv was released last Friday ahead of their five-night stint at the 3Arena in next month.

Their first album, simply entitled, Picture This, was released in August 2017 and reached number one in the Irish charts.

The group will perform five sold-out nights at the Dublin venue from Wednesday, March 27 to Sunday, March 31 with support from Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi.

The Co Kildare boys are also set to perform at the Botanic Gardens in Belfast on June 21 and 22.

Picture This have become the first artist ever to have their album officially released on top of the Empire State Building in New York.

The four lads performed singles from the new album on the iconic building’s 86th floor viewing deck.

The band are heading on a sold-out UK tour, followed by a trip across North America and Canada and a later bigger UK tour.

Lead singer Ryan Hennessy said the album is also set to do well in the UK charts.

"It's going to be our first time in the top 40 of the UK charts, our first album in there."

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 search is on to find the holder of the record-breaking €175 million EuroMillions jackpot, which was won in Ireland last night.

Several rumours were circulating on social media last night that the winner was based in Naas, Tullamore or Cork!

The winner(s) may never come forward but the shop where the ticket was sold will be revealed in coming days.

The retailer will pocket a big bonus for selling the lucky slip of paper that made someone a multi-millionaire.

Meanwhile a financial adviser said the winner is probably in a state of shock at the massive windfall.

And it could take a week or more to assemble all the money into one bank account as it has to be collected from banks in several European countries.

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin said:  "The shop that sold the winning ticket will not be revealed for a few days.

"With such a big win we have procedures to go through but we will reveal the winning location as soon as we can."

A scramble is under way across the country to check Euromillions tickets - after it was announced that there was one winner of last night's jackpot and that the ticket was sold in Ireland.

The winning numbers are 01, 08, 18, 19, 39 and the Lucky Stars are 07, 09. The jackpot is worth  €175,475,380.

It had been rolling over since 4 January and is the 14th National Lottery EuroMillions jackpot winner since the game began in 2004 and represents the biggest ever lottery win on the island.

An investment strategist with Investec has said the winner, or winners will need to take their time before making any decisions.

Dan Moroney said the scale of money is unimaginable and, if it is an individual winner, they will probably be experiencing shock.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that good, solid legal and financial advice would be worth its weight in gold.

He added that the scale of money means options like establishing family trusts and charitable foundations need to be considered, if it is an individual winner.

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 John Murphy
Whitebog, Barrowhouse, Athy, Kildare

Peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the loving care of Droimnin Nursing Home, Stradbally. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons John, James, Mike and Kieran, daughter Mary , son-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Rest in Peace Reposing at his son James' residence, Whitebog, Barrowhouse (Eir Code R14 YE45) from 4pm on Wednesday with Rosary at 8pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 11.30am to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Barrowhouse for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The death has occurred of Anne Purcell (née Farrell)
Celbridge, Kildare

PURCELL, Anne (née Farrell), (Celbridge, Co. Kildare) February 19th., 2019 (peacefully) in the loving care of the staff at Connolly Hospital. Beloved wife of Phil and much loved mother of Catherine, Elaine, Ciarán and Declan. Anne will be sadly missed by her loving husband, sons, daughters, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.   May she rest in peace   Reposing at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Ardclough Rd., Celbridge on Thursday evening (February 21st.) between 6 o’c and 8 o’c. Removal on Friday morning (February 22nd.) to St. Patrick’s Church, Celbridge arriving for Requiem Mass at 11 o’c followed by burial in Donacomper Cemetery.

The death has occurred of Michael Deegan
Ballymore Eustace, Kildare

Deegan, Michael, Chapel St., Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. 17th February 2019. Suddenly at home. Sadly missed by his sister Betty, brother Martin, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grandnephew Olav.   May he rest in peace   Reposing at Clarke’s Funeral Home, Burgage More, Blessington on Tuesday from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Removal on Wednesday morning to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymore Eustace for 11.00 am Funeral Mass followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

The death has occurred of Frances Duggan Moore
Sheeling House, Allenwood North, Allenwood, Kildare

Sadly missed by her loving children Ricky, Charlene and Jordan, and their father George, her fiancee Cathal, grandchildren Billy and Ruby, her mother Chrissie, brother Paddy, sisters Marie and Christine, brothers in law, sisters in law, son in law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, relatives, neighbours and friends.   May Frances Rest In Peace.   Reposing at Glennon's Funeral Home, Allenwood, from 4pm on Wednesday with rosary at 8pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 10:30am to arrive at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Allenwood, for requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Allen Cemetery.

The death has occurred of Robert Hart
Courtown Park, Kilcock, Kildare

Hart, Bob, Courtown Park, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, February 17th 2019, peacefully at Naas Hospital. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Maureen, sons Ian and Paul, grandchildren Erin, Emily,Jane, Caoimhe and Ciara, sister in law Janice and her husband Allan,relatives and friends.   Rest In Peace   Reposing at Reillys Funeral Home, Leinster Street, Maynooth on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm. Removal on Wednesday at 1pm to arrive Newlands Cross Crematorium for 2pm funeral service. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Friends of Naas Hospital.

The death has occurred of Stephen HUGHES
Gleann na Riogh Grove, Naas, Kildare / Kill, Kildare

Formerly of Gaelic View, Kill. Beloved son of Caroline and Graham, brother of Robert, Shauna and Rachael. grandson of Josie Hughes, predeceased by his grandparents Martin Hughes, and Brigid and Maurice Kavanagh (recently deceased). Sadly missed by his loving family, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, work colleagues and friends. Reposing at his home on Wednesday from 4pm with Rosary 7pm. Removal on Thursday morning at 9.20am to arrive at St. Brigid's Church, Kill for Funeral Mass at 10am followed by Burial in St. Corban's Cemetery, Naas.

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 JJ Kavanagh & Sons network  is expanding with the launch today of 25 NEW services to Dublin City and Dublin Airport from Naas Town.

The introduction of this service to Naas Town offers passengers greater connectivity between the towns and cities which will make commuting even easier and more affordable.

Start date is: Today, WEDNESDAY, February 20.

View the FULL timetable and book tickets below:

➡️http://bit.ly/JJKavLaunches25NewServices

Commuters in the Naas area can look forward to direct services to Dublin City and Dublin Airport.

What’s more, third level students attending UCD, Trinity, DCU, and the City Centre based IT’s will all now have a frequent bus timetable which will make commuting even easier and more affordable for students.

• All coaches are Wi-Fi enabled.
• Commuters can SAVE up to 52% with JJ Kavanagh & Sons TaxSaver Monthly, Quarterly or Annual Gold Cards.
• Department of Social Protection Travel Pass will be accepted.
• If you book your ticket online and save 10% on your travel.

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.

Newbridge singer Christy Moore has opened up about the loss of his father at a young age, giving up alcohol and why he’s determined to do more for the planet.

Speaking with Ruairí McKiernan on his Love and Courage podcast, Christy says the death of his father had a profound impact on him that he still feels today.

He explained: "It was a shocking experience and it affected us all in different ways and I believe all six of us are still affected by it, you know, by the impact that had on our lives."

He recalls how it wasn't until he became a parent himself that it really struck him.

“I looked in the mirror and I saw him [his son] and suddenly it dawned on me the effect it would have on him now at this moment.

"If he was told what I was told when I was eleven. And it really hit home."

He went on to say the awareness of his mother’s struggle as a lone parent with six children helped him realise the need for greater understanding and support for people in need.

“You know, I was blessed to grow up in a strong family environment and even though we lost our daddy when I was eleven and the eldest of six and the family was shattered by that, we still grew up in a loving, caring environment, you know. And unfortunately, not everybody has that privilege.”

On the subject of sobriety, his time as a drinker as part of the 70s folk scene is well known and he says his current life of sobriety as a “wonderful thing”.

“I know it took me a few years to come into the light.

"I can still remember the first time I ever walked out on stage without alcohol or any other substance and it was, for me in my life, it was quite an amazing moment

“'Cos for many years I thought I couldn't do anything without those crutches.”

Growing up near the Curragh and spending time with family and neighbours on farms and bogs gave a young Christy a love for nature, something that shines through in many of his songs.

He says he increasingly concerned about the state of the planet and is determined to do more to act.

“The way the weather is changing, you know. There are voices out there and we listen and then we go out and buy a new flat-screen television and a new car and everything has to be 'quadruple-wrapped' in plastic and on we go.

"I'm not a very good warrior in the ecological movement. I sing about it and I talk about it but I hope I can do better. I hope I can do more.

“On the back of this, I'm going to do better. On the back of this conversation on this day, I'm going to do better. I'm going to do less plastic!

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.

Last night's winning EuroMillions ticket was sold in North County Dublin.

The winner of the €175m jackpot bought the ticket in Reilly's Daybreak in Naul, near the Co Meath border.

It is still unclear if largest ever Lotto jackpot winner in Ireland is a syndicate or single ticket holder.

Spokesperson for the National Lottery, Miriam Donohue  says the shop also gets a substantial bonus of €25,000.

"We've heard this morning form the winner of the €175m EuroMillions jackpot, and we're also in a position to reveal the shop that sold this golden ticket, it's Reilly's Daybreak in Naul, North County Dublin," she said.

"The winning shop gets a bonus of €25,000, that's standard for any shop that sells a EuroMillions jackpot-winning ticket, so they have a lot to cheer about also."

A Lottery spokesperson had earlier said the ticket holder contacted Lotto HQ and will be guided through the prize claims process.

Ms Donohoe told Today with Sean O'Rourke on RTÉ Radio 1 that the person who made contact was "surprisingly calm and very together".

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, said:"We are delighted the winner has made contact. This is an incredible win for an Irish EuroMillions player! And a record win for the National Lottery we are thrilled.

"This has been an incredibly lucky period for players on the island of Ireland. In January a Northern Ireland couple won an amazing €127 million in the EuroMillions jackpot. The luck of the Irish is definitely in the air."

The chief executive of the National Lottery is advising the winner (or winners) of the €175m EuroMillions jackpot to sign the back of the ticket, sit back, take a deep breath and to take their time before making any decisions.

Dermot Griffin told RTE’s Morning Ireland that the National Lottery will not reveal the location of the retail outlet where the winning ticket was purchased for a few days.

The reason for this is to allow the winner “to go about their business” without media focus.

“It will take time for this to sink in. They need to take their time and stay calm.”

He said that the National Lottery can assist with advice and can outline the advantages and disadvantages of “going public”.

It will take a week for the €175m jackpot to be gathered from around Europe, he added.

Mr Griffin said it is always beneficial for winners to get professional advice on trusts and how best to cope with such a windfall.

“We’ve been through this 14 times before.

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.

Junior crossing guards at St Peter's National School, Monasterevin last week recorded a safety video.

The youngsters also received a safety talk from Garda Sean O'Mahony and Declan Keogh, Kildare County Council Road Safety Officer.

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 2019 race season at the Curragh Racecourse is fast approaching and with it the opening of the new Grandstand.

The excitement is palpable, the anticipation is building and the Curragh wants to expand on its dedicated team on each of the 19 racedays.

The Curragh Racecourse is seeking enthusiastic, customer focused and self-motivated individuals who would like to be an integral part of the raceday team at The Curragh.

There are both Customer Care and Equine Care roles available.

Suitable individuals will be hardworking, adaptable, a good time keeper and able to work both on their own initiative, as well as in a team.

Those working in equine care will also have experience working in the equine industry.

All successful candidates must be available to attend mandatory training and induction on the 30th or 31st of March or alternatively the 6th April 2019. You must be available to attend at least one day of this training.

Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to recruitment@curragh.ie by 5pm on 28th February 2019.

Please ensure you refer to the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Visit www.curragh.ie for more details about the Curragh Racecourse, the redevelopment and the 2019 Fixture List.

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.

Laurina remains the most likely Champion Hurdle winner outside of Buveur d’Air and Apple’s Jade after breezing to victory in the Quevega Mares’ Hurdle at Punchestown today, Wednesday 20 February.

The mare made it six wins from six under the eye of Willie Mullins but remained a 7/2 chance with BoyleSports in the Champion Hurdle behind the Nicky Henderson and Gordon Elliott pair who have enjoyed a strong hold at the head of the market.

Stormy Ireland Goes 6/1 From 8/1 For Mares’ Hurdle

Stablemate Stormy Ireland,who followed Laurina home at Punchestown, was clipped in the antepost markets, going from 8/1 into 6/1 for the Mares’ Hurdle on day one of the Festival next month.

There has also been a continued gamble on Al Dancer to win the Festival opener after his impressive hurdle win last weekend. He went from 6/1 from 10/1 after the Ascot victory but the support shows no signs of drying up with 4/1 quotes making way for 7/2 on Wednesday.

Lawrence Lyons, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented: “Buveur d’Air and Apple’s Jade have been attracting most of the antepost action for the Champion Hurdle but Laurina is starting to prove a very popular each-way prospect with punters at 7/2, even moreso after that comfortable warm up. We’re seeing a lot of interest in that market and it’s a race that is shaping up to be one of the crackers of the Festival.”

Champion Hurdle

15/8       Buveur d’Air

15/8      Apple’s Jade

7/2        Laurina

8/1        Sharjah

10/1      Verdana Blue

12/1      Samcro

14/1 bar

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 local community in Naas was stunned when plants inserted for a commemorative garden were robbed within days of planting. Cllr Sorcha O’Neill (Ind) expressed her horror at the callousness of the robbery, within two days only after planting!

“I was going to send out a positive press release about the wonderful work that we achieved between the Naas Access Group, Tidy Towns, Naas Men's Shed, Friends of Naas Hospital and Tesco about the new garden at Fairy Flax on the Blessington Road in Naas” Cllr O’Neill told the Kildare Post.

“The plan was for a garden dedicated to those affected by cancer. As you can see from the photo here, Majella O’Keefe from Naas Access Group and Tidy Towns volunteers fundraised, dug and planted €250 worth of plants and trees, only to have them robbed within 2 days of putting them in the ground”.
The indignant Naas MD Councillor stated this seems to be a trending crime.

“I know this has happened to Naas Tidy Towns a couple of times last year and in my own estate when our resident association planted new flowers. Others have since told me it's happening in Blessington too. It's just ridiculous and soul destroying to have the hard work of volunteers is just ripped up like that.

Cllr O’Neill appealed to the public if anyone saw any suspicious activity at the corner of Friary Road and Blessington Road Naas from the evening of Friday, 15 February to Saturday 16, would they could get in touch with the Gardaí in Naas.

Featured image, left to right: 

Dennis Hynes - Cancer survivor; Bernie Kane - Tesco Regional Office; Peggy O’ Dwyer - Friends of Naas Hospital; Cllr Sorcha O'Nell, Naas MD and Naas Access Group and Majella O Keefe, Naas Access Group at the site on Blessington Road, Naas which was planted and covered with pebble. The plants were stolen within two days of sowing.

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.