A woman claimed to Naas District Court how her husband said 'move bitch' while she was standing on his way at a cupboard in the kitchen.

The couple, who are married for several years, and have children, appeared in court.

Her husband faced a charge of contravening a protection order, by using foul language, on March 13, 2019.

Evidence was heard how his wife had prior to that  got a protection order against him.

In court, the woman outlined how after getting the protection order against her by post, she went to approach her husband and ask him the reason for the protection order.

She said: "I said,' are you terrified of me?', he said, 'yes, I am'.'

Later that day, she said that there was an incident in the kitchen.

She said: "He came to the kitchen and started cooking. He needed a pot. I was on the way beside the cupboard and he said, 'Move Bitch.' The whole morning, I was in a panic."

The woman said that she then called the Gardaí.

Defence Solicitor, Matthew Byrne, said: "She has not given evidence that she was fearful of him."

In court, the husband said that he nolonger resides with his wife and that she wanted him out of the house.

He denied that he said, 'Move Bitch.'

Judge Desmond Zaidan ruled that the accused was found not guilty of contravening a Protection Order.

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 Kildare town man facing a robbery charge appeared before Naas District Court.

The 31- year-old was charged with robbery at Carry Out Licence, at Claregate St, Kildare, on March 5, 2019.

Represented by Defence David Gibbons, the accused has been ordered to appear before Naas District Court on April 4, for DPP directions.

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 Wine on the Line 5k & 10k race is being run in Kildare Town on this Sunday - Mother's Day.

Prizes include 1st and 2nd Male and Female over each distance.

First Female and Male Child in the 5K also get prizes.

Race will start at St Bridget's Park at 11am sharp.

Bespoke medals will be provided for all finishers.

A 750ML bottle of Red or White Wine for those who choose the wine option.

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 appeared before Naas District Court facing a charge of smearing excrement on the walls of the prison cell.

The 34- year-old man was charged with Section 6 Public Order at Bishopsland, Kildare, on March 14,  2019.

He was also charged with causing criminal damage to the prison cell at Kildare Garda Station, on March 15, 2019.

Sgt Brian Jacob outlined to Naas District Court how the accused was 'knocking on wheelie bins.'

Sgt Jacob said that the accused was 'very aggressive' and was 'shouting and screaming.'

The court heard Sgt Jacob outline how the accused was detected 'smearing his excrement in the walls of the cell.'

Defence Solicitor, Conal Boyce, said: "I am looking for disclosure."

Legal aid has been assigned.

He has been ordered to appear before Naas District Court again on May 16, next, for hearing.

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.

In 2018, the Abbey Theatre put a call out for five communities who felt marginalised and silenced to take part in their inaugural 5×5 development series.

These projects received five days’ worth of space, technical assistance and €5,000 to help in the development of a theatre piece.

The series enabled the five communities to engage with their national theatre for the first time and also fostered new connections between audiences, artists and the Abbey Theatre.

Now in its second year and supported by The Ireland Funds, 5×5 will run across five weeks during the summer of 2019 and five new projects have been selected to take part.

These projects are th Run of the Mill Theatre in Celbridge, the Irish Dementia Working Group, Tailtiu Theatre, Solo Sirens and LISTEN UP!

5×5 is an initiative of the Abbey Theatre’s New Work department.

Run of the Mill Theatre is a community-based theatre arts collective based in North Kildare committed to supporting people with intellectual disabilities to access high-quality experiences in drama and theatre arts as artists, makers and participants.

They would like to develop a piece of documentary theatre about the life of Mark Smith, a 37-year-old emerging practitioner with Down Syndrome.

During their 5x5 week, they will devise, create and develop Making a Mark, with the support of a team of creative designers, culminating in a rehearsed reading of the piece.

In addition, this collaboration will also see Mark’s peers and participants from Run of the Mill Theatre engage in a unique shadowing and mentorship programme alongside the professional creative team.

Run of the Mill is based at The Mill Community Centre in Celbridge and collaborates often with St John of Gods Community Services (Liffey Region) towards the delivery of a number of arts based education and training programmes.

The group's work is supported by Kildare County Council's arts service and a number of projects have been supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Run of the Mill Theatre is co-ordinated by Artistic Director Aisling Byrne.

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Luxurious Mid-term in Abu Dhabi

Cassidy Travel is offering 6 luxury nights in exotic Abu Dhabi during Mid-term in October from €775 pps. Stay in the 5-star Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, ideally located amidst shopping havens such as the Marina and World Trade Centre Malls, with the Corniche waterfront close by.

The hotel’s award-winning restaurants offer 7 dining options and body treatments and massages are first-rate. Direct flight from Dublin departs 27 October. €25 deposit secures. Call Cassidy Travel on (01) 8735000 or book in one of their 9 stores across Dublin.

Philly meets Vegas meets Dallas in US triple-centre break

Discover different sides to the US this November with Cassidy Travel’s 10-night 3-city trip from Dublin covering Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Dallas from €1199pps. Stay 3 nights in the Hilton Garden Inn City Center in historic Philly before boarding for an energetic 4 nights along the Vegas strip, with accommodation in the Excalibur Hotel.

Another change of worlds then sees you spend 3 nights in the Magnolia Hotel Downtown in Dallas, savouring the best of Texas’ unique food and culture. Flight departs Dublin on 8 November. Call Cassidy Travel on (01) 8901000 or book in one of their 9 stores across Dublin.

Enjoy Italy and France by sea this summer

Cassidy Travel has a 7-night cruise of Italy and France this August from €999pps, including flights from Dublin. Flying to Barcelona, you’ll board the exquisite Emerald Princess, on a full board basis, and stop off at Gibraltar, Marseille, Genoa and Livorno, before disembarking in the Eternal City of Rome.

Flight departs 10 August. Call Cassidy Travel on (01) 2910000 or book in one of their 9 stores across Dublin.

Put Turkey on the map in May

Don’t forget Turkey for sun holiday this year with great value blending with white sand beaches and cosmopolitan resorts. Cassidy Travel has 7 nights in Marmaris along the Turkish Riviera from €369pp in May with meals and drinks included.

Accommodation is in the 3-star Club Alize, a few minutes’ walk from shops, bars and restaurants, with the beach a pleasant 15-minute stroll.  The resort’s large pool features slides and a separate section for kids. Flight departs 27 May. Call Cassidy Travel on (01) 4629100 or book in one of their 9 stores across Dublin.

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

Irish Rail has announced that, due to engineering works between Sallins and Kildare, the following service alterations and amendments will apply for TODAY:

Newbridge Commuters

The following services will operate to and from Hazelhatch only with bus transfers in operation between Hazelhatch to Sallins, Newbridge, Kildare, Monasterevin, Portarlington and Portlaoise;

• 21:05hrs Dublin Heuston to Portlaoise
• 22:10hrs Dublin Heuston to Portlaoise
• 23:10hrs Dublin Heuston to Kildare, bus transfers from Hazelhatch to Sallins, Newbridge and Kildare
• 21:25hrs Portlaoise to Dublin Heuston

• 22:02hrs Kildare to Dublin Heuston is cancelled
• 22:30hrs Portlaoise to Dublin Heuston will commence from Hazelhatch at 23:25hrs

Maynooth and Longford Commuters

On the following dates Drumcondra Station will be closed due to engineering works between North Strand and Glasnevin Junction. No services will stop in Drumcondra on the below dates.

• Saturday 6th April and Sunday 7th April

Please check the journey planner above for full details.

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 homeless man who told Naas District Court he worked for several years as a butcher but had to stop due to the physical work appeared Naas District Court.

The 65-year-old man with an address at Peter McVerry Trust, is facing a charge of Section 4 and Section 6 Public Order, at Eyre St, Newbridge, on March 2, 2019.

Evidence was heard how the Brazilian man was shouting at ambulance paramedics.

Sgt Brian Jacob said that because he was intoxicated,  a member of the public made a call.

Sgt Jacob said: "He was intoxicated, he kept shouting, 'fuck off you asshole.'

A translator has been ordered for the next court appearance.

He is being represented by solicitor, Brian Larkin.

Judge Desmond Zaidan order that he appear before Naas District Court on April 7, next, for hearing.

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

Plans have been lodged for an extension to the rear of ground floor shop unit in Leinster Street, Athy.

Internal alterations are also in the designs for the Athy Emporium.

Also, the existing dwelling over first and second floor will be sub-divided into residential units.

One-bedroom apartments will be developed on the first floor and second floors respectively.

The original 3 storey commercial/residential property has a ground floor shop unit of approx 600 sq ft with a bathroom to rear.

Overhead accommodation comprises bedrooms with Living Room, Kitchen and Bathroom.

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.

An Athy man facing a Section 3 assault charge in  connection to allegations of holding a man prisoner against his will and beating him up.

The charge of Section 3   assault causing harm, was withdrawn,  on March 12, 2019.

Sgt Brian Jacob told the court how the accused held the alleged victim 'against his will.'

Sgt Jacob outlined to the court how the accused 'beat him up' and 'only let him go on condition that he pay €10,000.'

Sgt Jacob said: " A lot of violence was used."

The court heard how the alleged victim came into the Garda Station and withdrew his statement.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "Sometimes you really have to look at the true meaning of the word justice."

The charge of Section 3 assault causing harm.

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 District Court heard how a man who is on the Sex Offenders List in the UK is known to be sleeping in a car in Co Kildare.

The 56-year-old man appeared before Naas District Court, charged with failing to notify Gardaí of his address, under the Sex Offenders Act.

Evidence was heard how the accused is facing a charge of breaching the Sex Offenders Act, 2001.

Garda evidence outlined how the accused was found guilty of being in possession of 'extreme images of children in Wales and Scotland.'

The court heard how he travelled from the UK to Co Kildare and he did not notify Gardaí.

Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "How do people with such serious convictions end up here? The state has to answer questions."

Garda evidence heard how when the Gardaí turned up at the property he was renting, his landlord directed him to leave.

The Garda said: "The landlord told him to leave, two weeks ago, he has not had time to get accommodation."

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered Gardaí to 'keep an eye on him.'

The court heard that he is signing on to the Garda Station as part of his bail conditions.

Judge Zaidan ordered that he appear again before Naas District Court within eight weeks for DPP directions.

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 CBS 0-20

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne 0-14

All Ireland PP Hogan Cup Semi-Final

Naas CBS brilliantly booked their place in the Hogan Cup Final with an excellent performance that enabled them to run out six point winners over Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in Mallow.

Naas kicked eight wides in the opening half including Alex Beirne missing a penalty but while some teams would have buckled at that stage when trailing, this group are made of stern stuff and they powered on from that point onwards.

After a dodgy enough start Naas were the dominant team and in the second half they kept their opponents to just five points as they took command.

The Naas team were full of stars with the likes of Alex Beirne, Mikey McGovern and Eoin Conneff all scoring heavily but they wouldn’t have got the victory without their defence and they battled valiantly to close out a much vaunted Kerry attack.

The victory means Naas will be the first School from the County to play in the showpiece decider and it caps an amazing two years for the School.

Naas will now play St.Michael’s of Enniskillen in the final next Saturday in Croke Park.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne are two time Hogan Cup winners and they made a blistering start to the game as they kicked the first three points.

Cillian O’Failbhe landed a point which went over at the end of a patient move in the opening minute before Dylan O’Geibheannaigh and Ruaidhri O’Beaglaoich followed up with a pair of frees.

It thus took seven minutes for Naas to register on the scoreboard when Tony O’Connor brilliantly dummy soloed his way into space before taking the score and the Leinster Champions were soon level when Alex Beirne kicked a couple of beautiful efforts from play.

The Kerry side looked lethal up front though and they were soon clear again with points from the O’Beaglaoich brothers Ruaidhri and Cathal before O’Geibheannaigh extended the advantage to four points nearing the midway point of the half.

The longer the half went on the better Naas seemed to get with points from Mikey McGovern and Eoin Conneff narrowing the deficit before they then won a penalty in the 20^th minute when McGovern was fouled  by James Aghas as he was trying to fist a point with the Dingle side’s midfielder getting a black card but Beirne was unable to find the target as he blazed the spot kick wide of the goal.

Naas didn’t let the miss affect them though and Conneff settled things with a well taken score under pressure before the teams exchanged scores with Pobalscoil points from Ruaidhri O’Beaglaoich and goalkeeper Deividas Uosis being cancelled out by Naas points from McGovern and Drew Costello that left Pobalscoil Chorcha Duibhne with a 0-9 to 0-8 lead at the break after a brilliant half of football.

Naas came out for the second half the better side as they kicked four of the first five points with McGovern converting three frees on the back of a fine Alex Beirne point from distance.

Uosis kept Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in touch with his second free of the game but the keeper was being kept very busy down the other end as Naas held a 0-12 to 0-10 lead.

The Kerry side weren’t getting anything close to the supply that they had in the first half and despite O’Geibheannaigh keeping them in touch, Naas were proving much more fluent with scores from Beirne and McGovern.

Ruaidhri O’Beaglaoich kicked his fifth point in the 50^th minute and with only two points separating the sides at that stage it looked set for a dramatic finale but Ronan Joyce’s team were having none of it.

Naas kicked on and got four points in a row to move into a six point lead as they all but put the result to bed.

McGovern got two of them while Naas’s strength in depth was again on show for all to see with subs Paddy McDermott and Simon Murphy kicking scores.

Chorca Dhuibhne replied with scores from O’Geibheannaigh and Conor O’Flannura but this was Naas’s day with Dermot Hanifin and Eoin Conneff rounding off the game with points as Naas CBS moved to within 60 minutes of All-Ireland glory.

Naas CBS: David Morrissey (Naas); John Lawler (Eadestown), Conall O’Gallachobhair (Blessington), Jack Hamill (Raheens), Kevin Quinn (Blessington), Eoin Archbold (Naas), Kevin Kelleher (Ballymore), Jack Cleary (Naas), Liam Broderick (Ballymore), Tony O’Connor 0-1 (Two Mile House), Alex Beirne 0-4 (Naas), Drew Costello 0-1 (Naas), Mikey McGovern 0-8 (0-5fs) (Raheens), Dermot Hanifin 0-1 (Naas), Eoin Conneff 0-3 (Eadestown).

Subs used: Paddy McDermott 0-1 (Naas) for Kelleher 30 mins, Rian Monaghan (Naas) for Costello 48 mins, Simon Murphy 0-1 (Ballymore) for Broderick 50 mins, Murray O’Byrne (Robertstown) for Hanifin 60 mins, Aidan Cassidy (Eadestown) for O’Connor 60 mins.

Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne: Deividas Uosis 0-2 (0-2fs); Conor O’Flannura 0-1, Tomas O’Dubhain, Seamus O’Loinsigh, Steven O’Conchuir, Gearoid O’Leidhinn, Sean Og O’Morain, James Aghas, Colm O’Muircheartaigh, Criostoir O’Cathain, Cillian O’Failbhe, Colin O’Muircheartaigh, Dylan O’Geibheannaigh 0-5 (0-1f), Cathal O’Beaglaoich 0-1, Ruaidhri O’Beaglaoich 0-5 (0-3fs).

Subs used: Conn O’Riagain for Aghas 22 mins (Black Card).

Ref: James Molloy (Galway)

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 Gardaí have announced that the M7 will reopen fully to traffic 24 hours ahead of schedule due to faster than expected progress on demolishing a motorway bridge.

At least six excavator machines with specially adapted claws broke up the concrete structure overnight and lorry-loads of rubble were transported away in a military-style operation.

Photo: Derek Clifford

Due to the progress in the works, the busy route will be cleared for traffic at 6am tomorrow [Sunday].

Heavier than normal traffic is expected to use the M7 tomorrow due to GAA fans from Limerick, Wateford and Kerry travelling to Croke Park and due to a Private Sale at Kildare Village.

Gardaí warned that the 60km per hour roadworks zone will still apply due to the ongoing road works.

Gardai said: "The M7 will now re-open at this location in both directions at 6am on Sunday Morning the 31st March 2019.

"Motorists are reminded that this is still an ongoing Roads works area with an enforced speed limit 60km/h.

"An Garda Siochána wish to thank the public for their continued patience during these Roadworks."

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.

Approval has been granted for more than 50  two-storey dwellings in the Cooleragh East area of Coill Dubh.

The properties will comprise of:

• 34 semi-detached 3-bedroom houses,
• 12  semi-detached 4-bedroom houses,
• 6 semi-detached 2-bedroom

Pedestrian access will be built to the adjoining 'The Meadows' housing estate.

The company behind the development is Ultra Dawn Ltd which was set up two years ago and is based in Dublin City.

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.

Róisín Lavelle from Newbridge was welcomed to the European Parliament in Strasbourg recently by Mairead McGuinness, MEP for Kildare and first Vice-President of the European Parliament.

Róisín is currently studying French and Business in Strasbourg.

Best of luck with your studies Roisín!

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

A man has been ordered at Naas  Court  to pay child maintenance.

Addressing the accused, Judge Desmond Zaidan said: "If you give up two pints a week, that is €20 towards giving food to your child."

The court heard how the accused owes thousands of euros.

Judge Desmond Zaidan ordered that the accused is ordered to appear before Naas Court in June, for hearing.

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.

Coillte has called on people to be alert to the dangers of fires when visiting forests as spring leads into summer.

Dublin Fire Brigade was called to a gorse wildfire in the Dublin mountains near Glenasmole on Thursday night.

The DFB said recent dry conditions have increased the risk of gorse fires.

Because the State-owned forest company Coillte operates a policy of open access to forests, there are millions of visits to Coillte woods every year.

The company revealed that it lost 400 hectares of forest to wild fires in 2018 at a cost of €4m.

Most of the fires happened during the dry hot summer which peaked during a 6-week period from late June to early August.

February 

And unusually, a spell of unseasonable dry weather at the end of February led tinderbox conditions in dense undergrowth and sparked gorse fires in the Kildare/West Wicklow border areas of Hollywood and Blessington.

Many of the fires were visible for the Kilcullen, Naas and Sallins areas.

Coillte National Estates Risk Manager Mick Power said that a forest takes 40 years to replace.

"A forest is a very valuable item and takes 40 years to grow. It is not like a field of barley or a field of wheat where you can replace it in 12 months. A forest takes 40 years to replace so if you lose it halfway through a rotation, that's a major financial loss," he said.

While visitors to Coillte forests are welcome, the company is calling on people to report any fires or smoke they see.

They also warn people not to light camp fires in a forest, as this caused many of the fires last year.

Wicklow County Fire Service Chief Fire Officer Aidan Dempsey said 2018 was an exceptional year.

He has served six years with Wicklow Fire Service and normally they would be dealing with 20-30 outdoor fires over a summer, but last year it was more than 400.

He said many fires were started accidentally by people lighting barbecues in the countryside or discarding cigarette butts. He called on people to cooperate with the fire services.

Mr Dempsey said people should not place barbecues on the ground, but on concrete or metal surfaces provided by Coillte and other organisations.

He said they should not discard cigarette butts or use naked flames or light campfires.

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 stunning home close to Robertstown will likely appeal to those with a love for horses as it boasts  paddocks and 2 acres of land as well a lofted detached double garage for an asking price of €529,000.

Inside the property has been tastefully decorated and is in turnkey condition comprising of 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (including en suite) an entrance hall, lounge, dining room, modern kitchen, family area which is perfect for young children, utility room and an office/study.

A lovely family area perfect for relaxing

Outside the property is on an elevated site approached through wrought iron electric entrance gates onto a tarmacadam driveway offering plenty of parking space both front and back. The gardens are professionally landscaped and as an added bonus the back garden also has a sunny decking area making it perfect for young children.

The paddock is accessible from the front and rear of the property and contains a field shelter with automatic water feeder and there is also a lofted detached double garage which offers ample opportunity for conversion if desired.

There is also a large double detached garage

Paddocks are perfect for grazing horses and ponies

Conveniently located close to Robertstown, Prosperous, Coill Dubh and Allenwood with a range of schools, creches, cafes and shops, this property offers the ideal balance of an idyllic countryside setting with all the amenities and facilities Kildare s largest towns have to offer.

Situated between the M4 and M7 motorways and with a regular Bus Eireann service, this property is excellently located for commuting to either Dublin or the Midlands.

Early viewing is highly recommended by contacting Sherry FitzGerald Reilly on 045 868412 and check out 26 images at www.daft.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.

Pictured: Comedian Pat Shortt with the Gradam TG4 do Scannan sa Ghaeilge award winners, Liam Bowand, 16, Molly Horque, 16 and Ryan Quirke O'Brien, 16 at the Senior Finals of Ireland's Young Filmmaker of the Year Awards 2019 in the Odeon, Castletroy on March 28th. Pic Zoe Conway/ilovelimerick

Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2019 announced its Senior winners at the Fresh Film Festival 2019 in Limerick on Thursday, March 28, and amongst the winners were aspiring filmmakers from Co Kildare.

The competition, which received a record of more than 1700 entries this year, announced the winners at the Odeon Castletroy.

Kildare’s Young Filmmakers and Playacting Youth Theatre won the Gradam TG4 do Scannan sa Ghaeilge Award at Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2019 for their film ‘An Fainne’, which follows the story of a vulnerable girl who is put under pressure at her job.

Speaking about their win was 18 year old director of ‘An Fainne’ Athena Fusciardi from Lodgepark, Kildare, she said: “I’m so happy that our movie won an award! I worked really hard and it really paid off. I would encourage anyone interested in film to enter next year as it’s a great opportunity and encourages young people to make films”.

Other films entered into Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2019 from Kildare filmmakers included ‘A Day in Life’ by Ben Hatton Walsh from Scoil Dara, which aims to teach how the smallest of gestures can change someone’s day and outlook, ‘Just a Friend’ by Liam Boland of Kildare Young Filmmakers, in which a girl makes a friend online, ‘I Don’t Know’ by Molly Hoche from Playacting Youth Theatre, in which two girls are faced with a really difficult decision, and ‘24 hour Schoolday’ by Liam Boland, in which a student's who’s stressed from all their school work gets tired of the continuous pile of work to do.

14-year-old Sean Tracy from Ashford in Wicklow, took home the title of Ireland’s Young Senior Filmmaker of the year 2019 for his short film ‘Rue’, a story about a boy who regrets his last words to his best friend.

Cal Arnold O’Driscoll, aged 16 from Dublin 7 was the second place winner for his film ‘Big Bad World’, in which two Irish teens from the 90’s finally break the rules by going on their very own vacation. Milosh Hughes, aged 18 from Malahide in Dublin took home third place for his film ‘Descensus’, in which a young boy loses his grip on reality as constant nightmares cause him to spiral into madness.

Other entries received Highly Commended Awards on the day, including Pippa Molony aged 18 from Dublin 15 for Story for her film ‘Hero’, Oisin McKeogh, aged 18 from Killaloe, Clare for Direction for his film ‘Ode to a Dancer’, and Reuben Harvey, aged 19, from Abbeyleix in Laois, for Performance for his film ‘Radioheads/Picture This’. Reuben Harvey also won the Audience Awards on the day for his film ‘Picture This’, which follows two idiots who enter into an Irish short film festival but struggle to come up with a good idea.

Vigga Wagner from Copenhagen in Denmark won the International Film Award for her film Bubblehead which follows a girl who lives a solitary life with her pet fish that meets a cute boy when she visits the pet shop after her goldfish dies.

In addition to the Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year awards, a number of specialist awards were presented on the day including Ryan Connolly, aged 18 from Aquinas Grammar School in Down whose film ‘Contact’ took home the Boulder Media Award for animation and Milosh Hughes, aged 18 from Malahide in Dublin, whose film ‘Zwei’ won the RTÉ 60 Second Award.

Additionally, Athena Fusciardi, aged 18 from Lodgepark, Kildare, won the Gradam TG4 do Scannan sa Ghaeilge Award for the best film in the Irish Language for her film ‘An Fainne’, while Mount Mercy College from Cork won the Radharc Senior Award for their film ‘Mother Nature knows Breast’, which is a documentary about low breastfeeding rates in Ireland.

Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year is the highlight of Limerick’s Fresh Film Festival, which is now in its 23^rd year. Other highlights of Fresh Film Festival 2019 include feature screenings and workshops including an Industry Master class with The National Youth Film School.

Fresh Film Festival encourages young people from Ireland and overseas, aged 7 to 18 years, to create, exhibit and share films.  All films submitted are also considered for a range of Specialist Awards including the Radharc Trust Award (documentary), the Boulder Media Animation Award, the RTE 60 Second Short Film Award and the RTE Factual Award, in addition to the International and Audience awards.

“Ireland’s Young Filmmaker have a very interesting approach” said Jayne Foley, Director of Fresh Film Festival. “Storytelling is at the core because the budget is usually either low or non-existent, filmmakers have to be very inventive with plot and location.”

She said:“The festival is a forum where young film-makers can meet each other. Even at that stage networking is important. You may end up meeting the same people again later in your career. As advocates of young filmmaking, we also try to showcase films abroad. We’ve brought Irish films and young filmmakers to Korea, Austria, Germany and Edinburgh. This year we are excited to have a number of international young filmmakers coming to Fresh and sharing their filmmaking experience with us.”

This year the festival received over 1700 films into its three categories Junior, Senior and International.

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