Applications to the ESB Networks Apprenticeship Programme are now open for 2019.

This year will see ESB Networks recruit up to 70 new electrical apprentices.

Applications will be accepted online until 25th March.

ESB Networks is known for its high-quality apprenticeship programme, which offers a mix of on-the-job experience as well as classroom based learning.

Successful apprentices obtain a QQI Advanced Level 6 Electrical Trade Certificate over four years, with a utility that serves 2.3 million domestic and business customers in Ireland.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “Apprenticeships offer embedded learning and are an important path to innovation which have been undervalued in Ireland by enterprise and by the community. Many new fields of apprenticeship are opening up in Ireland.

"The ESB has steadfastly recognised the importance of apprenticeships. Now more than ever as the energy sector is transformed to meet the challenge of global climate disruption, apprenticeships in this sector are more valuable than ever.”

ESB Chief Executive Pat O’Doherty said: “The apprenticeship programme has always been of paramount importance to ESB. It ensures we have the skills and expertise necessary to maintain a world-leading electricity system, capable of meeting society’s rapidly increasing needs for clean energy. I look forward to welcoming our latest cohort of apprentices to ESB later in the year.”

Mr O’Doherty, who also chairs the Government’s Apprentice Council, adds: “Apprenticeships are invaluable in developing high quality skills which are needed in a modern economy.

"It is encouraging to see apprentices span an ever-widening range of sectors, given that ESB has been very well served by our investment in apprenticeships over many decades.”

Katie Hynes, who recently successfully completed the ESB Networks apprenticeship programme, strongly recommends this career path: "My apprenticeship journey with ESB Networks has been nothing but positive, educational and enjoyable.

"My workmates and management have been extremely helpful by passing on as much knowledge and hands-on skills as possible. I

"I really enjoy the physical and electrical aspect of my job. I would highly recommend both young women and men to apply for this apprenticeship like I did, you will have no regrets."

To apply, visit: https://esbnetworks.ie/careers/apprenticeships

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 Cyril Dunne
3 Kill, Monasterevin, Kildare

Suddenly at his residence. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Catherine, son Martin, brother-in-law Eamon, nephews, niece, extended family, neighbours and friends.

Rest In Peace .

The death has occurred of Angela Kelly (née Murphy)
Greenhills, Athy, Kildare

Angela Kelly (nee Murphy), Greenhills, Athy, Co. Kildare passed away on 22^nd February 2019. Sadly missed by her children, Pauline, Noel, Sharon, Donna, Rachel, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters, extended family and friends.

May Angela Rest in Peace

Reposing at her home Greenhills, Athy, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th. between 4pm and 9pm. Rosary at 8pm Sunday evening. Removal from her home on Monday morning at 10.30am to arrive at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Athy for Requiem Mass at 11am. Followed by burial in St. Michael’s New Cemetery, Athy.

House Private on Monday Morning.

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 dry day ahead for Co Kildare is anticipated with a nice bright morning, although foggy in some parts of the county earlier.

There will be cloud spells and even some sunshine.

Maximum temperatures  are set to reach 11 to 16 degrees.

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.

There are heavy delays on the M50 this morning following a collision.

Gardaí have dealt with a collision on the M4 eastbound before J7 Maynooth with delays now from before this junction past J6 Leixlip.

The heaviest delays now though are on the N4 from J4 Newcastle to the M50.

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

A two day blood drive will be held in Maynooth University's Main Sports Hall today and tomorrow from 11am-2pm daily.

According to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, the blood drive is set to take place in the Main Sports Hall in Maynooth University with  donations being accepted from 11am to 2pm. The clinic will also take place tomorrow at the same time.

Meanwhile, a blood drive will also take place in Kilcock at the GAA Centre tomorrow Tuesday, February 26 from 4.30pm to 8pm.

Those wishing to donate blood must be over 18 and they may be asked to provide I.D. such as a passport or a drivers licence.

For more information on donating blood visit https://www.giveblood.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.

A popular shoe shop is closing down in Newbridge this week leading  to a number of job losses.

Paul Byron Shoes at the Courtyard Shopping Centre is closing down after six years in Newbridge.

Currently there are great bargains to be had as stock is  being cleared at the Newbridge store.

Staff and customers are expressing disappointment at the closure, anticipated to take place this week.

In the midlands there are  also stores in Tullamore and Maynooth.

There are approximately 20 stores 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.

All services to and from Dublin's Heuston Station are delayed by up to an hour due to an issue on Kildare coming to and from Heuston Station in Dublin.

Iarnród Éireann have advised all customers to expect delays due to mechanical issues between the Sallins and Newbridge line.

In the latest update the company has said that there are expected delays of up to 60 mins to all services ex Heuston at present and approx 30 mins delays to all services on the Newbridge-Grand Canal Dock route.

Meanwhile, any passengers travelling to Grand Canal Dock should take alternative services to Hazelhatch and change there.

Update: Expected delays of up to 60 mins to all services ex Heuston at present and approx 30 mins delays to all services on the Newbridge-GCD route

— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) February 25, 2019

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.

While childhood obesity levels in Ireland are stabilising, at least one in five children nationally are still overweight or obese*. However, a primary schools’ initiative run by students for students is helping children of all ages to change their eating habits for the better.

Now in its sixth year, schools in Kildare and across the country are being invited to take part in the 2019 Healthy Heroes Lunch Club programme which has just been launched by the Irish Bread Bakers Association (IBBA) and Bord Bia.

The healthy lunchtime programme has been designed by teachers and behaviour change experts with the support of Dr Mary McCreery, one of Ireland’s leading consultant nutritionists and dieticians.

It allows children to learn about nutrition and boost their activity levels, all while having lots of fun in a non-competitive environment. Through its peer learning approach sixth class students mentor younger students on the importance of nutrition and being active, providing the older children with an opportunity to foster valuable leadership, teamwork and communication skills.

According to Dr McCreery this “tiny teach” peer learning approach is one of the reasons for the programme’s success.  “The classroom is the perfect place to help improve children’s knowledge of food and what they eat for lunch. Incorporating healthy eating habits from a young age and in a playful environment is a vital stepping-stone to their future food habits.  One of the aims of this programme is to decrease the amount of treat foods and increase the nutritional value of the lunch box and older children can be a very important influence here. Not only can they act as good role models, younger children can feel more comfortable and open when interacting with a peer as they share a similar way of talking, which allows for greater understanding of the important nutrition and exercise messages that this programme is conveying,” she said.

The school lunch box should provide about 25% - 35% of a child’s energy and nutrient needs. Yet Dr McCreery says that studies show packed lunches are deficient in “healthy” foods and tend to be high in sugar, saturated fat and salt, while low on starchy foods and fibre.

As part of the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club, children form a lunch club that meets to eat together regularly, where nutrition is addressed informally and in a fun way, using materials provided in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club pack.  The programme contains useful tips and suggestions on ways to include fruit and vegetables in lunch boxes as well as easy – to- understand information on the food pyramid and the contents of the ideal lunch box. The lunch of the month meanwhile offers suggestions that are designed to encourage children to have a more balanced lunch.

Led by sixth class pupils, with guidance from their teachers, the children run activities, giving them the opportunity to develop both valuable communication and social skills. This leadership method, promotes a sense of cooperation and heightened self-esteem amongst the older children.

For more information on the programme and how schools can get involved in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club, email healthyheroes@realnation.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: Ben Kelly

Oisín and John Smullen from Rathangan

Robyn Mackenzie-Smith, Leighann Gibbons and Jack Mackenzie-Smith

Savannah Rowley and Laura Reidy from Kildare Town

Esther Dowling and Mary Raleigh

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.

Children from Co Kildare are taking part in the Dublin CP (Cerebral Palsy) Football Festival 2019 next month.

CP development academy is the only purpose-run football training for children / young adults with Cerebral Palsy and acquired brain injuries.

The tournament is taking place in the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh, Dublin from March 29 to 31.

A total of ten teams from Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK and the USA will take part.

See more information at: www.cpfootballacademy.com

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.

This semi-detached, 3-bedroom home is for sale with a guide price of €85,000.

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.

There has been a slight increase in the number of people waiting on beds rising to 17 today at Naas General Hospital while there are 488 patients nationwide waiting for beds this morning, according to today’s INMO Trolley Watch.

It is understood that there are 17 patients in total receiving treatment on trolleys at Naas Hospital, with 13 patients in the emergency department and 4 patients on wards elsewhere in the hospital.

The worst-hit hospitals today are:

• University Hospital Limerick – 57
• Sligo University Hospital – 42
• Beaumont - 33

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.

More than 5,000 residents of Sallins and the surrounding areas have signed a petition this week calling on Kildare County Council (KCC) to urgently put in place road safety measures in Sallins village.

The petition, which was organised by the Sallins Road Safety Action Group, will be presented to KCC’s Director of Roads, Niall Morrissey today by the Group’s spokespeople - Alison Loakman, John McLoughlin and Valerie Ryan – all three of whom have been directly affected by fatal or near-fatal incidents in Sallins village in recent times.

With a total population of just over 5,000 in Sallins village, the level of support shown for the petition is a ringing endorsement of the call for urgent action to be taken by KCC.

The Group is calling on KCC to urgently put in place some traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or lane narrowing devices in order to slow traffic passing through the village.

Road safety is a significant issue in Sallins, with accidents or near misses happening on a weekly basis.  Sallins Road Safety Action Group is a newly established group of committed Sallins residents, drawn from all areas of the village, and it has the support of national and local politicians from all the major parties as well as independents.

Following the success of recent initiatives, such as; the silent march in November to honour the first anniversary of Dane Loakman’s tragic passing and the protest in December following Valerie Ryan’s near-fatal accident, and supported by the McLoughlin family who tragically lost their father in 2011, the Sallins Road Safety Action Group is focused exclusively on bringing the issue of road safety into the forefront of public attention, while also building and maintaining pressure on KCC.

The Group’s purpose is to;

• Work as a pressure group to improve road safety in Sallins.
• Change the attitudes and behaviours of drivers.
• Work proactively with local and national authorities, including Kildare County Council, in developing ideas and plans for road safety measures in Sallins.

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.

Co Kildare commuters have been experiencing long delays today. While services have returned to normal now,many suffered long delays today.

Co Kildare's Green Party Chairperson and Naas local election candidate, Vincent P Martin SC has said that the Minister for Transport Shane Ross TD must be held to account over rail delays. The call comes as this morning a mechanical fault between Sallins and Newbridge caused delays of up to 80 minutes on services in and out of Dublin's Heuston Station.

Mr Martin who commutes daily from Naas to work in Dublin city centre said:"Due to decades of under-investment in our rail services in costing commuters time and money. The latest figures in a Dáil Question tabled by Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan TD showed that over a thousand services were affected by line closures in both 2016 and 2017. This figures was up significantly from previous years."

He said: "It is simply unacceptable that the Government continue with a 2:1 ratio of roads over public transport, with no public transport project last year, none planned this year and probably none next year. Kildare is the largest commuter county in the country and therefore suffers most from this abysmal lack of governmental prioritisation."

He said: "Millions of Euro are being spent on replacement bus services that could have been investment in rail service improvements. Long service outages are accepted as the norm on our railways but would be unacceptable on motorways. This needs to change and Minister Ross must act. If we're serious about tackling climate change we need to invest in our rail services to improve journey times and reliability."

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 Co Kildare man will be looking for love as he makes an appearance on 'First Dates Ireland' this week.

Musician Johnny Haskins, 73, will appear on Thursday’s show as he seeks his perfect partner- preferably a lady who can appreciate his vast musical knowledge!

Johnny is a well-known local musician from Athy and he performed with The Sorrento Showband and with Harry and the Escorts in the 1960s and 1970s.

He explained that his daughter Carolann nominated him to take part in the show, and he performs regularly in local pubs around Kildare these days as a freelance musician. He told The Irish Sun: "I didn’t know a thing about it. My daughter sent in an application and they called me for interview. I said then that I’d do it for the craic. I really enjoyed it.”

“Women my age don’t go to pubs on their own. I perform in pubs as a freelance musician so even if I saw someone, I’m playing until the end of the night when everyone is gone home. I’d been in an eight-year relationship that ended two years ago," added Johnny.

Johnny will be matched up with Kerry native Pamela who coincidentally is a massive music fan.

Tune in to see whether or not Johnny and Pamela bond over their shared love of music by catching their date on 'First Dates Ireland' airing this Thursday, February 28 at 9.30pm on RTE2.

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 Diana Maynard 

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.

For the second year, Harvey Norman Ireland have teamed up with Peter McVerry Trust to help raise awareness and funds for the homeless in Ireland. In February 2018, Harvey Norman customers and staff, together, raised an astounding €183,693 at the very final count, surpassing their fundraising target of €170,000 – and this year, they are well on their way to doing the same!

Harvey Norman store teams across the country planned a month of campaigning on behalf of the charity. If you popped into a Harvey Norman shop during the past month,  you will have found Bake Sales, Breakfast Rolls, Valentine’s Bake Sale, Breakfast of Champions with a fab raffle - prizes to the value of €1,000 and lots more fundraising activities.

They’ll be asking their customers to donate what they can. As you can see, Harvey Norman are a bunch of FOODIES and love baking! A lot of their shops have working kitchens and they will have freshly baked goods in lots of their shops. Coming up next, is Harvey Norman’s Pancake Weekend, Thursday 28 to Sunday, March 3.

You too can Harvey Norman staff to reach their goal and kit out 20 homes for those experiencing homelessness:

• Buy a product from the Harvey Norman “Making Homes” Collection and Harvey Norman will donate €5 of the proceeds to the Peter McVerry Trust. There are over 800 products in the Making Homes Collection in store across furniture, bedding, homewares, appliances and technology.
• Donate to the Peter McVerry Trust at harveynorman.ie/makinghomes
• Add a €1 donation at the Harvey Norman Checkout, online and in-store and Harvey Norman will match your €1 donation.
• Donate to fundraising activities organised by the Harvey Norman teams in-store for the whole month of February.

Pat Doyle, CEO, Peter McVerry Trust said

“Peter McVerry Trust is delighted to partner with Harvey Norman for the second year of Making Homes. The support of Harvey Norman management, staff and customers enables us to communicate the importance of a home and the happiness a home can bring to those in need. In 2018 the Making Homes appeal helped Peter McVerry Trust move over 20 people out of homelessness. Peter McVerry Trust wishes Harvey Norman every success for Making Homes 2019, and extends a sincere thank you to all those who are able to support the appeal.”*

Drop into you local Harvey Norman store now and support the amazing work of the Peter McVerry Trust!

*Peter McVerry Trust is a national homeless and housing charity, with its headquarters in Dublin, and regional offices in Limerick City and Drogheda.

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: Pat Tinsley 

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.

For those thinking ahead of what to do this summer when school ends, Kildare students now have the opportunity to apply for a student exchange programme where they could spend 10 days in the state of Kentucky in the U.S., with the deadline for applications closing tomorrow.

County Kildare has been twinned with Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky in the United States of America since 1984 and the charming city of Lexington boasts a population of 300,00 and it is set in the middle of the county surrounded by horse farms and breeding establishments.

During their 10-day exchange an adult chaperone accompanies the students. The exchange is supported financially by Kildare County Council and organised by the official County Twinning Committee.

For over thirty years junior soccer clubs, university students and academics, basketball teams, and host of those with equine connections among many others have benefitted from exchanges and interactive opportunities provided through the goodwill created by the work of this Committee.

Students in the past have been from Transition Year from Kildare schools, with the students set to go to Lexington in early July 2019 and for the US students to visit on their return. Kildare County Council has said that applications are now open and those interested must meet the following criteria:

• Students from Kildare must be aged 16 or over by 1 June 2019
• Interested in spending time with a family in Lexington
• Would like to have a great holiday in Lexington, Kentucky for 10 days in July 2019 and to also welcome a US student to their home.

Students interested in the exchange should talk to their Transition Year Co-ordinator or email kildarestudentexchange@gmail.com for an application form.

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.

Parents are this week being urged to supervise their children’s online activity due a cyber-bullying game called the "Momo challenge".

Gardaí say that the challenge is appearing on social media platforms and targets children and/or vulnerable people.

It is understood that "Momo" makes contact through social media, and allegedly asks the person to perform dangerous tasks, including self-harm.

In Northern Ireland the PSNI has also issued a warning against "Momo", and says there have been reports of the game appearing on YouTube.

"Our advice as always, is to supervise the games your kids play and be extremely mindful of the videos they are watching on YouTube. Ensure that the devices they have access to are restricted to age suitable content," said the PSNI.

An image of the woman who appears as part of the 'Momo' challenge targeting vulnerable children and young people online

However, CyberSafeIreland has said that it has been contacted a number of times by concerned parents in the last few days about the challenge, and they have urged parents to keep watch over their children's online activities.

They said:"It is really important that parents are aware that while the internet brings great opportunities for fun, learning and socialisation, there are also risks that have to be managed, including access to harmful content or harmful contact. Parents should make informed decisions about their children's online use, keep a close eye on things, and have regular conversations about what their children are seeing and doing online."

Gardaí are reminding children and parents to make sure that those who contact them are people they know in the real world and to be careful about the kind of information they share online and to report suspect behaviour they may experience online.

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.